The Latest from Megan

Check out the latest talks, interviews, and articles from Megan Bruneau. For hundreds more, check out her author pages on Huffington Post, Forbes, MindBodyGreen, Thrillist, Thought Catalog, Gaia, Entrepreneur, Verily and Quartz.

Stay in the know. Follow Megan for all the latest and greatest.

16 Areas Your Doctor May Not Check Before Prescribing Medication For Anxiety Or Depression | The Broadcast

16 Areas Your Doctor May Not Check Before Prescribing Medication For Anxiety Or Depression | The Broadcast

“Considering your family history, I think you ought to consider antidepressants,” my doctor stated, her tone gentle yet firm as I sobbed sdfin her office.

My mood had been a battle for as long as I could remember, but lately it had become particularly unbearable. Every morning I awoke to inexplicable heaviness and lethargy – a depression thick with anxiety, guilt, and futility. I’d always felt like a bit of an outsider, but this was extreme. I felt disconnected from reality – like those dreams where you’re trying to scream or fight back or run but are paralyzed. I’d been exhausted for months, taking naps on the yoga mat in my office or the front seat of my car during lunch. I couldn’t concentrate in my sessions with clients and felt like my brain was operating at 20%

BROADCASTGuest UserMarch 27, 2017anxiety, wellness, mental health, health

6 Tips For Eating Your Way to A Healthy Mind | The Daily Thymes

6 Tips For Eating Your Way to A Healthy Mind | The Daily Thymes

Only in recent years have we finally begun to acknowledge the connection between diet and mood. Can you believe I went through seven years of post-secondary in psychology, and there wasn’t a single lesson on nutrition for mental health? Fortunately, I had always been interested in nutrition (a silver-lining byproduct of a decade-long battle with eating disorders) and how what we eat affects our mental health

THE DAILY THYMESGuest UserMarch 24, 2017eating disorders, wellness

I Broke Up With Caffeine And These Four Beautiful Things Happened | The Broadcast

I Broke Up With Caffeine And These Four Beautiful Things Happened | The Broadcast

“Do you think I could have a brain tumor?” I asked my nurse bestie while we waited inhe chairlift. My head had been throbbing for the past fifteen minutes and, being one of those incredibly lucky people who never gets headaches, my inner hypochondriac was having a heyday.

She rolled her eyes and assured me I didn’t have a brain tumor (but I mean, how did she know for sure…?), and we later discovered the reason for my unusual pain: unbeknownst to us, her brother had made decaf coffee that morning. And that was the moment I could no longer deny my dependence on caffeine to be a functioning human

BROADCASTGuest UserMarch 22, 2017wellness, health, CAFFEINE

Here’s How To Live Life Without Regret | YOUTUBE

If we did this more often, we'd be happier, less regretful, and closer to our truth

YOUTUBEGuest UserMarch 21, 2017wellness, health, mental health

What Recovery From Anorexia And Bulimia Looks Like | Verily Mag

What Recovery From Anorexia And Bulimia Looks Like | Verily Mag

“Are you getting help?” the emergency room physician asked, his voice stern yet his eyes soft with pity. I wondered if he had a daughter.

“Yes,” I lied, averting his concerned gaze. My shame was compounded by awareness of my naked body, visibly starving through the slits of the humiliating blue hospital gown. “I’m seeing a therapist.”

Hours earlier, I’d bussed myself to the hospital after throwing up blood and feeling scared my eating disorder was going to kill me. I’d sat in the waiting room alone, too ashamed to tell my boyfriend at the time why I couldn’t meet up with him that night. I have too much homework, I’d told him

VERILY MAGGuest UserMarch 14, 2017ANOREXIA, BULIMIA, health, mental health, eating disorders, wellness

This Powerful Part of Your Brain Helps You Stick to Healthy Habits. Four Ways to Keep It in Shape. | Ritual.com

This Powerful Part of Your Brain Helps You Stick to Healthy Habits. Four Ways to Keep It in Shape. | Ritual.com

The power had shifted. I knew it. We’d been on six dates and were definitely at the “are you in or are you out” point. I’d gone and caught feelz and he’d backed off. The tone of our texts had changed. What had once been emoticon-punctuated questions were now short, abbreviated answers. Friggin’ consultant language. Why do they have to abbreviate everything?

