Shows
AllPaths PodcastShannon’s Journey: "This Is Your Body, This Is Your Life"In this episode of the AllPaths podcast, we welcome guest Shannon Cook to share her journey. Shannon recounts her experience navigating fertility struggles, including early attempts at conception, misdiagnoses like hydrosalpinx and stage three endometriosis, and multiple miscarriages. Despite feeling defeated at times, she emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy and trusting your intuition throughout the process. Shannon's journey ultimately led her to IVF, surgery to address a tubal issue she suspected early on, and finally, a successful transfer. She shares openly about the emotional rollercoaster of IVF, the impact of the journey on her relationships, and the process of...2025-05-2053 min
Cycles and SeasonsEpisode 16: Mental Health Support and InfertilityIn this episode, Jennifer talks with Kendra Quincy Knauf. Kendra is a licensed mental health counselor with a specialization in perinatal mental health, particularly supporting people dealing with fertility challenges, pregnancy after loss, and postpartum identity. She has worked in multiple settings, particularly in the community mental health space with a diverse group of clients over the past ten years. Currently she has a telehealth private practice. Kendra spent years undergoing fertility treatments and is a NICU mom. Kendra lives in the metro-Boston area with her family, and volunteers with her town government, undergraduate alumni organization, and is a...2025-05-1359 minAllPaths PodcastLauren C's Journey: IVF Finds a Way to Humble YouThis episode features Lauren Hart Clancy, a perinatal advocate, AllPaths peer group leader, parent through IVF, and co-chair of the 2025 Footsteps for Family Building Walk. Lauren shares her journey through multiple IVF cycles, a delayed male-factor infertility diagnosis, and health complications after an egg retrieval. Throughout the conversation, Lauren talks about the vital role of emotional support and finding community, highlighting the significant impact a supportive provider and the AllPaths community had in the journey to her second son. A longtime educator and advocate focused on maternal and child health, Lauren shares how she transitioned from being a participant...2025-05-1353 minAllPaths PodcastLauren D’s Journey: Our family is now complete to what WE define as completeIn this episode, we speak with Lauren Delaney, a co-chair for AllPaths’ annual Footsteps for Family Building Walk. Lauren shares about the roads she and her husband Ryan travelled to build their family. Ryan faced significant health issues including two kidney transplants, so together Lauren and Ryan navigated fertility preservation, fertility treatment, and multiple losses. They recognize the toll this journey can have on mental health and relationships. Now parenting two "rainbow babies" conceived through IVF, Lauren shares how she found healing and community by helping others. At her former workplace, she started the Pathways to Parenthood employee resource gr...2025-05-0646 minAllPaths PodcastDr. Styer’s Journey: It's a privilege to be part of my patients' stories.In this episode, we welcome Dr. Aaron Styer, a reproductive endocrinologist, medical director of CCRM Boston, and AllPaths Board Member. Dr. Styer shares his professional journey into fertility medicine, sparked by his grandmother and mother who were both nurses, and a desire to build meaningful relationships with patients. The discussion covers what patients should consider when visiting a fertility specialist for the first time, how to approach second opinions, and the sensitive process of discussing alternative family-building options like donor conception. Dr. Styer emphasizes the emotional challenges of infertility, including loss, anxiety, and loneliness, advocating for open communication and...2025-04-2947 min
We're All InsaneSurviving Premature Birth of Twins After IVF#podcast #ivf #pregnancy #infertility #twins Fatty15 is on a mission to optimize your C15 levels to help you live healthier, longer. You can get an additional 15% off their 90-day subscription Starter Kit by going to fatty15.com/INSANE and using code INSANE at checkout!!!Jess opens up about her emotional and unforgettable journey to motherhood through IVF. After years of trying to conceive, she was blessed with twins — but their arrival came earlier than expected. Born prematurely, both of her babies spent time in the NICU, and she shares th...2025-04-2850 minAllPaths PodcastErin and Stephen's Journey: For Some People, It's Not a Straight Line From A to BThis episode featuring Erin, a longtime AllPaths group leader, and her husband Stephen offers a raw and unfiltered look at their decade-long struggle with infertility and it’s emotional toll. From the early days of excitement and expectation to the stark realization that building their family would not be as straightforward as they had hoped, Erin and Stephen share the pivotal moments in their journey, including their experiences with fertility treatments, the heartache of miscarriages, and the eventual decision to move forward with direct egg donation. Through their story, they highlight the importance of finding support, being ed...2025-04-2248 minAllPaths PodcastAnnie and Gene’s Journey: From Infertility to InnovationAnnie and Gene Carelli, a married couple and licensed Pharmacists from the Philadelphia area, join us to share their family’s story and the inspiring way they turned their challenges into a resource for others navigating fertility treatment. After unsuccessfully trying to conceive on their own, Annie and Gene were diagnosed with unexplained infertility and entered the world of fertility treatment. Initially thinking their pharmaceutical background would make the process easier, Annie and Gene were surprised by the challenges they faced, particularly Annie's mental block when it came to self-administering IVF injections. After the birth of their first daughter, Ge...2025-04-1532 minAllPaths PodcastRebecca’s Journey: “This is right for me and right for my family.”In this episode of the AllPaths podcast, we’re joined by Rebecca Daddio, LCSW PMH-C and AllPaths peer group leader to hear about her personal and professional journey through the complexities of family building. Rebecca shares her experiences with unsuccessful fertility treatments, pregnancy loss, the path that led to donor conception and, after the birth of her son, the decision to remain a one-child family. Throughout the journey, Rebecca quickly realized the value of various support systems and resources she utilized, including therapy, yoga, meditation apps, and acupuncture. Her personal experiences ultimately led Rebecca to a fulfilling career as a...2025-04-0827 minAllPaths PodcastKaren’s Journey: “I was so focused on being pregnant that I lost sight of wanting to be a mom.”This episode features an in-depth discussion with Karen about her journey through infertility and adoption. She openly shares the challenges she faced, including the emotional toll of successful fertility treatments, the impact that family building struggles can have on relationships, and how she determined adoption was the best path for her family. As Karen recounts her experience of matching with her daughter’s birth mother and the emotional intricacies of that relationship, she emphasizes the importance of having a support system, whether through friends, family, online communities, or support groups, and the importance of staying open to all possibilities as...2025-03-3136 minAllPaths PodcastMarissa’s Journey: Reproductive plans should never be small talkIn this episode, Marissa Hathaway, MPH, Doula, and owner of The Lemon Grove, delves into her background and her transition from global health to becoming a full-time doula. Recounting her challenges with infertility, including the grief of losing pregnancies while supporting other families during their births, Marissa highlights the importance of having a support system, both personally and professionally. We discuss how crucial it is to have open conversations about challenging fertility and family building experiences, the importance of compassionate care and understanding in clinical settings, and the impact a dedicated support system can have during difficult times.2025-03-2538 minAllPaths PodcastLea’s Journey: “I hadn't felt like I had belonged in the infertility community before.”Today’s episode features AllPaths volunteer Lea, a Boston-based biotech professional and leader of our Trying for Another Peer Support Group. After months of trying to conceive, Lea was diagnosed with diminished ovarian reserve, which cast doubt on her ability to have biological children. She recounts navigating her options, including IVF and adoption, and her experiences with the adoption process, IUI, IVF, and an ectopic pregnancy. Lea also discusses the emotional toll those experiences took on her relationships and mental health and the feelings of guilt and anger that arose, especially after she went back to fertility treatments when he...2025-03-1840 minAllPaths PodcastMegan’s Journey: Becoming Parents After Cancer Was Worth the WaitMegan Scherer joins us to share her family's journey through cancer and infertility, which then led to the creation of the nonprofit organization, Worth the Wait. After her husband was diagnosed with testicular cancer, they faced numerous challenges in starting their family. Megan discusses the importance of fertility preservation and the support they received, which ultimately led to the birth of their son. Inspired by their family’s experience, Megan and Mike founded Worth the Wait to help others facing similar battles. The organization aims to provide education on oncofertility, advocate for better awareness and support for young cancer su...2025-03-1124 min
