Holding Space

Have you ever noticed how much harder parenting feels when things are tense between you and your partner? Maybe you start off trying to calm your kids in the back seat… and somehow end up arguing about the volume of the music. Or one of you sets a boundary with your child, the other undermines it, and suddenly you’re in a standoff that feels way bigger than it should.In this episode, Dr. Cassidy explores how the stress of parenting can shake the foundation of even the strongest relationships, and what you can do to reconnect when the patience runs thin and the reactions run hot.In this episode you’ll learn how to:Recognize why parenting amplifies relational stressUse “reserves check-ins” to communicate needs and prevent resentmentShift from “me vs. you” to “us vs. the cycle”Bring repair, rest, and appreciation back into your partnershipYou’ll also hear simple ways to rebuild connection that don’t require date nights, fancy plans, or extra childcare - just small, intentional moments that help you remember you’

In this conversation, I’m joined by my dear friend and fellow therapist Dr. Tracy Dalgleish to explore the tender, complex space between partnership and extended family...where love, loyalty, and old patterns can collide.We talk about why these dynamics feel especially charged for so many of us right now, what it means to navigate guilt and control in family systems, and how we can stay connected to our partners (and ourselves) when generational patterns start to resurface.Dr. Tracy shares insights from her new book You, Your Husband, and His Mother - a compassionate guide to understanding in-law dynamics, communicating as a united front, and finding your footing as a couple when family expectations run high.We also talk about:The cultural shifts that are reshaping how couples and families relate across generationsCommon patterns like guilt-tripping, control, and codependencyWhy boundaries rooted in core needs (not blame) lead to deeper connectionHow aging, identity, and relevance show up in these transitions

When our teen's worry sets off our own, it can feel like two nervous systems locked in the same storm. In this heartfelt conversation, I sit down with my friend and colleague Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart to unpack what’s really happening beneath those moments of reactivity and how parents can shift from fear-based reacting to compassionate, grounded responding.We talk about:Why our teens’ anxiety activates our own nervous systemPractical tools to create space between trigger and response (hello, rage walks!)How repair and connection help rebuild trust after we come in hotLoving (and respecting) the teen you have, while holding boundaries, even when it’s hardDr. Ann-Louise Lockhart is a pediatric psychologist, parent coach, and author of Love the Teen You Have: A Practical Guide to Transforming Conflict into Connection (out October 28). Find her at https://drannlouiselockhart.com and on Instagram @dr.annlouise.lockhart.Links + Resources:Love the Teen You Have Learn more about my private practice for California

In this episode we're exploring the relationship between breastfeeding and a new mom's mental health. To help us really go deep (and practical) on this topic, I had the absolute joy of sitting down with Dawnita Wicks, a registered nurse, public health nurse, and internationally board-certified lactation consultant.I first connected with Dawnita because I had clients who were struggling not just with feeding, but also with their mental health. When they worked with her, they came back to me saying: “She really saw all of me - the feeding goals AND my mental health.” I knew I had to meet this unicorn of a provider.In our conversation, we talk about what it’s like to sit at the intersection of infant feeding and maternal mental health. We share our own postpartum stories (including my first experience of birth trauma, breastfeeding challenges, and postpartum anxiety), the shame that so often convinces us to stay silent, and the power of support that honors both our goals and our needs.We also unpack the

In today’s solo episode, I open up about how I’m preparing for perimenopause at 40, and why I don’t want to walk into this transition as unprepared as I felt during postpartum.We’ll talk about:What perimenopause and menopause actually meanThe commonly known symptoms and the less-discussed symptoms that can feel really destabilizing tooHow perimenopause intersects with mental health, parenting, and relationshipsThe protective practices I’m layering in now (yep, increasing protein is in there).My goal is to help you feel less blindsided and more resourced, so you can move through this season informed, intentional, and supported!Resources MentionedThe New Menopause by Dr. Mary Claire Haver (plus her provider directory)Melissa Wood Health for strength and functional movementBased in CA or NY and ready to start therapy? Learn more about my group practice at www.drcassidymft.comFor written takeaways, resource links, and updates on my journey, subscribe to my Substack: A Little Space, PleaseIf today’s episode resona

If you’re in the postpartum season, you already know...sleep deprivation is A BEAST. It affects everything: your mood, your relationships, your health, and your ability to feel present with your baby.In this episode I’m breaking down why protecting your rest matters, how to get restorative sleep (even if your baby is waking frequently), and how to navigate sleep conversations with your partner without spiraling into resentment.We’ll cover:Why your sleep mattersHow to get consolidated rest when your baby’s not sleeping through the nightSupport strategies for breastfeeding parentsHow to share the load with your partnerA framework/scripts for bringing up tough sleep conversationsPractical ideas for splitting shifts, activating support, and improving sleep hygieneWhat to do when anxiety or hypervigilance keeps you awakeIf you’re ready to start valuing your own rest without guilt, this episode will give you permission, strategies, and a plan to start tonight.Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Read the

Do you feel that familiar dread or restlessness in your body as the weekend winds down? You’re NOT alone! In this episode, we explore the Sunday Scaries through the lens of the nervous system, naming the hidden pressure so many women and moms carry into the week.We’ll break down why this anticipatory anxiety happens, how it can activate survival responses and what your body is trying to tell you.Then, I’ll guide you through a grounding visualization called The Sunday Sanctuary, a practice you can return to any time to feel more regulated, resourced, and ready for the week.In this episode:What the Sunday Scaries actually are and why they show upHow your nervous system reacts to the anticipation of the week aheadA new way to meet the pressure...with gentleness and self-trustA 7-minute visualization to help you reconnect with your values and feel ready to begin againMentioned in this episode:Substack companion post + full visualization scriptLearn more about becoming a client at www.drcassidymft.comVisualization

In this solo episode of Holding Space, I’m diving into one of the most common and quietly painful questions I hear from parents (and ask myself too):Why am I so reactive?If you’ve ever found yourself snapping before you even realized what was happening, crying over something small, or wondering, what is wrong with me? This episode is for you. You're not broken. You're carrying a lot. And reactivity is often your nervous system’s way of trying to protect you.In this episode, I explore the deeper layers beneath reactivity and offer practical ways to create just enough margin to respond instead of react.I talk about:How emotions are messengersWhat your nervous system is trying to tell you when you feel floodedWhy fawn, fight, freeze, flight, and flock responses are so common in parenthoodThe invisible labor of caregiving, and how it fuels burnout and shutdownSensory overwhelm in modern parenting and why it hits so hardHow your hormones and cycle shape your emotional capacityWant to go deeper?Come hang ou

In this episode of Holding Space, I welcome parenting educator and content creator behind the account Mother Could, Myriam Sandler, for a real and refreshing conversation about play in parenthood.Together, we unpack the pressure many parents feel to “play the right way,” especially in today’s era of intensive parenting.Episode highlights:How perfectionism and productivity culture shape our expectations around playWhy boredom matters—and how it supports creativity and independent playThe role of accessibility in helping kids play independentlyWhat to do when your child wants to play with you—but you need spaceHow to identify your own “play superpower” (even if it’s not getting on the floor)Practical tips for setting up multi-age play spaces at homeWhether you love crafting sensory bins or prefer connecting through board games, 3D printing, or sports, this episode invites you to reclaim play in a way that honors your capacity and your child’s uniqueness.Resources Mentioned:Playful by Design by Myriam SandlerFol

In this episode of Holding Space, Dr. Cassidy sits down with Megan McNamee, a registered dietitian nutritionist and co-founder of Feeding Littles, to discuss the intersection of perfectionism, parenting, and feeding children. Megan shares insights on how parents can move away from the pressures of perfectionism, especially in the context of feeding their kids, and embrace a more intuitive and balanced approach to mealtime.We dive into common struggles parents face when it comes to feeding their kids, such as dealing with picky eating, the pressures of packing lunches, and the stress of meeting societal expectations. Megan offers practical advice on how to navigate these challenges while keeping mealtime enjoyable and stress-free.Resources Mentioned:Feeding Littles Lunchbox BookFollow Feeding Littles on InstagramOur Sponsors:* Check out Artifact Uprising and use my code DRCASSIDY for a great deal: www.artifactuprising.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircl

What do you REALLY need to know about caring for your postpartum body?To answer this question I invited Ruth Macy, a pelvic health physical therapist, and Courtney Naliboff, a teacher, writer, and musician, on to the podcast to talk about all things postpartum recovery and self-compassion.Together we explore:The inspiration behind their book "Your Postpartum Body: The Complete Guide to Healing After Pregnancy"The concept of radical self-acceptance and compassion in healing after birthThe essential needs for postpartum recovery: rest, hydration, nutrition, and support (and how to make them a priority)The challenges/human cost of lactation and the mental health impact of weaningSystemic barriers to postpartum care and practical solutions to navigate themLearn more about Courtney and Ruth’s book here!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 s

You are cordially invited to tune into our spicy book chat!I invited Sex Therapist and New York Times Bestselling Author Vanessa Marin on to the podcast to talk about all things Fantasy Fiction (especially of the spicy variety).Together we dissect:*What exactly is "smut?"*Why is fantasy so appealing?*What are some of the benefits for women reading spicy romance novels?*What are some of the tricky parts of these books to keep in mind?*Are smutty books basically just porn?*How can romantasy reading be a reclamation of time and pleasure for the busy woman?AND of course we are sharing our favorite books to add to your list and what we are reading next (download the list for yourself here: https://courses.drcassidymft.com/bookrecsLearn more about Vanessa's book and offerings at vmtherapy.com and give her a follow @vanessaandxander!Our Sponsors:* Check out Puori and use my code DRCASSIDY for a great deal: puori.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircl

Gut health...the gut microbiome...people are talking about it, but what does it all mean?!In my quest for answers, I connected with Cheryl Sew Hoy, founder of Tiny Health. In this episode you're invited to learn about the fascinating world of gut health right alongside with me. During our conversation Cheryl shares her personal journey as an entrepreneur and mother, highlighting how her experiences with pregnancy and childbirth led her to discover the importance of gut health. We dive into what the gut microbiome is, where it comes from, and why it’s crucial for overall health. She shares the role of probiotics and prebiotics in supporting a healthy gut microbiome for both infants and mothers and offers specific dietary and lifestyle recommendations to enhance gut health. Additionally, Cheryl walks us through the process and benefits of gut microbiome testing for the entire family.Resources Mentioned:Tiny Health Website (you can use code DRCASSIDY for $20 off!)Tiny Health on InstagramIf you're a Calif

In this heartfelt episode, we welcome back Dr. Jasmine, a clinical pharmacist, perinatal mental health specialist and mom to one, to discuss her journey of deciding to have only one child. Dr. Jasmine shares her personal story of battling severe postpartum depression and anxiety, the pressures and expectations from society, and how she navigated these challenges to make a decision (with support from therapy) that felt right for her and her family. We discuss the societal pressure and expectations of having more than one child as well as the stigma and stereotypes associated with only children and highlighting the joys and benefits of raising an only child. Resources and Links:Dr. Jasmine on Instagram: @pearlsofjasmineDr. Jasmine’s Blog: pearlsofjasmine.comDr. Jasmine’s Substack Newsletter: pearlsofjasmine.substack.com"Healing the Tigress" PodcastOur Sponsors:* Check out Puori and use my code DRCASSIDY for a great deal: puori.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out:

BLUEY! The beloved Heeler Family has touched the hearts and homes of children and adults around the world. But have you ever wondered what a therapist or parenting expert's take might be on the show and your favorite episodes? Have you ever wanted to really bring home the themes/lessons of the episode with your child or thought to yourself in a tricky parenting moment, "What would Chili or Bandit do?"We've got you covered! I invited fellow therapist and Bluey superfan Tessa Ritchie, LCSW to help me breakdown two of our favorite Bluey episodes: Bad Mood (Season 2) and Perfect (Season 3).You're going to want to take notes on the parenting strategies and connecting conversation starters shared in this episode, but no need to because we did it for you with the free Bluey Breakdown pdf you can download here or by visiting https://courses.drcassidymft.com/blueyguide!To learn more about our sponsor Coexist visit www.getcoexist.com and use code DRCASSIDY15 for 15% off through June 15, 2024.Our Spo

In this episode I invite you to tune into my conversation with Emily Oster, professor of Economics, parenting data expert and NYT Bestselling Author. We dive deep into her latest release, "Unexpected," where she explores the often murky waters of pregnancy complications.Together we explore:*Understanding Pregnancy Complications: Emily shares some fascinating insights from "Unexpected," her newest book. We talk about the common threads among pregnancy complications and why it's crucial to understand why things happen during pregnancy. Hint: it's not always as straightforward as we'd like it to be.*Dealing with Medical Gaslighting: Ever heard of medical gaslighting? It's a real thing, and it can leave you feeling dismissed and invalidated by healthcare providers. Emily and I dive into this topic and discuss the importance of feeling supported by your medical provider.Guest Information:Emily Oster: You can connect with her on parentdata.org and Instagram @ProfEmilyOster.Preorder &

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 Postpa

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 ep

"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 an

This one's for the cycle breakers, and in this episode we're unpacking intergenerational trauma. Dr. Mariel Buqué, trauma-informed Psychologist and author of the book BREAK THE CYCLCE: A Guide to Healing Intergenerational Trauma breaks it down for us. Together we explore how to recognize when generational trauma is impacting us today, identifying unhealthy patterns that get passed down in families, how trauma shows up in our bodies and our nervous systems, and steps we can take to break the cycles we're caught in that started before we were born. You deserved someone to protect you from generational pain and break the cycle, that always remains true. Now, let's take steps to get the support you need to be the cycle breaker for yourself, your family, and the next generation.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy