Holding Space

When our teen's worry sets off our own, it can feel like two nervous systems locked in the same storm. In this heartfelt conversation, I sit down with my friend and colleague Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart to unpack what’s really happening beneath those moments of reactivity and how parents can shift from fear-based reacting to compassionate, grounded responding.

We talk about:

In this episode we're exploring the relationship between breastfeeding and a new mom's mental health. To help us really go deep (and practical) on this topic, I had the absolute joy of sitting down with Dawnita Wicks, a registered nurse, public health nurse, and internationally board-certified lactation consultant.

I first connected with Dawnita because I had clients who were struggling not just with feeding, but also with their mental health. When they worked with her, they came back to me saying: “She really saw all of me - the feeding goals AND my mental health.” I knew I ha...

In today’s solo episode, I open up about how I’m preparing for perimenopause at 40, and why I don’t want to walk into this transition as unprepared as I felt during postpartum.

We’ll talk about:

My goal is to help you feel less blindsided and more resourced, so you can move t...

If you’re in the postpartum season, you already know...sleep deprivation is A BEAST. It affects everything: your mood, your relationships, your health, and your ability to feel present with your baby.

In this episode I’m breaking down why protecting your rest matters, how to get restorative sleep (even if your baby is waking frequently), and how to navigate sleep conversations with your partner without spiraling into resentment.

We’ll cover:

Do you feel that familiar dread or restlessness in your body as the weekend winds down? You’re NOT alone! In this episode, we explore the Sunday Scaries through the lens of the nervous system, naming the hidden pressure so many women and moms carry into the week.

We’ll break down why this anticipatory anxiety happens, how it can activate survival responses and what your body is trying to tell you.

Then, I’ll guide you through a grounding visualization called The Sunday Sanctuary, a practice you can return to any time to feel more r...

In this solo episode of Holding Space, I’m diving into one of the most common and quietly painful questions I hear from parents (and ask myself too):

Why am I so reactive?

If you’ve ever found yourself snapping before you even realized what was happening, crying over something small, or wondering, what is wrong with me? This episode is for you. You're not broken. You're carrying a lot. And reactivity is often your nervous system’s way of trying to protect you.

In this episode, I explore the deeper layers beneath reacti...

In this episode of Holding Space, I welcome parenting educator and content creator behind the account Mother Could, Myriam Sandler, for a real and refreshing conversation about play in parenthood.

Together, we unpack the pressure many parents feel to “play the right way,” especially in today’s era of intensive parenting.

Episode highlights:

In this episode of Holding Space, Dr. Cassidy sits down with Megan McNamee, a registered dietitian nutritionist and co-founder of Feeding Littles, to discuss the intersection of perfectionism, parenting, and feeding children. Megan shares insights on how parents can move away from the pressures of perfectionism, especially in the context of feeding their kids, and embrace a more intuitive and balanced approach to mealtime.

We dive into common struggles parents face when it comes to feeding their kids, such as dealing with picky eating, the pressures of packing lunches, and the stress of meeting societal expectations. Megan...

What do you REALLY need to know about caring for your postpartum body?

To answer this question I invited Ruth Macy, a pelvic health physical therapist, and Courtney Naliboff, a teacher, writer, and musician, on to the podcast to talk about all things postpartum recovery and self-compassion.

Together we explore:

You are cordially invited to tune into our spicy book chat!

I invited Sex Therapist and New York Times Bestselling Author Vanessa Marin on to the podcast to talk about all things Fantasy Fiction (especially of the spicy variety).

Together we dissect:

*What exactly is "smut?"

*Why is fantasy so appealing?

*What are some of the benefits for women reading spicy romance novels?

*What are some of the tricky parts of these books to keep in mind?

*Are smutty books basically just porn?

...

Gut health...the gut microbiome...people are talking about it, but what does it all mean?!

In my quest for answers, I connected with Cheryl Sew Hoy, founder of Tiny Health. In this episode you're invited to learn about the fascinating world of gut health right alongside with me. During our conversation Cheryl shares her personal journey as an entrepreneur and mother, highlighting how her experiences with pregnancy and childbirth led her to discover the importance of gut health. We dive into what the gut microbiome is, where it comes from, and why it’s crucial for ov...

In this heartfelt episode, we welcome back Dr. Jasmine, a clinical pharmacist, perinatal mental health specialist and mom to one, to discuss her journey of deciding to have only one child. Dr. Jasmine shares her personal story of battling severe postpartum depression and anxiety, the pressures and expectations from society, and how she navigated these challenges to make a decision (with support from therapy) that felt right for her and her family. We discuss the societal pressure and expectations of having more than one child as well as the stigma and stereotypes associated with only children and highlighting the...

BLUEY! The beloved Heeler Family has touched the hearts and homes of children and adults around the world. But have you ever wondered what a therapist or parenting expert's take might be on the show and your favorite episodes? Have you ever wanted to really bring home the themes/lessons of the episode with your child or thought to yourself in a tricky parenting moment, "What would Chili or Bandit do?"

We've got you covered! I invited fellow therapist and Bluey superfan Tessa Ritchie, LCSW to help me breakdown two of our favorite Bluey episodes: Bad Mood...

In this episode I invite you to tune into my conversation with Emily Oster, professor of Economics, parenting data expert and NYT Bestselling Author. We dive deep into her latest release, "Unexpected," where she explores the often murky waters of pregnancy complications.

Together we explore:

*Understanding Pregnancy Complications: Emily shares some fascinating insights from "Unexpected," her newest book. We talk about the common threads among pregnancy complications and why it's crucial to understand why things happen during pregnancy. Hint: it's not always as straightforward as we'd like it to be.

*Dealing with Medical...

In this episode I invited Erica Djossa, Canadian based psychotherapist, founder of Momwell, and author of the book Releasing the Motherload: How to Carry Less and Enjoy Motherhood More, back on to the podcast!

Together we discuss:

• An introduction to intensive mothering: unpacking societal expectations and the weight of invisible burdens in motherhood.

• The role of comparison and social media in exacerbating feelings of inadequacy and overwhelm.

• Strategies for releasing control and redistributing responsibilities to alleviate burnout and foster personal growth.

• Embracing values over perfectionism: practical steps for identifying core val...

AI (Artificial Intelligence) isn't going anywhere, but that didn't stop me from (at first) putting my head in the sand about it. But the truth is, it's not going anywhere and our kids are going to grow up with AI being a part of their schooling, future careers, and their life...so it was time to take my head out of the sand and learn everything I can so that I can support them too.

This episode with Audrey Wisch, founder and CEO of Curious Cardinals was not originally planned! Our original topic (episode 134) was all about...

"Mommmm why do I have to go to school?!" This is a question all parents will face at some point.

In this episode I'm joined by Audrey Wisch, founder and CEO of Curious Cardinals. Curious Cardinals is a peer-mentorship/tutoring company rooted in passion based learning to support kids in nurturing their interests and ambitions...while also getting their homework done.

Together we explore steps we can take to support our kids in discovering THEIR passions, and how to connect traditional school learning with real-world passions.

This episode provides valuable perspectives for parents...

This one's for the cycle breakers, and in this episode we're unpacking intergenerational trauma.

Dr. Mariel Buqué, trauma-informed Psychologist and author of the book BREAK THE CYCLCE: A Guide to Healing Intergenerational Trauma breaks it down for us.

Together we explore how to recognize when generational trauma is impacting us today, identifying unhealthy patterns that get passed down in families, how trauma shows up in our bodies and our nervous systems, and steps we can take to break the cycles we're caught in that started before we were born.

You deserved someone to p...

In this episode you get to witness my conversation with Susie Allison, M.Ed., of @busytoddler, in which I share our 3 year olds current struggles with independent play, and the impact it's having on our whole family.

Susie talks me through the proven strategies to support independent play and guess what...they worked!

Susie shares the benefits of independent play for your child's development and for the whole family system...and how we can still feel present and connected even with more independent play happening in our homes. This is an episode you won't want...

In this episode I invited fellow therapist Tessa Ritchie to join me in sharing the challenges of postpartum for BOTH parents, the impact these struggles can have on our relationship, and how to feel better together!

Tessa shares her own personal story of experiencing postpartum anxiety and rage, her partner's struggles with depression postpartum, and the communication tools and strategies they used to heal and feel more present with each other and in parenthood.

*Become a client of Dr. Cassidy's or Tessa by visiting www.drcassidymft.com (CA residents only).

*Not based in Cal...

I am so excited to introduce you to Casey Mouton, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and mom.

Casey was the first therapist I hired to join my group practice, and today you get to hear her story.

Casey is a survivor of postpartum depression and anxiety, and in today's episode she shares how that experience showed her the kind of support she truly needs. Learning about the type of support SHE needs became protective later on when her son unexpectedly had a stroke and she found herself navigating parenting a child with a disability. She...

Let's talk about softness, and being soft in a world that can be so hard.

What does it mean to be soft? I invited Dr. Akilah Cadet to share in this conversation about softness as a human. Together we explore the beauty of connecting with softness, within ourselves and in our relationships. We identify how softness can get squashed and the benefits of connecting with the parts of us that are soft. We unpack the complexity of being a human in a hard world, the dance between anger and softness, harmony over balance, and Dr. Cadet offers a...

This is a Holding Space first! In today's special episode with speech therapists Carly and Katie of Wee Talkers, we are inviting your little one to tune in too!

In the first half of the episode Carly and Katie offer supportive (and simple) ways you can support speech everyday with your children. Ever find yourself more stressed from all the information about child development out there? This conversation will leave you feel informed and empowered, without the pressure. You don't need to be a speech therapist to support your child's speech while having fun!

Towards t...

How do we actually experience restorative rest as busy parents? What are the layers that can get in the way when it comes to resting? Why is rest so important?

We are diving in for some rest talk in today's episode with Ashley Neese, author of the book Permission to Rest.

Ashley was previously on the podcast, episode 38: How to Breathe, following the release of her first book all about the power of breath. She is a breathwork teacher who has spent over a decade working at the intersections of embodiment, transformation, and renewal.

...

Do you find it hard to ask for support and rely on others? Does this struggle show up in your partner relationships? Are you hoping to break this pattern and set a strong model/foundation of autonomy AND interdependence for your kids? Well, i'm so glad you're here!

In this episode I share my conversation with Dr. Tracy Dalgleish all about breaking these cycles, getting the support we need from our partners, and finding the balance between intimacy and autonomy in our relationships.

Dr. Tracy Dalgleish is a clinical psychologist and relationship expert who is...

In this episode we honor that self-care sounds great, but how does it realistically fit into our busy lives?

I sat down with Taylor Elyse Morrison, author of the book Inner Workout, to discuss self-care for skeptics. With the wellness world booming, why are so many of us still struggling?! Tune in and walk away with a deeper understanding and practical tools you can start using today!

*Become a client of Dr. Cassidy's private practice by visiting www.drcassidymft.com (CA residents only).

*Not based in California but looking for more support? Click her...

In this episode we dive into the world of sibling relationships. Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt, a New York Times bestselling author, philanthropist, and mother, shares her unique perspective and experiences on this often complex and cherished bond.

In this candid conversation, Katherine opens up about her own relationship with her siblings, highlighting the joys and lessons learned along the way. From childhood adventures to adult camaraderie, she shares heartwarming anecdotes that resonate with anyone who has shared a special bond with their brothers or sisters.

We explore the dynamics that can shape sibling relationships, the impact o...

Following on the heels of our last episode all about navigating unexpected challenges and diagnoses as a parent, in this episode Dr. Cassidy talks to a parent who has been through it.

Amanda Berg is a mom to a type one diabetic toddler and former NICU RN and contributor to the organization Type One Together. Her toddler was diagnosed with Type One Diabetes at 26 months old (when here second baby was only 4 months old)!

In this episode she brings the raw and real of what living with a Type One toddler is like, with a f...

In this episode Dr. Kelly Fradin, pediatrician and author of the book Advanced Parenting, talks to us about the unexpected challenges and diagnoses that many families may find themselves facing.

Dr. Fradin shares with us what some of these unexpected challenges and diagnoses might look like, the emotions and struggles that come with them, and advice for taking steps to get support, make a plan, and show up for yourself and your children through the unexpected.

To learn more about Dr. Fradin and her book visit https://drkellyfradin.com/ or give her a follow over on...

In this episode we explore the roots of perfectionism with anti-racism educator Monique Melton!

Monique answers the questions:

What is the cost of perfectionism on all humans?
What steps can we begin to take to unhook from perfectionism and face the way it hurts black people?

Monique Melton is an educator, published author, content creator, international speaker, and host of the Shine Brighter Together podcast. She is also the founder of Shine Bright School, which is a global community of people dedicated to doing the work from the inside out for our li...

How did you and I first connect? How did you learn about this podcast? My best guess would be that you found yourself here through Instagram. Thank goodness for that!

And yet, that little app on our phone can also be the place where we find ourselves in spirals of comparison, shame, overwhelm. That little app gives us access to so many resources and possible connections, but we can leave it feeling more depleted and overwhelmed. Social media's addictive qualities can eat away at all our margins, stealing away from the real connections in front of us, an...

In this episode we are bridging mental health, interior design, and parenting with therapist turned interior designer Anita Yokota!

Anita explores the role that our home environment can have on our mental health and relationships as a parent, and offers simple strategies for designing a home with intention.

I also get a chance to ask her my burning questions on making interior design/home purchase decisions and how to create a system for tackling the never-ending laundry.

To connect with Anita you can find her on instagram @anitayokota or at her website www.ani...

In this episode I sit down with New York Times Bestselling author Eve Rodsky. Together we explore the real issue of women shouldering the brunt of domestic and parenting responsibilities, regardless of whether they work outside the home. The unequal emotional labor and “invisible work” in a relationship has real costs for everyone involved, but Eve is here to share the light that comes with the solution! 

Eve's Fair Play book and card deck completely changed the trajectory of my own marriage, and she's here to share more about the system that saved hers and countless others.

To...

I've got one foot in toddler land and one foot in tween land. Yes, it feels like the splits and damn do the splits hurt sometimes. AND, it has also provided me this unique experience to see the thread between these two seasons and the push for independence and big feelings that come with both. 

I'm fortunate to call New York Times Bestselling Author and founder of Good Inside, Dr. Becky Kennedy, a friend and colleague. And as I find myself looking ahead to the teen years I had to ask her..."Do you think we're all destine...

Parenting can be overwhelming, throw in being a Highly-Sensitive Person (HSP) and oof...it can be a lot.

In this episode we support you in understanding what it means to be a HSP, the challenges and gifts that come with it, and tangible ways to care for yourself in this modern era of parenting.

Amy Lajiness, LCSW, PMH-C is a Therapist and Coach who has spent countless hours supporting Highly Sensitive (HSP) parents in reclaiming their peace and confidence. Amy is a Highly Sensitive Person herself as well as a mother of two highly energetic you...

Let's talk about sex baby...but after baby! 

I'm so excited to share my conversation with New York Times bestselling authors of the book Sex Talks: The Five Conversations that will Transform Your Sex Life, Vanessa and Xander Marin.

She's a sex therapist with 20 years of experience, and he's a regular dude! Together they've made it their mission to provide the sex education we all deserve but didn't get.

In this episode we are talking to parents, because let's be real...there can be SO many blocks to intimacy after baby and beyond. Thi...

The pandemic showed us all how quickly things can change, and as parents we had to face that not only for ourselves, but for our kids too.

I invited Sarah Rosney, licensed clinical social worker, back on to the podcast to provide strategies for supporting our children (and ourselves) with navigating change. 

Whether the change has to do with a new baby, a new home, a new school, a new schedule, a divorce, a death, an illness, or even a new big kid bed...there are ways we can bridge both connection and communication with ou...

Sibling relationships...the challenges, the pressure, the rivalries.

Yep, it's real. If you grew up with siblings, maybe you can even connect to these experiences. 

Yet, supporting sibling relationships can also provide opportunities for deep connection, empathy-building, and so much more.

I am thrilled to share my conversation with Jessica Rolph, co-founder and CEO of Lovevery and mom to 3. Jessica and I offer tangible strategies for you to support the relationship between your children from the start, through their early years and beyond.

Learn more about Lovevery (and their amazing subscription pla...

You know what's really having it's moment right now (and I'm LOVING it!)?

Internal Family Systems and "parts" work.

What is Internal Family Systems, and why is this therapeutic approach so helpful when it comes to understanding our triggers and developing a new relationship with our emotions? You're going to leave this episode with the answer.

I invited Vanessa Trine, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor on to the podcast to help me unpack why "parts" work is so powerful in our personal work as parents, breaking cycles, and supporting our children.

To c...

Today we are talking about origin wounds, those painful experiences from when you were young that find themselves showing up in present day relationships and patterns.

I invited fellow Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and author of the book Origins of You, Vienna Pharaon, to walk us through understanding how we can begin to understand and heal our origin wounds.

Even if you had a wonderful childhood, we have all experienced disappointment, been hurt, or felt pressure to look or be a certain way. Of course, not everything is experienced as trauma, but that doesn’t m...

You're reading the parenting books, following the experts on social media, listening to the podcasts, maybe even buying the courses...and somehow in the tough moment with your child none of the "strategies" feel intuitive...can you relate?

Yea, same, and I'm considered one of those "experts!"

Maybe you relate to trying to hold it all together, but underneath you wonder if something is actually wrong with YOU.

In this episode I invited my good friend and fellow therapist and mom Renata Cameron to unpack these experience with me.

Together we discu...

In this episode we are shedding light on the often misdiagnosed experience of Postpartum OCD.

I invited Licensed Therapist Jenna Overbaugh to share her professional (and personal!) experience with postpartum OCD. Together we open the door to the internal experience of living with OCD and discuss the symptoms, impact, treatment and how to get the support you need from your healthcare team. Jenna doesn't hold back and you'll leave this episode informed and feeling less alone.

Connect with Jenna:

@jenna.overbaugh on Instagram

All The Hard Things Podcast

Resources me...

Am I screwing up my kids?

I've laid in bed wondering this and I know I'm not alone.

In this episode I invited Dr. Sumi Raghavan to help us explore the answer to this question.

Together we discuss steps we can take today to begin the work of breaking generational cycles as parents, unhook from unrealistic expectations of perfection, and tap into our own intuition amidst all the noise when it comes to showing up for our kids (and ourselves).

Dr. Sumi Raghavan is a clinical psychologist practicing virtually in Brooklyn, New...

The toddler years...somehow one of my favorite stages and simultaneously so exhausting and triggering.

In this episode I invited my colleague Gayane Aramyan, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and fellow mother to a 2 and half year old, on to the podcast to talk about the challenges of the season and how we can move beyond survival. We discuss tantrums, triggers, self-care and relationships during this cute AND demanding season.

You can learn more about Gayane, her practice, and her motherhood group by visiting her website www.therapywithgayane.com or following along on instagram @therapywithgayane.

The coughing, the sneezing, the snot, the sore throats...this viral season has been A LOT.

I invited Dr. Krupa Playforth, board certified pediatrician and mom of 3 back on to the podcast to help us navigate the load of caring for our sick kids while navigating all the stress of being a parent (and possibly sick yourself!)

We discuss:

*Proactive steps we can take to boost immunity and protect our family from all the germs going around

*Caring steps we can take once the illness hits our home, and the data...

Finally, an episode fully dedicated to EMDR!

In this episode we're taking you behind closed doors to demystify this powerful and evidence-based approach to processing your trauma and triggers.

We walk you through what EMDR is, who it can help, and how to find an EMDR trained therapist.

I'm also thrilled to introduce you to EMDR certified therapist and consultant Sarah Rosney, LCSW. Licensed in New York, New Hampshire and Massachusetts she has a special interest in supporting adults in processing their birth experiences, pregnancy loss, and attachment-based trauma.

If you...

This episode has been a long time coming.

I've shared my birth stories on this podcast before, but I've wanted to do a deeper dive into birth trauma for a long time now.

When planning this episode there was no better person to dive deep with than my colleague Dr. Alexandra Shrake. Her own traumatic birth was the muse for her research and her desire to hold space for others who have experienced an intense or traumatic birth, and in this episode we:

*Support you in naming the parts of your birth that wer...

You have a million tabs open in your brain, you're the one keeping track of all the family appointments, the school emails, the grocery list, each child's current preferences, and when your kids need something....they come to you first. 

Can you relate? If you can, there's a word that might resonate...the default parent.

In today's episode I invited mental health advocate, cycle breaker, content creator and mother of two Libby Ward (from Diary of an Honest Mom) to unpack this experience.

How did we get here? What's the cost? (hint: burnout, anxi...

Let's talk about tongue ties!

In this episode I share my conversation with pediatric physical therapist Brita DeStefano to demystify tongue ties.

Brita shares both her personal and professional experience with tongue ties and the stressors and emotions that can come with this experience.

Together we discuss:

*What exactly is a tongue tie?

*What are some stressors that can come with this experience?

*Experiences of being invalidated by providers and questions to ask to make sure you're getting the support you and your child need.

...

In this very personal episode, I sit down with Kristin Gallant, co-founder of Big Little Feelings. We are getting real, raw, and vulnerable as we discuss our own pregnancy loss stories.

This episode discusses the physical, emotional, relational, and mental toll of pregnancy loss as well as the ways we individually processed these experiences. We talk about the importance of support and community, resources like EMDR therapy, and the varied ways birthing people process this type of experience.

We hope you walk away from this episode feeling less alone in what can be a very...

Today I am SO excited to be talking all about potty training with Allison Jandu!

Personally, I was thrilled to sit down with Allison to ask all of my questions as I enter the potty training stage with my youngest. I am thrilled to share this episode with all of you to support and de-mystify the potty training journey.

We're talking all about timing, signs your child is ready, developmental changes around the time of potty training, ways to support your child's readiness for potty training, supportive tools and language, and other actionable tips to...

Let's unpack the idea of "balance" for the working parent! In this episode we explore the relationship we have with our work while holding space for our relationships and family life. 

I invited New York based therapist Justine Carino on to the podcast, and together we share our personal journeys in navigating the challenges of being working parents, unpack the impact of societal expectations and share tangible tips for prioritizing your values in work and family life.

For more from Justine:

Thoughts from the Couch - Using Your Values to Guide Your Decisions in...

In this episode I am honored to sit down with Dr. Jasmine to talk about her real-life experience with severe PPD (postpartum depression), which happened to show up for her alongside PPA (otherwise known as postpartum anxiety.)

We are diving deep into what PPD and PPA can really look like. Together we explore sleep deprivation, breastfeeding, the decision to supplement, medication, seeking support, guilt, shame, and intrusive thoughts.

If you are a new parent, expecting parent, or a person who has experienced PPD and PPA, we hope you find this episode supportive and walk away fro...

Does the phrase "I look fine, but I'm not fine" sound anything like you? If is does, you're not alone.

I invited my friend Dr. Sahar Martinez to talk all about this idea on this week's episode. We're talking all about anxiety, the tough moments of parenting, healing as parents, and connecting with your own inner child through the experiences of parenting.

We're sharing personal stories and actionable tips of ways you can start to not only "look fine” but truly start to care for your needs. We hope you find some valuable tools in thi...

When you're going through the challenges of TTC, pregnancy, and postpartum, we often hear about the physical challenges and mental health - but how are those things connected?

If you find the challenges of becoming a parent difficult both physically and mentally, you are definitely not alone!

Today, we're talking all about that physical and mental health connection with Krystle Howald from Expecting and Empowered. We're sharing our own experiences as parents, addressing the connection between physical and mental health symptoms, and discussing the ways physical therapy and being proactive about your mental health can...

Friendship in motherhood and parenthood is life-giving -- but it's also really challenging!

Do you find yourself struggling to balance your friendships with your new role as a parent? Or feeling awkward trying to meet new friends after baby? If so, you're not alone.

This is an all-too-common challenge of parenthood which is why I invited my friend Miriam Kirmayer to talk all about friendships after baby on today's episode. We're talking about our personal experiences with friendship after baby, strategies for making and sustaining friendships, and the importance of meaningful and supportive friends in...

Parenting can be...A LOT, and today we're talking all about PARENTAL BURNOUT.

We often hear about burnout in the context of work or career, but burnout and exhaustion can absolutely show up in parenting. If you find yourself dreading the end of naptime because there wasn't enough time, feeling depleted, struggling with the idea of attaining perfection in parenting... you're not alone.

I invited my friend Dr. Morgan Cutlip to talk about her experience as a professional and a mom in navigating burnout. We're discussing what parental burnout looks like, how you can identify i...

How does your past impact your parenting? Today we're talking all about the ways that motherhood and parenthood can trigger our past pain or trauma.

I invited my friend Yara Heary on this week's episode to discuss her own story with healing in parenthood. We're sharing our own experiences and hope you leave this episode with actionable steps and a better understanding of how we can heal and re-wire our past wounds.

Yara is a Perth, Australia psychologist who works exclusively with women throughout conception, pregnancy, and motherhood. Yara started Life After Birth Psychology following...

Compassion is something we often give to others with ease, but it's so much harder to give ourselves that same type of grace -- especially in tough parenting moments. If you are a highly sensitive parent (or suspect you may be!) these difficult moments can feel even MORE intense.

If you are struggling to navigate sensitivity in you or your child, you are not alone.

I invited my friend Runda Ebeid on the podcast today to talk all about self-compassion for sensitive parents and sensitive kids. Runda is a pediatric Occupational Therapist & brings her expertise t...

On the first day I dropped my daughter off at preschool, she came home and said "Mommy, there are ouchies in my mouth." -- as it turned out, she had the hand foot mouth disease & I had to call her daycare on DAY ONE to let them know!

If you have a child in daycare, this may be a familiar story. You're not alone! Navigating healthy habits and immunity with children in daycare and school is a challenge and can bring up a lot of difficult feelings like anxiety & guilt.

Today, we're talking all about ke...

Let's talk about Anxiety, particularly when it shows up around money.

Money and finances can feel complicated, overwhelming, and anxiety-inducing! Our own individual and family stories around money can inform the way we think about money as adults, and as we navigate the discussion around money with our own children.

Today, we're talking all about Money Anxiety with Financial Therapist Lindsay Bryan-Podvin to address all things personal finance, financial anxiety, finances in relationships, and how to talk about money with your children.

Lindsay Bryan-Podvin (she/her) is a biracial financial therapist, podcast host, s...

New parenthood comes with so many challenges--sleep deprivation, so many decisions, new identities, and the monumental shift in the relationship with your partner as you become parents.

With all this stress, how do we find each other again? How do we get on the same team?

Today, I'm talking with Matthias Barker all about partner relationships and parenting. We're covering everything from the research behind relational satisfaction in parenting to tangible tips for supporting your parter relationship in the trenches of early parenthood and beyond.

I hope you find this episode supportive and t...

Do you experience driving anxiety as a parent? Dread getting in the car because your kiddo seems to hate it? Feel overwhelmed by picking and installing a car seat?

If this sounds like you, you're definitely not alone!

I've invited my friend Michelle from Safe in the Seat to talk all about driving anxiety and car seat safety. You'll leave this episode with steps to build your car seat confidence and tools for navigating the anxiety triggered by driving.

Michelle is a parent and the founder of Safe in the Seat. She is recog...

Remember when we thought we would stay home for a few weeks and this pandemic would be behind us?!

Well, here we are a few years later and it's still impacting our every day in so many different ways.

Caution fatigue, decision fatigue, anxiety, uncertainty, isolation, grief, sadness...if you're feeling it, you're not alone.

In today's episode I sit down with my colleague Dr. Veronica Eyo, mom to 3 and Licensed Clinical Social Worker, to discuss pandemic burnout for parents. You'll walk away with a better understanding for WHY you're feeling burnt out...

Having a baby can put a strain on partner relationships and with all the shifts in identity, sleep deprivation, and new found pressures and boundaries to navigate...new parents are at risk for increased conflict. So, how can couples stay connected while experiencing the struggles that understandably bring them conflict?

This is an important question, and to support you in this new season as a couple I've invited Dr. Steve and Lisa Call from The Reconnect Institute onto the podcast and together we are unpacking conflict and finding connection again after baby and beyond.

Connect with...

Do you have a picky eater in your life?! I was! So this is a topic especially close to my heart. A child's relationship with food, eating, and their body can follow them into adulthood. So how do we navigate these incredibly important conversations around "pickiness"?

The relationship with food is complicated. It is personal, relational, and unavoidable.

We're talking all about that complicated dynamic today. I invited Jenny Friedman, MS, RD onto the podcast. Join us as we discuss how you can support your child in building a healthy and comfortable relationship with food...

I'm a recovering perfectionist, and in this episode I'm sharing my story.

Perfectionism is often rooted in Anxiety. Maybe if I do this perfect, then I'll be safe? Unfortunately, there's no shortage of messages that can keep us stuck in the cycle of striving for control through Perfection while ignoring our own needs, falling short because, well...we are HUMAN, and feeling swallowed up by the Guilt or Shame that follows. Can you relate?

I invited my friend Kaitlin Soule, LMFT (author of the upcoming book A Little Less of a Hot Mess) to hear...

Want to know one of the most common questions I get asked from expecting parents: Can Postpartum Anxiety show up BEFORE baby is born?

Yes it totally can, and this challenging yet not discussed enough experience has its own name: PRENATAL Anxiety.

In this episode I share my conversation with Liesel Teen, Labor and Delivery Nurse and founder of Mommy Labor Nurse. Together we discuss ways you can begin to identify and address Prenatal Anxiety. She offers us many helpful and actionable tips to support you in navigating the Anxiety that may pop up during p...

When you think about preparing for a new baby, what comes to mind?

The perfect registry. Check!

The finished nursery. Check!

The ideal birth plan. Check!

These are often the featured items on our checklist when we are expecting, and checking these things off our list can offer us a sense of control.

Yet, what about preparing for the more nuanced and unexpected aspects of postpartum? Like, how this huge transition can bring up some pretty big emotions...

We face a lot of conflicting and ambiguous feelings...

RESOURCE ALERT! This is a different kind of podcast episode. In this episode I'm highlighting a resource that I've personally found helpful in my own mindfulness/wellness journey.

We're all starting to learn how important Mindfulness is when it comes to our mental health, right? I know I talk about it often with clients, and I've talked about it's role in my own life here on the podcast. I often recommend apps like Calm and Headspace as a great starting off point, but always wished there was a resource directed to new parents.

Enter...Expectful...

For many of us our 'fur babies' hold a very special place in our heart. So much so that when we're preparing to become a parent to a human baby, sometimes we can't help but feel a little guilty, anxious, or fearful about how a newborn might change our relationship with our pets.

Maybe you're worried about how your pet will react to your baby, how your relationship with your pet will change with a baby around, or maybe you're already in the thick of postpartum and struggling with some of the big feelings coming up related...

Sex and intimacy after having a baby can be very different. We're often approved for sex and exercise at that six week postpartum appointment…but what if we're not ready? What if it's too soon? What if your partner is ready and you aren't or vice versa? What if your libido is off because of the hormonal fluctuations after having a baby? What if you're worried about pain or not feeling comfortable in your body?

No one prepares us for these challenges. That's why today I am joined by the Shrink Chicks to talk about sex and in...

Have you ever had a thought in postpartum that felt disturbing or distressing to you? It pops up randomly, and you're kind of like, WOAH, where did that come from? What is wrong with me??

Maybe it was something like dropping your baby, getting into a car accident, an unwanted thought about your baby while changing their diaper, or something else of that nature...bottom line, it's intrusive and distressing. 

If you can resonate with this experience, chances are you may have never even mentioned them to anyone. You might feel ashamed and lonely in t...

This episode has a really special place in my heart on a personal level. Over the last two years we’ve worked with Occupational Therapists to support the sensory processing challenges my own kids experience.

Maybe you're in the same boat and your child is experiencing something similar or maybe, you're wondering what sensory processing disorder even is and if your child might be having a sensitivity to sensory processing...

Whichever the case, you're in the right place. I have invited Laura Petix of @theotbutterfly onto the podcast to demystify Occupational Therapy, to talk about th...

When I'm working with an individual or couple who just had a baby, one of the first things I ask about is...SLEEP! Not the age old question you get from most other people: "how is the baby sleeping?" No, I want to know how YOU are sleeping.

Postpartum can be a beast and a big part of that is often the lack of sleep that accompanies having a baby. Getting restorative rest can become even more challenging when navigating feeding. That's why I invited my own lactation consultant, friend and colleague, Robin Kaplan, onto the podcast...

In this episode we are talking about postpartum mental health for couples. I am joined by my friend and colleague, Dr. Tracy Dalgleish. Dr. Tracy is a licensed clinical psychologist and couples therapist based in Canada as well the creator of the supportive Instagram account, @dr.tracyd.

Dr. Tracy shares with us some signs and symptoms to look for if you or your partner are experiencing anxiety or depression during postpartum and she explains how postpartum anxiety or depression can impact your couple relationship. I share a bit about my personal experience with postpartum anxiety and depression...

Today's episode is a little bit different than most here on Holding Space Podcast...in the best way! Today I'm inviting my friends Mallory and Stranz Wolfgramm onto the podcast to talk about their experience preparing for their first child.

Mallory is actually a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and creator of the Instagram account @makemarriagework, but as I've shared from my personal experience, being a therapist doesn't actually prepare you for all the challenges that you and your partner can face when becoming parents and experiencing postpartum.

Today I'm walking Mallory and her husband...

Today's episode is for the non-birthing partners and those mama's who want to help support their non-birthing partner through the experience of having a baby and becoming a parent!

Today I'm excited to share with you my conversation with Eli Weinstein. Eli is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, creator of the Instagram account @eliweinstein_lcsw, and host of the Dude Therapist Podcast. In this episode Eli shares his experience as a first-time postpartum father. He discusses his personal struggles with expectations and bonding in the fourth trimester. Together we explore the important role of the non-birthing partner...

Let's cut right to the chase, this episode is about PEE, POOP, SEX, and all things pelvic floor after baby!

I'll be honest...for my postpartum experience, I had no idea what the pelvic floor even was. That's why in today's episode I have invited on The Vagina Whisperer, Sara Reardon. Sara is a pelvic floor physical therapist and creator of the popular Instagram account @the.vagina.whisperer.

Today Sara is helping to demystify the role of the pelvic floor and it's importance in our lives, particularly with pregnancy, birth and postpartum. Sara is walking...

In today's episode I am joined by my friend and colleague, Abbey Williams, and we are talking all about divorce, co-parenting, and thriving as a blended family. Abbey is a Licensed Social Worker and the creator of the popular podcast and Instagram account @mimosaswithmoms.

Today Abbey is sharing both her own personal experiences with us as well as her professional wisdom on the big feelings that can come up with divorce, co-parenting, and blended families as well as how to ensure you and your partner are putting your child first. Abbey speaks to the challenges that can...

Pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care for mamas across the world are NOT created equal. We often just assume that whatever care we get in our area or country is just the norm, but no one knows better than my guest today that this couldn't be further from the truth!

Today I am joined by my longtime friend Isobel Benesch. Having experienced birth and postpartum both in the United States and New Zealand, Isobel is sharing with us today the major differences between her experiences and the interviews she has conducted with mamas and experts across the world...

In this episode I am sharing my conversation with psychotherapist, Jessica Vanderwier, the creator of the Instagram account @ourmamavillage. Today Jess is sharing with us how we can teach our children about consent. In this episode Jess shares tangible ways and age-specific tips in which we can teach our kids from an early age about how to honor the boundaries of their bodies and to respect the boundaries of others. 

While what we discuss in this episode is incredibly important, I also realize that today's topic might be triggering for some of you depending on your context, c...

Have you ever wondered what it might be like to reach out to a perinatal psychiatrist? In this episode I share my conversation with Dr. Sarah Oreck, a Columbia University-trained psychiatrist focusing on women's mental health.

Join us as we chat about options for support and treatment when you’re struggling during pregnancy, after baby and beyond. Together we demystify the process of getting help and dive into both common and unexpected symptoms of postpartum mood and anxiety disorders for BOTH parents.

If you'd like to learn more from Dr. Sarah, you can follow her on...

As we talk about here often on Holding Space, it's not uncommon for our "own stuff" from our past to come up in our parenting journey. Our relationship with food and our relationship with our body is no different.

In today's episode I am joined by my friend Crystal Karges. Crystal is a maternal child health specialist, food and body image coach for moms, and lactation consultant. She is passionate about helping moms ditch the diet culture, heal their relationships with food and their bodies and raise children who can trust, honor, and nourish their bodies. In...

Oh, the big tantrums...can I speak for all of us when I say it's definitely one of the harder parts of parenting to navigate? 

These moments can also bring up old stuff from our own childhoods. When tantrums happen maybe we respond by just doing what our parents did with us, or maybe we're just trying to do the exact opposite of our own parent's parenting styles. Neither can feel like solid direction in how to truly support our kids (and ourselves) when big feelings spill over.

Today I am so excited to share w...

The month of May is Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month! I am incredibly grateful that Dr. Therese Mascardo of @exploring.therapy is joining us on the podcast again for this very important episode that explores and recognizes the pain and resilience of the AAPI community.

Dr. Therese is sharing with us some of the unique challenges that the AAPI community has faced over the past year as well as the strengths and resilience of Asian Americans. She also shares with us different resources for and ways to support the AAPI community including:

@asiansformentalhealth

Do you find yourself being anxious about whether or not your baby is meeting developmental milestones? Maybe you're constantly googling or checking a milestone app to see if your baby is "normal." Or maybe you find yourself comparing your baby's progress to others. When you feel like your baby is falling behind it can be followed by a wave of parent guilt. Trust me, I know...I've been there before!

In today's episode I'm joined by pediatric physical therapist Kailee Noland. You may know her as @themovementmama on Instagram! In this conversation Kailee and I are talking...

Do you find yourself constantly going to Google with all your questions or maybe feeling overwhelmed by all the information that is out there? Maybe you feel confused by all the conflicting opinions, or feeling drained by endless scrolling and comparison on social media?

If so, don't worry, you are not alone! There is nothing wrong with you. If you're a millennial facing these experiences, this is what my friend and business partner, Dr. Christine Sterling, is now calling the Millennial Parent Problem.

In this episode Dr. Sterling is breaking down the four main elements...

Have you ever wondered how to support your little one's speech from the start? In this episode I'm sharing my conversation with Brooke and Bridget, a.k.a. The Speech Sisters. Brooke and Bridget are speech-language pathologists, moms, and sisters! Their mission is to educate and empower parents in their child's language development.

In this episode Brooke and Bridget demystify speech therapy and share tips and tricks for naturally supporting speech milestones through every day activities from the start. I share our family's personal story of going to speech therapy and my experience with mom guilt over...

Did you know we are wired for comparison as human beings? Yet, in the modern age where we have so much access to the curated highlight reels of other parents and access to so much information, we can sometimes find ourselves comparing our real lives to unrealistic expectations.

To breastfeed or to bottle-feed? What should go in your birth plan? How much screen time should your older kids have? We have so many decisions, advice, and opinions from others to navigate. 

In today's episode I am joined by Certified Nurse Midwife, Ailsa. I love this c...

Becoming a parent often brings a lot of experiences from our own childhood to the surface. Patterns of interacting and engaging within a family system can be passed down through generations. Sometimes this includes special and meaningful family traditions and ways of connecting, but other times this can include unhealthy dynamics and patterns.

For many of us, we don't have a choice of what we are exposed to as children, but in this week's episode I am talking with my good friend and fellow therapist Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart about how we can make the brave decision to...

The journey and longing for a baby can be incredibly hard. You might be early on in your fertility journey and finding yourself surprised by the intense emotions and disappointment when you get a negative pregnancy test. Or maybe, you're further along and beginning to explore fertility treatment options. No matter where you are in your journey, I'm glad you're here.

I am joined this week by Dr. Temeka Zore @temekazoremd to talk about fertility burnout. Dr. Zore is a Fertility specialist and Board-certified OB/GYN, who completed a fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at UCLA.<...

Whether you're one month in, 6 months in, or over a year into your fertility journey, it can be overwhelming to say the least. The mental and emotional load can be a lot to carry both on an individual level and within your partner relationship. Not to mention, it can be challenging to navigate and sift through all the information and myths around fertility.

That's why this week I asked Dr. Danielle Lane, a highly regarded endocrinology and fertility specialist, onto the podcast to talk about all things fertility. Dr. Lane de-mystifies the fertility experience by offering insights...

Did you feel an instant connection with your baby after they were born? Or maybe, did it take a little longer to bond and grow in love? If your experience was more like the latter, you are not alone....and I share my story here.

In this episode I am joined by my friend Rachel Rainbolt. Rachel was one of my greatest resources of support when I was struggling with bonding with my baby. In this episode she offers compassionate and supportive tips for how to embrace the imperfect and new relationship you have with your baby.<...

Do you ever feel a sense of overwhelm when you're scrolling on social media? Or maybe you log off the app feeling not enough or like you're a project to be improved? In today's episode I am joined by LMFT Whitney Goodman of @sitwithwhit and we are talking about wellness overload in digital spaces. Maybe you follow a number of mental health professionals on Instagram or experts in the postpartum and parenting wellness arena. While these accounts are intended to be helpful, sometimes we can begin to feel overwhelmed by the overload of advice and wellness content.

...

A big fear and struggle for many postpartum parents is the impact that having a baby will have on their partner relationship. With postpartum there is more responsibility, less sleep, and less time to connect and repair with your partner. If your relationship feels disconnected in postpartum or you have a fear this could happen one day in the future, this is the episode for you. Today I am joined by relationship coach and therapist, Sheina Schochet from @loveafterbaby, and we are talking about all things intimacy, communication, and connection. In this episode we bring you tangible tips to...

Why can motherhood be so overstimulating at times? The noise, the mess, the touching, it can all lead to sensory overload. Sometimes we respond to this overload with irritability, followed by guilt or shame for our behaviors. Can you relate? This is the topic for today's episode with psychologist Dr. Ashurina Reams. You can continue to follow Dr. Ream's work and find her offerings through instagram @psychedmommy.

Resource mentioned in the episode:

Simplicity Parenting by Kim John Payne and Lisa M Ross.

This episode was brought to by Storq.com.

Did y...

In this episode I share my conversation with Dr. Kelly Fradin, Pediatrician and author of Parenting in a Pandemic. Dr. Fradin demystifies your biggest worries when it comes to the coronavirus and children, and answers questions about steps parents can take to keep their families safe during the upcoming holidays. We explore the social emotional impact of living in a pandemic for both parents and their children, and offer tips for staying well both physically and mentally.

To continue to follow Dr. Fradin's work you can find her on instagram @adviceigivemyfriends, and you can buy her book...

In this episode I share my conversation with Chasity Holcomb, Licensed Professional Counselor. Together we explore the identity transition of becoming a mother. While we might hope and imagine that we will just connect with that new identity after our baby is born, it is very common to not feel comfortable or confident in your role as "mom" right away! You can learn more from Chasity at her Momfully You blog here: https://chasityholcomb.com/blog/

This episode was brought to you by Storq.

Did you connect with that episode? The best way to support H...

In this episode I share my conversation with Lindsey Shipley, RN, IBCLC-certified lactation coach and founder of Lactation Link. In this episode Lindsey shares her story of grief and loss that she experienced after having a baby and being diagnosed with cancer. Together we explore how Lindsey found joy even amidst the grief and pain.

You can continue to follow Lindsey's journey on Instagram @lindsey_shipley 

This episode was brought to you by Storq. 

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