Can high-achieving women actually slow down, heal, and thrive—without burning out or giving up their ambition?
In this transformative episode of Unlock Your Blocks, Elyssa Smith interviews Lauren Prasek, an integrative psychiatry expert and women’s wellness educator who went from finance to functional medicine. Together, they explore the powerful link between trauma, chronic health issues, and the importance of self-advocacy in healthcare—especially for women who are used to pushing through pain to perform.
Lauren shares why traditional medicine often falls short for women, how the gut-brain connection affects your mood and motivation, and why small changes (not big overhauls) are the key to long-term wellness. If you’re feeling dismissed, depleted, or disconnected from your health, this episode will help you reclaim your power—and trust your body again.
Why so many women feel unheard or misdiagnosed in traditional healthcareThe gut-brain connection and how it impacts mood, focus, and stressHow trauma can manifest as chronic health issuesWhat integrative psychiatry is and how it supports the whole personWhy medication is a tool—not the full solution—for healingThe hidden cost of performance-based self-worthHow to build sustainable self-care habits (even with a busy life)Why high achievers need data and intuition to track their healingHow to advocate for yourself with doctors and health providersWhy your 30s, 40s, and beyond are still prime time to thrive
00:00 – Introduction to Holistic Wellness
01:44 – Lauren's Unconventional Journey
04:09 – The Need for Holistic Approaches
06:44 – Understanding Trauma and Illness
11:18 – Integrative Psychiatry Explained
15:26 – The Challenge of Impatience in Healing
19:38 – Building Small Habits for Big Change
23:16 – Performance-Based Self-Worth and Motivation
25:17 – The Challenge of Small Changes
28:14 – Tracking Progress and Celebrating Wins
30:58 – Understanding the Brain-Gut Connection
32:56 – Empowering Self-Advocacy in Health
36:21 – Self-Care Practices for Busy Lives
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