{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"ERP 546: When Parenthood Awakens the Past: Turning Triggers Into Healing and Connection \u2014 An Interview with Dr. Angele Close","description":"Motherhood changes everything\u2014and not just in the ways we expect. While welcoming a child can bring immense joy, it also stirs up unseen emotions, hidden wounds, and internal struggles with guilt, shame, and the daunting pressure to \u201cget it all right.\u201d Far from the sugar-coated images often seen on social media, the journey into parenthood can leave many feeling isolated, overwhelmed, and silently wondering, \u201cIs it just me?\u201d In this episode, listeners are invited to explore the nuanced realities of becoming a parent and the powerful, often unspoken, shifts it triggers within. You'll discover how experiences from your own past may resurface, why feelings of disconnection or being \u201cnot good enough\u201d are so universal, and how concepts like matrescence and internal family systems can offer understanding\u2014and real tools\u2014for healing, growth, and creating deeper, more authentic connections with yourself and the people you love. Dr. Angele Close is a clinical psychologist, mindfulness meditation teacher, and author who specializes in maternal mental health. She uses the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model to support mothers navigating matrescence, helping them release perfectionism, shame, and self-criticism. Her work empowers women to cultivate self-compassion, confidence, and emotional resilience through trauma-informed, compassionate, and evidence-based therapeutic approaches. She is the author of Unburdening Motherhood: A Guide to Breaking Cycles, Healing Trauma, and Becoming a Self-Led Mom.   Episode Highlights 05:21 Parenting challenges with neurodiverse children. 08:08 Parental mental health challenges. 11:43 Struggles with motherhood expectations. 15:27 Pressures and expectations on parents. 16:19 Addressing motherhood burnout. 21:06 Exploring personal growth through motherhood. 24:49 Understanding Internal Family Systems (IFS). 29:24 Understanding self-protective behaviors. 33:42 Understanding the Inner Critic. 39:17 Navigating early parenthood myths. 42:36 Practicing mindfulness and self-compassion. 43:40 Helping moms with healing and guilt.   Your Checklist of Actions to Take Pause and Check In: Regularly pause during your day to notice your body sensations, emotions, and thoughts to increase self-awareness and identify when you're getting activated. Acknowledge Your Parts: Recognize when protective parts of you (e.g., inner critic, perfectionist, controller) are taking over and name them to yourself to help de-escalate internal tension. Practice Self-Compassion: Offer yourself kindness, especially when you notice challenging emotions like guilt, shame, or overwhelm arising in your parenting or relationships. Communicate Openly with Your Partner: Initiate honest conversations with your partner about your current struggles, needs, and aspirations as parents and as a couple to foster connection and teamwork. Explore and Discuss Family Values: Identify and discuss with your partner the values and beliefs you hold about what makes a "good" parent or partner, noting where your perspectives align or differ 40:05. Allow Grief and Vulnerability: When old wounds or unmet needs arise (such as grief while parenting), let yourself feel them and seek supportive spaces, rather than pushing them aside. Set Boundaries for Self-Care: Notice patterns of depletion and intentionally set boundaries to prioritize your rest, nutrition, and personal time, even if it means asking for more help or saying no. Seek Support and Normalize the Experience: Join parent groups, seek therapy or coaching, or read supportive resources like Unburdening Motherhood to help normalize the challenges and connect with others who share your experiences.   Mentioned Unburdening Motherhood (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book) ERP 261: How To Strengthen Your Relationship From A Polyvagal Perspective \u2013 An Interview with Dr. Stephen Porges ERP 276: Understanding The Need For Both Self-Regulation And Co-Regulation In Relationship \u2013 An Interview With Deb Dana ERP 423: How To Transcend Trauma (And The Effects Experience In Relationship) \u2014 An Interview With Dr. Frank Anderson Shifting Criticism For Connected Communication (free relationship guide)   Connect with Dr. Angele Close Website: drangeleclose.com Facebook: facebook.com\/angele.close.2025\/ Instagram: instagram.com\/drangeleclose LinkedIn: linkedin.com\/in\/dr-angele-close TikTok: tiktok.com\/@cyclebreakingmomma   ","author_name":"Empowered Relationship Podcast: Your Relationship Resource And Guide","author_url":"https:\/\/www.drjessicahiggins.com\/","html":"