Have you ever experienced the jittery tension of clicking 'send' on a first message, the silent screen your only company as you wait for a response? Welcome to the world of adult friend-making, a realm where Abby and I serve as your tour guides, navigating the labyrinth of apps like BumbleBFF and Facebook communities. Together, we dissect the unique challenges of finding friends in adulthood, wrestling with the awkwardness of first conversations and the balancing act of maintaining multiple connections.

We're breaking down barriers, not just between potential friends, but also the internal ones, built up by social anxiety and past experiences. Let's walk through strategies to step into social situations despite these hurdles and how online platforms can be an ally in this journey. Join us as we confront the solitude and sorrow that often accompanies the pursuit for connection, underlining the value of recognizing our individual interests and being intentional in fostering meaningful relationships. Gear up for an insightful dialog about the struggles, victories, and rewards of friendships in adulthood.

Thanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!

Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.

Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw

Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcsw

Learn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim Therapy

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.

The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

This episode of Reclaim You takes you behind the scenes of the lived experience of young social workers.  We shed light on various aspects, from job search struggles, advocating for self, establishing boundaries, to dealing with systemic flaws and toxic work environments. 

We unpack the pressures of social work that weigh heavily on mental health, leading to fear, unhealthy coping mechanisms, and the urgent need for supportive spaces. 

We share our experiences, emphasizing the importance of recognizing our worth, and  and giving and receiving meaningful support.

If you've struggled in the workplace, we hope you feel seen and a little less alone throughout this episode!

Thanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!

Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.

Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw

Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcsw

Learn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim Therapy

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.

The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

Who among us hasn't experienced the frustration of inconsistent clothing sizes or the pressure to fit into a certain size? 

If you've ever felt defined by the number on your clothing tag, this episode is for you. 

We share our personal journeys in navigating the challenging terrain of body acceptance and fashion trends, discussing how our relationships with clothing have evolved over time. From the personal challenges of clothing shopping, to our experiences with anxiety and shame tied to clothing sizes. We'll dive deep into the complex relationship between clothing and body image, and how it can serve as a powerful tool for self-expression and even provide a sense of security and belonging.

In the second part of our discussion, we disrupt the traditional narrative around clothing sizes and body worth. We've been able to redefine the meaning of clothing sizes for ourselves and we share the wisdom we've gained during this process. 

Hear our insights on finding comfort in clothing, identifying, and addressing the underlying beliefs causing anxiety and shame related to clothing. We also talk about the importance of supporting influencers challenging the arbitrary sizing system, and debunk the notion that our value is determined by the numbers on a clothing tag. 

Join us on this empowering journey, because you are more than a size!

Thanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!

Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.

Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw

Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcsw

Learn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim Therapy

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.

The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

Have you ever thought extensively about the implications of weight loss surgery?

Our cohost Laura Gordon, a therapist with extensive lived experience, sheds light on this often misunderstood journey. As someone who's been through it all, Laura opens up about her personal journey and the impact it has had on her life, body image, and relationship with food. We navigate through the world of diet culture, its financial aspects, and its potential consequences on an individual's physical and mental health.

Weight-loss surgery is no easy decision. The risks involved, the physical and emotional toll it can take on a person's life, and the potential for new iterations of eating disorders are all explored in this episode.  

Laura discusses the complex relationship between body image, fat phobia, and the medical industry. We also dive into the reality of maintaining weight loss, often through eating disorder behaviors that are normalized by our culture.

Beyond the surgery, the aftermath can pose its own set of challenges and complications. We discuss the potential side effects such as alcohol dependence, increased eating disorder symptoms, and the difficulty of sustaining weight loss. We also navigate through the impact of "lifestyle changes" and the grief that comes when the desired results aren't achieved. 

This episode is a deep dive into the realities of weight loss surgery, aiming to shed light and offer support to those considering this path, those who are struggling with disordered eating, those who have regained weight following weight loss surgery, or those struggling with body image issues.

Check out Laura's blog series here:

Part 1: https://www.sarahherstichlcsw.com/blog/one-womans-journey-through-weight-loss-surgery
Part 2:

Thanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!

Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.

Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw

Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcsw

Learn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim Therapy

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.

The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

Step into a world where boundaries can transform the way you care for yourself.

In this episode we begin by shedding light on Prentice Hemphill's thought-provoking definition of boundaries as the distance at which one can love oneself and another simultaneously. We tackle the challenging but critical aspect of implementing boundaries, and how it's a fine line between self-care and selfishness, steering clear of the misconception that setting limits is an act of negligence towards others.

Join Sarah and Abby we navigate the terrain of setting boundaries in relationships, discussing the intriguing concept of internal and external boundaries.

We dive into the complications that arise when explicit communication isn't possible and how to adjust our boundaries in the face of these challenges.

