Shows
Grow Yourself UpEp 145: Relationships, the Mental Load and Growing Up in Motherhood with Catherine Topham SlyIn this episode Cath was joined by therapist and coach Catherine Topham Sly. Catherine and Cath talked about adult love relationships, conflict, couples therapy, learning to communicate, how the mental load after kids can cause conflict and much more.Catherine Topham Sly is the UK’s leading expert in relationships after kids. Founder of Insight & Connection, she's a BACP accredited couples therapist and relationship transformation coach. Catherine is the creator of the 'Love Happy Live Free' method, a unique personal development and relationship skills training programme. Catherine works with both individuals and couples who want to de...
2025-10-1456 minGrow Yourself UpEp 116: Healing, Autoimmunity, Quantum Biology and Growing Up in Motherhood with Dr Catherine ClintonIn this episode Cath is joined by Dr Catherine Clinton. Catherine shares all about her own healing journey, how she prioritises time outside, how she walks her talk and how she honours her own emotional life to bring in emotional flow and coherence. Dr. Catherine Clinton, a licensed naturopathic physician, has spent over 17 years helping people overcome their health issues. She completed her Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine from the National University of Natural Medicine. Diagnosed with two autoimmune conditions and Lyme disease while in medical school, she began the long and difficult journey of healing- a p...
2025-01-1441 minGrow Yourself UpEp 97: Power, Systems, Gardening and Growing Up in Motherhood with Marchelle FarrellCath was joined by author and medical psychotherapist Marchelle Farrell in episode 97. Cath and Marchelle chatted about Marchelle's childhood in Trinidad and Tobago, the systems her parents operated in, how those systems still operate today, privilege, power, relationships and so much more. We talked about Marchelle's path to motherhood, the power within mothering and how she learnt to let herself be held and supported and the role of her garden in this.Marchelle Farrell is a writer, medical psychotherapist and amateur gardener. Born in Trinidad and Tobago she has spent over 20 years attempting to become hardy...
2024-04-231h 04Grow Yourself UpEp 96: Partner Rage, Postpartum Health and Healing in Motherhood with Molly Caro May. (Re-release)In episode 96 Cath was joined by author Molly Caro May. This rich and beautiful conversation covered so much ground. They touched on Molly’s memoir ‘Body Full of Stars’, talked about Molly’s postpartum health experiences, breaking cycles in motherhood, rage and self responsibility.Molly Caro May is an author of two books, teacher, and holder of space. For 13+ years, she has facilitated personal story workshops for hundreds of people across the globe. She is trained in (Somatic Experiencing) and focuses on where language/voice and the animal body meet each other.Her mission...
2024-04-1651 minGrow Yourself UpEp 95: Hypervigilence, Knowing Ourselves, Enoughness and Values in ParentingThis episode is a continuation of some of the themes from episode 94 (and can also be listened to alone).Cath speaks about the core of people pleasing and how carrying this into parenting sets us up to feel bad, she touches on ‘metrics’, getting to know ourselves and having an embodied sense of our enough-ness. There is also discussion around values.If you're enjoying this podcast. Please leave a review and rate the podcast, this really helps others to find it.To sign up for the journal prompts and Nurture.Heal...
2024-04-0927 minGrow Yourself UpEp 94: People Pleasing, Boundaries and Our NeedsIn today's episode Cath focuses on people pleasing. She looks at how and why it arises in our family of origin, how it manifests in the way we are in relationships and how it can turn up in parenting. She suggests ways in which to counteract this urge. And next week there will be more on this subject.If you're enjoying this podcast. Please leave a review and rate the podcast, this really helps others to find it.To sign up for the journal prompts and Nurture.Heal.Grow (on Substack) please head...
2024-04-0223 minGrow Yourself UpEp 93: Matrescence and Growing Up in Motherhood with Lucy Jones (Re-release)In this episode Cath is joined by author and journalist Lucy Jones. Cath and Lucy discussed Lucy's matrescence journey, her most recent book (Matrescence: On the Metamorphosis of Pregnancy, Childbirth and Motherhood), how she makes sense (and continues to) of the huge transition to motherhood, what Lucy finds supportive, how we are all eco systems and some of the realities of mothering at this time in our history. Lucy Jones is an award-winning journalist and the author of four books including the best-selling book Losing Eden: Why Our Minds Need the Wild (Allen Lane), a Times an...
2024-03-2656 minGrow Yourself UpEp 92: Respect, Needs, Divorce and Growing Up in Motherhood with Nicola RaeCath was joined by Coach, Trainer and Supervisor Nicola Rae in episode 92. Cath and Nicola talked about Nicola’s path to motherhood, how she came into relationship with her needs, her divorce and how this relates to growing herself and much more. Nicola shared what she focuses on instead of focusing on being liked and how this gives her freedom. Nicola Rae is a Coach Supervisor, Life & Careers Coach, Coach Trainer and experienced Creative Strategist who works with ambitious brands and leaders to help them to fulfil their potential and speak-up and show-up with heart and make a...
2024-03-1947 minGrow Yourself UpEp 91: Perimenopause, Early Postpartum and Growing Up in Motherhood with Kate CodringtonCath was joined by Kate Codrington in this episode. Cath and Kate talked about Kate’s path to motherhood, perimenopause in early postpartum, how Kate cares for and supports herself in her life and more. We also talked about breaking free from what the patriarchy says we are allowed and how we can empower ourselves with play, creativity and joy.Kate is a mentor, author, speaker, facilitator, artist and podcaster. The author of 'Second Spring: The Self-Care Guide to Menopause', which is part of the 'menopause cannon' according to the New York Times. Kate mentors people in...
2024-03-1243 minGrow Yourself UpEp 90: Building Better Brains, Primitive Reflexes and Growing up in Motherhood with Lorraine DriscollIn episode 90 Cath was joined by Integrative Educational Therapist and Nutritionist Lorraine Driscoll. Cath and Lorraine talked about PANs/PANDA’s and how Lorraine supported her daughter in her healing. The impact of retained primitive reflexes and how Lorraine’s teaching career informed her move into being a therapist and educator, and much more.Lorraine Driscoll is the founder of the Building Better Brains Learning Clinic. She is an Integrative Educational Therapist and Nutritionist (and former teacher) who is known for her radically different approach to overcoming challenges related to learning and behaviour issues. As a form...
2024-03-0554 minGrow Yourself UpEp 89: Guilt and Shame in Parenting: Ask CathIn episode 89 Cath answers a listener's letter. The content of this episode deals with the question: ‘How can we tend to ourselves when we realise some of our parenting has come from our own pain and trauma?’ How do we deal with the guilt and shame arising from this? What helps this shift?If you're enjoying this podcast. Please leave a review and rate the podcast, this really helps others to find it. To sign up for the journal prompts and Nurture.Heal.Grow (on Substack) please head to www.cathcounihan.com or @cathcounihan on Instagram.
