Ep. 29 - Finding Alignment, Intimacy, and Joy with Dr. Fay Gersh

In this deeply honest and empowering conversation, Frances sits down with occupational therapist Dr. Fay Gersh to explore motherhood, burnout, intimacy, self-love, boundaries, nervous system regulation, and what it truly means to live in alignment.From immigrating between countries and building careers while raising children to navigating burnout in helping professions, Frances and Dr. Fay unpack the realities many women silently carry while caring for everyone around them.Dr. Fay shares her journey from business and real estate into occupational therapy and her evolution from pediatric OT into women's wellness, pelvic floor health, mental health support, and intimacy coaching. Together, they discuss why self-care is not a luxury, why boundaries are essential, and how reconnecting with ourselves allows us to show up more fully in every relationship we have.As co-founder of Her Next Pivot, Dr. Fay helps women rediscover alignment, purpose, confidence, and fulfillment through life's personal and professional transitions. This work has become one of her greatest passions, empowering women to reconnect with themselves and create lives that feel authentic and sustainable.This episode is a powerful reminder that intimacy begins with the relationship we cultivate with ourselves.Show NotesIn this episode, Frances and Dr. Fay discuss:• Dr. Fay's journey from business and real estate into occupational therapy• Immigration, motherhood, and building a life between Toronto and South Florida• Burnout in caregiving and helping professions• The emotional weight many mothers silently carry• Transitioning from pediatric occupational therapy to supporting women more holistically• Her work as co-founder of Her Next Pivot and helping women navigate life transitions• Pelvic floor dysfunction, postpartum wellness, and normalizing women's health conversations• The role of movement, Pilates, and mindfulness in healing and regulation• The meaning behind "Intima OT" and why intimacy starts with self-connection• Self-love, self-awareness, emotional regulation, and healthy boundaries• Cultural and generational conditioning that makes it difficult for women to prioritize themselves• Burnout, nervous system overload, and learning to listen to your body's signals• The healing power of nature, movement, sensory grounding, and mindfulness• Parenting with boundaries while still allowing children to develop their own voice• Helping children build resilience, self-awareness, and internal discernment• The difference between abundance and entitlement• Why experiences and connection matter more than perfection• Letting go of hustle culture, multitasking, and unrealistic expectations of balance• The importance of delegation, prioritization, authenticity, and alignmentKey TakeawayYou cannot pour endlessly into others while abandoning yourself. The relationship you have with yourself shapes every relationship in your life.Reflection from Dr. Fay"Intimacy begins with yourself. When you cultivate closeness, awareness, boundaries, and love within yourself, you create the foundation for deeper relationships with others."Connect with Dr. Fay Gersh and Her Next PivotWebsite: https://hernextpivot.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hernextpivot/Connect with The Play BaseWebsite: www.us.theplaybase.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theplaybase/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theplaybase