Dr. Patty and Lizzie explore one of the most powerful, and often misunderstood, tools for healing early attachment wounds: self-compassion.

Many people resist self-compassion, dismissing it as self-pity or "too soft." But the research is clear: self-compassion is transformative, especially for those healing from childhood trauma, insecure attachment, or unmet developmental needs. Dr. Patty shares her own journey from skepticism to becoming a trained Mindful Self-Compassion teacher, and why she now considers it essential work for anyone struggling with relationships, burnout, or that persistent sense of "I don't matter" "I'm not enough".

They also discuss why "slower is faster" when healing trauma, and how self-compassion literally grows secure attachment from the inside out.

If you've ever struggled with self-criticism, dating anxiety, feeling unworthy, or the exhaustion of always giving to others—this episode is for you.

In This Episode We Explore:

• Why self-compassion is so hard for people with attachment wounds (and why it's exactly what they need)
• Why avoidant attachment styles resist self-compassion (and how it can still help them)
• How self-compassion transforms dating: navigating rejection with kindness instead of catastrophizing
• How healing early trauma requires going slow: "slower is faster"

About Mindful Self-Compassion

Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) is an evidence-based program developed by Kristin Neff, PhD, and Christopher Germer, PhD. Dr. Patty is a trained MSC teacher and offers both the 5-week short course and the full 8-week program, as well as retreats. The practices are deeply trauma-informed, gentle, and focused on building inner safety and security.

Upcoming Opportunities

→ Mindful Self-Compassion Course: https://sacred-treehouse.mykajabi.com/msc

→ Weekend MSC Retreat in development

→ Sacred Treehouse: https://sacredtreehouse.org

Lizzie sits down with therapist Erin Vinski to explore the reality of postpartum mental health—not just for mothers, but for partners and the entire family system.

Erin, who specializes in perinatal mental health and works with individuals, couples, families, and children, brings both professional expertise and lived experience to this conversation.

This episode tackles the topics our culture doesn't talk about enough: the neurochemical changes that last for three years postpartum, the financial stress of raising children in today's world, the isolation of American motherhood without a village, and why partners often feel silenced and invisible during this transition. Erin offers tangible guidance for how to support a struggling mom, what red flags to watch for, and how to prepare for the changes that come with bringing a life into this world.

If you're navigating postpartum, supporting someone who is, or preparing for this life-altering transition—this candid conversation is essential listening.

In This Episode We Explore:

1. Why postpartum is the biggest shift in sense of self you'll ever experience
2. "Mom brain" explained
3. Why new mothers are wired to be in a heightened state of alert
4. How to prepare for postpartum before baby arrives: creating a mental health plan with your partner
5. The gifts new moms actually need
6. Normalizing it's okay not to love every stage of motherhood

"It's the biggest shift in sense of self that you'll ever have in your life. You'll never be able to find that version of yourself again once you've had a kid. It's a beautiful thing, but it can be very unsettling."

Connect with Us

1. Interested in therapy with Erin and Lizzie www.BeenenTherapyGroup.com
2. Mindful Self-Compassion Class begins Feb 23 - details at www.sacred-treehouse.mykajabi.com/msc
3. Follow along on Instagram @SacredTreehouse

Planning for Postpartum?

Consider creating a mental health plan with your partner before baby arrives. Write down your typical signs of struggle, find a therapist you trust, and give that information to someone who loves you. You don't have to wait until you're in crisis to get support.

If this episode resonated with you, please share it with an expecting parent, a struggling mom, an overwhelmed partner, or anyone who needs to hear that postpartum is hard, support is essential, and asking for help is a sign of strength—not failure. Leave a review to help us reach more families navigating this tender, transformative season.

You don't have to do this alone. Community matters. Support matters. Your mental health matters.

In this episode of The Bonded Podcast, Dr. Patty sits down with Stephanie Loesel, owner and CEO of Cakewalk Virtual Services, to explore what it really looks like to listen to your intuition while navigating motherhood, career shifts, and entrepreneurship.

Stephanie shares her journey from hospitality, to office manager in a therapy practice, to becoming a stay-at-home mom who built a thriving virtual assistant business — without abandoning her identity, ambition, or attachment to her daughter. This conversation is an honest look at choosing a “middle path,” honoring nervous system needs, and letting growth unfold through attunement rather than burnout.

This episode is especially meaningful for mothers, therapists, entrepreneurs, and anyone questioning how to build a life that actually fits.

1. The visceral emotional and nervous system response to returning to work after childbirth
2. Why listening to intuition matters more than what “looks right on paper”
3. How Stephanie built a successful virtual assistant business while staying home with her child
4. The realities (and myths) of balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship
5. Imperfect parenting, self-compassion, and letting go of perfectionism
6. Trusting growth that comes through discomfort, not certainty
7. “Future you” as a powerful guide for setting boundaries

→ Cakewalk Virtual Services: www.cakewalkvirtual.com

→ Instagram: @cakewalkvirtual

→ Upcoming Mindful Self-Compassion begins Feb 23rd https://sacred-treehouse.mykajabi.com/msc

If this episode resonated with you, consider sharing it with a mother, therapist, or entrepreneur who is navigating big decisions and tender transitions. Leaving a review helps The Bonded Podcast continue creating conversations that honor intuition, attachment, and the courage it takes to build a life that truly aligns.