Becoming Anchored

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.

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:

1. 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.

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.

In the sixth episode of the Becoming Anchored podcast, host Laura Deneen is joined by guest Katherine Fowler, a dietitian in the Nashville area. Together, they explore the intricacies of supporting families who have a loved one going through eating disorder recovery. This episode delves deep into the professional and personal aspects of eating disorder treatment, highlighting the importance of a multidisciplinary approach that includes dietitians, therapists, and medical professionals.

Laura and Katherine discuss the significance of nutritional rehabilitation, the challenges and rewards of working with families, and the critical role of early intervention in eating disorder recovery. They emphasize the importance of understanding eating disorders as both a medical and emotional issue, requiring comprehensive care that addresses physical health, emotional well-being, and family dynamics.

Listeners are given insights into the complexities of eating disorder recovery, including the challenges faced by families and the therapeutic process involved in healing. Katherine shares valuable advice for both families and professionals on how to provide compassionate support and the importance of collaborative care. The episode encourages listeners to approach eating disorder recovery with empathy, understanding, and a commitment to comprehensive treatment.

This installment of Becoming Anchored not only sheds light on the professional practices in eating disorder treatment but also offers hope and guidance to families navigating the recovery process. Through their discussion, Laura and Katherine aim to foster a deeper understanding of eating disorder recovery, promote effective support strategies, and underscore the value of professional guidance in achieving lasting recovery.

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 fifth episode of the Becoming Anchored podcast, hosts Laura Deneen and Lauren Jackson, two therapists based in the Brentwood area just south of Nashville, delve into the profound concept of practicing authenticity in our daily lives. They share how this principle guides their personal and professional decisions, emphasizing the significance of living authentically as a core value. Through personal anecdotes and therapeutic wisdom, Laura and Lauren explore the journey of discovering and adhering to one's true values, even when faced with the challenges of modern life's demands and societal pressures.

This episode highlights the therapeutic process of identifying and living according to one's authentic self, touching on modalities such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Internal Family Systems (IFS). The hosts discuss the importance of introspection, identifying personal values, and confronting the "protector parts" of ourselves that may hinder our authenticity. Laura shares a pivotal moment in her therapy experience that led to a deeper understanding of her values, particularly authenticity, which played a significant role in her recovery from an eating disorder.

Listeners are encouraged to reflect on where they feel most authentic in their lives, who they feel safest being their true selves with, and the challenges they face in maintaining authenticity in different aspects of their lives. Homework assignments are provided to help listeners further explore these concepts, aiming to foster a deeper connection with their core selves.

The episode concludes with an affirmation inspired by Brene Brown, emphasizing that authenticity is a practice involving daily choices to be real, honest, and vulnerable. This powerful message serves as a reminder of the ongoing effort required to live authentically in a world that often values conformity over individuality.

This installment of the Becoming Anchored podcast is not only a testament to the therapeutic journey toward self-discovery and authenticity but also a call to action for listeners to embrace their true selves, regardless of external expectations. Laura and Lauren's discussion offers a blend of professional insight and personal vulnerability, providing a roadmap for those looking to navigate the complexities of authenticity in their own lives.

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 fourth episode of the Becoming Anchored podcast, Laura Deneen and Lauren Jackson delve into the pervasive nature of diet culture, especially as we approach seasonal changes. The episode explores the subtle and overt ways diet culture infiltrates our daily lives, promoting a narrative that one's current state is never sufficient due to external beauty standards and health trends. With a focus on the detrimental effects of diet culture on self-image and well-being, Laura and Lauren share personal anecdotes that highlight the ubiquity and sneakiness of diet culture messaging.

Key takeaways include the importance of recognizing and challenging diet culture, fostering self-compassion in the face of societal pressures, and finding joy and satisfaction in one's body without succumbing to harmful narratives. The discussion also touches on the role of anger as a healthy response to diet culture, encouraging listeners to harness this emotion to advocate for change and resist societal norms that equate worth with appearance.

Homework for listeners involves reflecting on how diet culture appears in their lives and contemplating strategies for responding to its pervasive messages. An affirmation encourages embracing community support and recognizing the shared journey toward self-acceptance, emphasizing that one is not alone in the struggle against diet culture.

This episode serves as an invitation to critically examine the impact of diet culture on personal and societal levels, promoting a message of resilience and empowerment in the face of pervasive and often harmful norms. The Becoming Anchored podcast aims to be a source of support, insight, and encouragement for those seeking to navigate the complexities of diet culture and embrace a more compassionate and accepting relationship with themselves.

Stay tuned for more episodes that delve deep into various aspects of mental health, blending professional expertise with personal stories to guide you towards becoming more anchored in hope and 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.

Welcome to the third episode of the Becoming Anchored podcast, where your hosts, Laura Deneen and Lauren Jackson, dive into the nuanced world of balancing the roles of motherhood with professional careers. Based in Brentwood, Tennessee, Laura and Lauren share a passion for discussing mental health and its impact on our daily lives, spanning topics from navigating career challenges and personal relationships to self-care and beyond.

This episode zeroes in on the complexities of being working mothers. Laura and Lauren open up about their personal experiences, offering insights into the joys and challenges of juggling professional life with the demands of raising children. Their discussions aim to provide practical advice, empathy, and support to others in similar situations.

Here are six key takeaways from this episode:

1. Challenges of Working Motherhood: Laura and Lauren discuss the realities of managing a career alongside motherhood, advocating for self-compassion and acknowledging that it's perfectly okay not to have all the answers.

Launching the Becoming Anchored podcast represents a significant step for Laura and Lauren in their mission to accompany you on the path toward mental wellness. They are dedicated to offering insights, advice, and a supportive community to navigate the complexities of mental health together.

Thank you for joining us in this exploration of motherhood and work-life balance. Laura and Lauren are committed to providing a welcoming space for discussions that resonate with the diverse experiences of their listeners, aiming to foster understanding, encouragement, and practical strategies for navigating life's challenges.

Stay tuned for more episodes that delve deep into various aspects of mental health, blending professional expertise with personal stories to guide you towards becoming more anchored in hope and 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.