From Both Sides Of The Couch: Mindfulness, Mental Health, Resilience and Self-Care From a Therapist In Therapy

Join Dr. Bruce in her podcast, 'From Both Sides of the Couch,' as she welcomes Karly Danos, a fellow therapist and licensed professional clinical counselor. This episode is a comprehensive dive into the various roles we assume in our family of origin, exploring how these roles influence us beyond childhood. Dr. Bruce and Karly unravel the concepts of family roles and birthrights, discussing the idea that each of us carries a 'healthy adult self' that we can get to know better by understanding these dynamics. In the first part of this two-part series, Karly provides an overview of different family roles and together, they explore how our roles are adaptations to our family systems and how they may create challenges or strengths in our adult lives. This episode encourages listeners to reflect on their own family roles and consider how these have impacted their personal development. As they move to discuss the pivotal concept of birthrights—innate qualities or rights we are born with—Dr. Bruce and Carly set the stage for understanding how unmet birthrights can lead to struggles in adulthood. Don't miss this opportunity to gain deeper insights and prepare for the next episode, where solutions and strategies will be explored. If you enjoyed this episode, it would mean the world to me if you would rate and write a review. Every review helps me to reach more people.   Looking for a coach who really understands you? Schedule a free, no pressure, 30 min coaching call to discuss your personal and professional goals and we will see if we are a good fit for each other: https://calendly.com/laurieb922   Need help reducing stress, anxiety and perfectionism? Get my free guide: “Five Steps to Finding Calm in the Chaos”   I would love to hear from you! Want me to talk about a specific topic? Have a different perspective on something I've shared? Connect with me at www.drlauriebruce.com   Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

In this episode, Dr. Bruce delves into the complex emotion of sadness, exploring its roots in loss and its physical manifestations in our bodies. Dr. Bruce distinguishes between sadness, depression, and grief, providing insights on managing these feelings, especially for those with a history of clinical depression. By approaching sadness with an open mind, we can uncover valuable lessons about what truly matters in our lives. Dr. Bruce shares strategies for self-care and the importance of finding meaning and purpose, encouraging listeners to embrace sadness as a stepping stone to personal growth and greater fulfillment.   If you enjoyed this episode, it would mean the world to me if you would rate and write a review. Every review helps me to reach more people.   Want to find more ways to reduce stress, anxiety and perfectionism? Get my free guide: “Five Steps to Finding Calm in the Chaos” Connect with me at www.drlauriebruce.com   Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Join Dr. Laurie Bruce as she revisits the concept of the "word of the year," sharing her personal journey from choosing "brave" in 2024 to contemplating "peace" for the new year. In this reflective episode, Dr. Laurie opens up about the challenges of setting intentions amid a year full of transitions. Explore the complexities of selecting a guiding word that truly resonates, and gain insights into Dr. Laurie's considerations of "acceptance," "forgiveness," "openness," and "joy" before ultimately arriving at "peace." This episode touches on the importance of self-care, living authentically, and finding contentment in the face of life's highs and lows. Whether you are navigating personal challenges or simply seeking inspiration for the coming year, Dr. Laurie invites you to reflect on your own word of the year and how it can guide you towards a more meaningful and fulfilling life.    If you enjoyed this episode, it would mean the world to me if you would rate and write a review. Every review helps me to reach more people.   Want to find more ways to reduce stress, anxiety and perfectionism? Get my free guide: “Five Steps to Finding Calm in the Chaos” Connect with me at www.drlauriebruce.com   Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Discover the true nature of anger and what it means when we face thoughts like "it's not fair" or urges that drive us to retaliate. Examine where you feel anger in your body and how societal norms, gender roles, and personal histories shape our responses to anger. Unearth not only the challenges anger presents but also its potential as a tool for personal empowerment and societal change. As you listen, learn about the significance of acknowledging anger to solve problems, setting boundaries, and even transforming relationships. Delve into radical acceptance when emotions seem unsolvable and the benefits of talking to a therapist about chronic anger. Join Dr. Bruce for illuminating discussions that inspire personal growth and resilience.   If you enjoyed this episode, it would mean the world to me if you would rate and write a review. Every review helps me to reach more people.   Want to find more ways to reduce stress, anxiety and perfectionism? Get my free guide: “Five Steps to Finding Calm in the Chaos” Connect with me at www.drlauriebruce.com   Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

