The Surviving to Thriving Podcast! with Jim Squire RP

Most of us carry beliefs about ourselves that we've never really stopped to question. That we're too much. That we're not enough. That we have to earn love, or that we don't really deserve to take up space. These beliefs feel like facts — like just the way we are. But they're not facts. They're stories. And they were formed a long time ago, by a much younger version of you, trying to make sense of experiences you didn't yet have the tools to understand. In this episode, Jim Squire, Registered Psychotherapist, talks about where those stories come from, how they quietly shape the way we show up in our relationships and our lives as adults, and what it actually looks like to start understanding yourself differently. This isn't about blame. It isn't about reliving the past. It's about recognizing that the story you've been living by was never the whole truth — and that it doesn't have to stay the way it is. If you've ever felt like you keep getting in your own way without really knowing why, this episode is for you.

Have you ever reacted to something... snapped, shut down, pulled away and genuinely didn't know why? You're not broken. You're not overreacting. Your nervous system learned how to protect you a long time ago, and it's still doing exactly that even when the danger is long gone. In this episode of Surviving to Thriving, I want to talk about something I think is one of the most important pieces of understanding ourselves as adults. How our nervous system gets shaped in the earliest years of our lives, before we have any memory of it happening, and how those early lessons quietly drive so much of how we feel, how we respond, and how we show up in our relationships today. This isn't about blame. It isn't about revisiting painful memories. It's about finally making sense of patterns you may have been carrying for years and understanding that those patterns made sense once, even if they're getting in the way now. If you've ever wondered why you are the way you are, this episode is for you.

You're capable, driven, and holding it together. Life looks good from the outside. So why does something still feel quietly off? In this episode, Jim Squire — Registered Psychotherapist and Certified Clinical Trauma Therapist — talks about the experience that high-functioning professionals rarely discuss: achieving without feeling fulfilled, staying busy to avoid the quiet, and functioning well while the nervous system is working overtime underneath. Jim covers the hedonic treadmill and why nothing seems to land the way it should, why functioning well and being regulated are two very different things, and how earlier experiences quietly shape the patterns high achievers often normalize — perfectionism, emotional distance, relentless forward motion, and the sense of never quite being enough. If you've ever thought "I have no good reason to feel this way" — this episode is for you.

In this episode, we explore one of the most powerful — and most challenging — parts of emotional healing: the courage to be authentic. Many of us learned early in life that our true feelings, needs, or personality weren’t acceptable. To stay connected to our families, communities, or culture, we traded authenticity for belonging. We learned to mute ourselves, stay small, stay agreeable, or stay silent — not because we were weak, but because we were protecting ourselves. But these protective patterns have a cost. In this conversation, we dive into: ⭐ Why authenticity often feels unsafe ⭐ How childhood adaptations turn into adult anxiety, people-pleasing, or emotional disconnection ⭐ The link between inauthenticity and physical health ⭐ How being unknown in relationships leads to loneliness ⭐ The path back to your true Self — gently and compassionately We explore what it really means to “come home” to yourself, why authenticity is not self-indulgent but life-giving, and how reclaiming your voice can transform both your mental and physical well-being. This episode offers insight, grounding, and hope for anyone who has ever felt disconnected from their true self. If you’re ready to move from surviving to thriving, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Shame is one of the most powerful—and hidden—emotions we experience. In this episode, I explore where shame comes from, how it shapes our lives, and what it takes to begin loosening its grip. Whether you’ve felt the sting of shame in relationships, work, or your own self-talk, this conversation offers insights to help you move from silence toward healing.

In this episode, I explore Ken Keyes Jr.’s classic Handbook to Higher Consciousness — a timeless guide to transforming emotional suffering into freedom. We’ll look at how Keyes’ idea of shifting from rigid addictions to flexible preferences can radically reduce stress and conflict in our daily lives. I’ll also walk through the Seven Centers of Consciousness, from the lower drives of security, sensation, and power to the higher states of love, abundance, awareness, and cosmic unity. Along the way, I connect Keyes’ work with modern practices like mindfulness, self-compassion, and Internal Family Systems. If you’ve ever wondered how to move from survival mode into a more peaceful, thriving life, this episode will give you practical tools and timeless wisdom to guide the way.

In this episode of The Regulated Parent: Cultivating Calm and Connection in Parenthood, listeners are guided through the vital role of emotional regulation in effective parenting.  Jim emphasizes that a regulated nervous system is foundational for fostering safety and connection with children, as dysregulation can activate stress responses that undermine co-regulation and healthy attachment. The episode explores how chronic parental stress—especially future-focused anxiety and fear of negative outcomes—can lead to overcontrol, contributing to developmental challenges in children. Through practical strategies such as mindfulness, grounding, emotional labeling, and setting boundaries, parents are encouraged to build resilience and cultivate self-awareness. The podcast also highlights core parenting skills, including emotional intelligence, empathetic communication, and the power of repairing after missteps.

