Mindfulness and Mental Health Tips for Women: From Both Sides Of The Couch

Family Roles With Karly Danos, LPCC Part Two: Finding Balance

In this episode, Dr. Laurie Bruce continues her insightful discussion with therapist Karly Danos, delving deeper into the impact of family roles on our perception of birthrights. They explore the complex dynamics of positive and negative family roles and how these shape our self-worth and behavior. Tune in to discover practical steps to move towards a healthier, more functional adult self, empowering listeners to transform their understanding of self-worth and relationships.
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Family Roles with Karly Danos, LPCC, Part 1

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
 

The Hidden Gifts of Emotions: Thank You Sadness

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?
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Music: https://www.purple-planet.com
 

Word of the Year for 2025

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
 
 

The Hidden Gifts of Our Emotions: Thank You Anger

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?
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Connect with me at www.drlauriebruce.com
 
Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Exploring "Glimmers": Finding Joy in Everyday Moments

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?
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Connect with me at www.drlauriebruce.com
 
Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

The People Pleasing Trap: Why and How to Break Free

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?
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Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Accepting the Unacceptable: Navigating Grief and Embracing Radical Acceptance

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?
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Connect with me at www.drlauriebruce.com
 
Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Navigating Self-Care: Insights from Both Sides of the Couch

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?
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Connect with me at www.drlauriebruce.com
Email: drlaurie@drlauriebruce.com
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Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Hidden Gifts of Our Emotions: Thank You Fear

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