Reclaim You with Reclaim Therapy Sarah Herstich & The Reclaim Therapy Team

In this conversation, Sarah and Abby discuss the traits and strategies that adult children of alcoholics and addicts develop as a result of their childhood experiences. They explore the fight, flight, freeze, fawn, and attach responses and how these responses manifest in different ways. They emphasize that these strategies were adaptive and helped individuals survive in their challenging environments. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding and exploring these strategies to gain insight into one's own patterns and behaviors.
TakeawaysAdult children of alcoholics and addicts develop strategies for survival, such as fight, flight, freeze, fawn, and attach responses.These strategies were adaptive and helped individuals navigate their challenging environments.Understanding and exploring these strategies can provide insight into one's own patterns and behaviors.The fight response may manifest as addiction to excitement or an overdeveloped sense of responsibility.The flight response may lead to isolation or the suppression of feelings.The freeze response may result in fear of angry people or personal criticism.The fawn response may involve seeking approval, losing one's identity, or feeling guilt.The attach response may include dependence, fear of abandonment, and a strong desire for connection.Exploring these responses through a trauma lens can contribute to healing and growth.
Thanks for listening to Reclaim You with Reclaim Therapy!

To learn more about Reclaim Therapy and how to work with a therapist on the team, head to https://www.reclaimtherapy.org.

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In this conversation, Sarah and Laura discuss the challenges and pressures that come with wedding planning, particularly related to body image and disordered eating. They emphasize the importance of considering financial well-being, inclusivity, and accessibility when making wedding-related decisions. They also provide tips for navigating dress shopping, staying resilient against societal pressures, and maintaining a focus on the relationship rather than the wedding itself. Additionally, they discuss the dynamics of family involvement and offer advice for setting boundaries and communicating effectively. Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, but there are ways to navigate the process with ease.
Takeaways
Consider your financial well-being when making wedding-related decisions and be mindful of budgeting.Prioritize inclusivity and accessibility in your wedding planning, such as choosing a venue that accommodates all sizes and abilities.Find a supportive person to accompany you during dress shopping and focus on feeling comfortable and beautiful in your chosen outfit.Stay resilient against societal pressures, such as 'shredding for the wedding,' by grounding yourself, practicing body neutrality, and seeking support from professionals.Remember that the wedding is about the relationship with your partner and the commitment you are making to each other, rather than the external details.Set clear boundaries with family members and communicate openly about their involvement in the wedding planning process.Prioritize effective communication and seek therapy if needed to navigate family dynamics and conflicts that may arise during wedding planning. Set boundaries with family members and be prepared for potential conflicts.Take care of yourself throughout the planning process by getting enough sleep, eating well, and taking breaks.Establish a budget and prioritize what is most important to you and your partner.Stay grounded, be present, and enjoy the moment on the day of the wedding.Thanks for listening to Reclaim You with Reclaim Therapy!

To learn more about Reclaim Therapy and how to work with a therapist on the team, head to https://www.reclaimtherapy.org.

Be sure to comment, like and subscribe here, or on YouTube and come follow along on Instagram!

On today's episode, Sarah and Casey are diving back into shame.  They share some recent personal experiences with shame and how they've navigated through it. They emphasize the importance of recognizing shame not only cognitively, but also in the body, and connecting with others for empathy and support. They also discuss the relationship between shame and anxiety, answering a listener's question. The conversation highlights the concept of shame resiliency and the importance of addressing shame in a compassionate and understanding way.
Takeaways


Shame is an emotion, and in small healthy doses, can be helpful in certain situations, but it's important to recognize and address it. Toxic shame on the other hand is often destructive.Connecting with others and receiving empathy and support can help in navigating through shame.Slowing down and checking in with the body can be helpful in understanding and working through shame.Shame resiliency involves recognizing personal vulnerability, understanding external factors, connecting with others, and discussing and deconstructing shame.Shame and anxiety can be interconnected, and addressing one can help in addressing the other.Working through shame is a process and progress can be made by taking small steps and being compassionate with oneself.Thanks for listening to Reclaim You with Reclaim Therapy!

To learn more about Reclaim Therapy and how to work with a therapist on the team, head to https://www.reclaimtherapy.org.

Be sure to comment, like and subscribe here, or on YouTube and come follow along on Instagram!

In this conversation, Sarah and Emily discuss health anxiety and how it can manifest in individuals.
 
They define health anxiety as anxiety focused on physical health and discuss the similarities and differences between health anxiety and hypochondria. They also explore the impact of medical trauma and weight stigma on health anxiety.
 
The conversation highlights the importance of finding a trusted care team, avoiding excessive Googling and seeking validation, and developing coping strategies to manage health anxiety.
 
Takeaways:Health anxiety is a real struggle and can have a significant impact on individuals' daily lives.It is important to find a care team that is validating, thorough, and respectful.Avoid excessive Googling and be mindful of the information consumed on social media platforms.Develop coping strategies such as deep breathing, mindfulness, and engaging in activities that distract from health anxiety.Work on developing a better understanding of the body's sensations and learning to differentiate between normal sensations and anxiety-driven perceptions.
Thanks for listening to Reclaim You with Reclaim Therapy!

To learn more about Reclaim Therapy and how to work with a therapist on the team, head to https://www.reclaimtherapy.org.

Be sure to comment, like and subscribe here, or on YouTube and come follow along on Instagram!

In this conversation, Sarah and Abby discuss the experiences of adult children of alcoholics (ACOA) and the impact of childhood trauma. They explore related terms and labels, such as codependency and Al-Anon, and address the question of whether the trauma experienced by ACOAs is severe enough. The conversation dives into the three components of complex trauma: too much too soon, too much for too long, and too little for too long. Abby emphasizes the importance of recognizing the impact of childhood trauma and offers hope for healing through support and therapy.
Takeaways
Adult children of alcoholics (ACOAs) may have experienced childhood trauma that has lasting impacts on their lives.Related terms and labels, such as codependency and Al-Anon, can help individuals identify and understand their experiences.The severity of childhood trauma experienced by ACOAs may be questioned due to societal normalization of drinking and the silencing and shame often associated with addiction.Complex trauma, characterized by repeated exposure to emotionally overwhelming experiences, can result in long-term effects on the nervous system and self-beliefs.Experiences of too much too soon, too much for too long, and too little for too long are common among ACOAs and contribute to the trauma they experience.There is hope for healing and support through therapy, support groups, and individual exploration of healing modalities.Thanks for listening to Reclaim You with Reclaim Therapy!

To learn more about Reclaim Therapy and how to work with a therapist on the team, head to https://www.reclaimtherapy.org.

Be sure to comment, like and subscribe here, or on YouTube and come follow along on Instagram!

In this conversation, Sarah and Laura discuss the link between eating disorders and control. 

They explore how control can be a response to feeling out of control in other areas of life and how trauma can contribute to disordered eating behaviors. 

They emphasize the importance of creating stability and safety in recovery, while also challenging rigid structures and exploring flexibility. They also encourage listeners to reflect on their needs and seek support in their recovery journey.
Takeaways
Eating disorders can be a response to feeling out of control in other areas of life.Trauma can contribute to disordered eating behaviors.Creating stability and safety is important in recovery, but it's also important to challenge rigid structures and explore flexibility.Meal plans can be a starting point for recovery, but it's important to expand trust and safety in one's relationship with food.Reflecting on needs and building safety are key aspects of recovery.Seeking support from providers who can offer different approaches to healing is important.Thanks for listening to Reclaim You with Reclaim Therapy!

To learn more about Reclaim Therapy and how to work with a therapist on the team, head to https://www.reclaimtherapy.org.

Be sure to comment, like and subscribe here, or on YouTube and come follow along on Instagram!