The Family Brain with Megan Gipson, LCSW, Ed.M

Learn more about Mandy Harvey www.mandylharvey.comMandy talks about how to heal past wounds to help people thrive. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

Kelly Ryan explores the impact of stress on her health and well being and how meditation can be used to make us all healthier. She founded Anchor Meditation with the goal of helping share what she has learned about the impact of meditation with others. You can learn more about Anchor Meditation atwww.anchormeditation.comThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

Emily Kline Ph.D. is a psychologist working with adolescents and young adults, assistant professor of Psychiatry, and co-directs a mental wellness clinic at Boston University Medical Center. In her new book, The School of Hard Talks, How to Have Real Conversations with Your (Almost Grown) Kids, Emily talks about how to have difficult conversations with kids as they get older. In this episode you will learn:Why parents get on their older kids nerves.Understand how to suppress your "righting reflex"How to better understand what a young person thinks and feels to help support them in navigating dilemmas.How to handle conflicts in a way that nurtures the relationship.Learn more about Dr. Emily Kline www.dremilykline.comThe School of Hard Talks https://www.amazon.com/School-Hard-Talks-Conversations-Almost/dp/1632174707This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

Dr. Pooja Lakshmin's new book Real Self-Care explores how faux self-care like bubble baths, pedicures, and yoga are nice but that principles around value-based decision making are true self care. How we make choices and set boundaries for ourselves has more of a ripple impact on our mental wellness than some of the actions we traditionally think about as self-care. Dr. Lakshmin is also the founder of an equity-based women's mental health program called Gemma.Real Self-CareGemma Women's Mental HealthDr. Pooja Lakshmin InstagramThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

Episode 109 Supporting Transgender and Gender Expansive Youth with Dr. Laura AndersonDr. Anderson has over 25 years working with and affirming gender expansive and transgender youth. I confess that the start of our episode that I had been hesitant to record an episode about this topic out of fear of not saying the right thing, but Dr. Anderson is welcoming in her approach and helped me better understand some terms and concepts that she has learned in her time working with families. Topics include:What is the difference between gender, biological sex, and sexual attraction?What do the terms non-binary and transgender mean?How to stay curious and support your gender expansive loved ones.How to manage fear-based parenting responses and maintain trust and communication.What does the term gender expansive mean?How does the gender binary hurt all of us?“Parenting is a marathon.” Dr. Laura AndersonLearn more about Dr. Laura AndersonWebsiteReal World Podcast ParentingPhone and Online Support for Transgender and Gender Expansive YouthThe Trevor ProjectThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

Episode 108 IFS and Connecting to True Self with Kelly Coulter, PLLCIn this episode:I talk with Kelly Coulter about her use of the IFS (Internal Family Systems) framework to support clients in her private practice in Austin Texas. The IFS framework was developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz and acknowledges the multiple selves within an individual. This does not mean that someone has multiple personalities, but rather that within each of us we have different parts and in working with those parts we can better connect with our true selves. If this sounds confusing, take a listen to this episode and Kelly explains the basics of IFS and how this way of thinking about ourselves can help us better understanding ourselves. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, or on your favorite podcast platform Quote“We want to be able to observe our parts. What I love about IFS is we want you to embrace those parts and approach them with compassion.” Kelly Coulter PLLCIn this episode, we cover:● How traumatic wounds create disconnection from self.● How our parts create a way to manage this shame and distress.● The 8 Cs that are components of Self.● What are managers and fire fighters?● What are exiles, protectors, or the self-critic● How mapping parts can help explore how you are functioning.Learn more about Kelly Coulter, PLLC:· Kelly Coulter Therapy Resources discussed:● Book "No Bad Parts"Connect with The Family Brain:● Megan Gipson's Website● The Family Brain Podcast●

Episode 107: Healing from Narcissistic Abuse and Complex Trauma with Ingrid Clayton PHDIngrid Clayton's new memoir “Believing Me, Healing from Narcissistic Abuse and Complex Trauma” details her childhood experiences that as an adult she came to understand as complex trauma and relational abuse. As a therapist, Ingrid shares her own story and sheds light on the similar feelings and coping strategies that spring from childhood abuse. In this episode:Ingrid talks about the process of writing her memoir and how important it was for her for the book to be a memoir, so that her story could help others who may have had similar experiences not feel so alone. We talk about how complex trauma is rooted in relational abuse and how emotional abuse can be harder to name that something like physical abuse that may leave a mark. Her book gives language to this type of abuse that happens within families. Children can often blame themselves for abuse because they are dependent on their caregivers to survive. The body and mind of a child may blame themselves as a protection because acknowledging an unsafe caregiver can feel even worse. We talk about the use of gaslighting to make children and adults question their own memories of experiences, and how that takes root in the nervous system. Gaslighting was the word of the year in the Websters dictionary for 2022, so that suggests that emotional abuse is becoming more understood and discussed. The World Health Organization has made CPTSD Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and official diagnosis, but it is still not a part of the DSM in the United States meaning that it is not a recognized diagnostic code. We talk about how trauma lives in the body and how that can make it hard to identify through thinking about it. It lives on a subconscious level. The body creates coping strategies and does what it was designed to do which is keep you safe. However, once the abusive situation is no longer a threat, those coping strategies can show up in situations and in relationships that cause distress and do not serve you any longer. We talk about the various therapeutic modalities that can be used to treat CPTSD and how curiosity is the key in each one. Ingird shares that through the process of putting this book out into the world, she has discovered that her experiences are heartbreakingly more common than she realized, and through that she has discovered a community of survivors. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, or on your favorite podcast platform Quote“Maybe I had to become my own therapist, and that is both magical and...

Episode 106: Money and Love with Abby DavissonAbby Davisson is the co-author of the new release Money and Love, An Intelligent Road Map For Life's Biggest Decisions. In our conversation, Abby explains The 5Cs, a framework she learned as a student at Stanford Business School, that serves as a research based guide in navigating big life choices. We talk about how money and love are intertwined, and how often in the decision-making process we can lose sight of this. If you ever wished Google would answer some of these big life questions for you, this is an episode you won't want to miss. In this episode:We talk about how the 5Cs were a revelation to Abby as a graduate student, and how Abby along with her coauthor Myra Strober, who was the Stanford professor she took this class from, wanted to share the framework outside of higher education to help more people navigate these complicated life choices. The 5Cs are…drum roll… 1. Clarify what is important to you: to make an effective decision you must first understand what you truly want and what you don't2. Communicate: as you clarify what you want, open a two-way dialogue with others involved in the decision3. Consider a Broad Range of Choices: few decisions are strictly either/or, and one key to better decision-making is broadening your alternatives4. Check in with Friends, Family, and Other Resources, sharing your thought process or reaching out to others can bring new insights5. Consequences: weigh the short-term and long -term consequences of different choices before you make a final decision. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, or on your favorite podcast platform Quote: “Everyone deserves the resources and skills to enjoy both love and money.” Abby Davisson In this episode, we cover:● How life choices are constantly evolving● How the change in gender roles and family structure has changed● Why big life choices feel overwhelming● How to approach a partner to engage in the process● The benefits of slowing down to make more deliberate choices Learn more about Abby Davisson and Money and Love:

Episode 105: Boundaries Over the Holidays with Juliane Taylor ShoreJuliane Taylor Shore joins The Family Brain Podcast to talk about her work in helping people understand neuroscience, boundary setting and how both impact our relationships. Juliane breaks this information down in to digestible bites and helps make the term neurobiology not sound so intimidating. One of my big take aways from this conversation is that in addition to setting more action oriented boundaries like I will not continue to clean your clothes if you leave them on the floor, we can also set energetic boundaries in helping keep our minds clear of energy that is not ours to carry. If you think this sounds interesting but you wish I was explaining it better, please listen to this episode. I promise that Jules explains it in ways that will get you excited to try something new. In this episode we cover:What are boundaries and how do we get them!?How setting boundaries can bring us closer in our relationships.Basic information about the brain and connection.Ways to self soothe when overstimulated. A practical exercise to develop energetic boundary skills.How it is normal to struggle with setting boundaries.You can learn more about Juliane Taylor ShoreWebsiteInstagramWhy Does My Partner? PodcastResourcesThe Whole Brain Child by Daniel SiegelThe Art of Gathering by Priya ParkerQuote:“The mind is a bridge between me and other people and in that relational space I transform others through my influence, and I let their influence in through me to transform.”-Juliane Taylor Shore“I think that ultimately boundaries are about kindness and clarity.”-Juliane Taylor ShoreThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

Episode 104: The Mind Body Connection in Therapy with Grace MackeyI discovered Grace Mackey via Instagram @elevateyourtheapy and love the engaging way she shares what she has learned about the mind/body connection. Grace has her master's in counseling and provides talk therapy, yoga therapy, and Reiki. She is passionate about how yoga, spirituality, and therapy can help heal simultaneously. I was thrilled to connect with her to learn more about her work. In my own private practice, I am starting to notice some of the restraints of talk therapy alone, and I love learning about the mind/body interventions that Grace uses when working with clients.Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, or on your favorite podcast platformQuote:“How do we pay attention to the body and work with the nervous system so we can actually calm the mind...and sometimes vice versa.” Grace MackeyIn this episode, we cover:● How stress shows up in our bodies.● Ways that mind/body work is used to treat chronic pain.● How to learn more about polyvagal theory and nervous system realignment. ● Ways to stay connected to your nervous system.Learn more about Grace Mackey• Elevate Therapy Wellness Website • InstagramResources Mentioned in this Episode:· Book: The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk· Book: The Polyvagal Theory in Therapy by Deb Dana· Book: The Mind Body Prescription by Dr. John Sarno· App: Curable App for PainConnect with The Family Brain:● Megan Gipson's Website● The Family Brain Podcast● The Family Brain InstagramRate, Review & Follow on Apple Podcasts: Want to show your support for the show? Please consider following this show and leaving a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Following ensures you get the latest episode delivered directly to the top of your Apple Podcasts app. Use this link for easy way to connect to review the show- send me some love! https://ratethispodcast.com/familybrain This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

