In this episode of Holding Space, Dr. Cassidy sits down with Megan McNamee, a registered dietitian nutritionist and co-founder of Feeding Littles, to discuss the intersection of perfectionism, parenting, and feeding children. Megan shares insights on how parents can move away from the pressures of perfectionism, especially in the context of feeding their kids, and embrace a more intuitive and balanced approach to mealtime.

We dive into common struggles parents face when it comes to feeding their kids, such as dealing with picky eating, the pressures of packing lunches, and the stress of meeting societal expectations. Megan offers practical advice on how to navigate these challenges while keeping mealtime enjoyable and stress-free.

Resources Mentioned:

• Feeding Littles Lunchbox Book
• Follow Feeding Littles on Instagram

What do you REALLY need to know about caring for your postpartum body?

To answer this question I invited Ruth Macy, a pelvic health physical therapist, and Courtney Naliboff, a teacher, writer, and musician, on to the podcast to talk about all things postpartum recovery and self-compassion.

Together we explore:

• The inspiration behind their book "Your Postpartum Body: The Complete Guide to Healing After Pregnancy"
• The concept of radical self-acceptance and compassion in healing after birth
• The essential needs for postpartum recovery: rest, hydration, nutrition, and support (and how to make them a priority)
• The challenges/human cost of lactation and the mental health impact of weaning
• Systemic barriers to postpartum care and practical solutions to navigate them

Learn more about Courtney and Ruth’s book here!

If you're a California parent and interested in learning more about working with Dr. Cassidy and her therapy services visit www.drcassidymft.com

If you're not a California resident and interested in starting therapy, you can learn how to find a therapist in your area by visiting https://www.drcassidymft.com/blog/how-to-find-a-therapist-like-me

This one's for the cycle breakers, and in this episode we're unpacking intergenerational trauma.

Dr. Mariel Buqué, trauma-informed Psychologist and author of the book BREAK THE CYCLCE: A Guide to Healing Intergenerational Trauma breaks it down for us.

Together we explore how to recognize when generational trauma is impacting us today, identifying unhealthy patterns that get passed down in families, how trauma shows up in our bodies and our nervous systems, and steps we can take to break the cycles we're caught in that started before we were born.

You deserved someone to protect you from generational pain and break the cycle, that always remains true. Now, let's take steps to get the support you need to be the cycle breaker for yourself, your family, and the next generation.

You can learn more about Dr. Cassidy's private practice at https://www.drcassidymft.com/

In this episode I sit down with Robin Kaplan, founder of the San Diego Breastfeeding Center and author of Latch. Robin has her Masters in Education and is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. In this episode we explore the experience of going back to work for breastfeeding families from an emotional, relational, and logistical perspective. Robin shares some incredible resources in the episode, here are links to the resources mentioned:

Free Guide to Going Back to Work for Breastfeeding Parents

Breastfeeding for the Working Parent E-Course (with $15 discount code for Holding Space listeners)

Resource for laws that protect breastfeeding and pumping parents' rights for pumping at work

Amazing resource for thinking outside of the box for pumping locations

DIY Breastfeeding video on baby-led bottlefeeding

 Did you connect with that episode? The best way to support Holding Space podcast is to subscribe and leave a review! Podcast reviews help us reach those who need it most, and I read each and every one. To connect with Dr. Cassidy or learn more about her private practice, visit www.drcassidymft.com.

In this episode I virtually sit down with online therapist and digital nomad Dr. Therese Mascardo @exploring.therapy. We talk about what it means to offer teletherapy and ways to make therapy more accessible. We also explore the ways that therapists are showing up in the digital arena in platforms like Instagram. I ask her questions about the ethical/legal considerations and why she thinks it's important that we continue to show up in the digital world and continue to work on addressing regulations and policies. Dr. Therese offers mentorship and courses to professionals interested in doing this work, which you can read more about here!

To learn more about the Crafted Practice, my roadmap to a modern private practice, go to https://courses.drcassidymft.com/

In this episode I share my conversation with Clinical Psychologist Dr. Sophie Mort. Together we discuss our experiences with an evidence-based clinical approach called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. We explore the ways this approach supports a new relationship to our emotions, as well as the role of values and mindfulness in creating meaningful and sustainable change. To follow Dr. Sophie's work on social media you can find her @_drsoph, and to read more about her work and find resources through her blog you can find her at www.drsoph.com. A resource mentioned in the episode is the Happy Not Perfect app, which you can find here!

Did you connect with that episode? The best way to support Holding Space podcast is to subscribe and leave a review! Podcast reviews are the best way to make sure the podcast reaches those who need it most, and I read each and every one. To connect with Dr. Cassidy or learn more about her private practice, visit www.drcassidymft.com.

In this episode I share my conversation with Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Vienna Pharaon. This episode is all about boundaries! We define the different types of boundaries that can show up in our intimate relationships and the ways these levels of boundaries can lead to connection and protection. We explore how to both set and keep healthy boundaries and ways that boundaries are challenged from dating to parenthood. You can follow Vienna's work @mindfulmft and you can keep up with her private practice in New York and course/workshop offerings at www.newyorkcouplescounseling.com. 

Did you connect with that episode? The best way to support Holding Space podcast is to subscribe and leave a review! Podcast reviews are the best way to make sure the podcast reaches those who need it most, and I read each and every one. To connect with Dr. Cassidy or learn more about her private practice, visit www.drcassidymft.com.

In this episode of Holding Space Podcast, I virtually sit down with Lisa Olivera, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Lisa and I talk about her approach to therapy which is: human first, therapist second. We explore the power of stories, and Lisa shares her own. At the end we talk about finding our voices as therapists in the larger wellness arena and stepping into the land of social media as licensed professionals. I'm so excited to share Lisa's warmth and wisdom with all of you! For the incredible resources she shares on social media you can follow her @lisaoliveratherapy. If you're interested in reading more about her services and work you can also find her at https://lisaoliveratherapy.com/.

Did you connect with that episode? The best way to support Holding Space podcast is to subscribe and leave a review! Podcast reviews are the best way to make sure the podcast reaches those who need it most, and I read each and every one. To connect with Dr. Cassidy or learn more about her private practice, visit www.drcassidymft.com.

In this episode I sit down with Krystal Festerly, writer and founder of Gather the Village, a magazine aimed at building community through honest storytelling. Krystal's superpower is her ability to show up as fully human, honoring her truth and vulnerability as a bridge to connection with others. Krystal describes the impact of facing our mortality through her husband's health fragility, and how she is discovering the true meaning of her life during this most painful period. To continue to follow Krystal and her family's journey, you can do so here and @krystalmfesterly. You can connect with Krystal's work and community at Gather The Village, and you can read her poetic words through the hashtag #WhenIGetToThinking. 

Did you connect with that episode? The best way to support Holding Space podcast is to subscribe and leave a review! Podcast reviews are the best way to make sure the podcast reaches those who need it most, and I read each and every one. To connect with Dr. Cassidy or learn more about her private practice, visit www.drcassidymft.com.

I'm back from podcast sabbatical :) and so happy to share this new episode with all of you! Ashley Neese is a breathwork teacher and author of the book How To Breathe. In this episode we explore how Ashley came to do this work. We also unpack the power of breath, and the ways that breath shows up as a landing space in both our harder moments and in the joys of simple moments. We explore the relationship between our breath, our emotions, and our bodies. I also share an e-mail that Ashley sent to me a year ago when she needed to create some space in her life and couldn't record an episode at that time. I believe this e-mail is a beautiful representation of how we can create space while also honoring our relationships. You can follow Ashley Neese on social media here and at www.ashleyneese.com. You can also buy her book here!

Did you connect with that episode? The best way to support Holding Space podcast is to subscribe and leave a review! Podcast reviews are the best way to make sure the podcast reaches those who need it most, and I read each and every one. To connect with Dr. Cassidy or learn more about her private practice, visit www.drcassidymft.com.

This episode is sponsored by Fusion Academy. Fusion is a revolutionary school, offering a completely personalized learning experience for middle school and high school students. You can read more about Fusion by visiting their website at www.fusionacademy.com. 

In this episode I sit down with illustrator and designer Kelli Murray. Kelli is the owner and designer of children's clothing brand Rylee and Cru and their sister brand Quincy Mae. Kelli shares with us her background and how she built her businesses. We then go beyond the brand to discuss motherhood, the myth of balance, Kelli's long history with health issues and chronic pain, and her relationship with God and spirituality. This is a vulnerable conversation between two good friends, that Kelli was gracious enough to allow me to record and share with all of you. To continue following Kelli, you can find her on social media @kelli_murray, @ryleeandcru, and @quincymae. 

Did you connect with that episode? The best way to support Holding Space podcast is to subscribe and leave a review! Podcast reviews are the best way to make sure the podcast reaches those who need it most, and I read each and every one. To connect with Dr. Cassidy or learn more about her private practice, visit www.drcassidymft.com.

In this episode of Holding Space Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Christine Sterling, OB/GYN. You may remember Dr. Sterling from an earlier episode where we discussed preparing for motherhood during pregnancy. In this episode Dr. Sterling offers education on a woman's menstrual cycle, and the impact hormonal changes can have on our energy, behaviors, libido, and mood. With our menses in mind, we unpack the history of the women's movement and the rejection of discourses connected to "the hormonal woman" that followed. In this exploration, we identify the agency that can be found in understanding our cycles and bodies, while reclaiming the truth that we are more than our hormones. We discuss the shame often experienced around our periods and sex organs, and how we can educate and talk to our daughters. To follow Dr. Sterling's work you can find her here and connect with her on social at @drsterlingobgyn.

Did you connect with that episode? The best way to support Holding Space podcast is to subscribe and leave a review! Podcast reviews are the best way to make sure the podcast reaches those who need it most, and I read each and every one. To connect with Dr. Cassidy or learn more about her private practice, visit www.drcassidymft.com.

In this episode I share my conversation with Claire Bidwell Smith, author and therapist specializing in grief. We explore the relationship between anxiety and grief and the work Claire has done that led to her most recent book Anxiety: The Missing Stage of Grief. Claire offers psychoeducation on the stages of grief, and the ways in which anxiety can show up when we have experienced loss. Claire and I both share some of our personal experiences with loss, and discuss the power of support. You can find more about Claire and her work here, including her self-guided online program A Safe Place to Grieve. You can find Claire's book Anxiety: The Missing Stage of Grief here.

Did you connect with that episode? The best way to support Holding Space podcast is to subscribe and leave a review! Podcast reviews are the best way to make sure the podcast reaches those who need it most, and I read each and every one. To connect with Dr. Cassidy or learn more about her private practice, visit www.drcassidymft.com.

In this episode you get to witness my conversation with Susie Allison, M.Ed., of @busytoddler, in which I share our 3 year olds current struggles with independent play, and the impact it's having on our whole family.

Susie talks me through the proven strategies to support independent play and guess what...they worked!

Susie shares the benefits of independent play for your child's development and for the whole family system...and how we can still feel present and connected even with more independent play happening in our homes. This is an episode you won't want to miss!

Looking for more independent play support from Susie, including some of her favorite toys? Check out her independent play blog post here! 

Susie Allison is a former teacher with a Master's in Early Childhood Education and a mom to 3 kids. Her mission is to bring hands-on play and learning back to childhood, support others in their parenting journey, and help everyone make it to nap time. Visit her at www.busytoddler.com or on Instagram @busytoddler.

*Become a client of Dr. Cassidy's by visiting www.drcassidymft.com (CA residents only).

*Not based in California but looking for more support? Click here for steps on how to find a therapist in your area!

Join Dr. Cassidy and her cozy era by visiting www.cozyearth.com! Be sure to check out their pajamas made with viscose from bamboo. Use code DRCASSIDY35 for 35% off sitewide!

In this episode I sit down with Brittani Ehrhorn. Brittani is a pediatric registered nurse and advocate and activist for Turner Syndrome. Brittani shares her experience living with Turner Syndrome, and discusses the myths and importance of education. We talk about the sticky-ness of labels and Brittani shares her experience with going to therapy. A resource mentioned in the podcast is The Turner Syndrome Society of the United States, and you can continue to follow Brittani @brittehrhorn. 

Did you connect with that episode? The best way to support Holding Space podcast is to subscribe and leave a review! Podcast reviews are the best way to make sure the podcast reaches those who need it most, and I read each and every one. To connect with Dr. Cassidy or learn more about her private practice, visit www.drcassidymft.com.

In honor of infertility and pregnancy loss awareness month, this week's episode explores the often neglected experience of partners. I share my conversation with Jeff Mindell, a Los Angeles based photographer and creative. Last Spring I shared an episode with his wife Kelly Mindell of Studio DIY where she shared her experience with fertility, pregnancy loss and adoption. In this episode Jeff offers an honest look into his own experience and path to fatherhood. Jeff and I explore the gender discourses he faced, the role of support in their journey, the decision to pursue adoption, and the joys and challenges of parenthood. You can continue to follow Jeff @jeffmindell and you can find his professional work here. 

Did you connect with that episode? The best way to support Holding Space podcast is to subscribe and leave a review! Podcast reviews are the best way to make sure the podcast reaches those who need it most, and I read each and every one. To connect with Dr. Cassidy or learn more about her private practice, visit www.drcassidymft.com.

In this episode I share my conversation with Keah Brown, writer, journalist and disability activist. Keah and I discuss her writing process, and how she has come to appreciate her earlier work as part of the growth that got her to where she is today. We talk about disrupting disability discourses and choosing self-love. In Keah's words: "I spent most of my life tearing myself down, because I thought I was supposed to, because how else are you supposed to live in a body like mine? But what I know now is that I live every single day with so much joy. How could I not give myself the same love that people have been giving me my whole life?" Keah is the creator of the hashtag, #disabledandcute, and has an essay collection coming out in 2019 called The Pretty One. You can continue to follow Keah at keahbrown.com and on social media @keah_maria. 

Did you connect with that episode? The best way to support Holding Space podcast is to subscribe and leave a review! Podcast reviews are the best way to make sure the podcast reaches those who need it most, and I read each and every one. To connect with Dr. Cassidy or learn more about her private practice, visit www.drcassidymft.com.

In this episode I share my conversation with Dr. Crystal Jones, director of The Sanctuary, a healing institution with a mission to elevate the paradigm of healing. With her person-centered approach, Dr. Jones leads conversations around the globe, training healing facilitators across multiple modalities in the art of holding space. In this episode we explore narratives of health, social discourses of health and healthcare, the art of listening to our bodies, and client/provider alignment. You can find Dr. Jones' work here, as well as on social media here!

Did you connect with that episode? The best way to support Holding Space podcast is to subscribe and leave a review! Podcast reviews are the best way to make sure the podcast reaches those who need it most, and I read each and every one. To connect with Dr. Cassidy or learn more about her private practice, visit www.drcassidymft.com.

In this episode I virtually sit down with my very good friend Taylor Sterling, Founder and Creative Director of Glitter Guide. We start off the episode with sharing how we met (and sharing some laughs) while discussing how we maintain a long-distance friendship. Taylor shares how she carved her own path as an entrepreneur, and the ways in which creative insecurities creep in as she struggles with the common challenge of defining your craft. We talk about social media and social comparison, how motherhood changed how she sets boundaries and prioritizes her time, and the ways in which Taylor is reclaiming what "growth" means for her and her business. To continue following Taylor's journey, follow her on social media @taylorsterling.

Did you connect with that episode? The best way to support Holding Space podcast is to subscribe and leave a review! Podcast reviews are the best way to make sure the podcast reaches those who need it most, and I read each and every one. To connect with Dr. Cassidy or learn more about her private practice, visit www.drcassidymft.com.

In this episode I share my conversation with Tim Desmond, mindfulness teacher, therapist, professor, and student of Zen Master and Social Activist Thich Nhat Hanh. Tim and I discuss the bridge between showing compassion to ourselves and social activism. Tim offers real ways in which we can develop self-compassion and mindfulness practices while we step into the arena of activism, and discusses the power of thoughtful self-disclosure both in therapy and in parenting. Tim has written several books on Self-Compassion including Self-Compassion in Psychotherapy and The Self-Compassion Skills Workbook, and has a new book coming out next year called How to Stay Human in a F*ed up World. To read more about Tim's work click here.

Did you connect with that episode? The best way to support Holding Space podcast is to subscribe and leave a review! Podcast reviews are the best way to make sure the podcast reaches those who need it most, and I read each and every one. To connect with Dr. Cassidy or learn more about her private practice, visit www.drcassidymft.com.

In this episode I sit down with Elle and Jared Rowley, CEO and CFO of Solly Baby Wraps. Elle and Jared are my first couple on the podcast! Elle and Jared share how they met, their decision to go into business with each other, and how they make it all work. To follow their personal journeys you can find them at @ellerowley and @jaredrowley and their businesses @sollybabywrap and at https://shop.sollybaby.com.

Did you connect with that episode? The best way to support Holding Space podcast is to subscribe and leave a review! Podcast reviews are the best way to make sure the podcast reaches those who need it most, and I read each and every one. To connect with Dr. Cassidy or learn more about her private practice, visit www.drcassidymft.com.

In this episode I sit down with Anjelica Malone. Anjelica is a writer, educator, and birth/postpartum doula with a mission to cultivate a global tribe of women. In this episode we discuss her experience growing up a third culture kid, and how this experience influenced her identity and her value of global citizenship. Anjelica shares how her military service and her work with pregnant refugee women impacted her approach to birth and postpartum care and discusses how she and her partner talk to their children about racial identity. To read more about Anjelica's work you can find her website here and you can follow her journey on social media here.

Did you connect with that episode? The best way to support Holding Space podcast is to subscribe and leave a review! Podcast reviews help us reach those who need it most, and I read each and every one. To connect with Dr. Cassidy or learn more about her private practice, visit www.drcassidymft.com.

In this episode I sit down with Andrea Faulkner Williams, co-founder of Tubby Todd a natural and organic product line and author of the book You've Got This Mama: Ideas for Taking Care of You While You're Taking Care of Your Little One. We discuss the importance of and challenges of self-care as a mother, setting realistic boundaries, and the power of asking for help. Andrea is a triple threat: she's warm, hilarious, and brilliant. To follow Andrea's work you can find her here, and for her personal journey follow her here!

Did you connect with that episode? The best way to support Holding Space podcast is to subscribe and leave a review! Podcast reviews are the best way to make sure the podcast reaches those who need it most, and I read each and every one. To connect with Dr. Cassidy or learn more about her private practice, visit www.drcassidymft.com.

In this episode I sit down with Dr. Steve Hickman, founding director of the Center for Mindfulness at the University of California, San Diego. We explore the powerful role of mindulness and self-compassion as it relates to creating change and developing a new relationship with our pain. We also discuss the impact of gender discourses on mindfulness and showing compassion towards ourselves, and how to integrate all of these ideas in parenting. This episode is full of helpful tips, metaphors, and motivation for relating to our struggles in a different way.

A couple of resources mentioned were Dr. Kristin Neff's work on self-compassion and The Mindful Path to Self-Compassion by Chris Germer. For more information on Dr. Hickman's work and classes/resources at UCSD Center for Mindfulness, click here. For Mindful Self-Compassion courses here in San Diego held at UCSD, find more information here.

Did you connect with that episode? The best way to support Holding Space podcast is to subscribe and leave a review! Podcast reviews are the best way to make sure the podcast reaches those who need it most, and I read each and every one. To connect with Dr. Cassidy or learn more about her private practice, visit www.drcassidymft.com.

In this episode I invited fellow therapist Tessa Ritchie to join me in sharing the challenges of postpartum for BOTH parents, the impact these struggles can have on our relationship, and how to feel better together!

Tessa shares her own personal story of experiencing postpartum anxiety and rage, her partner's struggles with depression postpartum, and the communication tools and strategies they used to heal and feel more present with each other and in parenthood.

*Become a client of Dr. Cassidy's or Tessa by visiting www.drcassidymft.com (CA residents only).

*Not based in California but looking for more support? Click here for steps on how to find a therapist in your area!

Join Dr. Cassidy and her cozy era by visiting www.cozyearth.com! Be sure to check out their pajamas made with viscose from bamboo. Use code DRCASSIDY35 for 35% off sitewide!

In this episode I sit down with Dr. Dan Siegel, clinical professor of psychiatry at the UCLA School of Medicine and New York Times bestselling author of parenting books such as No Drama Discipline, The Whole Brain Child, and Parenting from the Inside Out.

In this episode we discuss cultivating conscious connections with those around us and how we can support our children who are growing up in a digitized world. Sitting down with Dr. Siegel was absolutely a career highlight for me, he has shaped so much of my work and I am honored to share this conversation with you.

Did you connect with that episode? The best way to support Holding Space podcast is to subscribe and leave a review! Podcast reviews are the best way to make sure the podcast reaches those who need it most, and I read each and every one. To connect with Dr. Cassidy or learn more about her private practice, visit www.drcassidymft.com.

This week we have seen families stripped from each other at our border. This is a human crisis, but this crisis did not just start this week. If we zoom out we will see a lot of anger, and a lot of hatred, and a lot of dehumanization for those who are considered "other." In this episode we explore how we got to where we are, we discuss the dangers of dehumanization, privilege and intersectionality, compassion (for ourselves and others), empathy, and the different ways in which we can show up as activists. I end the episode exploring how we can talk to our children about privilege and activism.

In this episode I mention several resourses including the work of Brené Brown and her book Braving the Wilderness: The Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand Alone. I also share the work of  Dr. Kristin Neff on self-compassion. In terms of privilege I mention Peggy McIntosh's article White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack and Beverly Tatum's book Why are all the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria: And Other Conversations About Race. Michael Ventura's Applied Empathy work is also discussed, and raceconscious.org is shared as a resource for talking to our kids about race and privilege.

Did you connect with that episode? The best way to support Holding Space podcast is to subscribe and leave a review! Podcast reviews are the best way to make sure the podcast reaches those who need it most, and I read each and every one. To connect with Dr. Cassidy or learn more about her private practice, visit www.drcassidymft.com.

In this episode I sit down with Clinical Psychologist and father involvement researcher Dr. Dan Singley. In honor of Father's Day and International Father's Mental Health Day, we explore dad's mental health, specifically in early fatherhood. We unpack the messages that dad's receive, the fatherhood generational gap, symptoms of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders in dads, risk factors, protective factors, and the importance in supporting emotional intelligence for men.

Some of the resources mentioned in the episode: social networking site for dad's Padre Cadre, Life of Dad, Daddit, and Postpartum Support International. At the end of the episode I also share research findings from a study I conducted looking at paternal peripartum depression. To find more about Dr. Singley's work you can find him at www.menexcel.com. 

Did you connect with that episode? The best way to support Holding Space podcast is to subscribe and leave a review! Podcast reviews are the best way to make sure the podcast reaches those who need it most, and I read each and every one. To connect with Dr. Cassidy or learn more about her private practice, visit www.drcassidymft.com.

In this episode we explore adult friendships with friendship researcher Miriam Kirmayer. Miriam and I discuss the complexities of adult friendships, why they are so important, what makes them hard, how they are different from other relationships, how to build your friendship network, and the unique experiences of parents and entrepreneurs when it comes to friends! To continue following Miriam's work you can find her here!

Did you connect with that episode? The best way to support Holding Space podcast is to subscribe and leave a review! Podcast reviews are the best way to make sure the podcast reaches those who need it most, and I read each and every one. To connect with Dr. Cassidy or learn more about her private practice, visit www.drcassidymft.com.

In this episode I'm sharing an incredible event aimed at bringing awareness to perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Did you know that 1 in 5 moms and 1 in 10 dads will suffer with a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder? The Climb Out of the Darkness is the world's largest event raising funds and awareness for perinatal mental illness like postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety. For this episode I sat down with the local San Diego Climb team: Dr. Daniel Singley, a local San Diego psychologist specializing in early fatherhood and a Board member of Postpartum Support International; Jennifer Varela, sleep coach and current President of the Postpartum Health Alliance; and Julie Lopez, attorney-at-law, who is a proud survivor of postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety.

We talk about the event, the impact of sleep during the postpartum period, paternal mental health, and Julie shares her story that brought her to put on the Climb here in San Diego. For more information on the Climb, you can find them on Facebook, on the Postpartum Health Alliance, and at Postpartum Support International. To donate, click here. 

Did you connect with that episode? The best way to support Holding Space podcast is to subscribe and leave a review! Podcast reviews are the best way to make sure the podcast reaches those who need it most, and I read each and every one. To connect with Dr. Cassidy or learn more about her private practice, visit www.drcassidymft.com.

In this episode I sit down with Dr. Kim Van Dusen, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Registered Play Therapist. Together we explore the power of play as a bridge to connection with our children. We share some of our own stories of how we have used play in our work and as parents and discuss how play shows up as an important ingredient to whole-hearted living and wellness for both children and adults! To find more about Dr. Kim's work as a parenting educator, you can find her here!

Did you connect with that episode? The best way to support Holding Space podcast is to subscribe and leave a review! Podcast reviews are the best way to make sure the podcast reaches those who need it most, and I read each and every one. To connect with Dr. Cassidy or learn more about her private practice, visit www.drcassidymft.com.

In this episode, I sit down with Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Janelle Nelson. Janelle and I explore both the brutal and beautiful experiences of intimate partner relationships. We discuss the need to deconstruct the shame that is often experienced within marital and intimate partner struggles, and offer ideas of how couples can transform through connection. We discuss how it can take courage to stay in a relationship and work on it, and it can also take courage to leave when that is being called for. To find more information on Janelle's work, click here!

Did you connect with that episode? The best way to support Holding Space podcast is to subscribe and leave a review! Podcast reviews are the best way to make sure the podcast reaches those who need it most, and I read each and every one. To connect with Dr. Cassidy or learn more about her private practice, visit www.drcassidymft.com.

In this episode I sit down with fashion designer Rachel Pally. Rachel shares with us how she built her business by hearing the "no's" and showing up anyway. We discuss how becoming a mother has transformed her, the myth of balance, and how she has reclaimed "self-care" by personalizing it to work for her life now. We also explore the importance of friends that you can share your shame stories with, the double edge sword of social media, and Rachel shares her experiences with therapy. Rachel keeps it real, and the world of curated filtered perfection could FOR SURE use more of that! www.rachelpally.com

Did you connect with that episode? The best way to support Holding Space podcast is to subscribe and leave a review! Podcast reviews are the best way to make sure the podcast reaches those who need it most, and I read each and every one. To connect with Dr. Cassidy or learn more about her private practice, visit www.drcassidymft.com.

In this episode I sit down with Rebecca Ching, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and owner of Potentia (an integrative mental health center in San Diego). Rooted in the research and practice of Brené Brown, Rebecca has completed training to become a  Daring Way™ Facilitator and Consultant. In today's episode we talk about scarcity, abundance, and the power of "enough." Some resources (beyond Brené Brown) mentioned in the episode are: selfleadership.org, You are the One You've Been Waiting For, The Body Keeps the Score, and Dan Siegel's work. 

Did you connect with that episode? The best way to support Holding Space podcast is to subscribe and leave a review! Podcast reviews are the best way to make sure the podcast reaches those who need it most, and I read each and every one. To connect with Dr. Cassidy or learn more about her private practice, visit www.drcassidymft.com.

In this episode I sit down with Renata Cameron, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and founder of the modernized mommy and me support group Milestones. Renata and I discuss building a support tribe, sorting through the noise of information, introvert motherhood, and getting comfortable in the "gray." Renata shares her own personal struggle with perfectionism, and her relationship with "good enough." For more information on Renata's mommy and me support groups, click here!

Did you connect with that episode? The best way to support Holding Space podcast is to subscribe and leave a review! Podcast reviews are the best way to make sure the podcast reaches those who need it most, and I read each and every one. To connect with Dr. Cassidy or learn more about her private practice, visit www.drcassidymft.com.

I am so excited to introduce you to Casey Mouton, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and mom.

Casey was the first therapist I hired to join my group practice, and today you get to hear her story.

Casey is a survivor of postpartum depression and anxiety, and in today's episode she shares how that experience showed her the kind of support she truly needs. Learning about the type of support SHE needs became protective later on when her son unexpectedly had a stroke and she found herself navigating parenting a child with a disability. She shares how her partner had different needs in terms of support, the mental load of parenting a child with a disability, and steps you can take to feel less alone in your own parenting journey.

TW: this story includes a medical emergency associated with Covid and discussions of postpartum depression and anxiety. Sometimes listening to someone else's story is exactly what we need, and sometimes we're not in a space yet to witness someone else's experience, and that's ok. 

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Napa Center

Disability Resource Guide 

PSI Support Groups

*Become a client of Dr. Cassidy's or Casey by visiting www.drcassidymft.com (CA residents only).

*Not based in California but looking for more support? Click here for steps on how to find a therapist in your area!

Join Dr. Cassidy and her cozy era by visiting www.cozyearth.com! Be sure to check out their pajamas made with viscose from bamboo. Use code DRCASSIDY35 for 35% off sitewide!

Death has no respect for the differences we have created among us; we will each be touched by it. Those left behind often report feeling disconnected from the events of the world, as if the one who died took a part of them with. For a period of time people check in, give their condolences, share memories. Slowly, but often not slowly enough, people stop asking. There is an expectation that death is something to get over, something to move on from. We are to be sad, of course, but we are expected to say goodbye and let go. In this episode Dr. Cassidy explores how the discourses of "letting go" and "saying goodbye" actually challenges our grief process. Instead of letting go, what if the result of grieving was to restore what has been lost?

Did you connect with that episode? The best way to support Holding Space podcast is to subscribe and leave a review! Podcast reviews are the best way to make sure the podcast reaches those who need it most, and I read each and every one. To connect with Dr. Cassidy or learn more about her private practice, visit www.drcassidymft.com.

In this episode I sit down with journalist and activist Tamara Taggart. In Tamara's ted talk "The Two Conversations that Changed My Life" she described two pivotal moments in her life, one where she was told her son has down syndrome, and the other when she was told she had cancer.

In this episode we discuss the power of hope, where it showed up, how she cultivated it when it wasn't offered, her discovery of resiliency in vulnerability, and her empowering experience of advocacy. A third pivotal moment in Tamara's life was the recent loss of her longheld job as a news anchor. Tamara shares how she is holding space for intention as she moves through this new transition. To follow Tamara's journey, you can find her on social media here.

Did you connect with that episode? The best way to support Holding Space podcast is to subscribe and leave a review! Podcast reviews are the best way to make sure the podcast reaches those who need it most, and I read each and every one. To connect with Dr. Cassidy or learn more about her private practice, visit www.drcassidymft.com.

In this episode I sit down with Robin Kaplan, founder of the San Diego Breastfeeding Center and author of Latch. Robin has her Masters in Education and is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. In this episode Robin debunks some breastfeeding myths, explains why so many women find themselves struggling when it comes to breastfeeding, explores the role of partner support, discusses the relationship between breastfeeding and intimacy, shares useful tips on transitioning back to work while breastfeeding, and answers tough questions like, "in our well-meaning efforts to support lactacting moms, did we take the idea of breast is best too far?" To read more about Robin's services and work, go to www.sdbfc.com, or buy her book Latch here!

Did you connect with that episode? The best way to support Holding Space podcast is to subscribe and leave a review! Podcast reviews are the best way to make sure the podcast reaches those who need it most, and I read each and every one. To connect with Dr. Cassidy or learn more about her private practice, visit www.drcassidymft.com.

In this episode I sit down with Dr. Christine Sterling, OB/GYN. Dr. Sterling discusses her approach to pregnancy care, where she supports women in preparing for life beyond birth. Dr. Sterling shares how each specific trimester offers a unique opportunity to cultivate empowering self-care habits, build a strong tribe, and begin the beautiful connection to your baby.

Did you connect with that episode? The best way to support Holding Space podcast is to subscribe and leave a review! Podcast reviews are the best way to make sure the podcast reaches those who need it most, and I read each and every one. To connect with Dr. Cassidy or learn more about her private practice, visit www.drcassidymft.com.

In this episode, we discuss how to get unstuck from creative blocks by developing a new relationship with painful experiences of Fear, Resistance, Shame, and Perfectionism. We explore how acceptance of difficult emotions can create space for us to regain our creative flow. 

Did you connect with that episode? The best way to support Holding Space podcast is to subscribe and leave a review! Podcast reviews are the best way to make sure the podcast reaches those who need it most, and I read each and every one. To connect with Dr. Cassidy or learn more about her private practice, visit www.drcassidymft.com.

In today's episode, I sit down with Rachel Rabinor, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in honor of National Infertility Awareness Week. Rachel specializes in working with women and families impacted by infertility and pregnancy loss, and in this episode we explore the relationship between pregnancy loss, depression, anxiety, and trauma. We discuss how the diversity of experiences with pregnancy loss can sometimes lead to lost opportunities for connection. We both share our own unique experiences with pregnancy loss, and describe ways in which loved ones can offer support to someone who has experienced this type of loss. For more information on Rachel's work, you can find her at www.rachelrabinor.com.

Did you connect with that episode? The best way to support Holding Space podcast is to subscribe and leave a review! Podcast reviews are the best way to make sure the podcast reaches those who need it most, and I read each and every one. To connect with Dr. Cassidy or learn more about her private practice, visit www.drcassidymft.com.

In today's episode I sit down with Kelly Mindell of Studio DIY. Kelly shares with us her personal experience with infertility, pregnancy loss, and adoption. We explore the silence and isolation that is often experienced with infertility and pregnancy loss, and how opening up about her story has offered the gift of meaningful connections. Kelly shares with us how she and her husband Jeff decided to pursue adoption and explains the adoption process. Kelly is a beam of light who is willing to honor both the beautiful and brutal parts of story into motherhood. You can follow Kelly, Jeff, and baby Arlo's journey at www.studiodiy.com and on instagram @studiodiy.

Did you connect with that episode? The best way to support Holding Space podcast is to subscribe and leave a review! Podcast reviews are the best way to make sure the podcast reaches those who need it most, and I read each and every one. To connect with Dr. Cassidy or learn more about her private practice, visit www.drcassidymft.com.

In today's episode I sat down with writer, photographer, and therapist Chrissy Powers. Chrissy opens up about her own story of trauma and anxiety in motherhood, and shares the tangible ways that she has healed through these experiences. You can follow Chrissy's work and story at www.chrissypowers.com.

Did you connect with that episode? The best way to support Holding Space podcast is to subscribe and leave a review! Podcast reviews are the best way to make sure the podcast reaches those who need it most, and I read each and every one. To connect with Dr. Cassidy or learn more about her private practice, visit www.drcassidymft.com.

In this episode I sit down with parenting coach, educator, writer, and LGBTQIA+ activist Rachel Rainbolt. Rachel has her Masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and through her coaching and writing holds space for parents to say "Yes!" to connection, joy, and freedom in life with their families. Rachel offers simple but profound ways we can design a life with our childen rooted in our values. She also shares how her and her partner hold space in their family for gender creativity and gender expression...

"We held the space for our kid to be exactly who they were. My child was born with a given spirit, and that is who they are and my role as a parent can influence so much in terms of the outcome with their happiness and wellbeing and success, but they come into this world with that given spirit piece. You either honor it and then you have this amazing life of connection that’s so rewarding and joyful, or you don’t and then you miss out on that. You miss out on the gift of being in connection in this deep meaningful way, in a way of celebrating this human."

For more information on Rachel's work you can find her at www.sageparenting.com.

Did you connect with that episode? The best way to support Holding Space podcast is to subscribe and leave a review! Podcast reviews are the best way to make sure the podcast reaches those who need it most, and I read each and every one. To connect with Dr. Cassidy or learn more about her private practice, visit www.drcassidymft.com.

In this episode of the Holding Space podcast, Dr. Cassidy sits down with designer and blogger Joy Cho to explore the relationship between inspiration, creativity, joy and pain. We explore the answers to the questions, "Where does inspiration come from?" "Do we need to be in a place of joy and happiness to access our creativity?" "What is the relationship between trauma, pain, and creativity?" "When can extra support such as therapy be helpful in the creative process?" To find out more about Joy Cho and her work click here!

Did you connect with that episode? The best way to support Holding Space podcast is to subscribe and leave a review! Podcast reviews are the best way to make sure the podcast reaches those who need it most, and I read each and every one. To connect with Dr. Cassidy or learn more about her private practice, visit www.drcassidymft.com.

Let's talk about softness, and being soft in a world that can be so hard.

What does it mean to be soft? I invited Dr. Akilah Cadet to share in this conversation about softness as a human. Together we explore the beauty of connecting with softness, within ourselves and in our relationships. We identify how softness can get squashed and the benefits of connecting with the parts of us that are soft. We unpack the complexity of being a human in a hard world, the dance between anger and softness, harmony over balance, and Dr. Cadet offers a bridge into accessing our agency and power when faced with hardship within ourselves and the oppressive systems around us.

Dr. Cadet is the Founder and CEO of Change Cadet. As a Forbes Next 1000 Entrepreneur her work is behind some of the biggest brands you use everyday. Dismantling white supremacy through storytelling is at the core of her work as a leader, speaker, creative director, producer, writer, editor and author of forthcoming book White Supremacy is All Around: Notes From a Black Disabled Woman in a White World. You can also learn from her through her podcast Soft Black Women.

Links to connect with Dr. Cadet's work:

Website: https://www.changecadet.com/

Book: https://www.changecadet.com/book

Instagram @changecadet

In this episode we explore how Brené Brown's foundational research on shame and shame resiliency connects to the unique experience of mothers. If you are a mom or planning to become a mother...my hope is that you walk away from this episode feeling less alone and with tangible tools to develop resiliency when "mom guilt" shows up. For more information on Brené Brown's work click here.

Did you connect with that episode? The best way to support Holding Space podcast is to subscribe and leave a review! Podcast reviews are the best way to make sure the podcast reaches those who need it most, and I read each and every one. To connect with Dr. Cassidy or learn more about her private practice, visit www.drcassidymft.com.

In this episode of the Holding Space podcast, Dr. Cassidy unpacks the definition of values and offers a framework from which you can begin to explore your own personal values. We discuss the relationship between values and our emotions, values and goals, and how values can offer the direction we need for creating meaningful change.

Did you connect with that episode? The best way to support Holding Space podcast is to subscribe and leave a review! Podcast reviews are the best way to make sure the podcast reaches those who need it most, and I read each and every one. To connect with Dr. Cassidy or learn more about her private practice, visit www.drcassidymft.com.

In this episode of the Holding Space podcast, you will be introduced to your host Dr. Cassidy Freitas and get an idea of what you can expect in future episodes. We will explore the mission of the podcast, upcoming episodes, and how to get in touch with and find out more about Dr. Cassidy's practice.

Did you connect with that episode? The best way to support Holding Space podcast is to subscribe and leave a review! Podcast reviews are the best way to make sure the podcast reaches those who need it most, and I read each and every one. To connect with Dr. Cassidy or learn more about her private practice, visit www.drcassidymft.com.