Pulling Threads, Weaving Authenticity

In this episode of Pulling Threads, we welcome Melanie Miller, a licensed professional counselor, to discuss the intricacies of parallel parenting in blended families and the journey of living an alcohol-free life. Melanie shares her personal journey and the challenges of dealing with adverse childhood experiences, emotional neglect, and parental substance use. She explores her transition into therapy and sobriety coaching, offering valuable insights on overcoming alcohol dependence and creating a sober community. The episode delves deeply into creating realistic expectations within blended families, setting boundaries in co-parenting and parallel parenting, and the profound impact of emotional regulation and mindset in navigating these transitions. Melanie also discusses her innovative 'Off the Rocks' sobriety program and shares advice for those considering an alcohol-free life. Tune in for an enlightening conversation on maintaining mental wellness, the importance of self-care, and developing resilience through life's toughest challenges. Don't miss this episode filled with practical advice, personal stories, and professional insights!You can contact, follow, and learn more about Melanie on her website, Facebook page, or Instagram. www.pratidanawellness.comhttps://www.facebook.com/PratidanaWellnessCoaching/https://www.instagram.com/off.the.rocks.sober/https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-miller-lpc/"00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:59 Melanie's Personal Journey02:52 The Path to Sobriety06:52 Challenges and Misconceptions of Sobriety20:17 Switching Gears: Co-Parenting and Parallel Parenting27:09 Creating a Safe Space for Children27:51 The Importance of Self-Care for Parents28:40 The Rollercoaster of Parenting29:02 Challenges of Blended Families31:05 Setting Realistic Expectations in Blended Families32:32 Navigating Loyalty Conflicts in Children42:04 The Impact of Alcohol on Co-Parenting43:59 Mindset and Emotional Regulation45:04 Creating a New Life Post-Divorce50:35 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

In this Pulling Thread episode, we welcome Alina Reary, a licensed therapist and intuitive eating coach. We discuss the impact of diet culture, the journey to food freedom, and how women can reclaim their bodies and lives by trusting their instincts. Alina shares her insights on intuitive eating, overcoming food guilt, and the importance of community support in this transformative process. Listen for an empowering conversation on health, self-trust, and living life to the fullest. If you want to follow or work with Ellina, you can follow her on IG @eoc.coaching. You can find her on Facebook athttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578176021050and herFacebook Group: Intuitive Eating and Anti-Dieting Community00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction00:48 Swifties and Chiefs: A Fun Start01:39 Ellina's Journey into Eating Disorder Therapy04:08 Understanding Intuitive Eating07:17 Diet Culture and Its Impact09:49 Breaking Free from Diet Culture24:56 The Role of Community in Healing30:51 Empowering Final Thoughts and How to Connect

Understanding Why Women Stay in Unhappy Marriages | Pulling Threads PodcastIn this episode of Pulling Threads, we dive deep into the complex reasons why women remain in marriages and relationships that are no longer fulfilling or safe. This podcast is dedicated to discussing the visible and hidden factors that keep women from leaving, including financial concerns, cultural expectations, trauma bonds, religious conditioning, and the bleak dating landscape. We touch on the challenges of discernment counseling, the psychological and neurological aspects of attachment, and the internal and external judgments faced by women contemplating divorce. Whether you're in the midst of this struggle or supporting someone who is, this episode aims to unpack the intricate layers of fear, hope, and survival. Subscribe for more episodes focusing on similar topics.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:40 Why Women Stay in Unhappy Marriages02:14 Cultural and Societal Judgments04:05 Financial and Emotional Barriers07:38 Understanding Trauma Bonds11:03 Religious Trauma and Conditioning14:26 Fear of Loneliness and Stigma16:40 Identity Collapse and Learned Helplessness17:39 Hope and the Trap of Waiting20:05 The Modern Dating Landscape21:32 Personal Healing and Moving Forward25:21 The Tipping Point and Final Thoughts

Do you avoid trying new things because fear tells you that you don’t belong? In this episode of Pulling Threads, I share how childhood trauma wired my nervous system for protection and how I used golf—yes, golf!—to rewrite that pattern.🔬 We explore the science behind neuroplasticity—the brain’s incredible ability to reorganize itself and change its activity in response to experiencencbi.nlm.nih.govverywellmind.com. Researchers note that the brain can create new neural pathways and adapt throughout life, and mindfulness practices have been shown to foster this plasticity. In other words, even after decades of trauma, your brain can heal.🧠 I explain how fear of failure, societal narratives, and limiting beliefs kept me from trying new sports for years. With therapy, mindfulness, and lots of small, compassionate steps, I learned to take up space, swing a club with courage, and trust myself again.Key Takeaways:• What neuroplasticity is and why it matter• How trauma rewires the brain and fuels fear of new experiences• Simple, evidence‑based practices (therapy, mindfulness, gentle movement) to rebuild neural pathways• Why I chose golf as my healing tool, and how it became a metaphor for life• An invitation for you: What’s your “golf” — the activity you’ve wanted to try but felt too afraid?I’d love to hear your story. Drop a comment or DM me on Instagram at @TheLoomLife or @ParInPeace. Remember: your brain is capable of change, and every brave little swing counts. 💛Timestamps:00:00 Intro – Where I’ve been & why02:20 Why trauma makes trying new things scary05:30 Brain science: neuroplasticity explained08:45 Evidence‑based ways to rewire your brain13:30 My golf story & the metaphors it taught me22:45 Your invitation to try something new—Support: If this episode resonates, hit 👍 like, subscribe for future episodes, and share with a friend. Your stories mean everything to me.

Embracing Beauty: Rewriting the Narrative of Shame and Acceptance | Pulling Threads Podcast with LeslieIn this heartfelt episode of Pulling Threads, trauma-informed therapist and coach Leslie Mathews explores the complex relationship between beauty, shame, and self-worth, especially for women in their 30s, 40s, and 50s.From societal double standards to generational programming, Leslie unpacks how American culture, media, religion, and family dynamics have shaped women’s understanding of beauty—and how those outdated beliefs can be rewritten.Whether you grew up idolizing supermodels, navigating the silent pressure to stay small, or feeling confused about whether it’s okay to love your appearance, this episode offers validation, healing, and a new lens.🎙️ Topics Covered: • The history of beauty as currency in America • The “mirror trap” and why women dim their light • How different generations experience beauty expectations • The role of therapy in healing body image wounds • 4 steps to reclaiming your beauty narrative • How to model healthy beauty for future generations👁‍🗨 This episode is for every woman who has ever felt ashamed for caring too much or too little about how she looks.✨ Beauty isn’t the enemy—shame is. Let’s start honoring our bodies, our choices, and our power.🔔 Subscribe for more healing conversations: @pulling_threads💌 Connect with Leslie at [Your Website or Link]📸 Follow on Instagram: @the.loom.life🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify & more.

Unveiling the Layers: Beauty, Medicine & Empowerment with Lisa Hahn | Pulling Threads PodcastWelcome back to Pulling Threads, where we unravel the deeper stories behind healing, growth, and the human experience. In this inspiring episode, host Leslie Mathews, therapist, coach, and founder of The LooM, sits down with Lisa Hahn, board-certified nurse practitioner and founder of Nueva Aesthetics in St. Petersburg, Florida.Together, they explore the transformative world of medical aesthetics—where science meets self-worth, and beauty becomes a tool for empowerment.🌟 In This Episode, You’ll Learn: • How Lisa transitioned from trauma ICU nursing to launching a boutique aesthetics practice • Why skin health and regenerative treatments are changing the face of beauty • The emotional and psychological layers behind seeking aesthetic treatments • How aesthetic care can boost self-confidence, mental health, and authenticity • What aging gracefully really means—and why ageless beauty is more than a trend • Future-forward insights on lasers, neurotoxins, skincare, and client empowerment💡 Whether you’re curious about aesthetic procedures, exploring your own journey with aging and self-image, or just love hearing from women who are redefining what beauty means today—this episode is for you.🔗 Connect with Lisa Hahn & Nueva AestheticsWebsite: https://nuevaaesthetics.comInstagram: @nueva.aesthetics✨ Follow Leslie & The LooMInstagram: @the.loom.lifeYouTube: @pulling_threadsWebsite: https://theloom.life⸻🎧 LISTEN, RATE, REVIEW, & SHAREIf this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who’s navigating their own beauty or healing journey. We love hearing from you—drop a comment, DM, or tag us in your reflections.

Breakups can leave us feeling emotionally raw, physically disconnected, and unsure of how to get our needs met. In this episode of Pulling Threads, trauma-informed therapist and coach Leslie Mathews shares real, practical strategies for meeting your emotional, physical, and sexual needs after a breakup—with compassion and clarity.You’ll learn: • 💔 How to regulate your nervous system and calm heartbreak • ✍️ How journaling, emotional rituals, and a “validation vault” can support emotional healing • 🛁 Creative ways to meet physical intimacy needs—like warm baths, massage, pets, and body doubling • 💖 Why self-pleasure is a powerful, healing tool for reclaiming your body and intimacy • 🌐 Go-to resources like OMGYes, Goop, and Sex with Emily • 💡 Tips for approaching casual sex with mindfulness and intentionThis episode is for anyone navigating post-breakup loneliness, confusion, or craving deeper self-connection. You can meet your needs without losing yourself—and this conversation will show you how.👉 Subscribe for more trauma-informed, heart-centered content to help you heal, grow, and thrive.#BreakupRecovery #SelfCareAfterBreakup #EmotionalHealing #TraumaInformedTherapy #PullingThreadsPodcast

Why Do Breakups Hurt So Much? | Brain Science, Trauma & Healing After HeartbreakIn this episode of Pulling Threads, therapist and coach Leslie unpacks why breakups feel so devastating—especially when you’re carrying unresolved trauma. From the brain science behind emotional pain to the impact of attachment styles, Leslie explores what really happens in our nervous system when a relationship ends—and why it can feel like your whole world is unraveling.You’ll learn: • The neuroscience of heartbreak and why it mimics physical pain • How childhood trauma and attachment wounds shape your breakup response • The stages of breakup grief (hint: they’re not linear!) • Common emotional “minefields” to watch for post-breakup • Real-life coping tools, grounding exercises, and emotional regulation strategies • How to turn heartbreak into a powerful opportunity for healing, clarity, and self-discoveryWhether you’re reeling from a recent breakup or want to better understand the emotional aftermath of relationship endings, this episode is packed with insights, strategies, and encouragement to help you feel less alone—and more empowered.🫖 Grab your tea, get comfy, and let’s untangle this together.Timestamps:00:00 – Intro: Why Breakups Hurt So Much01:09 – Leslie’s Personal Breakup Story04:43 – Brain Science of Heartbreak07:25 – Attachment Styles & Breakup Impact10:27 – Stages of Breakup Grief17:02 – Navigating Post-Breakup Minefields22:36 – Grounding Tools for Emotional Recovery24:55 – Final Thoughts & Words of Support

Why Even “Small Lies” Hurt So Much | The Psychology of Deception in RelationshipsIn this powerful episode of Pulling Threads, therapist and coach Leslie unpacks the hidden damage caused by deception in relationships — from bold-faced lies to subtle omissions and half-truths.Why does it hurt so badly when we find out someone misled us? How does betrayal affect our mental health, self-worth, and ability to trust again?Leslie explores: • Why even small deceptions rupture trust • How past trauma amplifies the pain of betrayal • The psychological impact of being lied to or misled • What it does to your self-esteem and attachment • Why people deceive — and what’s really going on beneath the surface • Steps individuals and couples can take to heal after deceptionWhether you’re trying to move on from a relationship filled with dishonesty or working to rebuild after a breach of trust, this episode offers compassionate insight and actionable strategies for healing.🔗 Subscribe to Pulling Threads for more honest conversations on trauma, healing, and modern relationships.⸻⏱ Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Pulling Threads00:30 Understanding Deception01:32 Psychological Impact of Deception02:10 Examples of Deception in Relationships03:52 Betrayal Trauma and Its Effects11:28 Healing from Deception19:08 Conclusion and Final Thoughts⸻💬 What’s your experience with deception in relationships? Share your thoughts in the comments — we’d love to hear your story.📲 Follow Leslie & The LooM LifeInstagram: @TheLooMLifeWebsite: www.theloomlife.com

In this episode of Pulling Threads, we explore the complexities of personal growth, evolving past old patterns, and how to navigate relationships with those who may still see us through an outdated lens. We discuss the importance of allowing ourselves and others the space to grow, and when it might be necessary to set boundaries or even walk away to protect our progress. With examples from personal experiences and insights as a therapist, this conversation aims to offer guidance on maintaining authenticity and honoring our evolution, despite external perceptions.00:00 Introduction and Personal Growth01:23 Challenges of Being Seen in a New Light05:07 Personal Story: Golfing with Frank15:13 Healthy Boundaries and Self-Protection17:54 When It's Time to Walk Away22:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts