Holding Space

Dr. Cassidy Freitas

Hey parents, tune in as Dr. Cassidy Freitas holds space for conversations with experts from around the world and parents who have been through it. With a background in Marriage and Family Therapy, Dr. Cassidy offers education in topics ranging from pregnancy, fertility, postpartum, parenting, partner relationships, emotional wellness, creative living and more! This podcast is not a substitute for therapy and if you're struggling you should seek help from a licensed provider in your area. Follow for more @drcassidy and you can learn more about her California-based private practice at www.drcassidymft.com. read less
Kids & FamilyKids & Family

Episodes

136: How to Carry Less While Enjoying Motherhood More with Erica Djossa
Mar 11 2024
136: How to Carry Less While Enjoying Motherhood More with Erica Djossa
In this episode I invited Erica Djossa, Canadian based psychotherapist, founder of Momwell, and author of the book Releasing the Motherload: How to Carry Less and Enjoy Motherhood More, back on to the podcast!Together we discuss:• An introduction to intensive mothering: unpacking societal expectations and the weight of invisible burdens in motherhood.• The role of comparison and social media in exacerbating feelings of inadequacy and overwhelm.• Strategies for releasing control and redistributing responsibilities to alleviate burnout and foster personal growth.• Embracing values over perfectionism: practical steps for identifying core values and aligning actions with your most aligned beliefs.• Recognizing the potential for growth and transformation when we embrace discomfort.• Creating space for self-care within motherhood: the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing mental well-being.Resources Mentioned:• Releasing the Motherload book: pre-order at www.ericadjossa.com• The Invisible Load of Postpartum episode 48• Find Erica on Instagram @momwellTo learn more about our sponsor Coexist visit www.getcoexist.com and use code DRCASSIDY15 for 15% off through June 15, 2024.To learn more about Dr. Cassidy's private practice visit https://www.drcassidymft.com/Enjoy this podcast? You'll also love Justine Carino's podcast "Thoughts from the Couch" learn more at www.carinocounseling.com/podcastOur Sponsors:* Check out Puori and use my code DRCASSIDY for a great deal: puori.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
135: How to Support Our Kids in a World of AI with Audrey Wisch
Feb 12 2024
135: How to Support Our Kids in a World of AI with Audrey Wisch
AI (Artificial Intelligence) isn't going anywhere, but that didn't stop me from (at first) putting my head in the sand about it. But the truth is, it's not going anywhere and our kids are going to grow up with AI being a part of their schooling, future careers, and their life...so it was time to take my head out of the sand and learn everything I can so that I can support them too.This episode with Audrey Wisch, founder and CEO of Curious Cardinals was not originally planned! Our original topic (episode 134) was all about supporting kids in discovering THEIR passions and connecting those passions to their relationship to school (if you haven't checked out that episode yet, you don't want to miss it!)What I noticed though in my interactions with Audrey was how she seamlessly incorporated AI into her business model. I got curious about her use of AI, and discovered she was giving AI workshops to parents around the country. I had SO many questions, and thought you might too...and thus this episode was born!I went into this conversation with A LOT of questions, concerns, and a general sense of overwhelm, and I left feeling empowered and even EXCITED to support my kids with ethically navigating a world in which AI exists.To learn more about Curious Cardinals visit https://www.curiouscardinals.com/To learn more about Dr. Cassidy's private practice visit https://www.drcassidymft.com/To learn more about our sponsor Coexist visit www.getcoexist.com and use code DRCASSIDY15 for 15% off through June 15, 2024.Our Sponsors:* Check out Puori and use my code DRCASSIDY for a great deal: puori.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
134: How to Help Your Kid Discover THEIR Passions with Audrey Wisch
Feb 12 2024
134: How to Help Your Kid Discover THEIR Passions with Audrey Wisch
"Mommmm why do I have to go to school?!" This is a question all parents will face at some point.In this episode I'm joined by Audrey Wisch, founder and CEO of Curious Cardinals. Curious Cardinals is a peer-mentorship/tutoring company rooted in passion based learning to support kids in nurturing their interests and ambitions...while also getting their homework done.Together we explore steps we can take to support our kids in discovering THEIR passions, and how to connect traditional school learning with real-world passions.This episode provides valuable perspectives for parents seeking to support their children in navigating the intersection of education and personal growth.Audrey has spoken on CNN, in Forbes, and on the Today Show to share her vision to create a community of lifelong learners and doers. She was recognized in the 2022 Forbes 30 Under 30 Education and Youngest category. To learn more about Curious Cardinals visit https://www.curiouscardinals.com.If you're a California parent and interested in learning more about working with Dr. Cassidy and her therapy services visit www.drcassidymft.comIf you're not a California resident and interested in starting therapy, you can learn how to find a therapist in your area by visiting https://www.drcassidymft.com/blog/how-to-find-a-therapist-like-meTo learn more about our sponsor Coexist visit www.getcoexist.com and use code DRCASSIDY15 for 15% off through June 15, 2024.Our Sponsors:* Check out Puori and use my code DRCASSIDY for a great deal: puori.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
132: How to Help Your Toddler Play Independently with Susie Allison from Busy Toddler
Nov 13 2023
132: How to Help Your Toddler Play Independently with Susie Allison from Busy Toddler
In this episode you get to witness my conversation with Susie Allison, M.Ed., of @busytoddler, in which I share our 3 year olds current struggles with independent play, and the impact it's having on our whole family.Susie talks me through the proven strategies to support independent play and guess what...they worked!Susie shares the benefits of independent play for your child's development and for the whole family system...and how we can still feel present and connected even with more independent play happening in our homes. This is an episode you won't want to miss!Looking for more independent play support from Susie, including some of her favorite toys? Check out her independent play blog post here! Susie Allison is a former teacher with a Master's in Early Childhood Education and a mom to 3 kids. Her mission is to bring hands-on play and learning back to childhood, support others in their parenting journey, and help everyone make it to nap time. Visit her at www.busytoddler.com or on Instagram @busytoddler.*Become a client of Dr. Cassidy's by visiting www.drcassidymft.com (CA residents only).*Not based in California but looking for more support? Click here for steps on how to find a therapist in your area!To learn more about our sponsor Coexist visit www.getcoexist.com and use code DRCASSIDY15 for 15% off through June 15, 2024.Join Dr. Cassidy and her cozy era by visiting www.cozyearth.com! Be sure to check out their pajamas made with viscose from bamboo. Use code DRCASSIDY35 for 35% off sitewide!Our Sponsors:* Check out Puori and use my code DRCASSIDY for a great deal: puori.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
130: Disability Parenting and Finding the Right Support with Casey Mouton
Oct 23 2023
130: Disability Parenting and Finding the Right Support with Casey Mouton
I am so excited to introduce you to Casey Mouton, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and mom.Casey was the first therapist I hired to join my group practice, and today you get to hear her story.Casey is a survivor of postpartum depression and anxiety, and in today's episode she shares how that experience showed her the kind of support she truly needs. Learning about the type of support SHE needs became protective later on when her son unexpectedly had a stroke and she found herself navigating parenting a child with a disability. She shares how her partner had different needs in terms of support, the mental load of parenting a child with a disability, and steps you can take to feel less alone in your own parenting journey.TW: this story includes a medical emergency associated with Covid and discussions of postpartum depression and anxiety. Sometimes listening to someone else's story is exactly what we need, and sometimes we're not in a space yet to witness someone else's experience, and that's ok. Resources mentioned in the episode:Napa CenterDisability Resource Guide PSI Support Groups*Become a client of Dr. Cassidy's or Casey by visiting www.drcassidymft.com (CA residents only).*Not based in California but looking for more support? Click here for steps on how to find a therapist in your area!To learn more about our sponsor Coexist visit www.getcoexist.com and use code DRCASSIDY15 for 15% off through June 15, 2024.Join Dr. Cassidy and her cozy era by visiting www.cozyearth.com! Be sure to check out their pajamas made with viscose from bamboo. Use code DRCASSIDY35 for 35% off sitewide!Our Sponsors:* Check out Puori and use my code DRCASSIDY for a great deal: puori.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
129: How to Embrace Softness in a Hard World with Dr. Akilah Cadet
Oct 16 2023
129: How to Embrace Softness in a Hard World with Dr. Akilah Cadet
Let's talk about softness, and being soft in a world that can be so hard.What does it mean to be soft? I invited Dr. Akilah Cadet to share in this conversation about softness as a human. Together we explore the beauty of connecting with softness, within ourselves and in our relationships. We identify how softness can get squashed and the benefits of connecting with the parts of us that are soft. We unpack the complexity of being a human in a hard world, the dance between anger and softness, harmony over balance, and Dr. Cadet offers a bridge into accessing our agency and power when faced with hardship within ourselves and the oppressive systems around us.Dr. Cadet is the Founder and CEO of Change Cadet. As a Forbes Next 1000 Entrepreneur her work is behind some of the biggest brands you use everyday. Dismantling white supremacy through storytelling is at the core of her work as a leader, speaker, creative director, producer, writer, editor and author of forthcoming book White Supremacy is All Around: Notes From a Black Disabled Woman in a White World. You can also learn from her through her podcast Soft Black Women.Links to connect with Dr. Cadet's work:Website: https://www.changecadet.com/ Book: https://www.changecadet.com/book Instagram @changecadetTo learn more about our sponsor Coexist visit www.getcoexist.com and use code DRCASSIDY15 for 15% off through June 15, 2024.Our Sponsors:* Check out Puori and use my code DRCASSIDY for a great deal: puori.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