The conversation doesn't stop at setting external boundaries; we turn the spotlight on the importance of checking in with ourselves after setting a boundary and making them flexible. Listen in and discover how boundary setting isn't just about saying 'no,' but also a declaration of our worthiness and a testament to our self-respect.

Tune in to this discussion that promises to change the way you perceive and set your boundaries.

Thanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!

Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.

Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw

Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcsw

Learn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim Therapy

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.

The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

Have you ever felt like you've lost touch with your true self after experiencing trauma, disordered eating, or body shame? Join Sarah and Casey as we share our personal journeys and insights on how to reclaim your authenticity amidst the influences of diet culture, disordered eating, and trauma.

We'll discuss the importance of building trust in ourselves, finding joy and passion in life, what gets in the way of it all, and the necessity of self-compassion and understanding every step of the way.

Feeling an existential crisis creeping up? Consider it an invitation to pause and check in with yourself.

Tune in as we explore how to rely on ourselves in a healthy way, manage expectations, and break free from people-pleasing habits to come back to yourself. 

Plus, learn how values work can help you make sense of your relationships and motivations in this empowering conversation.

And, be sure to check out our merch on our website!

Thanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!

Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.

Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw

Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcsw

Learn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim Therapy

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.

The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

Are you tired of feeling defeated by impossible, unrealistic body standards perpetuated by diet culture and the media? Join therapists from Reclaim Therapy, Sarah and Emily, to tackle body image and body dysmorphia head-on. We'll uncover how shame and self-doubt can creep in as we struggle with these issues and explore how therapy can guide us to better understand and manage our feelings.

Discover the intersection of body dysmorphia and disordered eating as we delve into our fears of not being accepted and our desire for control. Together with Emily, we'll discuss the importance of developing self-awareness, breaking free from the cycle of shame, and embracing compassionate ways to meet our needs. Learn how to avoid body-checking and work towards overcoming feelings of defeat.

In our conversation, we also highlight the significance of connecting with others and minimizing body checking to work through deeply regulating rituals. Learn methods to disrupt these rituals while still feeling okay and understand that body image extends beyond the physical to our values, interests, and uniqueness. Lastly, we touch on the challenges of practicing acceptance and managing triggers as we navigate a culture that often fuels our frustrations.

Thanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!

Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.

Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw

Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcsw

Learn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim Therapy

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.

The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

What if you could better understand the intricate dynamics of mother-daughter relationships and how they shape our self-esteem, body image, and even our career paths? Join us in this heartfelt conversation with Laura as we shed light on this complex topic and explore the power of healing these relationships. We also discuss the importance of recognizing the biases in research and literature on this matter, and the need to include more diverse voices in the conversation.

Navigating boundaries in mother-daughter relationships can be challenging, but we tackle this topic head-on, emphasizing the significance of creating space for individuality while honoring each other's wishes and needs. We explore how expectations can impact our relationships and the importance of deciphering what is genuinely an expectation from a mother and what is an interpretation by the daughter. Additionally, we face the difficulty of setting boundaries and the fear of what it could mean for the relationship.

As we dive deeper into the mother-daughter relationship, we discuss the benefits of processing underlying emotions in a safe space, such as with a third-party therapist, and how this can create an environment for both parties to be heard and understood. We explore the idea of grief and acceptance, and how it can help both mother and daughter come to terms with the evolving nature of their relationship. By reflecting on our own experiences as mothers and daughters, we uncover how understanding each other can help heal wounds from the past and foster a stronger bond moving forward.

Thanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!

Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.

Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw

Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcsw

Learn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim Therapy

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.

The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

Have you ever found yourself obsessing over the "cleanliness" and "purity" of your food choices? You might be experiencing orthorexia - an intense fixation on healthy eating that can consume our thoughts and lives. Join Sarah and Abby, as we share about orthorexia and explore how this obsession can leave us feeling exhausted and isolated.

We'll discuss the differences between orthorexia and other eating disorders such as anorexia, and how orthorexia's focus on healthy eating and rigid food rules can impact our cognitive functioning and emotion regulation. If you're questioning whether you're struggling with orthorexic tendencies, we'll provide helpful tips and insights on navigating these food rules and finding the support you need. 

Remember, you're not alone - and discovering a healthier relationship with food might just align better with your values.

Thanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!

Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.

Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw

Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcsw

Learn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim Therapy

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.

The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

Welcome back to Reclaim You!

In this powerful episode, your hosts Sarah and Casey dive deep into the intricate connections between grief, trauma, and eating disorders. Join us as we explore the experiences that intertwine these struggles and the often complex journey of recovery.

Throughout the episode Casey dives into the experience of grief, how it shows up throughout recovery from trauma and disordered eating, and how to care for yourself through it.

For more about grief and recovery from disordered eating, check out this blog post. 

Thanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!

Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.

Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw

Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcsw

Learn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim Therapy

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.

The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.