Shows
Reclaim YouTherapy Isn’t Working… or Is It? 3 Reasons You Might Feel Stuck (Even If You’re Not)You’ve been showing up to therapy. You’re naming your patterns, doing the work and still wondering: Why am I not feeling better?In this episode, Sarah is joined by trauma and EMDR therapist Ashley Fox to explore why therapy can feel stagnant, confusing, or even discouraging at times and how those exact moments might reflect slow, meaningful change beneath the surface.Together, they unpack three reasons therapy might feel like it’s not working, including:Why insight isn’t the same as nervous system readinessWhat it means when emotional discomfort increases in recovery...2025-06-2630 minReclaim YouWhy Self-Compassion Feels So CringeyIf the words “be kind to yourself” make you want to roll your eyes (or run) you’re not alone. For many trauma survivors, self-compassion doesn’t feel good. It feels awkward. Threatening. Even fake.In this episode, Sarah is joined by trauma therapist Erin Witmer for an honest conversation about what makes self-compassion so hard to access, and why the resistance itself is often a form of protection. Erin shares her personal and professional journey with softening toward herself, the early life messages that shape people's inner voice, and what it looks like to meet sham...2025-06-1123 minReclaim YouHyper-Independent and Burnt Out? It’s Not Your FaultIf asking for help feels like a risk…If you pride yourself on being “the strong one”…If burnout sneaks up on you even when you're doing everything right, this episode is for you.Sarah and Abby are talking about the hidden costs of hyper-independence. They unpack how this survival strategy gets wired into your nervous system, why it often stems from trauma or emotional neglect, and how it can quietly erode your capacity for rest, trust, and connection.They explore: → Why over-functioning is often a form of self-protection → How hyper-independe...2025-05-2829 minReclaim YouWhat Safety Might Feel Like in Recovery (It’s Not What You Think)What if the biggest signs of healing aren’t big at all?In this episode, Sarah is joined by Laura for a conversation about the micro-moments that might mark recovery from trauma and disordered eating. Together, they unpack five powerful cues that your nervous system is shifting toward safety: like noticing your body, making a small choice, or feeling a flicker of joy without shutting it down.You’ll hear:Why awareness is a milestone, not a “first step”How setting the tiniest limit can signal huge changeWhy pleasure often feels threatening before it feels go...2025-05-2139 minReclaim YouYou Don't Need to Be Calm to Be Healing (and Other Nervous System Truths)What if your anxiety, shutdown, or overwhelm aren’t signs of failure—but signs your body is finally healing?In this episode of Reclaim You, Sarah breaks down one of the most misunderstood ideas in trauma recovery: that nervous system regulation = being calm. (Spoiler: it doesn’t.)You’ll learn:Why calm isn’t always regulation—and why stillness can be a shutdown in disguiseWhat dysregulation actually means in a trauma-informed frameworkHow real healing builds nervous system flexibility, not perfectionThe truth about survival states, and how your body completes what it never got to finishIf...2025-05-1411 minReclaim YouFeeling Numb, Floaty, or Shut Down? It Might Be DissociationEver felt like you’re floating through life, watching it all happen from the outside? That might be dissociation—and no, it's not as scary as it soundsIn this episode, Sarah and Casey unpack what dissociation really is (hint: it’s more common than you think). They explore how it shows up across a spectrum, from zoning out during conversations to feeling completely disconnected from your body—and why these responses make so much sense in the context of trauma.You'll hear:How dissociation functions as protection, not pathologyWays it can show up in daily...2025-05-0732 minReclaim YouMini Episode: The Grief of Emotional NeglectWhat if the thing you're grieving never even happened?In this mini episode, Sarah explores the quiet ache of emotional neglect—the grief of what you didn’t get. No big event. No goodbye. Just an invisible heaviness that lingers. If you've ever felt sadness you can't explain, this one’s for you.Thanks for listening to Reclaim You with Reclaim Therapy!To learn more about Reclaim Therapy and how to work with a therapist on the team, head to https://www.reclaimtherapy.org.Be sure to comment, like and subscribe here, or on...2025-04-3006 minReclaim YouWhat Body Image Work Actually Looks Like with Heather RudalavageWhat if your body was never the problem?In this episode, Sarah sits down with Registered Dietitian, Heather Rudalavage for a real, unfiltered conversation about body image, intuitive eating, and the messy truth behind self-acceptance. Together, they unpack the unrealistic expectations we’re taught to have about our bodies, and explore what it actually looks like to build a more compassionate relationship with ourselves.They talk about: ✨ Letting go of “shoulds” around body size and health ✨ How aging impacts body image (and why that’s not a bad thing) ✨ Why intuitive eating isn’t about rules...2025-03-2633 minReclaim YouADHD, Sober Curiosity & Healing from the Inside Out with Kri Gore LMFTIn this episode, Sarah and Kri Gore LMFT dive into ADHD, neurodivergence, and sober curiosity, exploring how societal norms shape our identities and what it takes to break free. They unpack the power of self-compassion, the impact of sensory overload, and how somatic practices can help you reconnect with your body.Takeaways:Why ADHD can make you feel different, and how to embrace it.The truth about sober curiosity (no labels, just exploration).How somatic practices support healing and emotional regulation.The role of community in reclaiming your identity.Be sure to check...2025-03-1239 minReclaim YouWhy Am I So Lonely? The Deeper Truth About DisconnectionIn this episode, Sarah and Casey take a deep dive into loneliness—the kind that lingers even when you're surrounded by people. They explore how childhood experiences shape our sense of connection, why loneliness can sometimes feel protective, and why "just make friends" is the worst advice ever. Together, they unpack the emotional roots of isolation, the role of emotional attunement, and how understanding your loneliness can actually be a path to healing.Takeaways:Loneliness is about disconnection, not just being alone.You can feel lonely in a crowded room.Sometimes, loneliness serves as se...2025-03-0526 minReclaim YouTrauma Dumping, Misinformation & the Social Media Therapy TrapSocial media is full of trauma talk—but how much of it is actually helpful? In this episode, Sarah and Laura unpack the rise of ‘social media therapy,’ the dangers of misinformation, and why trauma healing requires more than just a viral post. If you’ve ever wondered, ‘Do I actually have trauma, or is this just life?’ this one’s for you.Thanks for listening to Reclaim You with Reclaim Therapy!To learn more about Reclaim Therapy and how to work with a therapist on the team, head to https://www.reclaimthera...2025-02-1930 minReclaim YouThe Pressure to Do More Is Exhausting. Let's Talk About it.Let’s be real- life can feel like a lot. Between social media making us feel like we’re always falling behind, relationship struggles, and the never-ending pressure to be better, it’s no wonder we feel overwhelmed. In this episode, Sarah and Emily are digging into the weight of expectations. Where they come from, how they mess with our self-worth, and what we can actually do about it.We’ll talk about the sneaky ways societal standards shape how we see ourselves (spoiler: they’re mostly nonsense), why self-care isn’t just bubble baths, and how to cr...2025-02-1229 minReclaim YouMini Episode: Signs of Childhood Emotional Neglect in AdulthoodIn this episode, Sarah explores the often-overlooked impact of childhood emotional neglect- what happens when emotional needs go unmet. She unpacks the subtle signs, like difficulty identifying emotions, chronic anxiety, and hyper-independence, and explains how these patterns shape relationships and self-worth. She also dives into the science behind emotional neglect and shares practical insights on healing. Tune in to learn how recognizing, grieving, and validating your experiences can lead to deep emotional recovery—because you are not broken, you are healing, and you are worthy of love.Read the full blog at: ht...2025-01-2309 minReclaim You10 Ways to Cope With Seasonal Affective DisorderIn this episode, Sarah and Ashley dive into Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)- what it is, how it shows up, and ways to cope. They unpack the symptoms and different types of SAD while offering practical tips like working on sleep hygiene, light therapy, better sleep habits, and when to seek extra support. Ashley normalizes the tough emotions that can come with SAD and shares ways to face the changing seasons with hope and proactive care. If winter blues feel familiar, this episode will leave you feeling seen and supported.Thanks for...2025-01-0817 minReclaim YouMini Episode: 10 Signs of Post Traumatic GrowthOn today's mini episode, Sarah shares about the concept of post-traumatic growth. She outlines ten signs of post-traumatic growth, highlighting the importance of inner strength, authentic connections, and self-compassion. Additionally, she introduces the five stages of post-traumatic growth.To read more about post traumatic growth, head to our blog post here:https://www.sarahherstichlcsw.com/blog/what-is-post-traumatic-growthThanks for listening to Reclaim You with Reclaim Therapy!To learn more about Reclaim Therapy and how to work with a therapist on the team, head to https://www.reclaimtherapy.org....2024-12-1907 minReclaim YouFinding Peace With Your Body- A Conversation With Johanna KulpToday, Sarah is joined by special guest Johanna Kulp, a therapist and author of the upcoming book "Finding Peace With Your Body: A Body Image Guide for Women."Johanna shares about her book, which aims to provide tools for women to reclaim their body image and foster a healthier relationship with their bodies and talks about the many complexities of body image. From her personal journey with an eating disorder to her professional insights as a therapist, Johanna truly embodies what it is like to find heal from body-shame.Throughout the conversation they explore the...2024-12-1834 minReclaim YouLaura Shares About Wisdom PracticesIn this conversation, Sarah and Laura explore the intersection of spirituality and psychology, discussing the importance of reclaiming ancient wisdom practices and the three centers of knowing: intellectual, heart, and embodied. Laura shares about her journey through recovery, explains wisdom practices, the significance of joyful movement in recovery and the ripple effect of wisdom in personal and communal contexts. The discussion also touches on the challenges of modern life and the need for connection and understanding in therapeutic practices.Also be sure to check out our new logo on our website and let...2024-12-1325 minReclaim YouMini Episode: A Beginner’s Guide to Embodied Body Image HealingOn today's mini episode, Sarah discusses the limitations of traditional body image work and emphasizes the importance of understanding the nervous system's role in healing. She introduces practical approaches to body awareness and emotional regulation, advocating for gentle, mindful practices that respect individual boundaries and promote a healthier relationship with one's body.To listen to our library of meditations, head here: https://www.sarahherstichlcsw.com/reclaim-you-membershipThanks for listening to Reclaim You with Reclaim Therapy!To learn more about Reclaim Therapy and how to work with a therapist on the...2024-12-0305 minReclaim YouFamily Dysfunction: What It Is and What To Do With ItJoin hosts Sarah and Abby as they unpack the challenging terrain of family dysfunction and its often heightened impact during the holiday season. This episode explores how trauma shapes family systems, the lasting effects of shame and abandonment, and the vital role of healthy relationships in the healing journey. Abby shares practical wisdom for managing complex family dynamics and reminds listeners that healing isn't linear. Whether you're struggling with difficult family relationships or supporting someone who is, this episode offers valuable insights on setting boundaries, finding community, and embracing self-compassion during the holidays and beyond....2024-11-2028 minReclaim YouHalloween Special: Looking Behind The Masks We WearHappy Halloween! Today Sarah and Laura are sharing a Halloween episode, unpacking the masks that we wear. They explore the concept of masking in our daily lives, particularly in relation to mental health, neurodivergence, and societal expectations. They discuss the various masks people wear to fit in, the exhaustion that comes from constant masking, and the journey towards authenticity. The conversation also touches on the importance of therapy, parts work, and finding community to support individuals in their unmasking process. Ultimately, they emphasize the significance of recognizing and honoring all parts of ourselves, including the ma...2024-10-3126 minReclaim YouMoney Talk: Capitalism and Its ImpactOn today's episode Sarah and Casey dive deep into how capitalism shapes our daily lives, mental health, and sense of self-worth. From the historical roots of Wall Street to the modern housing crisis, they unpack the often invisible ways our economic system impacts everything from basic needs to personal hobbies.Thanks for listening to Reclaim You with Reclaim Therapy!To learn more about Reclaim Therapy and how to work with a therapist on the team, head to https://www.reclaimtherapy.org.Be sure to comment, like and subscribe here, or on YouTube and...2024-10-3031 min
The Motherhood Body ChroniclesEpisode 4: Mothering Neurodivergent Children: The Ups, The Downs, and the Constant Hypervigilance- Sarah HerstichIn this episode, Sarah shares about her journey to motherhood, which included several miscarriages. She talks about having her son, only for the pandemic to hit 8 months later. She discusses noticing developmental differences in him, and navigating early intervention in the height of the pandemic. She shares about the grief and joy of mothering a neurodivergent child, and coping with the constant hypervigilance that she holds in her body during this mothering journey. Sarah Herstich is a licensed clinical social worker, group practice owner, trauma and eating disorder therapist and a mom...2024-10-2451 minReclaim YouMoney Talk: Unpacking Trauma and MoneyToday Sarah and Casey are back talking about relationships between money and trauma. From feeling lack of choice and safety to how that might manifest later in life, they're peeling back a few layers of this proverbial onion.Our hope is that you feel *even a little* seen and can make some heady connections about your personal relationship with money that you can bring to the therapy couch (or screen if that's your jam).Have you listened to last week's episode? If not, be sure to tune in because Casey and Sarah are sharing a...2024-10-2327 minReclaim YouMoney Talk: From Terrifying To A ToolToday, hosts Sarah and Casey kick off a new series on money and mental health. This is the first episode of a handful to explore your relationship with money, how it came to be, how society impacts it and how to re establish a relationship with it.Today Casey and Sarah dive into their personal financial journeys, from childhood experiences to adult realizations, exploring how money shapes our lives, values, and self-worth.The conversation touches on the shame and stigma often associated with finances, the importance of financial education, and the goal of v...2024-10-1626 min