In this episode of Beyond the Fight: Navigating Interpersonal Conflict, we explore how to manage conflict with greater self-awareness and emotional regulation. You'll learn practical tips for self-regulation, healthy coping strategies, and how to distinguish between productive and unhealthy conflict. Plus, we’ll discuss why conflict isn’t just inevitable—but essential—for deeper, more authentic relationships. Tune in for expert insights that can transform the way you approach disagreements!      

In this episode we explore the transformative world of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, an approach that has garnered a tremendous amount of interest and praise in the last few years. Join us as we delve into the rich landscape of the mind, uncovering the complex interplay of our internal parts and their roles in shaping our emotions, behaviors, and relationships. Whether you're a seasoned clinician or someone curious about the healing potential of IFS. Tune in and embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing!

In this episode we explore the profound impact our childhood experiences have on our adult lives and uncover the pathways to healing and self-discovery. We discuss techniques and insights for reconnecting with the emotional and psychological aspects of our younger selves. From guided visualizations and reparenting strategies to practical exercises, we'll provide tools and inspiration for nurturing your inner child and understanding unresolved wounds. 

In this episode we delve into the intersection of spirituality with philosophy, science, and psychology. Uncover how spiritual principles can enhance our understanding of the self and the world around us. Gain practical tips and practices that you can incorporate into your daily life to nurture your own spiritual growth, mindfulness, and inner peace. Whether you're a seasoned spiritual seeker or someone curious about exploring your own spirituality this episode promises to ignite your curiosity and inspire your inner journey.

In this episode I aim to explore the concept of vulnerability, its importance in the therapeutic process, and how embracing vulnerability can lead to personal growth and emotional well-being. We also discuss how to make specific changes to aid in becoming more comfortable being vulnerable and what to watch out for when being more vulnerable with others.

Step into a world of untapped energy and healing potential in our latest podcast episode. Join us as we unlock the mysteries of Reiki with Julie Hinton-Green, a local Reiki energy master. Brace yourself for a captivating journey into the origins of Reiki and prepare to be amazed by the incredible health benefits it offers. Embark on a transformative adventure as we delve into the profound concept that we all possess a hidden "life force energy" coursing through our very beings. Prepare to be enchanted by Reiki, an evidence-based complementary health practice that has become a global phenomenon, captivating millions worldwide. This episode promises to be an eye-opening exploration of the extraordinary and the remarkable. Tune in and embrace the extraordinary world of Reiki that awaits you.

In this episode we discuss the ego, the ego is a term we often hear in psychology but understanding it can be quite complicated. Understanding the ego is essential to getting a better understanding of why we function the way we do and in this episode we offer some simple steps you can take to become more aware of your ego. 

Trauma has a far-reaching impact on our mental and physical health, yet it's often overlooked by health professionals. In the this episode we discuss common types of trauma, common symptoms, why it often goes undiagnosed and some of the challenges in treating trauma. 

Anxiety is such a struggle for so many and unfortunately without the right education many people intuitively make it much worse. In this episode we discuss the most common ways to manage Anxiety and also cover related topics such as panic attacks, phobias and social anxiety.  

In this episode we discuss the 9 essential atttitudes of mindfulness. These attitudinal factors include nonjudging,  patience, a beginner's mind, trust, non-striving, acceptance, letting go, gratitude and generosity. These attitudes are to be cultivated consciously as you develop and deepen your mindfulness practice. My Embracing Mindfulness Course https://havethelifeyoudesire.thinkific.com/courses/embracing-mindfulness

In this episode we discuss some practical tips for couples to improve communication and connection. We also provide helpful tips to navigate conflict in a healthy way and dispel some popular myths about relationships that create a range of problems. Tune in for the guidance you need to foster your bond!

Lifestyle, nutrition and gut health can greatly influence our mental health and well-being. Kira Lynn a Certified Nutritional Practitioner shares valuable insights into improving our gut health and restoring harmony to the mind and body through focusing on nutrition and lifestyle.  

Many consider Mindfulness a Superpower. There is no question Mindfulness can transform how you experience and appreciate life. Special Guest Carl Legault a Psychotherapist and Mindfulness Teacher joins me to discuss Mindfulness Practice in detail while offering simple exercises to get you started with your own Mindfulness Practice

We discuss Negative Bias and why so many struggle with "Negativity". We also detail specific strategies and actions we can implement to shift to a more Positive Mindset.

Psychotherapist Carl Legault discusses ACT Therapy. A new approach to managing negative thoughts with value driven action to reduce suffering and achieve your best self! 

Professional Bodybuilder IFBB Pro Ash Edelman discusses the importance of having a mental transformation and how to achieve a "winning" mindset.

We will discuss why change is hard and what we need to do to be successful when changing based on the latest research!

We discuss an often overlooked ingredient in being successful with your goals, understand why you often fail to meet your potential