Holding Space

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 to miss! Looking for more independent play support from Susie, including some of her favorite toys? Check out her independent play blog post here! Susie Allison is a former teacher with a Master's in Early Childhood Education and a mom to 3 kids. Her mission is to bring hands-on play and learning back to childhood, support others in their parenting journey, and help everyone make it to nap time. Visit her at www.busytoddler.com or on Instagram @busytoddler. *Become a client of Dr. Cassidy's by visiting www.drcassidymft.com (CA residents only). *Not based in California but looking for more support? Click here for steps on how to find a therapist in your area! Join Dr. Cassidy and her cozy era by visiting www.cozyearth.com! Be sure to check out their pajamas made with viscose from bamboo. Use code DRCASSIDY35 for 35% off sitewide!

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 California but looking for more support? Click here for steps on how to find a therapist in your area! Join Dr. Cassidy and her cozy era by visiting www.cozyearth.com! Be sure to check out their pajamas made with viscose from bamboo. Use code DRCASSIDY35 for 35% off sitewide!

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 shares how her partner had different needs in terms of support, the mental load of parenting a child with a disability, and steps you can take to feel less alone in your own parenting journey. TW: this story includes a medical emergency associated with Covid and discussions of postpartum depression and anxiety. Sometimes listening to someone else's story is exactly what we need, and sometimes we're not in a space yet to witness someone else's experience, and that's ok. Resources mentioned in the episode: Napa Center Disability Resource Guide PSI Support Groups *Become a client of Dr. Cassidy's or Casey by visiting www.drcassidymft.com (CA residents only). *Not based in California but looking for more support? Click here for steps on how to find a therapist in your area! Join Dr. Cassidy and her cozy era by visiting www.cozyearth.com! Be sure to check out their pajamas made with viscose from bamboo. Use code DRCASSIDY35 for 35% off sitewide!

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 bridge into accessing our agency and power when faced with hardship within ourselves and the oppressive systems around us. Dr. Cadet is the Founder and CEO of Change Cadet. As a Forbes Next 1000 Entrepreneur her work is behind some of the biggest brands you use everyday. Dismantling white supremacy through storytelling is at the core of her work as a leader, speaker, creative director, producer, writer, editor and author of forthcoming book White Supremacy is All Around: Notes From a Black Disabled Woman in a White World. You can also learn from her through her podcast Soft Black Women. Links to connect with Dr. Cadet's work: Website: https://www.changecadet.com/ Book: https://www.changecadet.com/book Instagram @changecadet

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 the end of the episode we invite your little one to join in with some fun song time! Consider this a connection opportunity, with some hidden speech support thrown in. I also share a connection ritual song that I sing every night with our kids that has proven to help us accept the hard feelings from the day too. Wee Talkers teaches parents of babies and toddlers how to support their child's language and communication development. They offer connection-driven language resources via online education, courses and memberships. You can learn more from Wee Talkers at https://www.weetalkers.com or on Instagram @weetalkers. *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 here for steps on how to find a therapist in your area! Join Dr. Cassidy and her cozy era by visiting www.cozyearth.com! Be sure to check out their pajamas made with viscose from bamboo. Use code DRCASSIDY35 for 35% off sitewide!

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. I can't wait to share more of her work with you through this conversation, and hope this episode and her book support you in reclaiming rest because you are so worthy of it, just as you are. Get her book Permission to Rest here! *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 here for steps on how to find a therapist in your area! Join Dr. Cassidy and her cozy era by visiting www.cozyearth.com! Be sure to check out their pajamas made with viscose from bamboo. Use code DRCASSIDY35 for 35% off sitewide!

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 on a mission to help couples break old relationship cycles and find joy in their relationships again. Her forthcoming debut book, I Didn't Sign Up for This: A Couples Therapist Shares Real-Life Stories of Breaking Patterns and Finding Joy in Relationships...Including Her Own (September 12, 2023), features case studies from her practice and her own relationship. Be sure to check out her book I Didn't Sign Up For This and her I'm Not Your Shrink Podcast! *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 here for steps on how to find a therapist in your area! Join Dr. Cassidy and her cozy era by visiting www.cozyearth.com! Be sure to check out their pajamas made with viscose from bamboo. Use code DRCASSIDY35 for 35% off sitewide!

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 here for steps on how to find a therapist in your area! Join Dr. Cassidy and her cozy era by visiting www.cozyearth.com! Be sure to check out their pajamas made with viscose from bamboo. Use code DRCASSIDY35 for 35% off sitewide!

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 of birth order, and how nurturing these connections can contribute to personal growth and emotional well-being. As a mother herself, Katherine also offers valuable insights into helping children build strong sibling bonds and fostering a sense of unity within the family. Join us as we celebrate the power of sibling connections and gain valuable wisdom with Katherine. Be sure to check out Katherine's children's book Goodnight, Sister and her Instagram Live series Before, During, After Baby! *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 here for steps on how to find a therapist in your area! Join Dr. Cassidy and her cozy era by visiting www.cozyearth.com! Be sure to check out their pajamas made with viscose from bamboo. Use code DRCASSIDY35 for 35% off sitewide!

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 focus on her mental health, getting support, and making meaning. As Amanda would say, "no sugar coating here. We're not happy all the time, and we're not sad all the time. Just real life, with a really hard disease." You can learn more about Type One Together at www.typeonetogether.com. Also be sure to check out the Type One Together brand new podcast, The 108 Podcast! *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 here for steps on how to find a therapist in your area! Join Dr. Cassidy and her cozy era by visiting www.cozyearth.com! Be sure to check out their joggers made with viscose from bamboo. Use code DRCASSIDY35 for 35% off sitewide!

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 Instagram @adviceigivemyfriends. *Download Dr. Cassidy's free Rage Triggers Quiz E-Book at https://courses.drcassidymft.com/rage-triggers-quiz *Become a client of Dr. Cassidy's private practice by visiting www.drcassidymft.com --- Join Dr. Cassidy and her cozy era by visiting www.cozyearth.com! Be sure to check out their joggers made with viscose from bamboo. Use code DRCASSIDY35 for 35% off sitewide!

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 liberation. The school offers education on topics such as anti-racism in the workplace, equitable business development, anti-racism parenting, inner work/personal growth, committing to anti-racism as a daily practice, and healthy relationships. She is a wife to her high-school sweetheart and a loving mother to two little ones. She is also a natural big, bold dreamer and a joyfully unapologetic Black woman who believes we shine brighter together. Learn more from her through the Shine Bright School by clicking here or visiting https://www.shinebrightschool.com/ Monique Melton's Website: https://moniquemelton.com/ Follow on IG: @shinebrightertogether and @moemotivate

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, and can have a direct impact on our mental health. So...what can we do about this? I invited Dr. Anisha Patel-Dunn to explore this with me. Together we name the issues and identify some tangible strategies for developing a healthier relationship with social media. We are the first generation to enter parenting in the era of social media and it's not going anywhere. So, let's figure it out together. For us, and for our children. Dr. Anisha Patel-Dunn is the Chief Medical Officer at LifeStance Health which you can learn more about at lifestance.com/. To learn more about Dr. Cassidy's California-based private practice visit https://www.drcassidymft.com/ If you're not based in California and looking for a therapist in your area, visit https://www.drcassidymft.com/blog/how-to-find-a-therapist-like-me

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.anitayokota.com. Be sure to check out her book Home Therapy! If you liked this episode you might also enjoy: Episode 110: How to Work Through Perfectionism and Tap Into Your Mom Intuition with Renata Cameron Episode 108: Am I Screwing Up My Kids with Dr. Sumi Raghavan To learn more about Dr. Cassidy's California-based private practice visit https://www.drcassidymft.com/ If you're not based in California and looking for a therapist in your area, visit https://www.drcassidymft.com/blog/how-to-find-a-therapist-like-me

