Recovered-ish

Hi friends, this is going to be the final episode of Recovered-ish. Unfortunately, life is pulling me in a lot of directions right now and the podcast is just not getting the reach it needs in order for me to monetize it and pay for the help I need in order to make it sustainable. There are also some other things going on in my life behind the scenes that you can listen to learn if you are curious.

Thank you so much for listening, sharing, supporting, reviewing and all your support. It meant so so much. I hope to be back in a different iteration at some point soon.

In the meantime, keep up with me on Instagram @TherapyforWomen or Tiktok. You can also find all my work at www.amandaewhite.com

If you are interested in therapy, you can check out my practice Therapy for Women Center, we have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country.

Goodbye... for now!

Suzanne Wayre of "The Sober Mom Life" podcast is here and we discuss all things motherhood and sobriety. Suzanne shares about her challenges with postpartum anxiety and OCD and the pressure to enjoy every moment. We discuss mommy wine culture and how alcohol makes it harder to be a parent. We also discuss our different experiences with motherhood, how Suanne pivoted from a regular mom influencer to a sober mom influencer and the challenges and rewards that came with it. We also discuss the overcorrection of vulnerability on social media and the curated nature of online presence.

If you are interested in therapy or learning more about my practice, Therapy for Women Center, visit www.therapyforwomencenter.com. We currently serve 42+ states virtually and have three physical office locations in the Philadelphia area.

I would love to connect with you, reach out to me on instagram and TikTok @therapyforwomen. To suggest a topic, buy my books, please visit www.amandaewhite.com.

Suzanne Warye (WEAR-eye) is a fashion and lifestyle influencer and the host of The Sober Mom Lie podcast, which has reached almost 500k downloads in just over a year. Suzanne provides a refreshing take on sobriety, offering women a softer place to land than rock bottom. She shares her full sober life on her website, My Kind of Sweet, while raising her 3 kids with her husband on the North Shore of Chicago.

Trigger warning: birth trauma & suicidal thoughts.

Today my friend and fellow therapist, Natalie Siegel discuss the intersection of motherhood and diet culture. We explore the pressures and expectations placed on pregnant women and new mothers, as well as the impact of social media and wellness culture. We highlight the importance of listening to one's intuition and rejecting external narratives that may not align with individual experiences. The conversation emphasizes the need for acceptance and self-compassion in navigating the challenges of motherhood. We discuss the overwhelming influence of social media and the internet on new mothers. Natalie shares her experience of feeling vulnerable and constantly searching for answers online, which often led to feelings of inadequacy. We discuss the importance of tuning out the noise and listening to your baby's needs, rather than relying on external advice. The conversation also touches on the shame and judgment surrounding breastfeeding and formula feeding, as well as the pressure to meet societal expectations and milestones. We emphasize the importance of acceptance and trusting your own intuition as a mother.

Takeaways

• Pregnant women and new mothers often face intense pressure to conform to societal expectations and ideals.
• Diet culture infiltrates the experience of motherhood, with messages about the 'right' way to eat, exercise, and care for oneself and the baby.
• The intersection of motherhood and diet culture can lead to feelings of shame, self-doubt, and a constant search for external validation.
• Tuning inward, trusting one's intuition, and accepting the challenges of motherhood can help navigate the noise and find a sense of peace and self-compassion. Social media and the internet can be overwhelming for new mothers, leading to feelings of vulnerability and inadequacy.
• Tuning out the noise and listening to your baby's needs is crucial for finding what works best for you and your family.
• There is shame and judgment surrounding breastfeeding and formula feeding, but it's important to make the choice that feels right for you.
• Acceptance and trusting your own intuition are key to navigating the challenges of motherhood and finding peace amidst societal expectations.

Natalie Siegel is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Colorado. She is the voice behind the Instagram account @KneadtoTalk. She is also a new mother and in her clinical work specializes in working with individuals with eating disorders, anxiety and relationship issues.

If you are interested in therapy or learning more about my practice, Therapy for Women Center, visit www.therapyforwomencenter.com. We currently serve 40+ states virtually and have three physical office locations in the Philadelphia area.

I would love to connect with you, reach out to me on instagram and TikTok @therapyforwomen. To suggest a topic, buy my books, please visit www.amandaewhite.com.