What The FertilityPlatonic Love Letter with Aliza SirAliza Sir shares her story with secondary infertility, a blighted ovum, Asherman's diagnosis and more.Asherman's specialist: Center for Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery Dr. Peter Movilla; Dr. Isaacson recently moved to New OrleansFacebook Group: Asherman's Syndrome Awareness & Support Anyone who is in New England, Here is a Zoom support groups facilitated by AllPaths Family Building (a regional nonprofit) to be wonderful.Platonic Love link: https://platonicloveletter.substack.com/ My miscarriage story: https://platonicloveletter.substack.com/p/why-getting-pregnant-wont-be-on-my?How music has helped me through grief: https://platonicloveletter.substack.com/p/issue-78-songs-for-a-terrible-horrible?How to help a friend thr...2025-03-101h 08AllPaths PodcastKerry’s Journey: "How do I feel hope and trust in my body?"In this episode we speak with Kerry Hinds about her family-building journey and her work as a fertility yoga teacher. Kerry shares her journey, struggling to conceive and navigating fertility treatment in a foreign country, the emotional challenges and losses she faced, and the unexpected experience of becoming pregnant without intervention. Kerry also shared how yoga became her lifeline during difficult times and how she developed her unique approach to fertility yoga, incorporating restorative poses, gentle movements, and community support to help manage stress and connect with your body during a challenging family building journey. In addition to her...2025-03-0443 minAllPaths PodcastGinanne’s Journey: Children should never feel like there was something shameful or weird about how they were bornIn this episode, London-based American author and journalist Ginanne Brownell recounts her challenging journey of infertility, miscarriage, donor conception, and gestational surrogacy. Now parent to twins born in 2018, Ginanne’s personal experience navigating the intricate legal landscape of surrogacy made her a committed family building advocate, emphasizing the need for a nuanced understanding of surrogacy, its ethical dimensions, and the importance of inclusive legislation like the the Michigan Family Protection Act that she helped craft which was signed into law in April 2024. Ginanne’s book, Elusive Mommyhood: An Investigative Reporter’s Personal Journey into IVF and Surrogacy, encapsulates her journe...2025-02-2537 minAllPaths PodcastJillian’s Journey: You’re young and healthy, just try again!This episode features Jillian, an ER/ICU RN, Organ Donation Coordinator, and Nursing Supervisor/Educator and AllPaths peer group leader, whose journey includes unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss, IVF, and pregnancy after infertility and loss. Jillian's professional background offers her a unique perspective on fertility treatment and reproductive healthcare care, while her personal experiences often highlighted the stark contrast between medical insight and the emotional complexities of navigating grief and the need for understanding and support within the healthcare system. As Jillian recounts her journey to this point, we also explore the anxiety that is familiar to many who have...2025-02-1841 minAllPaths PodcastAnnie's Journey: "Something I've always felt really grateful for is how wanted I was from the very start."In this episode, we sit down with Annie, an ENT resident with a unique perspective on medicine, identity, and family. Born to two moms through donor insemination, Annie shares how she always knew she was deeply wanted.We explore her journey as a donor-conceived person, her evolving thoughts on connecting with her donor father and 20 half-siblings, and how her experience shapes her medical approach. Highlighted throughout is the importance of openness and transparency in donor conception, both within families and from donors themselves. Annie also sheds light on the gaps between what healthcare professionals are taught and...2025-02-1144 minAllPaths PodcastJoe’s Journey: “There’s nothing elective about infertility”Advocate, founder of Grain Fertility, and father through IVF, Joe Cody shares his family's journey which spanned four years and included multiple failed cycles and significant financial burdens. We explore the emotional and practical challenges faced by families navigating infertility, the immense impact that proactive conversations with extended family - or a lack thereof - can have on a growing family, and the systemic issues within healthcare that complicate fertility treatments.Joe also shares about his work since infertility, channeling his experiences into helping others navigate the complexities of infertility and advocating for accessible resources, equitable access t...2025-02-0440 minAllPaths PodcastLaMone’s Journey: I Became What I NeededLaMone Downey Leonard, Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and Founder and CEO of Rising Hope Counseling and Wellness joins us to discuss her family building journey. Her mission is to create safe and supportive healing spaces for those experiencing difficulties with depression, anxiety, life transitions, perinatal mental health, and reproductive trauma including fertility and pregnancy and infant loss. LaMone hopes to continue to normalize the act of seeking support and to spread the message that everyone deserves their happiness and healing. LaMone talks about her recurrent pregnancy loss and navigating the feelings of grief following infant loss....2025-01-2846 minAllPaths PodcastAlison’s Journey: “My heart was missing a piece and it was you.”A Connecticut native who now calls Massachusetts home, Alison is a second-grade teacher and solo parent of one. Alison walks us along her path to becoming a single mother by choice, recurrent pregnancy losses, the grief of not being able to give her son a sibling, and coping with the range of emotions associated with knowing this was not how she had ever envisioned growing her family. Alison also opens up about the reality of parenting without a partner and her struggle with feeling like she has to do it all, while emphasizing the importance of a supportive community...2025-01-2150 minCycles and SeasonsEpisode 8: Acupuncture for FertilityEpisode 8: Acupuncture for FertilityIn this episode, Jennifer talks with Erin Walker, a Licensed Acupuncturist who specializes in fertility and perinatal care. Erin is the owner of Boston Integrated Health in Boston, MA,Key topics discussed:Erin’s journey to becoming an acupuncturist who specializes in fertilityAll the ways acupuncture can support your whole body, including your menstrual cycle and fertilityThe philosophy behind acupuncture and Traditional Chinese MedicineWhat happens in an acupuncture session The benefit of working with a fertility acupuncturist when you’re trying to conceive naturally or with ferti...2025-01-1542 minAllPaths PodcastJanene's Journey: “Everyone is deserving of a family.”Join us as we explore Janene Oleaga’s work as a family formation attorney and reproductive rights advocate. Janene's deeply held belief that everyone deserves a family is reflected in her commitment to guiding families through various family building pathways such as adoption, surrogacy, and more. Throughout the episode, Janene's passion for advocacy shines as she discusses her role in shaping positive changes in Maine's laws, illustrating how grassroots efforts can lead to significant shifts in societal attitudes towards family building. With a focus on community and support, Janene emphasizes the importance of finding a support system while navigating th...2025-01-1429 minAllPaths PodcastKate’s Journey: Celebrating 10 years as Executive Director of AllPaths Family BuildingKate Weldon LeBlanc, Executive Director of AllPaths Family Building, shares her journey of an unexplained infertility diagnosis, loss, and her path to parenthood. With fertility treatment, Kate and her husband Joe successfully became pregnant with their now high school senior, Sophie. Kate discusses the emotional, mental, and social tolls of infertility and the impact that her own family building journey had on her career, leading her to AllPaths (then Resolve New England) 10 years ago.Over the past decade, Kate has not only led with unwavering dedication but also inspired a bold new era of family building, where...2025-01-0740 minCycles and SeasonsEpisode 5: Fertility and the HolidaysEpisode 5: Fertility and the HolidaysIn this episode, Jennifer talks with Kate Weldon LeBlanc, the executive director of All Paths Family Building about managing the holidays when you're on a family building journey. Kate leads the strategic vision of the organization and works collectively with the staff, Board of Directors and professional members to grow the services of AllPaths Family Building. Kate has a strong personal and professional commitment to the AllPaths mission.Key topics discussed:Kate’s personal connection to the AllPaths missionWinter holidays can amplify hard feelings related to...2024-12-2431 minAllPaths PodcastDanielle’s Journey: “I’m not interested in miracle stories anymore.”Danielle shares her story of trying to conceive over 40, navigating fertility treatment, donor egg IVF, and the anxiety of becoming pregnant after years of failed cycles. Over the course of the conversation, we chat about navigating boundaries while family building, the difference your mindset can make, self-empowerment and her inspiration to become an AllPaths Peer Support Group leader.Danielle is a PhD scientist, academic researcher, published author, college professor, gymnastics coach, yoga teacher, CrossFit coach, pharmaceutical and biotech medical professional, leader, mentor, people-manager, women’s health researcher and advocate, fertility patient, sexual assault survivor, collegiate and master’s at...2024-12-1745 minAllPaths PodcastStephanie’s Journey: I needed someone to say, “You had a baby, he passed away. Do you miss him?”Propa City Community Outreach founder Stephanie Crawford shares her family story, from the heartbreaking loss of her first son at 39 weeks to finding purpose in her pain by supporting others impacted by pregnancy and infant loss. Through her work as an educator, doula, and advocate, Stephanie’s work with “loss families” helps them advocate for positive healing for themselves and their communities.Stephanie is an early childhood educator in the Boston public school system, a full-spectrum doula, children’s author, as well as a well-known pregnancy and infant loss grief support advocate. She is the founder and principa...2024-12-1038 minAllPaths PodcastJen’s Journey: “Families are built on love.”A born and raised New Yorker, social worker Jen Rachman shares her family’s story from an ovarian cancer diagnosis that sadly left her infertile in her 20s, to the decision that surrogacy was the best route for her and her husband to grow their family. With the help of their agency, their surrogate, and their egg donor, they had their son 12 years ago. Jen’s experience was so positive that it launched a new career path and she now works for Circle Surrogacy, the agency she used to grow her family. Her role is to assist and...2024-12-0345 minAllPaths PodcastLiane’s Journey: “I think we’ve just been fired by our IVF doctor!”Liane Moccia’s story encompasses an infertility diagnosis, becoming a parent via IVF, as well as how her personal journey sparked a passion for holistic fertility support and a new career. Now a Registered Clinical Herbalist specializing in fertility and preconception planning, Liane highlights some of her favorite herbs to support optimal fertility and a healthy pregnancy. She shares some favorite resources for anyone building their family, including her work with clients and her role as an AllPaths Peer Support Group leader. Liane is a Boston-based Registered Herbalist, RH(AHG) helping people prepare for pregnancy and take ch...2024-11-2630 minAllPaths PodcastJulie’s Journey: It began several states ago.Founder of Building Military Families Network, Julie Eshelman shares about her ongoing family building journey, one that spans many years and states, highlighting the unique challenges that military families often face. We also hear about Julie’s rise as a leader in the community through her non-profit and advocacy work, and learn how anyone can get involved in the fight for access to fertility care and family building options.Julie is the Founder, CEO & President of Building Military Families Network, a nonprofit with a mission to provide an empowering and supportive network to military and veteran families na...2024-11-1945 minAllPaths PodcastAndy’s Journey: Mourning the loss of what you thought your family was going to be.Andy Lamb shares his story of male infertility, mental health struggles, and the reinvention of who he was and what really mattered in life and family on his journey to become a father. Now a parent to three girls adopted through foster care, Andy supports other men struggling to grow their families as an AllPaths Peer Support Group leader and works to cultivate racial and cultural competency in communities through his family-founded non-profit, Raising Multicultural Kids.Learn more about Raising Multicultural Kids: https://raisingmulticulturalkids.comTOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:Male-factor infertility; azoospermia...2024-11-1236 minAllPaths PodcastStaci’s Journey: Zigzag to the finish line.CEO and Founder of Family Source Consultants (FSC), Staci Swiderski shares her personal journey as an intended parent, welcoming a son via gestational surrogacy in 2005 and her experience as a known egg donor. Her own fertility challenges led her to found FSC in 2007 with a mission to build families through third-party reproduction with an approach that is “compassionate, empathetic, individualized, and heart-based”.Staci has more than 16 years of experience in the field of reproductive medicine. She has vigorously grown the comprehensive egg donation and gestational surrogacy agency to become a worldwide leader in the third-party reproduction field. Asid...2024-11-1231 minAllPaths PodcastKelly’s Journey: Hurry up and wait.Kelly Soule shares about her ongoing journey and the difficulty of not knowing what’s next for her family. From processing IVF not working and a changing relationship with her own body, to attempting to adjust to having no sense of control and situations when expectations do not meet reality. Our conversation with Kelly touches on the emotions