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 learn more about Eve's work and Fair Play visit https://www.everodsky.com/fair-play To learn more about Dr. Cassidy's California-based private practice visit https://www.drcassidymft.com/ If you're not based in California and looking for a therapist in your area, visit https://www.drcassidymft.com/blog/how-to-find-a-therapist-like-me Make the most of bedtime with Boll and Branch sheets. Get 15% off your first order when you use promo code DRCASSIDY at bollandbranch.com. Exclusions apply. See site for details.

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 destined to have a strained relationship with our teens?" Her answer was "No", and together we wondered if we can set the stage for a different relationship with our children early on. In this episode we invite you all to join us in this conversation as we dive deeper into exploring the link between how we parent our children early on and the connection and trust we experience with our teens. Already past those toddler years? Don't worry, we walk you through the important conversations that can support you in building that connection and trust RIGHT where you're at today. To connect with Dr. Becky Kennedy and learn more about her book, community, workshops (like the Potty Learning and Deeply Feeling Kids workshop mentioned in the episode), as well as her podcast visit https://www.goodinside.com. If you're a California resident and interested in learning more about Dr. Cassidy's therapy practice you can connect with her directly at https://www.drcassidymft.com/contact. If you're not a California resident and you're looking for supportive steps to find a therapist visit https://www.drcassidymft.com/blog/how-to-find-a-therapist-like-me. Other episode you might like: Ep. 108 Am I Screwing Up My Kid? with Dr. Sumi Raghavan Athletic Greens is giving you a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D AND 5 free travel packs with you first purchase. Go to athleticgreens.com/holdingspace.

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 young children. Amy holds certifications in Perinatal Mental Health and HSP, and is passionate about providing resources for HSP parents, teaching them how to harness their strengths and manage challenges with grace and confidence, in order to thrive in parenthood. You can find Amy at www.highlysensitiveparenthood.com (for HSP Parent Resources & Coaching) and at www.innernaturetherapy.com (for Therapy for HSPs & Parents in California). Amy is offering listeners of Holding Space 20% off of any resources or services at Highly Sensitive Parenthood, simply use the code HOLDINGSPACE at checkout to save 20% on any of the following: Highly Sensitive Parenthood Course Nourish Coaching Package Highly Sensitive Parenthood Toolkit Supporting Your Highly Sensitive Child Course (Presale) To learn more about Dr. Cassidy's Group Therapy Practice for California parents visit www.drcassidymft.com.

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. This episode will help you answer the question: "where do we even start?" Vanessa is also one of my book besties. We connect over our love of spicy fantasy fiction, and share how reading spicy books can be a supportive step in reconnecting with that part of ourselves in parenthood. Connect with Vanessa and Xander over on Instagram @vanessaandxander where they share informed and open sex education with a hint of humor that makes it oh so relatable. You can learn more about Vanessa's work at vmtherapy.com and get their book at sextalksbook.com Athletic Greens is giving you a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D AND 5 free travel packs with you first purchase. Go to athleticgreens.com/holdingspace. To connect with Dr. Cassidy or learn more about her private practice, visit www.drcassidymft.com.

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 our children as we move through it. Sarah offers us the roadmap. Follow Sarah and soak up more of her support at @sarah_the_therapist on Instagram or you can learn more about Sarah's courses at https://sarahrosneylcsw.com/mindful-wellness-classroom/ To connect with Dr. Cassidy or learn more about her private practice, visit www.drcassidymft.com.

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 play kits) by clicking here! Continue to connect with Jessica and Lovevery on Instagram @lovevery and @jessicarolph and tune into Jessica's podcast My New Life. Athletic Greens is giving you a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D AND 5 free travel packs with you first purchase. Go to athleticgreens.com/holdingspace. Make the most of bedtime with Boll and Branch sheets. Get 15% off your first order when you use promo code DRCASSIDY at bollandbranch.com. Exclusions apply. See site for details.

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 connect with Vanessa: Website: www.vanessatrine.com Support Deck: https://odddaughterpaper.com/products/support-deck To learn more about Dr. Cassidy's California group private practice, visit www.drcassidymft.com.

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 make it any less important for us to explore and heal. These wounds can originate in our family systems, but they can also form later on in life through partner relationships, our work environment, friendships, and they can impact our own experience as parents. In this episode Vienna introduces us to 5 origin wounds: worthiness, prioritization, belonging, safety, and trust. You'll leave the episode with an understanding of your own origin wounds and next steps to start the healing process. To connect with Vienna follow along @mindfulmft or visit www.newyorkcouplescounseling.com. You can buy her book Origins of You wherever books are sold or by visiting https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/709274/the-origins-of-you-by-vienna-pharaon-lfmt/. This episode is brought to you by Athletic Greens. To learn more about the AG1 nutritional drink go to www.athleticgreens.com/holdingspace and receive a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D AND 5 free travel packs with your first purchase.

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 discuss the role of anxiety (and the desire to get it perfect) in these tough parenting moments, understanding why we get stuck, and breaking generational cycles through reparenting. Funny enough, the parts of you that struggle the most will help us unlock that maternal intuition you're trying to tap into, and this episode will not only explain why but will help you take the first step. Renata is one of the amazing therapists for moms in my group practice, and you can connect with us at www.drcassidymft.com! This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth. Visit https://cozyearth.com/ and use code DRCASSIDY35 for 35% off your order sitewide. I have their joggers and pull-over crew in Ivory!

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 mentioned in the episode: IOCDF.org (International OCD Foundation)Postpartum.net (Postpartum Support international)Treatmyocd.com (evidence based treatment in and out of the US) This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth. Visit https://cozyearth.com/ and use code DRCASSIDY35 for 35% off your order sitewide. I have their joggers and pull-over crew in Ivory! To connect with Dr. Cassidy or learn more about her private practice, visit www.drcassidymft.com.

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 York. She's also a mom of two and a cross-cultural scholar who has always been interested in the intersection of culture and mental health. In her practice she works with adults coping with a range of factors including trauma, workplace stress and burnout, depression, anxiety, interpersonal and relationship concerns and grief and loss. As a cross-cultural practitioner, she really enjoys working with BIPOC clients and welcomes conversations about our multiple and intersecting identities into our work. You can connect with Dr. Sumi at www.drsumiphd.com. This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth. Visit https://cozyearth.com/ and use code DRCASSIDY35 for 35% off your order sitewide. I have their joggers and pull-over crew in Ivory! To connect with Dr. Cassidy or learn more about her private practice, visit www.drcassidymft.com.

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. This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth. Visit https://cozyearth.com/ and use code DRCASSIDY35 for 35% off your order sitewide. I have their joggers and pull-over crew in Ivory! To connect with Dr. Cassidy or learn more about her private practice, visit www.drcassidymft.com.

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 behind some recent trends *Supporting our children in building a healthy relationship with illness while building connecting rituals around illness within our families *Navigating the mental, physical, and relational load of parenting with sick kids or while sick yourself Social media and the internet can be powerful, but they can also be a mine of misinformation. Dr Playforth believes every parent deserves clear, evidence-based, nuanced answers to common child health questions to help them feel empowered and equipped on their parenting journey. You can learn more about Dr. Krupa Playforth at: www.thepediatricianmom.com or on Instagram @thepediatricianmom. Related episodes you might find helpful: Episode 103: The Default Parent Episode 99: "Balance" and the Working Parent Episode 94: The Depleted, Distracted, Grumpy, Guilty Parenting Cycle Episode 91: Daycare, Immunity, and Healthy Habits To connect with Dr. Cassidy or learn more about her private practice, visit www.drcassidymft.com.

