On Navigating the Abyss: Parenting Alchemy for Kids in Crisis Fri, 05 Jun 2026 12:07:18 +0100 http://www.onnavigatingtheabyss.com en-gb © 2026 On Navigating the Abyss: Parenting Alchemy for Kids in Crisis yes f5739f99-9fbe-56ea-a65e-e3a802f5d34b teapotter@me.com Teri Potter & Catherine Borgman-Arboleda serial false Teri Potter and Catherine Borgman-Arboleda are both Conscious Parenting coaches and mothers that have had difficult journeys supporting their adolescent daughters through mental health and substance misuse struggles. They candidly discuss their own experiences, the inner work that has helped them to find peace, freedom and the ability to draw on deeper sources of wisdom that they initially weren't aware of.  They draw from the work of Dr. Shefali Tsabary and Dr, Gabor Maté, who they have trained with, as well as many of the great wisdom teachers. Their aim is bring a new lens for parenting struggling kids,  and provide  concrete approaches and tools to support parents in making internal shifts that will in turn contribute to their ability to engage with, and guide,  their young people. 

TERI
Website:  https://teripotter.com
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/teripottercoach/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/teripottercoach

email: teri@teripotter.com


CATHERINE
Website: https://www.collaborative-insights.com/conscious-coaching
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collaborative_insights_coach/
email: catherine@collaborative-insights.com


]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) parenting, kids in crisis, teens, adolescents, teenagers, mental health, substance misuse, self-harm, connection, consciousness, conscious parenting, compassionate inquiry, Teri Potter & Catherine Borgman-Arboleda teapotter@me.com https://storage.buzzsprout.com/6eas5lilk8rakop019u75525zn1x?.jpg On Navigating the Abyss: Parenting Alchemy for Kids in Crisis http://www.onnavigatingtheabyss.com Catherine Borgman-Arboleda Teri Potter What If Connection Is The Intervention (Caya's story - Part 2) What If Connection Is The Intervention (Caya's story - Part 2) Interview with Caya - Part 2

A hip infection lands Caya in hospital and, unexpectedly, becomes the interruption that addiction could not talk its way around. From that bed, she and I have a clear eyed conversation about what actually moved her towards recovery and what did not, including the painful truth many parents learn the hard way: you can love fiercely, you can set limits, you can offer treatment options, but you cannot force someone into lasting sobriety without their own agency.

We dig into the most agonising parenting dilemma: when your teen or young adult is using substances and making dangerous choices, how do you decide between stepping in and stepping back? Caya shares why having things taken away often fuelled rebellion, why withdrawal fear keeps people trapped, and when external pressure might be appropriate if someone is genuinely unable to get through detox safely. We also talk about money boundaries, “enabling” versus stabilising support, and why meaningful structure like school can strengthen a young person’s belief that they can do hard things.

Most of all, we challenge the myth that cold distance heals. Caya explains why tough love can deepen shame and isolation, and why connection, honest truth telling, and being an available person can be a lifeline during addiction and mental health crisis. We close with what comes next: rehab, rebuilding a relationship with her body, and her plans to explore ibogaine as part of treatment.

Subscribe, share this with a parent who needs it, and leave a review. What boundary or act of connection has been hardest for you to hold?

TERI
Website:  https://teripotter.com
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/teripotterpathways/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/teripotterpathways

teri@teripotter.com

CATHERINE
Website: https://www.collaborative-insights.com/conscious-coaching
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collaborative_insights_coach/

catherine@collaborative-insights.com

Resources:

- Conscious Parenting (Dr. Shefali Tsabary)
- Compassionate Inquiry (Dr. Gabor Maté, Sat Dharam Kaur)

Here are a few international resources:

  • United States: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or text HOME to 741741
  • United Kingdom: Samaritans: 116 123
  • Canada: Crisis Services Canada: 1-833-456-4566 or text 45645
  • Australia: Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14
  • International Helplines: Please visit www.suicide.org/international-suicide-hotlines.html for a full list of helplines worldwide.
  • https://www.helpguide.org/find-help

Please remember, there is always support available, and reaching out can be the first step in finding help. You are not alone, and support is there for you and your family.

]]> Interview with Caya - Part 2

A hip infection lands Caya in hospital and, unexpectedly, becomes the interruption that addiction could not talk its way around. From that bed, she and I have a clear eyed conversation about what actually moved her towards recovery and what did not, including the painful truth many parents learn the hard way: you can love fiercely, you can set limits, you can offer treatment options, but you cannot force someone into lasting sobriety without their own agency.

We dig into the most agonising parenting dilemma: when your teen or young adult is using substances and making dangerous choices, how do you decide between stepping in and stepping back? Caya shares why having things taken away often fuelled rebellion, why withdrawal fear keeps people trapped, and when external pressure might be appropriate if someone is genuinely unable to get through detox safely. We also talk about money boundaries, “enabling” versus stabilising support, and why meaningful structure like school can strengthen a young person’s belief that they can do hard things.

Most of all, we challenge the myth that cold distance heals. Caya explains why tough love can deepen shame and isolation, and why connection, honest truth telling, and being an available person can be a lifeline during addiction and mental health crisis. We close with what comes next: rehab, rebuilding a relationship with her body, and her plans to explore ibogaine as part of treatment.

Subscribe, share this with a parent who needs it, and leave a review. What boundary or act of connection has been hardest for you to hold?

TERI
Website:  https://teripotter.com
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/teripotterpathways/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/teripotterpathways

teri@teripotter.com

CATHERINE
Website: https://www.collaborative-insights.com/conscious-coaching
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collaborative_insights_coach/

catherine@collaborative-insights.com

Resources:

- Conscious Parenting (Dr. Shefali Tsabary)
- Compassionate Inquiry (Dr. Gabor Maté, Sat Dharam Kaur)

Here are a few international resources:

  • United States: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or text HOME to 741741
  • United Kingdom: Samaritans: 116 123
  • Canada: Crisis Services Canada: 1-833-456-4566 or text 45645
  • Australia: Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14
  • International Helplines: Please visit www.suicide.org/international-suicide-hotlines.html for a full list of helplines worldwide.
  • https://www.helpguide.org/find-help

Please remember, there is always support available, and reaching out can be the first step in finding help. You are not alone, and support is there for you and your family.

]]> Teri Potter & Catherine Borgman-Arboleda Buzzsprout-18847060 Sun, 15 Mar 2026 20:00:00 +0000 1070 full false 11. Caya's Story - A Young Person's Insights Around Parenting, Mental Health and Addiction 11. Caya's Story - A Young Person's Insights Around Parenting, Mental Health and Addiction What if the bravest thing a parent can do is listen without trying to fix? Teri Potter and Catherine Borgman-Arboleda sit down with Catherine's daughter, Caya, who has lived the realities of anxiety, addiction, and the mental health system. Her candour cuts through platitudes as she explains how algorithms fuel risk, why peer groups often shape choices more than families, and what actually helps when a teen is spiralling: non‑judgmental curiosity, consistent safety, and love that doesn’t withdraw when the truth gets messy.

We dig into the hard stuff many households whisper about. Addiction is framed not as a failure but as an adaptation to pain, with ACEs research offering context for compassionate responses. We examine treatment models from wilderness therapy to long outpatient programmes, naming both helpful tools and harmful dynamics like level hierarchies, punitive silencing, and snitch‑for‑privilege cultures. Along the way, we challenge how diagnoses can box in young people, especially when culture, race, language, and family stress are ignored. Instead, we advocate for care that protects agency, invites choice, and treats dignity as a clinical intervention.

