Barrie Sueskind, MFT

03/04/2023

We all want love but how do we actually do it? 💗⁣
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We like to think of love as this feeling of intoxication that overpowers us. This romantic notion that we can’t help falling in love, defenseless against its incontrovertible gravitational pull. Like it’s an external force exerting its will on us outside of our control. The heart wants what it wants… 🎶⁣
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But love is not actually a thing that happens to us. It’s a series of choices we make to treat others with kindness, compassion and generosity, to express gratitude, to be vulnerable enough to let someone else see who we are at our core, and to value ourselves enough to choose people who uplift us and help us shine our brightest ✨⁣
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Love is an action verb. Love well 💝

04/01/2021

What’s gotten you through the past year? Never would’ve expected I’d say cooking 👩🏻‍🍳 ⁣
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How’ve you been? I’m popping in to say 👋 and share something that’s been keeping me sane. Anyone who knows me well was a little surprised to find out how much time I’ve been spending in the kitchen. Before quarantine, pretty much all I knew how to make was reservations 🤷🏻‍♀️⁣
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There’s so much about cooking I never appreciated until I was spending every single night at home. I’d had this spiralizer in my kitchen cabinet for a year and a half before I busted it out last March to attempt my first squash and zucchini noodles. After that small yet significant accomplishment, I decided to try to replicate some of my favorite dishes and before I knew it, I became a (very slow) pro at making ratatouille, shakshuka, quiche, curry, roasted veggie bowls and cauliflower arancini... 🍆🫑🥬🥑🧄⁣
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I love being able to nourish myself, family, friends and neighbors with tasty, nutritious food. It’s exciting to learn a new skill and notice your technique improve—especially when it results in a delicious meal. 😋 Cooking has been a source of inspiration and creativity. During a time when I haven’t strayed far from home, I can travel the world through my expanding spice rack (shout out to my MVP cumin)! 🧳 ⁣
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What can you do now that you couldn’t do a year ago? Anyone else have any unexpected new skills?

10/20/2020

Did you know voting has mental health benefits? Civic duty serves your country, your community and you! 🗳🇺🇸 And in most states, you can do it in your comfiest loungewear from the kitchen (or on the couch) while enjoying homemade avocado toast on that crusty-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside sourdough you’ve perfected 🥑🥖😋 ⁣
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Too many people have been “othered,” systemically oppressed and made to feel like their voices don’t matter for far too long. Participating in an election (especially one where the stakes are so high) promotes a sense of empowerment. Take a stand on important issues to reclaim your voice because it absolutely does matter! 🙋🏻‍♀️🙋🏾‍♂️⁣
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It can be challenging to get informed about the issues and candidates when it comes to local offices, propositions and judges—especially if you’re already feeling overwhelmed by, you know, this dumpster 🔥 of a year. But the act of voting is actually a form of self-care. Like it or not, politics affect our wellbeing. So vote like your life, your liberties and the physical and mental health of your fellow Americans depend on it, because they actually do🗽⁣
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If you haven’t had a chance yet, find an hour or two to do a little research so you can make educated decisions that reflect your values. I consulted some trusted sources to help me make choices aligned with my commitment to the principles of empathy, human rights and social justice ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜⁣
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Don’t forget to pop your ballot in an official drop box, mail it in ASAP or make a plan to cast your vote at your local polling place on Election Day. November 3rd will be here before you know it. For more information on voting, go to or . Make sure your vote is counted because you definitely count ✊🏿✊🏾✊🏽✊🏼✊🏻

09/22/2020

“Women belong in all places where decisions are being made” - RBG 👸🏻💔 May her memory be a revolution ⁣
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Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a legend in her own time. I loved learning about her trailblazing life and work at the Notorious RBG exhibition last year. The second female Supreme Court justice shattered glass ceilings while fighting tirelessly for civil and LGBTQ rights and gender equality 🏳️‍🌈🚻⁣
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She also did push-ups and planks into her 80s. 🤩 In many ways, the 5’1” dynamo was small but mighty 💪👑 ⁣
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She was underestimated and challenged at every turn. She could easily have been discouraged when asked, “Why are you at Harvard Law School, taking the place of a man?” or when she couldn’t find a job despite having served on both Harvard and Columbia’s law reviews and graduating first in her law school class. The discrimination she faced throughout her education and career pushed her to fight for equality for women and all who are oppressed ✊🏻✊🏼✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿⁣
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On how she’d like to be remembered, she said: "Someone who used whatever talent she had to do her work to the very best of her ability. And to help repair tears in her society, to make things a little better through the use of whatever ability she has." She set out to leave the world better than she found it, serving as a shining example of the monumental difference one person can make 👩‍⚖️⚖️⁣
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RBG lived a truly meaningful life, leaving a legacy of empathy, integrity and justice for all. As much progress as she relentlessly championed, there’s still a long way to go. Quoting Martin Luther King, Jr. she said, “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” “But,” she continued, “it only bends that way if there is a steadfast commitment to see the task through to completion.” Preach, queen! 🙇🏻‍♀️ ⁣
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09/09/2020

