Transforming Stress into Peace and Balance In the past five years, my clients starting short-term disability for stress and burnout have risen from nearly zero to 80%. This is not okay. Over my 20 years as a practicing psychologist, I've seen an alarming rise in stress and burnout, and it's accelerated since 2020. I've come through the other side of burnout. In 2019, I resigned from my job after discovering that traditional solutions to feeling overworked weren't enough. Based on my experien ...
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21: Navigating Life Transitions: How to Cope with Overwhelm
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27:59Change can kind of slap you in the face sometimes. Today, we're diving deep into something we all experience but often underestimate — life transitions and the overwhelm they can bring. You know those moments when one chapter closes, and another is only beginning? I've been feeling it strongly lately with graduations, end-of-year events, and even s…
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20: Imposter Syndrome Explained: Why It Happens & How to Beat It
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25:15When you're doing something new, have you ever felt like "everyone else knows more than me" or "I'm not really qualified for this?" This is imposter syndrome, and it's something that we all deal with at some point or another. It can be challenging, but I'm here to tell you that you're not alone, and we can work through it. In today's episode of The…
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19: Is It Time for Therapy? Understanding When to Reach Out for Help
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20:59Admitting I couldn't handle everything on my own felt like a huge step. Maybe you can relate? Today on The Overwhelm Cure, we're diving into something super important, and honestly, something I think we all wrestle with at some point: knowing when to seek professional support. I've had a lot of conversations lately, both with clients and in my own …
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18: How To Stop Reacting and Start Responding
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18:43How easily are you triggered? I know for me, there have been moments where I've just felt completely overwhelmed, like I'm about to explode at the slightest thing. When I was deep in burnout, I remember when even my kids asking simple questions would send me over the edge. I HAD to figure out what was happening and how to cope. So, in this episode,…
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In this episode, we delve into the pervasive feeling of mom guilt and explore practical strategies to stop feeling like we're constantly failing (no matter how hard we work!). We'll get to the root thoughts and habits that could be feeding the guilty feelings to help shift your mindset toward more peace, joy, and calm. This is important in helping …
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16. Prioritizing What Matters and Putting Yourself First
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20:13Today, we're diving deep into something I've been chatting about with pretty much every single one of my clients lately — prioritizing ourselves and ditching the overcommittment. Is this a theme for your life lately? So, let's get real. How often do you want to say "no" but end up saying "yes" to everyone? Only to leave yourself feeling totally dra…
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15. How To Create Healthy Daily Routines To Reduce Stress and Overwhelm
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31:09🔁 "We are what we repeatedly do." - Aristotle. What do your daily habits look like? Those things that we do without even thinking about … Brushing our teeth Grabbing our phone Working out Did you know that mindfully choosing our habits can reduce stress and overwhelm? The key is choosing a handful of routines supporting physical and mental health. …
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14. The Art of Saying No: Reclaiming Your Time with These 9 Scripts
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30:29How skilled are you at saying "no?" If you have people-pleasing tendencies, you might find it especially challenging to say yes to everything and everyone. This week, on The Overwhelm Cure, I'm exploring the reasons behind our hesitation to say no and what can happen when we're more focused on making others happy than looking after our priorities. …
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13: Overcoming Overwhelm: The Art of Delegation and Asking for Help
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19:21Today, I'm talking about something that so many of us struggle with, especially women: the art of delegating and asking for help without feeling guilty. I had an experience the other day that really brought this lesson home for me. I think it might always be an area where I need to focus. Women are often socialized to believe that we need to do it …
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12. Are You on the List? Tips for a Fulfilling Work-Life Balance
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36:55When You've Tried Everything and There's Still No Work-Life Balance We juggle dozens of responsibilities every day — sometimes even more. And maybe you're feeling like you're dropping many of those balls lately. I mean, how many truly great jugglers do you know? So, how do we manage our work, health, families, social lives, and even our hobbies (re…
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11: Unlocking Grounded Confidence: The Path to Authenticity and Inner Peace.
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21:34Do you ever feel like you missed the memo on confidence? Maybe it felt like everyone around you had the confidence to compete, speak up, and take on new adventures, while you were left with a racing heart and sweaty palms. You're not the only one. In this episode of The Overwhelm Cure podcast, I'm diving deep into understanding how a lack of confid…
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10. The Sneaky Ways That Shame Can Lead To Overwhelm
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34:59Here's what Brené Brown has to say about shame: "I define shame as the intensely painful feeling or experience of believing that we are flawed and therefore unworthy of love and belonging — something we've experienced, done, or failed to do makes us unworthy of connection. I don't believe shame is helpful or productive. In fact, I think shame is mu…
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9. Unlocking Happiness: How Gratitude Can Transform Your Life
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26:34I've had more moments of stress and overwhelm than I know how to count. As a kid, I remember things like piano recitals that were highly nerve-wracking. Later, as an adult, working as a teacher was often overwhelming. Of course, parenting also had its moments at times. When I was in those moments of being overwhelmed, it seemed like nothing could h…
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8. Strong Boundaries: Your Defense Against Overwhelm
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36:45Overwhelmed? Try mastering your boundaries. Boundaries are a hot topic that every psychologist talks to their clients about. I see it a lot in my practice. Many of my one-on-one clients tell me that they think they should have strong boundaries. But they're quite hard on themselves when they detect where they've let boundaries slide. The thing is, …
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7. Embracing Vulnerability: Unlocking Courage and Connection in Everyday Life
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29:12Vulnerability is the Way to Authentic Connection What comes to mind when you think of vulnerability? Vulnerability is right up there with “shame” as a word that people don’t like and want to avoid. But here's the thing … Vulnerability is the key to unlocking the courage we need to do all the great things we want to do in life! 🫣 I feel tremendous v…
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6. Redefining Success: Breaking Free from the Myth of Having It All for a More Fulfilling Life
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38:30Let’s have an important conversation about a myth that’s been running us ragged for decades — the idea that we, as women, can “have it all.” I believe that women can live the life they’ve always dreamed of, but it means making really discerning choices about how we spend our limited resources of time and energy. I know what it’s like. There was a t…
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5. The Psychology of Burnout: Symptoms, Science, and Solutions
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41:22Let’s talk about something that so many of us know too well — burnout. If you’ve ever felt like you’re running on fumes, questioning your purpose, or just too exhausted to care, this week's podcast episode will answer all those questions. It’s probably no surprise that I’ve experienced burnout. In just a few years, I went from running a household w…
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4. Overcoming People Pleasing for a Happier You
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33:33Be honest. How many times in a month do you say "yes" when you really want to say "no." I get it. I'm a recovered people-pleaser. I used to say yes to all the things in an effort to be accepted. The school wants two dozen cookies tomorrow? Sure! I'll bring four dozen and make sure I make the fancy ones. Friend needs a ride to the airport even thoug…
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3. Breaking Free from Perfectionism and Embracing Healthy Striving for a More Fulfilling Life
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16:58Are you (or were you) the mom who volunteers for all the class parties, offers to organize every family event, and plans your own gatherings down to the T? I get it. I used to be that mom until I started becoming more gentle with myself. In this episode, I break down the harmful effects of perfectionism. Now, there's a difference between perfection…
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2. Overcoming Overwhelm: Practical Strategies for Handling Stress
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22:13In this episode of The Overwhelm Cure, I'm diving deep into understanding what overwhelm truly is, the signs and symptoms, and how we can manage it when we recognize it. Drawing on insights from Brené Brown's 'Atlas of the Heart,' I explain the distinction between stress and overwhelm (there's a difference!) I highlight the value of pausing before …
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1. Welcome to The Overwhelm Cure: Transforming Stress into Peace and Balance
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10:59Transforming Stress into Peace and Balance I'm thrilled to welcome you to the first episode of The Overwhelm Cure. Over my 20 years as a therapist, I've seen an alarming rise in stress and burnout, especially in the past five years. Personally, I resigned from my job in 2019 due to burnout after discovering that traditional solutions weren't enough…
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78. Achieve Your Goals: Tapping into the Power of the Scientific Method for Personal Growth
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36:32As we wind down 2024, a lot of us are beginning to set new goals for 2025. Are you being intentional about the goals you set or simply choosing a health and fitness one, like "lose 50 pounds" only because it sounds good? In this week's episode — the final episode of the year, I share my journey from feeling out of control in my goal-setting to real…
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77. Unlock Joy and Resilience: The Power of Celebrating Everyday Wins
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24:58How often do you celebrate? I don't mean only significant life events — what about everyday things? There's tremendous power in celebrating. It strengthens our connections to others and helps build resilience. In this episode, you'll discover the essential role that celebrations play in our lives. Celebrations are not merely fun activities but are …
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76. Mastering Life's Curveballs: How to Thrive in Unpredictable Times
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23:33Ever heard the expression, when we make plans, God laughs? Well, that sums up my week. In this week's episode, you'll hear all about how to navigate life's unexpected interruptions, especially during busy times (which really, is just about all of the time). Drawing from my personal experience with a sprained ankle and a boring story to go along wit…
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75. From Chaos to Control: The Benefits of Efficiently Managing the Unexpected
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25:44Mastering Stress Management: Tips and Some of my Real-Life Stories This week's episode is all about handling stressful situations. If you pay attention, stress pops up in our lives almost every hour. But how do we manage it? You'll hear why it's crucial to recognize stress first and then consistently plan your reaction each time. I even had this wh…
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74. Transforming FOMO into JOMO: Embrace the Joy of Missing Out
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21:50It's the holidays, and we might be witnessing many of our friends and family doing things that we wish we were doing. Today, I'm taking you back 15 years to a time when I shoveled driveways one relentless Canadian winter and felt intense FOMO (the fear of missing out). While I was working in the freezing cold, my friends were enjoying a Hawaiian va…
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Do you ever feel awkward asking for help? You're not alone! In this episode, we delve into why asking for help can be tough and why it's actually crucial for our well-being. From personal anecdotes, including my own recent embarrassing incident, to professional insights from my experience as a registered Psychologist, I discuss the importance of br…
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72. Unlocking Joy: How to Make Your Holidays More Fun and Memorable
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20:48Let's talk about the stress of the holiday season and how we can transform this into one of joy. As the holiday season approaches, I find myself overwhelmed with the pressures of Christmas shopping, baking, party planning, and more. In this episode, I candidly share my past struggles with holiday stress and how I've taken steps to make this year di…
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71. Reclaiming Your Energy: Overcome Exhaustion and Embrace a Full Life
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26:06Do you ever wake up feeling amazingly well-rested and ready to take on the day? Yeah, me neither. Most women I talk to are just like us—constantly tired, exhausted by the end of the day, and overwhelmed by daily responsibilities. We’ve got jobs, kids, family, and all sorts of commitments that drain our energy. But guess what? It doesn’t have to be …
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70. Understanding the Guilt-Shame Complex and How to Overcome It
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14:04In this episode, I dive into the feelings of guilt and shame that many women experience. This common sentiment, 'I feel so guilty,' often surfaces when trying to balance competing priorities between work, family, and friends. Maybe you’re trying to choose between social events, work commitments, and family obligations, which leads to a cycle of gui…
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69: How to Make Friends as an Adult (Even When You’re Busy)
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28:56Friendship is a happiness booster—and research shows that strong social connections not only improve our mental well-being but also help us live longer. But let’s be real: as adults, building friendships can feel overwhelming. Between careers, family responsibilities, and the fear of rejection, it’s easy to feel isolated—even when we don’t mean it …
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68. The Vulnerability of Joy: Why We Fear It and How Gratitude Can Unlock It
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17:57If you feel like you’re just going through the motions when writing down what you’re grateful for and not TRULY feeling the joy in your body, this episode is for you. Today, I’m breaking down: Why you can’t have joy without gratitude How your brain might be sabotaging your excitement and celebrations How gratitude fuels resilience Practical tips fo…
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67. How to Hold People Accountable with Kindness
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14:02If you know “clear is kind” but you struggle to put it into action, especially when it comes to giving honest feedback and holding people accountable, this episode is for you. Listen in to learn: How to give feedback without hurting feelings Why our brains hate being called out (and how to work with that) The importance of generous assumptions when…
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66. Lighthouse Parenting: Is It Just a Trend or the Key to Raising Independent Kids?
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21:51If you’re overwhelmed by all of the parenting advice on social media, and you feel like you’re doing it all wrong, you’re going to want to listen to this episode. Today, I’m cutting through the noise and social media trends and bringing you my parenting perspectives as a registered psychologist. Listen in as I break down: The pros and cons of the m…
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It’s normal to feel anxious now and then. But if you are constantly on edge and your mind is racing, your heart’s pounding, and you feel like you're stuck in a stress loop you can't escape, it’s time for a nervous system reset. And I know squashing anxiety is not as easy as “just taking a deep breath.” That’s why today, I’m breaking down: The 5-ste…
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I’ve reached the chapter of parenthood every mom dreads — the one where I’m watching the tiny baby I felt like I was rocking to sleep just yesterday leave the nest. And I know so many of you moms are right here on this emotional rollercoaster with me. That’s why today, I’m unpacking “empty nest syndrome.” Listen in as I discuss: Common fears and co…
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63. A Pep Talk for People-Pleasers: How to Find the Courage to Live Authentically
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24:06Could saying yes when you really want to say no be sabotaging your relationships? As a psychologist and recovering people-pleaser, I can tell you with complete confidence, the answer is yes. That’s why today, I’m sharing: How overcommitting and saying yes, when you want to say no, sabotages relationships My best tips for getting comfortable speakin…
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62: How to Stop Asking Yourself, “What Will They Think?”
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22:37How much time and mental energy are you wasting trying to impress or please others? If you struggle to just relax and be yourself at work or with friends, this episode is for you. Today, I’m sharing: Why fitting in feels like life or death (spoiler alert: it’s the way you’re wired) Baby steps that’ll help you stop wasting precious time and energy p…
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61. A Moms Guide to Letting Go of Self-Sacrifice
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27:29Tired of feeling like a mean mom? I’ve been there, snapping at my kids for no good reason, wondering why I couldn’t just be nice. Turns out, I didn’t set out to be a mean gremlin. I just fell into a trap. A trap society places in front of every mom – the trap of self-sacrifice that leaves us feeling drained and resentful. If you can relate, don’t m…
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60. Unpacking Mom Shame and Rest: It’s time to Stop Wearing Busy as a Badge of Honor
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26:05Society says moms should be able to do it all while running on fumes and caffeine. Not only is that humanly impossible (take it from a registered psychologist), but it’s also unfair. Wouldn’t you agree? If you’re tired of feeling guilty for even doing just the BARE minimum for yourself, this episode is for you: I’m diving into: How society fuels mo…
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59. The Truth About Mom Guilt: Why One Failure Won’t Ruin Your Child for Life with LPC Allison McQuaid
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45:49Let’s be real; guilt and parenthood go together like peanut butter and jelly. And there’s nothing worse than hearing your inner mean girl whisper, “You’re a terrible mother” after you’ve slipped up and yelled. The good news? A single “failure” will not define the rest of your child’s life. Take it from today’s guest, licensed professional counselor…
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58. Your Guide to Creating Stress-Free Family Routines this Back-to-School Season!
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22:40Struggling to get back into the groove and jump into back-to-school routines? You’re not alone! Summer is fun, but let’s be real, it’s chaotic. Sleep schedules get thrown off, screen time increases, our kids’ behavior becomes more challenging, and our stress levels soar. If you’re ready to get back on track and create a routine that helps your kids…
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57. Understanding Empathy: What it IS and what it ISN’T
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38:40Ever been hurting and had someone say, “Just stay positive!” or “Everything happens for a reason?” Those well-meaning words of comfort probably left you feeling dismissed. Why? They didn’t convey REAL empathy. Nobody teaches us what real empathy looks like. That’s why today, I’m bringing you an empathy masterclass– chock full of things I’ve learned…
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56. It's Time to Consider Letting Your Child Face Obstacles Head-On with Dr. Patrice Berry
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36:26Our kids don't need us to fight their battles. They need to see us face struggles and overcome obstacles, so they can learn to do the same. Raising resilient kids is hard work. That’s why today, I’m bringing Dr. Patrice Berry on the show to break down how we can avoid helicopter parenting and offer our kids a healthy level of support instead. We’re…
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Body image is the #1 shame trigger for women, yet so many of us struggle silently. Why is that? The answer is simple: society has normalized outlandish beauty standards. So, instead of asking for support, we blame ourselves, thinking, "Every other woman can maintain the perfect figure, so why can’t I?” and “There must be something wrong with me." I…
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54. What the Heck is Happening to Me? Oh, It’s Menopause!
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31:03Most of us don’t know much about menopause, we just know it will happen at some point. Turns out it is more than just hot flashes, the end of your period, and possible hormone-replacement therapy. The symptoms affect women physically and mentally, and they can go on for a long time. For me, it created the perfect storm where my life felt really har…
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53. How to prepare for therapy: 7 Tips for Getting the Most out of Your Sessions
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40:08Whether you’re new to therapy or have long-standing weekly appointments, it’s easy to second-guess yourself or consider skipping a session. Because, let's face it, showing up and unpacking heavy stuff takes a lot of mental energy. But getting the most out of therapy requires more than just showing up; it takes preparation. That’s why I’m sharing se…
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52. Healthy Parenting: Master the Art of Letting Go
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25:52Do you find yourself swooping in to save the day for your kids every time something goes wrong? You're not alone. As caring parents, we often default to 'rescue mode.' The problem is that kids need space to fail, dust themselves off, and keep going. They can only do that if we give them the room to try independently. If you struggle to stand by whi…
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51. My Grief Story | Unpacking Brené Brown’s 3 Elements of Grief
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15:02Grief is hard to talk about because it usually feels isolating or scary The problem with that? Healing can’t happen in a vacuum. We NEED to feel heard and understood to heal, but It’s hard to find the right words to express the pain we’re feeling. Or a listening ear willing to hear us without judgment. That’s why today, I’m peeling back the layers …
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50. How to Have Tough Conversations When You Don’t Like Conflict
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38:46Are you scared to have tough conversations? It’s not your fault. Many of us (myself included) were raised in families where discussing emotions wasn’t the norm, and being a ‘good girl’ and doing what we were told - no matter how we felt about it - was expected. But sweeping real issues under the rug to avoid tough conversations doesn’t do anyone an…
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