Holding Space for Healing — Yours and Theirs

Ever catch yourself snapping, shutting down, or spiraling—and wonder where did that come from? You're not alone. In this compassionate episode, Elly sits down with Dr. Vanessa Snyder, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, for an honest conversation about how our own unhealed wounds and emotional blind spots can shape the way we show up as parents. Together, they unpack what it means to be "The Person of the Helper"—and how to carry that role with wisdom, humility, and growth. Whether you're parenting toddlers or learning to release adult children, you'll find practical guidance on emotional regulation, power vs. control, and how to parent with grace even in the messy middle. This episode is a gentle reminder that healing isn't just for us—it's how we love our kids better, too. Dr. Vanessa Snyder is a licensed marriage and family therapist, licensed professional counselor, certified sex therapist, master traumatologist, an AAMFT approved supervisor, and approved clinical supervisor from Georgia. ---------------------------------------------- TIME STAMPS: 00:00:00 Welcome & Guest Intro 00:02:34 Understanding "Person of the Helper" 00:08:42 Recognizing Our Parenting Blind Spot 00:11:28 Mastering Your Emotional Response 00:21:57 Past Wounds, Present Parenting 00:24:21 Parents Using Power Tactics 00:30:15 Parenting When Children Become Adults 00:32:16 Final Thoughts & Closing                                                ---------------------------------------------- Follow Ignite Parenting Instagram | @Ignite.Parenting Facebook | Ignite Parenting Website | www.igniteparenting.com