Essential Pelvic Health

In this episode,  Laura Rowan, pelvic health occupational therapist and founder of Essential Pelvic Health, sits down with Edi Pasalis, founder of the Be Your Power menopause leadership program, to explore a powerful shift in perspective—what if menopause isn’t a breakdown, but a breakthrough?Together, they unpack how menopause is not just a collection of symptoms, but a transformational stage of growth, self-awareness, and leadership evolution. From navigating physical changes to redefining identity and power in midlife, this conversation reframes menopause as an opportunity to reconnect with yourself, deepen your awareness, and lead from a more authentic place.This episode is especially meaningful for high-achieving women who may feel challenged during this transition, offering a refreshing perspective: instead of fighting the body, what if we learned to listen, adapt, and grow with it? 💡🔑 Topics Covered✨ Reframing menopause from a “problem” into a growth opportunity ✨ The idea of menopause as a developmental stage (like adolescence) ✨ Why symptoms shouldn’t be the only focus during this phase ✨ Leadership shifts during midlife and stepping into authentic power ✨ Letting go of control and embracing care, curiosity, and awareness ✨ The connection between physical symptoms and emotional awareness ✨ How menopause can deepen self-connection and decision-making ✨ Workplace awareness and the importance of normalizing menopause ✨ Moving beyond symptom management into personal transformation ✨ Navigating grief, identity shifts, and new possibilities in midlife📚 Learn More🔗 The Be Your Power menopause leadership program 🔗 Menopause awareness and support in the workplace 🔗 Mindfulness, yoga, and self-awareness practices 🔗 Pelvic health and whole-body connection 🔗 Emotional awareness and nervous system connection 🔗 Resources and conversations around menopause as growth

In this episode, Laura Rowan dives into the important role of state association advocacy in advancing pelvic health occupational therapy. As pelvic health continues to grow as a specialized area of practice, advocacy helps ensure that occupational therapists are recognized for their valuable contributions in supporting patients with pelvic health concerns and increase access to care for the growing demands.Laura discusses how state occupational therapy associations, position statements, and professional collaboration help expand awareness of pelvic health OT and strengthen the profession’s ability to serve patients effectively. She also shares insights into recent advocacy efforts happening across different states and explains why therapists should consider getting involved in shaping the future of pelvic health care.Whether you're a practicing occupational therapist, a student exploring specialty areas, or a healthcare professional interested in pelvic health, this episode highlights how education, advocacy, and community involvement can help improve access to care and support better outcomes for patients.💬 Topics Covered:🩺 What pelvic health occupational therapy is and why it matters📣 The importance of advocacy at the state association level📄 How position statements help establish and support pelvic health OT practice🌎 Examples of advocacy progress in different states🤝 The role of professional organizations in expanding pelvic health care📚 Resources available for therapists interested in pelvic health specialization🚀 How occupational therapists can get involved in advocacy and leadership🔗 Learn More:Essential Pelvic Health is dedicated to supporting therapists through education, advocacy, and professional development in pelvic health occupational therapy. Through Essential Pelvic Health Education, therapists can access specialized training, resources, and community support to help expand pelvic health services and improve patient care.Pelvic Health Occupational Therapy State Association Advocacy Guidelines: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WR5Khr-viDnjfZtRv5gQQSG5_5GMxEN9/view?usp=drivesdkPelvic Health OT Advocacy Instagram link: https://www.instagram.com/pelvicotadvocacy?igsh=OXBjZmdrbzM0dDZvTo learn more about pelvic health education, advocacy initiatives, and training opportunities, visit Essential Pelvic Health Group Community at https://mc.essentialpelvichealth.comor our website at https://www.essentialpelvichealth.com

In this episode, Laura and Angie dive into Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, exploring its powerful applications for both mental health and physical conditions like pelvic pain. Together, they discuss how IFS helps people build healthier relationships with different parts of themselves, uncover underlying emotional patterns, and release burdens that can manifest in the body.The conversation also highlights the integration of mind-body approaches in healthcare—bringing together IFS, EMDR, and other trauma-informed practices to support holistic healing. Laura and Angie close by sharing details about upcoming workshops designed to make these tools accessible to more people.✨ What you’ll learn in this episode:How IFS therapy works and why it’s transformative for mind and body healingThe connection between unresolved trauma and chronic conditions like pelvic painThe role of courage, voice, and compassion in deep personal growthWhy mind-body approaches are reshaping the future of trauma recoveryA sneak peek into upcoming workshops with Laura and AngieLink for the workshop:https://angielieber.com/bypMeet Angie Lieber: Angie is a coach and healer for brave-hearted people who want to go deep to move forward. She works through a trauma-informed lens, weaving together Internal Family Systems (IFS), adult development, and decades of experience in nonprofit leadership and clinical settings.Her path began in Jerusalem, walking alongside a psychoanalyst mentor and exploring attachment theory. She later worked at a psychiatric center for children in San Francisco, where she witnessed the transformative power of safety and connection. At Harvard Graduate School of Education, she studied adult development with a focus on sexual trauma—examining how courage, inhibition, and voice shape growth.As the daughter of a Holocaust survivor, Angie carries a deep understanding of legacy burdens. She also honors the wisdom of neurodivergence, believing that we’re all wired differently and that every feeling is valid. After three decades of raising millions for mission-driven organizations, Angie now guides individuals in befriending their protectors, listening inward, and creating space for clarity, compassion, and deep change.

In this enriching episode, Laura and Sujata dive into the power of integrative and somatic approaches in pelvic health, especially for those navigating trauma during pregnancy. They explore how combining Eastern and Western medical models creates a more effective, holistic path to healing—one that supports the physical, emotional, cognitive, energetic, and spiritual layers of well-being.Sujata also introduces her upcoming training on integrative pelvic care for pregnancy, with a special discount link just for listeners. Plus, don’t miss the info on her in-person PR-MATT training in Boston this fall.nitive, emotional, energetic, and spiritual layers of a person’s experience supports deep healing—especially for those navigating the challenges of birth and trauma. Sujata also shares details about her upcoming training on integrative pelvic care for pregnancy, with future offerings in postpartum and fertility care. Watch the Full Episode YouTube: Integrative and Somatic Approaches in Pelvic Health Watch: Somatic Therapy for Birth Trauma https://youtu.be/MzO6hUCrjrI?si=vPbcdLRCRVNI9IRz Special Offer – Pregnancy Care Course Integrative Somatic Healing for Pregnancy Save with this exclusive EPH discount link: https://www.integrativesomatichealing.org/offers/5hpFnWFe Upcoming In-Person Training PR-MATT – Boston November 1–2, 2025 View course details: https://essentialpelvichealth.vipmembervault.com/products/courses/view/1072951 Connect with Sujata on YouTube Integrative Somatic Healing Channelhttps://youtube.com/@integrativesomatichealing Pelvic Soul – Clinical Practice Channelhttps://youtube.com/@pelvicsoul Whether you're a practitioner, birthworker, or on your own healing journey, this conversation will leave you inspired by the power of integrative pelvic care.#PelvicHealth #SomaticHealing #PregnancySupport #TraumaInformedCare #IntegrativeMedicine #FertilityCare #PostpartumHealing #HolisticHealth #PRMATT #SujataIntegrativeHealing

In this enlightening episode, Essential Pelvic Health sits down with Theresa Allender, an expert in neurodevelopment and movement therapy, to explore the fascinating world of retained reflexes.Theresa shares how these primitive reflexes—meant to be integrated in early childhood—can persist into adulthood and affect behavior, learning, coordination, and emotional regulation.Whether you're a parent, educator, therapist, or simply curious about the mind-body connection, this episode will give you insight into:What retained reflexes are and why they matterCommon signs that a reflex hasn’t integratedHow these reflexes impact kids and adultsTools and strategies for integrationTheresa’s holistic approach to supporting neurodevelopment Resources:Reflex Testing with Neurology Explanation: https://youtu.be/LYYrLzDHqv0Simple Reflex Testing (without neurology background): https://youtu.be/ZkGDm3t2hb8Don't miss this deep dive into how subtle shifts in the nervous system can unlock greater potential for movement, learning, and calm.

Episode Summary:In this episode, we sit down with sisters and co-founders of GAME Fitness, Sarah Walker and Jessica Wehry, to explore how strength training can empower women both physically and mentally. With over a decade of experience, these certified coaches share their journey, their mission to create a welcoming space for women, and why understanding women’s physiology is key to building effective fitness and nutrition programs.From breaking stereotypes around weightlifting to supporting women through all stages of life—including menopause and beyond—Sarah and Jessica bring passion, science, and sisterhood into everything they do at their Pittsfield-based garage gym.👥 Guest Bios:Sarah Walker & Jessica WehryCertified Personal Trainers (NASM)Women’s Coaching/Menopause Specialists (Girls Gone Strong Academy)Youth Fitness & Fitness Nutrition Certified (NASM)Co-founders of GAME Fitness in Pittsfield🗣️ Topics Covered:The origin story of GAME Fitness and its missionWhy personalized strength training matters for womenThe connection between strength training and hormonal healthCreating inclusive, supportive spaces for women in fitnessMyths about women and weightliftingCoaching through menopause and different life stagesHow fitness builds confidence beyond the gym📍About GAME Fitness:GAME Fitness is a women-owned and operated strength training gym in Pittsfield, MA, focused on empowering women through customized strength training, nutrition guidance, and coaching. Their programs are tailored specifically to women’s physiology and designed to support lifelong health and confidence.📣 Subscribe & Review:If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review. It helps us reach more listeners and share more inspiring stories like Sarah and Jessica’s!Pelvic Pro registration 5/15-29https://sarahduvallpt.mykajabi.com/a/2147530912/oCUEN3pQEssential Pelvic Health Course offerings: https://essentialpelvichealth.mvsite.app**please check this is the main MV link**Game Fitness:https://gamefitness.wixsite.com/game-fitness@gamefitness is our TikTok https://www.instagram.com/g.a.m.e.fitness?igsh=bmxwZ3h3Y2hmNjZs

In this eye-opening episode of The Essential Pelvic Health Podcast, host Laura is joined by Carly Detterman, a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) and Menopause Society Certified Provider (MSCP), to discuss the ins and outs of menopause care. Carly combines her expertise in midwifery and menopause to offer a holistic and compassionate approach to navigating this important life stage.Together, they dive into everything from hormonal changes and hot flashes to pelvic health and sleep issues, while also addressing common myths and misconceptions about menopause. Whether you're currently going through menopause or just beginning to prepare, this conversation will provide invaluable insights and actionable steps to take control of your health and well-being.📌 What You’ll Learn:The dual expertise of being both a Certified Nurse Midwife and Menopause Society Certified ProviderWhat happens hormonally during perimenopause and menopauseHow menopause affects pelvic health and what to do about itThe role of hormone therapy and personalized careTips for managing symptoms naturally and with medical supportHow to advocate for yourself and build a supportive care team👩‍⚕️ About Carly Detterman, CNM, MSCP:Carly Detterman is a Certified Nurse Midwife and Menopause Society Certified Provider with a deep commitment to helping women navigate menopause with confidence and clarity. With her combined expertise in midwifery and menopause care, Carly provides a compassionate, patient-centered approach to every stage of the menopause journey. 📣 Connect with Us:If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe, rate, and share it with others who may benefit. Follow us onFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/EssentialPelvicHealth for more pelvic health tips and updates or watch the full video atYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@EssentialPelvicHealthCheck out Carly's website: https://www.westernmassmenopause.com/aboutJoin our Facebook Groups:Essential Pelvic Health Education -https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Dmf5a4Hyu/Meno-Pausitivity - https://www.facebook.com/share/g/16EfES3TyW/Meno-Cycle Breakers: From Pause to Power Course - https://essentialpelvichealth.mvsite.app/products/courses/view/1180506Menopause Evolution: Navigating Strength and Weight Solutions - https://essentialpelvichealth.mvsite.app/products/courses/view/1182216