In this episode, I have a deeply powerful and inspiring conversation with Dr. Joanne Cacciatore (@grief_doctor), a grief educator, bereaved mother, tenured professor, best-selling author, and more. Dr. Jo started the first therapeutic carefarm in the world (@selah_carefarm) for traumatic grief which was recently featured on Oprah Winfrey and Prince Harry's Apple TV docuseries, "The Me You Can't See."

Dr. Jo and I talk about both the subtle and more obvious ways American culture often marginalizes, invalidates, and oversimplifies grief and human suffering. We share our perspectives on what it means to live with and learn to carry grief in different seasons of life, and how we can responsibly work together to truly honor and hold space for the depth, breadth, and complexity of grief. Dr. Jo highlights some of her research findings that emphasize the unique role that animals can play in helping us navigate grief, and how we can learn from the quality of presence they offer. We also talk candidly about what it means to decolonize grief and trauma work. We also discuss how turning away from any kind suffering is not only unhelpful, but it also enables and perpetuates injustice. When we allow ourselves to feel the pain of another being, it offers an opportunity for deeper connection and an appreciation of our interconnectedness, without the kind of blaming and othering that hurts us all.

About Dr. Jo: Dr Jo is tenured research professor at Arizona State University, where she runs the graduate Certificate in Trauma and Bereavement, and also founded the MISS Foundation. Since 1996, she has worked with and counseled those affected by traumatic death, most often the deaths of a children. She started Selah Carefarm, based on a framework for incorporating 40 domestic and farm animals rescued from abuse, torture, neglect, and homelessness. Her best selling book, Bearing the Unbearable: Love, Loss, and the Heartbreaking Path of Grief, won the Indies Book of the Year Award and her most recent book of meditations, Grieving is Loving, was released in December of 2020. To connect with Dr. Jo, visit her website (https://www.centerforlossandtrauma.com).

Additional Resources & Information

1. Decolonizing Trauma Work by Renee Linklater

2. For practices that can support you in times of transition, stress, and hardship, check out my free 4-part video series on building resilience: https://melissafoynes.com/free-series

3. If you're interested in some support crafting personalized mantras to help you navigate difficult anxiety-filled moments, check out the free guide (https://melissafoynes.com/anxiety-mantras).

4. For personalized support integrating tools from evidence-based psychology and ancient wisdom traditions, check out my 1:1 Coaching Program and if the fit is right, apply today to join the waitlist for 2022: https://melissafoynes.com/1-1-program

5. If you are interested in a free consultation to chat about whether the 1:1 program may be right for you, feel free to email me at @drfoynes on Instagram.

Please note that the information provided in this episode does not constitute professional advice or therapy, mental health services, or health care services, & is not intended to serve as a substitute for professional advice or services. If you are struggling with a mental health crisis or need immediate assistance, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

In this episode, I have a rich conversation with Becca Clegg (@beccaclegglpc), an inspiring author, psychotherapist, embodiment teacher, consultant, & speaker, about listening to & learning from your body's wisdom.

Becca & I talk about what it means to live in an "embodied" way & why embodiment is so important. We also offer specific examples of how to recognize when you are veering toward disembodiment. Throughout our conversation, we share simple & accessible ways you can deepen your own practice of embodiment. We also highlight how embodiment and connecting and/or reconnecting with your body is a non-judgmental, compassionate framework for feeling what you feel. Such an approach can counteract your conditioning from cultural messages and life experiences that has taught you to view the body as shameful, or to understandably associate the body with a lack of safety. We close by discussing ways of cultivating more resilience in the face of stress through simple vagal toning practices. The journey towards increased embodiment is personal, not linear, and possible for everyone.

Becca Clegg is an author, psychotherapist, embodiment teacher, consultant, and speaker. She has worked for over 15 years as a therapist and currently has a private practice specializing in the treatment of women’s issues in Atlanta, GA. She has passion for working with women and strives to provide a supportive place for her clients and community to explore and heal their relationship with food, self-image, embodiment, spirituality (connection to that which goes deeper than the physical) & personal development. To connect with Becca, visit her website (https://rebeccaclegg.com), follow her on Instagram (@beccaclegglpc), & check our her book (https://rebeccaclegg.com/the-book/).

Additional Resources & Information

1. If you're interested in personalized support that integrates tools from evidence-based psychology and ancient wisdom traditions, check out my 1:1 Coaching Program and if the fit is right, apply today to join the waitlist for 2022: https://melissafoynes.com/1-1-program

2. If you are interested in a free consultation to chat about whether the 1:1 program may be right for you, feel free to email me at 4-part video series on building resilience: https://melissafoynes.com/free-series

3. If you notice perfectionism in your relationship to your body, check out the free 49-page workbook "A Guided Self-Assessment: Understanding Perfectionistic Tendencies" (https://melissafoynes.com/perfectionistic-tendencies) and the accompanying 3-part perfectionism series on the podcast (Episodes 28, 29, and 30).

4. Follow @drfoynes on Instagram for more tips on learning from your body's wisdom and living in a more embodied way.

Please note that the information provided in this episode does not constitute professional advice or therapy, mental health services, or health care services, & is not intended to serve as a substitute for professional advice or services. If you are struggling with a mental health crisis or need immediate assistance, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

In today's episode, I speak with Ameya Duprey (@ShaktiCare), board certified Ayurvedic practitioner, massage therapist and Ayurvedic postpartum doula about 5 key pillars of Ayurvedic wisdom ("eat, heat, sleep, love, and repeat") that can guide postpartum care that truly nurtures the birthing parent in the immediate aftermath of birth and for many years beyond.

Ayurveda is a rich and complex holistic preventative medicine system originating in India over 5,000 years ago. Ayurveda can promote recalibration in times of stress, transition, and imbalance, and there are specific recommendations and healing modalities that can be particularly beneficial in the postpartum period, regardless of how the birth unfolded and the birth parent's unique mental and physical constitution prior to pregnancy. Ayurvedic postpartum care is well beyond the scope of one episode, so we hone in on some concrete takeaways you can share with others and implement in your own life.

Ameya has been helping postpartum mothers fully heal from birth for over a decade. Her works include her published postpartum cookbook Mama’s Menu: Ayurvedic Recipes for Postpartum Healing, her signature postpartum recovery program Fully Healed Mama, and her postpartum care blog, ShaktiCare.com

Check out Ameya's FREE masterclass How To Fully Heal From Birth Without Feeling Stressed & Exhausted at https://shakticare.com/heal. To learn more about Ameya or to connect with her further, visit her website, full of resources include a rich and comprehensive blog: https://shakticare.com

Additional Resources & Information

1. If you're interested in personalized support that integrates Ayurveda in addition to other tools from evidence-based psychology and ancient wisdom traditions, check out my 1:1 Coaching Program and if the fit is right, apply today to join the waitlist for 2022: https://melissafoynes.com/1-1-program

2. If you are interested in a free consultation to chat about whether the 1:1 program may be right for you, feel free to email me at 4-part video series on building resilience: https://melissafoynes.com/free-series

3. Check out the free 49-page workbook "A Guided Self-Assessment: Understanding Perfectionistic Tendencies" (https://melissafoynes.com/perfectionistic-tendencies) and the accompanying 3-part perfectionism series on the podcast (Episodes 28, 29, and 30).

4. Follow @drfoynes on Instagram for more tips on gaining insight into and thriving with the support of Ayurveda and its many practices.

Please note that the information provided in this episode does not constitute professional advice or therapy, mental health services, or health care services, & is not intended to serve as a substitute for professional advice or services. If you are struggling with a mental health crisis or need immediate assistance, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.