Yael Schonbrun is the author of the recently released book, Work Parent Thrive. I talked to her when her book was just one week old and I joke with her that when she meets Hoda to tell her that I got the first interview. I think this book will strike a cord with so many people because Yael lays out why it can feel so overwhelming to manage multiple roles and she offers practical strategies supported by scientific research and illustrated by funny antidotes that help make the strategies feel accessible. In this episode:We talk about how the outside forces that impact managing work and family life can feel overwhelming. It can often feel like both of those roles are being neglected. Yael talks about how these outside factors are real and do impact our lives, and that while acknowledging that reality, we can also do some “inside” work to help us feel more content and empowered by the many roles we embody. We talk about how hope and optimism are essential to move forward professionally and in parenting. As humans we are always faced with choices, and we need to get clear on our values and how our values shape our choices. Our mindset is critical to what energy and attitude we bring into our lives. I know I can get into a victim mentality about all that is expected of me in this fast-paced world, and the reminder that I am in control and responsible for my mindset was such a great reset for me. Yael talks about the concept of work family enrichment, and the basic idea is that research supports that shifting roles has a number of benefits to our lives. This is the game changer concept for me and helps me to shift from a poor me kind of pissed off state to a more accepting this is how it is and my brain can shift and will be better off for it mentality. If this sounds confusing listen to the episode. Yael explains it much more eloquently than I ever could. Learn more about Yael Schonbrun, PhDWork Parent Thrive, by Yael Schonbrun, PhDPsychologists Off the Clock PodcastMan's Search For Meaning, Viktor E. FranklHow to Not Hate Your Husband After Kids, Jancee Dunn"The conflict between roles is never going to be eradicated. It is fundamental to being human." Yael Schonbrun, PhDAND"Given who you are and what matters to you how do you show up in the life that you have and build a life in the direction you want to be going." Yael Schonbrun, PhDThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

Episode 102: Parenting Spicy Kids with Mary Van Geffen   This new season of The Family Brain Podcast focuses on “What to Expect When You Are Expecting a Teen.” I remember my early parenting days gobbling up whatever parenting books were recommended, and I found comfort in their pages, even if the reality of parenting was much more nuanced and complicated than the books let on. Likewise, parenting a teen is not a one size fits all program, and in my conversation with Mary Van Geffen, a parenting coach for “Spicy Kids”, I am reminded of one principal of parenting that seems to fit most situations, and that is that often the point of work is not so much about the child but about the parts of the parent desire for control. I will admit that this conversation came at just the right time for me. Some days parenting feels like a breeze and there are other seasons where I question everything I know. If you have every felt like this, I hope you find hope in this conversation. I know I did.   In this episode:   I kick off a little shaky, and flub Mary Van Geffen's name, but once we get rolling there is no stopping us. We get going talking about how Mary came to the work of helping others parent spicy kids. Mary was a “spicy” kid and that came with some rough times and some rejection. Once she became a parent, she wanted to do things differently for her children and now shares what she has learned with other families. I love when one person's story and past feeds into their work. Mary talks about how parents of spicy kids and particularly spicy teens bring a great deal of intensity to situations, and how its on the parent to lower the energy in those interactions. Spicy kids have a high loyalty to themselves and intensely follow the call of their own heart. Mary says we have so much to learn from them. Spicy kids are not people pleasers and so often do not fall prey to as much peer pressure and are also not as eager to please their parent. I love that integrity to themselves, and as Mary suggests it can be challenging to feel like a competent parent with this kind of intensity.    Mary talks about how the little (not so little) secret is that often the place for the work in a parenting situation is not so much to do with the child as with a parent's unresolved need for control. OK that spoke to me. I have been feeling in the teen parenting years a lot like those early parenting days of no control, and I clearly have more work to do in that area.  Mary notes that often the spicy kids she talks about are inflexible, highly sensitive (sensitive to tags, sounds), and are persistent and often louder than the average child. This came come with some great benefits like staying true to self and goals and being aware of the world in rich ways. It can also come with some frustrations like when things don't go as planned or when the child is able to get what they expected. It can lead to challenges with friendships and at school. Mary has the great reminder that a parent's goal is not to control the child's behavior but rather for the parent to stay as they want to be regardless of how the child is in any given moment. She talks about how teens often trigger in parents their own tender parts as a child at that age, so for example my 11-year-old may bring me back to things that I loved or had a time with as an 11 year old myself. I reflected that nothing seems to quite shine a light more on the unhealed parts of yourself better than your child.    One key lesson I got from talking with Mary is the idea of creating slow customer service with our teens. I know I can be quick to fill requests to clear the list of things to do and tidy up my own anxiety. Welp, it turns out that creates repeat customers with more and more requests. I am committing myself to slowing down my...