In this episode of "From Both Sides of the Couch," Dr. Laurie Bruce delves into the intriguing concepts of "triggers" and "glimmers." While many are familiar with the psychological notion of triggers, glimmers offer a fresh perspective on experiencing moments of positivity and peace. Dr. Bruce, a seasoned clinical psychologist and mindfulness coach, shares her personal experiences and insights from over 25 years in the field. Listeners are invited to explore how mindfulness can enhance awareness of these glimmers, transforming everyday situations into moments of joy and contentment. Learn how to balance the societal push towards constant achievement with the profound benefits of simply being present. Whether you're a caregiver, a professional, or someone seeking a more fulfilled life, this episode is filled with practical advice to help you identify triggers, embrace glimmers, and incorporate mindfulness into daily living.   If you enjoyed this episode, it would mean the world to me if you would rate and write a review. Every review helps me to reach more people.   Want to find more ways to reduce stress, anxiety and perfectionism? Get my free guide: “Five Steps to Finding Calm in the Chaos” Connect with me at www.drlauriebruce.com   Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

In this episode, Dr. Laurie Bruce, a clinical psychologist and mindfulness coach, as delves into the pervasive issue of chronic people-pleasing. Drawing from both her professional and personal experiences, Dr. Bruce explores the origins, challenges, and potential solutions for excessive people-pleasing behaviors. Throughout the episode, Dr. Bruce illustrates how people-pleasing, although often stemming from a good place, can lead to emotional fatigue and burnout when taken to extremes. She shares strategies to build self-awareness and assertiveness, encouraging listeners to pause before automatically committing to others, and to evaluate their own needs first. If you enjoyed this episode, it would mean the world to me if you would rate and write a review and share with a friend.  Want to find more ways to reduce stress, anxiety and perfectionism? Get my free guide: “Five Steps to Finding Calm in the Chaos” Connect with me at www.drlauriebruce.com   Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

In the second episode of "From Both Sides of the Couch," Dr. Laurie Bruce delves into the challenging process of accepting the unacceptable. Drawing from her extensive experience as a therapist and a therapy client, she explores the universal struggle of coming to terms with devastating realities, such as illness or unexpected life changes. Dr. Bruce guides listeners through the stages of grief, initially identified by Dr. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and experiencing primary emotions fully. She introduces the concept of radical acceptance, a powerful tool for acknowledging reality without resistance, and differentiates between pain and suffering. Throughout the episode, Dr. Bruce offers insights and strategies to help individuals navigate their grief journey, emphasizing the value of therapy and self-compassion. She invites listeners to share their own experiences and coping mechanisms, fostering a supportive community for those facing difficult times.   If you enjoyed this episode, it would mean the world to me if you would rate and write a review. Every review helps me to reach more people.   Want to find more ways to reduce stress, anxiety and perfectionism? Get my free guide: “Five Steps to Finding Calm in the Chaos” Connect with me at www.drlauriebruce.com   Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Welcome to the debut episode of "From Both Sides of the Couch" with Dr. Laurie Bruce, a clinical psychologist and mindfulness coach. In this episode, Dr. Bruce shares her personal journey of taking a medical leave to focus on self-healing, highlighting the importance of self-care for caregivers and therapists alike. Dr. Bruce explores the challenges many face in prioritizing their own well-being, touching on core beliefs, lack of self-care skills, and environmental factors that hinder self-care practices. She offers insights from her 25 years of experience, both as a therapist and a client, and emphasizes the significance of building resilience, reducing burnout, and practicing self-compassion. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own core beliefs and to explore personal self-care routines that bring peace and joy. Dr. Bruce invites her audience to join her in this journey of self-discovery and healing, reminding us all of our inherent worth and capacity for change. Join Dr. Bruce as she sets the stage for future discussions on mental health, caregiving, and living a fulfilling life. Reach out with your thoughts and questions at https://www.drlauriebruce.com/   If you enjoyed this episode, it would mean the world to me if you would rate and write a review. Every review helps me to reach more people.   Want to find more ways to reduce stress, anxiety and perfectionism? Get my free guide: “Five Steps to Finding Calm in the Chaos” Connect with me at www.drlauriebruce.com Email: drlaurie@drlauriebruce.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1DEkLTcrKv/   Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

