In this raw, reflective episode of The Psyche Behind the Physique, host Maddy Michielssen—IFBB Bikini Pro and founder of the MPowered Coaching Collective—is joined by licensed mental health counselor and fellow competitor Claudia Mayes to explore a topic that’s rarely discussed in the fitness world, but deeply felt: when control, discipline, and “doing everything right” become your way of avoiding what hurts. 🧠🏋️‍♀️

If you’ve ever said, “I’m fine” while silently unraveling…

If your structure, tracking, or strict routines bring both comfort and chaos…

If you’ve wondered whether your healthiest habits are helping—or just hiding your pain…

This one’s for you.

Together, Maddy and Claudia unpack:

• What coping really means—and how it often disguises itself as “success”
• Why fitness can become a trauma response in high-functioning women
• The warning signs that your structure is actually self-protection
• How to shift from numbing or overcontrolling into genuine healing
• Practical tools to regulate, reconnect, and rebuild with compassion

From thought traps to trauma-informed strategies, this episode doesn’t hold back. Whether you’re a coach, competitor, or everyday woman trying to hold it all together—this is your invitation to pause, feel, and heal. 💛

⁠⁠⁠⁠Join⁠⁠⁠⁠ MPowered Coaching Collective for your lifestyle & contest prep needs -- where physique goals meet functional health

🎧 Love what you heard?

👉 Rate, review, and follow the show so we can keep bringing you conversations that matter.

📲 DM Maddy: @Madsmichiefitness with your biggest takeaway or topic requests or find her on Youtube @⁠⁠⁠⁠madsmichiefitness⁠⁠⁠⁠

💻 Feeling called to work together? Apply now for 1:1 coaching here or connect with Claudia at @claudia_gotgoals

Healing and high performance can coexist.