Real Life Creative Counseling

12/08/2025

105| Why Moms Must Prioritize Self-Care (Without the Guilt) — with Dr. Katie MurphyIn this heartfelt conversation, Dr. Katie Murphy shares her journey from a thriving chiropractic career to becoming a mom navigating postpartum depression, emotional overwhelm, and a complete loss of identity. She opens up about the years she struggled silently, her breaking point, and the surprising thing that saved her: movement.Katie explains how community, accountability, mindset work, and her faith helped her rebuild her health from the inside out. Together, we explore why moms resist self-care, how diet culture shapes our beliefs, and what it means to steward our bodies—not for perfection, but for purpose.Key TakeawaysSelf-care isn’t selfish — it’s essential for living your purpose.You don’t need motivation to start; action creates motivation.Exercise can transform mental health, energy, and emotional tolerance.Diet culture complicates food and body image for moms and teens.Sustainable wellness starts small: one walk, one meal, one choice.Highlighted Quotes“If I don’t take care of myself, I can’t love my people from a whole place.”“Motivation doesn’t come first — actions come first.”“My kids watched me change, and it changed them too.”“Movement saved me from depression.”Self-care for moms, postpartum depression, mom burnout, faith and motherhood, healthy habits, movement for mental health, diet culture, mom guilt, holistic wellnessDr. Katie’s Website + 20 Free Recipes: www.flourish-health-coaching.comKatie Mae Murphy (Instagram + Facebook)Dr. Katie Murphy is a chiropractor, coach, and mom of four daughters. She helps women develop practical, grace-filled approaches to self-care, movement, and healthy living by focusing on mindset, realistic habits, and faith-led transformation. Learn more at: flourish-health-coaching.comAmy Grace is a licensed therapist, course creator, author and podcast host, centering everything she does on one mission—supporting moms to be happy, healthy, thriving, supermoms. For more information about all her offerings and resources, check her out at www.amygrace.bio.This episode discusses depression, burnout, and emotional overwhelm. If you are experiencing significant distress or thoughts of harming yourself or others, please reach out to a mental health professional or crisis resource immediately. This podcast is not therapy and does not create a therapist–client relationship.

11/23/2025

Holiday gatherings can be magical… and also full of little moments that test every bit of your patience. These reminders will help you protect your peace and your people this season. 💛

11/23/2025

Your boundaries are the most important things to bring to your family Holiday Gatherings. Check out some of my tips on this here.

Learn practical, compassionate holiday boundary strategies to protect your peace and support your family during gatherings. A grounded guide for overwhelmed moms.

11/17/2025

101| From Survival to Self-Compassion: Michele Hoover's Journey to Overcoming Chronic Illness & ComparisonIn this inspiring conversation, Amy Grace chats with coach and mother Michele Hoover about the emotional and physical challenges she faced as a young mom battling chronic illness, isolation, and relentless self-comparison. Michele shares how years of feeling unseen and unsupported led her into deep burnout—and how nervous system regulation, mindset work, and emotional healing transformed her approach to motherhood.You’ll hear real talk on imperfect parenting, attachment styles, people-pleasing, and the surprising power of silly moments on a living room floor. If you’ve ever felt like you’re not enough, this episode will leave you feeling validated, understood, and inspired to start showing yourself the same compassion you offer everyone else.Key TakeawaysChronic illness and unrecognized stress often go hand-in-hand—especially for moms constantly in survival mode.Comparison is a major motherhood trap that can lead to disconnection and self-doubt.Nervous system regulation is a critical (and often missing) piece of healing and parenting with peace.Repair and vulnerability in parenting—especially with teens—can transform relationships.Shifting “I should” to “I could” creates space for self-compassion and intention.Kids don’t expect perfection—they need love, presence, and repair.Embracing your imperfections helps your kids feel safe embracing theirs.Key Quotes:From Michele Hoover:“I was in survival mode for years without even realizing it.”“Comparison is the thief of connection—not just with others, but with yourself.”“There is no expectation from your children for you to be perfect. They just want to know they are loved.”“The compassion you give everyone else becomes your superpower when you turn it inward.”“You’re not failing. You’re just carrying an expectation backpack that isn’t even yours.”From Amy Grace:“Instead of focusing on the highlight reel, we so often get stuck in our outtakes.”“Yes, your kid might need therapy. So do we all—and that doesn’t mean you failed as a mom.”“Our biggest weaknesses are often the flip side of our greatest strengths.”“I will hold on to hope when you can’t.”Michele Hoover is a coach, educator, and mom of two teens who helps women reconnect with themselves by integrating mindset coaching, attachment theory, and nervous system regulation. After years of chronic illness, burnout, and perfectionism, Michele transformed her life and now supports others in doing the same. She’s passionate about helping moms release shame, rebuild identity, and rediscover joy in motherhood through deep compassion and connection.Michele’s Website: ⁠www.michelehoovercoaching.com⁠Free Resource: Five Teas to Tame Overwhelm — find it on her websiteAbout Your Host:Amy Grace is the heart behind Everyday Supermoms, a podcast that inspires and empowers mothers by sharing diverse stories of resilience and connection. As a licensed therapist, she supports moms through all stages of motherhood with transformative therapy intensives and signature courses like The Motherhood Mindset Reset and Create Your Own Motherhood. A mom of six, Amy draws from her own journey—from single parenting to blended families—to create a community where mothers can embrace their unique paths with confidence and grace.🔗 For more info and your FREE Embracing Your Inner Supermom Workbook, visit www.everydaysupermoms.com💌 Never Miss an Episode: Sign up here to get weekly updates, summaries, and mom-life tips.
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/amy-grace4/episodes/101-From-Survival-to-Self-Compassion-Michele-Hoovers-Journey-to-Overcoming-Chronic-Illness--Comparison-e3b32vu

11/13/2025

100!| The Five Truths Every Supermom LearnsAmy marks 100 episodes with the core lessons moms repeat: expectations rarely match reality; you get to create your own version of motherhood; self-care is essential maintenance, not indulgence; community is non-negotiable; and resilience blooms when you hold the “ands” of motherhood—hard and beautiful. Key TakeawaysExpectations vs. reality is where struggle and growth are born. “Create your own motherhood”—ditch the box, tailor rhythms to your strengths. Self-care = daily maintenance (sleep, nourishment, support), not just spa days. Build a village—moms were never meant to do this solo. Hold the “ands”: tired and thankful; overwhelmed and proud. Highlighted Quotes“Being a supermom isn’t about doing it all. It’s about doing it with purpose.” “Resilience is the superpower.” “You are allowed to be tired and thankful.” Keywordsmotherhood expectations, self-care for moms, build your village, resilience, emotional flexibility, Supermom identity, mom mental healthResources MentionedSupermom Resource Bundle Everyday Supermoms website topic search (postpartum, empty nest, etc.). NEW PROGRAM: Supermom Sisterhood Coaching CommunityAbout the HostAmy Grace is a licensed therapist, course creator, author and podcast host, centering everything she does on one mission—supporting moms to be happy, healthy, thriving, supermoms. For more information about all her offerings and resources, check her out at www.amygrace.bio.
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/amy-grace4/episodes/100--The-Five-Truths-Every-Supermom-Learns-e3at7fd

11/10/2025

98| From Greed to Gratitude: Growing Thankfulness in Your Home- Supermom ShortBetween Halloween sugar highs and December wish lists, November is the sweet spot to build real-deal gratitude—not as a holiday task, but a heart habit. Amy shares how gratitude lowers anxiety, strengthens relationships, and trains our brains to spot what’s good—then walks through simple family practices you can start today: table prompts, gratitude jars, weekly thank-you notes, mindful family walks, charitable giving, and the flip-the-list “already-have” exercise.Key TakeawaysGratitude reduces stress and anxiety and refocuses attention on “what is,” not “what if.”Kids who practice gratitude tend to be happier, more empathetic, and sleep better.Make it practical: dinner-table prompts, gratitude jars, weekly thank-you notes, mindful walks, and “already-have” lists.Highlighted Quotes“Gratitude is one of those invisible superpowers that makes life feel lighter.”“The truth is that gratitude isn’t something we teach once—it’s something we live.”“Between the sugar and the shopping, make space for the sweetness of gratitude.”KeywordsGratitude for kids, family gratitude practices, anxiety relief for moms, mindfulness for families, thank-you notes, gratitude jar, November gratitude, already-have list, Everyday Supermoms podcast, Amy GraceResources Mentioned Operation Christmas Child (shoebox giving)About the HostAmy Grace is a licensed therapist, course creator, author and podcast host, centering everything she does on one mission—supporting moms to be happy, healthy, thriving, supermoms. For more information about all her offerings and resources, check her out at www.amygrace.bio.
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/amy-grace4/episodes/98-From-Greed-to-Gratitude-Growing-Thankfulness-in-Your-Home--Supermom-Short-e3ao16l

11/03/2025

97| Redefining Motherhood in Midlife: Tamara Cortoos on Purpose, Resilience and RenewalIn this week’s Everyday Supermoms episode, Amy Grace chats with Tamara Cortoos, a mother of two, entrepreneur, and founder of the Midlife Crossroads Academy. Tamara shares her journey of becoming a mom later in life after IVF, raising her son and daughter abroad without family support, and eventually moving back to Belgium to give her children roots and connection with their grandparents.She opens up about the challenges of motherhood—especially letting go of control as her kids grow older, navigating conflict with a child who is just like her, and facing an identity shift in her forties. Tamara vulnerably shares how she grappled with midlife struggles like comparing herself to others, questioning her career path, and confronting ageism when she tried to start over professionally.Her story led her to create the Midlife Crossroads Academy, a coaching platform that helps women navigate midlife transitions with confidence, purpose, and self-compassion. This episode is filled with wisdom and hope for any mom wondering who she is beyond motherhood and what her next chapter could look like.Key Takeaways:Motherhood at any age comes with unique challenges. Tamara shares her perspective of becoming a mom at 37 and 39, including the joys and the struggles.Comparison is a thief of joy. Midlife often brings questions like “Who am I?” and “What’s next?”—and it’s easy to feel behind.Letting go of control is key. Parenting kids who mirror your own personality can be hard, but leaning into open communication helps build trust.Midlife isn’t just an ending—it’s a transformation. It’s a time to release old definitions of success and embrace new purpose and creativity.Community and roots matter. Returning to Belgium gave Tamara’s children a chance to know their grandparents and feel a sense of belonging.There’s hope on the other side. Studies show happiness follows a U-curve in life, often dipping in the mid-40s before rising again in later years.Key Quotes:“Every country has its pros and cons, but you can make home anywhere you go.” – Tamara Cortoos“I wasn’t entirely sure I was ready for kids at 37, but I knew I’d regret it if I didn’t.” – Tamara Cortoos“I kept thinking, I have everything I wanted, but it still doesn’t feel like enough.” – Tamara Cortoos“The biggest sign you’re in midlife is realizing your time isn’t infinite.” – Tamara Cortoos“As moms, we’re often in perimenopause at the same time our kids hit puberty—sometimes it feels cruel, but it’s also a chance to grow.” – Amy Grace“If we can go back to our kids after conflict and say, ‘I was wrong there,’ we’re teaching them how to build healthier relationships.” – Amy GraceTamara is a life coach, entrepreneur, and founder of the Midlife Crossroads Academy, where she helps women navigate the often-overlooked challenges of midlife with confidence and clarity. A mom of two, she became a parent later in life after her own journey with IVF, and has lived in Belgium, Spain, London, and Australia. Drawing on her experiences with motherhood, career transitions, and overcoming ageism, Tamara empowers women to let go of limiting beliefs, embrace their unique strengths, and create lives full of purpose, growth, and belonging.Midlife Crossroads Academy – ⁠midlifecrossroadsacademy.com⁠ Connect with Tamara on ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠LinkedIn⁠ About Your Host:Amy Grace is the heart behind Everyday Supermoms, a podcast that inspires and empowers mothers by sharing diverse stories of resilience and connection. As a licensed therapist, she supports moms through all stages of motherhood with transformative therapy intensives and signature courses like The Motherhood Mindset Reset and Create Your Own Motherhood. A mom of six, Amy draws from her own journey—from single parenting to blended families—to create a community where mothers can embrace their unique paths with confidence and grace.👉 For more info and your FREE Embracing Your Inner Supermom Workbook, visit www.everydaysupermoms.com.
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/amy-grace4/episodes/97-Redefining-Motherhood-in-Midlife-Tamara-Cortoos-on-Purpose--Resilience-and-Renewal-e37re0h

10/30/2025

96| Top 5 Fears of Moms (and What Actually Helps)- Supermom ShortIn this bite-size Halloween episode, Amy explores five very real fears most moms face—I’m not doing enough, I’m messing up my kids, I’ll lose myself in motherhood, something bad will happen to my kids, and I’ll never get it all together—and offers calm, doable practices for each. Expect reframes, “good enough” mantras, rhythm over balance, and grounded safety steps you can use today.Key TakeawaysSwap perfection for presence: My presence matters more than perfection.Repair over perfection: Imperfect moments become resilience lessons when we model apology and self-compassion.Identity evolves: Schedule non‑negotiables that light you up; design a motherhood that fits you.Turn anxiety into action: Safety plans + problem-solving; then release what you can’t control.Trade “daily balance” for seasonal rhythm; ask for help, use small resets.Highlighted Quotes“Fear will always show up where love lives—walk with it, don’t let it drive the car.”“You cannot be brave if you’re not afraid.”“My presence matters more than perfection.”Keywordsmom anxiety, guilt, perfectionism, resilience, identity in motherhood, safety planning, rhythm over balance, mental load, self-compassion, repairResources Mentioned (max 3)988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline — Call or text 988 (U.S.)National Maternal Mental Health Hotline — 1‑833‑9‑HELP4MOMS (1‑833‑943‑5746)Postpartum Support International — www.postpartum.netAbout the HostAmy Grace is a licensed therapist, course creator, author and podcast host, centering everything she does on one mission—supporting moms to be happy, healthy, thriving, supermoms. For more information about all her offerings and resources, check her out at www.amygrace.bio.
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/amy-grace4/episodes/96-Top-5-Fears-of-Moms-and-What-Actually-Helps--Supermom-Short-e3a9eun

10/28/2025

94| The Invisible Superpowers of MomsAmy shines a light on the invisible work that keeps families running—scheduling, driving, forms, logistical planning, and the constant mental tabs moms keep open. She shares personal stories (including recovering from two knee surgeries) that made the “invisible” suddenly visible to her family, and offers language, validation, and a practical nudge to celebrate one unseen task this week. Key TakeawaysThe “invisible load” includes both tasks and the thinking behind them—planning, anticipating needs, remembering details. Much of a mom’s work is only noticed when it stops getting done (illness, travel, recovery). Amy describes this as the “emotional architecture” of family life—unseen beams that hold the house together. Many moms serve as the “default parent,” which compounds stress, sleep disruption, and emotional exhaustion. Gentle assignment: notice and celebrate one invisible thing you do—and point it out to your people. Highlighted Quotes“Invisible doesn’t mean unimportant. It means essential.” “So often the only time our invisible work is seen is when we can’t do it.” “This is the emotional architecture—unseen beams holding the family together.” Keywordsinvisible load, mental labor, default parent, emotional labor, motherhood stress, mom burnout, unseen work, family systems, validation for moms, boundariesAmy's Children's BookMy Dad Knows a Superhero is a beautiful picture book that highlights the often unseen superpowers of moms and celebrates moms as the superheroes they are. Buy it now for your kids, or for the amazing moms in your life. Buy it on AmazonAbout the HostAmy Grace is a licensed therapist, course creator, author and podcast host, centering everything she does on one mission—supporting moms to be happy, healthy, thriving, supermoms. For more information about all her offerings and resources, check her out at www.amygrace.bio.
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/amy-grace4/episodes/94-The-Invisible-Superpowers-of-Moms-e3a4t0m

10/27/2025

95| From High-Achiever to Wholehearted Mom: How Kate Kripke Found Her “Calm Connection” in MotherhoodWhat happens when your idea of motherhood doesn’t match your reality? In this heartfelt conversation, Amy Grace sits down with Kate Kripke, a therapist and motherhood coach, to explore what it really means to be a “good mom” . Kate shares her personal journey of growing up with high-achieving parents, experiencing postpartum anxiety after the birth of her first daughter, and eventually creating the Calm Connection System—a 12-week program to help mothers build secure attachment with their children while caring for themselves .Kate explains the difference between living in achievement brain versus connection brain, and why many mothers struggle when reality doesn’t match their expectations. She offers compassionate wisdom on how to let go of perfectionism, normalize the full range of emotions in motherhood, and embrace the power of slowing down.This episode is an invitation to remember that being a supermom isn’t about doing it all—it’s about feeling grounded, connected, and trusting that both you and your children are truly okay.Key Takeaways:Your childhood shapes your motherhood. Growing up around perfectionism and anxiety can impact how you parent—but you can rewrite that script .Postpartum anxiety is common. Struggling in motherhood doesn’t mean something is “wrong” with you—it means you’re human .Achievement brain vs. connection brain. Doing more isn’t the key to being a good mom; learning to slow down and connect is .Resilience starts with self-compassion. Taking care of your own inner world equips you to support your kids when they face hard emotions .Secure attachment is about presence, not perfection. Children thrive when they feel seen, loved, and safe—even when life is messy .Key Quotes“The emotional air our parents breathe out is the emotional air we breathe in—and our kids are breathing us in too.”“I was pumping every two hours, trying to get it right, because I believed if I didn’t, something was wrong with me.”“We keep asking: can women do it all? But that’s the wrong question. The real question is: how do I want to feel in motherhood?”“It’s not the doing that makes us good moms. It’s our ability to be steady when life feels messy.”“If I can believe that I’m okay, then I can trust that my kids are okay too.”About Today's Supermom GuestKate Kripke is a licensed clinical social worker, maternal mental health expert, and coach dedicated to helping women break free from perfectionism and thrive in both motherhood and life. After experiencing postpartum anxiety herself, she founded the Postpartum Wellness Center of Boulder and later created the Calm Connection System, a 12-week program helping moms build secure attachments with their children while cultivating self-trust and emotional resilience. A sought-after speaker and author, Kate empowers high-achieving women to step out of the “do it all” mentality and embrace the joy, messiness, and magic of motherhood .Kate's Website:

10/23/2025

💜 If you’re reading this and something in your heart feels heavy… please know: love should never hurt, isolate, or make you afraid.
You deserve to feel safe, seen, and supported — always.
If your relationship feels controlling, demeaning, or unsafe, you don’t have to face it alone. Tell someone safe — a trusted friend, family member, counselor, or advocate. You are not a burden, and you do not need to have it “all figured out” before reaching out.
Speaking up isn’t betrayal. It’s courage. It’s the first step toward reclaiming your safety and peace.
💬 You can always contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or chat at thehotline.org.
You are worthy of love that never makes you afraid. 💜

10/22/2025

💜 October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and it’s a powerful time to remember: ending domestic violence isn’t only about awareness — it’s about action.

If you’re wondering how you can help make a difference — here are 4 practical ways that matter:

1️⃣ Believe & listen. If someone you know shares a story of abuse, start by saying: “I hear you. I believe you. You aren’t alone.” Never dismiss what they share. Also, if you see something suspicious, like a friend with more bruises than seem ok or suddenly acting differently, don't just ignore it, ask questions.

2️⃣ Educate yourself. Understand what abuse can look like — not just physical violence, but emotional, financial, digital, and controlling behaviors too. Learn more about the signs of domestic violence so you can be on the lookout.

3️⃣ Offer concrete support. Help someone find resources: contact numbers, a safe ride, a friend who’s also there. Support the local shelters, crisis lines and organisations in your community. Even offering your couch to a friend can be the difference that helps them get and stay safe.

4️⃣ Challenge culture & conversations. Speak up when you hear harmful comments, glossy “perfect relationship” messages, or dismissals of someone’s fear. Changing attitudes changes outcomes. Don't normalize toxic relationships- yes all relationships have issues, but no relationship should be unsafe.

Every single one of us has a role — whether we’ve experienced this ourselves, know someone who has, or simply care about making a difference.

If you’re a mom, a friend, a neighbor — your voice matters. Drop a 💜 in the comments to show you’re standing with survivors.

And if you or someone you know needs help, you’re not alone. Reach out. 1-800-799-7233. You deserve safety, love and support.