212: It Wasn't That Bad: Recognizing the Long-Term Effects of Family Dysfunction

Is your adult anxiety rooted in your childhood environment?Many people minimize their childhood experiences, thinking, "It wasn't that bad." In this episode, therapist Jenn Shields joins me to explain how living in chaotic or emotionally inconsistent homes forces children to develop survival patterns that turn into adult challenges like people-pleasing and perfectionism.We break down nervous system dysregulation, discussing how early experiences of chaos train your body to constantly scan for danger, making it difficult to relax, trust, and rest in adulthood. Jenn offers actionable insights into how to cultivate internal resources (The Nurturer, Protector, and Wisdom) to support yourself and unwire the patterns that no longer serve you.CHECK OUT MY MINI-COURSES HERE: https://www.ahealthypush.com/anxiety-classesTAKE MY FREE QUIZ AND FIND OUT WHAT'S CAUSING YOU TO STAY STUCK: https://www.ahealthypush.com/blocking-quizA HEALTHY PUSH INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/ahealthypush/GET THIS EPISODE'S SHOW NOTES: https://www.ahealthypush.com/post/it-wasnt-that-bad

Do you ever get overwhelmed by the absurd amount of anxiety advice floating around? All the tips, the hacks, the must-do routines? How do you tell the difference between what's actually helpful and what's just total BS?In this Q&A episode, I sit down with Mari (my podcast editor) to go through your questions about popular anxiety and panic advice. We dive into common suggestions, cutting through the noise and toxic positivity to give you honest, no-fluff answers on what truly helps and what might actually be keeping you stuck.It’s all about finding what genuinely supports you and avoiding the quick fixes that lead to overwhelm and dependence!CHECK OUT MY OVERCOMING PANIC ATTACKS MINI-COURSE: https://www.ahealthypush.com/symptomsTAKE MY FREE QUIZ AND FIND OUT WHAT'S CAUSING YOU TO STAY STUCK: https://www.ahealthypush.com/blocking-quizA HEALTHY PUSH INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/ahealthypush/GET THIS EPISODE'S SHOW NOTES: https://www.ahealthypush.com/post/anxiety-hacks-helpful

Do you ever get a sudden rush of intense physical sensations and immediately think, "What's wrong with me?" or "Am I dying?"In this episode, I dive into the specifics of panic attacks and panic disorder, explaining that understanding what’s happening in your body is one of the most powerful steps toward healing. It’s not about "fixing" yourself with tools and hacks, but about "less doing, more understanding and acceptance."In This Episode, I dive into:What a Panic Attack Actually IsMy First Panic AttackPanic Attack vs. Panic DisorderThe Cycle of Fear & AvoidanceThe Panic LoopWhat I Wished I Knew Back When I Was StrugglingCHECK OUT MY OVERCOMING PANIC ATTACKS MINI-COURSE: https://www.ahealthypush.com/symptomsTAKE MY FREE QUIZ AND FIND OUT WHAT'S CAUSING YOU TO STAY STUCK: https://www.ahealthypush.com/blocking-quizA HEALTHY PUSH INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/ahealthypush/GET THIS EPISODE'S SHOW NOTES: https://www.ahealthypush.com/post/am-i-dying

Ever feel stuck in a loop of hypervigilance, constantly on edge and scanning for threats?If so, this episode gives you an exclusive "sneak peek" into the exact kind of coaching that happens every week inside my Healthy Push Coaching & Community!I'm sharing one of my full weekly live teachings on how to break this exhausting cycle and finally start to feel safe again. You’ll learn practical tools for experiencing a quieter mind, and get a real taste of my teaching style.This is just a sample of the support my community members get every single Monday, in addition to:A full library of all my past teachingsAll of my mini-courses - for freeA safe, accountability-driven space to healIf this teaching resonates with you, I'd love for you to come join us!CHECK OUT MY AHP COACHING & COMMUNITY: https://www.ahealthypush.com/communityTAKE MY FREE QUIZ AND FIND OUT WHAT'S CAUSING YOU TO STAY STUCK: https://www.ahealthypush.com/blocking-quizA HEALTHY PUSH INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/ahealthypush/GET THIS EPISODE'S SHOW NOTES:

Do you find yourself constantly overthinking in new relationships, fearing abandonment, or needing immediate resolution after every minor conflict? As someone who is formerly (and sometimes still a little bit!) anxiously attached, I know this feeling all too well.That's why I was so excited to sit down with psychotherapist Emma for a deep dive into the challenging (and often painful) intersection of anxiety and dating. We explore where anxious attachment comes from, how it shows up in modern relationships (especially with avoidant partners), and the practical steps you can take to heal and build self-trust.CHECK OUT MY MASTERCLASSES HERE AND START EXPERIENCING LOTS MORE PEACE, JOY, & FREEDOM: https://www.ahealthypush.com/anxiety-classesTAKE MY FREE QUIZ AND FIND OUT WHAT'S CAUSING YOU TO STAY STUCK: https://www.ahealthypush.com/blocking-quizA HEALTHY PUSH INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/ahealthypush/GET THIS EPISODE'S SHOW NOTES: Connect with Emma: @perfectly_emmperfect

Have you ever felt the immense pressure to keep pushing forward, even when your mind and body are screaming for a break? What happens when the thing that once brought you joy becomes a source of overwhelming stress and anxiety?In this incredibly vulnerable and inspiring episode, I sit down with professional soccer player Bethany Balcer to discuss her recent decision to take a mental health break from the sport she loves. Bethany shares the raw details of reaching a breaking point, where the fear of letting her team and family down was overshadowed by the critical need to choose herself.From experiencing her first panic attack during a game to learning how to manage anxiety on the field, Bethany offers a powerful perspective on separating identity from performance. She provides practical insights into the tools that have helped her heal, including the power of neutralizing anxious thoughts, the daily practice of gratitude, and why vulnerability is one of the greatest connectors we have. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone navigating performance pressure, burnout, or the journey of rediscovering themselves outside of their achievements.CHECK OUT MY MASTERCLASSES HERE AND START EXPERIENCING LOTS MORE PEACE, JOY, & FREEDOM: https://www.ahealthypush.com/anxiety-classesTAKE MY FREE QUIZ AND FIND OUT WHAT'S CAUSING YOU TO STAY STUCK: https://www.ahealthypush.com/blocking-quizA HEALTHY PUSH INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/ahealthypush/GET THIS EPISODE'S SHOW NOTES: https://www.ahealthypush.com/post/the-unseen-game-a-pro-athlete-on-anxiety-burnout-and-a-life-changing-mental-health-break

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by all the advice, routines, and “shoulds” about how to feel better (aka less anxious)? In this episode, I share why doing less, not more, is often the key to feeling grounded, calm, and supported, especially when life feels chaotic.As a divorced mom running a business, I know how tempting it is to pile on routines, strategies, and wellness hacks to “fix” ourselves, but that usually just adds stress instead of relief. I break down my simple, everyday practices that actually make a difference in supporting my mental health and presence:This episode is for anyone feeling overwhelmed by wellness trends or overcomplicated routines. It’s a reminder that less is truly more, and small, intentional actions go a long way in creating balance, presence, and joy in everyday life!CHECK OUT MY MASTERCLASSES HERE AND START EXPERIENCING LOTS MORE PEACE, JOY, & FREEDOM: https://www.ahealthypush.com/anxiety-classesTAKE MY FREE QUIZ AND FIND OUT WHAT'S CAUSING YOU TO STAY STUCK: https://www.ahealthypush.com/blocking-quizA HEALTHY PUSH INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/ahealthypush/GET THIS EPISODE'S SHOW NOTES: https://www.ahealthypush.com/post/how-i-keep-it-simple-daily-habits-that-support-my-mental-health-and-relieve-anxiety

Have you ever wondered why being “present” feels so impossible sometimes? Why mindfulness exercises feel like one more thing on your to-do list instead of a genuine way to connect with life? In this episode of A Healthy Push Podcast, I sit down with John-Paul, a therapist and content creator who blends psychology, spirituality, and mindfulness in a unique, practical way.John-Paul shares his journey from growing up in a religious household, navigating depression, and discovering the power of relational therapy, to creating content that resonates with thousands online. We explore:Why identity can sometimes hold us back from truly being ourselvesHow mindfulness is not about forcing calm or stopping your thoughts, but about noticing and engaging with the present moment without judgmentThe balance between psychology and spirituality, and how connection can transform your approach to lifePractical ways to bring presence into daily life, even during discomfort or anxietyWhether you’re struggling to slow down, overwhelmed by your thoughts, or just curious about how mindfulness and spirituality intersect with psychology, this conversation is full of insights you can apply in your day-to-day.CHECK OUT MY MASTERCLASSES HERE AND START EXPERIENCING LOTS MORE PEACE, JOY, & FREEDOM: https://www.ahealthypush.com/anxiety-classesA HEALTHY PUSH INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/ahealthypush/GET THIS EPISODE'S SHOW NOTES: https://www.ahealthypush.com/post/how-to-be-more-present-mindfulness-psychology-and-spirituality-with-john-paul-dombrowski

I’m so excited to sit down with you in this episode and just share some life updates.Lately, I’ve been thinking… I might be a little addicted to chaos. Yep, I said it! I’m constantly juggling things and not just little stuff, but big projects, personal updates, and all the things that come with running A Healthy Push. Somehow, I’m still finding ways to keep moving forward and I want to share that with you.In this episode, I’m giving you a peek into what’s been happening in my life, what I’ve been working on, and maybe a little bit of the chaos that comes with it. If you’ve ever felt like life is moving too fast or you’re trying to keep up with a million things, you’re going to relate.Here’s what you’ll hear and learn in this episode:Why I jokingly call myself “addicted to chaos”The big projects and life updates I’ve been juggling latelyHow I balance personal life with running A Healthy PushTips for staying motivated and moving forward even when life feels overwhelmingA peek behind the scenes at what’s coming next in my worldSo grab a cup of coffee (or tea!), get comfy, and come hang out with me for a bit.CHECK OUT MY MASTERCLASSES HERE AND START EXPERIENCING LOTS MORE PEACE, JOY, & FREEDOM: https://www.ahealthypush.com/anxiety-classesA HEALTHY PUSH INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/ahealthypush/GET THIS EPISODE'S SHOW NOTES: https://www.ahealthypush.com/post/204-life-updates-a-house-my-relationship-and-rediscovering-myself

Have you ever felt like anxiety came out of nowhere and completely took over? This week's guest, Elizabeth, shares her powerful story of going from a fiercely independent, active life to being suddenly debilitated by panic attacks and physical sensations that left her feeling like her "body was on fire."Elizabeth opens up about her journey over the past year, from frantic ER visits and avoiding driving to the profound awakening that helped her heal. Her story is a testament to the power of slowing down, giving yourself grace, and finally learning to feel your emotions instead of stuffing them down.We discuss the frustrating pressure to find a "quick fix" and the realization that true progress isn't the absence of anxiety, but how you learn to show up for yourself through it. If you've ever felt isolated by your anxiety or believed you were too "strong" to be struggling, this episode is a must-listen.In this episode, we discuss:How anxiety can seemingly appear out of nowhere, even without a prior history.The frustrating search for answers and the cycle of trying "all the things" to get rid of the feeling.A powerful breakdown of physical anxiety symptoms and what it truly feels like when your "body is on fire."The long-term impact of suppressing emotions and how it can lead to an overflow of anxiety.How debilitating panic can make everyday activities like driving or being alone feel impossible.The turning point: shifting from resisting anxiety to acknowledging and feeling your emotions.The role that high-stress jobs and relationship strain can play in triggering anxiety.The "awakening" that led to setting boundaries, leaving a job that no longer served her, and reconnecting with her true self.Heartfelt words of wisdom for anyone who feels lost in the thick of panic and anxiety right now.CHECK OUT MY MASTERCLASSES HERE AND START EXPERIENCING LOTS MORE PEACE, JOY, & FREEDOM: https://www.ahealthypush.com/anxiety-classesA HEALTHY PUSH INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/ahealthypush/GET THIS EPISODE'S SHOW NOTES: https://www.ahealthypush.com/post/beyond-the-quick-fix-elizabeth-s-story-of-finding-true-healing-from-anxiety