and decisions that so many people face when struggling to figure out what path to pursue, or to switch to. Kelly is the Owner and Principal Planner of Kelly Elizabeth Events and 8 Stratton Events, specializing in corporate, non-profit and so...2024-11-1238 minAllPaths PodcastHaya’s Journey: Unexplained Infertility - So Many Variables and UnknownsA Boston-based healthcare product strategist with a passion for social impact and community building, Haya shares her story, from unexplained infertility and loss, to pursuing fertility treatment (IUI & IVF) as a path to parenthood, culminating in a complicated twin pregnancy and postpartum experience. Over the course of the conversation we chat about navigating relationships and boundaries while family building, the importance of building community, mental health support, best practices on how to support a family member or friend who is struggling to grow their family, Haya’s role as an AllPaths volunteer support group leader, and Our Gathering Place, he...2024-10-2933 minAllPaths PodcastPolly’s Journey: Someone shouldn’t have to experience tragedy for things to be equal.Director of Family Advocacy at GLAD and recipient of the 2024 AllPaths Advocacy Award, Polly Crozier shares her own challenging family building story, as well as her advocacy for parentage equality inclusive fertility insurance bills throughout New England. A tireless, knowledgeable and effective advocate, Polly’s work focuses on youth and family issues, including parentage protections, adoption, access to fertility healthcare, transgender family law, juvenile justice, and child welfare, and work at the intersection of LGBTQ justice and reproductive justice, striving to ensure that all families will be protected regardless of how they were formed.Learn more about GL...2024-10-2925 minAllPaths PodcastJennifer’s Journey: Still a family, just a family of two.Jennifer Redmond shares her story of infertility, loss, and embracing life as a family of two, how her own fertility journey has influenced her personal and professional life, and reflects on the evolution she’s seen in the fertility and family building space over her career.Jennifer empowers women to take a 360-degree view of their wellness and helps them implement customized dietary and lifestyle changes to boost fertility and feel deeply supported in the process. A fertility and hormonal health expert, Jennifer is a Certified Integrative Nutrition Coach, graduate of the Women’s Functional and Integrative Medi...2024-10-2938 min
Fringe Fertility Podcast with Kerry HindsMen in the mix: the male perspective of infertilityI have always wanted to do a podcast episode that would bring to you the male perspective of infertility - and finally, I have that episode for you. It was honestly quite hard to find a man who was willing to openly speak about their experiences.
My guest today, Andy Lamb, is amazing, not just because he is so open to talk about his experiences, but he also provides support to other men who are dealing with fertility issues. Yes - a fertility support group for men. I’ll put the link in the show notes of co...2024-10-2858 min
AllPaths PodcastIntroducing the AllPaths PodcastWelcome to the AllPaths Podcast, where we support and celebrate all of the different ways there are to grow your family.Each week we'll talk with different members of the AllPaths Family Building community, sharing stories, hearing from experts in this space about fertility treatments and family building options, learning about current family building advocacy and how to get involved, and exploring incredible resources.Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts to make sure you never miss an episode and please help spread the word so that anyone who is struggling...2024-09-2602 min
I Want to Put a Baby in You!Episode 191 : AllPaths Family Building – Kate Weldon LeBlanc and Emily LindbladAllPaths Family Building has a mission to create a caring community for all people struggling with fertility and family building. AllPaths provides the psychosocial support, resources, and advocacy that are critical to those trying to grow their families.Kate Weldon LeBlanc (she/her/hers) is the Executive Director of AllPaths Family Building. Kate became Executive Director in January 2015, leading the strategic vision of the organization and working collectively with the staff, Board of Directors and professional members to grow the services of AllPaths Family Building. Kate has a strong personal and professional commitment to AllPaths’ mission. Prior to...2024-09-2535 min
Fringe Fertility Podcast with Kerry HindsFinding Your People On Your Fertility Path with Kate LeblancNavigating fertility struggles can feel like you are so alone. And we begin to feel isolated as we decline offers to baby showers and gatherings to avoid having to see happy babies and pregnant bellies.
Finding the right community or support network while you're trying to conceive is so so important. So you can say all the things you're thinking and people will UNDERSTAND not judge.
Today I spoke with Kate Leblanc, the Executive Director of AllPaths Family Building - formerly Resolve New England. We talked about so much in the episode but really the...2024-09-1852 min
Fringe Fertility Podcast with Kerry HindsInside the community: Behind the scenes of a fertility facebook group with Alexis GouletteIf you've ever belonged to a fertility facebook group - you're going to relate heavily to this episode. Building community around your fertility experiences is important - or as my guest says - THE most important thing.
I go behind the scenes of a bustling Fertility Facebook Group with Alexis Goulette who is the co-administrator of the IVF Support Group - Massachusetts with over 5000 members.
We talk about:
What she wishes people did when joining a facebook group
The ins and outs of posting and how admin decides if something is to be accepted...2024-07-0233 min
Ohio Counseling ConversationsConversation 18 - Being Real in our Own Lives & within Counseling SpacesSend us a textToday, we were able to sit down with Quebec Gibbons, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor & Supervisor at the Gentle Shepherd Counseling Center located in North Canton. Quebec and Dr. Marisa Cargill amplify the significance of modeling and vulnerability as counselors as Mr. Gibbons recognizes the difficulty that each client encounters when preparing to make change within their lives. Throughout our time with Quebec, we speak on topics such as athlete burnout, utilizing our identities & roles to strengthen ourselves, and what it means to care for yourself, your clients, and your communities. Check out...2024-06-1353 min
Breaking Free: Your Recovery. Your Way.033 Holiday BoundariesIn this episode we discussed holiday-related boundaries. We talked about body and food-related boundaries, knowing our limits, and how to keep ourselves safe and honor our needs. For Liv, this has been one of the most painful lessons in recovery. Some of the challenges she has faced are well-meaning family members being overly focused on her body size and eating habits, and not understanding her needs as an empath and introvert.
For Tiffany, her challenges are self-expectations: hosting the family and ensuring everyone gets everything they might want. Sometimes, she has pushed herself to the point of...2019-12-1035 min
Breaking Free: Your Recovery. Your Way.032 Self-ExpectationIn this episode, we talk about how self-expectation is so prevalent in our lives, especially as female entrepreneurs, and what we can do to be more realistic with our expectations of ourselves.
The longer we’ve been in recovery, the more awareness we’ve gained around self-expectation. That’s not uncommon for women, as sexist and binary as this is. We’re often expected to have two roles: looking after the household, taking care of kids if we have them, and going to work all week.
As business owners, we both have competing priorities. But we still...2019-12-0340 min
Breaking Free: Your Recovery. Your Way.030 ShameIn this episode we talk about the much-avoided topic: SHAME. We explore how shame has wreaked havoc in our lives and then look to the experts for their perspective.
Dr. Brene Brown talks about shame in her work. We love her work and her books. She highlights the difference between shame and guilt. Guilt is I did something bad, shame is I am bad. According to Brown, “Shame is the intensely painful feeling or experience of believing we are flawed and therefore unworthy of acceptance and belonging ... Shame creates feelings of fear, blame and disconnect.”
From the Habi...2019-11-1931 min
Breaking Free: Your Recovery. Your Way.028 Trauma Aware RecoveryAs we alluded to in our conversation with Lynn: The instance of trauma and adverse childhood experiences is high for people in recovery, with at least two-thirds of us having experienced some kind of trauma.
We have a responsibility as members of the recovery community to be more trauma-aware so that we can support one another in getting the help we need, but also in being mindful of how certain behaviors could be triggering.
Here are some of the ways we can be more trauma-aware:
If leading a meditation, consider that asking someone to...2019-11-0534 min