Podcast

How what happened when you were young is making perimenopause worse

Discover the emotional challenges of midlife and how they can affect friendships. Learn actionable insights on managing relationships during this transformative phase.

In midlife, many of us face unexpected emotional upheavals that can impact our relationships. Have you ever felt like you hit a wall in a friendship? In this podcast episode, I’ll share my personal experience with a surprising emotional breakdown during a friendship transition, delve into the science behind these feelings, and provide insights on how to navigate these emotional cliffs effectively.

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Episode 8: “Are they really like that person or am I just thinking they’re like that person?”

In this episode of Life Sucks, Now What?!, Dr. Natalie discusses the concept of having big emotional reactions to people or situations that remind us of past experiences. She explains that our body and mind are wired to recognize patterns and make quick decisions based on past experiences. However, this can lead to overreactions and misunderstandings in current situations.

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Episode 7: The Secret To Happiness Every Therapist Knows

This episode of Life Sucks, Now What?!? explores the concept of self-love as a solution to emotional wellness issues. It emphasizes the importance of building a relationship with oneself and practicing “separation with reparation” in our relationship with ourselves. Dr. Natalie discusses the neurobiology of relationships and the role of oxytocin in connection and love.

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Episode 6: When to Go to Therapy

Therapy is like looking in a mirror, helping you see and address the things that are not fitting in your life. It is beneficial to seek therapy when you notice something is off or stuck, even if you’re not in a crisis. Therapy can provide comfort and education, helping you develop the skills and resources to navigate difficult times. It is best to seek therapy when you are in a relatively good place and have the mental fortitude and internal resources to do the work. But even if you don’t have these things, a therapist can and will work with you and in this episode Dr. Natalie helps us to see some of the ways they will do this.

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Episode 5: How to Find Your Passion in Life (Even if You Don’t Feel Passionate About Anything)

In this episode of the Life Sucks, Now What?!? podcast, Dr. Natalie addresses the issue of not feeling passionate about anything and not knowing where to begin finding fulfillment in life. She explores the idea that not everyone has a burning passion and that it’s okay to have likes and dislikes without a clear purpose. Dr. Natalie suggests a three-step process to exploring what your passion might be.

Podcast

Episode 4: Finding Motivation When Feeling Unmotivated

This episode of Life Sucks, Now What?!? explores strategies to get motivated and overcome demoralization, particularly in the context of job loss. The discussion focuses on the role of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin in motivation and offers biohacks to boost these chemicals and get you started on the path to motivation again. The importance of engaging in creative activities aligned with one’s purpose and seeking social support is emphasized. It is also acknowledged that it is okay to grieve and acknowledge uncomfortable emotions while working towards moving forward.

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Episode 3: Are Some People Wired to Be Negative?

In this episode, Dr. Natalie explores the concept of negative thinking and its impact on our lives. She discusses the neurobiology behind negative thinking and how it can become a pattern that affects our perception of reality. Dr. Natalie also explains the role of cognitive bias in reinforcing negative thinking and the addictive nature of having a negative mindset. That’s right, some of us literally become addicted to thinking this way. She offers practical strategies, such as mindfulness, meditation, movement, and other pattern interruptions, in an effort to break the cycle of negative thinking and build resilience. By understanding the power of belief and training the brain, we can overcome negative thinking and create a mindset that will serve us better than staying trapped in our own pessimism.

Podcast, Self-Care

Episode 2: Am I Attracting Negative People – Part 2

In this podcast episode, Dr. Natalie addresses the question of why some people feel stuck in relationships that do not serve them. She explains that there can be a dysregulation in the nervous system that keeps individuals trapped in these relationships. She emphasizes that it is not always a result of anxious or avoidant attachment or low self-worth.

Podcast, Self-Care

Episode 1: Do I Attract Negative People In My Life?

In this debut episode, Dr. Natalie dives deep into the question: “Do I attract negative people?” Join her as she unpacks the psychological dynamics behind attracting negativity into our lives. With insightful analysis and practical wisdom, Dr. Natalie offers strategies for understanding and navigating these patterns.

Blog, Self-Care

Consider Getting a Personal Trainer…for Your Mind!

I have been counseling others and receiving counseling off and on for decades, so I forget sometimes that the idea of counseling is a really foreign one for many.  On top of that, mental health issues have all kinds of stigma attached to them.  The sad thing about this, it really pushes people away from counseling when even some brief intervention can be extremely helpful at different times in our lives.  So, in the theme of focusing on our goals for 2024, I thought I’d try to demystify counseling a bit and explain the real value to seeking this out in our lives.