128: How to Support Speech While Connecting with Your Child: An Episode for Parents AND Kids with Wee Talkers
Oct 2 2023
128: How to Support Speech While Connecting with Your Child: An Episode for Parents AND Kids with Wee Talkers
This is a Holding Space first! In today's special episode with speech therapists Carly and Katie of Wee Talkers, we are inviting your little one to tune in too!In the first half of the episode Carly and Katie offer supportive (and simple) ways you can support speech everyday with your children. Ever find yourself more stressed from all the information about child development out there? This conversation will leave you feel informed and empowered, without the pressure. You don't need to be a speech therapist to support your child's speech while having fun!Towards the end of the episode we invite your little one to join in with some fun song time! Consider this a connection opportunity, with some hidden speech support thrown in. I also share a connection ritual song that I sing every night with our kids that has proven to help us accept the hard feelings from the day too.Wee Talkers teaches parents of babies and toddlers how to support their child’s language and communication development. They offer connection-driven language resources via online education, courses and memberships. You can learn more from Wee Talkers at https://www.weetalkers.com or on Instagram @weetalkers.*Become a client of Dr. Cassidy's private practice by visiting www.drcassidymft.com (CA residents only).*Not based in California but looking for more support? Click here for steps on how to find a therapist in your area!To learn more about our sponsor Coexist visit www.getcoexist.com and use code DRCASSIDY15 for 15% off through June 15, 2024.Join Dr. Cassidy and her cozy era by visiting www.cozyearth.com! Be sure to check out their pajamas made with viscose from bamboo. Use code DRCASSIDY35 for 35% off sitewide!Our Sponsors:* Check out Puori and use my code DRCASSIDY for a great deal: puori.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
127: How to Rest (Realistically) as a Modern Parent with Ashley Neese
Sep 18 2023
127: How to Rest (Realistically) as a Modern Parent with Ashley Neese
How do we actually experience restorative rest as busy parents? What are the layers that can get in the way when it comes to resting? Why is rest so important?We are diving in for some rest talk in today's episode with Ashley Neese, author of the book Permission to Rest.Ashley was previously on the podcast, episode 38: How to Breathe, following the release of her first book all about the power of breath. She is a breathwork teacher who has spent over a decade working at the intersections of embodiment, transformation, and renewal.I can't wait to share more of her work with you through this conversation, and hope this episode and her book support you in reclaiming rest because you are so worthy of it, just as you are.Get her book Permission to Rest here!*Become a client of Dr. Cassidy's private practice by visiting www.drcassidymft.com (CA residents only).*Not based in California but looking for more support? Click here for steps on how to find a therapist in your area!To learn more about our sponsor Coexist visit www.getcoexist.com and use code DRCASSIDY15 for 15% off through June 15, 2024.Join Dr. Cassidy and her cozy era by visiting www.cozyearth.com! Be sure to check out their pajamas made with viscose from bamboo. Use code DRCASSIDY35 for 35% off sitewide!Our Sponsors:* Check out Puori and use my code DRCASSIDY for a great deal: puori.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
126: How to Rely on Your Partner (and Others) with Dr. Tracy Dalgleish
Sep 4 2023
126: How to Rely on Your Partner (and Others) with Dr. Tracy Dalgleish
Do you find it hard to ask for support and rely on others? Does this struggle show up in your partner relationships? Are you hoping to break this pattern and set a strong model/foundation of autonomy AND interdependence for your kids? Well, i'm so glad you're here! In this episode I share my conversation with Dr. Tracy Dalgleish all about breaking these cycles, getting the support we need from our partners, and finding the balance between intimacy and autonomy in our relationships. Dr. Tracy Dalgleish is a clinical psychologist and relationship expert who is on a mission to help couples break old relationship cycles and find joy in their relationships again.  Her forthcoming debut book, I Didn’t Sign Up for This: A Couples Therapist Shares Real-Life Stories of Breaking Patterns and Finding Joy in Relationships...Including Her Own (September 12, 2023), features case studies from her practice and her own relationship. Be sure to check out her book I Didn't Sign Up For This and her I'm Not Your Shrink Podcast! *Become a client of Dr. Cassidy's private practice by visiting www.drcassidymft.com (CA residents only). *Not based in California but looking for more support? Click here for steps on how to find a therapist in your area! Join Dr. Cassidy and her cozy era by visiting www.cozyearth.com! Be sure to check out their pajamas made with viscose from bamboo. Use code DRCASSIDY35 for 35% off sitewide! Our Sponsors:* Check out Puori and use my code DRCASSIDY for a great deal: puori.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
124: Motherhood and Sibling Bonds: A Candid Conversation with Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt
Aug 7 2023
124: Motherhood and Sibling Bonds: A Candid Conversation with Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt
In this episode we dive into the world of sibling relationships. Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt, a New York Times bestselling author, philanthropist, and mother, shares her unique perspective and experiences on this often complex and cherished bond. In this candid conversation, Katherine opens up about her own relationship with her siblings, highlighting the joys and lessons learned along the way. From childhood adventures to adult camaraderie, she shares heartwarming anecdotes that resonate with anyone who has shared a special bond with their brothers or sisters. We explore the dynamics that can shape sibling relationships, the impact of birth order, and how nurturing these connections can contribute to personal growth and emotional well-being. As a mother herself, Katherine also offers valuable insights into helping children build strong sibling bonds and fostering a sense of unity within the family. Join us as we celebrate the power of sibling connections and gain valuable wisdom with Katherine.  Be sure to check out Katherine's children's book Goodnight, Sister and her Instagram Live series Before, During, After Baby! *Become a client of Dr. Cassidy's private practice by visiting www.drcassidymft.com (CA residents only). *Not based in California but looking for more support? Click here for steps on how to find a therapist in your area! Join Dr. Cassidy and her cozy era by visiting www.cozyearth.com! Be sure to check out their pajamas made with viscose from bamboo. Use code DRCASSIDY35 for 35% off sitewide! Our Sponsors:* Check out Puori and use my code DRCASSIDY for a great deal: puori.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
123: Parenting a Child with Chronic Illness: A Personal Story of Type One Diabetes with Amanda Berg
Jul 24 2023
123: Parenting a Child with Chronic Illness: A Personal Story of Type One Diabetes with Amanda Berg
Following on the heels of our last episode all about navigating unexpected challenges and diagnoses as a parent, in this episode Dr. Cassidy talks to a parent who has been through it. Amanda Berg is a mom to a type one diabetic toddler and former NICU RN and contributor to the organization Type One Together. Her toddler was diagnosed with Type One Diabetes at 26 months old (when here second baby was only 4 months old)! In this episode she brings the raw and real of what living with a Type One toddler is like, with a focus on her mental health, getting support, and making meaning. As Amanda would say, "no sugar coating here. We're not happy all the time, and we're not sad all the time. Just real life, with a really hard disease." You can learn more about Type One Together at www.typeonetogether.com. Also be sure to check out the Type One Together brand new podcast, The 108 Podcast! *Become a client of Dr. Cassidy's private practice by visiting www.drcassidymft.com (CA residents only). *Not based in California but looking for more support? Click here for steps on how to find a therapist in your area! Join Dr. Cassidy and her cozy era by visiting www.cozyearth.com! Be sure to check out their joggers made with viscose from bamboo. Use code DRCASSIDY35 for 35% off sitewide! Our Sponsors:* Check out Puori and use my code DRCASSIDY for a great deal: puori.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
120: How to Handle FOMO on Social Media When it Comes to Motherhood and Milestones with Dr. Anisha Patel-Dunn
May 22 2023
120: How to Handle FOMO on Social Media When it Comes to Motherhood and Milestones with Dr. Anisha Patel-Dunn
How did you and I first connect? How did you learn about this podcast? My best guess would be that you found yourself here through Instagram. Thank goodness for that! And yet, that little app on our phone can also be the place where we find ourselves in spirals of comparison, shame, overwhelm. That little app gives us access to so many resources and possible connections, but we can leave it feeling more depleted and overwhelmed. Social media's addictive qualities can eat away at all our margins, stealing away from the real connections in front of us, and can have a direct impact on our mental health. So...what can we do about this?  I invited Dr. Anisha Patel-Dunn to explore this with me. Together we name the issues and identify some tangible strategies for developing a healthier relationship with social media.  We are the first generation to enter parenting in the era of social media and it's not going anywhere. So, let's figure it out together. For us, and for our children. Dr. Anisha Patel-Dunn is the Chief Medical Officer at LifeStance Health which you can learn more about at lifestance.com/. To learn more about Dr. Cassidy's California-based private practice visit https://www.drcassidymft.com/ If you're not based in California and looking for a therapist in your area, visit https://www.drcassidymft.com/blog/how-to-find-a-therapist-like-me Our Sponsors:* Check out Puori and use my code DRCASSIDY for a great deal: puori.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy