In this episode, I welcome the incredible Dr. Michelle Maidenberg—mom of four, therapist, author, professor, and trauma expert—for a deep conversation on parenting through imperfection, emotional healing, and living a life aligned with our values.

We explore her “ACE” framework—Acceptance, Compassion, and Empowerment—and how it helps both children and adults move through emotional avoidance, self-criticism, and stuckness. Dr. Michelle shares moving client stories that show how our inner child often holds the keys to our deepest healing, and how compassionate parenting (of ourselves and our kids) can open doors to connection and authenticity.

We also talk about the well-meaning but harmful ways emotions are dismissed, how to sit with discomfort, and why it’s never too late to repair with your children. If you’ve ever struggled with your child’s big feelings—or your own—you won’t want to miss this episode.

🔗 Learn more about Dr. Michelle and take the “Where Are You Stuck?” quiz at www.michellemaidenberg.com

Michelle P. Maidenberg, Ph.D., MPH, LCSW-R maintains a private practice in Harrison, NY. She is also the Co-Founder and Clinical Director of “Thru My Eyes”, a nonprofit 501c3 organization that offers free clinically-guided videotaping to chronically medically ill individuals who want to leave video legacies for their children and loved ones.

Michelle is adjunct faculty at New York University (NYU) teaching a graduate course in Mindfulness Practice. She is a Board of Directors member at The Boys & Girls in Mount Vernon and is a member of the American Red Cross Crisis Team. She serves on the Board of Directors of the Westchester Trauma Network (WTN) in Westchester NY.

Michelle is the author of the book “Free Your Child From Overeating" 53 Mind-Body Strategies For Lifelong Health” and new book “Ace Your Life: Unleash Your Best Self and Live the Life You Want” is available at: Thriftbooks, Barnes and Noble, Walmart, Target and Amazon. Listen to Michelle’s TED TALK: Circumventing Emotional Avoidance. She is also a blogger for Psychology Today and publishes a new guided meditation every Thursday on her YouTube channel. Michelle is dedicated and invested in health and mental health advocacy.

Connect with Michelle:
http://www.michellemaidenberg.com
Psychology Today Blogger: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/contributors/michelle-p-maidenberg-phd-mph-lcsw-r-cgp,
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michellemaidenberg,
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DrMichelleMaidenberg,
X: https://twitter.com/@DrMaidenberg,
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellemaidenberg/,
Instagram: https://Instagram.com/@drmichellemaidenberg.
Tik Tok: @drmichellemaidenberg.

✨ ABOUT ME:
I'm Alysia Lyons, a certified life coach helping moms release guilt and overwhelm, reconnect with their intuition, and parent from a place of peace.
🌐 Learn more: https://alysialyons.com
📞 Book a Peace Alignment Call: https://alysialyons.com/align