Katherine Winter Sellery, 3x TEDx speaker, founder of the Conscious Parenting Revolution, has mentored and trained 1000s of parents in her Guidance Approach to Parenting tools and mindset. She hosts a comprehensive training for parents and caregivers, The 90 Day Parenting Reset. She has a free ebook on 7 Strategies to keep your relationship with your kids from hitting the boiling point https://www.consciousparentingrevolution.com/products/ebook. Social handles:  website: https://www.consciousparentingrevolution.com/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/consciousparentingrevolution/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katherinewintersellery/ LindedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/68661446/admin/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I am celebrating my 100th episode by talking to my life long friend Meghan Judge (yes also Meg(h)an) about the reason I decided to create The Family Brain Podcast.  As a therapist I understood the difficulties people go through to a certain degree, but when I lost my friend 5 years ago I was forever changed.  In this episode I talk about losing my friend in a domestic violence circumstance, what I have learned from that experience, and why it prompted me to share resources and stories on this podcast.  My main goal is to help others not feel so alone in whatever they go through.  It is hard to struggle but that is compounded when you feel like you are the only one.  Thank you for listening to this episode and if you would like to learn more about organ donation after listening please check out  www.tosa1.org If you would like to learn more about the non-profit founded in honor of my friend, check out  www.projectbrave.net If you need support with a relationship reach out to  www.thehotline.org 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) If you want to listen more to Meghan Judge talk with trauma survivors about coping and thriving check out her podcast Judging Meghan  @judgingmeghan on Instagram or listen wherever you get your podcasts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amber Trueblood, LMFT, is a mother, speaker, author and podcaster. She helps overwhelmed moms feel more calm connected, and fulfilled by their lives. I was in a bit of a tailspin when I spoke with Amber as Texas was in the midst of an unusual snowstorm that shut down most of the state. Having said that, it was the perfect time to talk with Amber because the way I was feeling at the time was similar to how I had felt at the beginning of the pandemic, which was also similar to how I felt after becoming a new mom. All the feels! She has great concrete and pragmatic tools to help keep grounded in times of stress. I was so thankful that I talked to her when I did and I hope you love her too. Her book Stretch Marks is available on amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TVW9B6L/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I have been following The Confess Project on Instagram @theconfessproject and it is one of the most innovative mental health concepts I have ever encountered. Lorenzo Lewis came up with the idea for The Confess Project after recognizing that the mental health needs of black men and boys were not being met by conventional interventions. The Confess Project is a grass roots organization which trains barbers in providing mental health support and resources in their communities.  The Confess Project is “America's First Mental Health Barbershop Movement” and the organization is “committed to building a culture of mental health for boys, men of color and their families.”  In this episode I talk with Darnell Rice, Director of Membership and Engagement, and we talk about reducing the stigma around mental health, and the specific challenges black men and boys face in the world and in finding appropriate mental health treatment.   Learn more about becoming involved with The Confess Project at www.theconfessproject.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many of my clients struggle with food and body issues, so I decided to take a class to better help support those that struggle with this (me included!)   I am currently enrolled in a Be Nourished class which teaches the reasons we develop body shame and how to help heal from that.  In my research I discovered Nina Manolson who is a certified Be Nourished treatment provider,  and she runs courses on ending the struggle with food and body image.  You can learn more about Nina at  www.ninamanolson.com If you struggle with food and body acceptance or are interesting in helping someone who does, this is the episode for you.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr Roseann is founder of Dr. Roseann & Associates and The Global Institute of Children's Mental Health. She and her team treat children and adults who struggle with a wide range of conditions including but not limited to ADHD, Autism, anxiety, depression, concussions, and learning disabilities, Lyme Disease and PANS/PANDAS. Using proven holistic therapies like neurofeebback, biofeedback, psychotherapy and nutrition helps her clients improve and thrive. I have always wished that I understood biofeedback and neurofeedback better, and I love that Dr. Roseann explains her work in accessible language and terminology. She got me excited about continuing to learn more about neurofeedback for my own practice. Dr. Roseann is the author of “Teletherapy Toolkit: Therapist Handbook for Treating Children and Teens” and co-author of the best -selling book “Brain Under Attack: A Resource For Parents and Caregivers of Children with PANS, PANDAS, and Autoimmune Encephalopathy”. Brain Under Attack https://www.amazon.com/Brain-Under-Attack-Caregivers-Encephalitis/dp/0692133275/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2U2CHWXTFWR6Q&dchild=1&keywords=brain+under+attack&qid=1610049717&sprefix=brain+under%2Caps%2C198&sr=8-1 Teletherapy Toolkit https://www.amazon.com/Teletherapy-Toolkit-Therapist-Handbook-Treating/dp/1735794503/ref=sr_1_1?crid=24PH2BJ0PLEID&dchild=1&keywords=teletherapy+toolkit&qid=1610049797&sprefix=teletherapy%2Caps%2C241&sr=8-1 www.drroseann.com for more about Dr. Roseann & Associates We talk about the program HeartMath www.heartmath.com To learn more about the Northeast Region Biofeedback Society Conference www.nrbs.