Frustrated, I opened Tinder and began swiping. Swipe, swipe, match, swipe, match, match, match. The instant gratification provided a momentary escape from my rejection. The irony is that I know better. I’m a mental health therapist who preaches constantly about “refraining, sitting with uncomfortable feelings and practicing self-compassion.” I teach this mindfulness strategy to clients, helping them overcome destructive behaviors or unhelpful behaviors. Sometimes, I can practice what I preach. Right now was definitely not one of those times

Guest UserMarch 13, 2017wellness, health, mental health

Reasons Why The Dating System Is Broken And How To Navigate The Shit-Show | The Huffington Post

Reasons Why The Dating System Is Broken And How To Navigate The Shit-Show | The Huffington Post

Like most single people in New York, I both deplore and perpetuate the IRL version of The Bachelor that is dating in this city. I complain about the prevalence of sociopathy and erratic behavior, then date four people at once to titrate my feelings of vulnerability with a safety net of affection. I wake up feeling lonely one day or wishing someone (I were in love with) were lying next to me – then am inundated with friends’ and clients’ stories of infidelity, heartbreak and lost interest – and return to a place of skepticism about monogamy and relationship longevity

HUFFPOSTGuest UserMarch 4, 2017dating, wellness

Megan on the “I Am Woman” | Podcast

Megan speaks to Catherine Plano of the I Am Woman Project about what and who’s inspired her, why it’s easier for some of us than others to heal from our pasts, and how to deal with self-critical or negative thoughts.

PodcastGuest UserMarch 2, 2017wellness, mental health, health

Megan On The Food For Fitness Podcast: Disordered Eating, Anxiety, and Perfectionism | Podcast

This episode’s guest is Megan Bruneau – a psychotherapist and wellness coach based in New York. She is also a writer and blogger and her work has been featured in different publications like Forbes, The Huffington Post, Entrepreneur, Thought Catalog and Elephant Journal, just to name a few. She hosts the Failure Factor which features “failure stories” from successful people.

Today, we discuss eating disorders, anxiety, and other manifestations brought about by perfectionism. A very insightful episode as Megan has actually suffered from and battled with perfectionism as well, which she was able to overcome by practicing what she preaches, stepping out of her comfort zone, and discovering self-compassion. A very eloquent speaker, Megan provided us with an excellent episode that you’ll gain a load of value from.

PodcastGuest UserFebruary 23, 2017anxiety, ANOREXIA, eating disorders, mental health, health, perfectionism

An Open Letter To Wellness Media, Influencers, And The Woman Who Wants to Lose “Those Last X Pounds” | HuffPost

An Open Letter To Wellness Media, Influencers, And The Woman Who Wants to Lose “Those Last X Pounds” | HuffPost

I swear to God if there’s one thing that will make me willingly leave this city, it’s hearing another group of brilliant, inspiring women talk about their “need” to reach some arbitrary goal weight they’ve determined will be the impetus to their elusive self-acceptance.

Greatest HitsMeg BruneauFebruary 20, 2017eating disorders

Here Are 3 Immediate Changes Women Can Make For Career Success | FORBES

Here Are 3 Immediate Changes Women Can Make For Career Success | FORBES

In my mission to help women follow their dreams, I interviewed Wendy Sachs, Author of Fearless and Free: How Smart Women Pivot–And Relaunch Their Careers. Revealing confidently she’s been fired more than once, Sachs dubs herself the “master of the career pivot:” She’s an Emmy-award winning TV news producer who’s worked at Dateline, NBC, Fox, and CNN; yet she’s also held titles of Capitol Hill press secretary, public relations executive, media and content strategist, CNN contributor, and editor-in-chief

ForbesGuest UserFebruary 20, 2017CAREER, entrepreneurship

An Open Letter To Wellness Media, Influencers, And The Woman Who Wants to Lose “Those Last X Pounds” | The Huffington Post

An Open Letter To Wellness Media, Influencers, And The Woman Who Wants to Lose “Those Last X Pounds” | The Huffington Post

I swear to God if there’s one thing that will make me willingly leave this city, it’s hearing another group of brilliant, inspiring women talk about their “need” to reach some arbitrary goal weight they’ve determined will be the impetus to their elusive self-acceptance.

HUFFPOSTGuest UserFebruary 20, 2017wellness, eating disorders, health

The Greatest Gift A Single Woman Can Give Herself | Girls Gone Strong

The Greatest Gift A Single Woman Can Give Herself | Girls Gone Strong

We were inseparable, dramatic romantics, and within a few months of our first kiss, everything I did was with this boy in mind. I was constantly coming up with new little ways to show him how much I loved him, I would try to guess what he wanted and needed before he asked for it, and I thought of him and his desires day and night

GIRLS GONE STRONGGuest UserFebruary 14, 2017wellness

Ladies, Trump Wants You To Edit Your Selfies | HUFFPOST

Ladies, Trump Wants You To Edit Your Selfies | HUFFPOST

Did Sarah do something to her face? Check out her latest Insta, my friend Jasmine messaged to our group chat.

I clicked to Sarah’s most recent post and sure enough, her eyes were bigger, her face thinner, her skin smoother, her teeth whiter, her waist smaller.

Yes, Sarah had done something to her face. She had edited it.

HUFFPOSTGuest UserJanuary 13, 2017wellness

Ridiculously Easy Resolutions You’ll Actually Stick To | Thrillist

Ridiculously Easy Resolutions You’ll Actually Stick To | Thrillist

Remember how last year you made that resolution to give up carbs? Volunteer at the local shelter? Put away $500 from every paycheck? Stop judging people? Right. How are those working for you?

For 2016, rather than placing unrealistic expectations on yourself — and saying “fuck it” on January 15th, subsequently dropping close to $1K on a new TV that you use to pass judgment on the stars of Vanderpump Ruleswhile you inhale stuffed-crust pizza — try making these achievable changes that might actually last until February. And if attempting them all feels too overwhelming, go for one to start

THRILLISTGuest UserJanuary 2, 2017health, DIET

Here’s How to Let Go of the Past, Once and for All | The Warm Up

Here’s How to Let Go of the Past, Once and for All | The Warm Up

I was interviewed for ClassPass’ The Warm Upabout how to let go of the past. Here’s what they came up with:

We all carry a past around with us. Like passport stamps of places seen and adventures had, whether those adventures were full of joy or tinted with sadness, the past is with us always, little marks there to remind us of what came before now.

The past shapes how we think and who we are: how we see the world, how we choose to react to events, how we function in relationships and the decisions we make from moment to moment. The past is our framework, our series of examples from which to draw conclusions, and a way in which we continue to survive, continuing to follow paths that previously brought us joy and avoiding those which brought pain

THE WARM UPGuest UserDecember 22, 2016wellness

Round Table with the Experts: How to Survive the Holidays with an Eating Disorder | The Huffington Post

I was interviewed alongside some other badass experts on how to survive the holidays when recovering from an ED. Check it.

The Holidays are often said to be the most wonderful time of year. For many, it is a time to see loved ones, eat delicious food and celebrate the New Year. But for the 30 million Americans struggling with eating disorders, this time of year can be stressful and overwhelming.

For those in recovery from Anorexia, Binge Eating Disorder, Bulimia or other eating disorders– it is anything but easy. Whether someone is a year into stable recovery or 10 years into his or her process of healing, there are many components that can still make the holidays an ultimate challenge

LEARN MORE

HUFFPOSTDiane Jane ReyesDecember 22, 2016eating disorders

Megan Interviewed On Being Called An Escort In The Wellness Industry

You may have caught my article, I’m Interested In You. That Doesn’t Mean I’m Trying To Have Sex With You a couple months back. Well, the brilliant Marcia Sirota, MD reached out to me to chat more about it on her podcast, Ruthless Compassion.

Listen in to hear the details of that experience, plus a time a a psychiatrist blamed a client’s suicide attempt on my appearance, and more. It’s relatively short in comparison to my usual diatribes, but make sure you don’t turn it off before my “call to action” after Marcia asks me where people can find me! It’s a simple yet powerful shift we can all make in our daily lives.

HUFFPOST, PodcastMeg BruneauDecember 15, 2016wellness

Interview For “Never Liked It Anyway’s” Woman Crush Wednesday | NEVER LIKED IT ANYWAY

Interview For “Never Liked It Anyway’s” Woman Crush Wednesday | NEVER LIKED IT ANYWAY

I was interviewed for Never Liked It Anyway‘s Woman Crush Wednesday. Check out the best and worst gifts I ever got, my go-to pick-me-up, and my advice for all things love, sex, and dating :):

This week’s Woman Crush Wednesday is the one and only Megan Bruneau – aka the incredible talent behind One Shrink’s Perspective. Megan is so real, raw and honest that you notice it through her writing, and within the first five seconds of meeting. We met recently at a panel hosted by Forbes for women, and within an instant I was struck by her smarts, sass and direct manner. It’s an inspiration and naturally brings out a level of conversation that’s all too rare these days. Megan is an expert in all things love, breakups and moving on; and approaches it all with refreshing candor and energy. Here’s what she had to say about all things love, sex and dating.

What’s the best gift you ever got?

An ex gave me a necklace that means “Follow your dreams,” even though he knew me “following my dreams” likely meant we weren’t going to stay together. It was heartbreaking and deeply motivating at the same time. Since then, I moved to New York to follow my dreams, and we broke up. I wore it every day for two years. I’ve since swapped it out for a different piece of jewelry with different meaning, but it still sits on my desk and reminds me why I’m here every day

NEVER LIKED IT ANYWAYGuest UserDecember 14, 2016wellness

Millennial Entrepreneurs: Here’s How To Embrace Discomfort And Follow Your Dreams | FORBES

Millennial Entrepreneurs: Here’s How To Embrace Discomfort And Follow Your Dreams | FORBES

My dad was a criminal lawyer for 43 years. He spent Monday through Friday between court and the office, escaping every Friday in summer to the lake, and every Friday in winter to the mountain. This highly privileged life (by most accounts) is traditionally appealing, but I feel panicked at the thought of replicating it.

The bust-your-ass-for-five, enjoy-life-for-two routine served my dad for those 43 years, as a similar version may have served your parents. Still heavily influenced by their parents’ trauma from the Great Depression and WWII, our parents sought the safety and security that accompanies a respectable profession such as law

ForbesGuest UserDecember 7, 2016entrepreneurship, wellness