This week Cass talks with Dr Ann Kelley, licensed psychologist and co-host of the Therapist Uncensored podcast, about the importance of updating our understanding of attachment styles and the limitations of categorising ourselves and others. Ann proposes a more helpful approach of thinking about attachment as a spectrum. She introduces the idea of secure relating (as opposed to secure attachment), which involves understanding our own nervous system and how it impacts our interactions with others.  Ann introduces the Modern Attachment Regulation Spectrum, helpfully using colours to represe ..read more

Cass responds to a listener who is experiencing body dissatisfaction during pregnancy. She highlights that while this is relatively common, it can be a concern if it contributes to poor maternal mental or physical health. She shares strategies for managing uncomfortable thoughts and feelings about your changing body and the importance of women feeling free to share their experience of any aspect of pregnancy or parenthood without guilt. Importantly, Cass highlights some of the signs of 'Pregorexia' (disordered eating during pregnancy) and notes that professional help may sometimes be indicated ..read more

Cass chats with Victoria Vanstone, host of the Sober Awkward Podcast and creator of the Drunk Mummy Sober Mummy blog and website, about her decision to leave behind her partying days in order to be a happier, less anxious, more present parent by giving up alcohol. Vic admits she didn't like sober people and that she feared no-one would want to be around her anymore if she stopped being the life of every party. Vic has recently published her first book, "A Thousand Wasted Sundays" and shares how she felt she never had a choice but to drink alcohol, but after becoming a parent, she realised her ..read more

Cass answers a listener question about what to do when you feel disappointed by people in your life. She shares ideas about how to manage your expectations, how to take responsibility for your own part in the situation, and how to heal from painful feelings of disappointment. Our social connections are the single most important factor contributing to happiness and wellbeing so it's critical we have strategies for communicating our expectations and what to do when they aren't met. Connect with Cass www.instagram.com/cassdunn_xo www.instagram.com/crappytohappypod www.cassdunn.com   See omny ..read more

Cass explains why 'mindset' approaches to overcoming self-doubt and imposter syndrome are limited and won't achieve a lasting transformation and what you need to do instead.  She shares how imposter syndrome is an activation of your body's threat response triggered by a fear of judgement and rejection. She also explains that self-criticism can perpetuate imposter syndrome by keeping you stuck in a threat response, and the importance of self-acceptance and forgiveness, allowing you to return to a state of emotional safety. Find out more about Cass' group coaching program, Beyond Confident ..read more

Cass chats with Jodie Rogers, a counsellor, sexologist and the relationship coach featured in the hit series, "Love on the Spectrum". Jodi shares her journey of working with people with disabilities and the importance of access to sexuality education and relationship counselling. She discusses the challenges faced by autistic individuals in developing relationships particularly around trust and vulnerability. Jodie emphasises the shift in our understanding of neurodiversity, the evolution of language and identity and the power of storytelling in her brand new book, "Unique: What Autism can tea ..read more

Cass breaks down some of the key aspects of Buddhist philosophy and practice as they relate to living a happier and more peaceful life.  She shares a little about how modern approaches to therapy have incorporated some of these key ideas to help people improve their mental health and wellbeing.You don't have to be a Buddhist to appreciate the relevance of some of these ideas and apply them to your own life. Connect with Cass: www.cassdunn.com instagram.com/cassdunn_xo instagram.com/crappytohappypod       See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information ..read more

Dr Sue Johnson is a psychologist, author, a pioneer in the psychology of relationships and the creator of Emotionally Focused therapy, which focuses on creating secure emotional bonds between partners. EFT is widely acknowledged as the gold standard in evidence-based couples therapy. Dr Sue emphasises the importance of vulnerability and emotional safety in relationships, and shares how EFT can help couples navigate their patterns of distress and create positive cycles of interaction. Sue also discusses the importance of individuals practicing EFT on their own and the importance of addressing a ..read more

If you're trying to break a habit, start a new one or achieve a goal, there are some very predictable stages everyone goes through during the process. In this episode, Cass shares the stages of change to help you identify where you're at, understand what to expect at each stage, and what to do if you have a setback or slip-up so you can get back on track quickly. Connect with Cass: www.cassdunn.com www.instagram.com/cassdunn_xo www.instagram.com/crappytohappypod     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information ..read more

In this episode, Cass chats with financial educator and host of the Australian Finance Podcast, Kate Campbell, about how to invest your time and money to build your very best life. Whether you have a lot of money or not much at all, Kate and Cass discuss what the research says about how you can invest your most precious resources to gain maximum meaning and fulfilment in life. Happiness can't be bottled, but taking control of your finances and thinking more deeply about how you allocate your resources will do a long way to increasing your happiness. Kate shares: strategies for maximising happ ..read more