Britt, Riddle, Religious, Spiritual, Development, Injury

Therapists Talking About Their Personal Experience With Therapy

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Somatic experiencing therapy helps regulate emotions.

In season 2, episode 2 (part 2) of the Shifting Our Shit (S.O.S) podcast, therapist Britt Riddle,
D.Min., MAMFT shares her personal experience with somatic experiencing therapy. She
explains that as a competitive gymnast as a child, she was very in tune with her body, but after
experiencing trauma as a teenager, she lost her connection with her body and the wisdom it held.
Somatic experiencing therapy is based on the idea that traumatic experiences can get trapped or
frozen in our bodies, which can keep us from fully processing a traumatic experience, leading to
dysregulation in our nervous systems. Somatic experiencing therapy invites awareness and
expression of physical sensations and movement associated with the trauma in order to release
“frozen” energy—this might look like screaming in a safe environment like a parked car or
letting tears freely flow rather than trying to block them.
Britt also incorporates somatic work into her practice of therapy, particularly when working with
individuals in helping professions who often have to suppress their own emotions in order to be
“on” for other people, which over time, can lead to a build-up of stress.

Pay attention to your body.

Many of us go through life without paying much attention to the physical sensations and signals
that our bodies are sending us. This lack of awareness can lead to a variety of problems,
including difficulty managing emotions, chronic stress, and even physical health issues.
Britt discusses how holding our breath during times of stress can contribute to feelings of panic
and dysregulation. By practicing breath work, we can create a muscle memory of deep and
regulated breathing. This can help us stay grounded and calm during moments of heightened
emotions or stress.

Britt also talks about the importance of grounding practices, such as intentionally noticing your
feet on the floor (or ground) in order to feel connected to the earth. Mindfulness does not have to
require a huge time commitment, but can be incorporated into daily life—taking a few moments
at a red light to focus on your breath or noticing sensations happening in your body. These
mindfulness practices can create a greater sense of emotional awareness and nervous system
regulation.

Grounding is important for self-care.

Grounding is an important aspect of managing personal energy and practicing self-care. Megan,
a Reiki master, discusses how our energy is often concentrated in the upper chakras (the mind),

causing us to feel disconnected from our bodies and the present moment. The shift this, Megan
suggests the practice of grounding, which brings the energy down through the body and into the
feet, creating a sense of connection and presence. This can be done through practices such as
stomping your feet or wiggling your toes.
Grounding can also be done with our thoughts. By consciously naming the experience of being
grounded, we can create a pause in our thoughts and bring ourselves to the present moment. This
pause allows for a deeper sense of awareness and a break from the constant stream of thoughts
and distractions that put us into autopilot mode.
Britt is an expert in working with clients who want to increase self-care and decrease compassion
fatigue and burnout. Her calm and grounded presence is appreciated by those who have worked
with her, and she personally understands the challenges faced by individuals in helping
professions. Her approach to therapy emphasizes the importance of grounding, mindfulness, and
body awareness to help clients maintain nervous system regulation, which can lead to healthier
and more fulfilling lives.

Britt, Britt Riddle, Religious trauma

Meet Britt Riddle, DMin, MAMFT!

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Reassessing midlife for fulfillment—transition from minister to therapist.

In season 2, episode 2 (part 1) of Shifting Our Shit (S.O.S.) podcast, Megan introduces Britt
Riddle, a therapist at The Mindfulness Center. Britt is originally from Louisville, but more
recently she lived in Virginia and Western Kentucky while serving in congregations as an
ordained minister. Britt describes how she found herself drawn to the moments she calls “deep
spaces,” in ministry such as the sacred conversations that happened in hospital rooms, in nursing
homes, and at funeral services. Though no longer serving professionally in a congregation, Britt
continues to engage in spiritual practices by attending a Quaker meeting (where there is no
ordained leadership) where she is learning new ways of being in community with people without
being responsible for leading or managing the space.
Britt holds both a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree and a Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) degree,
and it was this path and her own experience of burnout that eventually led her to return to
Louisville in order to pursue a degree in marriage and family therapy. Britt shares that being a
therapist had always been in the back of her mind, but the timing was not right to make this shift
until more recently.

Self-care for sensitive people.

Britt self-identifies as a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), and shares how the “sensitive” trait is
often overlooked and/or misunderstood—as a personality it exists on a continuum—we all have
some level of sensitivity and those with higher levels tend to take on more energy and feelings
from others. Britt discusses how having high empathy and high sensitivity traits led to
compassion fatigue and burnout as a minister, and ultimately, a career shift to become a
therapist.
For those who are HSPs, Britt describes the importance of recognizing and honoring your needs
for downtime and solitude in order to process and recharge emotions. HSPs are often drawn to
personal and professional work that involve caring for others, which makes the need for
boundaries essential in order to maintain emotional and physical health.
Britt highlights the importance for HSPs of seeking support and professional help when
needed—especially when feeling emotionally overwhelmed. She pursued a degree in marriage
and family therapy to better understand her own experiences and now works with clients who are
experiencing compassion fatigue and burnout.

Pause before reacting to emotions.

Britt highlights the practice of pausing before reacting to emotions. In her own experience Britt
does this by paying close attention to her internal, somatic experience, allowing her to recognize
when her heart rate is increasing and any other physical symptoms she may notice. These
physical cues serve as a reminder to pause and take a moment before responding/reacting to a
situation, which allows our brain to kick in and make active, mindful decisions about how to
respond (rather than react in a way that may be unhelpful). Mindfulness involves being present in
the moment and fully aware of one’s thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations. By practicing
mindfulness, we can become more attuned to our emotions and recognize when we are starting to
feel dysregulated or overwhelmed.

PAUSE, Reset, taking a break, take a break

Yes, Therapists Go To Therapy!

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Megan Bayles Bartley is a mental health and relationship expert. Over the last twenty years, she has honed her unique skills as a therapist and now shares her knowledge with you in Season 2 of her podcast – Shifting Our Shit.

 

In Episode 1, Part 2, Megan talks about her own experience with therapy over the last 30-plus year starting when she was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue at 16 years old and was told “it’s all in your head!”

 

About Megan.

Therapy provides support and growth. It is a valuable tool that can help individuals navigate through life’s challenges, gain insight into themselves, and develop the necessary skills to lead a fulfilling and meaningful life.

 

In this episode, Megan Bayless-Bartley shares her personal experience with therapy. She first sought therapy at the age of 16 when she was diagnosed with chronic fatigue. Medical professionals believed her condition was a psychosomatic response to stress, and therapy was recommended to help her identify and manage the underlying stressors.

 

Megan describes herself as a firstborn, type A personality, and a high empath. She also admits to being a deep thinker and running on the anxious side. She had a tendency towards perfectionism and exhibited signs of OCD, such as vacuuming her bedroom carpet with precision. These characteristics, combined with certain family dynamics, contributed to her need for therapy.

 

At the age of 16, Megan started therapy with a marriage and family therapist named Joy. This experience provided her with a trusted adult who offered undivided attention and a safe space to explore her thoughts and emotions. Megan emphasizes the importance of having a therapist who didn’t judge her or make her feel crazy or wrong. This support allowed her to be herself and work through her difficulties.

 

Megan continued therapy on and off throughout her life. In her 20s, she sought therapy again when she was struggling to navigate a romantic relationship with someone dealing with addiction. Therapy provided her with guidance and coping mechanisms during this challenging time.

 

When Megan started her master’s program in marriage and family therapy, she found it beneficial to seek therapy herself. She needed help managing her anxiety about her future and the unknowns that lay ahead. This experience highlighted the importance of therapists seeking therapy for their own well-being and growth.

 

Therapy provides support by offering a non-judgmental space for individuals to express themselves and explore their thoughts and emotions. It allows them to gain insight into their own behaviors, patterns, and underlying issues. Through therapy, individuals can develop coping strategies, improve their communication skills, and learn to navigate relationships more effectively.

 

Therapy also promotes personal growth. It helps individuals identify and challenge negative beliefs and thought patterns that may be holding them back. It encourages self-reflection and self-awareness, enabling individuals to make positive changes in their lives. Therapy provides the tools and resources necessary for individuals to overcome obstacles, improve their mental health, and achieve their goals.

 

Anxiety in relationships requires therapy.

Anxiety in relationships is a common issue that many individuals face. It can manifest in various ways, from controlling behavior to emotional vulnerability. However, therapy has proven to be a valuable resource in addressing and managing anxiety within relationships. Megan shares her personal experiences with anxiety in her own relationship and how therapy played a crucial role in her journey.

 

Megan recalls meeting her now-husband during a time of high anxiety in her life. Recognizing the importance of compatibility and open communication, she took the initiative to involve him in therapy sessions. This decision highlights the significance of therapy in addressing relationship concerns and fostering understanding between partners. By engaging in a couple’s assessment, they were able to explore topics that they may not have discussed otherwise. This assessment served as a foundation for their relationship and allowed them to navigate potential challenges more effectively.

 

Premarital counseling further exemplifies the role of therapy in addressing anxiety within relationships. Megan wanted to ensure that her marriage did not replicate the negative aspects of her parents’ relationship. By seeking outside help, she and her husband were able to address their concerns and establish a healthier foundation for their marriage. Premarital therapy provided them with the necessary tools to communicate openly and honestly, setting them up for success in their relationship.

 

Therapy also played a crucial role in Megan’s personal journey with anxiety. She acknowledges the challenges of living with someone and knowing that it is a long-term commitment. The anxiety she experienced in this context led her to seek therapy once again. By engaging in couples therapy, Megan was able to explore the root causes of her anxiety and work towards healing and growth. Through therapy, she learned to trust her partner emotionally and address the emotional hurts from her past. This vulnerability and growth within the relationship were vital in managing her anxiety and fostering a healthier dynamic.

 

Furthermore, Megan’s decision to seek therapy was influenced by her desire to prevent her anxiety from affecting her children. Recognizing the potential impact of her anxiety on her children, she made it a priority to get her anxiety under control. Therapy provided her with the necessary tools and strategies to manage her anxiety and prevent it from negatively impacting her children. This demonstrates the proactive approach therapy offers in addressing anxiety within relationships and its potential ripple effects on family dynamics.

 

Therapy is important for growth.

Therapy is important for growth. It provides individuals with the necessary support, guidance, and tools to navigate life’s challenges and achieve personal development. Megan shares her own experience in this episode with therapy and how it has been instrumental in her growth and progress.

 

  • Megan emphasizes the importance of being emotionally available to her children and putting her anxiety into perspective. She recognizes that how she shows up with her kids matters and that she needs to be in an emotionally open and vulnerable space. Therapy has helped her own her imperfections, acknowledge when she is wrong, and repair any parenting mistakes. By modeling this behavior for her children, she teaches them the importance of accountability, growth, and repair in relationships.

 

Throughout her life, Megan has sought therapy during various periods of difficulty and transition. She attended group therapy with new moms to discuss the challenges of motherhood. When her father passed away, therapy provided her with the necessary support to navigate grief and the changes it brought to her family dynamics. Megan’s experience showcases how therapy can be a valuable resource during times of loss and change.

 

  • Furthermore, Megan highlights that therapy does not always have to be traditional talk therapy. There are other modalities such as energy healing and Reiki work to release tension and promote healing in the body. This shows that therapy can take many forms and individuals can find what works best for them in their own healing journey.

 

  • Megan also emphasizes the importance of finding a therapist or practitioner that one trusts and feels comfortable with. She describes her current therapist as a coach and energy healer who provides her with the support and guidance she needs at this stage of her life. This highlights the importance of finding a therapeutic relationship that aligns with one’s specific needs and goals.

 

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE SHIFTING OUR SH!T PODCAST

 

Continuting education, mindfulness, megan, bartley

Meet Megan Bayles Bartley

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Megan Bayles Bartley is a mental health and relationship expert. Over the last twenty years, she has honed her unique skills as a therapist and now shares her knowledge with you on her podcast – Shifting Our Shit. In Part 1 of this episode, she talks about her past and how she ended up becoming a therapist. Listen further to Episode 1, Part 2 where she talks about her own experience with therapy over the last 30-plus year.

About Megan.

 

In this episode, Megan addresses the common feeling of being stuck in a routine, like a hamster on a hamster wheel, and not making any progress. She acknowledges the midlife stage as a time for reassessment and reflect on whether if she has accomplished all that she has set out to do in life and if she feels fulfilled. It is normal to question what is working and what is not during this phase.

 

Megan emphasizes the importance of reclaiming one’s time, energy, and joy in order to make the most out of the second half of life. She invites listeners who resonate with these feelings to join her on this podcast journey. She introduces herself as Megan Bayles Bartley and expresses her excitement about hosting the podcast solo, though she will be accompanied by the therapy dog, Lemon Drop.

 

Megan shares her background, starting with growing up in Seattle, Washington, and attending the University of Washington. She initially wanted to become a naturopathic physician and created her own major called Community Health Management. However, after struggling with hard science classes, she switched gears and explored art as a potential career path. Eventually, her interest in wellness versus illness led her to pursue a degree in marriage and family therapy at the Presbyterian seminary in Louisville, Kentucky.

 

During her time in Tucson, Arizona, working for the Presbyterian Church, Megan discovered her passion for listening, talking, and counseling while interacting with students at the University of Arizona. This experience prompted her to pursue a career as a therapist. With the church’s support, she applied to a seminary program that offered a degree in marriage and family therapy. This field aligned with her systemic approach, focusing on understanding individuals within the context of her various systems and influences.

 

Megan moved to Louisville, Kentucky, to pursue her master’s degree and had a great experience. She met her husband while in Louisville but eventually moved to Austin, Texas, where she practiced as a therapist for 11 years. Nine years ago, they returned to Louisville and started her solo therapy practice.

 

The podcast episode ends with Megan’s introduction to the upcoming season, where she will explore mindfulness and the Mindfulness team. However, the overarching theme of reassessing and reclaiming one’s life remains prevalent throughout the episode.

 

Finding peace in midlife.

After three years of starting a solo therapy practice in Louisville, Megan decided to expand and create the Mindfulness Center, a space for therapists to practice and develop their own practice within. 

 

The goal of the Mindfulness Center is to help people find peace, joy, and a sense of calm in their lives.

 

  • Megan shares that her own experience of being a fairly anxious person in her younger years, growing up in an emotionally unstable household, led her to become controlling and perfectionistic. She emphasizes the importance of therapy in her own life and how it has shaped her as the founding director of the Mindfulness Center.

 

  • Megan also discusses the challenges that many high-functioning individuals face as they reach their 40s and 50s. She refers to this stage as the “fuck it 40s,” where individuals may feel overwhelmed, tired, and worn out. It is a time of redefining one’s life and asking important questions about what they want out of life and how they want to live the second half of their life.

 

  • Megan acknowledges that many high achievers find it difficult to give themselves permission to not constantly achieve and to simply enjoy where they have gotten to. High achievers explore the idea of finding fulfillment in relaxation and enjoying the present moment, which can be challenging for those who are type A personalities.

 

  • The episode also touches on the idea of preparing for the future, such as when children leave the house and exploring new opportunities for travel or personal growth. Megan discusses her own mindset of always looking for the next challenge and how she enjoys taking on home improvement projects.

 

Prioritize self-awareness as a therapist.

Therapists play a crucial role in helping individuals navigate through their emotional and mental struggles. They provide support, guidance, and tools for personal growth and healing. However, it is essential for therapists to prioritize self-awareness in their own lives. This podcast episode emphasizes the significance of therapists seeking their own therapy and being self-aware in their practice.

 

  • One of the main reasons therapists could prioritize self-awareness is to ensure they are providing the best possible care to their clients. By engaging in therapy themselves, therapists gain insight into their own emotions, triggers, and biases. This self-reflection allows them to better understand their clients’ experiences and offer more empathetic and effective treatment. It also helps therapists recognize and address any personal issues that may interfere with their ability to provide unbiased and objective support.

 

  • Moreover, therapists who prioritize self-awareness are more likely to be high-functioning professionals. Megan mentions that clients may not go further than their therapists have gone, suggesting that therapists need to continuously challenge themselves and strive for personal growth. Being aware of their own emotional state and personal limitations allows therapists to better manage their own well-being and prevent burnout. It also enables them to model healthy coping mechanisms and resilience for their clients.

 

  • Furthermore, self-aware therapists are better equipped to handle the complexities and nuances of therapy. As Megan suggests, therapists who are emotionally aware can adapt to the ever-changing dynamics of each session. They can respond appropriately to their clients’ needs and emotions, creating a safe and supportive environment for healing. By being self-aware, therapists can also recognize when they need to seek consultation or refer clients to other professionals who may be better suited to address specific issues.

 

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE SHIFTING OUR SH!T PODCAST

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