Becoming Anchored

Becoming Anchored S4E12: Neurodivergence In Women

In this episode of Becoming Anchored, licensed therapist Laura Deneen is joined by fellow licensed therapist Jacque Huffaker, owner of her private practice Curated Counseling. 
Together we discuss symptoms and signs of neurodivergence, specifically in women as it can be misdiagnosed or missed in the treatment process. 
Key Takeaways:
Types of Neurodivergence: Jacque distinguishes the various types of neurodivergence, whether it is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and Synesthesia. Neurodivergence begins at the birth and progresses over the course of a lifetime.
Symptoms of ASD and ADHD In Women: For ADHD, women tend to be hyperverbal or experience racing thoughts, and can present with perfectionism or they may have an eating disorder as a way to control themselves. We also discuss that women who have ADHD can experience chronic fatigue or overstimulation. ASD has three levels on the spectrum, and women with ASD tend to need structure, routine, and it can be difficult to make direct eye contact, depending on what level on the spectrum they are at.
Neurodivergence is a Gift: Jacque and Laura discuss that those who are neurodivergent can be invalidated as people have a stereotypical view of the diagnosis. Jacque encourages listeners that being neurodivergent is a gift, as those with it are innovators and can think outside the box. If this resonates with you, we encourage you to get assessed and treated. 
This episode is full of insights regarding the variations and symptoms of a neurodivergent diagnosis. It has helpful tips to navigate the diagnosis positively. Join as we celebrate the gift of being neurodivergent!
Homework: Visit Dr. Tony Atwood’s website and take some screening tests. Then find a provider who specializes in ASD/ADHD 
Affirmation: “This is my brain and body, and I accept myself for who I am.”
You can find Jacque at Curated Counseling!
Friend, we are passionate about offering more support beyond the insights and advice in this podcast. 
At Becoming Anchored, we believe that we can all become more anchored in what is truly important to us. Our commitment is to authenticity, living in harmony with our values, and embracing the incredible resilience and adaptability that define the human spirit. 
⚓ The Safe and Connected Masterclass: This free masterclass is your guide to creating environments where your grief is sincerely understood and your feelings are valued. ⚓Why Do I Care So Much What People Think About Me? Letting Go of Fear Masterclass: This free masterclass teaches you how to release doubt and confidently trust yourself. Self acceptance begins here.⚓How To Practice Boundary Setting: This compassionate course teaches you necessary skills for self awareness, improved relationships, and fostering confidence. Let’s embark on a rewarding journey that empowers you to live authentically! ⚓Navigating Friendships as an Adult Woman: Gain the tools to enhance communication, trust, and genuine connection in this educational wellness course. This isn’t just theory; it’s the very foundation Laura used to transform her own relationships, bringing more depth and satisfaction in her own life. ⚓Recovering People Pleaser: This evidence-based mini course will teach you how to advocate for yourself, so you can have healthy relationships and connection with others. You will learn how to advocate for yourself and access your innate self-worth.⚓Pivoting From Perfectionism: This compassionate course will show you that you do not have to be perfect in order to be loved and will give you practical tools to live authentically. This course provides practical insights and tools for tackling perfectionism.
We have also curated a selection of thoughtfully designed products to help you stay anchored,  that you can wear on your path to discovery and growth.
Additionally, for those seeking personalized guidance on their mental health journey, our team located in Brentwood, TN offers professional therapy services tailored to meet your individual needs, fostering a path to healing and growth. If you are not located in the greater Nashville area, we gently encourage you to find a licensed therapist local to you.
 We hope you embrace the Becoming Anchored community by subscribing to this podcast. We are so honored to provide you with resources, inspiration, and support on your journey to wellness. 
 

