Episode Summary

In this episode, Kianna sits down with mom therapist and coach Kristin Cogan to talk about the real mental load of motherhood, why so many moms wait to ask for help, and how trauma can show up in parenting triggers. Kristin shares practical, realistic tools for “emotional hygiene,” nervous system regulation, and repair after conflict with your kids, plus a powerful framework she calls the Ripple Effect Method (physical, social, emotional, spiritual). They also explore inner child work, birth trauma triggers, and therapy modalities like EMDR and brainspotting.

Key Topics Covered

• Why motherhood feels so judged (and why community changes everything)
• When moms tend to seek help: “drowning” vs “preventative” support
• Repairing after yelling: what to say to toddlers/preschoolers
• Emotional hygiene: caring for your mental health like you care for your body
• Kristin’s “Ripple Effect Method”: physical, social, emotional, spiritual pillars
• Introvert vs extrovert needs and “people in doses”
• Glimmers, window of tolerance, and regulating your nervous system
• Inner child work and re-parenting yourself while parenting your child
• Birth trauma and why kids’ crying can feel like your body is on fire
• EMDR vs brainspotting (what they are + how they help)
• “Date your therapist” and why fit matters
• Why therapy can be lifelong support, not a one-time fix

Guest Info

Kristin Cogan

• Therapist & Coach for Moms (specializing in trauma and nervous system regulation)
• Book in with Kirstin Here: https://calendly.com/imperfectlywonderful/15-minute-phone-consultation?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnG0oF_p2HY_pzGKweKd8I4WFjpHgTzElfNq7beZvizGP3aaCkY9C4ij_VOn8_aem_Sdva_swtwbZ6cvssIp978Q
• Instagram: @ImperfectlyWonderfulMotherhood