In this episode, Dr. Patti Ashley is joined by maternal mental health clinician Amber Chamberlain for a thoughtful conversation about navigating motherhood in the early years.

Together, Patti and Amber explore why maternal mental health has reached a critical turning point, how anxiety and depression often predate pregnancy and intensify postpartum, and why the early weeks of motherhood can feel uniquely overwhelming to the nervous system.

They speak candidly about the cultural pressure to be a “good mother,” the grief that can accompany becoming a parent, and the shame many women carry when bonding and joy don’t unfold as expected. Rather than offering formulas or advice, this conversation emphasizes emotional literacy, mindfulness, and the importance of tending to our inner space.

This conversation recognizes the layered reality of motherhood, and offers perspective on how healing and connection are built over time.

Amber Chamberlain is a behavioral health industry professional based in the Washington, D.C. area. With over 30 years of experience, she is an accomplished speaker and consultant. Her career includes work with many national health care entities to include, Managed Care Organizations (MCO), Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), Department of Defense (DoD) Psychological Health Programs, and Hospital Systems. Amber currently works in Maternal Health providing clinical support to people during the perinatal phase of their parenthood journey. She also provides consultation in the field of spirituality and consciousness integration.

Learn more at www.pattiashley.com

In this episode Dr. Patti talks with dream expert, spiritual counselor, and bestselling author Dr. Kelly Sullivan Walden (aka “Dr. Dream”) about how exploring your dreams can become a practical, soul-led guide for change.

Together, Patti and Kelly talk about why dreams aren’t random or meaningless—but a kind of spiritual GPS that helps us walk forward with more clarity, confidence, and grace.

Kelly introduces her new book Dreamifesting and explains her memorable JET SET method for working with dreams in a grounded way:

• J — Just the facts (write the dream as-is)

• E — Emotion (name what you felt)

• T — Title (as if it were a movie)

• S — Standout symbols (your personal associations first)

• E — Embodiment (become a symbol and let it speak)

• T — Tangible action (take a real-world step)

You’ll also hear a vivid story of a client whose dream encouraged him to “walk through the door”—leading to a major career shift, increased happiness, and a dramatic upgrade in his life.

Patti and Kelly reflect on the hero’s journey, the importance of integrating growth without “preaching,” and how true inner work creates a ripple effect that uplifts communities.

Even if you don’t remember your dreams, Kelly offers simple ways to begin: start writing anything down upon waking, use daydreams as dream material, and prime your psyche by reading dream-centered content before sleep.

This conversation is a playful, soulful reminder that the outer world can distract us—but the answers we’re seeking are often waiting inside.

Key themes: dreams + manifestation, unfinished nightmares, inner space, spiritual bypass vs. embodiment, soul-led goals, symbols, intuition, and tangible action.

For more information:

www.kellysullivanwalden.com

www.pattiashley.com

In this episode, Dr. Patti Ashley explores some profound lessons about grief that she learned from losing her father at age eleven and the mid-life man of her dreams, Laurence Freedom nine years ago.

Patti emphasizes the importance of embracing grief as a transformative experience and highlights the value of being present and aware of our emotions. Through mindful awareness, we honor our grief and ultimately find deeper connections to life.

Patti's memoir Letters to Freedom: From Fear to Love to Grace offers a glimpse into her life-long journey of learning how to "grieve well." She shares excerpts from her book with you in this episode, including quotes from the book Enchanted Love by one of her favorite spiritual teachers, Marianne Williamson.

Learn more about Patti, her books, and much more at www.pattiashley.com

In this episode of the Inner Space Project Podcast, Dr. Patti Ashley engages with Dr. Catherine Holt, a depth psychotherapist, to explore the complexities of body image, body hatred, and the intersection of behavioral and depth psychology. They discuss the symbolic meanings behind body discontent, the importance of integrating different therapeutic approaches, and the role of cultural norms in shaping our perceptions of ourselves. The conversation emphasizes the need for body neutrality and respect, the mundane nature of recovery, and the significance of mental health awareness in today's society. Dr. Holt shares valuable insights and tools for personal growth, encouraging listeners to embrace their inner space and learn from their experiences.

Kathryn C. Holt, PhD, LCSW, is a depth psychotherapist in private practice in Longmont, CO, specializing in body acceptance, soul work, and postpartum support. She writes about bodies, motherhood, and spirituality while bridging the fields of Jungian and behavioral psychology. She studied dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) at Columbia University and completed her PhD in depth psychology with a focus on Jungian and Archetypal Psychology. Her research focused on how people make peace with their bodies after suffering with body hatred. Her therapeutic approach draws from Jungian, behavioral, and feminist psychology. Dr. Holt is the author of 'Overcoming Body Hatred Workbook' and the co-author of the well-received 'Stronger Than BPD Journal'.

For more on her perspectives and offerings, visit her blog at www.kathryncholt.com

Books:

https://www.newharbinger.com/9781648482076/overcoming-body-hatred-workbook/

https://www.newharbinger.com/9781684030613/the-stronger-than-bpd-journal/

Freebies:

True Hunger Workshop/Book Launch https://kathryncholt.com/booklaunch

Mothers and Bodies Workshop https://kathryncholt.com/mothersandbodies

Stuffed and Starved Worksheet: https://mailchi.mp/kathryncholt/stuffed-and-starved-worksheet

In this episode Dr. Patti talks with psychologist and author of the book Post Traumatic Parenting about repairing the trauma from your own childhood as you parent your children. Such an important topic as no one these days is exempt from trauma.

Learn how trauma impacts your responses and parenting behaviors. Do you ever wonder why you are yelling at your child when you know that is not the best practice? Dr. K will help you understand and feel more at ease with your children.

For more information about Dr. Koslowitz and her book please visit https://www.drrobynkoslowitz

More on Dr. Patti

https://www.pattiashley.com

In this episode Dr. Patti tells you about what to expect in Season Two of The Inner space Project Podcast. There will be one episode each month that will air on the third Tuesday. She is asking for sponsors and resources to continue to bring these important messages to you. Spread the word. Like, subscribe, and share. Her upcoming guests so far include experts on children and trauma, disordering eating, grief, and dreams. Tune in this week for the first episode with Dr. Robyn Kosklowski where she shares the importance of raising children consciously and repairing early childhood trauma.

In this episode of the Inner Space Project Podcast, Dr Patti talks to you about all that happened in season one of the project. She shares her passion for creating it, a little bit about some of her guests, and the generous help she's had along the way. This project is truly a work of heart with absolutely no financial resources.

In this liminal space episode between season one and season two, she shares her focus on generating income to support the Podcast and her other Inner Space Project offerings such as a YouTube videos, Substack, and in-person group meetings. Please like, subscribe, and share The Inner Space Project Podcast as well as Dr. Patti Ashley's YouTube channel.

And stay tuned because season two is gonna get real. Hopefully the first episode will air in September 2025.

In this special endings episode of The Inner Space Project Podcast, Patti focuses on the grief and loss of the empty nest. Even though we often don't think about that time as one of mourning, the Inner Space Project opens our eyes so that we can allow ALL feelings to be explored.

May is the time of year when many parents are preparing for high school and college graduations. To help you walk through this paradoxical transition, Patti invited conscious parenting coach and recent "empty-nester," Stacie Lovato to the mic!

Together, they dive into the paradox of saying goodbye to our children, and the human challenges around loving and letting go. This episode focuses on how we navigate the complexities of the empty nest with grace and ease. Conscious parenting is Stacie's passion and life-long lived experience. You will feel so much better as you hear her voice and share her experiences.

Stacie is a mom to three incredible young men ages 20, 23, and 26, a lifelong educator, a devoted wife, daughter, sister, and friend. As a conscious parenting coach, Stacie is passionate about helping parents slow down, connect deeply, and raise emotionally resilient kids. She is the host of Mindful Mama Conversations, a podcast where she explores the idea of connecting to others through meaningful conversations. These days, she is also nannying—what she lovingly calls her "grandma-in-training."