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I was not sure how I came upon Jessica's Facebook post in September, but we talked after this recording and realized we are both a part of Be the Bridge, a faith based racial reconciliation movement founded by Latasha Morrison. In Jessica's post, which I link to below, she expressed her discovery , via Ancestry.com, of her biological lineage to a confederate soldier. As a person of color, Jessica struggled with what to make of that, and in the end writes beautifully about choosing to side with love. Through these Covid 19 pandemic days, I have found great comfort in her words. As a therapist and as a person in this world, it can be challenging to make peace with people and things that do not line up with what I think and feel. However, my faith and returning to love have served me well over 2020. I hope you enjoy this final episode of 2020, and find Jessica's perspective a comfort. I am so thankful that in creating this podcast, I have the opportunity to connect with people like Jessica who remind me how much good and love there is in this messy world. Jessica is fluent in American Sign Language and is founder of Ezer Advocates, a faith based community outreach program. You can find Jessica Lamartiniere on Instagram @simplyjess313 or @ezeradvocates The holiday season can be one of joy and one of hardship, if you need to talk to someone, the National Suicide Hotline is free and available 24 hours and can offer a place of rest if you are in distress. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255 For the original facebook post by Jessica, please visit Family Brain Podcast facebook group. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Meg Van Deusen is a psychologist practicing in Seattle, Washington and author of the book, Stressed in the U.S. 12 Tools to Tackle Anxiety, Loneliness, Tech-Addiction and More.   We talk about the increase in stress and anxiety during these pandemic days, and how the prevalence of technology in our lives can add to our stress levels. We also talk about mindful use of technology, and how attachment theory (how we connect and feel grounded by our relationships with others) can be impacted by our technology use.  I know this conversation was eye opening for me, literally, and motivated me to consider ways to have more eye contact with my family and friends. Learn more about Dr. Meg and her work at  www.megvandeusen.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Time is an expression of priorities feels like something I may need to tattoo on my forehead. It feels so easy to slip into the excuse of not having time for something. Sometimes that is a very real situation, and sometimes it is a matter of what I am making a priority or how I am using my time. Author and coach, Marielle Melling, has so much great insight into self-care and making self-care a priority. She also talks about top myths related to self-care, and small she suggests to help make self-care more achievable.   I loved talking with Marielle, and the reality we are living in has prompted me to reconsider how I think about self-care and how I use my time. You can learn more about Marielle Melling at www.lovinlifewithlittles.com  Check out Marielle's book Peace Amidst the Mayhem https://www.amazon.com/Peace-amidst-Mayhem-Compassionate-Circumstance/dp/1733563415/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1H8KP0CUNZFSO&dchild=1&keywords=peace+amidst+the+mayhem&qid=1605905288&sprefix=peace+amidst+the+mayhem%2Caps%2C197&sr=8-1 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I met Dr. Lauren Crigler at a podcasting conference for female podcasts called She Podcasts about a year and a half ago. She introduced herself and let me know that she is a pelvic floor physical therapist and sex therapist. I awkwardly took her card and thought I would not be having a conversation about sex on my podcast, and now here I am talking about sex on my podcast. I figured I needed to push past the discomfort about recording a conversation about sex therapy and Dr. Crigler made it easier for me! Sexual health is something we talk about a lot in terms of educating teenagers about healthy practices, but we have fewer conversations about sexual health as adults. Check out my conversation with Dr. Crigler as we talk about some of the common situations she sees with clients and what she suggests for a healthy sex life. Learn more about her an her book Good Sex Requires More Than Just Doing It: Small Changes for a Big Impact at www.drlaurencrigler.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over the past two years, I have had many Family Brain listeners (including me) ask for a guest who can talk about how to better understand/manage/embrace/enjoy? the process of perimenopause and menopause. I was thrilled to come across Dr. Kaisa Coppola as a resource. Dr. Coppola is the founder of Harmony Wellness Clinic in California, and she engages with clients from all over the US through her telemedicine practice. In talking with Dr. Coppola, I felt like I was talking with an old friend who has more information about the female body and its dynamic nature. One of the things I was most curious about was what the number one issue keeping women from healthy balance and health. Her answer… STRESS. What I loved about our conversation is that she does not just acknowledge the impact of stress, but also talks about how to become more in tune with your body and your intentions, to reduce stress in your life. If you have not listened to Episode 83 with guest Nancy Levin, check that out too! I know that setting healthy boundaries has so much impact on stress reduction. In addition to stress reduction, we talk about self-care practices like meditation and keeping a gratitude journal. Dr. Coppola is also a huge proponent of morning routines that set you up for success during your day. My biggest question for myself is why do I know that these practices help me both mentally and physically, and