In this episode, Dr. Little dives deep into the world of emotions, initiating a four-part series that helps us understand what our emotions can do for us. Dr. Little challenges the way we approach emotions like fear, anger, sadness, and guilt and suggest that although we may wish to get rid of these painful emotions as quickly as possible, we are doing ourselves a disservice by not paying enough attention to them.  In this initial part of the series, Dr. Little explores fear, its physiological origins, and manifestations. She shares how to appreciate fear for what it truly is - a tool for survival. Through a balanced understanding and appreciation of fear, you can learn how to discriminate when your fear is not helpful and when it actually is providing valuable insights and information. She shares how learning to listen to, validate and honor your fear will help you make the best choices on how to proceed.  Want to find more ways to reduce stress, anxiety and perfectionism?  Get my free guide: “Five Steps to Finding Calm in the Chaos” Connect with me at www.drlauriebruce.com   Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

If you enjoyed this episode, it would mean the world to me if you would rate and write a review. Every review helps me to reach more people.    In this episode, Dr. Laurie Little shares insights on how we can discover the extraordinary hidden in the ordinary aspects of life and how this practice intertwines with mindfulness.  Dr. Little identifies common scenarios like being submerged in future-oriented thoughts filled with anxieties, stressing over to-do lists, or simply being 'in our heads,' which act as barriers to recognizing these extraordinary moments. This episode emphasizes that practicing mindfulness does not imply achieving a state of constant awareness, instead, it suggests increasing the frequency of mindful moments. She shares three practical strategies to enhance mindfulness. These include acknowledging when our thoughts drift off towards the future, setting outside reminders or alarms, and finding an 'extraordinary buddy,' akin to a mindfulness accountability partner.   Want to find more ways to reduce stress, anxiety and perfectionism?  Get my free guide: “Five Steps to Finding Calm in the Chaos” Connect with me at www.drlauriebruce.com   .   Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

If you enjoyed this episode, it would mean the world to me if you would rate and write a review. Every review helps me to reach more people.   This episode dives deep into perfectionism. Dr. Little shares how perfectionism can unknowingly be hindering your daily life. Dr. Little discusses how perfectionism could manifest in procrastination habits, compulsive or repetitive behaviors, or living a life that feels confining or small. Dr. Little shares strategies to overcome or challenge these perfectionistic beliefs. She also shares how redefining "mistakes" and "failure" as truly the very experiences you need to build a meaningful and satisfying life.  This episode is a must if you've ever felt stuck or caught in an endless cycle of "not good enough."   Want to find more ways to reduce stress, anxiety and perfectionism?  Get my free guide: “Five Steps to Finding Calm in the Chaos” Connect with me at www.drlauriebruce.com       Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

If you enjoyed this episode, it would mean the world to me if you would rate and write a review. Every review helps me to reach more people.   In this episode, Dr. Little takes an in-depth look at the concept of self-esteem. The misconception that self-esteem is primarily about liking oneself or having self-confidence is challenged. Instead, Dr. Little poses a more fundamental view of self-esteem, tied to your personal sense of worthiness. Dr. Little guides us through the pitfalls of tying our self-worth to achievements and material accomplishments. She reinforces the idea that external success and accolades do not necessarily equate to a healthy sense of self-esteem. Rather, she invites us to recognize that our worth as a human being is inherent, unalterable, and beyond any external recognition. She suggests practical exercises to remind us of our inherent worthiness - like using mantras and practicing mindful awareness of love in our bodies. Dr. Little also emphasizes the importance of self-compassion, particularly when we face challenges or setbacks, as a critical skill towards enhancing our self-esteem. Want to find more ways to reduce stress, anxiety and perfectionism? Want to find more ways to reduce stress, anxiety and perfectionism?  Get my free guide: “Five Steps to Finding Calm in the Chaos” Connect with me at www.drlauriebruce.com     Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

In episode 16 of Inner Healing Intelligence, Dr. Laurie Little outlines essential strategies to maintain inner peace, both at work and at home. In this insightful discussion, she delves into our understanding of stress and suggests that much of our stress is self-induced, stemming not from actual situations but rather, our perceptions of them. Dr. Little underscores the importance of understanding and adjusting our mindset to manage stress. Dr. Little dissects the root causes of stress in our personal and professional lives, using common scenarios as examples. She believes that feelings of stress often arise from situations where we feel considerable responsibility but exercise little power. These scenarios may be found in high-pressure jobs or challenging parenting situations. However, rather than being stuck in a cycle of anxiety and frustration, Dr. Little offers practical and mindset solutions to make stress more manageable. She emphasizes the importance of saying 'no', delegating tasks, and dispelling notions of perfectionism. Above all, she stresses the importance of understanding ourselves better to uncover the underlying beliefs that contribute to our stress levels. Want to find more ways to reduce stress, anxiety and perfectionism?  Get my free guide: “Five Steps to Finding Calm in the Chaos” Connect with me at www.drlauriebruce.com     Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

In this episode of Inner Healing Intelligence, clinical psychologist and mindfulness Want to find more ways to reduce stress, anxiety and perfectionism?  Get my free guide: “Five Steps to Finding Calm in the Chaos” Connect with me at www.drlauriebruce.com     Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

In this episode, Dr. Little delves deep into the habit of asking 'why' — a habit that, while seemingly innocuous, can often lead to an unhealthy spiral of suffering when left unchecked. Discover how introspection can turn into a problematic loop, leading to anxiety and distress when answers remain elusive. Learn about the profound power of radical acceptance, the importance of coping with challenges instead of seeking elusive root causes, and focusing on the 'how' rather than the 'why.' Dr. Little shares valuable insights through patient stories and personal experiences. Suffering is optional. And this episode is all about breaking free from unnecessary suffering fueled by incessant questioning and uncertainty, whether the issues are physical or psychological. Learn the difference between pain and suffering, and how to accept, manage, and live a fulfilling life despite inevitable pain. Be it a physical ailment, a mental health issue, or an emotional crisis, Dr. Little encourages us to shift our perspective and redirect our energy away from the endless search for answers and towards solutions. She encourages us to accept our reality and work with it rather than against it. Discover the long-term healing benefits of radical acceptance - a journey from pain to acceptance to empowerment - and the critical role it plays in easing our suffering. This episode is an invitation to a more powerful, effective approach to mental and physical wellness, making it a must-listen for anyone seeking holistic health and peace of mind. Want to find more ways to reduce stress, anxiety and perfectionism? Want to find more ways to reduce stress, anxiety and perfectionism?  Get my free guide: “Five Steps to Finding Calm in the Chaos” Connect with me at www.drlauriebruce.com       Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

If you enjoyed this episode, it would mean the world to me if you would rate and write a review. Every review helps me to reach more people.   In this episode, Dr. Little shares what forgiveness means and why it is a crucial step towards peace and self-acceptance. She discusses the common barriers to forgiveness and how to overcome them. She discusses the steps you can take to move forward on your journey of forgiveness. She also discusses how you can apply these steps towards others as well as forgiving yourself.  Want to find more ways to reduce stress, anxiety and perfectionism?  Get my free guide: “Five Steps to Finding Calm in the Chaos” Connect with me at www.drlauriebruce.com   Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

If you enjoyed this episode, it would mean the world to me if you would rate and write a review. Every review helps me to reach more people.   In this episode, Dr. Little talks about finding your Word of the Year. She shares a little more about the role of a mantra in our lives. She then breaks down 5 sets of questions to help you really discover what the ideal word is for you as we head into 2024. If you struggle with regret, fear/anxiety or perfectionism, this episode will speak to you. Want to find more ways to reduce stress, anxiety and perfectionism? Want to find more ways to reduce stress, anxiety and perfectionism?  Get my free guide: “Five Steps to Finding Calm in the Chaos” Connect with me at www.drlauriebruce.com   .   Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

If you enjoyed this episode, it would mean the world to me if you would rate and write a review. Every review helps me to reach more people.   In this episode, Dr. Little shares how throughout the busyness and chaos of the holiday season (whichever holiday you celebrate), you can still slow down, be present and enjoy the moments to their fullest.  Dr. Little walks you through a mindfulness exercise to help you enjoy your holiday food and reduce your risk of over eating or binge eating. She also teaches a mindfulness skill called Turning the Mind, which puts you in charge of your own thoughts, feelings and experiences. Want to find more ways to reduce stress, anxiety and perfectionism? Want to find more ways to reduce stress, anxiety and perfectionism?  Get my free guide: “Five Steps to Finding Calm in the Chaos” Connect with me at www.drlauriebruce.com     Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

If you enjoyed this episode, it would mean the world to me if you would rate and write a review. How: Scroll down until you see Information: Show and my title Inner Healing Intelligence in purple. Click on that. Scroll all the way down to Ratings and Reviews. You can choose your star and click on Write a Review. In this episode, I visit with my longtime friend and colleague, Lindsey House, RD. Lindsey is a dietitian & Personal Trainer turned accountability coach.  We talk about themes such as balancing acceptance and change, taking risks and facing vulnerability, and the importance of staying focused on our own journeys rather than comparing ourselves to others. Lindsey has been my personal inspiration for giving me the courage to start this podcast so I was very grateful she could be my first interview.  Lindsey's personal mission is to help individuals take action to achieve exciting results, such as: -Letting go of the all-or-nothing mentality (overcoming perfectionism) -Getting off the sidelines in life and feeling energetic enough to participate -Decreasing joint soreness to enjoy something as big as travel and small as playing on the floor with grandkids Want to work with Lindsey? (I know you do!) Here's how to connect: Click HERE to schedule your FREE 1:1 call - Do you ever hear yourself saying “I don’t even know where to start! I get motivated to make health changes and then feel instantly overwhelmed with what to prioritize! “ This is the PURPOSE of this call… you will walk away feeling equipped with the understanding of where to start! (feeling supported in your journey). Click HERE to join our FREE Direction Not Perfection Community: Real Weight Loss for Women After 40 AND… Click HERE Discover 5 Stress Free Meal Planning Tips to Increase Energy & Lose the Fluff -Without Giving Up Everything You Love Or Feeling Deprived Click HERE if you want to be able to watch the podcast on our YouTube Direction Not Perfection Station! Podcast: https://www.healthaccountabilitycoach.com/podcast-1 Website: https://www.healthaccountabilitycoach.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/houselifestyles #directionnotperfection #rewritetherules #healthaccountabilitycoach Want to find more ways to reduce stress, anxiety and perfectionism?  Get my free guide: “Five Steps to Finding Calm in the Chaos” Connect with me at www.drlauriebruce.com   Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

If you enjoyed this episode, it would mean the world to me if you would rate and write a review. How: Scroll down until you see Information: Show and my title Inner Healing Intelligence in purple. Click on that. Scroll all the way down to Ratings and Reviews. You can choose your star and click on Write a Review.  Episode 6: In this episode, Dr. Little shares three ways you can change the way you talk to yourself. Step One: Increase awareness of what you are saying to yourself. Step Two: Change your negative thought to a neutral or more compassionate thought Step Three: Practice the new healthy thought with visual and other artistic reminders. Dr. Little discussed why asking "why?" is not the quickest strategy to change. Want to find more ways to reduce stress, anxiety and perfectionism?  Get my free guide: “Five Steps to Finding Calm in the Chaos” Connect with me at www.drlauriebruce.com   Music: https://www.purple-planet.com