In this episode of Messages from the Middle, I’m talking about a word that we may actually be underusing: grief. Unlike other therapy buzzwords I’ve covered in this series, grief is a word that usually gets used correctly—but not nearly enough. We’ve come to associate grief solely with death, and while grief absolutely belongs there, it also deserves space in so many other areas of our lives. I share how misunderstanding grief led me to feel unnecessary shame in my own experience, and how learning to name it allowed me to begin healing.

I’ll walk you through some of the most common myths around grief—the five stages, the timeline, the hierarchy—and offer a broader, more compassionate view of what grief really is and how it shows up. Whether you’ve experienced the loss of a loved one, the ending of a relationship, the shift of a dream, or just the quiet ache of a life that didn’t turn out the way you thought it would, this episode is an invitation to see grief differently—and to give yourself the permission you may not have known you needed.

contact me: email: wendy@wendyparrish.com

Instagram: @wendyparrishcoaching

We hear the word boundaries all the time—set them, hold them, respect them—but what do boundaries actually look like in real life? In this episode, I’m breaking down what boundaries are, what they’re not, and why so many of us get them wrong. I talk through common misconceptions, share real-life examples, and offer practical steps for setting boundaries that protect your peace without pushing people away.

If you’ve ever felt guilty for saying no, resentful in your relationships, or unsure how to follow through on the limits you’ve set, this one’s for you. I’ll walk you through the emotional backbone of boundary-setting—from self-awareness to self-respect—and help you reconnect with the version of yourself that knows your needs matter, too.

contact me:

email wendy@wendyparrish.com

instagram: @wendyparrishcoaching

In this episode of Therapy Talk Traps: Words We Misuse and How It’s Holding Us Back, I’m diving into the word "gaslighting"—a term that’s become part of everyday conversation, often without a full understanding of what it truly means. While gaslighting is a very real and harmful form of psychological abuse, we’ve started using it to describe everything from disagreements to memory lapses, and that’s a problem. Misusing the term not only waters down its meaning but also makes it harder for real victims of abuse to be recognized, believed, and supported.

I explore the origins of the word, what gaslighting actually looks like in abusive dynamics, and why being precise with our language is a powerful step in our healing. I also talk about how casually labeling someone a gaslighter can keep us from the self-reflection and accountability that growth requires. Whether you’ve been confused by the term or you’ve found yourself using it, this episode is a compassionate, honest invitation to get curious—and get clearer—about the words we use and the power they hold.

contact me: www.wendyparrish.com

email: wendy@wenddyparrish.com

instagram: @wendyparrishcoaching