There’s grounded hope here too. We talk about simple self‑care rituals—music, running, walking, being in nature—that steady the nervous system and make room for honest conversation. We celebrate mentors who show up as humans, parents who apologise and stay, and a generation that speaks more openly with less shame. If you’re a parent, carer, or professional looking for practical ways to connect with a struggling teen—and language that keeps the door open—this conversation offers clarity and courage you can use today.

If this resonated, follow the show, share with a friend who needs it, and leave a review to help more families find these tools. Your stories and questions shape what we explore next—what’s the one thing you want us to unpack?

TERI
Website:  https://teripotter.com
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/teripotterpathways/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/teripotterpathways

teri@teripotter.com

CATHERINE
Website: https://www.collaborative-insights.com/conscious-coaching
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collaborative_insights_coach/

catherine@collaborative-insights.com

Resources:

- Conscious Parenting (Dr. Shefali Tsabary)
- Compassionate Inquiry (Dr. Gabor Maté, Sat Dharam Kaur)

Here are a few international resources:

  • United States: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or text HOME to 741741
  • United Kingdom: Samaritans: 116 123
  • Canada: Crisis Services Canada: 1-833-456-4566 or text 45645
  • Australia: Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14
  • International Helplines: Please visit www.suicide.org/international-suicide-hotlines.html for a full list of helplines worldwide.
  • https://www.helpguide.org/find-help

Please remember, there is always support available, and reaching out can be the first step in finding help. You are not alone, and support is there for you and your family.

]]> What if the bravest thing a parent can do is listen without trying to fix? Teri Potter and Catherine Borgman-Arboleda sit down with Catherine's daughter, Caya, who has lived the realities of anxiety, addiction, and the mental health system. Her candour cuts through platitudes as she explains how algorithms fuel risk, why peer groups often shape choices more than families, and what actually helps when a teen is spiralling: non‑judgmental curiosity, consistent safety, and love that doesn’t withdraw when the truth gets messy.

We dig into the hard stuff many households whisper about. Addiction is framed not as a failure but as an adaptation to pain, with ACEs research offering context for compassionate responses. We examine treatment models from wilderness therapy to long outpatient programmes, naming both helpful tools and harmful dynamics like level hierarchies, punitive silencing, and snitch‑for‑privilege cultures. Along the way, we challenge how diagnoses can box in young people, especially when culture, race, language, and family stress are ignored. Instead, we advocate for care that protects agency, invites choice, and treats dignity as a clinical intervention.

There’s grounded hope here too. We talk about simple self‑care rituals—music, running, walking, being in nature—that steady the nervous system and make room for honest conversation. We celebrate mentors who show up as humans, parents who apologise and stay, and a generation that speaks more openly with less shame. If you’re a parent, carer, or professional looking for practical ways to connect with a struggling teen—and language that keeps the door open—this conversation offers clarity and courage you can use today.

If this resonated, follow the show, share with a friend who needs it, and leave a review to help more families find these tools. Your stories and questions shape what we explore next—what’s the one thing you want us to unpack?

TERI
Website:  https://teripotter.com
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/teripotterpathways/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/teripotterpathways

teri@teripotter.com

CATHERINE
Website: https://www.collaborative-insights.com/conscious-coaching
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collaborative_insights_coach/

catherine@collaborative-insights.com

Resources:

- Conscious Parenting (Dr. Shefali Tsabary)
- Compassionate Inquiry (Dr. Gabor Maté, Sat Dharam Kaur)

Here are a few international resources:

  • United States: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or text HOME to 741741
  • United Kingdom: Samaritans: 116 123
  • Canada: Crisis Services Canada: 1-833-456-4566 or text 45645
  • Australia: Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14
  • International Helplines: Please visit www.suicide.org/international-suicide-hotlines.html for a full list of helplines worldwide.
  • https://www.helpguide.org/find-help

Please remember, there is always support available, and reaching out can be the first step in finding help. You are not alone, and support is there for you and your family.

]]> Teri Potter & Catherine Borgman-Arboleda Buzzsprout-18337931 Thu, 11 Dec 2025 17:00:00 +0000 2006 1 11 full false 10. A Path Forward - Conscious Parenting for Struggling Teens 10. A Path Forward - Conscious Parenting for Struggling Teens What if the way forward with your struggling teen isn't through control, but through connection? Catherine's powerful new guide "Conscious Parenting: Struggling Teens" offers a compassionate framework for parents feeling overwhelmed by their teenager's challenges.

We often believe good parenting means fixing our children's problems. Yet Catherine reveals how this approach can actually deepen disconnection, sending the unintended message that our teens are incapable of navigating their own journey. Instead, she guides us toward a revolutionary understanding: our regulated nervous system becomes the foundation from which our teens learn to regulate themselves.

Through personal stories and practical wisdom, Catherine illuminates how looking beneath behaviours to identify emotional needs creates lasting change. "We shift the behaviour by addressing the need," she explains, offering specific techniques for slowing down and accessing our "wiser self" in triggering moments. Her insights on conscious boundaries help clarify what we're truly trying to protect, distinguishing between cultural expectations and personal values.

Perhaps most transformative is Catherine's reframing of parental responsibility. Moving from "I'm responsible for my child's wellbeing and life path" to recognising "she has her own path that I can't conceive of" creates space for both parent and teen to thrive. This shift from fear to possibility reminds us that our children's current struggles may become meaningful parts of their unique story.

Download Catherine's free guide through this link and discover how to parent from presence rather than panic. As she beautifully reminds us, finding our own joy even during difficult parenting seasons isn't selfish—it's essential both for ourselves and as a model for our teens.

TERI
Website:  https://teripotter.com
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/teripotterpathways/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/teripotterpathways

teri@teripotter.com

CATHERINE
Website: https://www.collaborative-insights.com/conscious-coaching
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collaborative_insights_coach/

catherine@collaborative-insights.com

Resources:

- Conscious Parenting (Dr. Shefali Tsabary)
- Compassionate Inquiry (Dr. Gabor Maté, Sat Dharam Kaur)

Here are a few international resources:

  • United States: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or text HOME to 741741
  • United Kingdom: Samaritans: 116 123
  • Canada: Crisis Services Canada: 1-833-456-4566 or text 45645
  • Australia: Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14
  • International Helplines: Please visit www.suicide.org/international-suicide-hotlines.html for a full list of helplines worldwide.
  • https://www.helpguide.org/find-help

Please remember, there is always support available, and reaching out can be the first step in finding help. You are not alone, and support is there for you and your family.

]]> What if the way forward with your struggling teen isn't through control, but through connection? Catherine's powerful new guide "Conscious Parenting: Struggling Teens" offers a compassionate framework for parents feeling overwhelmed by their teenager's challenges.

We often believe good parenting means fixing our children's problems. Yet Catherine reveals how this approach can actually deepen disconnection, sending the unintended message that our teens are incapable of navigating their own journey. Instead, she guides us toward a revolutionary understanding: our regulated nervous system becomes the foundation from which our teens learn to regulate themselves.

Through personal stories and practical wisdom, Catherine illuminates how looking beneath behaviours to identify emotional needs creates lasting change. "We shift the behaviour by addressing the need," she explains, offering specific techniques for slowing down and accessing our "wiser self" in triggering moments. Her insights on conscious boundaries help clarify what we're truly trying to protect, distinguishing between cultural expectations and personal values.

Perhaps most transformative is Catherine's reframing of parental responsibility. Moving from "I'm responsible for my child's wellbeing and life path" to recognising "she has her own path that I can't conceive of" creates space for both parent and teen to thrive. This shift from fear to possibility reminds us that our children's current struggles may become meaningful parts of their unique story.

Download Catherine's free guide through this link and discover how to parent from presence rather than panic. As she beautifully reminds us, finding our own joy even during difficult parenting seasons isn't selfish—it's essential both for ourselves and as a model for our teens.

TERI
Website:  https://teripotter.com
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/teripotterpathways/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/teripotterpathways

teri@teripotter.com

CATHERINE
Website: https://www.collaborative-insights.com/conscious-coaching
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collaborative_insights_coach/

catherine@collaborative-insights.com

Resources:

- Conscious Parenting (Dr. Shefali Tsabary)
- Compassionate Inquiry (Dr. Gabor Maté, Sat Dharam Kaur)

Here are a few international resources:

  • United States: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or text HOME to 741741
  • United Kingdom: Samaritans: 116 123
  • Canada: Crisis Services Canada: 1-833-456-4566 or text 45645
  • Australia: Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14
  • International Helplines: Please visit www.suicide.org/international-suicide-hotlines.html for a full list of helplines worldwide.
  • https://www.helpguide.org/find-help

Please remember, there is always support available, and reaching out can be the first step in finding help. You are not alone, and support is there for you and your family.

]]> Teri Potter & Catherine Borgman-Arboleda Buzzsprout-17704287 Wed, 20 Aug 2025 18:00:00 +0100 2171 1 10 full false 9. Reclaiming Your Power as a Parent 9. Reclaiming Your Power as a Parent Have you ever felt paralyzed by conflicting advice about your struggling teen while your own parental voice gets drowned out? That gut-wrenching feeling of being told the "experts" know better than you do about your own child?

This raw, vulnerable conversation dives deep into how parents become disempowered when navigating mental health systems for their children. We share personal stories about moments when our desperate desire to keep our children safe led us to override our intuition and their expressed needs. The result? Solutions that sometimes created more harm than healing.

What happens when we challenge the premise that our children are broken and need fixing? What if the most powerful medicine isn't found in a therapeutic program but in reclaiming our ability to truly see, hear, and accept our children as they are?

We explore the false dichotomy often presented to parents in crisis—either institutionalize your child or risk their safety—and offer a more nuanced perspective on what healing actually requires. Through powerful examples and practical wisdom, we illuminate how treatment approaches that focus solely on behavior management often miss the core needs for safety, connection, and belonging.

The conversation invites a profound shift from fear to faith, from fixing to accompanying, from potential to possibility. We discuss reclaiming parental authority not through control, but through trusting your relational wisdom and your deep understanding of your child's spirit.

Whether you're currently navigating a crisis with your teen or simply want to strengthen your connection before difficulties arise, this episode offers compassionate guidance for remembering that you already possess the most important resource your child needs: your authentic presence and acceptance.

TERI
Website:  https://teripotter.com
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/teripotterpathways/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/teripotterpathways

teri@teripotter.com

CATHERINE
Website: https://www.collaborative-insights.com/conscious-coaching
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collaborative_insights_coach/

catherine@collaborative-insights.com

Resources:

- Conscious Parenting (Dr. Shefali Tsabary)
- Compassionate Inquiry (Dr. Gabor Maté, Sat Dharam Kaur)

Here are a few international resources:

  • United States: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or text HOME to 741741
  • United Kingdom: Samaritans: 116 123
  • Canada: Crisis Services Canada: 1-833-456-4566 or text 45645
  • Australia: Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14
  • International Helplines: Please visit www.suicide.org/international-suicide-hotlines.html for a full list of helplines worldwide.
  • https://www.helpguide.org/find-help

Please remember, there is always support available, and reaching out can be the first step in finding help. You are not alone, and support is there for you and your family.

]]> Have you ever felt paralyzed by conflicting advice about your struggling teen while your own parental voice gets drowned out? That gut-wrenching feeling of being told the "experts" know better than you do about your own child?

This raw, vulnerable conversation dives deep into how parents become disempowered when navigating mental health systems for their children. We share personal stories about moments when our desperate desire to keep our children safe led us to override our intuition and their expressed needs. The result? Solutions that sometimes created more harm than healing.

What happens when we challenge the premise that our children are broken and need fixing? What if the most powerful medicine isn't found in a therapeutic program but in reclaiming our ability to truly see, hear, and accept our children as they are?

We explore the false dichotomy often presented to parents in crisis—either institutionalize your child or risk their safety—and offer a more nuanced perspective on what healing actually requires. Through powerful examples and practical wisdom, we illuminate how treatment approaches that focus solely on behavior management often miss the core needs for safety, connection, and belonging.

The conversation invites a profound shift from fear to faith, from fixing to accompanying, from potential to possibility. We discuss reclaiming parental authority not through control, but through trusting your relational wisdom and your deep understanding of your child's spirit.

Whether you're currently navigating a crisis with your teen or simply want to strengthen your connection before difficulties arise, this episode offers compassionate guidance for remembering that you already possess the most important resource your child needs: your authentic presence and acceptance.

TERI
Website:  https://teripotter.com
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/teripotterpathways/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/teripotterpathways

teri@teripotter.com

CATHERINE
Website: https://www.collaborative-insights.com/conscious-coaching
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collaborative_insights_coach/

catherine@collaborative-insights.com

Resources:

- Conscious Parenting (Dr. Shefali Tsabary)
- Compassionate Inquiry (Dr. Gabor Maté, Sat Dharam Kaur)

Here are a few international resources:

  • United States: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or text HOME to 741741
  • United Kingdom: Samaritans: 116 123
  • Canada: Crisis Services Canada: 1-833-456-4566 or text 45645
  • Australia: Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14
  • International Helplines: Please visit www.suicide.org/international-suicide-hotlines.html for a full list of helplines worldwide.
  • https://www.helpguide.org/find-help

Please remember, there is always support available, and reaching out can be the first step in finding help. You are not alone, and support is there for you and your family.

]]> Teri Potter & Catherine Borgman-Arboleda Buzzsprout-17429436 Tue, 01 Jul 2025 17:00:00 +0100 2197 1 9 full false 8. When Your Teen Pushes You Away: Finding Balance in Difficult Relationships 8. When Your Teen Pushes You Away: Finding Balance in Difficult Relationships The moment your teenager rolls their eyes, retreats to their room, or responds with a dismissive "whatever" can trigger something deep and primal within you. That feeling of invisibility, of being taken for granted after all you've sacrificed – it's a universal parental wound that cuts especially deep for those of us raising adolescents through mental health crises.

In this raw, heartfelt conversation, we explore what happens when our teenagers need space from us and how their natural biological drive to separate often reawakens our own core wounds. We share vulnerable stories from our personal parenting journeys – from throwing Tupperware in frustration to exploding when a simple request for help with dishes is ignored – and discuss how these very human moments become opportunities for growth and connection when followed by genuine repair.

For parents of adolescents with mental health challenges, the landscape becomes even more complex. How do we maintain appropriate boundaries without sending messages that our children are broken or incapable? When is it worth enforcing expectations, and when might we need to adapt our approach to meet our teenagers where they are? We tackle these questions with nuance, offering perspectives gained through years of navigating depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicidality with our own children.

At the heart of this episode is a powerful message about strengthening your own life force as a parent. Drawing from Phil Stutz's pyramid model, we explore how nurturing your relationship with your body, building meaningful connections, and developing self-understanding through contemplative practices creates the foundation needed to parent sensitive young people through crisis.

Whether you're in the thick of adolescent struggles or preparing for the journey ahead, this conversation offers both practical tools and the comforting reminder that you're not alone. Your experiences matter, your feelings are valid, and with the right support, both you and your teenager can emerge from these challenging years with deeper connection and resilience.

TERI
Website:  https://teripotter.com
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/teripotterpathways/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/teripotterpathways

teri@teripotter.com

CATHERINE
Website: https://www.collaborative-insights.com/conscious-coaching
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collaborative_insights_coach/

catherine@collaborative-insights.com

Resources:

- Conscious Parenting (Dr. Shefali Tsabary)
- Compassionate Inquiry (Dr. Gabor Maté, Sat Dharam Kaur)

Here are a few international resources:

  • United States: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or text HOME to 741741
  • United Kingdom: Samaritans: 116 123
  • Canada: Crisis Services Canada: 1-833-456-4566 or text 45645
  • Australia: Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14
  • International Helplines: Please visit www.suicide.org/international-suicide-hotlines.html for a full list of helplines worldwide.
  • https://www.helpguide.org/find-help

Please remember, there is always support available, and reaching out can be the first step in finding help. You are not alone, and support is there for you and your family.

]]> The moment your teenager rolls their eyes, retreats to their room, or responds with a dismissive "whatever" can trigger something deep and primal within you. That feeling of invisibility, of being taken for granted after all you've sacrificed – it's a universal parental wound that cuts especially deep for those of us raising adolescents through mental health crises.

In this raw, heartfelt conversation, we explore what happens when our teenagers need space from us and how their natural biological drive to separate often reawakens our own core wounds. We share vulnerable stories from our personal parenting journeys – from throwing Tupperware in frustration to exploding when a simple request for help with dishes is ignored – and discuss how these very human moments become opportunities for growth and connection when followed by genuine repair.

For parents of adolescents with mental health challenges, the landscape becomes even more complex. How do we maintain appropriate boundaries without sending messages that our children are broken or incapable? When is it worth enforcing expectations, and when might we need to adapt our approach to meet our teenagers where they are? We tackle these questions with nuance, offering perspectives gained through years of navigating depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicidality with our own children.

At the heart of this episode is a powerful message about strengthening your own life force as a parent. Drawing from Phil Stutz's pyramid model, we explore how nurturing your relationship with your body, building meaningful connections, and developing self-understanding through contemplative practices creates the foundation needed to parent sensitive young people through crisis.

Whether you're in the thick of adolescent struggles or preparing for the journey ahead, this conversation offers both practical tools and the comforting reminder that you're not alone. Your experiences matter, your feelings are valid, and with the right support, both you and your teenager can emerge from these challenging years with deeper connection and resilience.

TERI
Website:  https://teripotter.com
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/teripotterpathways/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/teripotterpathways

teri@teripotter.com

CATHERINE
Website: https://www.collaborative-insights.com/conscious-coaching
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collaborative_insights_coach/

catherine@collaborative-insights.com

Resources:

- Conscious Parenting (Dr. Shefali Tsabary)
- Compassionate Inquiry (Dr. Gabor Maté, Sat Dharam Kaur)

Here are a few international resources:

  • United States: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or text HOME to 741741
  • United Kingdom: Samaritans: 116 123
  • Canada: Crisis Services Canada: 1-833-456-4566 or text 45645
  • Australia: Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14
  • International Helplines: Please visit www.suicide.org/international-suicide-hotlines.html for a full list of helplines worldwide.
  • https://www.helpguide.org/find-help

Please remember, there is always support available, and reaching out can be the first step in finding help. You are not alone, and support is there for you and your family.

]]> Teri Potter & Catherine Borgman-Arboleda Buzzsprout-17255119 Mon, 02 Jun 2025 16:00:00 +0100 2005 1 8 full false 7. Loving Through Substance Misuse: A Mother's Journey of Radical Acceptance 7. Loving Through Substance Misuse: A Mother's Journey of Radical Acceptance Fear grips you when your child overdoses. The nightmare every parent dreads becomes reality, and suddenly every moment feels like walking on a tightrope across an abyss.

In this deeply personal conversation, Catherine courageously shares her ongoing journey supporting her 18-year-old daughter through addiction and substance misuse, including a recent overdose that required Narcan intervention. She doesn't speak from the comfortable distance of hindsight but from the raw, vulnerable center of the storm.

What do you do when your child is an adult making choices that could kill them? How do you maintain boundaries while respecting their autonomy? Catherine explores how she's learning to process overwhelming fear rather than suppressing it, discovering that allowing herself to emotionally "collapse" actually strengthens her connection to inner wisdom. She discusses the delicate balance of establishing necessary boundaries around money and household expectations while avoiding the trap of trying to control her daughter's choices.

Perhaps most powerfully, Catherine reveals how she practices radical acceptance—embracing her current reality without resistance—while simultaneously holding a vision of her daughter's healing and possibility. This dual perspective allows her to stay present and connected while maintaining hope for the future.

For anyone supporting a loved one through addiction, mental health struggles, or other challenging circumstances, Catherine's reflections offer a compassionate roadmap for navigating seemingly impossible terrain with both love and boundaries intact. Her story reminds us that sometimes our greatest strength emerges when we surrender the illusion of control and embrace the fullness of our human experience—including our deepest fears.

Listen in, and perhaps discover that even in your darkest parenting moments, you're not as alone as you might feel.

TERI
Website:  https://teripotter.com
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/teripotterpathways/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/teripotterpathways

teri@teripotter.com

CATHERINE
Website: https://www.collaborative-insights.com/conscious-coaching
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collaborative_insights_coach/

catherine@collaborative-insights.com

Resources:

- Conscious Parenting (Dr. Shefali Tsabary)
- Compassionate Inquiry (Dr. Gabor Maté, Sat Dharam Kaur)

Here are a few international resources:

  • United States: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or text HOME to 741741
  • United Kingdom: Samaritans: 116 123
  • Canada: Crisis Services Canada: 1-833-456-4566 or text 45645
  • Australia: Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14
  • International Helplines: Please visit www.suicide.org/international-suicide-hotlines.html for a full list of helplines worldwide.
  • https://www.helpguide.org/find-help

Please remember, there is always support available, and reaching out can be the first step in finding help. You are not alone, and support is there for you and your family.

]]> Fear grips you when your child overdoses. The nightmare every parent dreads becomes reality, and suddenly every moment feels like walking on a tightrope across an abyss.

In this deeply personal conversation, Catherine courageously shares her ongoing journey supporting her 18-year-old daughter through addiction and substance misuse, including a recent overdose that required Narcan intervention. She doesn't speak from the comfortable distance of hindsight but from the raw, vulnerable center of the storm.

What do you do when your child is an adult making choices that could kill them? How do you maintain boundaries while respecting their autonomy? Catherine explores how she's learning to process overwhelming fear rather than suppressing it, discovering that allowing herself to emotionally "collapse" actually strengthens her connection to inner wisdom. She discusses the delicate balance of establishing necessary boundaries around money and household expectations while avoiding the trap of trying to control her daughter's choices.

Perhaps most powerfully, Catherine reveals how she practices radical acceptance—embracing her current reality without resistance—while simultaneously holding a vision of her daughter's healing and possibility. This dual perspective allows her to stay present and connected while maintaining hope for the future.

For anyone supporting a loved one through addiction, mental health struggles, or other challenging circumstances, Catherine's reflections offer a compassionate roadmap for navigating seemingly impossible terrain with both love and boundaries intact. Her story reminds us that sometimes our greatest strength emerges when we surrender the illusion of control and embrace the fullness of our human experience—including our deepest fears.

Listen in, and perhaps discover that even in your darkest parenting moments, you're not as alone as you might feel.

TERI
Website:  https://teripotter.com
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/teripotterpathways/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/teripotterpathways

teri@teripotter.com

CATHERINE
Website: https://www.collaborative-insights.com/conscious-coaching
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collaborative_insights_coach/

catherine@collaborative-insights.com

Resources:

- Conscious Parenting (Dr. Shefali Tsabary)
- Compassionate Inquiry (Dr. Gabor Maté, Sat Dharam Kaur)

Here are a few international resources:

  • United States: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or text HOME to 741741
  • United Kingdom: Samaritans: 116 123
  • Canada: Crisis Services Canada: 1-833-456-4566 or text 45645
  • Australia: Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14
  • International Helplines: Please visit www.suicide.org/international-suicide-hotlines.html for a full list of helplines worldwide.
  • https://www.helpguide.org/find-help

Please remember, there is always support available, and reaching out can be the first step in finding help. You are not alone, and support is there for you and your family.

