Never Perfect

This episode is about using your story to help others. Specifically, sharing lessons learned from mistakes, regrets, tragedy, and lack of information. Those who want their loved ones or even just strangers to have an easier and less painful life than they did it’s a beautiful thing. Beth shares the stories of two different men who are sharing their stories of addiction and pain with as many people as possible to help them avoid going down the same path. Listen to this episode and more: neverperfect.org Follow us on instagram @neverperfectpodcast Please rate and review this podcast. Send us an email with any feedback or requests: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Beth encourages people to check in with themselves about how they’re doing and how close they are to the edge… Which might mean a nervous breakdown, a divorce, or a risk of suicide. We need to find ways to heal and recover from loss and stress so that we don’t get too close to the edge. Beth shares some personal examples of being close to the edge as well as client images of running on fumes or white knuckling it. We all need to create “shock absorbers” or buffers in our life to give us a way to protect ourselves from the inevitable bumps and losses in our lIves. Listen to this episode and more: neverperfect.org Follow us on instagram @neverperfectpodcast Please rate and review this podcast. Send us an email with any feedback or requests: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this short episode, Beth outlines what she’s been learning from Therese Parks, a Wellness Nurse Coach, about blood sugar and glucose levels and the implications for your health, both mentally and physically. Beth wants to share with the listeners things she wishes she had known or DONE earlier; she hopes others will avoid making some of the same mistakes. Much of this advice is gleaned from the International best selling book “Glucose Revolution” by Jessie Inchauspé. Inchauspie shares manageable tips and hacks to balance blood sugar that are doable for anyone. Beth begins this short episode out with a short quiz on some of the cutting edge findings in this book, and then share some easy tips for evening out blood sugar and energy levels. THE ORDER IN WHICH YOU EAT YOUR FOOD MATTERS. For example, protein, fiber or vegetables before carbs and sugars. I and of course Beth has to share one of her own personal favorite tips which is drinking mostly water throughout your lifetime. She’s convinced that obesity rates would reduce drastically if we just got children started with mostly water drinking. WORD OF CAUTION WITH APPLE CIDER VINEGAR: Be careful with throat or stomach problems (example GRED or acid reflux). Also, it is important to dilute with large glass of water/fluid and use a straw to prevent tooth damage. An alternative is to just put in on salad with a dressing. Proper tips on using apple cider vinegar HERE! Therese Parks RN, BSN, NC Wellness Coaching Listen to this episode and more: neverperfect.org Follow us on instagram @neverperfectpodcast Please rate and review this podcast. Send us an email with any feedback or requests: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Beth interviews Brianna, a woman in her 30s who shares her story of dating a narcissist who became abusive. She explains the insidious nature of abuse, how it affected her and how she got out of it. Beth shares some information emotional abuse and the traits of an abusive mentality (possessiveness, control, and entitlement). Resources: Human Magnet Syndrome: Why We Love People Who Hurt Us The Emotionally Abused Woman: Overcoming Destructive Patterns and Reclaiming Yourself Why Does He Do That By Swift Reads Listen to this episode and more: neverperfect.org Follow us on instagram @neverperfectpodcast Please rate and review this podcast. Send us an email with any feedback or requests: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Beth interviews Brianna, a woman in her 30s who shares her story of dating a narcissist who became abusive. She explains the insidious nature of abuse, how it affected her and how she got out of it. Beth shares some information emotional abuse and the traits of an abusive mentality (possessiveness, control, and entitlement). Resources: Human Magnet Syndrome: Why We Love People Who Hurt Us The Emotionally Abused Woman: Overcoming Destructive Patterns and Reclaiming Yourself Why Does He Do That By Swift Reads Listen to this episode and more: neverperfect.org Follow us on instagram @neverperfectpodcast Please rate and review this podcast. Send us an email with any feedback or requests: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hello this is Beth Capecchi and this is going to be my first peptalk (of many, I hope). This one is geared for young adults and college students, even though it could apply to anyone at any age. Almost EVERYONE feels like a failure at times, and gets disappointed in themselves and their jobs/career path in early adulthood. It can be very hard and discouraging to figure out what you will enjoy and be good at, but trust me, you ARE GIFTED. Traditional education doesn’t always uncover our gifts. Please don’t lose hope if you dislike your first job, if you don’t do as well as you expected to do in college, or if your employers seem to be disappointed in you. You will figure it out and one thing you can guarantee in life is that it will be an adventure. Almost every older adult that you know how to some sort of disappointment in themselves or in their career path along the way. Many people don’t end up doing what they set out to do. Life has a way of bringing you over bumps and through valleys before you end up where you need to be if you don’t give up and lose hope. Fear and anxiety are natural, but they fade as your perspective gets healthier. This episode was inspired and recorded immediately following Beth’s session with a 19-year-old who had an absolutely terrible first year of college, academically and emotionally. She was so disappointed in herself that she isolated herself rather than talking about it, and ended up severely depressed and had to withdraw from school second semester freshman year. But when she started opening up to her parents and in therapy, she started thinking differently and having a lot of hope. She has confidence in herself and she is starting her second year of college full of optimism about her future, and she knows that it will be good even if it’s not her “Plan A. “ She deserves an honorary degree in wisdom and perspective and this should be the proudest moment of her parents (and every parent) whose child has learned to think this way about life. Success is not about grades or income, it’s in the way you think and approach life. Don’t give up til you get to a healthy mindset. Listen to this episode and more: neverperfect.org Follow us on instagram @neverperfectpodcast Please rate and review this podcast. Send us an email with any feedback or requests: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

So many people are losing loved ones to suicide these days. The rates of suicide are staggering and still on the rise. In this episode, Beth shares some thoughts which might be helpful for those who find themselves grieving loved ones who took their own lives. Key points: 1) Most people who contemplate suicide or complete suicide are depressed, in agonizing pain, and hopeless. 2) Those who want to take their lives rarely warn people because they do not want to be stopped. 3) They are tired of life being so painful and they believe that there has to be less pain in death 4) Those who are left behind almost always feel guilty, but it is not your fault. You would have stopped them if you could, but you weren’t given the chance. 5) You can offer help to those who are severely depressed or battling severe addiction, but you can’t force them to continue treatment or monitor them 24/7 6) Parallel: sometimes we have to let people go when they are sick and ready to stop treatment, and telling them it’s OK to go is the greatest gift we can give them. Maybe we can gain peace by applying this principle retroactively to those who have taken their life. 7) Things you can do as you begin to heal: -Don’t internalize your pain, talk about it with loved ones, counselors, or in your journal. -Write your loved one a letter or a series of letters. Tell them what you wish you could have said. -Find a grief support group or a suicide survivors support group. Listen to this episode and more: neverperfect.org Follow us on instagram @neverperfectpodcast Please rate and review this podcast. Send us an email with any feedback or requests: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Tricia McLelland is a well respected and much loved obstetrician/gynecologist who (clearly) specializes in woman’s health. In this episode, she explains how hormonal health relates to basic health and wellness. She uses an integrative approach with her patients, and covers subjects related to hormones, stress, inflammation, insulin resistance etc. She encourages her patients to set realistic goals and expectations rather than being perfectionistic and driven by guilt and shame. She explains how diet and exercise affect our hormonal balance and hence, our mental health. Listen to this episode and more: neverperfect.org Follow us on instagram @neverperfectpodcast Please rate and review this podcast. Send us an email with any feedback or requests: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Beth interviews Dr. Jeff Eckert, a psychologist who specializes in mens issues and sex addiction. Topics included the following: Paralleling sex addictions with other addictions, whether used to numb or activate, like a drug or other substance. The neuroscience of sex addiction and the void in relational intimacy. Many sex addicts report feeling shocked and ashamed of what they’ve looked at or done. Dr. Eckert says many sex addicts have experienced a Relational void in their past. They yearn for connection, yet don’t know how to get it healthily, so they seek a fix through pornography or other unhealthy sexual behaviors because they want to avoid vulnerability. They seek control, they want to be the director and play it safe and avoid complexities. He shares John Mayer’s story with Sex addiction. Often the goal is to feel powerful and in control, reducing the threat of rejection and abandonment. Dr. Eckert also shares a bit about his own approach to discussing sexuality with children and adolescents. He recommends starting early and having multiple ongoing conversations. Resources: Wired for Intimacy by William Struthers False Intimacy by Dr. Harry