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Hosted by Crystal Hardstaff, a counsellor and parenting educator, this podcast is here to support you through the emotional ups and downs of perinatal mental health, parenting, and self-identity. This space is for real, honest conversations about the challenges of early parenthood, raising children, and prioritising your mental wellbeing. Whether you’re navigating the newborn stage, toddlerhood, older years, or balancing the journey of motherhood with your personal identity, you’ll find meaningful insights, relatable personal stories, and practical tools to help you feel more empowered. Topics range from parenting education to mental health topics. Join me as we explore how to nurture your mental health, cultivate connection, and raise confident, resilient children, all while honouring the person you are beyond your role as a parent.
Episodes

Monday Feb 24, 2025
I’m Back – A Raw Conversation About Burnout, Miscarriages, and Getting Real
Monday Feb 24, 2025
Monday Feb 24, 2025
It’s been a while since I’ve shown up here, and today, I’m coming back to chat with you - unfiltered and real. Life has been a whirlwind, and in this first episode I’m sharing my journey through burnout and multiple miscarriages. This wasn’t a planned break from social media, but it became necessary as I found myself overwhelmed by the pressure to keep creating and the negativity that came with it.
In this episode, I get real about the grief and healing process after 9 miscarriages, what it’s been like navigating that pain while already having two children, and how it’s changed the way I show up for others who are going through similar struggles. I also talk about the importance of authenticity, even when it feels uncomfortable, and how social media has both exposed us to trauma and forced us to confront the harsh realities of the world we live in.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, unsure of how to show up for yourself, or struggled with the pressures of having it all together, well this episode is for you. I’m leaning into vulnerability and embracing the messiness of life. Join me as I share what I’ve learned along the way and how I’m navigating these big emotions.
Thank you for being here and listening to my story. It’s not always easy, but it feels important to show up as myself; imperfect, authentic, and ready to connect. Let’s get into it. 💛
Oh and BTW we're back to The Gentle Counsellor Podcast.
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