Becoming Anchored S4E11: Raising Children To Be Intuitive Eaters

In this episode of Becoming Anchored, licensed therapist Laura Deneen is joined by Nicole Cruz. Nicole is a Registered Dietitian who owns her own private practice, based in Southern California. 
Together we discuss helpful tools to help parents raise children to be intuitive eaters. 
Key Takeaways:
Use Neutral Language With Food: Nicole encourages parents to explore what type of language they are using around food. Using language such as: fun foods, healthy, or unhealthy foods can create shame or guilt in children. We encourage labeling foods in concrete terms, such as calling a fruit a fruit.
Children Know How To Regulate: Laura and Nicole discuss the idea that children have internal cues around food. If parents decide what children should or should not eat, it can take away from their ability to notice internal cues. Nicole notes that when children feel safe around food and with their caregivers, they experience permission to stop when they are full or eat more of that food when they are hungry. Children can self-regulate if their parents teach them to listen to their body cues and have a variety of foods available.
Explore Your Beliefs Around Food: Parents often have their own beliefs about food, whether it comes from messages from their own family of origin, society, or social media. We encourage parents to do their own work around their beliefs and remind them that there is no pressure to be perfect with teaching your children about food. The goal here is to help you trust yourself with food and create a safe environment for your children and their food.
This episode is full of insights around learning to trust your children’s body cues as well as creating safe environments around food for your children. It has helpful tips on exploring your own relationship with food and messages you received around food. Join us as we explore how to raise your children to be intuitive eaters.
Affirmation: “Trust that you are never doing it wrong and wherever you are at is where you are supposed to be.”
Homework: Explore how you are parenting around food and make changes that align with what you want for your child. 
 
Friend, we are passionate about offering more support beyond the insights and advice in this podcast. 
At Becoming Anchored, we believe that we can all become more anchored in what is truly important to us. Our commitment is to authenticity, living in harmony with our values, and embracing the incredible resilience and adaptability that define the human spirit. 
⚓ The Safe and Connected Masterclass: This free masterclass is your guide to creating environments where your grief is sincerely understood and your feelings are valued. ⚓Why Do I Care So Much What People Think About Me? Letting Go of Fear Masterclass: This free masterclass teaches you how to release doubt and confidently trust yourself. Self acceptance begins here.⚓How To Practice Boundary Setting: This compassionate course teaches you necessary skills for self awareness, improved relationships, and fostering confidence. Let’s embark on a rewarding journey that empowers you to live authentically! ⚓Navigating Friendships as an Adult Woman: Gain the tools to enhance communication, trust, and genuine connection in this educational wellness course. This isn’t just theory; it’s the very foundation Laura used to transform her own relationships, bringing more depth and satisfaction in her own life. ⚓Recovering People Pleaser: This evidence-based mini course will teach you how to advocate for yourself, so you can have healthy relationships and connection with others. You will learn how to advocate for yourself and access your innate self-worth.⚓Pivoting From Perfectionism: This compassionate course will show you that you do not have to be perfect in order to be loved and will give you practical tools to live authentically. This course provides practical insights and tools for tackling perfectionism.
We have also curated a selection of thoughtfully designed products to help you stay anchored,  that you can wear on your path to discovery and growth.
Additionally, for those seeking personalized guidance on their mental health journey, our team located in Brentwood, TN offers professional therapy services tailored to meet your individual needs, fostering a path to healing and growth. If you are not located in the greater Nashville area, we gently encourage you to find a licensed therapist local to you.
 We hope you embrace the Becoming Anchored community by subscribing to this podcast. We are so honored to provide you with resources, inspiration, and support on your journey to wellness. 

Becoming Anchored S4E10: The Journey of Becoming a Therapist

In this episode of Becoming Anchored, licensed therapist and host Laura Deneen is joined by master’s level intern, Devin Kappie. Together we explore the process of becoming a therapist, and the nuances of the challenges we face and how to give ourselves compassion in the process. 
Key Takeaways From This Episode:
It Is a Vulnerable Process: Laura and Devin discuss the fact that a counseling graduate program is a lengthy and vulnerable process. It can evoke many emotions as we hold our clients’ mental health and help them live healthier lives. As an intern, Devin shares that there are many aspects in the therapy room to consider, such as being professional, authentic while also giving clients practical and helpful tools to take with them.
Growing From Mistakes: We encourage therapists to have compassion for themselves as they are growing and learning. We can lean in, grow from our mistakes, and ask ourselves differently what we can do. Laura and Devin remind us that there is a lot of pressure in the internship phase to have it all together. Devin shares about the pressure to be perfect and ways to move through this.
Balancing Professionalism and Authenticity: Together, they discuss the delicate balance of being a human being in the therapeutic space and being professional. Laura shares about having appropriate boundaries and when to use self-disclosure. They emphasize the importance of having a safe space, such as a supervisor, to have open and honest communication and to receive helpful feedback.
This episode is full of insightful tips to help not only counseling students but also it can apply to anyone in a professional career. 
Join us as we explore topics that we face in graduate school and how to navigate the process with grace and humility.
Compassionate Affirmation:  “Progress does not have to equal perfection.”
Homework: Remind yourself of all the progress you have achieved and we do not have to be perfect to have meaningful careers. 
 
