Leaving a toxic relationship is never as simple as it seems from the outside. In this episode of Her Time to Talk, producer Sydney—who is also a clinical intern at Her Time Therapy—shares her raw and deeply personal journey of navigating heartbreak, breaking free from harmful dynamics, and rebuilding her life.

She reflects on her seven-year relationship with a partner struggling with addiction, the emotional toll of trying to hold things together, and the painful process of walking away. Just when she thought she had escaped toxicity, she found herself in an even more dangerous relationship—one marked by manipulation, gaslighting, and escalating abuse. Through candid storytelling, Sydney describes the psychological traps that kept her stuck, the moment she realized she had to leave, and the support that helped her do it safely.

This episode explores:

• Why leaving a toxic relationship is so difficult, even when you know it’s unhealthy
• The emotional and social losses that make walking away feel impossible
• The insidious nature of gaslighting, control, and emotional abuse
• The power of therapy, community, and self-reflection in reclaiming your identity
• How healthy love can feel "boring" after years of chaos—and why that’s a good thing

Sydney’s story is not just about heartbreak—it’s about resilience, self-trust, and the radical act of choosing yourself. If you've ever questioned your worth in a relationship, struggled to leave, or wondered if healing is truly possible, this episode is for you.

In this episode, we break down one of the most misunderstood yet deeply transformative topics in mental health—Feminist Therapy. We explore the history of feminism, clarify misconceptions, and discuss how feminist therapy empowers clients to navigate societal oppression, reclaim their voice, and heal in a way that honors their lived experiences. Whether you’re a woman navigating gendered pressures or a man looking to break free from toxic masculinity, this approach offers tools for a more liberated and authentic mental health journey.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Feminism vs. Misconceptions – Addressing the negative connotations of feminism and clarifying what it truly stands for.
• Feminism and Mental Health – How systemic issues contribute to mental health struggles and why feminist therapy shifts the focus from “what’s wrong with me?” to “what happened to me?”
• The Evolution of Feminism – Understanding the first, second, and third waves of feminism and their impact on gender equality.
• Core Principles of Feminist Therapy – Including empowerment, collaboration, intersectionality, and addressing power dynamics in therapy.
• Who Can Benefit? – How feminist therapy supports all genders in challenging oppressive societal norms and reclaiming emotional well-being.
• Case Study – A real-world example of how feminist therapy can reshape the mental health narrative for marginalized individuals.

Referenced Resources & Links:

• Emma Watson’s HeForShe Speech (2014, United Nations)
• Books & Theorists Mentioned:
  • In a Different Voice – Carol Gilligan
  • Toward a New Psychology of Women – Jean Baker Miller

In this powerful episode, we explore the emotional aftermath of the 2024 presidential election and 2025 inauguration. For many women, this election felt deeply personal, bringing up grief, anger, and fear for what lies ahead. Together, we unpack these emotions, validate their significance, and discuss actionable strategies to move forward with resilience and purpose.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Naming Our Emotions:
   • Recognizing grief in its many forms—ambiguous, collective, and anticipatory—and understanding how it impacts us physically, emotionally, and relationally.
2. Journaling for Healing:
   • Structured prompts to process feelings and explore values, beliefs, and resilience.
3. Creative Expression:
   • Using art, music, or writing to process grief and cope with uncertainty.
4. Mindfulness Techniques:
   • Learn the grounding 5-4-3-2-1 technique and the STOP skill to regulate emotions during stressful moments.
5. Navigating Relationships:
   • Questions to reflect on maintaining or distancing relationships in a divided political climate.
6. Community and Connection:
   • The importance of fostering supportive connections and joining communities for collective action.
7. News Consumption and Balance:
   • Setting boundaries to protect your mental health while staying informed.
8. Transforming Grief into Empowerment:
   • Taking control of what you can, from small self-care steps to advocacy for causes you care about.

Grief, anger, and fear in the wake of the election are valid. By naming our emotions, practicing self-compassion, and taking intentional steps toward healing and action, we can reclaim our strength and create positive change. Remember, self-care and advocacy are acts of resilience and defiance.

🎙️ Tune in now on all major podcast platforms!
💬 Share your reflections and join the conversation using #HerTimeTherapy.

Additional Resources:

Book an appointment with Rhiannon, our art therapist.

Advocacy:

• https://www.humanrightscareers.com/magazine/organizations-gender-equality/
• https://sheshouldrun.org/
• https://www.girlsinc.org/
• https://www.globalfundforwomen.org/
• https://www.wfco.org/

Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s close to my heart: self-care. But this isn’t about bubble baths and spa days—we’re redefining what self-care really means.

In this episode, we explore why self-care can be so difficult for women to prioritize and break it down into eight essential domains that go far beyond the surface. We’ll look at how societal expectations, invisible labor, and internalized guilt create barriers to self-care, and we’ll provide actionable steps to reclaim your well-being.

Here’s what we cover:

• Why self-care has been reduced to a buzzword and how to redefine it in a meaningful way.
• The eight domains of self-care—physical, psychological, spiritual, emotional, personal, professional, social, and financial—and how they interconnect to help you thrive.
• Practical tips for addressing neglected areas of self-care, from building better habits to setting boundaries and tackling invisible labor.
• Resources to empower your journey, including books, worksheets, and tools to help you take control of your self-care.

Links to Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

1. Book: Fair Play by Eve Rodsky – Learn about invisible labor and how to share the mental load.
2. Worksheets: Negative self-talk reframing guides and emotions wheel.
3. Book: Financial Feminist by Tori Dunlap – Build your financial literacy and independence.
4. Podcast Episode: Tori Dunlap on how money buys happiness.
5. Her Time Therapy Services: Learn about our affordable, accessible care options, including sliding scale services, Medicaid, and Medicare.
6. Domestic Violence Resources: Support for leaving abusive relationships safely and identifying relationship red flags.
7. Relationship Flags: Identify red flags and green flags in relationships. (Another resource HERE).

✨ Takeaway Message: Self-care is not selfish—it’s essential. Think of the eight domains as parts of a wheel. If one goes flat, the ride becomes bumpy. If several go flat, the wheel stops turning. Let’s focus on filling your wheel so you can thrive, not just survive.

🎙️ Tune in now on your favorite podcast platform!
💬 Share your thoughts and self-care wins using #HerTimeTherapy.

In this episode, host Meagan Clark, LPC, dives deep into Human Giver Syndrome, a concept that explores how societal expectations condition women to prioritize others at the expense of their own well-being.

We’ll unpack:

• What Human Giver Syndrome is and its systemic roots.
• Common signs, including guilt, burnout, and difficulty setting boundaries.
• How it impacts women’s mental health and relationships.
• Actionable steps to break free, reclaim your joy, and redefine your worth.

Whether you’re navigating these challenges yourself or supporting others who are, this episode offers compassionate insights and practical tools to help you prioritize your well-being without guilt.

💡 Join the conversation @hertimetotalk, and let’s empower each other to live lighter, freer, and more fulfilling lives.

#HerTimeTherapy #HumanGiverSyndrome #MentalHealthMatters #FeministTherapy #WomenSupportingWomen #TherapyForWomen #BreakTheCycle #SelfCareIsNotSelfish #EmpoweredLiving #HerTimeToTalk

🎙️ Welcome to Her Time to Talk! 🌟

In this heartfelt inaugural episode, Meagan Clark, licensed professional counselor and founder of Her Time Therapy, shares the deeply personal story that inspired her to create a space for women’s voices, stories, and mental health journeys. From navigating grief and caregiving to building a thriving practice dedicated to supporting women, Meagan opens up about the challenges and triumphs that shaped her mission.

Join us as Meagan introduces Her Time to Talk—a podcast where women can find connection, empowerment, and evidence-based tools to prioritize their mental health. This episode is all about creating meaning out of loss, turning pain into purpose, and fostering resilience.

✨ What to Expect from This Episode:

• Meagan’s inspiring journey from English teacher to therapist and advocate for women’s mental health
• Insights into the unique challenges women face as caregivers and leaders
• A sneak peek at upcoming episodes, focused on healing, connection, and practical mental health strategies

Whether you're navigating trauma, grief, anxiety, or chronic stress—or simply looking for a supportive space to learn and grow—this podcast is for you. 💖

🔗 Subscribe now to ensure you never miss an episode, and connect with us on social media @hertimetotalk for updates and tips. Ready to take the next step? Visit Her Time Therapy to learn more or schedule an appointment.

💡 Your story matters. Your voice is powerful. Your mental health is worth it. Let’s talk. 💬

#HerTimeToTalk #MentalHealthMatters #WomenSupportingWome

Welcome to Her Time to Talk: Empowering Women's Mental Health

Introducing Meagan Clark, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Her Time Therapy, and now, Her Time to Talk. This podcast is a safe space dedicated to women's experiences, mental health, and empowerment. Meagan, along with expert guests and everyday women, delves into topics such as self-care, boundaries, resilience, and healing, offering evidence-based tools and strategies. The upcoming first full episode will explore setting compassionate goals in therapy and making nurturing resolutions. Tune in to reclaim your power and improve your mental health.