Becoming Anchored

In this episode of Becoming Anchored, host Laura Deneen welcomes Alice Stricklin, a revered trauma therapist, to discuss the intricate and transformative journey of trauma and trauma recovery. Broadcasting from Nashville, Tennessee, this episode offers deep insights and practical advice for individuals seeking to understand and heal from their trauma.
Key Insights from This Episode:
Understanding Trauma Responses: Laura and Alice delve into the various trauma responses, such as fight, flight, freeze, and fawn, explaining how these survival mechanisms are designed to protect us. They emphasize that these responses are natural and highlight the importance of recognizing and celebrating them as signs of our body working to ensure our survival.
The Role of Community in Healing: The conversation explores the significance of community and supportive relationships in the healing process. Alice shares how feeling safe, seen, and connected with others can serve as protective factors against developing severe trauma symptoms, and how these elements are crucial for recovery.
Signs of Healing: Alice provides valuable insights into the signs of healing from trauma, such as reduced hyper-responses, increased awareness of others, and the ability to stay present in stressful situations. She discusses the importance of building a toolkit of responses and strategies to manage trauma symptoms effectively.
This episode of Becoming Anchored not only deepens the understanding of trauma and its impact but also encourages listeners to reflect on their own experiences and consider new ways to support their mental and emotional well-being. Alice’s expert insights offer a valuable guide for anyone looking to navigate their trauma journey with more self-compassion and resilience.
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, host Laura Deneen welcomes Emily Pardy, a seasoned therapist specializing in perinatal mental health, to discuss the complex and often challenging topic of body image during the postpartum period. Broadcasting from Nashville, Tennessee, this episode provides valuable insights and practical advice for new mothers navigating this unique phase of life.
Key Insights from This Episode:
Understanding Postpartum Body Image: Laura and Emily explore the multifaceted journey of postpartum body image, addressing the physical, emotional, and societal challenges new mothers face. They discuss the stigma and expectations surrounding motherhood and the importance of building trust in our bodies.
The Impact of Societal Expectations: The conversation delves into the unrealistic societal standards imposed on postpartum bodies, highlighting the pressure to "bounce back" quickly after childbirth. Emily emphasizes the need to shift the focus from appearance to overall well-being and self-care.
Practical Self-Care Strategies: Emily offers practical strategies for new mothers to care for themselves during this vulnerable time. She discusses the importance of rest, nourishment, and seeking support, and shares insights on how to recalibrate expectations and embrace the changes in one's body with compassion.
This episode of Becoming Anchored not only deepens the understanding of postpartum body image but also encourages listeners to reflect on their own experiences and consider new ways to support their mental and emotional well-being during this significant period of life. Emily’s expert insights provide a valuable guide for anyone looking to navigate the postpartum journey with more self-compassion and resilience.
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 the Becoming Anchored podcast, hosts Laura Deneen and Lauren Jackson delve into the essential topic of body acceptance with special guest Emily Murray, a registered dietitian specializing in eating disorders. This insightful discussion explores the vital role body acceptance plays in long-term recovery and provides listeners with practical strategies and compassionate encouragement.
Here are six key insights from this episode:
Understanding Body Acceptance: The conversation begins with a thorough examination of what body acceptance truly means, distinguishing it from body positivity. Emily emphasizes that body acceptance is about tolerating and being present with one’s body, rather than striving for constant positive feelings about it.
The Role of Body Acceptance in Recovery: Emily shares her experiences working with clients struggling with eating disorders and disordered eating. She explains how fostering body acceptance can help individuals meet their nutritional needs and improve their overall quality of life, despite societal pressures and internalized body shame.
Addressing the Fear of Weight Gain: A significant barrier to recovery is the fear of weight gain. Emily discusses how this fear can hinder nutritional progress and highlights the importance of addressing the underlying issues and beliefs contributing to this fear.
Practical Strategies for Body Acceptance: The hosts and Emily provide practical advice for listeners, including the use of distress tolerance skills, mindfulness, and body attunement exercises. They stress the importance of setting realistic goals and practicing self-compassion on the journey to body acceptance.