Friend, we are passionate about offering more support beyond the insights and advice in this podcast. 
At Becoming Anchored, we believe that we can all become more anchored in what is truly important to us. Our commitment is to authenticity, living in harmony with our values, and embracing the incredible resilience and adaptability that define the human spirit. 
⚓ The Safe and Connected Masterclass: This free masterclass is your guide to creating environments where your grief is sincerely understood and your feelings are valued. ⚓Why Do I Care So Much What People Think About Me? Letting Go of Fear Masterclass: This free masterclass teaches you how to release doubt and confidently trust yourself. Self acceptance begins here.⚓How To Practice Boundary Setting: This compassionate course teaches you necessary skills for self awareness, improved relationships, and fostering confidence. Let’s embark on a rewarding journey that empowers you to live authentically! ⚓Navigating Friendships as an Adult Woman: Gain the tools to enhance communication, trust, and genuine connection in this educational wellness course. This isn’t just theory; it’s the very foundation Laura used to transform her own relationships, bringing more depth and satisfaction in her own life. ⚓Recovering People Pleaser: This evidence-based mini course will teach you how to advocate for yourself, so you can have healthy relationships and connection with others. You will learn how to advocate for yourself and access your innate self-worth.⚓Pivoting From Perfectionism: This compassionate course will show you that you do not have to be perfect in order to be loved and will give you practical tools to live authentically. This course provides practical insights and tools for tackling perfectionism.

Becoming Anchored S4E9: Regain Peace: How To Stop Ruminating

In this episode of Becoming Anchored, licensed therapist and host Laura Deneen is joined by Master’s level intern with Anchored Counseling Company, Hannah Wise.
Together we explore the idea of what is rumination and how we have the power and agency to disengage from our cycle of rumination.
Key Takeaways From This Episode:
Rumination Is Common: Hannah gives a working definition of rumination; essentially, rumination occurs when thoughts enter our brain we feel this need to analyze, unpack it, and figure out what it means. It can be very common to ruminate and it originates from fear of historical or future experiences. Hannah and Laura explore common ruminative patterns and how it can interfere with our lives.
Disengaging From Rumination: We discuss the importance of first becoming aware of the purpose that rumination is serving in your life and how it is impairing your life. One helpful skill Hannah teaches in awareness, attention, and engagement which allows our thoughts to exist without getting caught in the cycle of ruminating. There is hope and we want to empower you that you can have agency in your life to shift this behavior.
Responding Differently To Our Thoughts: Laura reminds us when practicing disengagement strategies, we are not avoiding or thought-stopping; it is how we respond to our thoughts when they are present. Hannah highlights that rumination involves  tightly gripping or holding onto a thought and disengagement is opening your hand and letting the thought go. It is important to remind ourselves what is in our control versus what is not in our control.
This episode is full of insightful tips to begin to explore the role that rumination plays in our lives, how it can negatively interfere with our quality of life, and ways we can move forward in hope to disengage from our ruminating thoughts.
Join us as we explore how to find empowerment as we learn how to manage rumination in our everyday lives. 
Homework: Pausing, noticing, and reflecting where rumination may be present in your life.
Compassionate Affirmation: “ It is never too late to start your healing journey. You have a lot of life to live.”
Friend, we are passionate about offering more support beyond the insights and advice in this podcast. At Becoming Anchored, we believe that we can all become more anchored in what is truly important to us. Our commitment is to authenticity, living in harmony with our values, and embracing the incredible resilience and adaptability that define the human spirit. 
At Becoming Anchored, we believe that we can all become more anchored in what is truly important to us. Our commitment is to authenticity, living in harmony with our values, and embracing the incredible resilience and adaptability that define the human spirit. 
⚓ The Safe and Connected Masterclass: This free masterclass is your guide to creating environments where your grief is sincerely understood and your feelings are valued. ⚓Why Do I Care So Much What People Think About Me? Letting Go of Fear Masterclass: This free masterclass teaches you how to release doubt and confidently trust yourself. Self acceptance begins here.⚓How To Practice Boundary Setting: This compassionate course teaches you necessary skills for self awareness, improved relationships, and fostering confidence. Let’s embark on a rewarding journey that empowers you to live authentically! ⚓Navigating Friendships as an Adult Woman: Gain the tools to enhance communication, trust, and genuine connection in this educational wellness course. This isn’t just theory; it’s the very foundation Laura used to transform her own relationships, bringing more depth and satisfaction in her own life. ⚓Recovering People Pleaser: This evidence-based mini course will teach you how to advocate for yourself, so you can have healthy relationships and connection with others. You will learn how to advocate for yourself and access your innate self-worth.⚓Pivoting From Perfectionism: This compassionate course will show you that you do not have to be perfect in order to be loved and will give you practical tools to live authentically. This course provides practical insights and tools for tackling perfectionism.
We have also curated a selection of thoughtfully designed products to help you stay anchored,  that you can wear on your path to discovery and growth.  Additionally, for those seeking personalized guidance on their mental health journey, our team located in Brentwood, TN offers professional therapy services tailored to meet your individual needs, fostering a path to healing and growth. If you are not located in the greater Nashville area, we gently encourage you to find a licensed therapist local to you. 
We hope you embrace the Becoming Anchored community by subscribing to this podcast. We are so honored to provide you with resources, inspiration, and support on your journey to wellness. 

