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Nurture & Nourish

Mental Wellness Blog For Women & Femmes

Alexis Ryan Alexis Ryan

The Anxiety-Shame Cycle: Why Self-Judgment Keeps You Stuck and How to Break Free

Anxiety is hard enough on its own—but adding shame creates a loop that keeps you stuck. Feeling ashamed of your anxiety only fuels it further. What if the issue isn’t anxiety itself, but how you relate to it? This post explores how nervous system regulation, self-compassion, and Internal Family Systems (IFS) can help you break free.

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Alexis Ryan Alexis Ryan

Understanding the Biology of Anxiety: Why Your Feelings Always Make Sense

Ever thought, I have no reason to feel this anxious? Anxiety isn’t just about circumstances—it’s shaped by your nervous system and brain. When we stop justifying our anxiety and start understanding it, we move from self-judgment to self-compassion. This post breaks down the biology of anxiety and why your feelings are always valid.

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Alexis Ryan Alexis Ryan

The 6 Acts of the Shame Cycle: How to Recognize and Heal Through IFS Therapy

Do you ever feel like you’re carrying the weight of the world, caught in a cycle of self-criticism, people-pleasing, and perfectionism? You’re not alone. Drawing on insights from Martha Sweezy’s Internal Family Systems Therapy for Shame and Guilt, this post breaks down the six acts of the shame cycle and explains how IFS therapy helps women heal.

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Alexis Ryan Alexis Ryan

5 Reasons Why 2025 Is the Year to Start Therapy

Start 2025 with clarity, purpose, and self-compassion. Therapy for high-achieving women in Fort Collins, CO, to help you navigate life’s transitions, release perfectionism, and create a life aligned with who you truly are. Schedule your free consultation today.

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Alexis Ryan Alexis Ryan

Understanding People-Pleasing Through the Lens of IFS and Nervous System Science

Ever feel like you're always saying "yes" when you really want to say "no"? Discover the science behind people-pleasing and learn how to break free from old patterns. This post explores how IFS (Internal Family Systems) and nervous system science can help you understand your people-pleaser, set compassionate boundaries, and calm your nervous system for lasting change.

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Alexis Ryan Alexis Ryan

Why Saying No Feels Hard: Overcoming Guilt and Discomfort in Setting Boundaries

Are you struggling to say 'no' without feeling guilty or anxious? You're not alone. For many, setting boundaries feels impossible due to fears of rejection, guilt, and discomfort. This post explores why setting limits is so difficult and provides actionable tips for overcoming the emotional barriers, drawing from IFS therapy insights.

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Alexis Ryan Alexis Ryan

Journal Prompts for Processing the 2024 Election Results

Feeling overwhelmed by emotions after the 2024 election? This blog post offers thoughtful journal prompts to help you process anxiety, sadness, anger, fear, and disappointment. If you're struggling to find clarity or navigate difficult emotions, these prompts can guide you toward understanding your feelings and reclaiming a sense of control.

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