The Importance of Values-Based Living: The episode underscores the power of aligning one’s actions with their values. Laura and Lauren discuss how focusing on personal values can help shift attention away from appearance and towards a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
Empowerment Through Body Connection: Emily highlights how reconnecting with and attuning to one’s body can empower individuals to make healthier choices and reduce the grip of eating disorders. The hosts discuss the transformative potential of practices like yoga in fostering body autonomy and empowerment.
This episode of Becoming Anchored offers a compassionate and informative exploration of body acceptance, providing listeners with both professional insights and practical tools to support their recovery journey. Whether you are personally affected by eating disorders or supporting someone who is, this conversation is filled with valuable takeaways.
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 the Season 2 premiere of Becoming Anchored, hosts Lauren Jackson and Laura Deneen dive into the delicate and often daunting topic of how to have hard conversations. Broadcasting from Brentwood, Tennessee, this episode sets the stage for a new season dedicated to exploring personal growth and emotional well-being.
Key Insights from This Episode:
Defining Hard Conversations: Lauren and Laura discuss what constitutes a hard conversation, acknowledging that this can vary greatly between individuals. They emphasize that the content of the conversation is less important than the emotional and physical responses it evokes.
Building Awareness and Emotional Safety: They highlight the importance of recognizing physical and emotional cues that signal the need for a hard conversation. They stress the significance of ensuring emotional safety for both parties involved and offer strategies for preparing and approaching these discussions with gentleness and patience.
Practical Approaches and Self-Care: Laura shares her technique of rating the subjective unit of distress before entering a hard conversation, helping to gauge its difficulty. Both hosts provide insights on setting clear goals for these conversations and practicing assertiveness skills. They also underline the importance of self-care and seeking support after a challenging discussion.
Overcoming Avoidance: The episode explores the common tendency to avoid distressing situations and the value of approaching rather than avoiding hard conversations. Lauren and Laura encourage listeners to start with less challenging conversations to build confidence and gradually work up to more difficult ones.
Homework and Affirmation: Listeners are given practical homework to have a hard conversation they've been avoiding, starting with a low-level distress situation. Lauren leaves the audience with a powerful affirmation: "You are capable of leaning into difficult conversations."
This episode of Becoming Anchored offers a compassionate and practical guide to navigating the complexities of hard conversations, providing listeners with tools to foster healthier, more authentic relationships.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 episode twelve of Becoming Anchored, Lauren Jackson welcomes Laura Gordey, a doctor of physical therapy, to discuss the intersection of physical and mental health, particularly focusing on pelvic floor health and trauma-informed care. Broadcasting from Brentwood, Tennessee, this episode highlights the crucial role of understanding and healing the body for overall well-being.
Key Insights from This Episode:
Pelvic Floor Health and Emotional Well-being: Laura shares her expertise in pelvic floor therapy, emphasizing the importance of this often-overlooked aspect of women’s health. She discusses how pelvic floor issues can significantly impact mental and emotional health, particularly in postpartum women.
Trauma-Informed Care: Laura explains the distinction between being trauma-informed and trauma-trained. She shares how her training in somatic experiencing has transformed her approach to treating patients, allowing her to address both physical symptoms and underlying emotional trauma.
Practical Advice for Listeners: Laura provides valuable advice for listeners on how to find a qualified pelvic floor therapist, emphasizing the importance of seeking someone with specialized training. She also shares practical strategies for improving communication with one’s body, fostering a deeper connection and understanding.
This episode of Becoming Anchored is a comprehensive exploration of how physical therapy can support mental health, offering listeners practical insights and strategies for better self-care and healing.
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 episode eleven of Becoming Anchored, Lauren Jackson and Laura Deneen, both licensed therapists, delve into the important topic of intrapersonal boundaries. Broadcasting from Brentwood, Tennessee, this discussion explores how setting boundaries with oneself is crucial for personal growth and emotional well-being.
Key Insights from This Episode:
Understanding Intrapersonal Boundaries: Lauren and Laura introduce the concept of intrapersonal boundaries, or boundaries with oneself, emphasizing how these can significantly impact one's mental and emotional health. They explore the often-overlooked aspect of how we manage our own time, emotions, and self-care.
Practical Examples and Strategies: The co-hosts share personal anecdotes and professional experiences to illustrate how intrapersonal boundaries might look in daily life. They discuss boundaries around time management, emotional responses, and personal commitments, providing listeners with relatable and actionable advice.
The Role of Self-Awareness and Self-Compassion: A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the importance of self-awareness and self-compassion in establishing and maintaining boundaries. Lauren and Laura argue that understanding one's own needs and treating oneself with kindness are foundational steps in effective boundary setting.
This episode of Becoming Anchored not only deepens the understanding of intrapersonal boundaries but also encourages listeners to reflect on their own practices and consider new ways to implement boundaries that support their personal and emotional growth. The co-hosts' expert insights offer a valuable guide for anyone looking to enhance their mental health through better self-management and self-care.
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 the Becoming Anchored podcast, Lauren Jackson introduces us to Chelsey Medley, a seasoned family nurse practitioner with a decade of experience, particularly in the realm of eating disorders and holistic health care. Broadcasting from Brentwood, Tennessee, this session dives deep into the symbiotic relationship between mental wellness and physical health, underscoring the necessity of a trauma-informed, non-shaming approach in medical practice.
Key Insights from This Episode:
Holistic Health Perspectives: Chelsey shares her journey into the integration of mental health care within her practice, emphasizing the inseparability of mental and physical health. This segment illuminates the critical need for medical providers to adopt a holistic lens in treating patients.
The Impact of Mental Health on Physical Symptoms: Through Chelsey’s lens, we explore how symptoms like anxiety and stress manifest physically, often presenting as digestive issues or chronic pain. This discussion is pivotal for understanding the direct correlation between emotional states and physical health.
Challenges in Traditional Medical Practice: Discussing the barriers faced by patients with mental health issues within the conventional health system, Chelsey and Lauren address the frequent dismissal and misdiagnosis that exacerbate patient conditions, highlighting the urgent need for a paradigm shift in patient care.
Trauma-Informed Medical Care: This episode emphasizes the importance of trauma-informed care, detailing how Chelsey’s practice ensures a safe, non-judgmental environment that fosters trust and healing, particularly for those with a history of trauma.
Health at Every Size (HAES) Approach: Chelsey advocates for the HAES philosophy, which promotes health access and outcomes for all regardless of body size. She discusses the detrimental effects of weight stigma in medical treatment and the importance of severing health from aesthetic sizes.
Empowering Patient Agency in Medical Relationships: A powerful takeaway is the encouragement for listeners to seek out compassionate care providers who listen and adapt to their needs, promoting agency in one’s health journey.
This episode of Becoming Anchored not only offers invaluable insights into the integration of mental health in medical practice but also serves as a call to action for both patients and providers to foster a more compassionate and inclusive healthcare environment. Chelsey’s expertise and empathetic approach provide listeners with practical advice on navigating the healthcare system and advocating for a non-shame, inclusive approach to health and wellness.
 
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 the Becoming Anchored podcast, host Laura Deneen, alongside guest Jennifer Rollin, offers an enlightening discussion on the intricacies of therapy and recovery from eating disorders, with a special focus on binge eating. Drawing from their rich backgrounds in mental health and therapy, Laura and Jennifer share invaluable insights, shedding light on the path to recovery and the power of understanding one’s needs and triggers.
Here are six key insights from this episode:
Understanding Binge Eating: The episode begins with an in-depth look at what constitutes binge eating, highlighting its complexity and the emotional and psychological factors that contribute to it. Jennifer, with her expertise, elaborates on the common triggers and underlying issues that often accompany binge eating disorders.
The Role of Therapy in Recovery: Laura and Jennifer discuss the therapeutic approaches to treating binge eating, emphasizing the importance of a supportive and understanding therapeutic relationship. They delve into the necessity of addressing both the behavioral aspects of the disorder and the emotional needs that drive it.
Challenging Societal Norms and Pressures: The conversation touches upon the societal pressures that can exacerbate eating disorders, including those related to body image and societal expectations of health and beauty. Laura and Jennifer advocate for a more compassionate and inclusive approach to recovery, one that respects the individual’s journey and challenges societal stigma.
Support Systems and Recovery: Highlighting the critical importance of support systems, this episode discusses how family, friends, and professionals can play a pivotal role in the recovery process. The discussion underscores the value of empathy, understanding, and practical support in creating a conducive environment for healing.
Strategies for Effective Recovery: Practical advice and strategies for those battling binge eating are a cornerstone of this episode. Laura and Jennifer provide actionable tips for managing triggers, understanding one’s needs, and gradually building a healthier relationship with food and self-image.
A Message of Hope and Empowerment: Throughout the episode, a recurring theme is the message of hope and the possibility of recovery. Laura and Jennifer encourage listeners to see recovery not just as a possibility but as a journey of rediscovery and empowerment, emphasizing that it’s never too late to seek help and make a change.
This episode of Becoming Anchored stands as a testament to Laura and Jennifer’s dedication to mental health advocacy and their commitment to shedding light on the challenges and triumphs of recovering from eating disorders. It offers a blend of professional insights, practical advice, and compassionate encouragement, making it a must-listen for anyone touched by the complexities of eating disorders.
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 the Becoming Anchored podcast, host Laura Deneen and special guest Beth Barcus, Co-Executive Director and porter at Porter's Call, delve into the profound topic of making meaning from pain and suffering. The conversation unfolds into an intimate exploration of how personal histories of pain can become powerful sources of strength and resilience. Beth shares her own journey, touching on the complexities of her cultural heritage and the deep impact of her family's narrative on her path to healing and helping others.
This episode offers listeners six insightful takeaways:
Embracing Personal Narratives: Beth encourages listeners to acknowledge and own their stories of pain, viewing them as essential chapters in their journey rather than aspects to be hidden or dismissed.
The Power of Vulnerability: Highlighting the courage it takes to be vulnerable, Beth and Laura discuss the importance of opening up about one's struggles to find connection and support.
Finding Strength in Suffering: The conversation reveals how experiences of suffering can be transformed into unparalleled sources of personal power and empathy towards others.
The Role of Hope Holders: Beth introduces the concept of "hope holders," individuals who support us in times of despair, underscoring the critical role of having supportive relationships in the healing process.
Self-Care and Inventory: Beth assigns homework encouraging listeners to treat themselves kindly and perform a self-inventory to identify areas of pain and power, offering a practical step towards self-understanding and healing.
Community and Connection: The episode emphasizes the importance of community and professional support in navigating the journey from pain to healing, suggesting that no one should walk this path alone.
Listeners are left with a profound affirmation: to be hope holders for themselves and others, and to see their experiences of pain as potent seeds for growth and transformation. This episode is a touching reminder of the beauty and resilience that can emerge from the depths of personal suffering, offering hope and practical advice for those on their own path to healing.
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 the Becoming Anchorede podcast, therapists Laura Deneen and Lauren Jackson take an in-depth look at the challenges and nuances of eating disorder recovery during the midlife years, drawing from both their professional expertise and heartfelt dedication to mental health advocacy. This episode is not only an exploration of eating disorder recovery but also a beacon of hope and guidance for those navigating these waters later in life.
Here are six key insights from this episode:
The Unique Landscape of Midlife Recovery: Laura and Lauren discuss the often-overlooked aspect of eating disorders in individuals in their 40s, 50s, and 60s, challenging the misconception that eating disorders only affect the young. This segment shines a light on the specific challenges and strengths of tackling recovery in midlife.
The Power of Unlearning and Relearning: The episode delves into the importance of unlearning harmful beliefs about food and self-image that have been internalized over decades, and the transformative potential of relearning healthier, more compassionate approaches to self-care and body image.
Navigating Societal Pressures: Laura and Lauren tackle the societal pressures and stigma associated with aging, particularly as they intersect with eating disorder recovery. They discuss strategies for resisting these pressures and advocating for a more inclusive understanding of beauty and health at any age.
The Role of Support Systems: Highlighting the indispensable role of professional and personal support systems in recovery, the episode emphasizes how therapists, family, and friends can provide essential encouragement and understanding through the recovery journey.
Embracing Body Acceptance and Aging: This conversation invites listeners to reflect on the process of aging and encourages embracing body acceptance, challenging the culture of anti-aging and the pursuit of an unattainable ideal.
Practical Steps and Resources: The hosts provide practical advice for individuals in midlife considering recovery, including the importance of seeking specialized care, engaging in self-reflection, and accessing resources like the recommended book "Beauty Sick" to deepen understanding and support healing.
This episode of Becoming Anchored is a heartfelt reminder of the therapists' commitment to supporting individuals across the lifespan with empathy, understanding, and professional insight. It encourages listeners to approach the recovery process with compassion, highlighting the possibility of growth and healing, regardless of age.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.