Episode 134: How Trauma May Be Impacting Your Parenting (and Your Life) with Jinelle Watson – Part 1

In part 1 of a 2 part episode series, Dr. Toni discusses the impact of trauma on parenting with social worker Jinelle Watson. They review how both big T and little t trauma can create different stress responses, and how the pandemic, hormone fluctuations and different aspects of parenting (hello, sleep deprivation!) can lower your window of tolerance. Whether you know you are experiencing the impact of trauma or are not sure, this episode is a must listen!

Jinelle Watson is a registered social worker who holds a Masters in Social Work with a clinical designation. She has been working in the field of mental health for over 8 years. During her pregnancy, she developed a passion for understanding the impacts of pregnancy and postpartum on gestational and non gestational parents and their families. With her daughter being born in 2020 she has developed a special level of empathy for life with a new baby during a global pandemic. Prior to the birth of her daughter in 2020, Jinelle specialized in sexual trauma therapy and she has built on this experience by completing her perinatal mental health certification. 

Jinelle’s approach to therapy comes from an anti-oppressive, and person-centered lens. She is experienced in supporting individuals and families through areas including but not limited to depression, anxiety, big T and little t trauma, PTSD, addictions, grief and loss, sexuality, gender identity, self-image and self-worth. Jinelle primarily uses techniques from Mindfulness Based Therapy, Sensor Motor based Psychotherapy, Art based therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, and Feminist Therapy.

In today’s episode, we cover:

  • What is little t and big T trauma
  • How little t trauma can impact you to a greater extent than big T trauma
  • The pros and cons of getting a diagnosis of PTSD
  • What it can look like to get counselling to address your trauma
  • How your personality can impact you might experience trauma 
  • What is the window of tolerance and how parenting, hormone fluctuations, sleep deprivation and the pandemic lowers your window
  • The different trauma responses you could experience, how you don’t anyways get to choose what you experience and how those responses are helpful
  • Why you can’t prevent trauma experiences and how helicopter parenting negatively impacts your kids
  • How to you can reduce how your kids experience trauma with communication
    • For more info on conversations with your kids about sex, see Episode 98

You can connect with Jinelle at https://www.jinellecounselling.com/ for a free consultation or Moss Postpartum on Instagram @moss_postpartum_house

Today’s Mama Must-Have:

Jinelle likes the Instagram account @kids.eat.in.color to support her kid’s nutrition.

Dr. Toni is a big fan of the grief-focused podcasts Healing with David Kessler and Here After with Megan Devine.

Dr. Toni’s next HypnoBirthing session for expecting parents looking to decrease fear and anxiety to support their natural instincts around labour and birth is happening this fall. Join her at https://www.hypnobirthingcalgary.com/register

Join Dr. Lisa’s new Meetup group Wild Woman Adventures Toronto if you want to get out in nature, connect with other women and push yourself out of your comfort zone. Activities include: sunrise/sunset SUP, tree-top trekking, a new moon workshop and more!

Dr. Lisa’s Wild Collective in Fall 2022: get on the waitlist: wildcollectivetoronto.com

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Stay safe and healthy everyone!

Disclaimer: The information provided is not meant to replace treatment with a licensed health care practitioner. It is for informational purposes only. Consult with a Naturopathic Doctor or other licensed health care professional to determine which treatments are safe for you.