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 are based in California and interested in starting your own EMDR work, you can connect with and learn more about our EMDR trained therapists here: www.drcassidymft.com Resources mentioned in the episode: Sarah Rosney, LCSW: www.sarahrosneylcsw.com Find an EMDR therapist: https://www.emdria.org/ Center for Excellence in EMDR Therapy: https://emdrtherapy.com/ Episode 104: Birth Trauma with Dr. Alex Shrake Episode 101:Pregnancy Loss with Kristin Gallant of Big Little Feelings

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 were traumatic *Identify the symptoms and impact of birth trauma for the birth person AND non-birthing support person who was in the room too *Discuss steps one can take to begin to process and heal from birth trauma *Explore protective steps one can take as they prepare for birth Resources mentioned in the episode: My Birth Stories Podcast Episode EMDR Mommies Tell All Podcast Episode Scary Mommy EMDR Article Postpartum Support International Directory To learn more about Dr. Alex or connect with her, visit www.drcassidymft.com/meetdralex

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, anxiety, health issues, overstimulation, partner resentment, and rage just to name a few). AND how do break the cycles and share the load? We talk about it all in this episode. To connect with and learn more from Libby check out her website www.diaryofanhonestmom.com and give her a follow on Tik Tok and Instagram @diaryofanhonestmom. Resources mentioned in the episode: Burnout by Emily and Amelia Nagoski Fair Play by Eve Rodsky Libby's Journal Prompts The best way to support Holding Space podcast is to subscribe and leave a review! Podcast reviews help us reach those who need it most, and I read each and every one. To connect with Dr. Cassidy or learn more about her private practice, visit www.drcassidymft.com.

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. *The impact of tongue tie on the parent's mental health and relationships *Addressing those feelings of guilt for not knowing or intervening earlier if the tongue tie was missed Brita offers in-home visits, virtual consults, and online courses to help empower parents to connect with their little ones through purposeful play. Connect with her below! Website: www.ptpdenver.com Instagram: @progressthroughplay

In this very personal episode, I sit down with Kristin Gallant, co-founder of @biglittlefeelings. 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 isolating experience for so many. You can connect more with Kristin @biglittlefeelings on Instagram and learn more about their parenting courses for kids 1-6 here. MORE RESOURCES: What is EMDR? https://www.drcassidymft.com/blog/emdr EMDR walk-through https://www.instagram.com/stories/highlights/17999846029229289/ Are you based in California and ready to take a step to get more support? You can learn more about Dr. Cassidy's private practice and therapy services here: https://www.drcassidymft.com

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 help your child through this major milestone! Owner and founder of Potty Training Consultant, Allison Jandu, is a mom just like you. When it came time to potty train her oldest, she was quickly overwhelmed by all the conflicting information available online and was missing the support and guidance she was after. She didn't think it seemed fair for mamas to have to guess their way through potty training - toddlerhood is challenging enough! Follow @pottytrainingconsultant on Instagram for free potty training tips and tricks, and info on her online courses. For 10% off Allison's courses, use code DRCASSIDY10

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 Your Twenties with Dr. Cassidy Freitas Website: https://www.carinocounseling.com/Path to Peace course: https://www.carinocounseling.com/path-to-peacePodcast: https://www.carinocounseling.com/podcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/_thoughtsfromthecouch_/

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 from this conversation feeling seen and with some tangible tools for seeking the support you so deeply deserve. Dr. Jasmine is a pharmacist and native Californian. She's a mom of one and a strong advocate for maternal mental health and normalizing postpartum depression and anxiety. She volunteered as a Peer Mentor for PSI and wholeheartedly supports their free resources for perinatal mood disorders. In her spare time (if she has any these days), she loves writing, calligraphy, watercolors, hiking, trying new foods, and traveling. She started her blog and IG page as a travel blog at first, but it has evolved into much more! You can find more from Dr. Jasmine: Blog: https://pearlsofjasmine.com/Instagram: @pearlsofjasmine RESOURCES: What am I thinking? Having a baby after postpartum depression Why We Sleep PSI Resources: https://www.postpartum.net/get-help/ Are you based in California and ready to take a step to get more support? You can learn more about my private practice and therapy services here: https://www.drcassidymft.com

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 this episode to take into your own journey as a parent. Dr. Sahar Martinez is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in California. She offers individual and couples therapy to support folks as they navigate relational issues, transitional phases of life, emotional pain, trauma, grief & loss. Dr. Martinez specialize in perinatal mental health, honoring the intense shift that occurs for couples and individuals when we enter parenthood. She approaches her work from a social justice, anti-racist lens, honoring and holding space for the lived experiences of the BIPOC community. You can find more from Dr. Sahar Martinez: On Instagram On Facebook On TikTok

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 be used to support your overall wellness in parenthood. Krystle Howald specializes in orthopedic and women's health- treating patients in her clinic Empower Movement Physical Therapy in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. She also owns Expecting and Empowered- a prenatal and postpartum business aimed at helping women navigate both periods with safe and effective workouts. You can find more from Krystle here: https://www.expectingandempowered.com/ Instagram: @expectingandempowered Expecting and Empowered App

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 parenthood. Dr. Miriam Kirmayer is a clinical psychologist and leading expert on friendship and social connection. Grounded in over a decade of research on the science of friendship, her work focuses on helping people to cultivate resilience and build healthier relationships and more connected lives. You can find more from Miriam here: Website: www.miriamkirmayer.com Join Miriam's Newsletter Community Join the Waitlist for her Friendship Course Instagram Facebook Twitter

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 it in yourself, day-to-day signs that burnout is creeping in, and what you can do about it. We hope you leave this episode feeling seen, understood, and supported with helpful tips to navigate the many challenges of parenthood and how to protect yourself from burn out! You can find Dr. Morgan Cutlip at the following links: Instagram: @mylovethinks Website: mylovethinks.com Podcast: Love Thinks Podcast

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 the birth of her first son which started her on yet another journey of self-rediscovery. Her experiences throughout early motherhood sparked her passion to support other women as they navigate their own family of origin dynamics, the social programming of the “good mother”, relationship changes with those around them, identity shifts, and role changes to find their place of balance and authenticity as mothers. You can find Yara here: On Instagram: @lifeafterbirthpsychology On her website: www.lifeafterbirth.com.au Work with Yara: The Rebirth Coaching Group

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 to her Instagram @mothercarejourney. Today, we're talking ALL about self-compassion, shame, guilt, and ways we can make space for compassion in some of those most difficult, overwhelming parenting moments. We hope you'll take away actionable exercises and steps for practicing more self-compassion in your journey as a parent. Links mentioned in the episode: ENCANTO Live Highly Sensitive Test Runda's Instagram @mothercarejourney

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 keeping your daycare and school-aged kids healthy with pediatrician Dr. Krupa Playforth from ThePediatricianMom. Dr. Playforth is a mom and pediatrician who shares her expertise on social media to help parents just like you. We're talking all things immunity including what is "normal" for illness at this age, daily habits to support health, nutrition for immunity, stress reduction to support health, and the feelings that come up when our children get sick. I hope you find some helpful takeaways from this episode that you can implement to better support the health of your child and family! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dr. Playforth is a board-certified pediatrician in Northern VA. After becoming a mother, she realized that one of the biggest challenges of motherhood is not finding information, but finding trustworthy information. With this in mind, she created ThePediatricianMom: a judgment-free zone that is also a reliable evidence-based resource with practical information for parents. Real parenting takes nuance, and in today's internet-dependent world, it is easy to become overwhelmed. You can use ThePediatricianMom to find some peace, some answers, and hopefully some confidence to trust your parenting style as you embark on the journey of parenthood. Dr. Playforth can be reached on social media (Instagram or Facebook) or at her website.