Schaumberg To learn more about Dr. Jeff Eckert, go to Roots Counseling Center Listen to this episode and more: neverperfect.org Follow us on instagram @neverperfectpodcast Please rate and review this podcast. Send us an email with any feedback or requests: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Beth interviews Dr. Jeff Eckert, a psychologist who specializes in parenting teenagers, specifically challenging ones. Dr. Eckert describes his approach to uncovering the root of the issues between teenagers and their parents. Many teenagers act out when they feel disliked, constantly criticized and misunderstood. Beth talks about the importance of feeling valued and liked by your parents, and not simply loved. Dr. Eckert shares his own story with teens and he encourages teens to share theirs, while advising parents to provide more compliments and positive affirmation rather than constant criticism. To learn more about Dr. Eckert and Roots Counseling Center, go to: rootscounselingcenter.com Listen to this episode and more: neverperfect.org Follow us on instagram @neverperfectpodcast Please rate and review this podcast. Send us an email with any feedback or requests: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Carol Stoney is a couples therapist and relationship expert who emphasizes the importance of how our loved ones feel physiologically when they are with us, and vice versa. she reminds us that we are “partnering with a neural system.” Our nervous system has a constant “radar”or “antenna” up, collecting date about whether we are safe or if we need to be on guard with others. In this episode, she shares some of the research on polyvagal theory and co-regulation and how these apply to relationships. She also shares some of her favorite advice for helping couples stay connected and healthy. Being clear with your loved ones is kind, providing a trail map rather than leaving them guessing what you want and need from them. The research shows that less than 25% are equipped with healthy relationship skills. To learn more about Dr. Stoney, check out her website at healingforcouples.com Listen to this episode and more: neverperfect.org Follow us on instagram @neverperfectpodcast Please rate and review this podcast. Send us an email with any feedback or requests: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sean Owen, the CEO and founder of the Iris Wellness Group, shares his powerful story of childhood trauma, addiction and recovery, and the inspiring career path that emerged from this. Sean grew up with a childhood characterized by abuse, neglect, and poverty. He was introduced to drugs at age 11 by his older brother. This led to over a decade of drug and alcohol addiction, legal problems, and near death experiences. After spending time in jail, Sean shares his powerful story of recovery and how it inspired him to help people by establishing his own treatment center in Chattanooga. To learn more about Iris wellness group, go to www.Iriswellnessgroup.com Listen to this episode and more: neverperfect.org Follow us on instagram @neverperfectpodcast Please rate and review this podcast. Send us an email with any feedback or requests: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Beth and couples therapist/relationship expert Dr. Carol Stoney discuss factors to consider when deciding between individual therapy and couples therapy for relationship issues. Their discussion addresses questions such as : Is it best to discuss my relationship problems alone with a therapist first or to bring my partner or family member with me? Is my therapist going to be able to help me if they only hear one side of the story? Carol discusses potential pitfalls for well meaning Therapists, who sometimes forget that they are not able to get the full picture from one person. This is a very complex topic and the healthiest choice depends on a variety of factors, so I‘s the goal of this conversation is primarily to raise awareness for clients and therapists on how to navigate these issues. Listen to this episode and more: neverperfect.org Follow us on instagram @neverperfectpodcast Please rate and review this podcast. Send us an email with any feedback or requests: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Countless individuals experience trauma in childhood. In this episode, Rylee, an inspiring teenager, shares her experience of childhood trauma, including parental alcoholism and having to function like an adult, which resulted in depression and self harm. She explains what helped her rebuild from trauma, specifically learning how to take action and cope in a healthy way. Listen to this episode and more: neverperfect.org Follow us on instagram @neverperfectpodcast Please rate and review this podcast. Send us an email with any feedback or requests: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Countless individuals experience trauma in childhood. In this episode, Rylee, an inspiring teenager, shares her experience of childhood trauma, including parental alcoholism and having to function like an adult, which resulted in depression and self harm. She explains what helped her rebuild from trauma, specifically learning how to take action and cope in a healthy way. Listen to this episode and more: neverperfect.org Follow us on instagram @neverperfectpodcast Please rate and