Episode 18: Exploring Dance as a Metaphor for Life!

Drop in on Amy and Mark’s conversation about mind-body connections and the lessons we learned from talking with Alex Tanon and Brandi Guild in last week’s episode. We are in a studio together for this episode, so it creates a different dynamic than some of our other episodes. We explore the importance of: • Learning from mistakes but putting them behind us. • Partnering with those we are closest to in our relationships rather than trying to “lead” the relationship all the time. • Other applications in life where we can connect to compassion for self and others. Join us and add your own ideas on how the mind-body connection strengthens your compassion for yourself and others. Alex Tañón is a licensed psychotherapist in private practice based in San Diego specializing in depression, anxiety, trauma, attachment, and LGBTQIA+ support. Alex helps clients transform challenges into growth opportunities by drawing from various therapeutic modalities, such as ACT, EMDR, positive psychology, and mindfulness techniques. His collaborative approach blends professional training with personal insights gained as a queer individual navigating his own mental health journey, creating a practice built on both specialized expertise and authentic understanding. With more than 12 years of experience in various dance styles, most recently West Coast Swing, Alex brings a uniquely creative dimension to therapeutic work by demonstrating how principles of rhythm, balance, connection, and expression serve as powerful metaphors for developing self-compassion, emotional regulation, and authentic relationships. Brandi Guild is a world-class West Coast Swing dancer, educator, and choreographer known for her technical precision, musical artistry, and unmatched ability to break down complex concepts with clarity. A seven-time UCWDC Masters World Champion and inductee into both the UCWDC and California Swing Dance Halls of Fame, Brandi has been a defining influence in the swing dance community for over two decades. She is a consistent finalist and frequent winner in the highly competitive Jack and Jill divisions—improvisational contests where dancers are randomly paired and judged on their ability to connect, interpret the music, and create spontaneously. Brandi’s continued success in these events is a testament to her adaptability, creativity, and deep understanding of partnership dynamics. Her journey into dance began after a collegiate athletic career as a scholarship softball pitcher. A spontaneous visit to a country-western club led her to fall in love with partner dancing—and within two years, she was winning national titles. Today, Brandi is an in-demand instructor known for her transformative workshops, progressive class series, and high-level intensives. She teaches both in-person and online, helping dancers at all levels unlock their potential through strong fundamentals, movement mechanics, and musical interpretation. Email: alextanonLCSW@gmail.com Website: https://alextanontherapy.com/ Psychology Today profile: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/alex-tanon-san-diego-ca/1077533 Hello Alma profile: https://secure.helloalma.com/providers/alexander-tanon/ Website: www.BrandiGuild.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandiguild?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices