Celeste The Therapist Podcast

 Daily Shift 147: You can't pour from a regulated nervous system you don't have Everyone's heard "you can't pour from an empty cup." But what happens when the cup itself is broken? In today's episode, Celeste takes that idea deeper — into your nervous system. Because it's not just about being full. It's about being regulated. And if your system is dysregulated, no amount of rest or self-care will stick until you address what's underneath. If you keep trying to take care of everyone else while running on fumes, this one will change how you think about it. Today's shift: Do one regulation practice before you give anything to anyone today.

   Somewhere along the way, most of us learned that slowing down means you're not serious. That doing less means you don't care enough. In today's episode, Celeste challenges that belief directly — and makes the case that reducing your load isn't quitting. It's one of the most courageous things you can do when you're running on empty. If guilt shows up every time you try to slow down, this one is for you. Today's shift: Identify one thing you can put down today — without guilt.

Your body has been trying to talk to you. The tension in your shoulders. The foggy mind. The short fuse. The exhaustion that sleep doesn't fix. In today's episode, Celeste breaks down what it actually looks like when your nervous system is sending distress signals — and why so many of us have learned to ignore them. If you've been pushing through signals your body has been sending for a while, this one will help you start listening again. Today's shift: Notice one signal today — and instead of overriding it, listen.

 Burnout doesn't happen in a day. It's the result of a hundred small moments where you pushed through, ignored the signs, and kept going because that's what you were taught to do. In today's episode, Celeste breaks down how we end up depleted — and why the buildup was never your fault. If you've been beating yourself up for burning out, this one will give you some relief. Today's shift: Stop blaming yourself for the buildup. Awareness is where the healing starts.

Burnout doesn't always announce itself. Sometimes it looks like staying busy, going numb, or just feeling nothing while you keep showing up. In today's episode, Celeste talks about the quiet version of burnout — the one that hides behind productivity and performance — and why you don't have to hit rock bottom to say "this is too much." If you've been telling yourself you're fine while running on empty, this one is for you. Today's shift: You don't have to fix anything — just name where you actually are.

Colon cancer is no longer just a concern for older adults. More and more younger people are being diagnosed — often at later stages. In this episode, I sit down with board-certified medical oncologist Dr. Avishek Kumar to talk about why this shift is happening and what people need to start paying attention to. We explore how symptoms are often dismissed or misdiagnosed, the patterns he's seeing firsthand, and the critical warning signs that should never be ignored. This is a conversation about awareness, advocacy, and learning how to listen to your body before small signals become bigger concerns. In this episode, we discuss: Why colon cancer is increasing in younger adults The "too young" mindset that delays diagnosis Symptoms that are often overlooked or minimized The importance of early detection How to start advocating for your health If something feels off in your body, it's worth paying attention to.

In today's Daily Shift, we explore what to do when a boundary keeps getting crossed — and why repeating yourself isn't the answer. A boundary isn't just what you say. It's what you do when it's crossed. Consequences aren't punishment — they're how boundaries become real. In this episode: Why repeating a boundary doesn't always work The difference between a boundary and a consequence What to ask yourself when nothing is changing Continue the work: Join the Shift community as we practice boundaries in real life. Live Regulation Sessions: Regulate With Me on TikTok + Instagram Thursdays & Sundays at 8:30pm EST

In today's Daily Shift, we close out the Relationship Shift Series by reflecting on what you've actually been building. Healthy relationships don't require perfection. They require people who know how to come back — to themselves and to each other. In this episode: What you've built across this series Letting go of the idea of perfect relationships What it means to keep choosing to come back Continue the work: Join the Shift community as we keep practicing together. In-person classes (Massachusetts): Shifting the Way You Think Wellness Center → stwyt.com

In today's Daily Shift, we explore what secure connection actually feels like — and why it can feel unfamiliar even when it's exactly what we've been looking for. Security in relationships starts with security in yourself. This is what you've been building toward. In this episode: Why secure connection can feel suspicious at first What anxious and avoidant patterns look like in real life What you're actually building toward in this work Continue the work: Join the Shift community — and come regulate with us live. Live Regulation Sessions: Regulate With Me on TikTok + Instagram Thursdays & Sundays at 8:30pm EST

In today's Daily Shift, we explore the difference between loneliness and being alone — and why learning to be with yourself changes everything. Loneliness isn't about physical solitude. It's about disconnection. And the deepest disconnection often happens from within. In this episode: Why being alone can feel uncomfortable The real difference between loneliness and solitude How your relationship with yourself shapes every other relationship Continue the work: Join the Shift community as we build healthier relationship patterns. Guided Journal: 365 Days of Intentional Living — available now

In today's Daily Shift, we explore why we keep attracting the same relationship dynamics — and what's really driving it. It's not about being broken or bad at choosing people. It's about familiarity. And learning to tell the difference between what feels familiar and what actually feels good. In this episode: Why we're drawn to familiar dynamics What your nervous system is really doing Where the pattern actually starts to shift Continue the work: Join the Shift community as we build healthier relationship patterns. Grab the book: Relationship Goals: A Guide to a Healthy Relationship — available now

In today's Daily Shift, we explore conflict — and why most of us either shut down or escalate when things get hard. Real repair isn't about winning or smoothing things over. It's about learning to stay present with yourself and the other person at the same time. In this episode: Why conflict triggers a physical response first The two ways we leave relationships during conflict What it actually looks like to repair Continue the work: Join the Shift community as we build healthier relationship patterns. In-person classes (Massachusetts): Shifting the Way You Think Wellness Center → stwyt.com

In today's Daily Shift, we talk about what happens when you start to outgrow old relationship patterns — and why it can feel disorienting even when it's growth. Doing this work changes you. And sometimes the relationships around you will shift too. That's not a sign you did something wrong. In this episode: The strange discomfort of growth Why some relationships feel different when you stop shrinking What it means when people can't meet your new self Continue the work: Join the Shift community — and come regulate with us live. Live Regulation Sessions: Regulate With Me on TikTok + Instagram Thursdays & Sundays at 8:30pm EST

In today's Daily Shift, we explore why setting boundaries can feel so loaded — and how to start shifting that. Boundaries aren't about pushing people away. They're about staying honest in your relationships without abandoning yourself. In this episode: Where the fear of boundaries comes from What boundaries actually are Learning to hold them without guilt Continue the work: Join the Shift community as we build healthier relationship patterns. Guided Journal: 365 Days of Intentional Living — available now

In today's Daily Shift, we explore why receiving can feel uncomfortable—and what that discomfort is really protecting you from. Healthy relationships require both giving and receiving. Learning to let care in is part of the work. In this episode: Why receiving feels unsafe for many people The connection between overgiving and deflecting One small shift to start practicing Continue the work: Join the Shift community as we build healthier relationship patterns. Grab the book: Relationship Goals: A Guide to a Healthy Relationship — available now

In today's Daily Shift, we explore overgiving in relationships. What looks like love can sometimes be a pattern rooted in fear of disconnection. Healthy relationships allow for mutual effort and balance. In this episode: The difference between love and overgiving Where overgiving patterns come from How to begin shifting toward balance Continue the work: Join the Shift community as we build healthier relationship patterns. In-person classes (Massachusetts): Shifting the Way You Think Wellness Center → stwyt.com

In today's Daily Shift, we begin the Relationship Shift Series by exploring the belief that your needs are "too much." Often, it's not that your needs are too much—it's that they weren't met in the right environments. Healing involves learning to express your needs without shrinking. In this episode: Where the "too much" belief comes from The difference between needs and environment Learning to show up fully in relationships Continue the work: Join the Shift community as we build healthier relationship patterns. Live Regulation Sessions: Join "Regulate With Me" on TikTok + Instagram Thursdays & Sundays at 8:30pm EST

In today's Daily Shift, we close out the Regulation Shift Series by reflecting on what regulation really looks like. It's not about staying calm all the time—it's about knowing how to come back to yourself. Regulation is built through small, consistent shifts over time. In this episode: What regulation actually looks like Letting go of perfection Returning to yourself again and again Continue the work: Join the Shift community as we continue practicing regulation together. In-person classes (Massachusetts): Shifting the Way You Think Wellness Center → stwyt.com Guided Journal: 365 Days of Intentional Living

In today's Daily Shift, we reflect on progress. Growth doesn't always feel big or obvious. It often shows up in small shifts—more awareness, more intention, and small changes in how you respond. In this episode: Recognizing subtle growth Letting go of perfection Understanding progress in real time Continue the work: Join the Shift community as we continue growing together. In-person classes (Massachusetts): Shifting the Way You Think Wellness Center → stwyt.com Guided Journal: 365 Days of Intentional Living

In today's Daily Shift, we explore what regulation looks like in real life. It's not about staying calm all the time—it's about making small, intentional shifts in real moments. That's where real change happens. In this episode: What regulation looks like in everyday situations Letting go of perfection Choosing to respond differently in real time Continue the work: Join the Shift community as we practice applying these tools in our daily lives. In-person classes (Massachusetts): Shifting the Way You Think Wellness Center → stwyt.com Guided Journal: 365 Days of Intentional Living

In this episode, we're having a conversation that many people avoid—but one that needs to be talked about more openly. Sibling sexual abuse is often misunderstood, minimized, or never acknowledged at all. Because of that, many individuals carry the impact of these experiences into adulthood without language, support, or validation. In this conversation, we explore what sibling sexual abuse actually is, why it's so often overlooked, and how it can affect someone emotionally, psychologically, and within their relationships over time. We also talk about what healing can begin to look like—especially when someone is just starting to make sense of their experience. This episode is not easy, but it is important. If this is something that resonates with you, you're not alone—and support is available. In this episode, we discuss: What sibling sexual abuse is and why it's often misunderstood How families and systems may minimize or overlook these experiences The long-term emotional and psychological impact The role of shame, silence, and confusion What healing and support can look like   Purchase on Amazon- Sibiling Sexual Abuse About Brad: Brad Watts is a licensed professional counselor and certified sex offender treatment provider in Knoxville, TN, specializing in treatment of survivors of complex trauma, as well as individuals and families where sibling sexual abuse has occurred. He is the author of the Amazon best-selling book, "Sibling Sexual Abuse: A Guide to Confronting America's Silent Epidemic". In Knoxville, Brad consults agencies and law enforement on responses to sibling sexual abuse and conducts psychosexual evaluations.  Brad conducts trainings and workshops across the United States on how to identify and respond to sibling sexual abuse. He works as an advocate for families where sibling sexual abuse has occurred, making many media appearances on podcasts, radio and television interviews in the United States, Canada, and Great Britain and has consulted for Nancy Grace's True Crimes podcast as well as for the Jordan Harbinger Show. 

In today's Daily Shift, we talk about resetting after a reaction. You don't have to get it right every time. Regulation includes recognizing your reaction, pausing, and choosing how to move forward without judgment. In this episode: Why reacting is part of the process The importance of resetting How to come back to yourself Continue the work: Join the Shift community as we practice awareness and self-compassion. In-person classes (Massachusetts): Shifting the Way You Think Wellness Center → stwyt.com Guided Journal: 365 Days of Intentional Living

In today's Daily Shift, we focus on the power of the pause. When you're triggered, your reaction is automatic. Creating even a small pause allows your body to settle and helps you respond with intention instead of reacting. In this episode: Why reactions happen so quickly The importance of pausing How to respond instead of react Continue the work: Join the Shift community as we practice slowing down and responding intentionally. In-person classes (Massachusetts): Shifting the Way You Think Wellness Center → stwyt.com Guided Journal: 365 Days of Intentional Living

In today's Daily Shift, we focus on grounding. When your mind is racing, coming back to your body can help you feel more present and safe. Regulation happens through the body, not just your thoughts. In this episode: Why your mind speeds up when overwhelmed The importance of grounding Simple ways to come back to your body Continue the work: Join the Shift community as we practice staying present and grounded. In-person classes (Massachusetts): Shifting the Way You Think Wellness Center → stwyt.com Guided Journal: 365 Days of Intentional Living      

In today's Daily Shift, we focus on one simple tool: your breath. When you're overwhelmed, your body responds before your thoughts. Slowing your breath is one of the fastest ways to support your nervous system. In this episode: Why breathing changes when you're overwhelmed How breath impacts your nervous system A simple way to start regulating in real time Continue the work: Join the Shift community as we practice simple tools for regulation. In-person classes (Massachusetts): Shifting the Way You Think Wellness Center → stwyt.com Guided Journal: 365 Days of Intentional Living