“Don’t forget: Beautiful sunsets need cloudy skies” — Paulo Coelho 🌅 ⁣
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It’s World Su***de Prevention Day. Please don’t choose a permanent end to a temporary situation 💔⁣
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In times of distress, it can feel like the suffering will never end. As a society, we are in the midst of a scourge that has upended everything we thought we knew. Time spent with our families, the way we work and go to school, how we socialize and date, our freedom to travel, the in-person interactions we took for granted only a short time ago and our sense of personal safety have dramatically transformed. Many are facing financial instability and worry about an uncertain future. Social isolation and the loss of community are widespread and the natural disasters keep on coming. On top of all of that we are grappling with the pandemic of systemic racism weighing heavily on our collective consciousness⁣
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Any additional stressors in our lives can make us feel like it’s all too much. Feeling overwhelmed is part of the human experience, especially right now. Moments of inspiration and joy are also part of the human experience but those can feel worlds away when you’re struggling⁣
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If you are suffering, please reach out to a supportive friend or loved one. You are not alone. The simple act of talking to someone who cares can offer the comfort and hope you need to renew your faith in your own ability to handle the challenges you face. Therapy can be a valuable resource to process these unfathomable circumstances, help you recognize strengths you didn’t know you had and put effective strategies in place to move through this difficult season and prepare for a brighter future 🌦⁣
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If you are thinking of ending your life, please call the National Su***de Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255(TALK). You can also text HELLO to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 for confidential crisis support in the U.S. Please reach out for help. You have so many magnificent sunsets ahead⁣
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If you’re worried about someone, take the time to check in. Ask how they’re really doing, let them know you care and encourage them to seek professional help if they could use the support. One person can make a powerful difference 💖✨

06/10/2020

If there were ever a time to think about starting therapy, this would be a good one... It was great to talk with Educational Therapists Rachel Kapp and Stephanie Pitts on the about what to expect from therapy 🛋 ⁣
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As we’ve seen over the last few months, we don’t know what life has in store for us. It can be really helpful to have a relationship with a therapist in place when the proverbial 💩 hits the fan. (Sometimes there’s just no better way to say it.) If you aren’t already in therapy, all the self-reflection you’ve likely been doing lately could make this an ideal time to start⁣
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I’ve been talking to people through phone and video sessions about the stress of quarantine—how to cope with anxiety and make the most of this break from our usual routine. In recent weeks there have been a lot of important conversations about racism, privilege and social justice. It’s gratifying to be part of the exploration and growth happening for so many of us right now 🌱⁣
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If you’re interested in therapy but don’t know where to start, ask friends or doctors for referrals, call your insurance company for a list of providers or check out the therapist directory at . Weekly therapy can be a significant expense (often within reach only for the privileged) which is why is such an amazing resource dedicated to providing affordable therapy to Angelenos, remotely for now. If you’re outside LA, look for a community counseling center near you 🗣⁣
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Please don’t think of therapy as a luxury, especially if you’re struggling. Mental health should be a right, not a privilege. Make yours a priority and reach out if you could use the support 🌈 ⁣
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To learn more about what to expect from therapy, you can listen to this episode of the Learn Smarter podcast recorded in April at the link below. Thanks, and for having me on the show!
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https://learnsmarterpodcast.com/107-psychotherapy-expectations-with-barrie-sueskind-lmft-local-professionals-series/

06/08/2020

Racial injustice has been a centuries-long pandemic. But the cure is not yet to be discovered in a lab. It’s within us—in all of our voices⁣⁣
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George Floyd’s senseless death still feels fresh and horrifying. I don’t know that I’ll ever fully process it. How do you process government-sanctioned murder on the basis of race? ⁣⁣
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Systemic racism and privilege are not new concepts. I’ve been discussing them for years, trying to bring awareness to these issues in private conversations. That was easier than speaking out publicly, risking making people uncomfortable. Frankly, I worried I might alienate people or fail to find the right words and come under fire. I believed I was doing my part in my way. I realize now that was not enough⁣⁣
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Learning and growing are essential to a life well lived. I’m glad to be learning and growing along with so many of you, recognizing the importance of using our voices and our platforms to speak out against injustice ⁣⁣
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In whatever small way it might help, I am standing up to be counted as an ally. I am one more voice speaking out against hatred and violence, demanding justice and change. Just like COVID-19 has disproportionately affected people of color due to income inequality and inadequate access to healthcare, so has the pandemic of police brutality ravaged them for centuries⁣⁣
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The lives of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and far too many others mattered. Black Lives Matter. This is not a movement that will be carried by a few loud voices. It will take all of us making it known that we will not tolerate the repeated targeting of Black and African Americans ⁣⁣
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It’s time for long overdue change. Let’s have uncomfortable conversations, ask questions, examine our privilege and find ways to leave this world better than we found it. Let’s grieve these lives cut short and make it clear that justice is the new gold standard and we won’t settle for less ⁣⁣
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04/17/2020

Therapy is as important now as ever. We are all feeling the effects of anxiety, isolation and confusion. A therapist can help you sort through your issues, put things in perspective and suggest coping strategies for managing stress and feelings of overwhelm. Read on to learn what to expect from teletherapy and how to find a therapist.

Teletherapy is a great tool to utilize. Check out the specifics on how teletherapy is becoming more widely available during the coronavirus pandemic.

03/31/2020

Life as we know it is upside down. 🙃 How to stay healthy and calm in the midst of pandemic pandemonium?⁣ 🖐🧼
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A few tips: Don’t overdo it on the news. 📺📰 Unless you’re designing public health policy, 20-30 minutes a day is enough to keep you up to date on the latest so you can help flatten the curve and keep yourself and your loved ones safe. Try to curb the urge to check your📱constantly. Information overload will only make you feel powerless and panicked 😫⁣
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By the same token, be conscious of how you’re using your social media. 👩🏻‍💻 Yes, it’s a great way to stay connected but when your entire feed is about a deadly virus, it’s going to take a toll on your morale. I’ve taken a break the last few weeks and it’s been glorious! 🔌 ⁣
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Prioritize your mental health. If you’re seeing a therapist, stick with it. If not, there’s no time like the present to start. Many therapists are offering ☎️ and video sessions so you can process the impact of quarantine, social distancing and the threat of illness, on top of all the other issues you’ve been meaning to address. Call your insurance company for a list of in-network providers or search ’s therapist database 🗣💻⁣
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Stay active! Hiking trails and public beaches are shut down here in LA and all over the world, but you can still go for walks (or runs) as long as you keep your distance from other people. 🏃🏻‍♀️ There are also tons of free workouts on Instagram right now. I’m loving classes you can do in your living room from and 💪 ⁣
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Meditate! Whether you‘re a veteran or a newbie, and have a free meditation series called “Hope in Uncertain Times” available through 🧘🏻‍♀️ ⁣
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Make sure you’re eating healthily 🥦 and getting plenty of 😴. is offering free/by donation Yoga Nidra through Zoom. You lie down in a state of semi-consciousness and emerge feeling relaxed, refreshed, and ready for a restful night’s sleep. 💤 If you’ve never tried it, give yourself this gift 🎁 ⁣
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If you’re feeling overwhelmed, put down your phone and take some deep breaths. Feel free to reach out. We will get through this together 💗

02/27/2020

♥️ needs no translation. 🇮🇱🏳️‍🌈 It truly is the universal language ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜⁣
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I was so excited about this unexpected welcome to Tel Aviv, I had to pull a Tom Cruise and jump right up! 🤩🛋🕺🏻 ⁣
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What could be more beautiful than this picture-perfect view and a message of acceptance and support for all people, no matter who they love? 🌊🏖🌈⁣
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In your communities, families, relationships and within yourselves, wishing everyone everywhere shalom and ahava ☮️💗✌️

02/20/2020

A little therapist humor 😂🤷🏻‍♀️💡 But actually...⁣
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A good therapist will help you identify your values and formulate goals. They’ll work with you to figure out how (and why) you’re standing in your own way, self-sabotaging or selling yourself short ✋⛔️❌🙅🏻‍♀️⁣
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It’s what you do with those discoveries in between sessions that makes therapy effective (or not). To get different results you have to be willing to try thinking and acting differently ⚡️⁣
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Making constructive changes isn’t easy, but IMHO becoming your best self is the most important work you can do 💥🚧⁣
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Don’t go to therapy expecting someone else to change you. Go when you’re ready to put in the effort to change and let your megawatt inner 💡 shine 🦋✨

02/13/2020

Valentine’s Day or any day, quality time is my love language. 💖 Especially when there’s a potpourri of 🍝 to share 😋⁣
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The 5 Love Languages are:⁣
*Words of Affirmation 🗣💌⁣
*Acts of Service 🛠🚗 ⁣
*Gifts 🎁💝💐 ⁣
*Physical Touch 💆🏻🤗👩‍❤️‍👨👩‍❤️‍👩👨‍❤️‍👨⁣
*Quality Time 👫👭👬⁣
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Most of us have 1 or 2 love languages that make us feel especially close and connected. 💗 If yours don’t jump out from the list, take the quiz to learn more at 5lovelanguages.com. 👩🏻‍💻 And if you’re in a relationship, take it with your partner 👨🏾‍💻⁣
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The happiest couples learn to use one another’s preferred love languages to ensure they both feel the love. 💞 Communicating in people’s love languages can help you make friends and family feel extra special too 🥰⁣
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What are your favorite ways to give and receive love? 💘