Taking Up Space with Cassie Krajewski

Crashing into Embodiment: Pregnancy, Birth, & Postpartum with Monica Pearson, RCC

At some point in our lives, all of us will have experiences of crashing into our bodies in ways that we couldn't have anticipated. In this episode, we host Monica Pearson, a therapist specializing in perinatal health based in Vancouver, British Columbia. We delve into Monica's unique background, including her transition from a genetic counselor to a therapist focusing on fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum challenges. Monica shares her personal journey, including her struggles with body shame and premature ovarian insufficiency, and how these experiences shaped her understanding and approach to helping others. The conversation also touches on the impacts of patriarchy, the importance of body attunement, and how ancestral and family stories shape individual experiences. We explore themes of embodiment, the mind-body connection, and the emotional and psychological aspects of fertility and parenthood. Monica emphasizes the importance of compassionate inquiry and self-attunement, offering deep insights into the transformative experiences of becoming a parent. Monica discusses her roles as a doula and lactation consultant and provides insights on navigating postpartum transitions, including the often-overlooked emotional struggles of non-birthing partners. The discussion is framed within a broader spiritual context, considering the interconnectedness of our physical and emotional selves as part of the earth.
Monica's Background and Work in Perinatal Health
Personal Journey and Struggles with Body Image
Premature Ovarian Insufficiency and Its Impact
Mind-Body Connection and Genetic Counseling
Therapeutic Approaches and Family Stories
Embodiment and the Transition to Parenthood
Challenges and Realities of Pregnancy
Struggles with Infertility
Listening to Our Bodies
The Role of Safety in Pregnancy
A Client's Journey to Pregnancy
Unexplained Infertility as a Defense
Embracing Our Animal Nature
Challenges of Sexual Dysfunction
The Profound Experience of Birth
Impact of Birth Environment
Breastfeeding and Body Image
Postpartum Transitions
Supporting Partners in Parenthood
Spiritual Reflections on Life
Taking Up Space in Life
Connecting with Monica
Guest Bio: 
Monica Pearson is a Registered Clinical Counsellor in Vancouver, BC. Her practice is dedicated to those people moving through the profound transitions inevitable when attempting to become a parent. Her career began in medical genetics as a genetic counsellor, but was disrupted by her own journey to parenthood which inspired her fascination and respect for this life transition. After training as a birth doula and a lactation consultant, it was finally the conversations she was having with individuals and families that held the greatest curiosity and significance to her. A final leap into therapy has led to a private practice in perinatal mental health where she and her clients explore parts work and EMDR to foster a greater compassion and understanding for themselves and their lives.
Connect with Monica at her practice website: ⁠https://www.theintentionalpath.ca/

Unveiling the Witch Wound and Our Collective Trauma with Jacqueline Rose Richards-Shrestha, LPC

Today we’re exploring the 'witch wound'—an intergenerational and collective trauma affecting women's voices and empowerment. Jacqueline explains how the historical persecution of women labeled as 'witches' continues to manifest today through behaviors like people-pleasing and perfectionism. The discussion also touches on the role of psychedelics in accessing subconscious healing and the importance of embodying one's true self for breaking cycles of trauma.
Jacqueline shares her journey from growing up in Minnesota to becoming a therapist, coach, and herbalist in Boulder, Colorado. She discusses how her passion for nature and foraging as a teenager led her to explore various healing practices, including the significance of intergenerational trauma. Jacqueline delves into her personal experiences with eating disorders and how these struggles informed her professional work with clients dealing with body image and disordered eating.
Jacqueline's Background and Journey
Modeling How to Listen to our Bodies and Being Embodied.
Intergenerational Trauma and Healing
Exploring the Witch Wound
Psychedelics and Healing
the witch wound/historical trauma women experienced on a collective level that is still impact how women feel able to show up today. 
Herbal medicine for mental health. 
Jacqueline's Future Plans and Conclusion
Guest Bio: 
Jacqueline Rose Richards-Shrestha (Shress- Tah) is a mindfulness-based psychotherapist, a self-love and embodiment coach, a clinical herbalist, a podcast host, a nature loving forager, an ecstatic dancer, a wife, and a momma of a rambunctious toddler. Her practice focuses on helping women have better relationships with their bodies so they can overcome self-doubt, and live full and vibrant lives.
Connect with Jacqueline: 
www.Jacquelinerosewellness.com
IG @jacquelinerosewellness
Jacqueline Rose Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jacquelinerose 
Body Medicine Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bodymedicine-podcast-healing-through-embodied-living/id1737869287

Smut, Spice, and Representation with Romance Writer, Katie Duggan

Reclaiming smut and spice! Say hello to Katie Duggan (she/they), a romance author renowned for their spicy contemporary romances, shares their journey in writing and self-discovery. Katie, who identifies as fat, queer, and disabled, brings representation to the forefront of their work, emphasizing the importance of seeing diverse and marginalized identities in literature. Throughout the conversation, Katie delves into their early love for storytelling, the evolution of their writing to include authentic experiences of characters with identities similar to their own, and the impact of romance novels on healing and pleasure, particularly through the lens of body positivity and consensual intimacy. With their witty and heartfelt writing, Katie aims to offer representation and visibility, inspire others, and continue breaking down the barriers set by societal norms.
Katie Duggan's Journey to Becoming a Writer
Exploring Identity and Representation in Writing
Embracing Queerness and Disability
The Healing Power of Romance and Smut
The Impact of Queer Romance and Media
From the Start: A Deep Dive into the Book
Exploring Emotional Depth in Writing
The Fun and Explicit 'Dick-tionary'
Character Companions: Nic and Josh
Creating Authentic Characters
The Writing Process and First Book
Incorporating Music into Writing
Romance Tropes and Their Importance
Katie’s Future Themes and Story Ideas
Taking Up Space as a Writer
Guest Bio: 
Katie Duggan is a New England transplant currently living in Northern Virginia. She writes romances that give fat, neurodivergent, and queer characters spicy happily-ever-afters. When Katie’s not writing or being kept up at night by her characters, she can be found drinking iced chai lattes, going to therapy, convincing people to read her favorite books, and doing whatever hobbies give her neurospicy brain the most dopamine at the moment.
Connect with Katie: 
IG @katiedugganwrites 
https://linktr.ee/katieduggan

Body Politics and Body Justice with Allyson Inez Ford, LPCC

What role do politics and power play in shaping the way we understand and treat eating disorders? This episode welcomes Allyson Inez Ford, a multiracial, queer, neurodivergent therapist specializing in Eating Disorders and OCD through a social justice lens. Alison shares insights from her extensive work in the mental health community, particularly through her social media and online courses. She discusses how her personal experiences as an eating disorder and OCD survivor fuel her passion for providing therapy. The conversation delves into topics such as the political nature of eating disorders, the stigmatization within the field, and the importance of incorporating an intersectional and anti-oppressive lens in treatment. Alison emphasizes the value of harm reduction, the perils of coercive care, and the necessity for systemic change in treatment practices. She dives deep into how politics and lived experiences, including race and trauma, impact body image and recovery. Additionally, Alison shares the concept of body justice and offers practical advice for clinicians striving for anti-oppressive care. She also touches on her personal journey, including motherhood and finding balance in her life. The discussion highlights how activism can support recovery and underscores the critical need for inclusive and empowering approaches to mental health care.
Allyson's Background and Work
Allyson’s Personal Experiences and Body Story
The Political Nature of Eating Disorders and Disordered Eating
Defining Body Justice in a World of Body Hierarchies
Challenges and Systemic Barriers in Eating Disorder Treatment
What Anti-Oppressive Care and Harm Reduction Can Look Like Within Eating Disorder Treatment
How Activism Can Fuel Recovery
How Allyson is Balancing Personal and Professional Life
Guest Bio: 
Allyson Inez Ford, MA, LPCC is a multiracial, queer, neurodivergent therapist specializing in Eating Disorders and OCD through a social justice lens. Allyson is also a new mother, which has fueled her passion for working with new and expecting parents in ED recovery. Allyson has lived experience of an Eating Disorder, and owns a group private practice in California. Allyson is rooted firmly in a relational, feminist and liberation psychology framework. In addition to therapy, she provides supervision, consultation and speaking engagements.
Connect with Allyson: 
www.eatingdisorderocdtherapy.com
IG @bodyjustice.therapist

Reclaiming Bodily Autonomy from Purity Culture with Jesie Steffes, LPC

In this episode, we welcome Jesie Steffes, a licensed professional counselor from Colorado Springs. Jesie specializes in grief and body image and is also the founder of 'She's Well Fed,' a coaching business and podcast focused on body reclamation. The discussion dives deep into Jesie's personal journey with body liberation, the impact of purity culture, and the importance of reclaiming bodily autonomy. Jesie shares heartfelt stories, including her experience with high sensitivity and how she integrates this understanding into her practice and life. This conversation is a profound exploration of how we can all take up more space and foster a nurturing relationship with our bodies.
Jesie's Professional Background
Jesie's Personal Body Story and Body Liberation
Understanding Body Reclamation
Body respect and neutrality vs. "body positivity."
The Impact of Purity Culture and other oppressive systems have created a barrier to our sacred experience in our own "homes."
Reasserting authority within our own body experience and bodily autonomy.
Locating Spirituality Within the Body
High Sensitivity and Body Reclamation
Taking Up Space
Guest Bio:
Jesie Steffes is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Body Image Coach and the founder of She's Well Fed. She calls her work "Body Reclamation" and holds the deep belief that peace in our bodies is a birthright. Her work focuses on helping her clients and podcast listeners reclaim that birthright relationship with food, movement, pleasure, and body through a trauma-informed and soulful lens.
Connect with Jesie:
Coaching Website: https://www.sheswellfed.com/ 
Therapy Website: https://www.riverbendcolorado.com/
IG: @sheswellfed
She's Well Fed Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shes-well-fed/id1684074563

The Intersection of Trauma and OCD with Bronwyn Shroyer, LCSW

What's trauma and what's OCD and how can we tell which is which? In this episode, we speak with Bronwyn Shroyer, a licensed clinical social worker in Indiana. Bronwyn shares her personal and professional journey, focusing on her work with OCD and PTSD through her private practice and her role as co-founder of OCD Training School. Bronwyn delves into her personal history with OCD, triggered by her mother's illness during her teens, and explores various treatments including Inference-Based CBT (ICBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). The discussion touches on the prevalence of OCD alongside PTSD and other conditions, emphasizing the importance of multiple treatment tools.
In this episode we discussed:
Bronwyn's Personal Journey with OCD
Understanding the Concurrence of OCD and PTSD
Defining What OCD Really Is and Dispelling the Myths of Obsessions and Compulsions
Recognizing OCD Symptoms
OCD Treatment Approaches and Being Trauma-Informed
Behavioral vs Cognitive Approaches in Therapy
Choosing the Right Treatment for You
Exploring Ego State and Parts Work
OCD and Co-occurring Conditions
Understanding ICBT Sessions
Finding the Right Therapist
Personal Journey and Professional Impact
OCD Resources
 
Bronwyn Shroyer is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has a private practice focusing on OCD and PTSD. She also co-founded the OCD Training School where she provides training and consultation on OCD, Anxiety Disorders, and co-occurring conditions. Bronwyn is trained in Inference-based CBT by its co-founder, Dr. Frederick Aardema and is also certified in Exposure and Response Prevention by the Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety at UPENN. She is one of the first I-CBT trainers in the United States, and the co-chair of the International OCD Foundation's Inference-based CBT Special Interest Group. Bronwyn is an EMDRIA approved consultant and utilizes EMDR and ego-states parts work in her treatment of PTSD.
Train and Learn with Bronwyn:
Instagram: @ocdtrainingscoool
OCD Training School on FB: https://www.facebook.com/p/OCD-Training-School-61550722538216/?paipv=0&eav=AfaRFfvJsBl3yOv8o2JGDnvCIW8pul94Xdz0jgWhUlRDFJpq4k8BO__D-X5AbyULfjw&_rdr
Website: ocdtrainingschool.com

Healing from Toxic Relationships and Narcissistic Abuse with Relationship Clarity Coach, Bre Wolta

In this episode, we welcome Bre Wolta, a relationship clarity coach, who shares her profound journey and expertise in helping women understand their relationship patterns, especially after experiencing narcissistic or emotionally manipulative relationships. Bre dives deep into her personal story of overcoming a toxic relationship and how it led her to support others facing similar struggles. She explains the nuances of narcissism, the dynamics of love bombing, and the challenges and importance of achieving self-awareness and contentment in aloneness. With a focus on embodiment and emotional regulation techniques such as EFT tapping, Bre provides valuable insights for those wanting to break free from destructive relationship cycles and find clarity and healing.
In this episode, we discuss:
Defining Relationship Clarity Coaching
Bre's Personal Journey Through a Toxic Relationship
What It Means to Find Healing and Helping Others
Struggles with Eating Disorders and Body Image
Understanding What Narcissism Is and Looks Like in Relationships
Vulnerability and Susceptibility to Narcissists
The Cycle of Returning to Toxic Relationships
The Struggle with Emotions and Distractions
Understanding Embodiment and Emotional Freedom (EFT) Techniques
The Role of the Nervous System in Emotional Regulation
The Myth of Constant Happiness
The Difference Between Being Alone and Feeling Lonely
Finding Support and Taking Up Space
Bre's Programs and Offerings for Healing
Guest Bio:
Bre Wolta, EFT and The Clearing Work™ Certified Practitioner, is a Relationship Clarity Coach who is passionate about helping women heal from the mindf*ck of confusing relationships so that they can become the confident and secure woman they want to be. Bre's own toxic relationship healing journey, and her ability to hold safe space allows her to walk alongside clients as they find clarity and trust within themselves. It is her life's work, and deep honor, to help women wake up to their life and consciously move outside of their default patterning, so that they can reconnect to and nurture the most important relationship of all: the one they have with themselves.
Connect with Bre:
www.brewolta.com
IG: @lucid.living.with.bre

Healing from Spiritual Trauma and Disembodiment with Rachel Flowers, LMSW

In this engaging episode, Rachel Flowers, a seasoned clinical therapist from Michigan, shares her story and professional journey. With over 16 years in private practice and a strong background in treating severe disordered eating, Rachel introduces her love for EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy. She delves into her specialization in trauma, particularly spiritual and religious trauma, and discusses the effects of conservative religious upbringing on women's embodiment and self-care practices. The conversation explores how Rachel uses EMDR to help clients uncover and process deeply ingrained fear, shame, and disembodiment stemming from their spiritual experiences. 
Rachel lists several signs and symptoms that might indicate spiritual trauma, including:
Perfectionistic tendencies and fear of making mistakes.
A pervasive sense of inherent badness.
Disembodiment and difficulty connecting with one’s own body.
Confusion and fear around making decisions.
Shame and moralizing of bodily sensations.
Rachel emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with one’s body and intuition. She advocates starting with positive sensations and how they feel in the body. This can be something as simple as recalling a pleasant experience, like spending time with a pet, to help clients recognize and name their bodily sensations.
Rachel, along with her sister, Charis also have a podcast: Beyond Sacred Scars: Women Reclaiming Their Narratives From Religious Wounds. Their hope is to create a safe space with individuals of all religious stories and landings can come together.
 
Free Offerings to get You Started
Come Home to Your Self guide
Get my Taking Up Space Workbook
⁠https://www.inneratlastherapy.com/shop⁠
Join Our Community
⁠https://www.inneratlastherapy.com/⁠
Subscribe and leave a Review!
Connect with Cassie:
inneratlastherapy.com
Read our Blog https://www.inneratlastherapy.com/blog
Schedule a Consultation https://www.inneratlastherapy.com/get-in-touch
Cassie on IG https://www.instagram.com/inneratlastherapy/
Cassie on TikTok ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@inneratlastherapy

Navigating Fertility in a Bigger Body with Fertility Coach Nicola Salmon

In this episode of Taking Up Space, Cassie welcomes Nicola Salmon, a fat positive fertility coach who specializes in supporting fat individuals through their fertility journeys. Nicola shares her personal story of being diagnosed with PCOS at 16 and the impact that had on her life. She discusses her evolution into fertility coaching, her experiences with a positive, textbook pregnancy despite societal expectations, and advocating for fat individuals' rights to fertility treatments and supportive healthcare. Nicola introduces her fat positive fertility framework, which includes components like safety, advocacy, self-compassion, and trust. The conversation delves into the myths and realities around fat bodies and pregnancy, the importance of compassionate care, and the need for advocacy in healthcare settings. Nicola also shares her current pursuits in exploring her body's capabilities, including cold water swimming, Morris dancing, and canny cross running with her dog. Listeners can connect with Nicola through her Instagram, book 'Fat and Fertile,' and various coaching programs.
 
Nicola's Journey to Becoming a Fat Positive Fertility Coach
Personal Experiences and Challenges in Fertility and Pregnancy
Discovering Fat Positivity and Community
Fat Positive Fertility Framework
Myths and Realities of Fatness and Pregnancy
Advocacy and Self-Compassion in Healthcare
Nicola's Book and Final Thoughts
Connect with Nicola Salmon:
Nicola's Website: https://nicolasalmon.co.uk/
Nicola's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fatpositivefertility/
 
Free Offerings to get You Started
Come Home to Your Self guide
Get my Taking Up Space Workbook
⁠https://www.inneratlastherapy.com/shop⁠
Join Our Community
⁠https://www.inneratlastherapy.com/⁠
Subscribe and leave a Review!
Connect with Cassie:
inneratlastherapy.com
Read our Blog https://www.inneratlastherapy.com/blog
Schedule a Consultation https://www.inneratlastherapy.com/get-in-touch
Cassie on IG https://www.instagram.com/inneratlastherapy/
 
Cassie on TikTok ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@inneratlastherapy⁠

Healing from Binge Eating Disorder with Dr. Marianne Miller, LMFT

In this episode of 'Taking Up Space,' we are joined by Dr. Marianne Miller, an eating disorder therapist specializing in treating binge eating disorder and ARFID. Dr. Marianne shares her professional background and discusses her integrative approach to therapy, which includes leveraging her personal journey with an eating disorder and neurodivergence. They delve into the importance of addressing social justice in therapy, the stigma around atypical anorexia, and the intersections of multiple cultural and systemic influences on eating disorders. Dr. Marianne also highlights the significance of nourishment and self-care in recovery, offering insights into her specialized programs and resources.
Personal Journey and Lived Experience
Impact of Lived Experience on Professional Work
Challenges and Overcoming Barriers
Neurodivergence and Chronic Pain
Therapeutic Relationships and Authenticity
Social Justice and Therapy
Understanding Different 'Splaining' Concepts
The Role of Social Justice in Recovery
Exploring the Roots of Fat Phobia
he Binge Eating Disorder Cycle
Debunking Food Addiction Myths
Atypical Anorexia: Personal Insights
Taking Up Space: Personal Growth and Money Mindset
Connect with Dr. Marianne
Follow on Instagram ⁠@drmariannemiller⁠
Join  ⁠Dr. Marianne-Land's Binge Eating Recovery Membership Program⁠
Sign up for 1:1 binge eating recovery coaching  ⁠Elite Binge Eating Recovery Method ⁠
Listen to ⁠Dr. Marianne-Land: An Eating Disorder Recovery Podcast⁠
Free Offerings to get You Started
Come Home to Your Self guide
Get my Taking Up Space Workbook
⁠https://www.inneratlastherapy.com/shop⁠
Join Our Community
⁠https://www.inneratlastherapy.com/⁠
Subscribe and leave a Review!
Connect with Cassie:
inneratlastherapy.com
Read our Blog https://www.inneratlastherapy.com/blog
Schedule a Consultation https://www.inneratlastherapy.com/get-in-touch
Cassie on IG https://www.instagram.com/inneratlastherapy/
Cassie on TikTok ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@inneratlastherapy
⁠