Mamahood After Trauma

Finding Your Tribe When Family Court Feels Like a Battlefield

Have you ever felt like you're fighting an invisible battle, trying to protect your children while navigating the treacherous waters of a high-conflict divorce? If so, you're not alone. Many parents find themselves caught in a web of legal complexities, emotional turmoil, and constant fear of what their ex might do next.
In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with Lisa Johnson, a high-conflict divorce strategist and certified domestic violence advocate. Lisa peels back the curtain on the often-misunderstood world of legal abuse and shares invaluable insights for parents facing seemingly insurmountable challenges in family court.
Unmasking the Reality of High-Conflict Divorces
Lisa reveals the heart-wrenching truth about how some exes weaponize the legal system and even their own children to punish, control, and financially drain their former partners. You'll learn why traditional approaches to divorce often fall short in these cases and how to recognize the signs that you might be dealing with a high-conflict situation.
The Hidden Toll on "Responsible" Parents
If you've ever felt ashamed or blamed yourself for your situation, Lisa's words will resonate deeply. She explains why highly capable, empathetic individuals often become targets in these relationships and how societal expectations can compound their suffering.
Practical Strategies for Navigating the Storm
Lisa doesn't just highlight problems – she offers concrete solutions. You'll discover:
How to choose the right attorney for your unique case
The importance of trauma-informed support
Why community is crucial for healing and strategizing
A Beacon of Hope in the Darkness
Perhaps most importantly, Lisa emphasizes that there is hope. With the right approach and support, it is possible to navigate even the most challenging family court situations successfully.
Are you ready to reclaim your power and protect what matters most? This episode is your first step towards understanding the complexities of high-conflict divorce and arming yourself with the knowledge to face it head-on.
🎁 Ready to break free from the chaos and unlock peace in your motherhood journey?
Start with my free guide, Unlocking Peace, designed to help you take the first step toward calm and connection.
👉 Download it for free today: https://freebie.mamahoodaftertrauma.ca/guide
 
Want to be a guest on Mamahood After Trauma? Send Emily Cleghorn a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/riseandshinewithemilyc 

The #1 Grounding Tool Every Overwhelmed Mama Needs on Hard Days

Do you ever feel like you’re about to lose it — and you just need something to bring you back to yourself?You're not alone, mama. Those moments when the house is loud, your patience is thin, and your nervous system is on edge... they’re real, and they’re heavy.
In this episode, Emily gets raw about those meltdown moments — sharing a personal story from just last week (yep, it happened in public), and walking you through the one powerful, grounding tool she reaches for when everything feels like too much.
🎯 In this episode, you'll learn:
The exact breathing technique Emily uses to stay grounded (5-5-7 breathing)
Why this tool calms your nervous system fast — even mid-meltdown
A real-time guided practice you can do right now
Why grounding doesn’t mean shutting out the chaos, but anchoring within it
🧘‍♀️ Breathe with her during the episode — this isn’t just theory, it’s practice.
💬 “You can’t always stop the chaos around you, but you can anchor yourself.”Let that sink in, mama.
And remember: This is just one of the tools in your healing journey. Imagine having an entire Trigger Toolbox built just for mamas like you — practical, doable, trauma-informed tools to carry you through even the hardest parenting days.
👉 Ready to build your own Trigger Toolkit?Join me inside the Beyond the Trigger course — where I walk you through the exact tools and steps to stay calm, connected, and empowered in motherhood.[Let's talk about it]
Subscribe & Review:Loving what you hear? Make sure to follow the show and leave a review — it helps more trauma-surviving mamas find the support they need. 💜Want to be a guest on Mamahood After Trauma? Send Emily Cleghorn a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/riseandshinewithemilyc 

Unraveling the Body Mind Connection in Trauma Recovery

Have you ever felt like your past was holding you back from fully embracing motherhood? As trauma survivors, we often carry invisible wounds that can resurface unexpectedly, making the journey of parenting feel overwhelming at times.
In this eye-opening episode, I'm joined by Jill McMahon, a compassionate therapist specializing in traumatic loss and grief. Together, we explore the often misunderstood world of trauma recovery and its profound impact on our lives as mothers.
Uncovering the Hidden Impacts of Trauma
Jill shares her unexpected path into trauma recovery work, revealing how an internship at a grief and loss agency completely changed her career trajectory. Her insights shed light on:
The importance of acknowledging all forms of traumatic loss, not just those related to death
Why society often struggles to validate certain types of grief and trauma
How unresolved trauma can manifest in surprising physical symptoms
Breaking the Silence: Finding Your Voice in Healing
One of the most powerful aspects of trauma recovery is learning to speak openly about your experiences. Jill emphasizes the importance of creating a safe space where clients can express themselves without fear of judgment. She explains:
Why detailed storytelling can be a crucial part of the healing process
How understanding the biological impacts of trauma can be incredibly empowering
The connection between physical ailments and unresolved emotional pain
Empowering Yourself Through Knowledge
As we discuss the mind-body connection in trauma recovery, you'll discover:
How to advocate for yourself more effectively with medical professionals
The growing acceptance of somatic healing techniques in treating trauma
Why understanding your body's responses can lead to more informed life choices
Hope for the Future: Breaking Generational Cycles
We explore the exciting shifts happening in how we approach emotional intelligence and mental health:
The rise of cycle-breaking work among younger generations of parents
How increased awareness is slowly changing the medical community's approach
The potential for major breakthroughs in trauma treatment in the coming years
If you've ever felt alone in your struggles as a trauma survivor and mother, this conversation offers a beacon of hope and understanding. Tune in to gain valuable insights that could transform your healing journey and help you reclaim your power as a parent.
Ready to take the next step in your healing? Don't forget to download your free Unlocking Peace guide from the link in the show notes. It's packed with practical tools to help you start creating calm and managing triggers with greater ease.
Remember, you're not alone in this journey. Together, we're mending the past so mamas can mother in peace.
🎁 Ready to break free from the chaos and unlock peace in your motherhood journey?
Start with my free guide, Unlocking Peace, designed to help you take the first step toward calm and connection.
👉 Download it for free today: https://freebie.mamahoodaftertrauma.ca/guide
 
Want to be a guest on Mamahood After Trauma? Send Emily Cleghorn a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/riseandshinewithemilyc 

From Childhood Tummy Aches to Healing Gut Health as an Adult

Have you ever felt like your body was betraying you, especially when it comes to your gut health? For many of us, digestive issues can be a lifelong struggle, often rooted in experiences we may not even remember. But what if I told you that healing is possible, and it starts with understanding the profound connection between your past and your present health?
In this eye-opening episode, I'm joined by Courtney Cowie, a functional health practitioner whose personal journey with gut issues led her to become a beacon of hope for others. Courtney shares her evolution from a child plagued by mysterious stomach aches to a woman on a mission to uncover the root causes of chronic illness.
The Hidden Link: Trauma and Your Gut
Courtney reveals the often-overlooked connection between childhood experiences and adult health issues. We explore:
How early relationships shape our nervous system and digestive function
The surprising research linking IBD to maternal relationships
Why addressing both physical and emotional aspects is crucial for healing
Beyond the Surface: Digging Deeper into Gut Health
Discover why simply changing your diet or popping a probiotic isn't always enough. Courtney explains:
The role of "bad organisms" in creating ongoing digestive stress
How generational trauma can impact your genetic expression
Why some people are more susceptible to developing gut disorders
Your Healing Toolkit: A Holistic Approach
Ready to take charge of your gut health? We discuss practical strategies, including:
Finding the right balance between physical and emotional healing modalities
The importance of addressing nutrient deficiencies and inflammatory foods
How to explore various trauma-healing tools to find what resonates with you
Remember, healing isn't a one-size-fits-all journey. It's about finding the unique combination of approaches that work for you.
Are you ready to listen to your gut and start your healing journey? Tune in now and take the first step towards reclaiming your health and peace of mind.
🎁 Ready to break free from the chaos and unlock peace in your motherhood journey?
Start with my free guide, Unlocking Peace, designed to help you take the first step toward calm and connection.
👉 Download it for free today: https://freebie.mamahoodaftertrauma.ca/guide
 
Want to be a guest on Mamahood After Trauma? Send Emily Cleghorn a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/riseandshinewithemilyc 

Gentle Words for Tough Days Building Self Compassion in Motherhood After Trauma

Have you ever caught yourself in a spiral of self-criticism, feeling like you're your own harshest judge? As trauma survivors and mamas, we often default to this pattern, believing it keeps us safe. But what if this very habit is holding us back from true healing?
In this raw and honest episode, I share a personal revelation that changed everything for me. You'll hear how I discovered that all my healing practices weren't truly effective until I addressed the cruel inner voice that had taken up residence in my head.
Breaking Free from the Self-Criticism Trap
Through vulnerability and hard-won wisdom, you'll gain insight into:
Why self-criticism feels familiar and even necessary for trauma survivors
How harsh self-talk keeps our nervous system stuck in fight-or-flight mode
The transformative power of self-compassion in rewiring our inner dialogue
A simple yet powerful exercise to start shifting your self-talk today
From Survival Mode to Self-Compassion
"Healing isn't just about stopping the yelling or managing the triggers. It's about building a new relationship with yourself," I explain. This episode offers a gentle reminder that you're not broken or failing - you're learning, growing, and healing.
I'll walk you through:
Recognizing the defense mechanism behind self-criticism
Understanding why compassion, not criticism, is the key to lasting change
Practical steps to interrupt negative thought patterns
How choosing self-compassion impacts not just you, but your entire family legacy
Ready to Rewrite Your Inner Dialogue?
If you're tired of battling that harsh inner critic and want to embrace a more compassionate approach to your healing journey, I have something special for you. Introducing the 30 Days of Self-Compassion program – a transformative journey designed to help you rewire your inner voice and cultivate lasting self-kindness.
Are you ready to show up for yourself with the same care and understanding you give to your children? Your path to deeper healing and peace starts here. Listen now and take the first step towards becoming the compassionate, nurturing presence you've always wanted to be – for yourself and your family.Learn more about 30 days of Self Compassion- coaching.mamahoodaftertrauma.ca/selfcompassion 
🎁 Ready to break free from the chaos and unlock peace in your motherhood journey?
Start with my free guide, Unlocking Peace, designed to help you take the first step toward calm and connection.
👉 Download it for free today: https://freebie.mamahoodaftertrauma.ca/guide
 
Want to be a guest on Mamahood After Trauma? Send Emily Cleghorn a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/riseandshinewithemilyc 

Unraveling the Threads Between Trauma and Eating Habits

Have you ever wondered how childhood experiences shape our relationship with food? As mamas, we often carry unseen burdens from our past that influence how we nourish ourselves and our families. In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with Jessica Setnick, a passionate advocate for healing dysfunctional eating habits rooted in trauma.
Jessica's journey into the world of eating disorders and nutritional psychology began with her own struggles. From growing up in a contentious household to losing her father at a young age, she candidly shares how these experiences led her to develop bulimia as a coping mechanism. Through her vulnerability, we gain insight into the complex interplay between trauma, emotions, and our relationship with food.
Unpacking the Connection Between Trauma and Eating Habits
In our conversation, Jessica illuminates the often-overlooked link between past experiences and current eating behaviors. She explains:
How food acts as a mood-altering chemical, offering temporary relief from emotional pain
Why certain eating habits become conditioned responses to triggers
The importance of awareness in breaking destructive patterns
From Unconscious Coping to Conscious Choices
Jessica's personal awakening moment in graduate school serves as a powerful example of how increased self-awareness can lead to healing. She shares practical strategies for:
Recognizing the emotional roots behind eating behaviors
Challenging automatic thoughts and conditioned responses
Developing healthier coping mechanisms to address underlying needs
"The only thing that chocolate can solve is a craving for chocolate. It can't solve whatever emotional pain or sadness you're experiencing."
This episode offers a compassionate look at the complex relationship between trauma, emotions, and eating habits. If you've ever struggled with using food to cope or want to better understand the roots of disordered eating, Jessica's insights provide a roadmap for healing and growth.
Are you ready to explore your own relationship with food through a trauma-informed lens? Tune in to gain valuable tools for nurturing both yourself and your family with greater awareness and compassion.Connect with Jessica: https://www.foodfairytales.com/ 
🎁 Ready to break free from the chaos and unlock peace in your motherhood journey?
Start with my free guide, Unlocking Peace, designed to help you take the first step toward calm and connection.
👉 Download it for free today: https://freebie.mamahoodaftertrauma.ca/guide
 
Want to be a guest on Mamahood After Trauma? Send Emily Cleghorn a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/riseandshinewithemilyc 

Becoming the Lighthouse in Your Child's Emotional Storm

Have you ever found yourself in the eye of an emotional storm, your child's meltdown threatening to sweep you both away? As mamas who've weathered our own traumas, these moments can feel like treacherous waters, leaving us grasping for solid ground.
But what if I told you that the key to calming your child's chaos isn't about fixing them, but about finding your own inner calm first?
In this raw and honest episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on co-regulation – a powerful tool that can transform those hair-raising moments of conflict into opportunities for deep connection and healing.
Navigating the Emotional Storm: The Art of Co-Regulation
Through vulnerability and hard-won wisdom, you'll gain insight into:
Why staying calm doesn't come naturally when you've grown up in chaos
The biology behind our urge to shut down or lash out in stressful moments
How to become an emotional anchor for your child when the waves are crashing
From Survival Mode to Safe Harbor: Practical Steps for Co-Regulation
I'll walk you through a no-fluff breakdown of how to actually put co-regulation into practice when emotions are running high:
Grounding techniques to calm your own nervous system first
The power of lowering your voice to lower your child's defenses
Phrases that create connection and safety in the midst of a meltdown
Breaking the Cycle: Modeling Emotional Regulation for Your Children
"When you co-regulate, you're not just calming a tantrum. You're teaching your child that their emotions are not dangerous."
Learn how these small, consistent steps can lead to big changes in your family dynamics, helping you break free from generational patterns of trauma response.
Ready to Become the Calm in Your Family's Storm?
If you're tired of feeling overwhelmed by your child's big emotions and want to create a more peaceful home environment, I have something special for you. Introducing the Unlocking Peace guide – a free resource designed to help you start creating calm, reclaim your peace, and manage your triggers with ease.
Are you ready to transform those chaotic moments into opportunities for connection and growth? Your journey to becoming an emotional anchor for your family starts here. Download the guide now and take the first step towards mending the past so you can mama in peace.👉 Download it for free today: https://freebie.mamahoodaftertrauma.ca/guide
 
Want to be a guest on Mamahood After Trauma? Send Emily Cleghorn a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/riseandshinewithemilyc 

Breathing Through Trauma Healing Motherhood One Exhale at a Time

Have you ever felt like your past experiences were holding you back from fully embracing motherhood? As mamas, we often carry invisible burdens that can dim our inner light, even amid the profound joy of raising our little ones. But what if I told you that healing is possible, and it starts with learning to listen to yourself?
In this powerful episode, I am honoured to sit down with Ellen Slater, founder of Heart and Hand, to explore the intricate connection between trauma recovery and motherhood. Ellen brings 20 years of experience in studying, researching, and healing trauma, offering a unique perspective as both a professional and a fellow mama.
Redefining Trauma: More Than Just Big Events
Ellen challenges our understanding of trauma, describing it as "experiencing pain and fear without the attuned presence of another." This definition opens our eyes to the subtle ways trauma can manifest in our lives and impact our parenting journey.
The Cycle-Breaking Power of Self-Compassion
If you're listening to this podcast, you might be the chosen cycle-breaker in your family lineage. While it's not an easy role, Ellen reminds us of its profound importance:
"Any cycle breaker is part of the healing of our species and our Earth."
Practical Steps Towards Healing
1. Connect with your body: Start by simply feeling your breath and physical sensations.
2. Practice self-touch: Gently place a hand on your heart or cheek as a gesture of self-comfort.
3. Cultivate curiosity: Ask yourself, "What is waking up in me right now?"
The Ripple Effect of Self-Love
Remember, how you treat yourself directly impacts how you treat your children. By nurturing a loving relationship with your inner world, you're not only healing yourself but also modeling essential emotional skills for your little ones.
Are you ready to embark on this transformative journey of self-discovery and healing? Join us as we explore the profound connection between trauma recovery and motherhood, and learn how to create a more peaceful, joyful experience for both you and your children.
🎁 Ready to break free from the chaos and unlock peace in your motherhood journey?
Start with my free guide, Unlocking Peace, designed to help you take the first step toward calm and connection.
👉 Download it for free today: https://freebie.mamahoodaftertrauma.ca/guide
 
Want to be a guest on Mamahood After Trauma? Send Emily Cleghorn a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/riseandshinewithemilyc 

From Yelling to Healing The Tough Truth About Breaking Cycles

Have you ever found yourself in that heart-sinking moment when you've just yelled at your child, and suddenly you hear your own parent's voice echoing through your words? It's a jarring experience that many of us face on our journey to break generational cycles of trauma.
In this raw and honest episode, I dive deep into the challenging reality of trying to parent differently when you weren't given the tools growing up. We explore the gap between wanting to change and knowing how to change, and why simply deciding to parent gently isn't always enough.
The Truth About Inherited Parenting Patterns
I share some hard-hitting truths about why we default to familiar behaviors under stress, even when we've sworn never to repeat them. You'll learn why:
Our nervous system relies on wiring built in childhood
Yelling or shutting down might be your body's learned survival response
You're not broken, but patterned - and patterns can be reprogrammed
Building Your Parenting Toolkit from Scratch
For those of us who want to parent gently but don't know how, it can feel like standing on the edge of a bridge we've never built. I offer insights into:
Why trigger awareness and regulation tools are foundational
The importance of building a response plan before chaos hits
Three micro-shifts to help break the yelling cycle
Embracing the Learning Process
If you've ever felt like you're failing because you yelled, this message is for you: You are allowed to be learning. I explain why:
You're not failing, you're learning to soften what was once hardened
Your kids don't need a perfect mom, they need a healing one
Every pause instead of explosion is rewriting your legacy
Are you ready to start mending the past so you can parent in peace? I've created a free Unlocking Peace guide packed with practical tools to help you respond instead of react. It's your first step towards building that bridge to gentle parenting, even when it wasn't modeled for you.
Remember, you're not crazy, you're not alone, and you are absolutely capable of parenting in peace - even when peace was never shown to you. Let's take this healing journey together, one breath at a time.
🎁 Ready to break free from the chaos and unlock peace in your motherhood journey?
Start with my free guide, Unlocking Peace, designed to help you take the first step toward calm and connection.
👉 Download it for free today: https://freebie.mamahoodaftertrauma.ca/guide
 
Want to be a guest on Mamahood After Trauma? Send Emily Cleghorn a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/riseandshinewithemilyc 

Overcoming Adversity: Five Steps to Thriving as a Parent

Have you ever felt like life has thrown you one curveball too many? As mamas, we often face challenges that can leave us feeling overwhelmed and uncertain. But what if there was a way to not just survive these obstacles, but to truly thrive in the face of adversity?
In this powerful episode, I sit down with Michaela Cox, an inspiring author and speaker who has faced her fair share of life's toughest moments. Michaela opens up about her journey through what she calls the "38 triple D" - disability, divorce, and death - all by the age of 38. Her story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of choosing to overcome.
Embracing Grace: A Path to Thriving After Adversity
Michaela shares her hard-won wisdom on how to navigate life's most challenging moments, offering a unique perspective as both a mother with a disability and a solo parent. Through her experiences, she's developed a powerful framework for moving from survival to thriving, centered around the word "grace":
Grounding: Establishing a strong foundation to steady yourself in life's storms
Redesign: Embracing the opportunity to create a new narrative
Abundance: Cultivating a positive mindset to fuel your journey
Care: Prioritizing self-care and clarity over chaos and confusion
Equipped: Gathering the tools and resources needed for your journey
Lessons for Our Children: Creating a Legacy of Resilience
As mamas, we often wonder how our own experiences shape our children's lives. Michaela offers insights into how she's using her journey to teach her kids valuable life lessons, including her innovative "Before the Clock Strikes Midnight" book series - a beautiful way to pass on wisdom to the next generation.
"Choose well to live your best life and take your best shot."
This episode is a must-listen for any mama feeling overwhelmed by life's challenges. Michaela's story reminds us that with the right mindset and tools, we can not only weather life's storms but emerge stronger and more resilient than ever before.
Are you ready to transform your approach to life's challenges? Tune in to discover how you can apply Michaela's "grace" framework to your own journey, and start moving from surviving to thriving today.
🎁 Ready to break free from the chaos and unlock peace in your motherhood journey?
Start with my free guide, Unlocking Peace, designed to help you take the first step toward calm and connection.
👉 Download it for free today: https://freebie.mamahoodaftertrauma.ca/guide
 
Want to be a guest on Mamahood After Trauma? Send Emily Cleghorn a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/riseandshinewithemilyc