2024-02-2724 minGrow Yourself UpEp 88: Learning to Meet Needs is a Practise (Re-release)In episode 88 Cath focuses on our needs and why starting to meet/meeting them can be so complex. Building on earlier episodes on this topic, listen to episodes 1-4 and 26. She makes a suggestion for how you can reframe times when there is self abandonment (needs not being met) to reduce shame. Having our needs met is a huge contributor to being in our own sense of power and agency.If you're enjoying this podcast. Please leave a review and rate the podcast, this really helps others to find it. To sign up for the journal...
2024-02-2018 minGrow Yourself UpEp 87: The Fatherwound, Patriarchy and Growing up in Fatherhood with Clint DavisIn episode 87 of Grow Yourself Up Cath was joined by Clint Davis. Cath and Clint talked about culture and patriarchy, how Clint parents differently to how he was patented and how he continues to grow himself up in fatherhood. Cath and Clint talked about Clint’s book and how the conversations you have with your kids when they are young provide an important basis for later communication and much more.Clint Davis is an Army veteran, ordained minister, and licensed professional counselor trained in trauma and addiction. Clint is a speaker and hosts the 'Asking Why' po...
2024-02-131h 01Grow Yourself UpEp 86: Being a Changemaker, Fawning and Growing Up in Motherhood with Kemi OmijehIn episode 86 Cath was joined by Psychotherapist, Speaker and Clinical Supervisor Kemi Omijeh. Cath and Kemi talked about Kemi's journey to motherhood, how her own parenting differs from the parenting she received and how she centres her children and supports them in getting their needs met. Kemi talked about being a changemaker in workplaces which are predominantly white and how exhausting that is, fawning, people pleasing and much more about Kemi continues to grow herself up and be her authentic self wherever she goes. Kemi Omijeh is a registered psychotherapist and clinical supervisor working with children a...
2024-02-0654 minGrow Yourself UpEp 85: Making Sense of Our Own Experience: Culture, Generational Trauma and Parenting PractisesIn this episode Cath answers a question she receives a lot which is some version of 'why do I identify so much with your content when I did not think I had childhood trauma'. Cath speaks to this through the lens of culture, what we learnt as children would keep us safe, generational trauma and parenting practises to explain why this might be the case. If you're enjoying this podcast. Please leave a review and rate the podcast, this really helps others to find it.To sign up for the j...
2024-01-3023 minGrow Yourself UpEp 84: Mental Health and Personal Growth in our Mothering with Emily Adler Mosqueda (Re-release)In this episode Cath is joined by Emily Adler Mosqueda. We discuss Emily's mothering experience. Emily shares how her postpartum time after the birth of her second daughter was much more challenging than her first. We examine what contributed to this touching on cultural expectations, perfectionism, rage, meeting our inner child in parenting, mental health, support and learning to make space for ourselves as mothers. Emily shares the arc of her journey explaining how she has landed in her own good enough space. Emily is a clinical professor, pediatric speech-language pathologist, postpartum activist, author and mother. S...
2024-01-2343 minGrow Yourself UpEp 83: Well being, Perimenopause and Growing Up in Motherhood with Thalia PellegriniIn episode 83 Cath was joined by Nutritional Therapist Thalia Pellegrini to talk about her mothering experiences, how she learnt to support herself better with nutrition and how she centres her own well being in motherhood. Thalia shared how she continues to grow herself up in motherhood and how changing her perspective supports her in tricky times and more.Thalia Pellegrini is a registered nutritional therapist (DipION mBANT CNHC). After graduating from Cambridge University, she spent a decade as a presenter for the BBC before deciding to embrace a new career.She retrained, qualifying as...
2024-01-1651 minGrow Yourself UpEp 82: Intrusive Thoughts and Growing Up in Motherhood with Caroline BoydIn episode 82 Cath was joined by Dr Caroline Boyd to discuss her experience of motherhood and intrusive thoughts in the postpartum period. Caroline shares some of her own experience of intrusive thoughts and she highlighted how these thoughts are driven by anxiety and our stress response being dialled up in early parenthood. Caroline shares her own research into intrusive thoughts, the different types of thoughts and what our own emotional response to these thoughts indicates (based on research) and lots more.Chartered clinical psychologist Dr Caroline Boyd has over 10 years experience working in the NHS and...
2024-01-0951 minGrow Yourself UpEp 81: Reflections on Perfectionism and Honouring our Journey'sIn this the first episode of 2024, Cath shares some reflections on how complex it is to move away from perfectionism and how when we have these tendencies we are never satisfied with where we are in life.Many of us have scripts (or radio shows!) running in our heads that are much more about the past and hamper our enjoyment of our lives. Cath shares an example of this from her own life and suggests an exercise for you to do at the beginning of 2024, an exercise to celebrate and honour yourself and your journey.
2024-01-0215 minGrow Yourself UpEp 80: Relationships, Expectations and ObligationsIn this special bonus episode released on Christmas Day, Cath speaks about relationships, family of origin, expectations and obligations. And how we can get all tangled up with our childhood roles when we are back in our family of origin.She suggests some ways to protect your peace and honour yourself, your family and others as sometimes it can be tricky to extend to others what we are trying to extend to ourselves.If you're enjoying this podcast. Please leave a review and rate the podcast, this really helps others to find it.
2023-12-2415 minGrow Yourself UpEp 79: Anxiety, Somatics and Growing Up in Motherhood with Colleen AdrianIn the episode this week, Cath is joined by Colleen Adrian. Colleen is an author, and a connected parenting coach for parents of sensitive spirited kids. She’s a Mom, a Stepmom, and a Grandma, and lives on a small island on the west coast of Canada.Cath and Colleen talked about how Colleen has grown herself up in motherhood, how discovering neuroscience and better understanding her nervous system and that of her child's shifted everything for her and how she continues to surrender to her journey. Colleen shared about how astrology has supported her and ho...
2023-12-1955 minGrow Yourself UpEp 78: Resources, Rage and RupturesIn this episode Cath speaks about resourcing yourself over the holiday period and what that might look like. There may be more rage and ruptures at this time and she speaks to how you might support yourself and the benefits of working through ruptures, why these are so important and welcoming in repair. If you're enjoying this podcast. Please leave a review and rate the podcast, this really helps others to find it.To sign up for the journal prompts and Nurture.Heal.Grow (on Substack) please head to www.cathcounihan.com or @cath...
2023-12-1238 minGrow Yourself UpEp 77: Developmental Trauma, Healing and Growing Up in Fatherhood with Stephen TerrellIn the episode this week Cath was joined by Stephen Terrell. Steve Terrell is a Healer, Teacher, and Author and sees clients at Austin Attachment and Counseling Center in Austin, Texas. He founded this center over 20 years ago for the treatment of Developmental Trauma and Adoption related issues. He has a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and a Doctorate in Psychology California Coast University and sees his clients under his license as a professional counselor in Texas. Steve and Cath discuss Steve's path to fatherhood, what he learnt about parenting from...
2023-12-0551 minGrow Yourself UpEp 76: Relationships, Self-Responsibility and Roast Potatoes (part re-release)In this deeply heartfelt and personal episode, Cath speaks to the complexity of managing family relationships around the holidays and high days (particularly when we have not had our needs met inchildhood).How can we remain in touch with people who we may deeply love, have a lot of history with and yet the relationship may also have a lot of potential for pain? How can we turn up in these relationships, own our own stuff and still find joy in the present moment? Through the use of personal anecdotes Cath makes various...
2023-11-2827 minGrow Yourself UpEp 75: Slow Parenthood, Matrescence and Growing up in Motherhood with Mariana CastamanIn the episode today Cath was joined by author and Early Years consultant Mariana Castaman. Cath and Mariana talked about slow parenting, being present for the children we have, growing up in parenthood, learning to hold space for our children when that was not done for us in childhood and honouring the work done in mothering/parenting. Mariana is an Early Years Consultant, Published author — of a book written in her mother-tongue Portuguese (the title of the book is 'Esse Não é Mais um Livro Sobre o Sono', and a Sleep Specialist.You can co...
2023-11-211h 00Grow Yourself UpEp 74: Busting Shame and Growing Up in Fatherhood with Josh ConnollyIn this episode Cath was joined by Resilience and Breathwork coach Josh Connolly. The discussion focused on Josh’s path to parenthood, becoming sober, the importance of rupture and repair and how Josh grows himself up as he lives, works and parents. We talked about the importance of self honesty and how it is impossible to be a perfect cycle breaker/parent.Josh Connolly is a Resilience and Accredited Breathwork Facilitator. He is also a mental health advocate in the UK featured regularly in the press. He has spoken in the House of Commons (related to ad...
2023-11-1459 minGrow Yourself UpEp 73: Secure Attachment, Shame and AnxietyIn this episode Cath returns to the content of episode 72 and discusses how secure attachment impacts how we turn up in life. She uses family history and context to show the power of cycle breaking and how creating secure attachment is hugely impactful. She also chats about how comparison can sometimes be helpful. This episode is real, vulnerable, hopeful and powerful and we hope provides comfort and connection for you.If you're enjoying this podcast. Please leave a review and rate the podcast, this really helps others to find it.To sign up...
2023-11-0715 minGrow Yourself UpEp 72: Secure Attachment, Postpartum and Growing up in Motherhood with Jodi PawluskiIn this episode Cath was joined by Dr Jodi Pawluski, they talked about Jodi’s path to motherhood, her postpartum time, how she prepared for this time and how her own parents’ support impacted her.Jodi shares a bit about her family history, about the partnership she has with her husband in parenting and how her own work and knowledge of the brain supports her in her mothering role. Dr Jodi Pawluski is a Behavioural Neuroscientist, Psychotherapist and Author. Her research is affiliated with a research unit of the INSERM institute, the University of Renne...
2023-10-3153 minGrow Yourself UpEp 71: Why Care About Attachment Styles?In this episode Cath speaks about secure attachment, what it really means, why it is useful to understand and how our attachment style influences much of how we turn up in the world. Cath speaks about earned secure attachment, how therapy helps in the process of developing this and how tending to and nurturing ourselves is the key to shift and change. Learning to tend to ourselves is vital in our parenting journey (and in life in general).If you're enjoying this podcast. Please leave a review and rate the podcast, this really helps others to...
2023-10-2416 minGrow Yourself UpEp 70: Sobriety, Self Responsibility and Growing up in Motherhood with Cat SimsThis week Cath is joined by author, podcaster and content creator Cat Sims. Cath and Cat talk about Cat’s experiences of motherhood, how she has grown herself up as she mothers, her path to sobriety and why she stopped drinking. And how she views self responsibility. Cat shares her story on boarding school, her family of origin, making living amends and how she holds herself kindly now (instead of self criticism).Cat Sims is an author, podcaster and content creator who is still trying to figure the whole ‘adulting’ thing out.She’s made a...
2023-10-171h 09Grow Yourself UpEp 69: Attachment, Regulation, Emotional Neglect and Feeling StatesCath delves into the impacts of emotional neglect, how it can be so hard to live with these, why this is and the relationship between emotional neglect, attachment and regulation. She talks about our own feeling states in parenting and how learning to tend to and nurture ourselves is absolutely key on our parenting journey.If you're enjoying this podcast. Please leave a review and rate the podcast, this really helps others to find it.To sign up for the journal prompts and Nurture.Heal.Grow (on Substack) please head to www.cathcounihan.c...
2023-10-1018 minGrow Yourself UpEp 68: Matrescence and Growing Up in Motherhood with Lucy JonesIn this episode Cath is joined by author and journalist Lucy Jones. Cath and Lucy discussed Lucy's matrescence journey, her most recent book (Matrescence: On the Metamorphosis of Pregnancy, Childbirth and Motherhood), how she makes sense (and continues to) of the huge transition to motherhood, what Lucy finds supportive, how we are all eco systems and some of the realities of mothering at this time in our history. Lucy Jones is an award-winning journalist and the author of four books including the best-selling book Losing Eden: Why Our Minds Need the Wild (Allen Lane), a Times an...
2023-10-0356 minGrow Yourself UpEp 67: Estrangement, Having a Narcissistic Mother and Growing Up in Motherhood with Harriet ShearsmithIn this episode Cath is joined by Harriet Shearsmith. Harriet is a coach, podcaster, Mum of 3 and the content creator behind @tobyandroo. In this episode she shares her experiences around growing up in a household where she always tended to the needs of her Mother, how she came to see the dynamics of her family, what action she has taken to protect herself as an adult and how she is shifting dynamics in her own family.Harriet can be found on Instagram: @tobyandroo and @unfollowingmum. She hosts a podcast for cycle breakers called Unfollowing Mum all...
2023-09-2654 minGrow Yourself UpEp 66: Emotional Neglect and Narcissistic FamiliesIn this episode Cath starts to look in more detail at what emotional neglect actually is and why it matters. She explains how widespread emotional neglect is and gives some historical context to explain why. She links this to parenting, to the challenge of tending to our kids emotions and to our ability to meet our own needs. Cath discusses the concept of narcissistic families, what this actually means and the generational aspects of this. Both of these are huge subjects, listen to this first instalment today.If you're enjoying this podcast. Please leave a review...
2023-09-1918 minGrow Yourself UpEp 65: Childhood Trauma, The Nervous System and MotheringIn this episode Cath was interviewed by Nikki McCahon for her Seasons of Matresence Podcast. We had a gentle, compassionate and open hearted conversation about the ways in which experiences of childhood trauma can shape and impact how we experience mothering and raising children.We cover a lot of ground in this episode, the ways in which childhood trauma can impact and shape our experience of mothering and raising children. We talk about the nervous system and our window of tolerance and how trauma can travel through families and generations why playing with your children can...
2023-09-1256 minGrow Yourself UpEp 64: Shifting Generational Trauma and Thoughts on FoodThis episode is an interview with Cath and Crystal Karges which was originally released on Crystal’s podcast ‘Lift the Shame’. Cath and Crystal talk about healing generational trauma, shifting patterns, diet culture, food choices, control and more.If you're enjoying this podcast. Please leave a review and rate the podcast, this really helps others to find it.To sign up for the journal prompts and Nurture.Heal.Grow (on Substack) please head to www.cathcounihan.com or @cathcounihan on Instagram. Follow Cath on social media here:Instagram: @cathcouniha...
2023-09-0548 minGrow Yourself UpEp 63: When Our Needs Feel Illegitimate (Re-release)The way we come into relationships with our needs when we are babies and young children, has a huge influence on the way we learn to tend to our needs as adults.We learn about what is 'allowed' in terms of our needs in our family of origin. Many of us have a very complex relationship with our own needs, because of the parenting we received (and the parenting our parents received). In this episode Cath digs more into needs (Listen to Episodes 1-4 of Grow Yourself Up for more on needs), looking at why our...
2023-08-2916 minGrow Yourself UpEp 62: Self Mothering: Putting it into Practise (Re-release)In this episode Cath discusses the concept of self mothering, explaining why this is such a crucial part of all our healing journey.She explains what it is, highlights how we may derail ourselves and shares her 3-step approach to self-mothering. This episode is full of humanity, vulnerability, useful tips and storytelling. Cath provides an example of how she does this in her own life so that you can transfer the ideas into practice in your own life. This will help you create the life you wish and be the person you want to be.
2023-08-2223 minGrow Yourself UpEp 61: The Importance of Good Enough Parenting and Rupture and Repair for all AgesThe term ‘rupture and repair’ is widely used across social media to explain the process of repairing with your child after a break in connection (for example parent shouted or was unkind, snappy to a child). The original research around this was done on mother and infant dyads and the research was later also done with fathers and toddlers. This process has extremely important implications for us as adults, listen to this episode for more. If you're enjoying this podcast. Please leave a review and rate the podcast, this really helps others to find it.
2023-08-1526 minGrow Yourself UpEp 60: The Family Nervous System, Transitions and Stress ResponsesIn this episode Cath discusses some nervous system science (Polyvagal Theory and Stephen Porges and Deb Dana's work) and invites us into considering how our parent nervous systems interact with our children's nervous systems. Understanding what we, as parents, are contributing to the family nervous system is vital if we want to create change.She shares an anecdote related to this focusing on transitions (there are a lot of transitions in holidays each day) and stress responses.If you're enjoying this podcast. Please leave a review and rate the podcast, this really helps...
2023-08-0818 minGrow Yourself UpEp 59: Birth Trauma, Dissociation and Growing Up in Motherhood with Sophie BurchCath was joined by coach, trainer and hypno-CBT therapist Sophie Burch this week. We talked about Sophie's journey to motherhood, her passion and mission in the prenatal, perinatal and postpartum stages of parenthood and how her own experiences contributed to this. We touched on how birth trauma and a stay in NICU impacted her and her children. Sophie shared how she deals with the impacts of PTSD, maintaining her sanity while parenting 4 boys and how she cares for herself.Sophie Burch aka The Mamma Coach is on a mission to put mental and emotional wellbeing more...
2023-08-011h 00Grow Yourself UpEp 58: Words of Encouragement for Holidays (Re-release)In this episode Cath discusses what shift we need to make as parents around the holidays.Cath discusses some of the emotional adjustments we need to make as parents when considering leisure time with kids, and using nervous system science. She suggests ways that you can support yourself and your kids over the holiday period. This episode will hold and support you as you consider and plan the next couple of months.If you're enjoying this podcast. Please leave a review and rate the podcast, this really helps others to find it.
2023-07-2525 minGrow Yourself UpEp 57: Process, Self Care and Growing up in Motherhood with Suzy ReadingIn this episode Cath is joined by author and coach Suzy Reading. Suzy shares about how she has grown herself up in motherhood, how grief impacted her early motherhood, how she takes care of herself and how advocating for her kids has helped her with self advocacy. Suzy is a mother of two, an author, Chartered Psychologist and Coach. She specialises in self-care, helping people manage their stress, emotions, and energetic bank balance. It was her life experience of motherhood colliding with the terminal illness of her father that sparked her passion for self-care which she now...
2023-07-1842 minGrow Yourself UpEp 56: The Messy Imperfection of Rupture and RepairIn this episode Cath speaks about the process of rupture and repair with our children. We may imagine that this is a neat, easy process (and sometimes it is) and often it is more complex and messy.Cath shares a recent example from her life and provides a framework (in the context of attachment) for you to hold in mind as you negotiate rupture and repair in your own family and life.If you're enjoying this podcast. Please leave a review and rate the podcast, this really helps others to find it.
2023-07-1114 min
Grow Yourself UpEp 55: Intrusions, Control and Growing Up in Motherhood with Anna ButcherIn this episode Cath is joined by Anna Butcher. We talked about Anna's journey to motherhood, how she experiences mothering and how the act of becoming a mother is an intrusion into our lives (on multiple levels). There is some deeply personal storytelling illustrating the concepts being discussed and we focused on how control turns up for both Cath and Anna and the antidote to this. Anna Butcher is a counselling psychologist specialising in perinatal psychology and the experience of motherhood. She came to the field of perinatal psychology after becoming a mother herself and becoming f...
2023-07-0454 minGrow Yourself UpEp 54: Ways to Support and Resource OurselvesCath is a psychotherapist and so is obviously a big fan of therapy and the positive benefits arising from therapy. She also recognises that sometimes therapy is not possible and that we also need more wrap-around support and different options. In this episode she talks to some of these different options and through some honest, deeply personal stories shares how she has benefited from some of what she speaks to.If you're enjoying this podcast. Please leave a review and rate the podcast, this really helps others to find it.To sign up...
2023-06-2721 minGrow Yourself UpEp 53: Neediness, Choice and Growing Up in Motherhood with Mara GlatzelIn episode 53 Cath is joined by author, coach and podcast host Mara Glatzel.This is a rich conversation centered on needs and how we can make space for them, illustrated with stories from Mara’s life. We also discuss ambition, grappling with achievement, choice and the decisions we need to make about how we actually spend our precious lives. Mara Glatzel (she/her) is a coach, podcast host, and the author of Needy: How to Advocate for Your Needs and Claim Your Sovereignty. She teaches fellow needy humans to uncover the most vulnerable and t...
2023-06-2048 minGrow Yourself UpEp 52: The Complex Journey of Meeting NeedsIn episode 52 Cath focuses on our needs and why starting to meet/meeting them can be so complex (building on earlier episodes on this topic, listen to episodes 1-4 and 26). She makes a suggestion for how you can reframe times when there is self abandonment (needs not being met) to reduce shame. Having our needs met is a huge contributor to being in our own sense of power and agency. If you're enjoying this podcast. Please leave a review and rate the podcast, this really helps others to find it.To sign up f...
2023-06-1317 minGrow Yourself UpEp 51: Partner Rage, Postpartum Health and Healing in Motherhood with Molly Caro MayIn episode 51 Cath was joined by author Molly Caro May. This rich and beautiful conversation covered so much ground. They touched on Molly’s memoir ‘Body Full of Stars’, talked about Molly’s postpartum health experiences, breaking cycles in motherhood, rage and self responsibility.Molly Caro May is an author of two books, teacher, and holder of space. For 13+ years, she has facilitated personal story workshops for hundreds of people across the globe. She is trained in (Somatic Experiencing) and focuses on where language/voice and the animal body meet each other.Her mission...
2023-06-0651 minGrow Yourself UpEp 50: Shame, Perfectionism and HolidaysIn this half century episode Cath talks about how our own shame and perfectionism (and what happens when our shame gets touched) can impact our holiday times.She makes some practical suggestions to help you stress less, drop into presence, be kinder to yourself and your kids and actually enjoy your holiday times.If you're enjoying this podcast. Please leave a review and rate the podcast, this really helps others to find it.To sign up for the journal prompts and Nurture.Heal.Grow (on Substack) please head to www.c...
2023-05-3018 minGrow Yourself UpEp 49: Burnout and Parenting When Our Kids Struggle with Kendra WildeCath was joined by Kendra Wilde this week. They talked all about how to keep our sanity intact in parenting when our children are struggling in some way. Kendra shared about the 'why' behind (Wild Peace for Parents) and how she was pushed to a place of burnout on her parenting journey. This conversation is loaded with self compassion and wisdom from someone who has kids in their twenties, we hope you enjoy it.Kendra Wilde is a parent wellbeing advocate who uses illustration, podcasting, writing, and workshops to share resilience resources with parents. As a...
2023-05-2349 minGrow Yourself UpEp 48: Understanding our Jealousy and EnvyIn this episode Cath talks about two feelings - jealousy and envy - that are often seen as ‘bad’ feelings or feelings we should not admit to (because we may come across as not being ‘nice’). Cath suggests an alternative way to view these and through storytelling and examples shows how tending to our own jealousy and envy can bring a measure of freedom and help guide us in our choices.If you're enjoying this podcast. Please leave a review and rate the podcast, this really helps others to find it.To sign up for t...
2023-05-1620 minGrow Yourself UpEp 47: Anxiety, Control, Letting Go and Perfectionism in our Mothering with Azalia SuhaimiIn this week's episode Cath is joined by artist and illustrator Azalia Suhaimi. Azalia shares her motherhood journey and how perfectionism, anxiety and trying to get everything right led her to burnout. Azalia reflects on the importance of letting go and getting help. The generous storytelling will help you feel less alone and that no matter what issues you are experiencing in motherhood, there is a way through.Azalia writes and illustrates artworks about motherhood. She has a strong passion for all things art, and is a sensitive soul who loves sharing stories through various mediums...
2023-05-0947 minGrow Yourself UpEp 46: Making Space For GriefGrief is an emotion that arises in response to loss and it applies to many things apart from death. We often need to learn how to make space for it and to allow ourselves to actually grieve, instead of denying or cutting off from our experiences. It can feel uncomfortable to grieve something even though you really wanted a family. In this episode Cath speaks to the complexities of grief and the many areas it relates to (particularly in mothering and parenting). If you're enjoying this podcast. Please leave a rev...
2023-05-0219 minGrow Yourself UpEp 45: Productivity, Always Being Busy and Starting to Stop (part re-release)Productivity is revered in our society and for many of us this constant drive to produce, to be busy, to be viewed as always efficient is wired into us as part of our safety strategies.Even pondering not being busy can send us into a panic. And yet this pattern often leads to burnout.In this episode Cath speaks to this pattern, how seductive it is as a coping strategy and how we can tend to ourselves as we get more awareness of our own process, and start to move away from always...
2023-04-2520 minGrow Yourself UpEp 44: Perfectionism, Baby Sleep, Breastfeeding and Rage with Hannah ClaphamIn this episode Cath is joined by Hannah Clapham who runs a sleep consultancy service called Little Nest Sleep. Hannah shares about how she has grown herself up in motherhood. There is so much richness in this episode including expectations in motherhood, self blame, how perfectionism trips us up, challenges around kiddie sleep and surrender, breastfeeding, advocating for ourselves and rage and how it relates to our own childhoods.Little Nest offers holistic, responsive sleep support for babies, toddlers and their very tired parents. Hannah began supporting local families after a particularly s...
2023-04-1842 minGrow Yourself UpEp 43: The Complexity of Shifting and Breaking CyclesThose who are working to shift toxic cycles in their own lives and in their families are called 'cycle breakers' on social media.This is a powerful position and it can feel like we need to do this perfectly. In this episode Cath speaks to this, the pressure inherent in this and suggests a gentler path giving reasons why this is actually really important.If you're enjoying this podcast. Please leave a review and rate the podcast, this really helps others to find it.To sign up for the journal...
2023-04-1119 minGrow Yourself UpEp 42: Blame, Responsibility and Co-regulationIn this episode Cath looks at the concept of blame. Blame is often something that happens a lot in dysfunctional families and, as adults, it can feel necessary to blame something or someone for issues, problems or the way life is.Cath invites you into the possibility that blaming is not necessary and talks about responsibility instead. Cath focuses on co-regulation and how we can support each other in our families around co-regulation.She shares what this could look like and brings in personal anecdotes to demonstrate some of the points.
2023-04-0419 minGrow Yourself UpEp 41: Healing and Breaking Cycles in Parenting with Maggie ViersIn this episode Cath is joined by Occupational Therapist and Conscious Parent Coach Maggie Viers. Maggie shares her own growth and awakening in motherhood. She talks about how becoming a mother was a catalyst for her own growth and healing.Motherhood pushed her to look into the details of her own childhood experiences and how these had impacted her. Maggie shares her wisdom, what she finds most helpful in tending to herself and how she prioritises connection with her children and family in a world that is always encouraging us to do more. You will feel...
2023-03-2837 minGrow Yourself UpEp 40: Self Mothering: Putting it into PractiseIn this episode Cath discusses the concept of self mothering, explaining why this is such a crucial part of all our healing journey.She explains what it is, highlights how we may derail ourselves and shares her 3-step approach to self-mothering. This episode is full of humanity, vulnerability, useful tips and storytelling. Cath provides an example of how she does this in her own life so that you can transfer the ideas into practice in your own life. This will help you create the life you wish and be the person you want to be.
2023-03-2123 minGrow Yourself UpEp 39: A Mother's Journey to Conscious Parenting and Parenting Teens with Yvonne SmythIn this episode Cath is joined by Yvonne Smyth. Yvonne is a Conscious Parent Coach and a Child Advocate. She's a single mum who co-parents her boys of 12 and 13 and she lives in Northern Ireland.Yvonne shares about how and why she shifted her parenting style and how that has been so beneficial for her family. Yvonne is passionate about supporting parents to connect deeply with their children and to move away from using coercion and control within the parent/child relationship. Yvonne discusses the challenges of parenting in the teenage years. She shares how she is ap...
2023-03-1444 minGrow Yourself UpEp 38: The Scourge of Shame and Why it MattersShame is present in all dysfunctional families and yet it is something we don’t talk about that much.Cath has mentioned it in multiple episodes and this episode is dedicated exclusively to shame because it is everywhere. Often operating out of our awareness and causes so much pain.In this episode we talk about how shame originates and how it drives behaviour. To shift patterns in our families we need to be aware of our own shame. If you're enjoying this podcast. Please leave a review and rate the pod...
2023-03-0715 minGrow Yourself UpEp 37: What Drives Anxiety and A Key Tool to HelpIn this episode Cath delves into anxiety more, following on from Episode 34. She uses neuroscience to explain why those of us with a stressful/traumatic childhood are more prone to anxiety.By building strategies into our week that support us we can help our nervous system become more flexible (which helps with anxiety reduction). With stories from Cath's own life she focuses on a tool that can be used in the moment to challenge anxiety and help us manage our responses. In this programme she refers to the work of Byron Katie. The 4 questions are called...
2023-02-2817 minGrow Yourself UpEp 36: Growing Ourselves Up in Friendship and Work with Tamu Thomas (re-release)In this episode Cath and Tamu Thomas talk about growing ourselves up in our adult friendships and what this can look like.Together they reflect on how people pleasing can play out at work, how it keeps us playing small, prevents us from owning our power and how we (unconsciously) re-create our family dynamics at work.Only when we become aware of what we are doing can change become possible.If you're enjoying this podcast. Please leave a review and rate the podcast, this really helps others to find it.
2023-02-2132 minGrow Yourself UpEp 35: Being a Good Enough ParentIn this episode Cath speaks about how good enough parenting is rooted in relationship. When we tend to ourselves, begin to meet our own needs and deepen our own self connection, our parenting journey starts to become more intuitive.Cath highlights three important elements of (good enough) parenting using some examples from her own life. Holding these in mind will help you as you deepen into your own journey of parenting in alignment with your values and what is best for your family.If you're enjoying this podcast. Please leave a review and...
2023-02-1418 minGrow Yourself UpEp 34: Uncertainty, Anxiety and ControlIn this episode Cath speaks to how we are much more likely to struggle with managing uncertainty and to experience anxiety when we have not had our needs met in childhood.She explains the links between these and discusses how when we have anxiety we are much more likely to want to control as much as possible. Using examples and storytelling Cath highlights how this comes up in parenting and how painful this can be. There are suggestions about how we can start to tend to ourselves around this because as part of growing ourselves up...
2023-02-0723 minGrow Yourself UpEp 33: Mental Health and Personal Growth in our Mothering with Emily Adler MosquedaIn this episode Cath is joined by Emily Adler Mosqueda. We discuss Emily's mothering experience. Emily shares how her postpartum time after the birth of her second daughter was much more challenging than her first. We examine what contributed to this touching on cultural expectations, perfectionism, rage, meeting our inner child in parenting, mental health, support and learning to make space for ourselves as mothers. Emily shares the arc of her journey explaining how she has landed in her own good enough space. Emily is a clinical professor, pediatric speech-language pathologist, postpartum activist, author and mother. S...
2023-01-3143 minGrow Yourself UpEp 32: Practical Tips To Make ChangeThis episode is a continuation of Episode 30. In episode 30 Cath talked about being in our own power, being aware of our agency and using these to create the life we would love to live (while being aware of systemic constraints).Cath spoke to why this might feel hard or why we may feel we are not allowed to do this.In this episode Cath talks about the science of behavioural change (drawing on the work of James Clear) and using examples and stories from her own life, she explains how we can create...
2023-01-2417 minGrow Yourself UpEp 31: Being a Good Enough Mother with Ali PemberIn this episode Cath chats to coach and psychotherapist Ali Pember about what it means to be a good enough mother. This episode is full of insight and realness which many of you will identify with. Cath and Ali discuss Ali's journey to motherhood and how she has grown herself up along the way. Ali explains how she approached motherhood (an approach which will resonate with many Mums).She explains what she determined was important in her mothering, how she pushed herself to get everything perfect and how ultimately this was unsustainable and impossible. Ali speaks about...
2023-01-1747 minGrow Yourself UpEp 30: A Different Way to Approach a New Year (and why it is important)New Year's resolutions can be so seductive for many of us, convincing us that we need a new version of ourselves (and that this is even possible in a short time frame).In this episode Cath suggests a more expansive, loving framework that you can apply to all areas of your life. She explains why this is important and how part of tending to our needs is actually considering the life we want to create. Although this may feel unfamiliar or uncomfortable, written instructions for this exercise will be in the journal prompts, so do sign...
2023-01-1019 minGrow Yourself UpEp 29: A Loving Message To Support You and Your ValuesIn this special bonus episode released on Christmas Day, Cath talks about what can sometimes derail us over the holidays. She makes suggestions around how to return to our own centre, to consider what is important to us and to focus on our own values. Grow Yourself Up will now be on a break for 2 weeks and will return in the new year with the first episode on Tuesday 10th January 2023.If you're enjoying this podcast. Please leave a review and rate the podcast, this really helps others to find it.
2022-12-2512 minGrow Yourself UpEp 28: Words for When Things Feel Like ShitIronically Christmas is often a time when many of us struggle with our mental health and with staying in a regulated enough place.Cath addresses why this may happen, focuses on why an understanding of our nervous system is so helpful in de-shaming this experience and suggests some practical tips to help you if you are feeling like this.Please know that you are not alone if you struggle at Christmas AND there is hope in terms of how you manage yourself and your experience. You can re-frame and re-focus to help yourself...
2022-12-2015 minGrow Yourself UpEp 27: Christmas and Self CompassionThere are some reflections on Christmas and how this may feel like a mixed time for many listeners (for multiple different reasons).Cath reflects on how the most important thing in the present moment is to develop a warm, supportive, loving relationship with all the different parts of ourselves, even if we don’t fully understand what is going on for us. How do we actually do this though? What helps with this? Cath speaks to how we progress with this in the episode and shares details of how self-compassion is useful in her...
2022-12-1323 minGrow Yourself UpEp 26: When Our Needs Feel IllegitimateThe way we come into relationships with our needs when we are babies and young children, has a huge influence on the way we learn to tend to our needs as adults.We learn about what is 'allowed' in terms of our needs in our family of origin. Many of us have a very complex relationship with our own needs, because of the parenting we received (and the parenting our parents received). In this episode Cath digs more into needs (Listen to Episodes 1-4 of Grow Yourself Up for more on needs), looking at why our...
2022-12-0616 minGrow Yourself UpEp 25: Boundaries and Why Healing People Pleasing in Parenting is ImportantIn this episode Cath digs into the detail of people pleasing more, explaining why this is a sub-optimal parenting strategy and scenarios that can arise when we go down the route of people pleasing our children.She explains why containment is important for our children, how we create that and how (and why) we may need to soothe ourselves as we do this. She shares some anecdotes to illustrate the points more clearly and gives an example of how you could respond to your child. Setting down a boundary when our children are (having a lot...
2022-11-2918 minGrow Yourself UpEp 24: Managing the Challenge of Holiday Times to Thrive and Maximise JoyIn this deeply heartfelt and personal episode, Cath speaks to the complexity of managing family relationships around the holidays and high days (particularly when we have not had our needs met in childhood).How can we remain in touch with people who we deeply love, have a lot of history with and yet the relationship may also have a lot of potential for pain? How can we turn up in these relationships, own our own stuff and still find joy in the present moment?Through the use of personal anecdotes Cath makes various...
2022-11-2224 minGrow Yourself UpEp 23: Patterns That Can Lead to People Pleasing and Starting to StopIn this episode Cath colours in more of the people pleasing picture.How and why does this arise in our family of origin? How were we set up to act as people pleasers? She speaks about patterns of relating and dysfunctional behaviours that are common to many families.Cath also explains important steps we can take, as parents, to help our children avoid becoming a people pleaser. She speaks about how we can support ourselves to start to stop pleasing.As always, please go gently with yourself and know that...
2022-11-1522 minGrow Yourself UpEp 22: People Pleasing Patterns In Our Lives and Careers with Tamu ThomasIn this episode Cath is joined by her first guest, Tamu Thomas (Live Three Sixty). Cath and Tamu talk about Tamu's experience of motherhood, how she has grown herself up and how people pleasing turns up in her work and home life.Tamu also tells us about her decision to spoil her daughter with love, how she went about meeting her daughters needs and why this felt so important to her. She talks about how people pleasing turns up in our work and why this is so damaging to our lives. Tamu Thomas i...
2022-11-0851 minGrow Yourself UpEp 21: People Pleasing and ParentingThe beginning of this episode focuses on how, when we are perfectionists, we often don't stop and appreciate what we have done/completed/achieved. We just rush onto the next thing.Cath speaks about this and about how it is important to really take the time to acknowledge what we are doing. The bulk of the episode is focused on 'people pleasing' behaviour. Cath discusses how and why this arises in our family of origin, how it manifests in relationships and life. And, the challenges of taking 'people pleasing' into parenting.If you're...
2022-11-0126 minGrow Yourself UpEp 20: Why are Boundaries so Integral to Needs? (Re-release)In episode 20 we look at why learning to put down boundaries is an essential part of actually getting our needs met. This episode (which is a re-release) is packed with suggestions, tips and ways to support yourself around boundaries and needs.In this episode Cath discusses the consequences of not meeting needs and why meeting them is therefore so important. We look at how tending to our needs is inextricably linked with boundaries, challenges around boundary setting and how this connects to our own nervous systems.There are lots of practical suggestions and...
2022-10-2524 minGrow Yourself UpEp 19: Balancing Our Own Healing with Raising KidsIn this episode, Cath looks at how we can balance our own healing with raising children. She shares an analogy which might help you tend to your needs, especially if you struggle to allow yourself to prioritise your needs, because you learnt how to put your needs last. Cath explains why looking afteryourself is vital and an important role as a parent.She shares some concepts from 'Attachment Theory', referencing the work of John Bowlby, Mary Main and Mary Ainsworth. These are important toconsider because secure attachment is what we...
2022-10-1828 minGrow Yourself UpEp 18: The Most Important Ingredient in Post Traumatic GrowthIn this episode Cath reflects on how, when we are on a healing journey, the most important thing in the present moment is to develop a warm, supportive, loving relationship with all the different parts of ourselves. How do we actually do this though? What helps with this? Cath speaks to how we progress with this in the episode and shares details of how self-compassion is useful in her life and in parenting in general. With a hilarious story towards the end, she draws from the work of Kristin Neff and the book she refers to i...
2022-10-1123 minGrow Yourself UpEp 17: Part 3: Making Decisions in Our Adult Love RelationshipsIn this episode Cath talks about decision making in our adult love relationships.She talks about friendship, the important role of mentalisation (Peter Fonagy and Anthony Bateman) and shares a really useful tool for decision making.She references the work of John and Julie Gottman (The Gottman Institute) and shares an idea from Esther Perel. Including storytelling and vignettes from Cath’s own life. If you're enjoying this podcast. Please leave a review and rate the podcast, this really helps others to find it.To sign up for...
2022-10-0419 minGrow Yourself UpEp 16: Unwinding from Overdoing and RestIn this episode Cath discusses how overdoing, overworking and being constantly busy are ways in which many of us have learnt to manage life. We operate with our nervous systems in the ON position all the time, never giving ourselves space and time to recuperate. For many of us this way of being has been how we have kept ourselves safe, so starting to give it up is complex and takes time.Cath speaks about why it can feel so hard to unwind this pattern and some of the nervous system details behind t...
2022-09-2719 minGrow Yourself UpEp 15: Resilience, Joy, Processing and WitnessingIn this episode Cath encourages listeners to develop resources for themselves to assist them on their own healing journey.She discusses how tempting it is to try and ‘do healing’ as quickly as possible and how in fact this is not actually possible. Real change takes time and being gentle with ourselves is more effective than beating up on ourselves to try and speed up change.Cath talks about how we develop resilience using a concept from Somatic Experiencing (developed by Peter Levine) and the powerful role Joy plays in this. If...
2022-09-2015 minGrow Yourself UpEp 14: Trauma, Understanding the Impact of Childhood Trauma and ResearchIn this psychoeducational episode Cath talks about trauma, what it is, the way it has been conceptualised and changed over time. And why it is important to understand.She also provides some historical background and explains how and why we have learnt so much in the last 30 years. Cath also offers some useful definitions of trauma and concepts to help you understand your own history and explains trauma responses. She talks about the ACE's study and the important role this played in advancing our knowledge.The two books that are referenced in this...
2022-09-1328 minGrow Yourself UpEp 13: Part 1: Post Traumatic Growth, Decisions and CareersIn this episode Cath talks about a simple assessment framework we can use when making decisions (about careers) and everything else in life.Cath talks about coming into a sense of our own power and agency and why that can sometimes be so hard and how it links to our childhood. She explains the concept of post traumatic growth and why it is so important as we move forward with our lives. She provides encouragement around stepping into your light.Cath shares about her own career path, her failures, her career changes and...
2022-09-0617 minGrow Yourself UpEp 12: How Do I Start to Meet My Needs? (Re-release)Coming into relationship with our needs is a process, an ongoing investigative journey. In this episode we look at:Some of the blockers to this.How being in a dysfunctional family is like being stuck in a traffic jam.We do a dive into some nervous system science (based on the work of Stephen Porges and Deb Dana) to explain how your own body may hamper your ability to meet your needs.Explanation of how meeting your needs may threaten your sense of self depending on how love was considered to operate in your family...
2022-08-3016 minGrow Yourself UpEp 11: Part 2: Maintaining Our Love Relationships in Early ParenthoodIn this honest and personal episode Cath looks on a more granular level at some of the challenges of being present in our own adult love relationships after having children.She makes some suggestions around acknowledging and holding space for each other, allowing each person their own reality. Through some storytelling and using her own relationship, she suggests ways to share our individual emotional experience, while not making the other adult responsible for it. If you're enjoying this podcast. Please leave a review and rate the podcast, this really helps others to find i...
2022-08-2317 minGrow Yourself UpEp 10: Part 1: Maintaining and Nourishing Our Love Relationships in Early ParenthoodIn this searingly honest and personal episode Cath looks at the challenges of being present in our own adult love relationships after having children.She dismantles the myth of having it all ‘sorted’ and encourages a really honest look at each of the contexts so that they can be held within a couples relationship. Through some storytelling and using her own relationship she suggests ways to deal with challenge and conflict, and how to give each other space and how to try and create space for you both as a couple. This episode is an...
2022-08-1621 minGrow Yourself UpEp 9: Why Is My Window of Tolerance Narrow (Experience Dysregulation) And How Can I Help Myself?Episode 9 is a continuation of the psycho education from episode 8.Everyone needs to know about their windows of tolerance and get to know their own nervous systems. This episode explains more about how we can be emotionally present with our kids, why we may have a narrow window of tolerance, how it is absolutely possible to widen our window of tolerance, including more about how we can actually do this. Cath refers to the work of Dr Bruce Perry in this episode.If you're enjoying this podcast. Please leave a review and rate...
2022-08-0922 minGrow Yourself UpEp 8: Window of Tolerance, Co-RegulationEpisode 8 is focused on psycho education to assist you in understanding yourself and your responses. In this episode Cath explains our windows of tolerance, how they are formed and what impacts them.Coregulation and the concept of a parent being our self regulating other are discussed. The book that is referenced is ‘The Interpersonal World of the Infant’ by Daniel Stern. Cath explains more about why this is an important concept to consider in our parenting and our lives.If you're enjoying this podcast. Please leave a review and rate the podcast, this real...
2022-08-0217 minGrow Yourself UpEp 7: Shifting Patterns in our Families: Things to Hold in MindThose who are working to shift toxic cycles in their own lives and in their families are called 'cycle breakers' on social media.This is a powerful position and it can feel like we need to do this perfectly. In this episode Cath speaks to this, the pressure inherent in this and suggests a gentler path giving reasons why this is actually really important.If you're enjoying this podcast. Please leave a review and rate the podcast, this really helps others to find it.To sign up for the journal...
2022-07-2614 minGrow Yourself UpEp 6: Words of Encouragement for the School Holidays and HolidaysIn this episode Cath discusses what a shift we need to make as parents around holidays. Episode 6 is a continuation of some of the themes from Episode 5 and it can also stand alone.Cath discusses some of the emotional adjustments we need to make as parents when considering leisure time with kids, and using nervous system science she suggests ways that you can support yourself and your kids over the holiday period. This episode will hold and support you as you consider and plan the next couple of months.If you're enjoying this...
2022-07-1925 minGrow Yourself UpEp 5: Words of Encouragement for the Hard DaysIn this episode we discuss hard days in parenting and how often our coping mechanisms from childhood can make these days harder.We discuss the development of perfectionism and some pointers about why this is decimating in motherhood. Cath also talks about our inner critics. Including some suggestions on what else we could focus on and words of encouragement to support you on the inevitable hard days.If you're enjoying this podcast. Please leave a review and rate the podcast, this really helps others to find it.To sign up...
2022-07-1217 minGrow Yourself UpEp 4: Needs, Boundaries and Consequences of Not Meeting NeedsIn episode 4 we continue with the theme of needs and this episode is packed with suggestions, tips and ways to support yourself around boundaries and needs.In this episode we look at:The consequences of not meeting needs and why it is therefore so important to tend to ourselves.How tending to our needs is inextricably linked with boundaries.The challenges of boundaries and what this has to do with our own nervous system.Practical suggestions and guidelines to assist in putting down boundaries.New...
2022-07-0524 minGrow Yourself UpEp 3: Joy, Our Window of Tolerance And Re-Patterning Our Nervous SystemsCultivating joy is a really important aspect of healing and recovery. As well as working to change dysfunctional patterns in our lives it is also important to bring in that which nourishes us, sustains us, and brings in love and beauty. In this episode we look at:Do you have an idea of what those joyful things might be? For your? For your family? What do you want your family culture to look like?Here also we need to consider how we can work with (as opposed to against) our nervous system so that...
2022-06-2811 minGrow Yourself UpEp 2: Coming Into A Relationship With Our NeedsComing into relationship with our needs is a process, an ongoing investigative journey. In this episode we look at:1.Some of the blockers to this.2.How being in a dysfunctional family is like all being stuck in the same jam and what we would like to create instead.3.We do a dive into some nervous system science (based on the work of Stephen Porges and Deb Dana) to explain how your own body may hamper your ability to meet your needs.4.Explanation of how meeting your needs may threaten your...
2022-06-2816 minGrow Yourself UpEp 1: Why Is Meeting Our Own Needs Important And Why Is It So Hard?In this episode we cover:Why meeting our needs is the gateway to personal agency and being in our own power in our lives.A discussion of how we first come into contact with our needs.Explanations of why what happened in our childhood is so important and how this relates to how we tend to ourselves now.Some suggestions and tips about what to start focusing on if you have no idea about how to tend to your needs.An anecdote from Cath's life....
2022-06-2823 minGrow Yourself UpTrailerGrow Yourself Up is a podcast to support all of us in our adult lives. Many of us did not get our needs adequately met in childhood. The devastating legacy of childhood trauma, wounding and traumatic stress lives on in our brains, our bodies, our nervous systems and our behaviour/reactions impacting the way we turn up to our lives in many ways.We are going to unpack all of this on Grow Yourself Up. This podcast will be a companion as you journey on your own road of healing and recovery. You will learn you...
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