yet I do not implement the strategies on a regular basis. One thing I have found is that when I am under higher levels of stress for sustained periods of time, I do pull out these practices to help dig me out of my stress hole. I know that if I kept up with these techniques I might be able to avoid the stress hole all together. I am going to recognize that I am a work in progress and going to keep working on making these healthy habits a more regular part of my life. I love that Dr. Coppola acknowledges that she gets off track at times too…we are human. There is comfort in knowing that we are all working on ourselves. Find out more about Dr. Kaisa Coppola at www.harmonywc.com and on Instagram @drkaisacopploa Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sherianna Boyle is an Emotional Detox coach, a yoga instructor, and the author of 8 books. Her signature method for helping individuals process their emotions is the CLEANSE method, and as we discuss in this episode, emotions are useful but processing them is critical if we are to grow in our understand of ourselves and those around us. You can learn more about Sherianna and her work at www.sheriannaboyle.com and www.cleanselife.com. Her core book of her work is “Emotional Detox, 7 Steps to Releasing Toxicity and Energize Joy” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is the last official episode in this series of coping with Covid-19 and these pandemic days. I think it is fitting that we end talking about school and how kids learn best as that seems to be a huge place of concern for parents right now. I know I worry that my kids are not getting what they need by being in a traditional school setting but my conversation with Bob Lenz and Laureen Adams who co author the free e book This Teachable Moment help mitigate those fears. Both guests are educators who champion project-based learning and remind us that research shows that kids learn the most when digging deep on topics they care about. This conversation was so encouraging to me and I hope you find it encouraging as well. Check out www.PBLworks.org for more about project based learning and to download a free copy of This Teachable Moment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

My guest this week digs into parenting research so that we don't have to! She hosts her own podcast Your Parenting Mojo and like many of us, me included, had her child and found that she did not feel prepared. We talk about education and these crazy times of crisis schooling during Covid-19. We also discuss talking with kids about race and how to have continual dialogue about race and inequality. Learn more about Your Parenting Mojo at www.yourparentingmojo.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I spoke with Dr. Michelle Natinksy, a psychologist based in Austin Texas, in the earlier days of Covid 19 lock down. Schools closed and parents (like me) not sure how to operate with all the typical family supports pulled from under us. Dr. Natinsky has a compassionate and caring approach to her work with families that I find so reassuring during these challenging times. You can learn more about Dr. Michelle Natinsky and her practice at www.drnatinsky.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paige Tonz is a mentor and guide to young elite high school and college athletes who are looking for support in managing the demands of that balancing act. As a young athlete Paige saw the need for support in that space and when she graduated decided to dedicate herself to providing the guidance she wishes she had as a young athlete. We talk about the pressure placed on young women and the current atmosphere during the Covid 19 pandemic and its impact on young people. To learn more about Paige Tonz and The Confident Athlete check out her website www.Paigetonz.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When this pandemic and crisis schooling struck, I was thinking a lot about a conversation I had with Stanford professor Dr. Denise Pope on an early episode of The Family Brain. Her research is all about questioning how we measure learning and what success means in schools and what better time to revisit this conversation than during this wild ride of Covid-19 and schooling. I spoke with Dr. Pope at the tail end of crisis schooling for my kids, but the questions about what schools will look like in the fall continue to dominate the news and brains of parents everywhere. I find comfort in reminding myself that the meaning of success varies and that by looking at it in a new way we may find some silver linings in the challenges we are currently facing. Dr. Denise Pope resources: www.challengesuccess.org Overloaded and Underprepared, Strategies for Stronger Schools and Healthy, Successful Kids https://www.amazon.com/dp/B010HTXCS0/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1 Doing School, How We are Creating A Generation of Stressed Out, Materialistic, and Miseducated Students https://www.amazon.com/Doing-School-Stressed-Out-Materialistic-Miseducated/dp/0300098332 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Casey Davidson is a certified life coach who helps busy women quit drinking and create lives they love without alcohol. She offers one on one coaching and is also the host of her own podcast, Hello Someday, a show about drinking less and living more. During this time of Covid-19 and shelter in place orders you can not miss all the jokes and memes going around about drinking too much. I just saw one asking if we are supposed to buy school supplies or more alcohol for back to school this year. If you are considering that a change in your drinking habits might be worth a review, Casey has practical advice to help you on that path. You can learn more about Casey and her work at www.hellosomedaycoaching.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nancy Levin is a Master Coach and best-selling author. Her most recent book about boundary setting is called Setting Boundaries Will Set You Free. We talk during the time of lock down due to Covid 19 and cover how setting boundaries can change the way you approach difficult situations. One of the points she makes that has stuck with me is that in setting clear boundaries, we might have short term discomfort but we trade that for long term resentment. Do you ever find yourself feeling resentful of someone else? I think that is so helpful to think about what boundaries you can set with that person or in that situation that may free you of resentment. You can clear more about Nancy Levin and her books and programs at www.nancylevin.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Family Brain is a podcast about how the mental well being of one family member affects the entire family system. This is a supportive community to share research, resources, stories, and life hacks for keeping the family brain healthy. Hosted by Megan Gipson, LCSW, Ed.M Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kirk Martin developed the parenting approach of Celebrate Calm out of necessity in the parenting his own child. It may sound simple, but his strategy is a game changer. The basic principle is that you can only lead your child to calm when you first find that calm within yourself. I am not sure about the rest of you but 2020 has not lent itself to a feeling of calm for me. I talk with Kirk about finding calm during this time of pandemic and parenting when many of us are not feeling very stable. Learn more about Kirk Martin at www.celebratecalm.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jillian Murphy helps adults and children make peace with food and movement even during stressful and challenging times. The challenges we have faced during this global pandemic have brought to light so many issues around food and body image for many. I shared with Jillian that when the pandemic was first starting to affect our lives here in Texas, I hit a panic wondering if my children were going to finish the food they were serving themselves. Trying to manage our access to food coming in and out created a great deal of stress. Jillian shares some of the experiences she has noticed with her clients and my guess is that you will be able to relate to much of what she shares. Jillian helps families using a method developed by Ellyn Satter. You can learn more from the comprehensive web site https://www.ellynsatterinstitute.org/ To learn more about Jillian Murphy check out her web site www.foodfreedombodylove.com Thanks to sponsor OWC Other World Computing for sponsoring this episode. You can learn more about buying anything for your MAC at www.owc.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Patricia Young returns to The Family Brain to discuss the impact of quarantine and coping with all the implications of this global pandemic on mental and emotional wellness. Patricia is a coach for HSP (Highly Sensitive People) and when she was a guest on a prior episode I heard back from many listeners that the they could closely relate to the way she talks about her experiences of navigating the world as a HSP. I thought her observations about her own processing of this time as well as what she has heard from her community would be relatable to many listeners. You can learn more about Patricia Young and her podcast, Unapologetically Sensitive at www.unapologeticallysensitive.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mary Dell Harrington joins me on the Family Brain to talk about the impact of Covid 19 on young adults and their families. Graduations are being held online, proms are cancelled, and life as we know it has changed drastically. Mary Dell's Facebook community of Grown and Flown is an online place for parents to come together around the specific gifts and challenges of older “grown and flown” children, many of whom are coming back to the nest during this time of the pandemic. Check out the book Grown and Flown https://grownandflown.com/book/ Mary Dell talks about how she is managing her quarantine with her husband, pup, and grown children. Enjoying the unexpected time together while also processing all the changes and adjustments happening. We talk about how parents are noticing that kids are missing their friends, but that kids are enjoying the slowing down from all the activities. Mary Dell suggests that perhaps we are at a tipping point where we reexamine how we structure our lives. We discuss the financial impact of this crisis on college aged kids and how that will change our summers. “If we treat our kids as the responsible people that they are they tend to respond as responsible people.” Mary Dell Harrington Sonya Renee Taylor says: “We will not go back to normal. Normal never was. Our pre-corona existence was not normal other than we normalized greed, inequity, exhaustion, depletion, extraction, disconnection, confusion, rage, hoarding, hate, and lack. We should not long to return, my friends. We are being given the opportunity to stitch a new garment. One that fits all of humanity and nature.” Thanks to Other World Computing for sponsoring this Coping with Covid 19 series. Learn more about OWC at www.owc.com They sell all the things you need for your MAC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Family Brain is a podcast about how the mental well being of one family member affects the entire family system. This is a supportive community to share research, resources, stories, and life hacks for keeping the family brain healthy. Hosted by Megan Gipson, LCSW, Ed.M Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Family Brain is a podcast about how the mental well being of one family member affects the entire family system. This is a supportive community to share research, resources, stories, and life hacks for keeping the family brain healthy. Hosted by Megan Gipson, LCSW, Ed.M Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Family Brain is a podcast about how the mental well being of one family member affects the entire family system. This is a supportive community to share research, resources, stories, and life hacks for keeping the family brain healthy. Hosted by Megan Gipson, LCSW, Ed.M Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Family Brain is a podcast about how the mental well being of one family member affects the entire family system. This is a supportive