In today's Daily Shift, we explore what dysregulation actually looks like. It doesn't always show up as overwhelm—it can look like overthinking, irritability, shutting down, or staying constantly busy. Awareness is the first step toward change. In this episode: Common signs of dysregulation Why it shows up in different ways How awareness supports regulation Continue the work: Join the Shift community as we learn to recognize and respond to our patterns. In-person classes (Massachusetts): Shifting the Way You Think Wellness Center → stwyt.com Guided Journal: 365 Days of Intentional Livin

In today's Daily Shift, we explore why your body reacts before your mind. Your nervous system responds instantly to what feels unsafe, which is why reactions can feel intense before you have time to think. Regulation starts with supporting your body, not just your thoughts. In this episode: Why your body reacts so quickly The difference between body and mind responses How to begin slowing your reaction Continue the work: Join the Shift community as we learn to regulate our responses with awareness. In-person classes (Massachusetts): Shifting the Way You Think Wellness Center → stwyt.com Guided Journal: 365 Days of Intentional Living

In today's Daily Shift, we begin the Regulation Shift Series by exploring overwhelm. You're not overreacting—your nervous system is responding. Learning to support your body instead of judging it is key to regulation. In this episode: Why your reactions feel intense Understanding overwhelm vs overreaction How to begin supporting your body Continue the work: Join the Shift community as we learn to regulate and respond with awareness. In-person classes (Massachusetts): Shifting the Way You Think Wellness Center → stwyt.com Guided Journal: 365 Days of Intentional Living

In today's Daily Shift, we close out this series by reflecting on growth. Real change often shows up in small, subtle ways—how you respond, how you think, and how you treat yourself. These shifts may not feel big, but over time, they create lasting transformation. In this episode: Recognizing small changes in yourself Why growth doesn't have to be dramatic Reflecting on your progress Continue the work: Join the Shift community as we continue growing together. In-person classes (Massachusetts): Shifting the Way You Think Wellness Center → stwyt.com Guided Journal: 365 Days of Intentional Living

In today's Daily Shift, we talk about why growth can feel hard—and why that's part of the process. Change takes effort at first, especially when you're unlearning long-standing patterns. But with consistency, what feels hard now becomes natural over time. In this episode: Why growth feels difficult at first The process of unlearning old patterns How consistency creates change Continue the work: Join the Shift community as we stay consistent in our growth. In-person classes (Massachusetts): Shifting the Way You Think Wellness Center → stwyt.com Guided Journal: 365 Days of Intentional Living

In today's Daily Shift, we talk about what it means to choose differently. Growth isn't about waiting until it feels easy—it's about making intentional choices, even when old patterns feel more familiar. In this episode: Why we get pulled back into old patterns What it means to choose differently How small choices create real change Continue the work: Join the Shift community as we practice intentional growth together. In-person classes (Massachusetts): Shifting the Way You Think Wellness Center → stwyt.com Guided Journal: stwyt.com/store 365 Days of Intentional Living

In today's Daily Shift, we talk about the guilt that can come with setting boundaries. Guilt doesn't always mean you're doing something wrong—it can mean you're doing something new. Learning to sit with that discomfort is part of growth. In this episode: Why guilt shows up when you set boundaries The difference between guilt and doing something wrong How to stay grounded in your decisions Continue the work: Join the Shift community as we practice honoring ourselves without guilt. In-person classes (Massachusetts): Shifting the Way You Think Wellness Center → stwyt.com Guided Journal: stwyt.com/store

In today's Daily Shift, we explore why self-trust can feel difficult. Self-trust isn't something you magically have—it's something you build through consistent, intentional choices. If it feels hard, it doesn't mean you're failing. It means you're learning. In this episode: Why self-trust feels shaky How trust is built over time The power of small, consistent choices Continue the work: Join the Shift community as we practice rebuilding trust within ourselves. In-person classes (Massachusetts): Shifting the Way You Think Wellness Center → stwyt.com Guided Journal: 365 Days of Intentional Living