review this podcast. Send us an email with any feedback or requests: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Beth interviews middle school teacher/athletic director/etc Lisa Shaffer, whose passion in life is to inspire kids to make the world a better and happier place by giving in small ways. Lisa talks about her classroom experiment with the “Twos Fairy” concept, which resulted in unexpected media attention around the country this spring, and Lisa was even invited to share the story at the Kelly Clarkson show. Beth and Lisa discuss how teaching kids to exercise small acts of kindness can have astonishing ripple effects for our struggling world’s morale and also for an adolescent’s development, encouraging empathy, sparking leadership, boosting confidence, and helping kids realize what a huge difference they can make with small gifts. Lisa's website: http://mslisashaffer.weebly.com/twos-fairy-project.html Listen to this episode and more: neverperfect.org Follow us on instagram @neverperfectpodcast Please rate and review this podcast. Send us an email with any feedback or requests: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode Beth interviews Certified Life Coach and author Kamini Wood about her passion for helping people of all ages know, value, and unleash their authentic self. Kamini explains how she helps people uncover self-limiting beliefs and reprogram those beliefs. One of Kamini’s favorite slogans is “Dare to be brave. Dare to be you. Unleash your authentic me.” She and Beth discuss topics such as emotional safety and releasing the need for external validation/people pleasing. Kamini reminds each person to put their unique self out there, because “ our uniqueness is the gift that this world needs.” Kamini Wood, CPC, CLC, CPM Certified Coach | Speaker |#1 International Best Selling Author Live Joy Your Way Dare to be Brave, Dare to be you. Live your AuthenticMe® v:919.355.2289| Web:www.kaminiwood.com Book a Call:www.chatwithkamini.com FB: https://www.facebook.com/itsauthenticme IG: Om: Life’s Gentle Reminders Listen to this episode and more: neverperfect.org Follow us on instagram @neverperfectpodcast Please rate and review this podcast. Send us an email with any feedback or requests: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this short episode, Beth Capecchi talks about how avoidance affects and relates to mental health. She explains why it’s so important to determine whether you’re avoiding something for healthy reasons or unhealthy reasons? Sometimes anxious people underestimate themselves and avoid things that would be good for them to face. There are truly things that we should avoid, but pushing ourselves out of our comfort zone can be one of the most empowering and growth producing things we ever do. Listen to this episode and more: neverperfect.org Follow us on instagram @neverperfectpodcast Please rate and review this podcast. Send us an email with any feedback or requests: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this short episode, Beth talks about the importance of not being overly positive (which is sometimes referred to as toxic positivity) or overly negative (like “Debbie Downer”). Toxic positivity can be defined as the belief that people should put a positive spin on all experiences. She advises many of her clients to recognize (and journal about!) what is hard and stressful in their lives while also remembering to acknowledge what is going well and they are thankful for. It’s not healthy to be all or nothing, but have a balanced view of life, and be real, honest and vulnerable with others. It’s neither healthy to gloss over painful emotions or to only focus on the hard stuff. Life is a mix of both, so find a balance! Listen to this episode and more: neverperfect.org Follow us on instagram @neverperfectpodcast Please rate and review this podcast. Send us an email with any feedback or requests: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Beth interviews Social Worker and Professor Kristie Wilder on the topic of parenting. They both share their struggles and strengths as parents and their favorite parenting philosophies. Parenting is the ultimate challenge, whether it’s a full time or a part-time, alongside a career. None of us are perfect parents but we all have different packages of strengths and weaknesses and if we can really tune in to what matters most to us as parents, and what our gifts are, we can use these to love our kids well and raise them to be “kind productive humans”, to use Kristie’s words. Kristie likes to use a “long game” approach to parenting, which involves a daily reminder to her boys, “work hard, be kind, and have fun.” Listen to this episode and more: neverperfect.org Follow us on instagram @neverperfectpodcast Please rate and review this podcast. Send us an email with any feedback or requests: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many of us forget that basics such as healthy habits can drastically change the way you feel, and reduce your chances of developing anxiety or depression, or even having a breakdown. In this episode, Beth shares her favorite advice on the habits that most impact mental health, including her “SPENDS acronym”. She poses questions to the listeners about sleep, exercise, nutrition, social connection, sense of purpose and productivity, and down time. She shares examples and stories to illustrate the importance of each category. Listen to this episode and more: neverperfect.org Follow us on instagram @neverperfectpodcast Please rate and review this podcast. Send us an email with any feedback or requests: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is the second half of a discussion with Christy Bonner and Kat Smith, the hosts of the podcast “Enneagram + Yoga”. Most of us can use a little help with self-esteem and self understanding, as well as a reduction in shame. The Enneagram is a powerful tool to help in this journey. Book on Shame: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B09KMBW6R8/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_5GWA9ZDPB669FZ7BM1S7 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever asked yourself: How accurate is my understanding of myself and my abilities and passions? What do I feel shame about? What am I meant to do in this life? And what am I meant to learn? In this episode, Beth interviews Christy and Kat, the hosts of the podcast “Enneagram + Yoga” about the nine Enneagram types and what each type brings to the table, both in strengths and in vulnerabilities. This is part one of a two part discussion. If you’ve never taken the Enneagram, you can take it for free or for a small fee on numerous websites. It’s an incredibly informative way to understand yourselves and your loved ones better. https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/ https://www.truity.com/test/enneagram-personality-test https://enneagramplusyoga.com/ Book on Shame: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B09KMBW6R8/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_5GWA9ZDPB669FZ7BM1S7 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is part two of a lively discussion between Kyle Horton and Beth on the topic of love and marriage. They focus on the age old question, “Do soulmates exist?” Its possible there’s no pre-existing soulmate out there, but the person you’re with could develop into your soulmate if they make it a priority to know you and understand you and care about your needs (love languages, etc. ) Through that you can build a common culture and influence each other and develop a world of your own, which often involves initial disappointments and recalibration of expectations (I.e., lowering the bar). Maybe a soulmate is someone who loves you enough to study who you are, so that they know and value who you are and what you need. This requires a lot of respect and hard work. Beth and Kyle share stories about their own respective marriages to illustrate their ups and downs. And of course, Beth’s husband Remo pops in to make a few colorful comments near the end. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brianne Davis is a Hollywood actress who has been sober from her sex and love addiction for 12 years. She wrote a bestselling book on the subject and has a popular podcast about the power of sharing your secrets with others. In this episode, Beth interviews her about her experience of recovery and how she uses her gifts and her story to help others More About Brianne: https://briannedavis.com/about/ Brianne's Podcast: https://secretlifepodcast.com/ Brianne's Book: https://secretlifenovel.com/home Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is (we hope) an entertaining and thought provoking discussion about the huge topic of marriage and partnership. Marriage requires so much work and is so challenging. So Why do so many people choose to entertain it? What are differing expectations and hope about it it? How do their expectations impact the experience or the outcome? Beth and Kyle laugh as they discuss questions such as… Is love enough? Would most people put more thought into choosing a roommate than a life partner? When do you need to leave a marriage? When are you expecting too much? What package deal do you want out of life? Endless passion or a long history? Or of course most of us want both, but is that realistic… we hope you enjoy this discussion as much as we did That podcast was 27 minutes long Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Codependency is a complex issue which is difficult to understand, and yet surprisingly common. In this episode, Beth interviews Tamia, a young woman who is willing to share her story of developing codependent patterns as a result of childhood trauma and dysfunction. Tamia explains why she chose to work through her issues with her family, rather than avoiding them. She recently read a pivotal and classic book on the topic called Codependent No More (by Melody Beattie), which helped her grow and heal herself and improve broken relationships. Find a short summary of the book at theartofliving.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Timothy Jennings is a psychiatrist and master psychopharmacologist, an author of 2 books, and an international speaker. This episode is an educational discussion on the topic of bipolar disorder. Beth draws on Dr. Jenning’s insights and experience to unpack bipolar disorder, which is often challenging to diagnose and understand. Tim shares helpful ways to understand and distinguish bipolar disorder from other disorders and insights on how to treat it. He outlines the various disorders which are included on the bipolar spectrum, including Bipolar I, Bipolar II, and Cyclothymia. Grab your pen and paper, because he covers a lot of information in 45 minutes! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you ever wanted to hear Beth chatting more on a podcast episode, especially being silly for half the time and talking about why she did the podcast 50% of the time, then this is an episode you might enjoy. Beth has a playful discussion with an old friend from almost 30 years ago, who helps her think through the direction she hopes to take with this podcast, including being more playful and not just getting right down to business, A little unexpected for someone with ADHD, isn’t it…? Beth also talks about Kyle and his wife Lizzie and some of their favorite memories from graduate school and the importance of having friends who are both cheerleaders are and can provide constructive criticism at the same time. Kyle is going to be a regular guest and interview on the podcast so Beth wants you to get to know him as well! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Charles Miller, a certified registered nurse anesthetist, founded Scenic City Neurotherapy after discovering the brain healing benefits of neuroregenerative treatments such as minimally stimulated ketamine infusion therapy and TMS. Research has demonstrated significant benefits for individuals with treatment resistant depression, suicidality, anxiety, and various other medical conditions including dementia and chronic pain. In this episode, Charles explains how the use of a dissociative anesthetic facilitates neuronal growth and antidepressant effects. Beth asks him to use the analogy of a tree to explain how a brain looks pre-and post- infusions . The Scenic City Neurotherapy website explains: “Charles’ knowledge and understanding of the process by which Ketamine facilitates changes on a measurable, demonstrable, and biological scale took years of experience and literature review to develop.” Find out more at https://www.sceniccityneurotherapy.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Courtney Armstrong, author, speaker, and counselor, is the founder of the Institute for Trauma Informed Hypnotherapy, and specializes in trauma and grief. In this episode, she outlines her approach to healing trauma using the latest research on updating traumatic memory networks. She shares stories of clients who healed from trauma and reframed their trauma to connect with their inner strength and resilience. You can find Courtney‘s webpage at realworldtherapy.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is a casual discussion between Beth Capecchi, Ph.D. and Erin Rayburn, LPC, LMFT about what therapy (or counseling) is and how it might be perceived and utilized. Oftentimes, people have differing assumptions and reservations about therapy. Common questions include: Who should get therapy? Is it for times of crisis? Or for maintenance and well being? Is therapy for crazy people or is it a luxury for privileged people? These stereotypes and misconceptions are explored, along with the understandable anxiety and uncertainty that come along with beginning counseling. How does it help? What is it like? How do you find a therapist? Beth shares two of her favorite metaphors for therapy, one of which is comparing to massage and varying ways that it can also be used. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Beth interviews Kirk McDermott, a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist, about his approach to helping individuals with sex and porn addiction using a trauma based approach. Kirk has found that many individuals don’t recognize their trauma when it is chronic and sometimes subtle, rather than acute. Kirk often uses EMDR in his work with addicts to help them recover from trauma rather than merely numbing it with sex and pornography. They also discuss how technology exposes young kids and adolescents to pornography at a young age, which increases their chance of becoming addicted. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, May, a college student, shares her journey with social anxiety, worry, and physical anxiety (somaticizing) and what she learned in therapy before going off to college. May shares some of her favorite tips for reducing anxiety, including changes in her thinking and behavior. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One question we should all ask ourselves: are we using healthy or unhealthy coping mechanisms to deal with the pain and stress in our lives? Sometimes the desire to numb pain results in unhealthy coping habits, such as drugs or alcohol. In this episode, Ema, one of Beth’s clients, is willing to share her mental health journey, battling depression and anxiety, and even being on the brink of suicide. She explains how she moved from destructive numbing to healthy coping skills which helped her heal and become the happiest and healthiest she has ever been. This story is too powerful and inspiring not to share. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is your Big Self? The idea that Big Ideas + True Self = Big Self is one of the biggest philosophies espoused.at the Big Self School, which was founded in 2020 by Dr. Shelley Prevost and her husband Dr. Chad Prevost. They are “champions of self knowledge, practitioners of vulnerability, and guardians of the soul.” In this episode, Shelley talks with Beth Capecchi about some of her favorite philosophies and how they use the Enneagram to help individuals and executives figure out the essence of who they are and wake up to themselves. Beth Capecchi is thrilled to discover many commonalities between their philosophies and share her ideas on one of her favorite concepts, which is “developing a users guide” to ourselves. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if some of your greatest struggles could help you discover your calling? In this episode, Beth hears the story of Shannon Morgan, a Recovery Court Coordinator (and licensed clinical social worker) who developed addiction as a teen. Shannon shares her story of recovery and treatment, and how it lead her to a career path she is incredibly passionate about: helping others who are battling addiction. She is on a mission to provide access to the best possible treatment for everyone who wants to recover. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many people’s number one fear is living a meaningless life. We long to spend our waking hours engaged in work that truly matters driven by a deep sense of calling and purpose. But most Americans lack this sense of calling and purpose in their work because their natural abilities are misaligned with the work itself. In this episode, Beth interviews Lane Ford, an executive coach and business consultant who specializes in helping individuals discover their unique strengths, abilities, and motivations to help them establish a life plan toward more meaningful and purposeful work. Lane’s career has included C-suite leadership roles in business as well as executive leadership on a church staff. He is passionate about helping people discover their motivations and abilities in order to maximize their calling. https://www.fordconsult.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many of you are a loss smarter than you think you are. This episode is about rethinking intelligence; it was created to encourage listeners to think differently about their own intelligence and the construct of intelligence in general. So many people go through life underestimating their intelligence and their giftedness. Albert Einstein said, “Everybody is a genius. But if you judge your fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” In this episode Beth interviews Shonda Caines, a lower school head and an expert in Exceptional Education programs, about her experience and philosophy of intelligence and what it means. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Beth interviews Dr. Allen Coffman, a seasoned and well loved pediatrician to get us some of his favorite advice on healthy parenting and tough love. Dr. Coffman talks about how parenting is an adventure, not a destination and how we need to love our kids for who they are and not a fantasy of who we assumed they would be. He provides numerous tips and nuggets of wisdom on how parents can customize their approach based on the developmental stage and personality of every child. He also talks a lot about the importance of emotional validation and providing guidance rather than control for children. Dr. Coffman is also open about some of his own struggles as a parent. Get your notepad and a pen because this is a crash course on parenting that you don’t want to forget. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Beth interviews Dr. Carol Stoney, a relationship expert who specializes in helping couples learn healthier ways to communicate and relate to one another. She shares some inspiring ideas and mind blowing discoveries from favorite experts and therapeutic training programs, including Stan Tatkin, John Gottman , and Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy. Here are a few questions to whet your appetite: How often do you look your partner in the eyes? Eye contact regulates our neurons and increases bonding through the cuddle hormone (oxytocin). How does your partner feel when they’re with you? Do you bring out the care or the panic circuitry in your partner? What if we are fueling the wrong narrative about our partner? And just maybe… “Marriage is our last best chance to grow up…” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Very few of us fully understand the power our brain and our body have to help us heal and what they can tell us if we know how to listen. In this episode, Christy Tittsworth, a psychiatric nurse practitioner, describes the brain as a compensatory system and explains how it can help us heal by providing feedback. She explains different brain waves and how they affect our levels of anxiety and energy and motivation. She explains neurofeedback (also referred to as brain mapping) and how it can be used to understand symptomology. Christy and Beth have a discussion about medication and when it can be most useful. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of the healthiest things we can do for ourselves and others is to discover our unique strengths and weaknesses. This is part of our package deal in life, and a big part of discovering our distinctive user guide. Life is so much easier when we understand ourselves and others. The Enneagram is one of many tools that can be used to understand and explore our gifts, our passion, and our triggers. In this episode, Beth Capecchi interviews Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Enneagram Coach Christy Bonner and yoga instructor Yekaterina Smith about their passion for this assessment and how it can be used to develop greater understanding of ourselves and others. Christy and Kat talk about their podcast “Enneagram + Yoga” which can be found at www.enneagramplusyoga.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you understand the impact of ADHD in your life, including both the superpowers and the obstacles?? How might it impact your relationships and your priorities? In this episode, Beth Capecchi and Tammy, a former client, have a lively discussion about how they have come to understand and manage ADHD in their own lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to mental health issues and relationship problems. It is vital to understand how it impacts us and how to harness the power of it as well. The likelihood of relationship problems increases if loved ones don’t understand how ADHD impacts them. When we understand how we are uniquely wired, we can better harness the power of our strengths and understand and accept our weaknesses. Beth and Tammy also reflect on Dr. William Dodson‘s brilliant new conceptualization of the distinctive ADHD nervous system. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Beth and yoga instructor Lauren Aune take a compassionate look at the subject of addiction and substance use disorders. Lauren shares her own story of addiction and recovery and how she uses her experience to help others. She believes that addiction is a coping mechanism developed in response to pain and trauma and urges addicts and the ones that love them to use a lens of compassion when addressing the root cause, focusing less on what is “wrong” with the person with an addiction and more on what happened to that person. Individuals suffering from addiction almost invariably feel deep amounts of shame which becomes a vicious circle of secrets, self-sabotage, isolation, and additional feelings of shame and loneliness as a result. There are many reasons people develop substance abuse disorders to cope, including loneliness, trauma, depression, social anxiety, relationship problems, and a lack of purpose or meaning in their lives. Addiction may serve as a temporary relief, but over time, addiction just compounds these problems rather than resolving them. There is hope for healing! When addicts learn to develop self-love and work through the pain and suffering of their lives in a healthy manner, their need for unhealthy coping mechanism starts to lessen. Lauren believes this is done in a myriad of ways, but finding community and connection is KEY to healing the shame and isolation that comes from addiction. When we share our stories of vulnerability and they are met with love and empathy, that is THE prescription to for connection and healing! Learn more about me and the podcast here: https://www.neverperfect.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Originally intended to be a discussion on mentoring, this episode became a much broader discussion on the topic of coming alongside others, whether strangers, employees, friends, or the homeless. Beth interviews Emerson Burch and Amanda Tarr about their experience of channeling their own childhood pain into a passion for helping others who are struggling and providing them with a sense of family and support. Viewing strangers and acquaintances as neighbors and as part of your community has powerful benefits for everyone. We all have the power to encourage and support others every day, in big and small ways. Learn more about me and the podcast here: https://www.neverperfect.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Beth has a discussion with Therapist Erin Rayburn about healthy ways to approach dating and questions you can ask yourself before getting into a dating relationship. This episode is really good to introduce to teens as well as adults. Beth and Erin share some of their favorite tips and philosophies on dating. Learn more about me and the podcast here: https://www.neverperfect.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Beth and her husband Remo and discuss the importance of using conflict to enhance intimacy and closeness and relationships. They talk about their own patterns in communication. Beth shares her assertiveness scale and clinical examples. Learn more about me and the podcast here: https://www.neverperfect.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Beth has a discussion with Leah True Salerno on the importance of struggling together as we navigate losses in life, specifically her husband‘s health crisis. Leah shares how she coped and used her experience to build community and help others. Social support is one of the most important factors for recovery from trauma and loss. Sharing our struggles with others helps us band together and discover that we’re not alone. Learn more about me and the podcast here: https://www.neverperfect.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Beth shares part of her own ADHD story and how she diagnosed herself. She also shares some of the strengths and weaknesses associated with ADHD, along with some groundbreaking findings from William Dodson, a psychiatrist who specializes in ADHD. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices