Messages From the Middle

Therapy Talk Traps: Words We Misuse and How It's Holding Us Back; Gaslighting

In this episode of Therapy Talk Traps: Words We Misuse and How It’s Holding Us Back, I’m diving into the word "gaslighting"—a term that’s become part of everyday conversation, often without a full understanding of what it truly means. While gaslighting is a very real and harmful form of psychological abuse, we’ve started using it to describe everything from disagreements to memory lapses, and that’s a problem. Misusing the term not only waters down its meaning but also makes it harder for real victims of abuse to be recognized, believed, and supported.
I explore the origins of the word, what gaslighting actually looks like in abusive dynamics, and why being precise with our language is a powerful step in our healing. I also talk about how casually labeling someone a gaslighter can keep us from the self-reflection and accountability that growth requires. Whether you’ve been confused by the term or you’ve found yourself using it, this episode is a compassionate, honest invitation to get curious—and get clearer—about the words we use and the power they hold.
contact me: www.wendyparrish.com
email: wendy@wenddyparrish.com
instagram: @wendyparrishcoaching

Therapy Talk Traps: Words We Misuse and How They Hold Us Back; Triggered

In this kickoff to our summer series, Therapy Talk Traps; Words We Misuse and How They Hold Use Back.  Today we're diving into one of the most overused and misunderstood words in today’s mental health conversations: triggered. What does it actually mean to be triggered? And why does casually throwing the word around—when we really mean “uncomfortable”—keep us stuck in patterns that limit growth?
We’ll unpack the clinical definition of triggers, discuss how avoidance reinforces fear, and explore how real healing involves learning to face discomfort with courage and support. I’ll also share one of my favorite metaphors—the difference between cows and bison in a storm—and what it can teach us about resilience. Whether you live with PTSD or OCD or you’re just learning how to sit with hard feelings, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and practical tools for facing life’s inevitable storms.
contact me: www.wendyparrish.com
email: wendy@wendyparrish.com
instagram: @wendyparrishcoaching @childsongbird
 

Write it Down: why journaling matters in your mental health journey.

In this episode of Messages from the Middle, I share a journal entry I found from one of the hardest seasons of my life—and how writing it down became the seed that eventually grew into this podcast. I talk about why journaling can be such a powerful mental health tool, from helping us name and process our emotions to gaining perspective and tracking our growth. I also bring in insights from experts like Dr. James Pennebaker and Brené Brown, who highlight the emotional and psychological benefits of expressive writing.
Whether you’re new to journaling or returning to it after a break, I hope this episode offers you encouragement and practical reasons to start. I also share a deeply personal story about a great blue heron—a small but sacred sign of love and connection during a time of deep struggle. If you’ve ever felt lost in the middle of your story, journaling might just be the first step in finding your way forward.
Greatest Day Mindset Focus Journal: https://greatestdaymindset.myshopify.com/products/the-focus-journal
contact me: email: wendy@wendyparrish.com
instagram: @wendyparrishcoaching
Facebook: Wendy Parrish Coaching

You Have Had It All Along

In this episode of Messages from the Middle, we explore the stories we write for ourselves—the ones filled with magic, love, and happily-ever-afters. But what happens when life doesn’t follow the script? This week I share my journey navigating plot twists and unexpected challenges, and how the very tools and skills I developed in my younger years—like singing, dancing, and writing—became the talismans guiding me through the dark forest of life’s struggles.
Join me as I reflects on the power of grounding, embracing big emotions, and holding onto faith, even when the storyline doesn’t go as planned. With honesty and insight, I will invite you to look back at your own story, discover the tools you’ve had all along, and find the courage to keep going—because your story is still unfolding.
contact me:
website: www.wendyparrish.com
email: wendy@wendyparrish.com
Instagram: @wendyparrishcoaching @childsongbird

Productive Procrastination

Ever feel like you're doing "all the things"—but somehow nothing important is getting done? In this episode, we explore the sneaky habit of productive procrastination—when you're busy with tasks that feel useful, like organizing, researching, or learning, but they’re actually keeping you from the real work that moves you forward. Using a personal story about transforming her home office, your host shines a compassionate light on how this pattern shows up and why it’s especially common among those with ADHD (but not exclusive to them!).
You'll learn how the brain rewards us with dopamine for the idea of progress, even when we’re avoiding the stuff that truly matters. This episode is all about building awareness without shame, and learning how to gently course-correct when our to-do lists become a comfortable hiding place. If you've ever found yourself alphabetizing your spice rack instead of hitting “publish,” this one’s for you.
contact me:
website: www.wendyparrish.com
instagram: @childsongbird @wendyparrishcoaching
email: wendy@wendyparrish.com

Healing: What that word really means to me for mental health

What if healing isn’t about going back — but about moving forward with more strength, compassion, and resilience than you ever thought possible? In this episode, I dive into the concept of healing in mental health, unpacking what it really means beyond the buzzwords. From my not-so-secret love of time travel stories to imagining what it would be like to "fix" the past, I explore why true healing isn’t about rewinding life, but about learning to live it more fully right now.
We’ll get practical, too — breaking down what healing would look like if we treated emotional pain like physical illness. Spoiler: it's not that different. Whether you’re on your own healing journey or still trying to figure out what that even means, this episode offers insight, encouragement, and a gentle nudge to start defining healing for *yourself*. You don’t need a time machine. Just a little honesty, some self-compassion, and the courage to keep showing up.
www.wendyparrish.com
wendy@wendyparrish.com
Instagram: @wendyparrishcoaching @childsongbird
 

Secondary Emotions

This week on Messages from the Middle I talk about secondary emotions.
Secondary emotions are more complex emotions that develop as a result of social and cultural influences, personal experiences, and cognitive processes. Unlike primary emotions (which are universal and biologically hardwired, such as happiness, sadness, fear, anger, surprise, and disgust), secondary emotions are learned and shaped by our interactions with others.
Secondary emotions play a significant role in mental health, as they shape how we process experiences, interact with others, and regulate our thoughts and behaviors. When managed well, they contribute to emotional intelligence and resilience. However, difficulties in processing secondary emotions can lead to mental health challenges
Take a listen this week to learn about secondary emotions and how they can help you with your mental health.
contact me: @childsongbird @wendyparrishcoaching
email: wendy@wendyparrish.com

To Diagnose or not to Diagnose

In this episode of Messages from the Middle, I dive into a question I hear all the time: "To diagnose or not to diagnose?" Many people suspect they have ADHD or another neurodivergence but hesitate to seek an official diagnosis. Maybe they don’t see the point, worry about labels, or fear it might hold them back. I get it—I really do. But today, I’m sharing why I chose to seek diagnoses for myself and my kids, and why knowledge can be a powerful tool for understanding, growth, and success.  
A diagnosis isn’t about limitations—it’s about empowerment. It provides clarity, access to support, and a roadmap for navigating a world that often isn’t built for neurodivergent minds. Whether you’ve already self-diagnosed, had a well-meaning friend diagnose you, or are just starting to ask the question, this episode will help you weigh the benefits of knowing for sure. Because as my daughter once said, “It’s better to know that I’m a regular zebra and not a weird horse.”
contact me: wendy@wendyparrish.com
instagram: @wendyparrishcoaching @childsongbird

Reclaimed

At some point in life, we all lose pieces of ourselves—whether through major transitions, shifting identities, or unexpected challenges. In this episode of Messages From the Middle, I explore what it means to reclaim our purpose, using the story of my beloved reclaimed-wood kitchen table as a metaphor for transformation. Just like that table, we can take what’s been worn down, broken, or forgotten and reshape it into something new.  
I share my own journey of reclaiming purpose after years of pouring everything into motherhood, only to find myself wondering, "Now what?" Through reflection, growth, and embracing change, I’ve learned that purpose isn’t about returning to what was—it’s about creating something even more meaningful. If you’ve ever felt lost in the shuffle of life, this episode will help you rediscover who you are and what truly matters in this season.
contact me: wendy@wendyparrish.com
Instagram: @childsongbird OR @wendyparrishcoaching

Resilience

Resilience isn’t just about bouncing back—it’s about staying in the discomfort long enough to grow. In this episode of *Messages From the Middle*, I explore what it truly means to be resilient through the lens of one of the most controversial moments in Formula 1 history. Lewis Hamilton’s journey from heartbreak to victory isn’t just a story about racing—it’s a masterclass in perseverance. But resilience isn’t just for elite athletes; it’s something we all need to navigate life’s challenges, whether they’re forced upon us or chosen.  
I also share my personal journey with resilience—from scoring a 1 out of 5 on a resilience scale to learning how to sit with discomfort and use it as a tool for growth. We’ll dive into practical ways to build resilience, embrace discomfort, and shift our mindset when things get tough. Whether it’s through ice baths, tap dancing, or facing fears head-on, this episode will help you see discomfort not as a threat, but as a pathway to strength.
contact me: wendy@wendyparrish.com
Instagram: @childsongbird OR @wendyparrishcoaching