The Mindful Psychology Podcast

Today we have a special guest join on to talk about relationships! Dr. Abby Medcalf is a Psychologist, an author, a podcaster, and speaker. In this episode we will discuss relationships, communication, boundaries, conflict resolution, and more.

Abby is so knowledgeable about human behaviour and relationship dynamics. I love the way she breaks teachings down and shares her insight in functional ways. One of the best parts is that she always leaves you with actionable steps you can start putting in place today.

To connect with Dr. Medcalf:

LISTEN. Relationships Made Easy | Podcast

READ. Be Happily Married Even If Your Partner Won't Do a Thing | Best-selling book

WATCH. Connection Quickies with Dr. Abby | Weekly YouTube Tips

Happy listening!

With love,

G 🌸

To connect with me:

Free Anxiety & Boundaries ebook

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This part of the Mini Series on Developing Secure Attachment is all about Avoidant/Dismissive Attachment.

I will unpack this attachment style and break it down into how it develops and why, then move toward what this looks like in the research that's been done, and translate it to what it can look like in adulthood.

Then, I'll discuss what research has taught us about interactions in these cases. In other words, what is a solution to avoiding the rejection we are sure will take place? What do we do to avoid it?

Next, we'll look at ways in which we can regulate in these situations, and focus on allowing some space, or breathing room. This will be necessary in creating an environment conducive to cultivating security and connection. 

Lastly, we will apply all this to difficult situations and dynamics. Most of the episode is really to focus on what happens in generally healthy relationships. Whilst it can always be challenging to get in touch with our feelings about a situation or be vulnerable with loved ones, these symptoms are exacerbated by more distressing situations. We can sometimes externalise to avoid dealing with feelings.

Boundaries remain important in these situations and choosing not to engage will be helpful. However, we still can allow ourselves to feel our feelings about difficult situations and do any internal work and healing we may need. 

Tune in for more!

Happy listening!

With love,

G 🌸

To connect with me:

Free Anxiety & Boundaries ebook

Contact me

Book an appointment

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This part of the Mini Series on Developing Secure Attachment is all about Anxious/Preoccupied Attachment. 

I will unpack this attachment style and break it down into how it develops and why, then move toward what this looks like in the research that's been done, and translate it to what it can look like in adulthood. 

Then, I'll discuss what research has taught us about interactions in these cases. In other words, if we are met with a possible solution, does it sooth us? Why or why not? 

Next, we'll look at considerations for regulating and solutions when dealing with these challenges. We'll pay particular attention to ways in which we can regulate the nervous system, and connect inward in order to develop a strong sense of self (essential part of security). 

Lastly, I will spend some talk talking about what happens we are dealing with difficult personalities or toxic dynamics, and get activated in this anxious way. I wanted to make this a separate point, because it is especially important to stay rooted in ourselves in these cases. Furthermore, it is really helpful if we can practice cultivating this sense of security inside us that will allow us to feel safe rather than protective in these situations. 

This might look like no longer feeling the need to justify ourselves or over explain. We may also no longer feel affected by the opinions and judgments of others. 

I hope you enjoy this episode!

Happy listening!

With love,

G 🌸

To connect with me:

Free Anxiety & Boundaries ebook

Contact me

Book an appointment

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***MINI SERIES ALERT***

I am very excited to share that we will be having a Mini Series on Developing Secure Attachment. This means, we'll be unpacking attachment styles, trauma, emotional regulation, conflict resolution, and more, to dive into how we can build healthy relationships with ourselves and others.

We will exploring aspects of Interpersonal Neurobiology and Mindfulness, to name a couple, in order to begin understanding our triggers and patterns. This will allow us to start making sense of the way in which we live our lives and the changes we would like to make. From there, we can apply teachings and put them into practice. 

This will be supported by scientific research and evidence-based resources. 

Let's do this together, with openness, mindful awareness, and a generous helping of compassion. 

Welcome to the Developing Secure Attachment Mini Series! 

Happy listening!

With love,

G 🌸

To connect with me:

Free Anxiety & Boundaries ebook

Contact me

Book an appointment

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In this episode, we will be unpacking one of my favourite topics: BOUNDARIES. This episode is a re-recording of our Boundaries Unpacked episode from the Summer. New and improved! :)

I wanted to unpack this complex topic because of how interesting boundary work is and how truly important healthy boundary setting is.

and some more...

Happy listening!

With love,

G 🌸

To connect with me:

Free Anxiety & Boundaries ebook

Contact me

Book an appointment

Website

Today on the podcast, we are joined by Psychotherapist and author of the new book, The Conversation Guide, Joelle Prevost R.C.C.,

Joelle will be unpacking what healthy communication is, what conversations we can often shuffle with and avoid, as well as break down what healthy boundaries look like. 

She does a great job of applying the different concepts we explore to situations and gives relatable examples. For more information on what we are discussing in this episode, you can buy Joelle's new book The Conversation Guide. 

*NOTE: All content is created for educational purposes only and does not replace work with a mental health professional. If you have any questions about this or the content, please contact me below.

To connect with Joelle:

Joelle Prevost R.C.C

The Conversation Guide

Happy listening!

With love,

G 🌸

To connect with me:

Free Anxiety & Boundaries ebook

Contact me

Book an appointment

Website

Happy new year! 

Today on the podcast, we will be talking about different kind of detox and how we can reclaim who we are for our own good. I'll provide examples and considerations for how to develop healthier thought patterns, emotional regulation techniques, and resources for cultivating security in yourself and in your relationships. 

I will also unpack the different ways in which you can learn to mindfully heal by identifying what is holing you back or causing you distress, working through it, replacing with healthy habits, and reclaiming your life. I will apply this to different situations and relationships.

Generally, it will be broken down into:

Detoxing, Replacing, Reclaiming in...

Your relationship with yourself

Your relationships with others

Your relationships "without others", as I call it - Where there is something unresolved/unhealed but the relationship is "over".

Topics covered:

- Identifying thoughts and feelings

- Correcting unhelpful dialogue

- Self-Compassion

- Ego-based vs. Mindfulness-based or Activation/Reaction vs. Regulation/Response

- Some boundary talk - particularly where our responsibility ends in conflict

- Foundations of secure attachment

- Offering yourself closure

- Kindness, compassion, understanding, and even forgiveness do not mean excusing

- Examples to help explore the different teachings

Happy listening!

With love,

G 🌸

To connect with me:

Free Anxiety & Boundaries ebook

Contact me

Book an appointment

Website

This week on the podcast I will be unpacking the different attachment styles and trauma responses. There have been many questions about these topics, and rightfully so!

So I do my best in this episode to explore the different aspects of these loaded themes.

Topics covered:

- What is attachment

- What are attachment styles

- Does our AS matter

- Can our AS change

- Identifying our AS + patterns

- Different trauma responses

- What we can learn from our responses

- Tips for emotional regulation + soothing

- Tips for healing + building secure attachment

- Tips to answer one of the most the most popular question:

"I'm doing all this work, and I'm scared that when I interact with certain people, I will lose my progress and security. What can I do?"

*NOTE: All content is created for educational purposes only and does not replace work with a mental health professional. If you have any questions about this or the content, please contact me below.

Happy listening!

With love,

G 🌸

To connect with me:

Free Anxiety & Boundaries ebook

Contact me

Book an appointment

Website

This week on the podcast, we will be talking about jealousy as it tends to play out and what you can do to hold your own in these situations. We will also talk abut narcissism again and draw some links between jealousy and narcissism. 

Jealousy is a really big topic and has been highly requested (thank you!). I also think it's very important because we can all have conflicting feelings sometimes, or compare ourselves to others, and even feel envious. This can lead us to being very discouraged and hard on ourselves. It becomes particularly challenging, however, when we give in to feelings of jealousy and behave in unhealthy ways. It can cause a lot of harm, and even abuse.

Though I will be emphasising how to handle and heal from being on the receiving end of jealous behaviour, I will also discuss what can be done when feelings of jealousy arise. 

Happy listening!

With love,

G 🌸

To connect with me:

Free Anxiety & Boundaries ebook

Contact me

Book an appointment

Website

This week on the podcast we will be talking about narcissism. I'll unpack Narcissism into 3 different types and give example of what this might look like in real life. Throughout the episode, I will draw comparisons between the different types, so that we can explore the differences and similarities, and what this could mean in relationships (family, romantic, etc.).

Topics include:

and more...

Happy listening!

With love,

G 🌸

To connect with me:

Free Anxiety & Boundaries ebook

Contact me

Book an appointment

Website