In today's Daily Shift, we talk about why using your voice can feel uncomfortable. For many, staying quiet was a way to stay safe. Speaking up can feel unfamiliar—but that doesn't mean it's wrong. It means you're growing. In this episode: Why using your voice feels uncomfortable The difference between intuition and conditioning Learning to express yourself with confidence Continue the work: Join the Shift community as we practice showing up fully and using our voice. In-person classes (Massachusetts): Shifting the Way You Think Wellness Center → stwyt.com Guided Journal: 365 Days of Intentional Living

In today's Daily Shift, we explore the cost of always being "easy." For many, being easy meant staying connected, avoiding conflict, and keeping the peace. But over time, it can lead to disconnecting from your own needs, voice, and boundaries. Growth isn't about becoming difficult—it's about becoming honest. In this episode: Why being "easy" can lead to self-abandonment How people-pleasing patterns develop What it means to show up honestly Continue the work: Join the Shift community as we practice showing up fully without abandoning ourselves. In-person classes (Massachusetts): Shifting the Way You Think Wellness Center → stwyt.com Guided Journal: 365 Days of Intentional Living              

In today's episode, David Swanson and I are talking about what it means to stay grounded, emotionally regulated, and morally clear in a time that feels overwhelming. So many people are feeling the weight of constant tension — in the news, in conversations, and in their own lives. It can feel like you're either consumed by it or completely shut down. In this conversation, we explore: What it means to stay engaged without burning out The difference between emotional reactivity and moral courage How power, control, and fear show up in leadership and culture The emotional cost of speaking up — and how to care for yourself while doing it What "bearing witness" really looks like in everyday life How to stay human in times that feel dehumanizing This isn't about politics. It's about how we show up, take care of ourselves, and remain grounded in who we are — even when things feel uncertain. If you've been feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or unsure how to navigate everything happening around you, this conversation is for you. If you're local to Massachusetts, we're offering in-person wellness classes at the Shifting the Way You Think Wellness Center in Stoughton. You can find upcoming classes at stwyt.com. And if this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who may need this reminder.

In today's Daily Shift, we explore the tension between growth and protection. Feeling stuck isn't always about motivation—it's often about parts of you that learned how to stay safe. Real change happens when you create safety within yourself, not force yourself forward. In this episode: Why you may feel stuck How protection shows up in adulthood A gentler approach to growth Continue the work: Join the Shift community as we practice intentional growth every day. In-person classes (Massachusetts): Shifting the Way You Think Wellness Center → stwyt.com Guided Journal: 365 Days of Intentional Living

You don't need to have everything figured out to move forward. So many of us stay stuck waiting for clarity… waiting to feel certain… waiting until we feel "ready." But clarity doesn't always come before the step. Sometimes it comes because of the step. In today's Daily Shift, we're letting go of the pressure to have the full plan—and learning how to trust ourselves enough to take the next step, even when things feel uncertain. Because forward movement doesn't require perfection. It requires presence. It requires trust. And sometimes… the smallest step is the one that changes everything.  

In this episode of The Daily Shift, Celeste explores the pressure many people feel to rush their growth, decisions, and progress. But clarity and healing don't come from urgency—they come from alignment. This episode is a reminder that you're allowed to move at your own pace and trust your timing. Small shifts create big change.

In this episode of The Daily Shift, Celeste explores how true peace is not created by external circumstances, but by the relationship we build with ourselves. When self-trust is strong, we are less reactive, less dependent on validation, and more grounded in our decisions. This episode closes the Self-Trust Series, highlighting how trust creates a steady, internal sense of peace. Small shifts create big change.

In this episode of The Daily Shift, Celeste explores how self-trust naturally shifts the way we show up in our relationships. As we begin to honor our boundaries and make more aligned decisions, relationship dynamics may change. This episode is a reminder that these changes are not something to fix, but something to understand. Self-trust brings clarity to which relationships can grow with you. This episode continues the Self-Trust Series. Small shifts create big change.

In this episode of The Daily Shift, Celeste explores how personal growth can shift dynamics in relationships. As you begin to trust yourself more, not everyone will understand or agree with your changes. This episode is a reminder that agreement is not required for alignment. Self-trust grows when you stay connected to your own clarity, even when others respond differently. This episode continues the Self-Trust Series. Small shifts create big change.

Second-Guessing Yourself Is a Learned Habit In this episode of The Daily Shift, Celeste explores how second-guessing is often a learned pattern developed from past experiences, environments, or relationships. Self-trust grows when we begin to recognize these patterns and create space between our decisions and the urge to doubt them. This episode continues the Self-Trust Series. Small shifts create big change.

Your Past Doesn't Disqualify Your Judgment In this episode of The Daily Shift, Celeste explores how past mistakes can sometimes lead people to doubt their own judgment. But mistakes don't disqualify our ability to trust ourselves — they often strengthen our awareness and discernment. Self-trust grows when we allow our experiences to inform our decisions rather than define our limitations. This episode continues the Self-Trust Series. Small shifts create big change.

In this episode of The Daily Shift, Celeste explores how constantly seeking others' opinions can weaken our ability to trust our own judgment. While guidance can be helpful, too many voices can create confusion and distance us from our instincts. Self-trust grows when we learn to pause, listen inward, and make decisions aligned with our own values. This episode continues the Self-Trust Series. Small shifts create big change.

Over-Explaining Is Often a Sign of Self-Doubt In this episode of The Daily Shift, Celeste explores why many people feel the need to over-explain their decisions. Over-explaining often comes from seeking reassurance or trying to prevent disappointment. Building self-trust means learning that not every decision requires a detailed explanation. Sometimes clarity can be communicated in a single sentence. This episode continues the Self-Trust Series. Small shifts create big change.

In this episode of The Daily Shift, Celeste explores how self-trust develops over time through small, everyday decisions. Listening to your instincts, honoring your limits, and making aligned choices gradually strengthen the relationship you have with yourself. Self-trust isn't built through one big moment — it grows through consistent awareness and intentional decisions. This episode continues the Self-Trust Series. Small shifts create big change.

Confusion Often Comes From Ignoring Yourself In this episode of The Daily Shift, Celeste explores how confusion often grows when we override our instincts and seek validation outside ourselves. Many times the answers we're searching for are already present—we just haven't learned to trust them yet. Rebuilding self-trust starts with slowing down and listening more closely to the signals within. This episode continues the Self-Trust Series. Small shifts create big change. stwyt.com/events

Your Body Often Knows Before Your Mind Does In this episode of The Daily Shift, Celeste explores how rebuilding self-trust often begins with listening to the signals our body has been sending us all along. Many of us learned to override our instincts, dismiss our emotions, or push past discomfort. But awareness starts when we pause long enough to notice what our body is communicating. Self-trust is built through small moments of listening, reflection, and intentional decision making. This episode is part of the Self-Trust Series within The Daily Shift. Small shifts create big change.

Lately many people have been feeling overwhelmed by the constant stream of news, social media, and global events. When the world feels heavy, it can leave us feeling anxious, emotionally exhausted, or even numb. In this solo episode, Celeste talks about the psychological impact of living in a time where we are constantly exposed to information and stress. She explains what happens to our nervous system when we stay in a prolonged state of "alert mode" and why so many people feel mentally drained. More importantly, this episode focuses on what we can actually do to protect our mental health without ignoring the reality of what's happening in the world. In this episode we discuss: • Why our brains were not designed for 24/7 global awareness • How constant headlines and social media impact the nervous system • The two common traps people fall into when dealing with stress and uncertainty • How to stay informed without becoming emotionally overwhelmed • Simple ways to regulate your nervous system and protect your mental health If you've been feeling overwhelmed or mentally overloaded lately, this conversation offers perspective and practical ways to stay grounded. Small shifts create big change. Wellness Center If you're local to Massachusetts, we now offer in-person wellness classes at Shifting The Way You Think Wellness Center in Stoughton. Our space offers experiences designed to help you regulate your nervous system, reduce stress, and reconnect with yourself through practices like restorative yoga, sound healing, and mindfulness. Learn more about upcoming classes: https://stwyt.com Connect Follow Celeste the Therapist for more conversations about mental health, personal growth, and intentional living.

The Most Important Relationship You'll Ever Have In this milestone Daily Shift episode, Celeste reflects on the relationship that influences every decision we make—the relationship we have with ourselves. Self-trust, boundaries, and emotional awareness all begin with learning to listen to and respect your own experiences. When you strengthen the relationship with yourself, you rely less on outside validation and more on your own inner clarity. Growth doesn't happen all at once. It happens through small shifts in how we think, respond, and show up in our lives. Small shifts create big change.