community to share research, resources, stories, and life hacks for keeping the family brain healthy. Hosted by Megan Gipson, LCSW, Ed.M Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marsha Stephanson founded Cater to Mom to support moms through the post-partum journey. After having her first baby, Marsha noticed that she did not feel well prepared for the mental and emotional reactions to her new role as a mother and all the physical and chemical changes that are a part of the post-partum journey. I think many moms feel this way, I know that I did. Marsha wanted a What to Expect Postpartum education that she did not see made available to new moms, so she started researching. She developed Cater to Mom which provides a curated box of goodies along with educational resources about post-partum to help moms feel supported along the journey of motherhood. You can learn more about Marsha and Cater to Mom by visiting www.catertomom.com My favorite line from her mission statement is: “I strongly believe that every mother needs regular, on going information; mental, emotional and spiritual support; proper rest and nourishment, and, most of all compassionate companionship and encouragement.” – Marsha Stephanson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Psychologist, Dr. Rachel Barbanel-Fried (Dr. RBF) helps us kick off our series on perinatal mental health. In this episode I talk with Dr. RBF about the spectrum of issues that can often arise over the course of growing a family. One of the objectives in this Family Brain series is to increase communication around the challenges that women and their partners may face through the process of pregnancy as well as pre- nataland post-natal pregnancy. (Perinatal is a term that covers all of these time frames. If you have never heard this term, you are not alone. I just learned that word too.) We discuss post-partum depression, as well as post-partum anxiety and explore ways that families can prepare to care for themselves in advance of some of the many changes that come with bringing a child into the world. Dr. RBF suggests resources that may be available to families like lactation consultants and birth and post-partum doulas. Additionally, we talk about ways that families can help build a village to help them during this major life transition. I found a great free resource online from healthymamahacks.net to help prepare a postnatal plan. I so very wish I had done something like this when I was preparing to welcome my children to the world. Check it out here https://healthymamahacks.net/postpartum-plan-postpartum-doula/ You can learn more about Dr. RBF on her web site www.drrbf.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jen McLellan was excited to start a family but as she looked around for examples of happy plus sized pregnant women, she found that most of those searches came up with results for a lot of gloom and doom and cropped out bodies. Jen had a healthy birth with the help of a doula and was inspired to help other women not feel so alone in their plus sized pregnancy journey. If you are a person of size, you may relate to many of Jen's experiences. If you are a person of less size, you will benefit from learning what it is to experience life in a larger body. One of the topics we discussed is diversifying your social media feed to allow yourself to learn from people with different experiences. Hope you enjoy listening to Jen McLellan as much as I enjoyed talking with her. You can learn more about Jen McLellan at www.plussizedbirth.com Plus Mommy Podcast Facebook Community: Plus Mommy Instagram: @plusmommy To find out more about doulas in your area check out DONA www.dona.org To learn more about Jen's work with NIH on the Pregnancy For Every Body Initiative www.nichd.nih.gov Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Family Brain series on Maternal Mental Health continues with guest, Kelly Weaver Fritz who shares her story of navigating loss and grief after losing her three month old son, Jack. Kelly shares how she changed through the process of loss and how she hopes by sharing her story she can help someone else. A great resource for those grieving after the loss of a baby is Postpartum Support International. They can be found at www.postpartum.net or reached by calling 1-800-944-4773 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The first episode in this Family Brain series on maternal mental health is kicked off with guest Katie Crenshaw. Katie Crenshaw is The Blue Dot Project www.thebluedotproject.org spokesperson of the year; The Blue Dot Project seeks to raise awareness of maternal mental health disorders, proliferate the blue dot as the symbol od solidarity and support, and combat the stigma and shame associated with maternal mental health disorders. Katie Crenshaw is a mom, writer, digital leader, and author of a new bestselling children's book called Her Body Can. Her Body Can is a body positive children's book that reminds young girls of all the beautiful things bodies can do. You can learn more about Katie at www.katiecrenshaw.com or on her Instagram platform @katiemcrenshaw . In this odd moment in time where many of us are socially isolating due to the corona virus 2020, Katie and I talk about the benefits of technology in connecting with others and in helping women not feel so alone in what they are going through. As a new mom, social isolation impacted me more that I realized at the time, and as we isolate now it calls up some of those same feelings I felt in early motherhood. I am leaning on technology to stay connected, and I hope those listening with feel a sense of connecting in listening to this series. This Family Brain series is for new moms, expecting moms, veteran moms, and for anyone who loves a mom. Her Body Can https://www.amazon.com/Her-Body-Can-Katie- Crenshaw/dp/0578651483/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= We also talked about the great work being done by Postpartum Support International www.postpartum.net @stopcensoringmotherhood “Nobody said it was easy, nobody said it would be so hard.” Coldplay Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices