Hey everyone, Colette and Laura here! This week, we’re diving deep into one of the biggest, most emotionally loaded topics: What makes a good mother? If you’re a parent (or ever had one), you’ve likely asked yourself this question in some form—whether it’s self-reflection, societal pressure, or those internalized voices from childhood.

We unpack the emotional complexities of motherhood, the impact of attachment, and how our childhood experiences shape the way we parent. Plus, we dive into the wild case of Ruby Franke—the “mommy blogger” turned convicted abuser—to contrast what real maternal love looks like versus performative parenting. We also get personal about our own mothering styles, the mistakes we’ve made, and the lessons we’ve learned. This episode is raw, honest, and full of insights that might just shift the way you think about motherhood.

Episode Highlights:

[0:02] – Kicking off the conversation: What really makes a “good mother”?

[1:44] – The constant self-questioning of moms: Am I doing this right?

[2:11] – The shocking case of Ruby Franke—what happens when motherhood is all about image and control.

[6:37] – How we model (or reject) our own mothers’ parenting styles.

[10:14] – One of the most critical traits of a good mom: Knowing where you end and your child begins.

[12:30] – The emotional burden some mothers put on their children (and how to break the cycle).

[15:29] – The role of discipline: Leading with warmth vs. using shame and control.

[21:10] – Parenting different personalities: How to adapt to your child’s unique needs.

[23:53] – Why the parent-child relationship is always top-down (yes, even when your kids are adults).

[31:15] – What our own kids say makes a good mom (these answers might surprise you!).

[36:35] – The lifelong impact of emotional safety and feeling unconditionally loved.

[42:42] – Why telling kids an age-appropriate truth is crucial for their stability and trust.

[46:24] – The viral “Door Holder #3” moment that perfectly captures great parenting.

Resources:

Door Holder Number 3 Video: https://youtube.com/shorts/T8AlmEjmtLU?si=1-eDTo6MSAesGgkj

For more on this topic visit our website insightsfromthecouch.org If you have questions please email us at info@insightsfromthecouch.org we would love to hear from you!

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Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has long been misunderstood, especially in women and girls. In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Brady Bradshaw and Dr. Allison Brazendale, two experts in adolescent and adult mental health, to break down why ASD is often underdiagnosed in females. We dive into pink flags, the subtle signs that might indicate ASD, and discuss why so many girls and women go undiagnosed for years. Plus, we explore the overlap between ASD and ADHD, the role of sensory sensitivities, and how understanding ASD can lead to greater self-acceptance and connection.

Episode Highlights:

[00:03] – Welcome back! Introducing our expert guests, Dr. Brady Bradshaw and Dr. Allison Brazendale, and today’s topic: ASD in women and girls.

[01:55] – Why is autism so often underdiagnosed in females? Breaking down outdated stereotypes and the challenges of diagnosis.

[04:18] – Pink flags: The subtle early signs of ASD in girls that are often overlooked.

[06:50] – The effortful nature of social interactions and why masking can be exhausting.

[09:56] – How girls on the spectrum struggle with friendships and group dynamics.

[12:36] – The overlap between ADHD and autism—how to tell the difference.

[14:45] – What’s happening in the brain? Understanding the neurobiological differences of ASD.

[23:37] – Sensory sensitivities: Why environments like grocery stores can feel overwhelming.

[26:25] – Breaking the stigma: How the conversation around ASD is shifting, and why some are resistant to the diagnosis.

[33:13] – Signs of ASD in adult women—what to look for if you suspect you or someone you know might be on the spectrum.

[38:45] – ASD and relationships: Challenges in communication, perspective-taking, and emotional connection.

[47:55] – The strengths of ASD: Deep focus, intelligence, and unique ways of seeing the world.

Resources:

Dr. Brady Bradshaw’s website: https://www.bradybradshawmd.com/

Book: Is This Autism? https://www.amazon.com/This-Autism-Donna-Henderson/dp/103215022X/ref=asc_df_103215022X?mcid=c3343feccc2d380f97695f5d35

For more on this topic visit our website insightsfromthecouch.org If you have questions please email us at info@insightsfromthecouch.org we would love to hear from you!

If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!

In this week’s episode, we take a deep dive into anxiety—something that affects nearly 20% of the population and twice as many women as men. We chat about the different ways anxiety can show up in your life, the underlying causes, and the tools you can use to cope. Whether it’s hormonal fluctuations, past trauma, or just the demands of our fast-paced culture, anxiety can hit us all, but there’s hope for healing and thriving.

We also share our own experiences with anxiety (yep, even therapists feel it!) and discuss effective approaches like EMDR, exposure response prevention, and mindfulness. You’ll walk away with a better understanding of anxiety and practical tips to help you or someone you care about take control.

Episode Highlights:
[00:00] - Reflecting on our personal experiences with anxiety.
[02:56] - How anxiety manifests differently in women, from Type A tendencies to the effects of hormonal shifts.
[07:18] - Exploring the “volcano metaphor” for anxiety and the hidden cultural, genetic, and environmental layers that contribute.
[14:05] - Common triggers for anxiety, from childhood experiences to significant life events, and their impact on mental health.
[21:27] - The role of fear and how it connects to anxiety, plus how to push through when it matters most.
[28:49] - Simple yet powerful coping strategies like exercise, mindfulness, and being in nature.
[39:36] - The importance of exposure therapy and facing fears gradually to build resilience.
[45:20] - Why medication is a valuable option for managing clinical anxiety and overcoming stigma around it.
[53:16] - Lifestyle strategies like diet, sleep, and relaxation techniques to ease everyday anxiety.
[1:01:56] - Recommended books and resources for learning more about anxiety and effective treatments.

Resources:

Recommended reading:

• The Anatomy of Anxiety by Dr. Ellen Vora
• Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway by Susan Jeffers
• More book recommendations are listed on our website!

For more on this topic visit our website insightsfromthecouch.org If you have questions please email us at info@insightsfromthecouch.org we would love to hear from you!

If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!