Becoming Anchored

In this episode of Becoming Anchored, licensed therapist and host Laura Deneen is joined by wellness coach Sara Christiansen Jeffs. Sara is also the author of Dear Beautiful Friend. 
 
Together they explore how to become anchored in an innate sense of self-worth. 
 
If you struggle with feeling worthy, we kindly invite you to join our new wellness course: Pivoting From Perfectionism: Tangible Tools for Hope and Change For Adult Women. This course will help you tackle perfectionism, embrace hope, and discover true confidence. 
 
In this episode, Laura and Sara also discuss cultivating personal growth with compassion, personal insights from therapy, and ways to foster resilience. 
 
Key Takeaways From This Episode:
Healing Your Inner-Child: Reflecting on childhood experiences and unmet needs can help unlearn hurtful messages about self-worth and cultivate a healthier, intrinsic sense of value. This process may involve grief, but it is essential for personal growth.
Embracing Self-Compassion: We provide mindful practices to help listeners cultivate self-care. From allowing space for emotions without judgement to empowering affirmations, we invite you to offer yourself kindness and create sustainable habits of self-love. 
You Are Worthy: We discuss how true self-worth is intrinsic, not earned. We believe self-worth is not dependent on achievements, appearances, or societal expectations. We invite listeners to embrace their innate value to foster emotional wellbeing.
This episode is full of practical self-care strategies for mental health and personal growth. 
Join us as we explore how to embrace self-compassion and discover our innate self-worth! 
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. 
⚓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 evidence-based 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, the team offers professional therapy services tailored to meet your individual needs, fostering a path to healing and growth. 
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. 

In this episode of Becoming Anchored, licensed therapists and hosts Lauren Jackson and Laura Deneen navigate the grief of waiting, with compassion and resilience. 
In addition to the practical strategies shared in this episode, we kindly invite you to join our free Safe and Connected masterclass. This masterclass will help you identify people who can witness your grief with kindness and understanding. 
Key Takeaways From This Episode:
The Process of Grief: Like the ocean tides, grief ebbs and flows. There is not a set path, rather a personal journey. We discuss how the stages of grief provide structure but are not meant to be a limitation for emotional processes. We encourage listeners to honor the grief journey and give permission to feel fully.
Validating Your Grief: We acknowledge grief in various forms. From life transitions to unmet expectations, and even in the small moments, like missing the fleeting stages of a child’s growth. The pain of waiting (for healing, change, or progress) is also often anchored to grief. We kindly invite listeners to attune to and validate whatever emotions may arise for them during periods of waiting, anger, sadness, and grief. 
Compassionate Care: Grieving involves feeling emotions without judgment. We invite you to approach your grief with compassionate care and cultivate systems of support. We believe we can become anchored in hope and peace in the presence of others who witness grief without judgement. 
This episode is full of meaningful reflections, heartfelt encouragement, and practical strategies to support you in your journey. 
Join us as we navigate the waves of grief and become anchored in hope! 
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. 
⚓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 evidence-based 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, the team offers professional therapy services tailored to meet your individual needs, fostering a path to healing and growth. 
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. 
 

In this episode of Becoming Anchored, licensed therapist and host Laura Deneen is joined by certified Enneagram coach Jackie Brewster. Jackie is also the author of The Enneagram and Your Marriage and Hearing God Speak.
The Enneagram is a personality assessment and system. Jackie emphasizes that the Enneagram is not about labeling or stereotyping, but rather a means of fostering awareness and compassion, both for oneself and for others. 
 
Key Takeaways From This Episode:
The Enneagram as a Tool for Self-Awareness: Jackie explains how the Enneagram helps people explore why they behave as they do, assess their emotional health, and identify areas for growth. Jackie also shares how she embraces the Enneagram as a tool for compassion and empathy, especially in relationships. 
Practicing Self-Compassion: We explore how self-compassion is an essential tool for emotional growth. We discuss how it not only supports personal growth but also positively influences other relationships, creates empathy, and nourishes authentic connections. 
Embracing Curiosity: We invite listeners to get curious about the different personality types in their relationships. Understanding these differences can help cultivate more meaningful connections with yourself and others. Jackie also explains how recognizing personality differences can improve communication and empathy. 
This episode is full of insights about the transformative power of self-awareness through tools like the Enneagram and therapy. 
Join us as we explore different personality types to become more anchored within ourselves and our relationships! 
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: If you’re ready to improve your wellbeing, this free masterclass is your guide to creating environments where you feel sincerely valued, understood, and secure. 
⚓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 evidence-based 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, the team offers professional therapy services tailored to meet your individual needs, fostering a path to healing and growth. 
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. 
 

In this episode of Becoming Anchored, licensed therapist and host Laura Deneen is joined by fellow licensed therapist April Snow. April is also the author of Find Your Strength and other workbooks for highly sensitive people (often referred to as an HSP personality trait).
We dive into what it means to be a HSP. April explains that it involves heightened emotional states, empathy, and perceptiveness. 
Together we reframe sensitivity as a strength and explore ways to compassionately care for ourselves.
Key Takeaways From This Episode:
Embracing Sensitivity: We discuss how sensitivity is often a gift. It brings depth, empathy, and thoughtfulness to relationships and the world. We kindly encourage listeners to embrace sensitivity; recognizing and naming sensitivity can be a beautiful step towards self-acceptance. 
The Importance of Intentional Pauses: April explains how helpful slowing down can be for HSP, due to their deep processing of emotions and experiences. She recommends taking quiet and intentional moments to pause, which can be supportive for mental health. 
Regulating the Nervous System: We explore how HSP can navigate their sensitivity with compassion, emphasizing the importance of creating space to process emotions and create routines that are supportive to nervous system regulation.
This episode is filled with practical insights, empowering affirmations, and thoughtful strategies for honoring and navigating life as a HSP.
Join as we explore and celebrate the unique gifts and strengths of sensitivity! 
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: If you’re ready to improve your wellbeing, this free masterclass is your guide to creating environments where you feel sincerely valued, understood, and secure. 
⚓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 evidence-based 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, the team offers professional therapy services tailored to meet your individual needs, fostering a path to healing and growth. 
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. 

In this episode of Becoming Anchored, licensed therapist and host Laura Deneen is joined by fellow licensed therapist Amber Lucchino. Amber is also the Executive Director of Astor Springs Residential and Outpatient in Tennessee. 
We dive into therapeutic relationships built on empathy, shared humanity, and mutual growth. 
We reflect on how therapists can bring authenticity, embodied presence, and self-regulation into their work to foster a space that feels both safe and supportive. 
Key Takeaways from This Episode:
Repairing Ruptures with Compassion: Therapeutic ruptures, or moments of misunderstanding, offer powerful opportunities for repair. When ruptures occur, it creates an opportunity for trauma-informed connection and healing, especially for clients who may not have experienced safe relationship repair before.
Implementing Self-Care and Boundaries: We encourage therapists to practice self-care, set boundaries, and focus on what brings them joy to ensure they can be fully present for their clients. We invite you to take breaks, reduce client load when needed, and know how to reach out for additional help and supervision. 
Embracing Imperfection: We encourage therapists to embrace their full humanity, including imperfections and vulnerabilities, to create a more genuine and trusting environment. We welcome authenticity to help clients feel understood and less alone in their struggles.
We also recognize clients’ expertise in their own lives. We believe therapy is a shared journey where both therapist and client can experience growth, resilience, and a deeper connection to themselves and others. We are truly committed to walking alongside you on the path to peace. 
This episode is filled with insights on embracing imperfections, the importance of connection, and compassionate strategies for self-care and growth. 
Join us and get curious about engaging in self-reflection, modeling vulnerability, and embracing imperfections. 
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 principles, and embracing the incredible resilience and adaptability that define the human spirit. 
 
⚓ The Safe and Connected Masterclass: If you’re ready to improve your wellbeing, this free masterclass is your guide to creating environments where you feel sincerely valued, understood, and secure. 
⚓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 evidence-based 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, the team offers professional therapy services tailored to meet your individual needs, fostering a path to healing and growth. 
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.

In this episode of Becoming Anchored, licensed therapists and hosts Lauren Jackson and Laura Deneen are joined by Level Up Leaders Julianne Guinasso and Poonam Nathan.
Julianne and Poonam are also both licensed marriage and family therapists. They began Level Up Leaders to support mental health leaders cultivate a safe practice and a supportive work environment. 
Julianne and Poonam believe trauma-informed practices apply not only to clients but also to employees. Together we discuss the nuances and benefits of trauma-informed leadership. 
Key Takeaways from This Episode:
Implementing Self-Care Through Boundaries: We acknowledge that leadership can often be challenging. We discuss how implementing and maintaining boundaries can create a healthy work environment, where conflict and needs can be communicated effectively and compassionately. For leaders, boundaries may also support self-care and help rejuvenate them, so they can bring their best to their teams. 
Valued-Based Leadership: We explore the importance of shared values in creating a safe, collaborative environment. Julianne and Poonam encourage leaders to notice and honor the unique values of each team member. Further, leaders are invited to model sincerity, compassion, and generosity, so employees feel empowered to reciprocate those values.
The Trust Model: Julianna and Poonam share their Trust Model, which encourages transparency, curiosity, and compassion. When building trust, we gently encourage leaders to be mindful, intentional, and prioritize genuine connections to create a safe environment where employees feel comfortable expressing their needs. 
This episode is abundant with practices to nourish a supportive, caring, and mindful work environment. 
Join us as we explore compassionate accountability in trauma-informed leadership. Let’s learn how to make value-based decisions for growth and resilience!
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 principles, and embracing the incredible resilience and adaptability that define the human spirit. 
⚓ The Safe and Connected Masterclass: If you’re ready to improve your wellbeing, this free masterclass is your guide to creating environments where you feel sincerely valued, understood, and secure. 
⚓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 evidence-based 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, the team offers professional therapy services tailored to meet your individual needs, fostering a path to healing and growth. 
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. 

In this episode of Becoming Anchored, licensed therapists and hosts Lauren Jackson and Laura Deneen sit down with Amanda White, licensed therapist and founder of Therapy for Women Center. Amanda is also the author of Not Drinking Tonight, which largely inspired our conversation.  
Amanda wrote Not Drinking Tonight after noticing anyone can have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol without necessarily being an alcoholic, coining the term “disordered drinking.” Amanda hopes to create a safe space for people to re-evaluate their drinking without shame and fear, encouraging more honest conversations and self-assessments.
Key Takeaways from This Episode:
Curiosity and Self-Reflection: We encourage listeners to explore their relationship with alcohol with compassion and curiosity. This involves honestly examining the reasons for drinking, what needs it fulfills, and identifying areas where it may not be as beneficial. Instead of relying on alcohol, Amanda suggests that listeners get curious about how alcohol serves them and consider healthier coping strategies. 
Shifting to Healthier Coping Skills:  Amanda highlights approaching the relationship with alcohol with self-compassion as essential. Rather than imposing strict rules, the goal is to create a gradual, sustainable shift in habits. Setting boundaries, taking breaks, and asking for help may also improve resilience and reduce stress.
Compassionate Exploration in Therapy: Amanda discusses how she approaches clients' relationships with alcohol with empathy, acknowledging the role it plays in their lives without judgment. Amanda implements a harm-reduction approach, which prioritizes building self-awareness, emotional regulation, mindfulness, and boundary-setting skills. 
This episode is filled with mindfulness and coping skills, like intentionally pausing before drinking or beginning with a mocktail before having a glass of wine if still desired. Join us as we foster healthier relationships with alcohol and learn how to set boundaries for better emotional health. 
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 principles, and embracing the incredible resilience and adaptability that define the human spirit. 
 
⚓ The Safe and Connected Masterclass: If you’re ready to improve your wellbeing, this free masterclass is your guide to creating environments where you feel sincerely valued, understood, and secure. 
⚓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 evidence-based 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 merch 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, the team offers professional therapy services tailored to meet your individual needs, fostering a path to healing and growth. 
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.

 
In this episode of Becoming Anchored, hosts Lauren Jackson and Laura Deneen are joined by Ben Eckstein, author of Worrying is Optional, to explore the nature of worry and how to manage it effectively. Ben shares his expertise on anxiety, OCD, and the importance of understanding the "worry cycle." Together, they dive into practical strategies for shifting from automatic worry to intentional living.
Key Takeaways from This Episode:
Understanding the Worry Cycle: The discussion begins by breaking down the "worry cycle," a pattern where distressing thoughts trigger emotions that often lead to habitual reactions. Ben emphasizes the significance of recognizing the cycle's automatic components while identifying where we have agency to respond differently.
Moving from Worry to Intentionality: Ben introduces listeners to the concept of non-engagement, highlighting the power of acknowledging distressing thoughts without allowing them to dictate actions. The episode explores how making small, deliberate choices can transform one's relationship with anxiety and worry.
Empowering Through Values-Based Living: The conversation wraps up with a focus on values-based living, encouraging listeners to align their responses with what truly matters to them. Ben and the hosts share the importance of cultivating awareness and practicing intentional responses that reflect one's values, even in the face of discomfort.
Join us as we delve into how worry doesn't have to dominate your life, and learn practical steps to create space between your thoughts and actions. This episode is filled with insights that empower listeners to navigate anxiety with greater clarity and control.
Lauren and Laura from the Becoming Anchored podcast are passionate about offering more than just insights and advice through their podcast. To extend their support beyond the airwaves, they've curated a selection of thoughtfully designed merch that resonates with the podcast's mission of mental wellness and hope. Additionally, for those seeking personalized guidance on their mental health journey, the team offers professional therapy services tailored to meet your individual needs, fostering a path to healing and growth. Embrace the Becoming Anchored community fully by subscribing to our podcast, where you'll find a wealth of resources, inspiration, and support. Connect with us for therapy services, explore our merch to carry a piece of this journey with you, and ensure you never miss an episode by subscribing today.
 

In this episode of Becoming Anchored, hosts Lauren Jackson and Laura Deneen are joined by Lauren Martin, a fellow therapist and expert on perfectionism, to delve into the profound topic of the loneliness of perfectionism. Lauren Martin shares her insights on how perfectionism can lead to isolation, the concept of masking, and the importance of authenticity in overcoming these challenges.
Key Takeaways from This Episode:
Understanding Perfectionism and Loneliness: They explore how perfectionism is more than just striving for flawlessness; it's about adhering to a rigid vision of how things "should" be, which can lead to isolation and loneliness when reality doesn't match these expectations.
The Concept of Masking: They discuss the idea of masking—when one's external persona doesn't match internal feelings—and how this incongruence can exacerbate feelings of loneliness. Lauren Martin explains how masking is common among perfectionists and offers strategies to become more authentic.
Overcoming Perfectionism: The episode provides practical steps for recognizing perfectionistic tendencies, such as "clocking" when you're performing rather than being genuine. They emphasize the importance of self-awareness, asking for help, and embracing imperfections as part of personal growth.
Join us as we uncover the hidden loneliness that often accompanies perfectionism and learn how to cultivate genuine connections by embracing authenticity.
Lauren and Laura from the Becoming Anchored podcast are passionate about offering more than just insights and advice through their podcast. To extend their support beyond the airwaves, they've curated a selection of thoughtfully designed merch that resonates with the podcast's mission of mental wellness and hope. Additionally, for those seeking personalized guidance on their mental health journey, the team offers professional therapy services tailored to meet your individual needs, fostering a path to healing and growth. Embrace the Becoming Anchored community fully by subscribing to our podcast, where you'll find a wealth of resources, inspiration, and support. Connect with us for therapy services, explore our merch to carry a piece of this journey with you, and ensure you never miss an episode by subscribing today.

In this episode of Becoming Anchored, hosts Lauren Jackson and Laura Deneen are joined by Jamison Worley, a skilled dietitian specializing in athlete nutrition, to discuss Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S). Jamison shares her journey from being an athlete to working with sports nutrition, offering valuable insights into how RED-S affects performance, health, and well-being. Together, they explore the transition from the Female Athlete Triad to RED-S, uncovering its broader impacts on physical and mental health.
Key Takeaways from This Episode:
Understanding RED-S: Jamison explains the transition from the Female Athlete Triad to RED-S, highlighting the broad spectrum of symptoms beyond just under-fueling and bone health, including impacts on the immune system, gut health, and mental health.
The Importance of Proper Fueling: Athletes often unknowingly under-fuel, which can drastically affect performance and recovery. Jamison emphasizes the power of education in helping athletes recognize their body’s needs and the importance of nutritional support for optimal performance.
Coaching and Nutrition: The episode also touches on the role coaches play in either supporting or unintentionally harming an athlete's relationship with food and body image. Jamison shares how involving coaches in the treatment process can create a more informed and supportive environment for athletes.
Join us as we dive into the world of athlete nutrition and explore how proper fueling can enhance both performance and overall well-being.
Lauren and Laura from the Becoming Anchored podcast are passionate about offering more than just insights and advice through their podcast. To extend their support beyond the airwaves, they've curated a selection of thoughtfully designed merch that resonates with the podcast's mission of mental wellness and hope. Additionally, for those seeking personalized guidance on their mental health journey, the team offers professional therapy services tailored to meet your individual needs, fostering a path to healing and growth. Embrace the Becoming Anchored community fully by subscribing to our podcast, where you'll find a wealth of resources, inspiration, and support. Connect with us for therapy services, explore our merch to carry a piece of this journey with you, and ensure you never miss an episode by subscribing today.