CALL INTO THE SHOW TO GET YOUR Qs ANSWERED: 813-444-8683

Is social media making us anti social? Jake Ernst, a therapist specializing in working with teens and adolescents, joins me on the podcast today to discuss the impact of social media and disinformation on young people. He highlights the shift from play-based childhoods to phone-based childhoods and the reorientation of norms influenced by internet culture. We also explore the challenges of living two realities: online and offline, and the erosion of social etiquette in online interactions. He discusses the rise of AI therapists and the importance of discretion and relationship in therapy. Ernst emphasizes the need for assessing screen use in therapy and the extremes of the internet. If you are a parent, worried about your child's screen time or worried about how social media is impacting you, you will definitely want to tune in!

Takeaways

• The shift from play-based childhoods to phone-based childhoods has had a significant impact on the social lives of teenagers, reorienting their norms towards internet culture.
• Living two realities, online and offline, can create challenges for teenagers and adults alike, as it can lead to a feeling of disconnection and a struggle to find balance.
• The social validation features of social media, such as likes and comments, can lead to a narcissistic pursuit of social validation and a focus on quantity over quality of connections.
• Passive scrolling and passive use of social media can be more detrimental to mental health than active and pro-social use, such as connecting with friends and engaging in positive online communities.
• Tips for therapists and parents to assess and monitor screen use in teenagers, finding a balance between allowing social media use for social connection and limiting passive scrolling and antisocial behaviors.

If you are interested in therapy or learning more about my practice, Therapy for Women Center, visit www.therapyforwomencenter.com. We currently serve 40+ states virtually and have three physical office locations in the Philadelphia area.

I would love to connect with you, reach out to me on instagram and TikTok @therapyforwomen. To suggest a topic, buy my books, please visit www.amandaewhite.com.

Jake Ernst (he/him) is a social worker, psychotherapist, speaker, writer, and Clinical Director at his group practice clinic, Straight Up Health in Toronto, Canada.

With over a decade of experience in the helping profession, Jake is a trusted subject-matter expert in the areas of mental, emotional, and social health (MESH). Jake is a regular media contributor and a frequently cited voice advancing the mission of social health and connection.Jake talks about modern dilemmas and the ways modern stress is making us more disconnected on his podcast, This Isn't Therapy , and in his weekly newsletter, Just Trying To Help on Substack.

Are you trying to improve your relationship with food and body image but confused about all the conflicting information about it online? You aren’t alone. This week, my friend and Registered Dietician, Sam Previte is on the podcast to discuss the challenges of navigating social media and misinformation surrounding intuitive eating. We have a very nuanced conversation about the rise of weight loss medications like Ozempic and the impact on the intuitive eating movement. We discuss what intuitive eating actually is and also debunk misconceptions.

We chat about the influence of media and diet culture on body acceptance and the intersection of intuitive eating and weight loss, the concept creep and changing definitions in the online space, misinterpretation and misinformation on TikTok, and the importance of protecting mental health and following credible sources. Sam provides tips for parents and caregivers to promote body neutrality and positive language. 

Sammy Previte is a Registered Dietitian (RD), Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Certified Personal Trainer, and the Founder of Find Food Freedom®. She is also lover of all things media, hosting the Find Food Freedom® Podcast, co-hosting of the What The Actual Fork™ Podcast. and featuring in many segments including CBS Mornings & The Drew Barrymore Show! She earned her Bachelor’s of Science at Penn State University and then went to Adagio Health in Pittsburgh, PA to earn her RD credential. After completing traditional schooling, she went on to gain additional certifications in Intuitive Eating & Body Image which is where she found her true passion and Find Food Freedom® was born.

If you are interested in therapy or learning more about my practice, Therapy for Women Center, visit www.therapyforwomencenter.com. We currently serve 20+ states virtually and have three physical office locations in the Philadelphia area.

I would love to connect with you, reach out to me on instagram and TikTok @therapyforwomen. To suggest a topic, buy my books, please visit www.amandaewhite.com.

CALL INTO THE SHOW TO GET YOUR Qs ANSWERED: 813-444-8683

I chat with licensed therapist Amber Bezinger, LPC to chat about anxiety, social media and the internet. We chat about the impact of social media on children, the importance of open conversations with kids, breaking gender stereotypes, and the power of the internet. Amber shares about her own experience as a mom and how that impacts how she views things as well.