]]> Teri Potter & Catherine Borgman-Arboleda Buzzsprout-17080678 Thu, 01 May 2025 19:00:00 +0100 1285 1 7 full true 6. What About My Partner? 6. What About My Partner? Struggling with a partner who parents differently than you do? You're not alone. In this vulnerable conversation, Teri and Catherine dive deep into one of the most challenging aspects of raising children: navigating different parenting approaches with a spouse or co-parent.

Drawing from their personal experiences as trauma-informed mothers and Conscious Parenting Coaches, they explore the profound tensions that arise when one parent feels they've done more inner work than the other. Both share raw accounts of their own family dynamics – from feeling like a "solo parent" despite having a partner physically present, to the frustration of wanting a spouse to take accountability for past parenting missteps.

The conversation takes a transformative turn when they discuss the concept of sovereignty – not just for our children, but for our partners as well. Can we truly accept that our co-parents have their own journey and timeline for growth? What happens when we stop trying to control how they parent and focus instead on our own conscious presence?

Teri and Catherine offer practical wisdom for communicating with partners without triggering defensiveness, including a "magic phrase" that creates space for honest sharing without implicit demands for change. They also tackle the delicate balance between allowing children to develop resilience through navigating different parenting styles versus recognizing when situations become genuinely harmful.

Whether you're feeling alone in your conscious parenting journey or simply searching for ways to bring more harmony to your family system, this episode provides both validation and practical tools to navigate one of parenting's most complex challenges. Listen, reflect, and remember: it only takes one conscious parent to make a profound difference in a child's life.

TERI
Website:  https://teripotter.com
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/teripotterpathways/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/teripotterpathways

teri@teripotter.com

CATHERINE
Website: https://www.collaborative-insights.com/conscious-coaching
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collaborative_insights_coach/

catherine@collaborative-insights.com

Resources:

- Conscious Parenting (Dr. Shefali Tsabary)
- Compassionate Inquiry (Dr. Gabor Maté, Sat Dharam Kaur)

Here are a few international resources:

  • United States: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or text HOME to 741741
  • United Kingdom: Samaritans: 116 123
  • Canada: Crisis Services Canada: 1-833-456-4566 or text 45645
  • Australia: Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14
  • International Helplines: Please visit www.suicide.org/international-suicide-hotlines.html for a full list of helplines worldwide.
  • https://www.helpguide.org/find-help

Please remember, there is always support available, and reaching out can be the first step in finding help. You are not alone, and support is there for you and your family.

]]> Struggling with a partner who parents differently than you do? You're not alone. In this vulnerable conversation, Teri and Catherine dive deep into one of the most challenging aspects of raising children: navigating different parenting approaches with a spouse or co-parent.

Drawing from their personal experiences as trauma-informed mothers and Conscious Parenting Coaches, they explore the profound tensions that arise when one parent feels they've done more inner work than the other. Both share raw accounts of their own family dynamics – from feeling like a "solo parent" despite having a partner physically present, to the frustration of wanting a spouse to take accountability for past parenting missteps.

The conversation takes a transformative turn when they discuss the concept of sovereignty – not just for our children, but for our partners as well. Can we truly accept that our co-parents have their own journey and timeline for growth? What happens when we stop trying to control how they parent and focus instead on our own conscious presence?

Teri and Catherine offer practical wisdom for communicating with partners without triggering defensiveness, including a "magic phrase" that creates space for honest sharing without implicit demands for change. They also tackle the delicate balance between allowing children to develop resilience through navigating different parenting styles versus recognizing when situations become genuinely harmful.

Whether you're feeling alone in your conscious parenting journey or simply searching for ways to bring more harmony to your family system, this episode provides both validation and practical tools to navigate one of parenting's most complex challenges. Listen, reflect, and remember: it only takes one conscious parent to make a profound difference in a child's life.

TERI
Website:  https://teripotter.com
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/teripotterpathways/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/teripotterpathways

teri@teripotter.com

CATHERINE
Website: https://www.collaborative-insights.com/conscious-coaching
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collaborative_insights_coach/

catherine@collaborative-insights.com

Resources:

- Conscious Parenting (Dr. Shefali Tsabary)
- Compassionate Inquiry (Dr. Gabor Maté, Sat Dharam Kaur)

Here are a few international resources:

  • United States: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or text HOME to 741741
  • United Kingdom: Samaritans: 116 123
  • Canada: Crisis Services Canada: 1-833-456-4566 or text 45645
  • Australia: Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14
  • International Helplines: Please visit www.suicide.org/international-suicide-hotlines.html for a full list of helplines worldwide.
  • https://www.helpguide.org/find-help

Please remember, there is always support available, and reaching out can be the first step in finding help. You are not alone, and support is there for you and your family.

]]> Teri Potter & Catherine Borgman-Arboleda Buzzsprout-16946099 Wed, 09 Apr 2025 22:00:00 +0100 1549 1 6 full false 5. The Daily Struggle - Connection Before Correction 5. The Daily Struggle - Connection Before Correction Every parent knows that moment—standing at your teenager's bedroom door, desperately trying to get them moving while being met with pure teenage disdain. What seems like a simple morning routine quickly reveals the complex emotional landscape we navigate as parents.

In this deeply relatable episode, Teri opens up about a recent morning struggle with her 16-year-old that triggered familiar questions: Am I doing too much? Too little? Am I enabling poor behavior or showing my child they have worth? These aren't just questions for mundane moments—they're the same ones we face during more serious situations, just without the raw urgency of crisis.

The conscious pause emerges as a powerful tool in these triggering moments. That brief space between stimulus and response creates room for choice rather than reaction. While a part of us may feel extreme anxiety, we are not that anxiety. This distinction allows our wiser self to emerge and guide our actions from connection rather than reactivity.

Catherine and Teri explore how "connection before correction" transforms these daily struggles, and why acknowledging that our children's journeys needn't follow the "myth of normal" frees both parent and child. Through self-awareness, witnessing our emotions without becoming them, and staying present with difficult feelings rather than rushing past them, we transform everyday parenting challenges into opportunities for growth.

Rate and review us wherever you listen to podcasts, and join us next week as we continue navigating the beautiful mess of conscious parenting together.

TERI
Website:  https://teripotter.com
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/teripotterpathways/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/teripotterpathways

teri@teripotter.com

CATHERINE
Website: https://www.collaborative-insights.com/conscious-coaching
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collaborative_insights_coach/

catherine@collaborative-insights.com

Resources:

- Conscious Parenting (Dr. Shefali Tsabary)
- Compassionate Inquiry (Dr. Gabor Maté, Sat Dharam Kaur)

Here are a few international resources:

  • United States: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or text HOME to 741741
  • United Kingdom: Samaritans: 116 123
  • Canada: Crisis Services Canada: 1-833-456-4566 or text 45645
  • Australia: Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14
  • International Helplines: Please visit www.suicide.org/international-suicide-hotlines.html for a full list of helplines worldwide.
  • https://www.helpguide.org/find-help

Please remember, there is always support available, and reaching out can be the first step in finding help. You are not alone, and support is there for you and your family.

]]> Every parent knows that moment—standing at your teenager's bedroom door, desperately trying to get them moving while being met with pure teenage disdain. What seems like a simple morning routine quickly reveals the complex emotional landscape we navigate as parents.

In this deeply relatable episode, Teri opens up about a recent morning struggle with her 16-year-old that triggered familiar questions: Am I doing too much? Too little? Am I enabling poor behavior or showing my child they have worth? These aren't just questions for mundane moments—they're the same ones we face during more serious situations, just without the raw urgency of crisis.

The conscious pause emerges as a powerful tool in these triggering moments. That brief space between stimulus and response creates room for choice rather than reaction. While a part of us may feel extreme anxiety, we are not that anxiety. This distinction allows our wiser self to emerge and guide our actions from connection rather than reactivity.

Catherine and Teri explore how "connection before correction" transforms these daily struggles, and why acknowledging that our children's journeys needn't follow the "myth of normal" frees both parent and child. Through self-awareness, witnessing our emotions without becoming them, and staying present with difficult feelings rather than rushing past them, we transform everyday parenting challenges into opportunities for growth.

Rate and review us wherever you listen to podcasts, and join us next week as we continue navigating the beautiful mess of conscious parenting together.

TERI
Website:  https://teripotter.com
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/teripotterpathways/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/teripotterpathways

teri@teripotter.com

CATHERINE
Website: https://www.collaborative-insights.com/conscious-coaching
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collaborative_insights_coach/

catherine@collaborative-insights.com

Resources:

- Conscious Parenting (Dr. Shefali Tsabary)
- Compassionate Inquiry (Dr. Gabor Maté, Sat Dharam Kaur)

Here are a few international resources:

  • United States: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or text HOME to 741741
  • United Kingdom: Samaritans: 116 123
  • Canada: Crisis Services Canada: 1-833-456-4566 or text 45645
  • Australia: Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14
  • International Helplines: Please visit www.suicide.org/international-suicide-hotlines.html for a full list of helplines worldwide.
  • https://www.helpguide.org/find-help

Please remember, there is always support available, and reaching out can be the first step in finding help. You are not alone, and support is there for you and your family.

]]> Teri Potter & Catherine Borgman-Arboleda Buzzsprout-16856651 Tue, 25 Mar 2025 15:00:00 +0000 1794 1 5 full false 4. Radical Acceptance 4. Radical Acceptance Radical Acceptance: Letting Go and Trusting the Journey

In this episode of Navigating the Abyss, hosts Teri and Catherine, both Trauma-Informed Conscious Parenting coaches, delve into the concept of Radical Acceptance. They explore the critical differences between regular acceptance and radical acceptance, sharing personal experiences and parenting challenges to illustrate the transformative power of truly letting go and trusting the process. They discuss the importance of self-awareness, grounding techniques, and the impact of radical acceptance on both their children’s development and their own well-being. The episode emphasizes the importance of embracing uncertainty, the power of the present moment, and the wisdom found in ancient traditions.

00:00 Introduction to Navigating the Abyss
00:31 Understanding Radical Acceptance
01:06 Personal Experiences with Radical Acceptance
07:01 Daily Challenges and Radical Acceptance
13:24 Practical Steps for Radical Acceptance
24:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
24:59 Legal Disclaimer

TERI
Website:  https://teripotter.com
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/teripotterpathways/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/teripotterpathways

teri@teripotter.com

CATHERINE
Website: https://www.collaborative-insights.com/conscious-coaching
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collaborative_insights_coach/

catherine@collaborative-insights.com

Resources:

- Conscious Parenting (Dr. Shefali Tsabary)
- Compassionate Inquiry (Dr. Gabor Maté, Sat Dharam Kaur)

Here are a few international resources:

  • United States: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or text HOME to 741741
  • United Kingdom: Samaritans: 116 123
  • Canada: Crisis Services Canada: 1-833-456-4566 or text 45645
  • Australia: Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14
  • International Helplines: Please visit www.suicide.org/international-suicide-hotlines.html for a full list of helplines worldwide.
  • https://www.helpguide.org/find-help

Please remember, there is always support available, and reaching out can be the first step in finding help. You are not alone, and support is there for you and your family.

]]> Radical Acceptance: Letting Go and Trusting the Journey

In this episode of Navigating the Abyss, hosts Teri and Catherine, both Trauma-Informed Conscious Parenting coaches, delve into the concept of Radical Acceptance. They explore the critical differences between regular acceptance and radical acceptance, sharing personal experiences and parenting challenges to illustrate the transformative power of truly letting go and trusting the process. They discuss the importance of self-awareness, grounding techniques, and the impact of radical acceptance on both their children’s development and their own well-being. The episode emphasizes the importance of embracing uncertainty, the power of the present moment, and the wisdom found in ancient traditions.

00:00 Introduction to Navigating the Abyss
00:31 Understanding Radical Acceptance
01:06 Personal Experiences with Radical Acceptance
07:01 Daily Challenges and Radical Acceptance
13:24 Practical Steps for Radical Acceptance
24:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
24:59 Legal Disclaimer

TERI
Website:  https://teripotter.com
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/teripotterpathways/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/teripotterpathways

teri@teripotter.com

CATHERINE
Website: https://www.collaborative-insights.com/conscious-coaching
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collaborative_insights_coach/

catherine@collaborative-insights.com

Resources:

- Conscious Parenting (Dr. Shefali Tsabary)
- Compassionate Inquiry (Dr. Gabor Maté, Sat Dharam Kaur)

Here are a few international resources:

  • United States: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or text HOME to 741741
  • United Kingdom: Samaritans: 116 123
  • Canada: Crisis Services Canada: 1-833-456-4566 or text 45645
  • Australia: Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14
  • International Helplines: Please visit www.suicide.org/international-suicide-hotlines.html for a full list of helplines worldwide.
  • https://www.helpguide.org/find-help

Please remember, there is always support available, and reaching out can be the first step in finding help. You are not alone, and support is there for you and your family.

]]> Teri Potter & Catherine Borgman-Arboleda Buzzsprout-16732373 Tue, 04 Mar 2025 15:00:00 +0000 1521 1 4 full false 3. When Your Child is Having Big Feelings 3. When Your Child is Having Big Feelings In this episode of Navigating the Abyss, Teri and Catherine explore the challenges parents face when their children experience intense emotions. They share personal stories and insights on how to manage these situations, emphasizing the importance of emotional regulation, connection, and validation. The conversation highlights the necessity of understanding one's own emotions as a parent and the impact this has on children. The hosts provide practical tools for creating safe spaces for children to express their feelings and discuss the significance of authenticity in parenting.

Key Takeaways:

  • It's essential to acknowledge and manage your own emotions as a parent.
  • Creating a safe space for children to express their feelings is crucial.
  • Validating a child's emotions does not mean validating their behavior.
  • The pause before responding can lead to more thoughtful interactions.
  • Children need to feel connected and understood during emotional crises.
  • Parents should not feel responsible for fixing their child's emotions.
  • Authenticity in expressing one's own feelings teaches children it's okay to feel.
  • Recognizing the energy you bring into a situation affects your child's emotional state.
  • It's important to allow children to have agency in their emotional experiences.
  • Understanding your child's feelings often requires recalling your own experiences at that age.

Resources Mentioned:

TERI
Website:  https://teripotter.com
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/teripotterpathways/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/teripotterpathways

teri@teripotter.com

CATHERINE
Website: https://www.collaborative-insights.com/conscious-coaching
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collaborative_insights_coach/

catherine@collaborative-insights.com

Resources:

- Conscious Parenting (Dr. Shefali Tsabary)
- Compassionate Inquiry (Dr. Gabor Maté, Sat Dharam Kaur)

Here are a few international resources:

  • United States: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or text HOME to 741741
  • United Kingdom: Samaritans: 116 123
  • Canada: Crisis Services Canada: 1-833-456-4566 or text 45645
  • Australia: Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14
  • International Helplines: Please visit www.suicide.org/international-suicide-hotlines.html for a full list of helplines worldwide.
  • https://www.helpguide.org/find-help

Please remember, there is always support available, and reaching out can be the first step in finding help. You are not alone, and support is there for you and your family.