Becoming Anchored S4E8: How Attachment Style Affects Dating

In this episode of Becoming Anchored, licensed therapist and host Laura Deneen is joined by fellow licensed therapist with Red Therapy Group, Kayla Smith.Together we explore different attachment styles and how it can show up in dating relationships.
Key Takeaways From This Episode:
The Main Attachment Styles: Kayla gives helpful information regarding the main attachment styles of styles, including anxious, avoidant, and anxious avoidant. In anxious attachment, people will find relief in closeness in relationships and may commit quickly. In avoidant attachment, people may have fear around losing themselves in the relationship or have fear around not being enough. In anxious avoidant attachment, people desire connection but when it comes, it can feel overbearing.
Where Attachment Originates From: Laura and Kayla discuss that our attachment comes from small, mundane moments we had with our earliest caregivers. It can also originate from how our caregivers reacted to our emotional experiences, whether they embraced our emotions or perhaps we received a message that we need to detach from our emotions which can sometimes lead to avoidant attachment.
How To Experience Healthy Dating Relationships: We discuss being curious about how we may react in our dating relationships. Laura and Kayla ask the questions, “Do I press the gas or pull away?” and explore what these behaviors may tell us. They encourage us to be compassionate with ourselves as we are exploring our attachment style and normalize that dating is fun and is also vulnerable. Kayla gives the recommendations of “Hold Me Tight” by Sue Johnson and the Instagram account The Secure Relationship.
This episode is full of insightful tips to understand your attachment style and gives compassionate tools to move forward in a healthy way in dating regardless of your attachment style.Join us as we explore how to find safety and connection with others through our own attachment!
Compassionate Affirmation: “ I don't need to hustle and get big to sort of prove myself, but also I don't need to hide, I can just stand my sacred ground and see how this person receives it.”
Friend, we are passionate about offering more support beyond the insights and advice in this podcast. At Becoming Anchored, we believe that we can all become more anchored in what is truly important to us. Our commitment is to authenticity, living in harmony with our values, and embracing the incredible resilience and adaptability that define the human spirit. 
⚓ The Safe and Connected Masterclass: This free masterclass is your guide to creating environments where your grief is sincerely understood and your feelings are valued. ⚓Why Do I Care So Much What People Think About Me? Letting Go of Fear Masterclass: This free masterclass teaches you how to release doubt and confidently trust yourself. Self acceptance begins here.⚓How To Practice Boundary Setting: This compassionate course teaches you necessary skills for self awareness, improved relationships, and fostering confidence. Let’s embark on a rewarding journey that empowers you to live authentically! ⚓Navigating Friendships as an Adult Woman: Gain the tools to enhance communication, trust, and genuine connection in this educational wellness course. This isn’t just theory; it’s the very foundation Laura used to transform her own relationships, bringing more depth and satisfaction in her own life. ⚓Recovering People Pleaser: This evidence-based mini course will teach you how to advocate for yourself, so you can have healthy relationships and connection with others. You will learn how to advocate for yourself and access your innate self-worth.⚓Pivoting From Perfectionism: This compassionate course will show you that you do not have to be perfect in order to be loved and will give you practical tools to live authentically. This course provides practical insights and tools for tackling perfectionism.
We have also curated a selection of thoughtfully designed products to help you stay anchored,  that you can wear on your path to discovery and growth.  Additionally, for those seeking personalized guidance on their mental health journey, our team located in Brentwood, TN offers professional therapy services tailored to meet your individual needs, fostering a path to healing and growth. If you are not located in the greater Nashville area, we gently encourage you to find a licensed therapist local to you. 
We hope you embrace the Becoming Anchored community by subscribing to this podcast. We are so honored to provide you with resources, inspiration, and support on your journey to wellness. 

Becoming Anchored S4E7: How Our Bodies Protect Us: Through a Polyvagal Lens

In this episode of Becoming Anchored, licensed therapist and host Laura Deneen is joined by fellow licensed therapist and Polyvagal Theory specialist with New Moon Rising Wellness, Rachel Sellers. Together we explore how our nervous systems protect us and keep us safe while also exploring how trauma affects our bodies.
Key Takeaways From This Episode:
How Our Nervous System Keeps Us Safe: We discuss how our nervous systems and bodies are constantly assessing for safety. Our bodies can shift into three states: our vagal state, our state when we are regulated and calm, our sympathetic state, our fight or flight response, or dorsal vagal, our collapse and freeze response.These states are present when we are experiencing stress, emotions, and trauma.
Trauma Affects Our Bodies: Our bodies choose what isbest for us to keep us safe and keep us alive. Rachel and Laura discuss that trauma can get stuck in our bodies, meaning the past feels as if it is happening in the present. Our rational brains may know the threat has passed, but my body does not. People with chronic stress, anxiety, and trauma may experience a disconnect.
Moving Into Health: We encourage you to befriend your nervous system; get curious about the various ways you may experience these different states. Here are questions to ask yourself as you are exploring: what activates my nervous system? What are ways we feel safety with ourselves and safety and connection with others? We discuss that it is important to have compassion with yourself when you are exploring your different states.
This episode is full of insightful tips to understand your nervous system better in order to heal from trauma. Join us as we explore how to find safety and connection through using our nervous system!
Homework: Get curious. What triggers you into a sympathetic storm, fight or flight, and what triggers you into a dorsal state, shutdown. Rachel encourages you to google a polyvagal ladder.
Compassionate Affirmation: “I am safe right now.”
Friend, we are passionate about offering more support beyond the insights and advice in this podcast. At Becoming Anchored, we believe that we can all become more anchored in what is truly important to us. Our commitment is to authenticity, living in harmony with our values, and embracing the incredible resilience and adaptability that define the human spirit.
⚓ The Safe and Connected Masterclass: This free masterclass is your guide to creating environments where your grief is sincerely understood and your feelings are valued. ⚓Why Do I Care So Much What People Think About Me? Letting Go of Fear Masterclass: This free masterclass teaches you how to release doubt and confidently trust yourself. Self acceptance begins here.⚓How To Practice Boundary Setting: This compassionate course teaches you necessary skills for self awareness, improved relationships, and fostering confidence. Let’s embark on a rewarding journey that empowers you to live authentically! ⚓Navigating Friendships as an Adult Woman: Gain the tools to enhance communication, trust, and genuine connection in this educational wellness course. This isn’t just theory; it’s the very foundation Laura used to transform her own relationships, bringing more depth and satisfaction in her own life. ⚓Recovering People Pleaser: This evidence-based mini course will teach you how to advocate for yourself, so you can have healthy relationships and connection with others. You will learn how to advocate for yourself and access your innate self-worth.⚓Pivoting From Perfectionism: This compassionate course will show you that you do not have to be perfect in order to be loved and will give you practical tools to live authentically. This course provides practical insights and tools for tackling perfectionism.
We have also curated a selection of thoughtfully designed products to help you stay anchored,  that you can wear on your path to discovery and growth.  Additionally, for those seeking personalized guidance on their mental health journey, our team located in Brentwood, TN offers professional therapy services tailored to meet your individual needs, fostering a path to healing and growth. If you are not located in the greater Nashville area, we gently encourage you to find a licensed therapist local to you. 
We hope you embrace the Becoming Anchored community by subscribing to this podcast. We are so honored to provide you with resources, inspiration, and support on your journey to wellness. 

Becoming Anchored S4E6: Being Embodied In Treatment

In this episode of Becoming Anchored, licensed therapist Laura Deneen is joined by Ellie Hodges. Ellie is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Eating Disorder Specialist with Fowler Nutrition, based in Nashville, TN.
Together we explore how we can use our body as a resource in treatment. 
Key Takeaways:
Our Brain and Body Are Inter-connected: We discuss that our bodies hold information and it is important to be curious about what messages they are sharing with us. When we can take a step towards paying attention to our bodies, we can notice what is happening and give our bodies what they may need, whether we need to let go of the tension, practice mindful movement, have a snack, or take a break.
Messages About Disconnecting From Our Bodies: Ellie and Laura discuss the many factors that may lead to disconnection from our bodies, whether it is a history of an eating disorder, trauma, OCD, etc. Messages rooted in diet culture may also lead to us undernourishing our bodies and can originate from colleagues, family, or culture (i.e.: our co-workers skip lunch can normalize this idea).
Emotions Are a Part of Being Embodied: Laura discusses how emotions are present in our bodies before we are cognitively aware of them. When we are in tune with our body and emotions, we are better able to meet our needs. If we push down our needs, it can come out sideways such as eating disorder behaviors.
Have Compassion For Yourself: We often can neglect our bodily needs and this episode emphasizes how critical it is to take the time to pause and reflect on what your body may need. This can be a compassionate way to be more in tune with your body. Our bodies may have been working overtime to protect us when we experience behaviors such as eating disorders. This episode is full of insights around re-connection with your body and highlights ways to access your innate wisdom. It has helpful tips to be embodied in order to step into a meaningful life. Join us as we explore how connecting to our bodies can be a beautiful experience and allows us to continue on our journey towards healing.
Friend, we are passionate about offering you support beyond the insights and advice on this podcast:At Becoming Anchored, we believe that we can all become more anchored in what is truly important to us. Our commitment is to authenticity, living in harmony with our values, and embracing the incredible resilience and adaptability that define the human spirit. ⚓ The Safe and Connected Masterclass: This free masterclass is your guide to creating environments where your grief is sincerely understood and your feelings are valued. ⚓Why Do I Care So Much What People Think About Me? Letting Go of Fear Masterclass: This free masterclass teaches you how to release doubt and confidently trust yourself. Self acceptance begins here.⚓How To Practice Boundary Setting: This compassionate course teaches you necessary skills for self awareness, improved relationships, and fostering confidence. Let’s embark on a rewarding journey that empowers you to live authentically! ⚓Navigating Friendships as an Adult Woman: Gain the tools to enhance communication, trust, and genuine connection in this educational wellness course. This isn’t just theory; it’s the very foundation Laura used to transform her own relationships, bringing more depth and satisfaction in her own life. ⚓Recovering People Pleaser: This evidence-based mini course will teach you how to advocate for yourself, so you can have healthy relationships and connection with others. You will learn how to advocate for yourself and access your innate self-worth.⚓Pivoting From Perfectionism: This compassionate course will show you that you do not have to be perfect in order to be loved and will give you practical tools to live authentically. This course provides practical insights and tools for tackling perfectionism.
We have also curated a selection of thoughtfully designed products to help you stay anchored,  that you can wear on your path to discovery and growth.  Additionally, for those seeking personalized guidance on their mental health journey, our team located in Brentwood, TN offers professional therapy services tailored to meet your individual needs, fostering a path to healing and growth. If you are not located in the greater Nashville area, we gently encourage you to find a licensed therapist local to you. 
We hope you embrace the Becoming Anchored community by subscribing to this podcast. We are so honored to provide you with resources, inspiration, and support on your journey to wellness. 
Affirmation: “My body has always been worthy of paying attention to.” Homework: Be gentle with your body. This can look like beginning to pay attention to your body.
Check out Fowler Nutrition here!

Becoming Anchored S4E5: Letting Go of the ED Identity

In this episode of Becoming Anchored, licensed therapist Laura Deneen is joined by Anna Greer. Anna is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Eating Disorder Specialist with Fowler Nutrition, based in Nashville, TN.
Together we explore how our eating disorders serve a function and we discuss how to begin to separate yourself from your eating disorder (ED) identity.
Key Takeaways From This Episode:
Understanding The Eating Disorder: We discuss that the eating disorder served a purpose in our lives, just like any other maladaptive behavior. We talk about parts work, from the therapy Internal Family Systems (IFS), and the importance of exploring how these parts of ourselves were present when we faced difficult moments in our lives, whether trauma, anxiety, or adverse experiences. When we understand these parts and show compassion for them, then we have agency to explore how our healthy selves may show up for us instead.
Separating Self From The Eating Disorder Identity: In recovery, one’s identity can become enmeshed with the ED and we explore the idea that in order to separate ourselves from it, we need to lean into exploration. Anna encourages us to identify our interests outside of our ED. We discuss different ways to look at recovery as an expansion and try new hobbies or activities that can aid us in reducing how much we rely on the ED.
Cultivating Hope in Recovery: We acknowledge that ED recovery is likely one of the hardest things you will do in your life. We want to cultivate hope throughout the process. There are many different ways to have a wonderful life, and we believe that you can get to a place of thriving in your recovery instead of believing that your recovery will not get better. 
This episode is full of insights on exploring how your ED has served you as well as helpful tips to begin to let go of your ED identity and step into a meaningful life. 
Join us as we explore what life can look like outside of your ED and find hope alongside one another as we are on this journey of healing.
 
Friend, we are passionate about offering you support beyond the insights and advice on this podcast:
At Becoming Anchored, we believe that we can all become more anchored in what is truly important to us. Our commitment is to authenticity, living in harmony with our values, and embracing the incredible resilience and adaptability that define the human spirit. 
⚓ The Safe and Connected Masterclass: This free masterclass is your guide to creating environments where your grief is sincerely understood and your feelings are valued. 
⚓Why Do I Care So Much What People Think About Me? Letting Go of Fear Masterclass: This free masterclass teaches you how to release doubt and confidently trust yourself. Self acceptance begins here.
⚓How To Practice Boundary Setting: This compassionate course teaches you necessary skills for self awareness, improved relationships, and fostering confidence. Let’s embark on a rewarding journey that empowers you to live authentically! 
⚓Navigating Friendships as an Adult Woman: Gain the tools to enhance communication, trust, and genuine connection in this educational wellness course. This isn’t just theory; it’s the very foundation Laura used to transform her own relationships, bringing more depth and satisfaction in her own life. 
We have also curated a selection of thoughtfully designed products to help you stay anchored,  that you can wear on your path to discovery and growth.  
Additionally, for those seeking personalized guidance on their mental health journey, our team located in Brentwood, TN offers professional therapy services tailored to meet your individual needs, fostering a path to healing and growth. If you are not located in the greater Nashville area, we gently encourage you to find a licensed therapist local to you. 
We hope you embrace the Becoming Anchored community by subscribing to this podcast. We are so honored to provide you with resources, inspiration, and support on your journey to wellness. 
 
Affirmation: “There are a lot of different ways to have a wonderful life and be connected within your recovery.”
Homework: Set down your ED identity and pick up a new hobby or interest that you want to try!
Check out Fowler Nutrition here!

Becoming Anchored S4E4: The Messiness of Grief

In this episode of Becoming Anchored, licensed therapist Laura Deneen is joined by Kayla Carson. Kayla is a Registered Dietitian and is the Associate Vice President of Clinical Partnerships for Odyssey Behavioral Health.
Key Takeaways From This Episode:
Grief is a process: Kayla discusses how grief can be all encompassing, and talks about how everyone’s grief looks and feels different. She advocates for moving through loss in your own way and time. It is important to remember to not feel pressured into feeling better faster than you can be. Kayla reminds our loved ones to resist pressure to rush the grief process, even if it is difficult to see our loved ones in pain. Grief is a journey.
How Grief Affects Our Lives: We discuss when we experience grief, in any capacity, we want it to fit into our lives and continue on as normal. It can take up so much space and energy, and grief does not go away. The goal here is to integrate grief and loss into our lives in a way that is meaningful to us and allows us to live in a meaningful way.
Acknowledging Our Emotions and Needs: We also normalize that grief is messy. Like the turbulent nature of waves at sea, it can manifest like crying, yelling, or other uncontained emotions. There are times where we need to contain or avoid our grief because we have responsibilities such as caring for our own children. We discuss leaning into self-compassion as we process and hold space for grief. It is ok to need room to process grief and to heal from the pain of the loss.
 
This episode is full of insights on normalizing the grief process, while simultaneously getting our needs met and validating our grief.
Join us as we explore the experiences of grief and find hope alongside one another as we are on this journey of healing.
 
Friend, we are passionate about offering you support beyond the insights and advice on this podcast:
At Becoming Anchored, we believe that we can all become more anchored in what is truly important to us. Our commitment is to authenticity, living in harmony with our values, and embracing the incredible resilience and adaptability that define the human spirit. 
⚓ The Safe and Connected Masterclass: This free masterclass is your guide to creating environments where your grief is sincerely understood and your feelings are valued. 
⚓Why Do I Care So Much What People Think About Me? Letting Go of Fear Masterclass: This free masterclass teaches you how to release doubt and confidently trust yourself. Self acceptance begins here.
⚓How To Practice Boundary Setting: This compassionate course teaches you necessary skills for self awareness, improved relationships, and fostering confidence. Let’s embark on a rewarding journey that empowers you to live authentically!
⚓Navigating Friendships as an Adult Woman: Gain the tools to enhance communication, trust, and genuine connection in this educational wellness course. This isn’t just theory; it’s the very foundation Laura used to transform her own relationships, bringing more depth and satisfaction in her own life. 
We have also curated a selection of thoughtfully designed products to help you stay anchored,  that you can wear on your path to discovery and growth.  
 
Additionally, for those seeking personalized guidance on their mental health journey, our team located in Brentwood, TN offers professional therapy services tailored to meet your individual needs, fostering a path to healing and growth. 
If you are not located in the greater Nashville area, we gently encourage you to find a licensed therapist local to you. 
We hope you embrace the Becoming Anchored community by subscribing to this podcast. We are so honored to provide you with resources, inspiration, and support on your journey to wellness. 
Affirmation: “It’s ok” “It’s ok to laugh and cry at the same time. Anything goes.”
Homework: When you’re experiencing your grief, what can you do to honor it?

Becoming Anchored S4E3: Debunking Myths Around Psychiatry with Elise Scott

In this episode of Becoming Anchored, licensed therapist and host Laura Deneen is joined by Dr. Elise Scott. 
Elise is a licensed psychiatrist who takes a holistic, neuroscience-informed, and integrated approach to mental health treatment. Together we dive into a relational and compassionate approach to psychiatry. 
Key Takeaways From This Episode:
You Are Not Alone: Many individuals hesitate to seek mental health treatment due to stigma, fears of substance dependence, or misunderstandings about medication. We discuss how taking psychiatric medication does not indicate weakness or failure. You are not alone and there are paths forward to healing, joy, peace, and wellness. 
The Psychiatric and Therapeutic Journey: We discuss the value of therapy and psychiatry working in tandem, empowering clients with tools and education to not only survive but thrive. Elise encourages a strengths-based, patient-centered approach to the healing journey. 
Acknowledging Women’s Mental Health: Elise addresses the safety of psychiatric medications during pregnancy and postpartum periods. She advocates for specialized reproductive psychiatry and shares how it can help women navigate these decisions safely and confidently.
This episode is full of insights that aim to demystify psychiatry, highlight its role as a supportive tool, and foster hope and understanding for those navigating mental health challenges. 
Join us as we dive into the psychiatric path to healing and personal growth! 
Friend, we are passionate about offering more support beyond the insights and advice in this podcast. 
 
At Becoming Anchored, we believe that we can all become more anchored in what is truly important to us. Our commitment is to authenticity, living in harmony with our values, and embracing the incredible resilience and adaptability that define the human spirit. 
⚓ The Safe and Connected Masterclass: This free masterclass is your guide to creating environments where your grief is sincerely understood and your feelings are valued. 
⚓Why Do I Care So Much What People Think About Me? Letting Go of Fear Masterclass: This free masterclass teaches you how to release doubt and confidently trust yourself. Self acceptance begins here.
⚓How To Practice Boundary Setting: This compassionate course teaches you necessary skills for self awareness, improved relationships, and fostering confidence. Let’s embark on a rewarding journey that empowers you to live authentically! 
⚓Navigating Friendships as an Adult Woman: Gain the tools to enhance communication, trust, and genuine connection in this educational wellness course. This isn’t just theory; it’s the very foundation Laura used to transform her own relationships, bringing more depth and satisfaction in her own life. 
We have also curated a selection of thoughtfully designed products to help you stay anchored,  that you can wear on your path to discovery and growth.  
 
Additionally, for those seeking personalized guidance on their mental health journey, our team located in Brentwood, TN offers professional therapy services tailored to meet your individual needs, fostering a path to healing and growth. 
If you are not located in the greater Nashville area, we gently encourage you to find a licensed therapist local to you. 
We hope you embrace the Becoming Anchored community by subscribing to this podcast. We are so honored to provide you with resources, inspiration, and support on your journey to wellness.