If you are interested in therapy or learning more about my practice, Therapy for Women Center, visit www.therapyforwomencenter.com. We currently serve 20+ states virtually and have three physical office locations in the Philadelphia area.

I would love to connect with you, reach out to me on instagram and TikTok @therapyforwomen. To suggest a topic, buy my books, please visit www.amandaewhite.com.

CALL INTO THE SHOW TO GET YOUR Qs ANSWERED: 813-444-8683

Amber Bezinger, LPC is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional in the state of New Jersey. She runs a membership community called Anxiety Lab and you can follow her on instagram @amber_vs_anxiety

Are you doing or thinking about doing a dry or damp January?! This episode is for you! I talk all about the difference between dry and damp January, how to actually do it and the mindset and approach to Dry January that I recommend. I emphasize the importance of being mindful and curious about one's drinking habits. I share a bit about my own story and some of the pitfalls of treating dry January like a diet. I also discuss how alcohol impacts your physical and mental health and go into some of the benefits you can expect when when you stop or even cut back.

Hope you enjoy the episode and I would love to connect with you! Tag me on instagram @Therapyforwomen and let me know your thoughts!

Please share, rate and review the podcast so I can reach more people!

To get your question answered, or suggest a topic, please call into the podcast: 813-444-8683

If you are interested in therapy or learning more about with Amanda's therapy practice, Therapy for Women Center, visit www.therapyforwomencenter.com. We currently serve 20+ states virtually and have three physical office locations in the Philadelphia area.

Buy my books "Not Drinking Tonight" and the workbook version at www.amandaewhite.com or on amazon or bookshop.org.

Resources cited:

• My book Not Drinking Tonight & Workbook, all research I cited was pulled from my book and is found in the work cited there!
• Noughty Wine is my favorite dealcoholized wine
• Amethyst spirits https://amethystnaspirits.com/

We are GOING there today with a hotly requested topic! Why is everyone a toxic narcissist these days? Are there really that many of them? What's the difference between lying and gaslighting? Are these terms being overused?

Today I have a narcissist expert, Britt Frank, LSCSW on it unpack all of it! Strap in because it is a very nuanced episode! We discuss various aspects of narcissism and gaslighting, the difference between gaslighting and self-denial, the value of narcissistic parts, red flags of narcissism, the tendency of narcissists to accuse others, and the overuse of the narcissist label. We emphasize the importance of self-reflection and understanding in relationships and also are here to remind you that you are not not crazy if you are dealing with a narcissist.

In this episode you will learn about...

• Gaslighting is designed to cause harm, while self-denial is designed to protect oneself from a painful truth.
• Narcissistic parts can be valuable consultants when viewed as separate aspects of oneself.
• Red flags of narcissism include lack of consistency, too much, too fast, too soon, and confusion in the relationship.
• Narcissists often accuse others of being narcissists as a way to grasp onto their own sense of self.
• The overuse of the narcissist label can oversimplify complex relationship dynamics.
• It is important to remember that you are not crazy and to prioritize self-reflection and understanding in relationships.

If you found this episode helpful, please consider leaving me a positive review or sharing with others! It helps so much!

If you are interested in therapy or learning more about my practice, Therapy for Women Center, visit www.therapyforwomencenter.com. We currently serve 20+ states virtually and have three physical office locations in the Philadelphia area.

Check out my books "Not Drinking Tonight" and the workbook anywhere you get books.

Join my patreon to get bonus episodes and more pop culture content, including Taylor Swift Therapy. www.patreon.com/recoveredish

CALL INTO THE SHOW TO GET YOUR Qs ANSWERED: 813-444-8683

Britt Frank, LSCSW, SEP is a licensed neuropsychotherapist and author of The Science of Stuck (Penguin Random House), named by SHRM, Esquire, New York Magazine, and The Next Big Idea Club as a must-read. Britt received her undergraduate degree from Duke University and her master’s degree from the University of Kansas, where she later became an award-winning adjunct instructor. Britt is a contributing writer to Psychology Today and her work has been featured in Forbes, NPR, Fast Company, Psych Central, SELF, and Thrive Global.

