Today we're breaking through the financial “tacky” taboos into the complex relationship between women and money at midlife. In this episode, we unpack the psychological roots of how women view and handle money, exploring personal stories and societal expectations that shape our financial lives. Join us as we discuss everything from inherited wealth to financial independence and the emotional hurdles that come with managing money.

We candidly share our own journeys with money, the mistakes we've made, and the lessons we've learned (it’s a little cringey). We explore how our backgrounds and experiences have influenced our financial mindsets and what we've done to gain control and confidence in our financial lives. This episode is all about normalizing the conversation around money among women and encouraging everyone to take charge of their financial future.

Episode Highlights:

[0:40] - Different experiences with money based on upbringing and life stages.

[1:44] - Suze Orman and the surprising financial illiteracy among successful women.

[3:06] - Laura's personal money story: Growing up financially uninformed.

[4:30] - Colette's money story: Financial struggles and being forced to face it.

[7:33] - The impact of generational wealth and the psychological development it hampers.

[10:58] – Fear of money and the psychological issues surrounding financial independence.

[14:03] - The role of women as spenders and the pressure to provide for the family.

[17:42] - The antiquated belief that a husband's money is for the household and the wife's money is for personal use.

[20:38] - Men’s struggle with their role as financial providers and its impact on their self-worth.

[23:28] - The rise of financial independence among older women and its effect on marriages.

[25:14] - The importance of women developing a well-rounded relationship with money.

[27:15] - Practical advice on saving, investing, and building financial confidence.

[31:03] - Encouragement to discuss money openly and seek financial education.

Resources:

For a worksheet to guide you to begin your journey to an emotionally healthy relationship with money visit our website insightsfromthecouch.org

If you have questions please email us at info@insightsfromthecouch.org we would love to hear from you!

If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!

In this must-listen episode, we get into the world of boundaries with Cherlette McCullough LMFT, a relationship therapist, author, and advocate specializing in helping women and couples take care of themselves emotionally and mentally. Cherlette shares her expertise on why setting boundaries is crucial for our well-being and how to navigate the challenges that come with asserting our needs, especially as women. She emphasizes the importance of self-connection, emotional awareness, and the power of saying "no" without guilt or shame.

Join us as we explore the intricacies of boundary-setting, from identifying your core values and personal preferences to effectively communicating your limits in various relationships. Cherlette provides practical tips and real-life examples to help you build the emotional muscle needed to advocate for yourself and maintain healthy, reciprocal connections.

Episode Highlights:
[2:03] - Defining boundaries and their importance in relationships.
[5:42] - The power of saying "no" as an act of self-care.
[9:22] - Recognizing when a boundary needs to be set.
[13:18] - Navigating the fear of risking relationships when setting boundaries.
[18:15] - Cherlette shares her personal struggles with codependency.
[21:19] - The need for flexibility in boundaries.
[25:02] - Cherlette's process for creating and enforcing boundaries.
[29:40] - The discomfort of boundary-setting and acknowledging emotions.
[33:19] - Building the emotional muscle of boundary-setting.
[36:34] - The role of conversation in setting and maintaining boundaries.
[39:47] - Handling boundary violations and determining if a relationship is worth working through.
[42:33] - The connection between having boundaries with yourself and with others.


Resources:
For more on this topic visit our website insightsfromthecouch.org If you have questions please email us at info@insightsfromthecouch.org we would love to hear from you!
If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!

In this insightful episode, we sit down with the brilliant Dr. Brady Bradshaw, a dual board-certified psychiatrist specializing in working with neurodiverse patients, including those with ADHD and autism spectrum disorder. Dr. Bradshaw shares her personal journey of being diagnosed with ADHD in her 30s and how it has shaped her understanding of the unique challenges faced by her patients. She delves into the often-overlooked emotional dysregulation aspect of ADHD and explains how the disorder manifests differently in women, leading to frequent underdiagnosis.

Join us as we explore the complex interplay between hormones and ADHD symptoms, the importance of a collaborative approach between healthcare professionals, and the effectiveness of medication in managing ADHD. Dr. Bradshaw also shares valuable insights on the role of therapy and coaching in addressing the emotional and executive functioning challenges associated with the disorder. Whether you have ADHD, suspect you might have it, or have a loved one with the condition, this episode is a must-listen!

Episode Highlights:
[2:11] - Dr. Bradshaw shares what drew her to specialize in working with neurodiverse patients.
[5:04] - The impact of being diagnosed with ADHD in her 30s and how it changed her life.
[8:31] - Explaining what happens in the brain of someone with ADHD.
[12:04] - The role of dopamine in ADHD and its relationship to reward-seeking behaviors.
[14:52] - Addressing the misconception that ADHD is overdiagnosed, especially in boys.
[17:17] - Recognizing the challenges of identifying ADHD in girls and the importance of a thorough evaluation.
[19:53] - The complex relationship between ADHD and anxiety, particularly in girls and women.
[22:23] - Rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD) and its impact on individuals with ADHD.
[27:58] - Identifying potential markers of undiagnosed ADHD in women in their 40s and 50s.
[32:17] - The standard treatment approach for ADHD and the importance of collaboration between healthcare professionals.
[35:53] - The often-overlooked emotional dysregulation aspect of ADHD and its significance.
[38:53] - Addressing concerns about the tolerability and safety of stimulant medications for ADHD.
[42:07] - Understanding ADHD as an ego-syntonic disorder and the challenges it poses for self-recognition and treatment-seeking.
[46:50] - Dr. Bradshaw's favorite behavioral hacks for managing ADHD symptoms.

Resources:
For more on this topic visit our website insightsfromthecouch.org If you have questions please email us at info@insightsfromthecouch.org we would love to hear from you!
If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!