A year-end recap of the core nervous system concepts we explored in 2025! From the four states and trauma responses to fear, control, rest tolerance, capacity, and what actually regulates the body.

If you’re new here, this episode catches you up. If you’ve been listening all year, it helps everything click. Your nervous system wasn’t failing, it's adapting.

This episode reframes what “healing” is supposed to look like. If your year felt slow, heavy, or nothing like the transformation you hoped for, you’ll learn how growth often happens quietly; in boundaries held, spirals interrupted, and clarity that arrives late. A grounded reminder that you’re not behind; you’ve been changing in ways you might not have noticed yet.

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In this episode of "Swearing is Allowed," host Haley Veronyak delves into the unique pressures of December, exploring why the end of the year often feels overwhelming. Haley discusses the myth of "finishing strong" and how our bodies naturally signal the need for rest and reflection. She offers insights into distinguishing between burnout and natural depletion, emphasizing the importance of listening to our bodies and respecting our limits. Tune in for a refreshing perspective on embracing the end of the year with honesty and self-compassion.

Join host Haley Veronyak, RP, in a deeply moving episode of Swearing is Allowed as she explores the themes of grief and gratitude with meditation coach Melissa Loyer. Discover how Melissa transformed her life through mindfulness, overcoming anxiety and depression, and learn about the power of meditation in healing. This episode touches on sensitive topics such as suicidal ideation and childhood abuse, so please listen with care. If you or someone you know needs support, remember you can call or text 988 in the US and Canada for help. Tune in for an authentic conversation about healing, vulnerability, and finding peace within.

Work with Melissa https://www.balancemeditation.ca/

Follow her on instagram @balance_meditation_coaching

Understanding and Embracing Anger in Grief | Swearing is Allowed Podcast

In this episode of Swearing is Allowed, host Haley Veronyak addresses the complex emotion of anger, especially in the context of grief. She discusses how anger, often suppressed and misunderstood, can serve as a significant part of the healing process. The podcast explores the importance of recognizing and safely expressing anger, its physiological impact, and how it can signal unmet needs and boundaries. Haley also provides practical steps for managing anger without harm and answers a listener's question about distinguishing healthy anger from overreactions. Tune in to reclaim your anger as a vital, informative emotion essential for healing.

00:00 Introduction and Overview
00:15 Understanding Anger in Grief
02:39 The Physiology of Anger
04:01 Healthy Expression of Anger
06:05 Personal Reflections on Anger
07:15 Listener Q&A: Healthy vs. Unhealthy Anger
08:16 Weekly Reflections and Closing Thoughts
09:29 Podcast Disclaimer

The Truth About Gratitude: How to Practice It Without Ignoring Your Pain

In this episode of 'Swearing is Allowed,' host Haley Veronyak delves into the complexities of gratitude, exploring how it often serves as a tool to minimize emotional experiences. Haley discusses the misconception that gratitude should be natural and emphasizes its practice as a skill. She shares personal stories, practical tips, and reflective questions to help listeners integrate a genuine sense of gratitude into their lives without invalidating their feelings. The episode also addresses the importance of allowing gratitude to coexist with other emotions like grief and anger. Tune in to learn how to make gratitude a more real and supportive practice.

00:00 Introduction to Gratitude
00:43 Misconceptions About Gratitude
02:03 The Practice of Gratitude
03:44 Reframing Gratitude
05:51 Practical Tips for Gratitude
09:31 Listener Q&A: Dealing with Guilt
10:32 Reflections and Conclusion
11:38 Podcast Disclaimer

Understanding Ambiguous Grief: Mourning What Never Was

In this episode of Swearing is Allowed, psychotherapist Haley Ronak dives deep into the concept of ambiguous grief, a type of loss frequently experienced but seldom understood. Ambiguous grief arises from the mourning of what could have been, such as relationships that never materialized or dreams that went unfulfilled. Haley provides insights into how this type of grief manifests within our bodies and minds, and offers practical steps to acknowledge and ritualize these losses to process them effectively. The episode also features a listener question on grieving the loss of a friendship and offers reflective exercises for those dealing with similar feelings.

00:00 Introduction to Ambiguous Grief
00:59 Understanding Ambiguous Grief
02:59 The Neurological Basis of Grief
05:35 Coping with Ambiguous Grief
07:48 Listener Question: Grieving a Faded Friendship
09:10 Personal Reflections on Grief
11:49 Reflection and Conclusion
13:03 Podcast Disclaimer

Learn more and work with Lindsay: https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/therapists/lindsay-mclaughlin-georgetown-on/1208693 

Navigating Growth and Authenticity with Therapist Lindsay McLaughlin

Welcome back to 'Swearing is Allowed,' the podcast where we get real about the struggles of personal growth. In our second guest episode, host Haley Veronyak is joined by Lindsay McLaughlin, an accomplished therapist, wife, and dog mom. Lindsay shares her journey of opening a private practice, battling chronic health issues, and managing the emotional weight of being the 'strong one' in her circles. They discuss overcoming imposter syndrome, the impact of personal struggles on professional life, and the importance of self-care and genuine connections. If you've ever wondered what it's truly like to pursue your dreams while facing life's challenges, this episode is for you.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview
01:44 Lindsay's Journey into Therapy
02:56 Struggles and Imposter Syndrome
04:04 Balancing Personal and Professional Life
05:15 Realizations and Career Reflections
08:40 Navigating Misalignment and Self-Care
14:11 Therapist's Self-Discovery and Ethical Practice
22:02 Managing Doubts and Seeking Support
23:03 Facing the Hardest Moments
23:33 Triggers and Coping Mechanisms
24:46 Understanding Fear and Rejection
26:08 The Journey of Self-Trust
28:08 Balancing Personal and Professional Life
31:39 Living with Endometriosis
36:10 Redefining Strength
37:29 Rapid Fire Round
42:43 Final Thoughts and Gratitude
43:50 Podcast Disclaimer

Understanding the Fear of Success and Self-Sabotage

In this episode of 'Swearing is Allowed', psychotherapist Haley Veronyak delves into the fear of success and its impact on personal growth. She discusses how fear doesn’t always look like panic but can manifest quietly, leading to self-sabotage just as success begins. Haley shares personal experiences and client stories, illustrating the internal battles many face when life starts to go well. She introduces concepts like the 'upper limit problem' and offers strategies to overcome fear-driven behavior, emphasizing the importance of micro expansions and self-alignment. Haley also answers a listener's question about discerning between misalignment and fear of success, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own patterns and beliefs surrounding success. Tune in to understand how wanting more in life is part of growing and not something to fear.

00:00 Introduction to Fear of Success
01:08 A Personal Story of Success and Fear
03:12 Understanding the Upper Limit Problem
05:18 Navigating Fear and Growth
06:40 Listener Question: Fear of Promotion
07:45 Embracing Authenticity and Alignment
09:55 Reflective Questions and Conclusion

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Understanding and Rewiring Your Anxiety: Tools for Navigating Fear

In this episode of 'Swearing is Allowed,' psychotherapist Haley Veronyak dives into the theme of fear for October. Focusing on anxiety, Haley explains that it's not a flaw but a protective strategy from our nervous system. She discusses how anxiety manifests in daily behaviors like over-functioning, people-pleasing, and perfectionism, often rooted in past survival strategies. Haley offers actionable tools to recognize and soften these patterns, helping you develop new responses and a sense of safety. The episode also addresses how to handle guilt when setting boundaries and provides journal prompts for self-reflection.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:24 Understanding Fear and Anxiety

00:51 The Genius of Anxiety

01:01 Anxiety as a Survival Strategy

02:08 Modern Threats and Miscalibrated Anxiety

03:42 Protective Behaviors and Their Impact

06:02 Shifting Patterns and Creating New Behaviors

10:47 Answering Listener Questions

13:30 Personal Reflections on Anxiety

15:56 Weekly Journal Prompts and Conclusion

16:51 Podcast Disclaimer