Have you ever struggled with having a different sex drive in a relationship? In this episode sex therapist, Lauren Fogel Mersy, a sex therapist, joins me to chat all about this and her new book on this topic! We discuss what sex therapy is, the pressure of sexual expectations and the stigma surrounding discussions about sex, and the importance of quality over quantity in sexual experiences. We also discuss the impact of sociocultural factors, such as purity culture and body image, on sexuality is discussed. Finally, the conversation addresses the process of unraveling and rediscovering one's sexuality. In this conversation, Lauren Fogel Mersy discusses the challenges of navigating libido differences in relationships and provides insights on how to address them. The conversation covers topics such as breaking down barriers to sexual exploration, the impact of purity culture on sexuality, navigating sexuality during pregnancy, expanding the definition of sexual experiences, and inviting willingness and exploration in relationships.

Takeaways

• Sex therapy is a specialized form of therapy that focuses on addressing issues related to sexuality and relationships.
• Libido is not fixed and can fluctuate throughout a person's life. It is important to understand that everyone's libido is unique and can be influenced by various factors.
• Quality of sexual experiences is more important than quantity. It is essential to prioritize pleasure and satisfaction in sexual encounters.
• Responsive desire is a valid and common experience, where desire emerges in response to sexual stimulation or arousal.
• Sociocultural factors, such as purity culture and body image, can have a significant impact on a person's sexuality and may require exploration and healing.
• Rediscovering and reclaiming one's sexuality may involve addressing cognitive and somatic disconnects and working through trauma. Breaking down sexual goals into smaller, more manageable steps can help overcome barriers to sexual exploration.
• Purity culture can have a lasting impact on individuals' attitudes towards sex and can create disorienting experiences when beliefs shift.
• Pregnancy can bring up complex emotions and challenges around sexuality, and it's important to find ways to navigate these changes.
• Expanding the definition of sexual experiences beyond traditional scripts can enhance intimacy and pleasure in relationships.
• Inviting willingness and exploration in relationships can help address libido differences and create a more fulfilling sexual connection.

If you are interested in therapy or learning more about my practice, Therapy for Women Center, visit www.therapyforwomencenter.com. We currently serve 27 states virtually and have three physical office locations in the Philadelphia area.

I would love to connect with you, reach out to me on instagram and TikTok @therapyforwomen. To suggest a topic, buy my books, please visit www.amandaewhite.com.

CALL INTO THE SHOW TO GET YOUR Qs ANSWERED: 813-444-8683

About Lauren Fogel Mersy-

Dr. Lauren Fogel Mersy (she/her) is a licensed psychologist and an AASECT certified sex therapist. She is the coauthor of the book "Desire: An Inclusive Guide to Navigating Libido Differences in Relationships." She received her doctorate in clinical psychology and completed her postdoctoral training at the University of Minnesota’s Institute for Sexual and Gender Health.She has advanced training in Gottman Method Couple Therapy and Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy. She specializes in sexual health and relationships and owns her own private practice in a suburb of Minneapolis, Minnesota. She has an active social media...

If you struggle with self-sabotage and want to learn how to lean into pleasure and recover from perfectionism, this convo is for you! Katherine Schafler and I discuss, how to stop punishing oneself, the difficulty of feeling joy, pleasure and selfishness, the culture's treatment of women's pleasure, selfishness and attending to oneself, the illusion of balance, guilt and shame, understanding your values, and different kinds of help. In this conversation, we discuss the concept of asking for help and the different types of help that are available. We discuss how help is not just about emotional vulnerability but also includes community help and tangible assistance.

Takeaways

• Asking for help is not limited to emotional vulnerability but can also involve seeking community help and tangible assistance.
• It is important to understand what kind of help would be most useful in a given situation.
• Help can come in various forms, and it doesn't have to be a big, life-changing event.
• Sometimes, help can be as simple as a friend sending dumb memes

If you are interested in therapy or learning more about my practice, Therapy for Women Center, visit www.therapyforwomencenter.com. We currently serve 20+ states virtually and have three physical office locations in the Philadelphia area.

I would love to connect with you, reach out to me on instagram and TikTok @therapyforwomen. To suggest a topic, buy my books, please visit www.amandaewhite.com.

CALL INTO THE SHOW TO GET YOUR Qs ANSWERED: 813-444-8683

Katherine Morgan Schafler, LMHC, is a psychotherapist, writer and speaker based in New York City. She is the author of "The Perfectionist's Guide to Losing Control." Formerly an on-site therapist at Google, she earned her degrees and training at UC Berkeley and Columbia University, with post-graduate certification from the Association for Spirituality and Psychotherapy.