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, speaker, and author of the book "The Financial Anxiety Solution." In her therapy practice, Mind Money Balance, she uses shame-free financial therapy to help people get their minds and money in balance. She's expanded her services to help private practice therapists with their money mindset, sustainable pricing, and authentic marketing so they can include financial self-care in their work. She lives with her partner and their dog on the traditional land of the Fox, Peoria, Potawatomi, and Anishinabewaki peoples, also known as Michigan. Links and resources below! www.mindmoneybalance.com Mind Money Balance Podcast Financial Archetype Quiz The Financial Anxiety Solution Workbook

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 takeaway some actionable tips for navigating this challenging transition, together! To learn more about Matthias, you can check out all of his offerings (including books and courses on grief, burnout, anxiety, trauma, and couples) at matthiasjbarker.com. Matthias Barker has a Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and has been formally trained for treating complex trauma, anxiety, and marital issues. Matthias shares weekly content to support people in moving towards what's meaningful in the midst of hardship on Instagram and TikTok @matthiasjbarker and on his podcast.

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 recognized as a Nationally Certified Child Passenger Safety Expert. You can find her on Instagram @safeintheseat & find her courses and consults at safeintheseat.com!

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, and WHAT we can begin to do to care for ourselves, replenish (and repair when needed) amidst it all. To continue to follow Dr. Eyo's work and learn more from her or about her private practice, you can follow her at @drveronicaeyo or check out her website here!

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 Dr. Steve and Lisa Call: Website: thereconnectinstitute.com Podcast - The Reconnect Marriage Podcast Instagram: @reconnectmarriage

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, eating, and mealtimes. Jenny Friedman MS, RD, is a dietitian who specializes in picky eating and pediatric feeding challenges. Known for her playful and approachable child-led style, Jenny is the author of Stories of Extreme Picky Eating: Children with Severe Eating Challenges and the Solutions that Helped Them. She shares her insight on her website and blog and over social media @feedingpickyeaters. You can find Jenny's Eating with Ease Program by clicking here!

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 my story and walk us through ways we can begin to stop the cycle of people-pleasing and perfectionism that so often leads to burnout and anxiety in parenting. You can learn more from Kaitlin on her website, https://wellnotesforher.com/ and on Instagram @kaitlin.soule. Learn more about Kaitlin's book and FREE Limiting Beliefs Checklist below! A Little Less of a Hot Mess: The Modern Mom's Guide to Growth & Evolution The Transform Your Limiting Beliefs Checklist --- RELATED EPISODES Episode 2: Defining Your Values Episode 3: Mom Guilt Episode 59: Bonding with Baby

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 my story and walk us through ways we can begin to stop the cycle of people-pleasing and perfectionism that so often leads to burnout and anxiety in parenting. You can learn more from Kaitlin on her website, https://wellnotesforher.com/ and on Instagram @kaitlin.soule. Learn more about Kaitlin's book and FREE Limiting Beliefs Checklist below! A Little Less of a Hot Mess: The Modern Mom's Guide to Growth & Evolution The Transform Your Limiting Beliefs Checklist --- RELATED EPISODES Episode 2: Defining Your Values Episode 3: Mom Guilt Episode 59: Bonding with Baby

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 pregnancy. To learn more about Mommy Labor Nurse and Liesel's work, visit https://mommylabornurse.com/ or visit @mommy.labornurse on Instagram. You can also hear her on The Mommy Labor Nurse Podcast and find her courses here.  Get her FREE Birth Plan Template here! --- Looking for more support in preparing your family for postpartum or thriving in that first year with baby? Prepared Postpartum will help support you and your partner in preparing for the big emotions and changes that can often come up in postpartum. If you're already in the thick of the postpartum year we've got you covered with our course Flourish. Click here to learn more about Prepared Postpartum and Flourish in the First Year: https://www.thesterlinglife.com/preparedpostpartum