You recognized the fawn response. You understood where it came from. Now it's time to heal. In Part 3 of our fawn response mini-series, we're diving into the real work of recovery: setting boundaries without guilt, trusting your own voice again, and breaking the people-pleasing patterns that have kept you stuck. If you're ready to stop shrinking and start living as your full self, this one's for you.

Protest behaviors are some of the most misunderstood dynamics in close relationships. They can look like criticism, stonewalling, emotional outbursts, or shutdown, but beneath the surface, they're often a cry for connection. In this episode, we examine common protest behaviors through the lens of Emotionally Focused Therapy, exploring what they communicate, why they show up, and how recognizing the underlying fear and hurt can open the door to deeper understanding between partners.

So many people ask, “Why do I keep attracting the wrong people?!” What if attraction isn’t the real issue at all?

In this episode, we unpack a powerful (and often misunderstood) idea: it’s not about who you attract—it’s about who you give your emotional and relational access to. Drawing from attachment theory, we explore how early experiences quietly teach us that connection is earned through availability, emotional labor, proximity, or overfunctioning—and how those patterns can lead to relationships in which your access is taken for granted or even exploited.

In Part 2 of this mini-series, we explore the connection between the fawn response and complex PTSD. This episode examines how fawning develops as a survival strategy in environments where safety depends on appeasing others, remaining small, or avoiding conflict. Together, we’ll unpack why the nervous system learns this response—and why it can be so hard to let go.

This first episode of our three-part mini-series explores the fawn response: what it is, how it develops, and why it exists. We discuss its roots in trauma and nervous system survival, along with real-life examples of how fawning can show up in relationships, work, and daily interactions.

In this episode, with guest and colleague, Hannah Eastman, we explore a question many counselors are asking: Where has distress tolerance gone for Gen Z? We dive into the patterns we’re seeing in the therapy room and the cultural forces that may have shaped this shift. We discuss the rise of snowplow parenting, what it means to grow up as true digital natives, the intense fear of failure many young adults carry, and how constant screen use can numb emotions instead of helping process them. Together, we reflect on the pressures, patterns, and environments that may have contributed to Gen Z’s struggle to cope with everyday stress—offering a compassionate, curiosity-driven conversation about a complex issue.

In this Movember episode, we’re taking a closer look at men’s mental health and the silent expectations that often shape their emotional lives. From being the “strong one” who never breaks to the provider who puts everyone else first, men are often taught to suppress their emotions and hide their needs. We explore how these cultural pressures contribute to loneliness, burnout, and disconnection—and how creating space for vulnerability can change everything.

How can you be sure you are protecting your peace versus holding onto resentment? In this episode, we discuss the difference between setting boundaries with love and holding grudges with bitterness. We’ll explore how intention shapes the outcome—and why boundaries are rooted in self-respect, not revenge.