Has the story we've been sold about "good motherhood" been dishonest? In this episode of The Mental Wellness Practice Podcast, Dr. Shainna chats with Libby Ward, creator, speaker, author of Honest Motherhood: On Losing My Mind and Finding Myself for a raw, reflective, and regenerative conversation about the practice of telling yourself the truth and what becomes possible when you do. Libby traces her path from lifelong people-pleaser to burnt-out mother to viral honest voice for millions. She shares the specific moments that shook her and reminds us that there are many more small changes that matter in the process of discovery, parenting, and healing. Together, she and Dr. Shainna unpack how the "selfless mother" myth is culturally, religiously, and generationally reinforced, how a parentified childhood teaches mothers to ignore their needs, and why lasting change is not one big shift but a million tiny honest moments. Tune in to hear all about: Libby's journey from people-pleaser to an honest advocate for mothers The link between honesty and people-pleasing The "selfless mother" myth The generational patterns that inhibit maternal wellness The pipeline from parentified child to overextended mother How to cope through maternal rage, mom guilt, and parental shame. Blocks that stand in the way of maternal well-being How to shift generational patterns to support healthy mothers and families The shift from self-blame, judgment, and shame to self-compassion Why maternal mental health needs to be a collective conversation Where to find Libby, her book Honest Motherhood, and The Honest Mom Journal About Libby Ward Libby Ward is a creator, speaker, and fierce advocate for women and mothers. Her work has been featured on the BBC and Globe and Mail, Good Morning America, and she is a member of Reese Witherspoon’s inaugural Hello Sunshine Collective. Known for her honesty and humour, Libby connects with millions of women through her social media platforms and creates spaces where moms feel seen and empowered to reclaim their time and well-being. Her book Honest Motherhood: On Losing My Mind and Finding Myself explores the realities of modern motherhood and her healing journey to becoming a more present parent and whole person. IG: @libbyward TT: @libbywardofficial www.libbyward.com About Dr. Shainna Dr. Shainna is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, author, and advocate dedicated to destigmatizing mental health counseling and helping individuals worldwide cultivate mental wellness. She is the creator of multiple resources that make mental health support more accessible, including the best-selling The Self-Love Workbook and her highly anticipated new release, Generational Healing. She is the host of The Mental Wellness Practice Podcast and has been featured in Vogue, ABC, CBS, NPR, The Washington Post, Parents, and Insider. Dr. Shainna is the owner of The Mental Wellness Practice LLC, a strengths-based clinical mental health and consulting practice in Central Florida. She serves on the board of To Write Love on Her Arms, is a former Board Director of The Mental Health Association of Central Florida, and is past president of the Florida Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development. Her honors include the Association for Specialists in Group Work's Al Dye Award, the Pete Fischer Humanitarian Award, and UCF's 30 Under 30 and Noble Knight distinctions. Follow Dr. Shainna on Instagram and Facebook → @drshainna Find more resources, workshops, and support → www.drshainna.com 💌 Loved this episode? Share it, follow the podcast, and leave a review. This podcast is for educational purposes only. If you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health disorder, please consult with a licensed professional. Resources Discount Code DRSHAINNA 🪷 La Agra 💍 Anxiring 📖The Self-Love Workbook 📒Honest Motherhood: On Losing My Mind, And Finding Myself 📔The Honest Mom Journal Generational Healing
