Mom Guilt, Identity Loss & Perfectionism with Emma Bennett | What Triggers You? Ep. 4

Mom Guilt, Identity Loss & Perfectionism with Emma Bennett | What Triggers You? Ep. 4

Why can becoming a mother feel so overwhelming, even when it's something you've always wanted? Why do so many women struggle with guilt, perfectionism, identity loss, and the pressure to do everything "right," often at the expense of themselves? In Episode 4 of What Triggers You?, Stacy Pellettieri speaks with licensed clinical social worker Emma Bennett, who specializes in supporting new and expecting mothers through pregnancy, postpartum adjustment, and the transition into motherhood. What begins as a conversation about maternal mental health opens into something much deeper: mom guilt, perfectionism, childhood wounds, identity shifts, self-compassion, generational expectations, and the emotional patterns that motherhood can bring to the surface. Together, Stacy and Emma explore why so many mothers lose touch with themselves after having children, why taking time for yourself can feel so uncomfortable, how perfectionism often develops long before motherhood begins, and why becoming a parent can reactivate unresolved childhood experiences. They also discuss the importance of self-compassion, embracing imperfection, letting go of unrealistic expectations, and reconnecting with who you are as both an individual and a parent. This episode is for anyone navigating pregnancy, postpartum, motherhood, mom guilt, anxiety, perfectionism, or the challenge of balancing caring for others while learning to care for yourself. It is about understanding how motherhood can trigger deeper emotional patterns, recognizing where those patterns come from, and creating a healthier, more compassionate relationship with yourself and your family. If this episode resonates, subscribe and share it with someone who may need it. For more information or to apply to be on the show, visit whattriggersyou.com [https://whattriggersyou.com]. For more information on our guest, visit therapyfornewmoms.com [https://therapyfornewmoms.com].

Why Intimacy Breaks Down with Dr. Trina Read | What Triggers You? Ep. 3

Why can intimacy become such a powerful trigger in long-term relationships? Why can conversations about sex, desire, and emotional needs bring up shame, disconnection, fear, or shutdown, even when love is still there? In Episode 3 of What Triggers You?, Stacy Pellettieri speaks with Canadian sexologist Dr. Trina Read about how intimacy can trigger deeper emotional patterns in long-term relationships. What begins as a conversation about women’s desire opens into something much deeper: shame, emotional safety, fear of rejection, communication breakdowns, trauma responses, menopause, painful sex, and the ways people disconnect from themselves and each other over time. Together, Stacy and Dr. Trina explore why so many women struggle to ask for what they want, why sex and intimacy can become triggering instead of connecting, how shame gets carried for years, and why emotional and sensual safety matter so much in the bedroom and beyond. They also discuss how unresolved pain can show up as avoidance, resentment, pressure, or shutdown, and why intimacy outside the bedroom is often essential to healing what happens within it. This episode is for anyone navigating intimacy issues, sexual shame, low desire, emotional disconnection, or repeating relationship patterns. It is about understanding how intimacy can trigger deeper wounds, recognizing the emotional patterns underneath those reactions, and beginning to create more safety, honesty, and connection in long-term relationships. If this episode resonates, subscribe and share it with someone who may need it. For more information or to apply to be on the show, visit whattriggersyou.com [https://whattriggersyou.com]. For more information on our guest, visit drtrinaread.com [http://www.trinaread.com/].

When the World Feels Unsafe | What Triggers You? Ep. 2

Why do world events trigger such intense emotional reactions—and why can they feel so personal? In Episode 2 of What Triggers You?, Stacy Pellettieri speaks with an anonymous guest about the overwhelming emotions sparked by today’s political and social climate. What begins as frustration with “what’s happening in the world” quickly reveals something deeper: a lifelong pattern of people-pleasing, fear of conflict, and a powerful need to feel safe. As the conversation unfolds, they explore how childhood experiences—especially growing up in an unpredictable environment—can shape how we respond to disagreement, loss, and lack of control as adults. From the concept of the “parentified child” to the tension between staying true to your values and keeping the peace, this episode connects the dots between past and present in a deeply human way. This episode is about understanding where your triggers come from, learning to recognize the different parts of yourself, and beginning to show up authentically, without fear, and without losing yourself.

When Feedback Feels Like a Threat Episode 1

In Episode 1 of What Triggers You?, Stacy Pelletieri speaks with Rebecca M. about why feedback at work can trigger panic, shame, and a spiral of self-judgment. As the conversation unfolds, they trace that reaction back to older beliefs about being “good,” staying safe, and carrying emotional responsibility for others. Together, they explore what happens when ordinary moments activate a trauma response, and how awareness can begin to create a different path.