Episode 029. Options for Anxiety: A Conversation with Parent Coach & Educator Breon Michel
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Episode 029. Options for Anxiety: A Conversation with Parent Coach & Educator Breon Michel

Episode 029

Anxiety is one of the most requested topics from listeners here on the show. So many moms want to know more about it and/or what they can do to manage theirs or make it disappear.

I’m not a medical professional. I can’t diagnose anxiety, nor am I ever trying to by presenting episodes about anxiety. This isn’t medical advice, this is a discussion among moms. My goal is to empower mothers to learn more about themselves and encourage them to learn more about topics that inspire them, interest them, or even concern them. Topics like anxiety. We’re not going to shy away from it here on Elevating Motherhood, but instead seek out information and potential options. I don’t believe there is a one size fits all answer to anything…especially when it comes to moms & anxiety.

It feels like we’re in this sea of not-knowing when it comes to anxiety:

  • we don’t know a ton about it even though it’s a very common notion
  • we have moments in our lives where we *think we might have it but we’re not sure and we don’t want to talk about it if we suspect we do,
  • or if we do talk about it, there’s sometimes judgment or we’re offered unhelpful “advice”
  • or it’s ignored altogether. There are actually people who believe that anxiety isn’t real.
  • There are so many opinions about anxiety, it’s no wonder moms feel paralyzed and don’t even know where to start seeking answers, information, and support.

So let’s change that. I want to talk openly about anxiety, share stories, and hear from moms & professionals. I really want to explore ways we can learn to support ourselves and other moms. Let’s have the conversations.

My goal is to publish many episodes in an “Options for Anxiety” series where we learn about and dive into ideas that might help:

  • Those of us with anxiety
  • Those of us who wonder if we might have it
  • And even those of us without anxiety who want to learn how to be more supportive.

Today’s guest is the perfect intro to this series!

Breon Michel is a parent coach & educator who supports and empowers families with tools to create more ease, enjoyment, and self-compassion in daily life. With extensive training in mindfulness & self-compassion, nervous system regulation, and plenty of personal practice (and mishaps!) as a parent, she uses a heartfelt and integrative approach to helping parents deal with the challenges and vulnerabilities of raising children in the modern world. Breon is a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction teacher with a Master’s in Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania. A love of learner at heart, she’s also partway through the Organic Intelligence HEART training, which is giving her greater insight into the key aspects of healthy nervous system functioning.

In today’s episode, we talk about:

  • What anxiety is
  • What’s a coach vs. a therapist
  • Causes of anxiety (cultural, societal, familial, ancestral, etc.)
  • When to reach out for help & support
  • Approaches to therapy, including:
    • Somatic experiencing therapy
    • Organic intelligence, talk therapy
    • Family/parent coaching
    • Self compassion
    • Mindfulness & meditation
  • Showing up as your genuine self
  • Anxiety & children

RESOURCES:

Psychology Today
Postpartum Support International
Postpartum Doulas
Steve Hoskinson (founder of Organic Intelligence) – “The job is enjoyment.”
Peter Levine (Somatic Experiencing Therapy)

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SPONSORS

Today’s episode is sponsored by Beautiful & Simple. An online boutique filled with products that remind us to slow down and find the beauty & simplicity in everyday life. My favorite mug is the one that says “you cannot pour from an empty cup.” It’s my daily reminder to take care of myself so I can take care of my family. Go check out the collection of mugs, shirts & bags currently available at beautifulandsimple.com

Thanks to Branch Basics for supporting today’s episode of Elevating Motherhood! Branch Basics is an educational company that offers non-toxic, simple to use cleaning solutions for your home—using one powerful, plant & mineral based cleaning concentrate. You can literally use their one concentrate to clean everything…from bathrooms & windows to floors & laundry. Simply dilute their safe, effective cleaner into their refillable bottles. The instructions are right on the label. Branch Basics has been an amazing addition to our home. I’m always looking for ways to reduce my family’s toxic burden & Branch Basics fits the bill. Plus their goals align with mine…to make cleaning sustainable, affordable, and simple…all without the use of gmos or animal testing. Head over to elevatingmotherhood.com/branchbasics for my personal review of their products.

LINKS

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Visit Today’s Sponsor: Beautiful & Simple + Branch Basics
More About Today’s Guest: Breon Michel – Website, Email, Instagram
More About Your Host: Lori Beth