]]> In this episode of Navigating the Abyss, Teri and Catherine explore the challenges parents face when their children experience intense emotions. They share personal stories and insights on how to manage these situations, emphasizing the importance of emotional regulation, connection, and validation. The conversation highlights the necessity of understanding one's own emotions as a parent and the impact this has on children. The hosts provide practical tools for creating safe spaces for children to express their feelings and discuss the significance of authenticity in parenting.

Key Takeaways:

  • It's essential to acknowledge and manage your own emotions as a parent.
  • Creating a safe space for children to express their feelings is crucial.
  • Validating a child's emotions does not mean validating their behavior.
  • The pause before responding can lead to more thoughtful interactions.
  • Children need to feel connected and understood during emotional crises.
  • Parents should not feel responsible for fixing their child's emotions.
  • Authenticity in expressing one's own feelings teaches children it's okay to feel.
  • Recognizing the energy you bring into a situation affects your child's emotional state.
  • It's important to allow children to have agency in their emotional experiences.
  • Understanding your child's feelings often requires recalling your own experiences at that age.

Resources Mentioned:

TERI
Website:  https://teripotter.com
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/teripotterpathways/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/teripotterpathways

teri@teripotter.com

CATHERINE
Website: https://www.collaborative-insights.com/conscious-coaching
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collaborative_insights_coach/

catherine@collaborative-insights.com

Resources:

- Conscious Parenting (Dr. Shefali Tsabary)
- Compassionate Inquiry (Dr. Gabor Maté, Sat Dharam Kaur)

Here are a few international resources:

  • United States: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or text HOME to 741741
  • United Kingdom: Samaritans: 116 123
  • Canada: Crisis Services Canada: 1-833-456-4566 or text 45645
  • Australia: Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14
  • International Helplines: Please visit www.suicide.org/international-suicide-hotlines.html for a full list of helplines worldwide.
  • https://www.helpguide.org/find-help

Please remember, there is always support available, and reaching out can be the first step in finding help. You are not alone, and support is there for you and your family.

]]> Teri Potter & Catherine Borgman-Arboleda Buzzsprout-16478315 Fri, 14 Feb 2025 17:00:00 +0000 1288 full false 2. Catherine's Story - 'Beyond Behaviour' 2. Catherine's Story - 'Beyond Behaviour' In this episode, hosts Teri and Catherine share their personal journeys as trauma-informed parents navigating the challenges of raising teens in crisis. They discuss the importance of connection, understanding mental health issues, and the tools they have learned to support their children. Catherine shares her profound experiences with her daughter, highlighting the need for acceptance and the shift from fear-based parenting to love-based interactions. The conversation emphasizes the significance of seeing the essence of children beyond their behaviors and the ongoing journey of healing and growth for both parents and children.

Key takeaways:

The Power of Connection: Catherine discusses the critical importance of connection before correction, emphasizing that true healing comes from a place of unconditional love and acceptance, not from trying to "fix" behaviors.
 
The Fear-Based Parenting Trap: Catherine and Teri explore how fear-based parenting can often worsen the situation, leading to more control and less connection. They share tools and insights on how to parent from a place of love and trust, not fear.

The Essence of Our Children: One of the most powerful realizations shared is the importance of seeing beyond a child’s challenging behaviors to the essence of who they are. Catherine emphasizes that a child's value is never diminished by their struggles.

Tools for Parents in Crisis: From using the pause to allowing space for both parent and child to regulate, to asking "What would love do?" instead of reacting from fear, Catherine and Teri offer practical tools for navigating the emotional intensity of parenting through crisis.

The Journey to Healing: Through all the ups and downs, Catherine ultimately learned that true healing comes from trust, connection, and allowing space for her daughter to find her own path, without the weight of unrealistic expectations.
 
As always, Teri and Catherine emphasize the importance of doing your own work as a parent. By nurturing your own growth, you bring wisdom, presence, and possibility to your relationship with your child.

The importance of emotional regulation and self-care for parents
Whether you’re currently navigating a crisis with your own teen or seeking to understand how to create a more connected and compassionate environment at home, this episode offers invaluable insights and hope. You’re not alone in this journey.
 
 *Note: This episode touches on sensitive topics, including self-harm, suicidal ideation, and substance misuse. Please listen at your own pace and take care of your emotional well-being.*
 

Catherine can be reached at:
Website: https://www.collaborative-insights.com/conscious-coaching
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collaborative_insights_coach/
email: catherine@collaborative-insights.com

Resources Mentioned:
What is Conscious Parenting?

TERI
Website:  https://teripotter.com
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/teripotterpathways/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/teripotterpathways

teri@teripotter.com

CATHERINE
Website: https://www.collaborative-insights.com/conscious-coaching
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collaborative_insights_coach/

catherine@collaborative-insights.com

Resources:

- Conscious Parenting (Dr. Shefali Tsabary)
- Compassionate Inquiry (Dr. Gabor Maté, Sat Dharam Kaur)

Here are a few international resources:

  • United States: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or text HOME to 741741
  • United Kingdom: Samaritans: 116 123
  • Canada: Crisis Services Canada: 1-833-456-4566 or text 45645
  • Australia: Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14
  • International Helplines: Please visit www.suicide.org/international-suicide-hotlines.html for a full list of helplines worldwide.
  • https://www.helpguide.org/find-help

Please remember, there is always support available, and reaching out can be the first step in finding help. You are not alone, and support is there for you and your family.

]]> In this episode, hosts Teri and Catherine share their personal journeys as trauma-informed parents navigating the challenges of raising teens in crisis. They discuss the importance of connection, understanding mental health issues, and the tools they have learned to support their children. Catherine shares her profound experiences with her daughter, highlighting the need for acceptance and the shift from fear-based parenting to love-based interactions. The conversation emphasizes the significance of seeing the essence of children beyond their behaviors and the ongoing journey of healing and growth for both parents and children.

Key takeaways:

The Power of Connection: Catherine discusses the critical importance of connection before correction, emphasizing that true healing comes from a place of unconditional love and acceptance, not from trying to "fix" behaviors.
 
The Fear-Based Parenting Trap: Catherine and Teri explore how fear-based parenting can often worsen the situation, leading to more control and less connection. They share tools and insights on how to parent from a place of love and trust, not fear.

The Essence of Our Children: One of the most powerful realizations shared is the importance of seeing beyond a child’s challenging behaviors to the essence of who they are. Catherine emphasizes that a child's value is never diminished by their struggles.

Tools for Parents in Crisis: From using the pause to allowing space for both parent and child to regulate, to asking "What would love do?" instead of reacting from fear, Catherine and Teri offer practical tools for navigating the emotional intensity of parenting through crisis.

The Journey to Healing: Through all the ups and downs, Catherine ultimately learned that true healing comes from trust, connection, and allowing space for her daughter to find her own path, without the weight of unrealistic expectations.
 
As always, Teri and Catherine emphasize the importance of doing your own work as a parent. By nurturing your own growth, you bring wisdom, presence, and possibility to your relationship with your child.

The importance of emotional regulation and self-care for parents
Whether you’re currently navigating a crisis with your own teen or seeking to understand how to create a more connected and compassionate environment at home, this episode offers invaluable insights and hope. You’re not alone in this journey.
 
 *Note: This episode touches on sensitive topics, including self-harm, suicidal ideation, and substance misuse. Please listen at your own pace and take care of your emotional well-being.*
 

Catherine can be reached at:
Website: https://www.collaborative-insights.com/conscious-coaching
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collaborative_insights_coach/
email: catherine@collaborative-insights.com

Resources Mentioned:
What is Conscious Parenting?

TERI
Website:  https://teripotter.com
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/teripotterpathways/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/teripotterpathways

teri@teripotter.com

CATHERINE
Website: https://www.collaborative-insights.com/conscious-coaching
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collaborative_insights_coach/

catherine@collaborative-insights.com

Resources:

- Conscious Parenting (Dr. Shefali Tsabary)
- Compassionate Inquiry (Dr. Gabor Maté, Sat Dharam Kaur)

Here are a few international resources:

  • United States: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or text HOME to 741741
  • United Kingdom: Samaritans: 116 123
  • Canada: Crisis Services Canada: 1-833-456-4566 or text 45645
  • Australia: Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14
  • International Helplines: Please visit www.suicide.org/international-suicide-hotlines.html for a full list of helplines worldwide.
  • https://www.helpguide.org/find-help

Please remember, there is always support available, and reaching out can be the first step in finding help. You are not alone, and support is there for you and your family.

]]> Teri Potter & Catherine Borgman-Arboleda Buzzsprout-16436911 Fri, 24 Jan 2025 17:00:00 +0000 1411 full false 1. Teri's Story - 'Beyond Fixing' 1. Teri's Story - 'Beyond Fixing' Teri and Catherine share their experiences and discuss challenges faced by parents, the importance of emotional support, and the journey of self-awareness that can help both parents and children navigate difficult times. Teri shares her personal story about her daughter's struggles and the lessons learned about being present and supportive without trying to fix the situation.

Navigating the Crisis: Teri talks about the early warning signs and the year-long crisis before her daughter’s situation escalated. She describes the emotional toll it took on her and how the whole family was impacted. One of the first steps in her journey was realizing that the real crisis for her wasn't just the external problems, but her own emotional and mental state.
   
The Importance of Sitting with Big Feelings:
Teri highlights a key realization: her daughter needed her to sit beside her without trying to fix her emotions. Learning to allow space for big feelings, without judgment or interference, was a transformative moment for both of them. Teri discusses how this shift in mindset ultimately helped strengthen their connection.
 
Self-Awareness and Emotional Separation: One of the most profound lessons Teri shares is the importance of separating her own emotions from her daughter’s experience. She describes the process of reflecting on her own fears, expectations, and past trauma to avoid projecting them onto her child. Teri’s journey involved learning to step back and allow her daughter the space to express herself without feeling responsible for fixing everything.

The Illusion of Control and Letting Go of Expectations: Teri talks about the societal pressures and parental expectations to mold children into a specific version of success. She shares her daughter’s choice to change her name and identity at age 12, symbolizing her desire for autonomy. For Teri, it was a wake-up call to let go of the idea that her child was a reflection of her own unfulfilled dreams.

Finding Peace Through the Present Moment: Teri and Catherine reflect on how difficult it can be to be present with our children when they're going through extreme emotional turmoil. Teri talks about how understanding the "is-ness" of a situation—seeing it for what it truly is, not through the lens of fear or projections—was pivotal in finding peace in the moment.
 
Being the Answer: Both hosts agree that parents are in a unique position to help their children, particularly when it feels like outside help is insufficient or unavailable. They discuss how parents can walk alongside their children, offering emotional presence and validation, and how this approach can ultimately lead to healing.
 
 Resources Mentioned:
- Conscious Parenting (Dr. Shefali Tsabary)
- Compassionate Inquiry (Dr. Gabor Maté, Sat Dharam Kaur)

TERI
Website:  https://teripotter.com
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/teripotterpathways/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/teripotterpathways

teri@teripotter.com

CATHERINE
Website: https://www.collaborative-insights.com/conscious-coaching
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collaborative_insights_coach/

catherine@collaborative-insights.com

Resources:

- Conscious Parenting (Dr. Shefali Tsabary)
- Compassionate Inquiry (Dr. Gabor Maté, Sat Dharam Kaur)

Here are a few international resources:

  • United States: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or text HOME to 741741
  • United Kingdom: Samaritans: 116 123
  • Canada: Crisis Services Canada: 1-833-456-4566 or text 45645
  • Australia: Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14
  • International Helplines: Please visit www.suicide.org/international-suicide-hotlines.html for a full list of helplines worldwide.
  • https://www.helpguide.org/find-help

Please remember, there is always support available, and reaching out can be the first step in finding help. You are not alone, and support is there for you and your family.

]]> Teri and Catherine share their experiences and discuss challenges faced by parents, the importance of emotional support, and the journey of self-awareness that can help both parents and children navigate difficult times. Teri shares her personal story about her daughter's struggles and the lessons learned about being present and supportive without trying to fix the situation.

Navigating the Crisis: Teri talks about the early warning signs and the year-long crisis before her daughter’s situation escalated. She describes the emotional toll it took on her and how the whole family was impacted. One of the first steps in her journey was realizing that the real crisis for her wasn't just the external problems, but her own emotional and mental state.
   
The Importance of Sitting with Big Feelings:
Teri highlights a key realization: her daughter needed her to sit beside her without trying to fix her emotions. Learning to allow space for big feelings, without judgment or interference, was a transformative moment for both of them. Teri discusses how this shift in mindset ultimately helped strengthen their connection.
 
Self-Awareness and Emotional Separation: One of the most profound lessons Teri shares is the importance of separating her own emotions from her daughter’s experience. She describes the process of reflecting on her own fears, expectations, and past trauma to avoid projecting them onto her child. Teri’s journey involved learning to step back and allow her daughter the space to express herself without feeling responsible for fixing everything.

The Illusion of Control and Letting Go of Expectations: Teri talks about the societal pressures and parental expectations to mold children into a specific version of success. She shares her daughter’s choice to change her name and identity at age 12, symbolizing her desire for autonomy. For Teri, it was a wake-up call to let go of the idea that her child was a reflection of her own unfulfilled dreams.

Finding Peace Through the Present Moment: Teri and Catherine reflect on how difficult it can be to be present with our children when they're going through extreme emotional turmoil. Teri talks about how understanding the "is-ness" of a situation—seeing it for what it truly is, not through the lens of fear or projections—was pivotal in finding peace in the moment.
 
Being the Answer: Both hosts agree that parents are in a unique position to help their children, particularly when it feels like outside help is insufficient or unavailable. They discuss how parents can walk alongside their children, offering emotional presence and validation, and how this approach can ultimately lead to healing.
 
 Resources Mentioned:
- Conscious Parenting (Dr. Shefali Tsabary)
- Compassionate Inquiry (Dr. Gabor Maté, Sat Dharam Kaur)

TERI
Website:  https://teripotter.com
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/teripotterpathways/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/teripotterpathways

teri@teripotter.com

CATHERINE
Website: https://www.collaborative-insights.com/conscious-coaching
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collaborative_insights_coach/

catherine@collaborative-insights.com

Resources:

- Conscious Parenting (Dr. Shefali Tsabary)
- Compassionate Inquiry (Dr. Gabor Maté, Sat Dharam Kaur)

Here are a few international resources:

  • United States: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or text HOME to 741741
  • United Kingdom: Samaritans: 116 123
  • Canada: Crisis Services Canada: 1-833-456-4566 or text 45645
  • Australia: Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14
  • International Helplines: Please visit www.suicide.org/international-suicide-hotlines.html for a full list of helplines worldwide.
  • https://www.helpguide.org/find-help

Please remember, there is always support available, and reaching out can be the first step in finding help. You are not alone, and support is there for you and your family.

]]> Teri Potter & Catherine Borgman-Arboleda Buzzsprout-16436816 Fri, 24 Jan 2025 17:00:00 +0000 1404 full false