Notes to My Nervous System: Mom Therapy & Real Conversations

How to Find Resilience with Shauna Hawkes | Overthinking, Emotional Avoidance & The Role of Body Awareness in Stress Resilience

Most women avoid their feelings—and in doing so, they overthink as a way to manage deeper emotions they’re afraid to feel. What if there’s a way to break that cycle by truly trusting your body and embracing your vulnerability? Shauna Hawks, embodiment mentor and yoga teacher, reveals the hidden connection between overthinking, emotional avoidance, and the body's natural stress responses—and how simple shifts towards surrender can unlock profound resilience.In this compelling conversation, Shauna shares her groundbreaking framework: overthinking is a symptom of avoiding deep emotions, and resilience is found in surrendering into that vulnerability. She unpacks how societal messages teach women to disconnect from their bodies, pushing them into a constant mental loop that leaves them feeling stuck and overwhelmed. Using insights from nervous system science, Shauna explains why a dysregulated body can hinder clarity, trust, and authentic emotional expression—and how healing begins with feeling safe in your own skin. You’ll discover practical tools to start reconnecting with your body today—like setting alarms to pause and feel, and embracing vulnerability as a strength rather than a weakness. Shauna discusses the power of sweet surrender: the art of allowing life to unfold, releasing control, and opening yourself to receive more love, support, and emotional resilience. She also explores how society’s neglect of emotional literacy keeps women in a cycle of push-push-push, and why changing this narrative begins within. This episode is perfect for women craving deeper self-trust, mental clarity, and emotional freedom. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by your thoughts or disconnected from your body, Shauna’s gentle insights will show you a way home—where you can finally feel safe enough to be fully, vulnerably human. Tune in and discover how to rewire your nervous system for calm, confidence, and authentic connection. 📱 Need support right now? The Mind Circuit app ( Ease) is a guided nervous system reset tool built for moments just like this. Whether it's bilateral stimulation (BLS) to calm anxiety, a wind-down for sleep, or a quick transition between stressful moments — it's not therapy, it's the "how" when your body needs help before your brain catches up. Download Mind Circuit today. 🎧 Also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music & all major platforms.  Our podcast is the audio companion to the Mind Circuit App, designed for daily nervous system resets. While the show explores the "why" of your patterns, the app provides the "how" through: ·        Bilateral Brain Stimulation (BLS): Powerful tools for anxiety reduction and emotional grounding. ·        AI-Powered Mood Tracking: A data-driven way to continue our "Real Conversations" privately. ·        Gamified Healing: Somatic tools like "Catch the Leaf" make trauma-informed parenting and self-care approachable and consistent. Start Your Reset Today Download Mind Circuit for Emotional Regulation & Somatic Tools: iOS App Store →⁠ Download Now⁠ [https://apps.apple.com/us/app/mindcircuit/id6478664305] Google Play →⁠ Download Now⁠ [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.app.ageOfUncertainty&hl=en] Connect & Listen: Instagram →  @erin_notestomynervoussystem Website →⁠ mindcircuit.org⁠ [https://mindcircuit.org/] Legal & Safety Disclaimer: Notes to My Nervous System is an educational and psychoeducational resource created by Erin Vandermore, LCMHC. While Erin is a licensed therapist, this podcast—including "Mom Therapy" sessions—is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute psychotherapy, medical advice, or a therapist-client relationship. The Mind Circuit app (Ease) is a self-help tool and is not a substitute for clinical treatment. Emergency Resources: If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call or text 988 (US/Canada) for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, call 911, or go to your nearest emergency room. © 2026 Erin Vandermore. All rights reserved.

How to Find Calm as a Mom with Safiya Omosanya | The Secret Tool That Can Help Moms Regain Control When They’re Triggered

Most moms feel overwhelmed by stress and generational patterns—until they learn to reset their nervous system. In this episode, Safiya Omosanya, the "cycle-breaking mom," reveals groundbreaking strategies to transform reactive parenting into calm, conscious connection. Safiya shares her raw journey from overwhelmed mother to trauma-informed expert, guiding you on how to recognize stress patterns and regulate your body. We dive deep into: * The science of nervous system regulation and emotional safety. * Breaking intergenerational wounds through tapping and intentional pauses. * Managing emotions without shame and modeling authenticity for your kids. * Understanding adolescent brain development to foster better relationships with teens. When you heal yourself, you create a safe space for your children to thrive. If you’re ready to step into confident, calm leadership and break the cycle, this episode is your call to action. About our guest: Safiya Omosanya is a trauma-informed coach and the creator of the MindCircuit app, dedicated to helping moms parent from a place of calm connection. Ready to start your reset? Hit play and begin your transformation today. 📱 Need support right now? The Mind Circuit app ( Ease) is a guided nervous system reset tool built for moments just like this. Whether it's bilateral stimulation (BLS) to calm anxiety, a wind-down for sleep, or a quick transition between stressful moments — it's not therapy, it's the "how" when your body needs help before your brain catches up. Download Mind Circuit today. 🎧 Also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music & all major platforms.  Our podcast is the audio companion to the Mind Circuit App, designed for daily nervous system resets. While the show explores the "why" of your patterns, the app provides the "how" through: ·        Bilateral Brain Stimulation (BLS): Powerful tools for anxiety reduction and emotional grounding. ·        AI-Powered Mood Tracking: A data-driven way to continue our "Real Conversations" privately. ·        Gamified Healing: Somatic tools like "Catch the Leaf" make trauma-informed parenting and self-care approachable and consistent. Start Your Reset Today Download Mind Circuit for Emotional Regulation & Somatic Tools: iOS App Store →⁠ Download Now⁠ [https://apps.apple.com/us/app/mindcircuit/id6478664305] Google Play →⁠ Download Now⁠ [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.app.ageOfUncertainty&hl=en] Connect & Listen: Instagram →  @erin_notestomynervoussystem Website →⁠ mindcircuit.org⁠ [https://mindcircuit.org/] Legal & Safety Disclaimer: Notes to My Nervous System is an educational and psychoeducational resource created by Erin Vandermore, LCMHC. While Erin is a licensed therapist, this podcast—including "Mom Therapy" sessions—is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute psychotherapy, medical advice, or a therapist-client relationship. The Mind Circuit app (Ease) is a self-help tool and is not a substitute for clinical treatment. Emergency Resources: If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call or text 988 (US/Canada) for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, call 911, or go to your nearest emergency room. © 2026 Erin Vandermore. All rights reserved.

How to Find Calm as a Mom with Dr. Janyne McConnaughey | The Surprising Power of Nonverbal Support in Trauma Recovery

Unlock the secret to calming even the most overwhelmed nervous system. If you or someone you love feels stuck in fight, flight, or shutdown mode, this episode will change the way you understand trauma responses—and how to support healing over just surviving. Imagine mastering simple, science-backed techniques that help your body find peace from within—without the need for words or complex therapies. Dr. McConaughey is a trauma educator and author dedicated to guiding survivors and allies alike in reclaiming agency after trauma. With a background rooted in attachment and co-regulation, she shares powerful insights on why your body reacts the way it does—and more importantly, how to gently help it restore balance. You’ll discover the truth behind the on/off nature of trauma responses, and how the process of regulation actually begins with recognizing your nervous system’s signals. We break down: * The science of co-regulation and how early attachment shapes your body’s responses * Practical strategies for supporting loved ones in triggering moments, especially avoiding harmful “calm down” commands * The importance of non-verbal connection—like shared breathing—to build trust and reduce dysregulation * Why dissociation isn't a failure but a vital protection, and how to respect it without shame * How to understand religious trauma and its unique impact on the body and mind This episode is essential for anyone navigating trauma—whether you're healing yourself or supporting others. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by your body's reactions or frustrated by others who don’t understand what you’re experiencing, here you’ll find compassion, clarity, and practical tools to foster healing and safety. Prepare to rethink what you know about trauma responses and discover gentle, effective ways to lower stress, restore agency, and feel safe in your body again. Your nervous system holds the key—and now, there’s a manual. Don’t miss out on transforming pain into peace. 📱 Need support right now? The Mind Circuit app ( Ease) is a guided nervous system reset tool built for moments just like this. Whether it's bilateral stimulation (BLS) to calm anxiety, a wind-down for sleep, or a quick transition between stressful moments — it's not therapy, it's the "how" when your body needs help before your brain catches up. Download Mind Circuit today. 🎧 Also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music & all major platforms.  Our podcast is the audio companion to the Mind Circuit App, designed for daily nervous system resets. While the show explores the "why" of your patterns, the app provides the "how" through: ·        Bilateral Brain Stimulation (BLS): Powerful tools for anxiety reduction and emotional grounding. ·        AI-Powered Mood Tracking: A data-driven way to continue our "Real Conversations" privately. ·        Gamified Healing: Somatic tools like "Catch the Leaf" make trauma-informed parenting and self-care approachable and consistent. Start Your Reset Today Download Mind Circuit for Emotional Regulation & Somatic Tools: iOS App Store →⁠ Download Now⁠ [https://apps.apple.com/us/app/mindcircuit/id6478664305] Google Play →⁠ Download Now⁠ [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.app.ageOfUncertainty&hl=en] Connect & Listen: Instagram →  @erin_notestomynervoussystem Website →⁠ mindcircuit.org⁠ [https://mindcircuit.org/] Legal & Safety Disclaimer: Notes to My Nervous System is an educational and psychoeducational resource created by Erin Vandermore, LCMHC. While Erin is a licensed therapist, this podcast—including "Mom Therapy" sessions—is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute psychotherapy, medical advice, or a therapist-client relationship. The Mind Circuit app (Ease) is a self-help tool and is not a substitute for clinical treatment. Emergency Resources: If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call or text 988 (US/Canada) for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, call 911, or go to your nearest emergency room. © 2026 Erin Vandermore. All rights reserved.

How to Heal Burnout & Stop Hustle Culture with Nervous System Regulation | Anna Przybylski | Mom Therapy

Nervous system regulation isn't just a buzzword—it's the key to healing burnout, brain fog, and the chronic exhaustion that hustle culture left behind. In this episode of Notes to My Nervous System, therapist and mom Erin sits down with creator and recovering workaholic Anna Przybylski to unpack what happens when your body finally says "no more." 🎯 What You'll Learn in This Episode: * Break the burnout cycle before it breaks you—why your nervous system crashes even when you "love" your job * Stop the high-functioning anxiety loop that keeps you overachieving and under-living * Recognize somatic signals like chronic fatigue, IBS, and brain fog as your body's way of demanding rest * Walk away from the hustle without guilt—and why "doing nothing" is the most radical nervous system reset * Rebuild your identity when everything you tied your value to disappears 🕐 Timestamps: 00:00 — Introduction & Meet Anna Przybylski 02:16 — Anna's burnout story: "I worked 8 days a week" 03:11 — The pandemic wake-up call that changed everything 07:47 — Finding her voice online: "I don't want to do things" 15:53 — Redefining success: "I had a house to cry in" 31:19 — Advice to your younger self: "It can change" 👤 About Our Guest: Anna Przybylski is a creator, author, and comedian known for her viral content on rest, self-acceptance, and leaving hustle culture behind. Her message—"I don't want to do things, I want to do no things"—resonated with millions and sparked a movement around slowing down and choosing yourself. She tours nationally with her comedy show and continues to build a community around radical rest and self-compassion. 📱 Regulate Your Nervous System Between Episodes: Try the Mind Circuit App (formerly known as Ease) — a short, evidence-based bilateral stimulation (BLS) tool designed to reset your nervous system when life feels too loud. Perfect for moments of anxiety, overwhelm, or trauma-informed self-care. Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play. 🏷️ Topics Covered: Burnout recovery, nervous system regulation, somatic healing, polyvagal theory, trauma-informed parenting, high-functioning anxiety, hustle culture recovery, chronic fatigue, work-life balance, self-compassion, mom therapy, mental health for moms Notes to My Nervous System is a trauma-informed podcast for women’s mental health. Hosted by therapist and mom Erin, we explore mom therapy and nervous system regulation—learning to feel safe in your body without the pressure to "fix" yourself.   The Mind Circuit App (Ease) Our podcast is the audio companion to the Mind Circuit App, designed for daily nervous system resets. While the show explores the "why" ofyour patterns, the app provides the "how" through: ·       Bilateral Brain Stimulation (BLS): Powerful tools for anxiety reduction and emotional grounding. ·       AI-Powered Mood Tracking: A data-driven way to continue our "Real Conversations" privately. Start Your Reset Today Download MindCircuit for Emotional Regulation & Somatic Tools: iOS App Store → Download Now [https://apps.apple.com/us/app/mindcircuit/id6478664305] Google Play → Download Now [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.app.ageOfUncertainty&hl=en] Connect & Listen: YouTube Music → Subscribe for Audio Resets [https://youtube.com] (NewPlatform Growth)   Instagram → @erin_notestomynervoussystem Website → mindcircuit.org [https://mindcircuit.org] Legal & Safety Disclaimer: Notes to My Nervous System is an educational and psychoeducational resource created by Erin Vandermore, LCMHC. While Erin is a licensed therapist, this podcast—including "Mom Therapy" sessions—is for informationalpurposes only. It does not constitute psychotherapy, medical advice, or a therapist-client relationship. The Mind Circuit app (Ease) is a self-help tool and is not a substitute for clinical treatment. Emergency Resources: If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call or text 988 (US/Canada) for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, call 911, or go to your nearest emergency room. © 2026 Erin Vandermore. All rights reserved.

How to Set Healthy Boundaries Without Guilt or Conflict | Nervous System Regulation for People-Pleasers | Mom Therapy w/ Dr. Sharon Martin

Struggling to set boundaries without your nervous system going into fight-or-flight? Trauma therapist Dr. Sharon Martin (author of Cutting Ties with Your Parents and The Better Boundaries Workbook) joins Erin to break down exactly how to stop people-pleasing, protect your energy, and communicate your needs — without blowing up your relationships. 🎯 In this episode, you'll learn how to: * Stop the anxiety loop that fires every time you try to say "no" * Set boundaries at work without torpedoing your reputation (especially if you're new) * Use a relational approach that gets buy-in instead of pushback * Change YOUR behavior to protect a boundary — even when the other person won't * Pause before responding so your nervous system doesn't hijack the conversation * Recognize when explaining your boundary actually works against you 💡 Whether you're dealing with high-functioning anxiety, burnout, chronic stress, or just the brain fog that comes from constantly overextending yourself — this episode gives you a somatic, polyvagal-informed framework for boundary-setting that actually feels safe in your body. 📖 About the Guest: Dr. Sharon Martin is a licensed psychotherapist, trauma specialist, and author specializing in adult children of dysfunctional families. Her books include Cutting Ties with Your Parents, The Better Boundaries Workbook, and the CBT Workbook for Perfectionism. 📱 Need support right now? The Mind Circuit app ( Ease) is a guided nervous system reset tool built for moments just like this. Whether it's bilateral stimulation (BLS) to calm anxiety, a wind-down for sleep, or a quick transition between stressful moments — it's not therapy, it's the "how" when your body needs help before your brain catches up. Download Mind Circuit today. 🎧 Also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music & all major platforms.  Our podcast is the audio companion to the Mind Circuit App, designed for daily nervous system resets. While the show explores the "why" of your patterns, the app provides the "how" through: ·        Bilateral Brain Stimulation (BLS): Powerful tools for anxiety reduction and emotional grounding. ·        AI-Powered Mood Tracking: A data-driven way to continue our "Real Conversations" privately. ·        Gamified Healing: Somatic tools like "Catch the Leaf" make trauma-informed parenting and self-care approachable and consistent. Start Your Reset Today Download Mind Circuit for Emotional Regulation & Somatic Tools: iOS App Store → Download Now [https://apps.apple.com/us/app/mindcircuit/id6478664305] Google Play → Download Now [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.app.ageOfUncertainty&hl=en] Connect & Listen: Instagram →  @erin_notestomynervoussystem Website → mindcircuit.org [https://mindcircuit.org/] Legal & Safety Disclaimer: Notes to My Nervous System is an educational and psychoeducational resource created by Erin Vandermore, LCMHC. While Erin is a licensed therapist, this podcast—including "Mom Therapy" sessions—is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute psychotherapy, medical advice, or a therapist-client relationship. The Mind Circuit app (Ease) is a self-help tool and is not a substitute for clinical treatment. Emergency Resources: If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call or text 988 (US/Canada) for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, call 911, or go to your nearest emergency room. © 2026 Erin Vandermore. All rights reserved.