What was your biggest Takeaway from this Episode! I would Love to hear from you!

Part 3: Beyond People Pleasing – Building a Conscious Relationship That Heals and Grows
with Shane & Wendy Adamson

💬 Episode Summary:
In the final installment of our 3-part People Pleasing Recovery Series, we welcome back Shane and Wendy Adamson — a couple who nearly walked away from their marriage, but chose healing, growth, and conscious love instead.

Wendy, a former people pleaser and daughter of a narcissist, and Shane, a seasoned therapist with over 30 years of experience, open up about the real work behind a thriving relationship. From boundary-setting and self-advocacy to the little daily rituals that build emotional intimacy (hello, Two-Minute Miracle 💞), they share the tools that helped transform their connection from codependent to interdependent.

We talk about:

• How trauma and ADHD impact relationships — and how to navigate them with compassion
• What it really takes to support your partner’s empowerment (even when it feels scary)
• How to respond when guilt and emotional manipulation show up
• The drama triangle — and how to step into maturity and healing love
• Why evolving as individuals strengthens the team, not weakens it
• Creating safe space to grow separately and together

If you've ever felt lost in a relationship or afraid that growing into your authentic self would threaten your connection… this conversation is your reminder:
✨ Love can grow deeper as you become more of yourself.

🔗 Connect with Shane & Wendy Adamson:

• Wendy Adamson Portraits
• Center for Marriage and Family – Shane Adamson
• Find out more about the Finding Peace Retreat & Hold Me Tight Couples Workshops

🛑 This is Part 3 of the People Pleasing Recovery Series
🎧 Haven’t listened to Part 1 and 2 yet? Start here:

• [Part 1: From People Pleaser to Empowered Woman – Wendy’s Story]
• [Part 2: Rewriting the Narrative – The Healing Journey Within the Relationship]

🔥 CTA (Call to Action):

If this episode moved you, share it with a friend who’s learning to let go of people pleasing and step into empowered love.

📲 Stay connected:

• Subscribe to the podcast
• Leave a review on Apple or Spotify — it helps more women find these healing conversations
• Join our EmpowerHer Community at www.anitasandoval.com for tools, retreats, and resources to support your journey

✨ Stay grounded. Stay growing. And keep having the conversations that set you free.

What was your biggest Takeaway from this Episode! I would Love to hear from you!

From People Pleaser to Empowered Woman: Wendy’s Story of Healing & Growth
Series: Empowered & Unfiltered (Part 2 of 3)
Guest: Wendy Adamson | Luxury Portrait Photographer & Empowerment Advocate

Episode Description:
What happens when a daughter finally says, “I won’t sacrifice myself for your love anymore”?

In this raw and powerful conversation, Wendy Adamson opens up about growing up under the control of a narcissistic mother—and what it took to finally break free. From being groomed to take over a family foundation to being emotionally cut off and financially abandoned, Wendy’s story is one of reclamation, creativity, and courage.

We explore the cost of generational people-pleasing, how trauma warps identity, and the deep healing required to live life on your own terms. Today, Wendy empowers women 45+ to see their true beauty through luxury portraiture—and helps them reconnect with their authentic selves.

✨ Topics we explore:

• What it’s like growing up with a narcissistic parent
• Financial control, golden handcuffs & emotional manipulation
• Reclaiming identity after decades of people-pleasing
• Healing through creativity, portraiture, and self-worth
• Inner child work, boundaries, and becoming your own nurturer

🛑 If you've ever felt trapped by guilt, stuck in silence, or unsure who you are without others’ approval—this episode is for you.

🎧 Listen to Part 1 with Wendy’s husband, therapist Shane Adamson, and stay tuned for Part 3 as they return together to share their healing journey as a couple.

🌿 Ready to take the first step from people pleaser to empowered?
Join my free community + sign up to be notified about my next live masterclass:
👉 5 Days to Start Saying No: The First Step from People Pleaser to Empowered
https://www.anitasandoval.com/masterclass

🔗 Connect with Wendy:
Website: https://www.wendyadamsonportrait.com
Instagram: @wendyadamsonphotography

📌 Binge-worthy episodes to listen before or after this one:

• People Pleasing & Appeasing – Part 1: Why We Do It
• Setting Loving Limits Without Guilt – Part 3
• Unmasking Manipulators & Becoming a Woman Empowered
• Breaking Free from People Pleasing During the Holidays
• The 12 Steps to Reclaim Your Power and Stop People Pleasing

📲 Follow, subscribe, and share this episode if it speaks to your heart—and remember:

You were never meant to be their puppet. You were meant to shine. 💫

Website: www.anitasandoval.com

Instagram: anita_sandoval

Linkdin:

What was your biggest Takeaway from this Episode! I would Love to hear from you!

Empowered & Unfiltered: A 3-Part Series on Healing, Empowerment, and Real Connection
Guest: Shane Adamson, LCSW, CSAT, CCPS

What happens when a people pleaser finally decides she’s worthy of more?

In this honest and unfiltered conversation, I’m joined by therapist and relationship trauma specialist Shane Adamson, LCSW, , CSAT, CCPS to explore what really lies beneath the urge to overgive, over-accommodate, and lose yourself in relationships that never loved you back.

Together, we peel back the layers of people pleasing as a trauma response, the invisible weight of betrayal, and the impact of emotional neglect that keeps women stuck in cycles of unworthiness. Shane brings clinical insight and deep compassion to the conversation—and even shares his own healing journey and how it shaped his work with couples and betrayed partners.

This is the first episode in a powerful 3-part series where we explore what it means to come home to yourself after years of giving yourself away.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why people pleasers are drawn to emotionally unavailable or narcissistic partners
• The signs of betrayal trauma and how it hijacks your nervous system
• What “duty sex” reveals about emotional disconnection
• How guilt, family roles, and cultural expectations keep women stuck
• What the first signs of healing really look like—and how to get there

🛑 If you've ever asked, “Why do I always lose myself in love?”—this episode is for you.

🎧 Connect with Shane Adamson:
🌐 Website: cmfcdallas.com
📧 Email: shaneadamsonlcsw@gmail.com
🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/shaneadamson
📸 Instagram: @shaneadamson
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/shane.adamson
▶️ YouTube: @SAdamsonLCSW

🎧 Binge-worthy episodes to listen before or after this one:
If you're new here, or want to dive deeper into people pleasing and self-worth, listen to these must-hear episodes:

• People Pleasing & Appeasing Part 1 – Why we do it and how it starts
• How to Stop Yourself from the Quick Reflex of Pleasing & Appeasing – Part 2
• How to Set Loving Limits Instead of People Pleasing – Part 3
• Unmasking Manipulators and Becoming a Woman Empowered
• Breaking Free from People Pleasing During the Holidays
• The 12 Steps to Reclaim Your Power and Stop People Pleasing

📌 Coming next in Part 2:
Wendy Adamson joins us to share her story of breaking generational cycles of narcissistic abuse, rediscovering her voice, and launching the Ageless & Empowered portrait campaign to celebrate women reclaiming their power at every age.

🌿 Ready to take the first step from people pleaser to empowered?
Join the free Women Empowered community + sign up for my upcoming live masterclass:
👉 “5 Days to Start S

What was your biggest Takeaway from this Episode! I would Love to hear from you!

In this episode of Empowering Women in Conversations, we walk through a powerful 12-step framework designed specifically for people pleasers who are ready to stop the cycle and start showing up for themselves—without guilt or apology.

You’ll learn how to:
🌿 Identify the roots of your people-pleasing behavior
🛑 Set boundaries without fear of rejection
💬 Communicate your needs clearly and assertively
💖 Prioritize self-care and self-respect
🌟 Replace emotional burnout with empowerment and authenticity

Each step includes simple challenges and small wins to help you take action and begin healing from within.

✨ If you’re ready to stop shrinking yourself for the comfort of others and start honoring your worth, this episode is your roadmap.

💬 Mentioned in this episode:

• How to join the Empower Her Pathways online community
• What to expect from each step of the healing process
• A reminder: You’re not alone, and change is possible

Disclaimer: By joining our online community, you agree to be added to our email list for support, resources, and updates on future offerings.

🎧 Hit play, subscribe, and let’s walk this journey together.

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Twitter:
Anita Sandoval@PACCTX
Linkdin:
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Facebook:
Conversations That Work
Website:
www.anitasandoval.com

What was your biggest Takeaway from this Episode! I would Love to hear from you!

🚨 Are you tired of feeling stuck in the cycle of people-pleasing, overthinking, and relationship anxiety? You're not alone. Many women struggle with breaking free from toxic patterns that keep them trapped in self-doubt and emotional exhaustion.

In this powerful episode of Empowering Women in Conversations, I sit down with Patrick Martin, LCSW, to dive deep into Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) strategies that can help you reclaim your confidence, set boundaries, and step into your authentic power.

🔍 In this episode, we cover:
✅ The hidden reasons why people-pleasers struggle in relationships
✅ How CBT helps rewire negative thought patterns and ease anxiety
✅ Practical tools to stop overthinking and self-sabotage
✅ The secret to setting boundaries without guilt or fear
✅ How to shift from reactive to empowered communication

If you've ever felt like you're carrying the emotional weight of your relationships, this episode is for you. Learn how to break free and start living life on your terms. 💪✨

🎧 Tune in now and take the first step toward empowerment!

🔗 Join the 5-Day Relief Challenge!

💖 Struggling with stress, overwhelm, or constant anxiety? Take my FREE 5-Day Relief Challenge and learn simple, science-backed techniques to calm your mind, reset your nervous system, and take control of your emotions. Each day, you’ll get a guided exercise to help you build emotional resilience and find relief—fast!

📩 Sign up now and start your journey to relief today!

→🔗 Join the 5-Day Relief Challenge!

Connect with Patrick Martin, LCSW

🌐 Website: The Mental Health Toolbox
📷 Instagram: @mentalhealthtoolbox
📘 Facebook: The Mental Health Toolbox
🐦 Twitter: @PMartinLCSW
💼 LinkedIn: Patrick Martin, LCSW
🎙️ Podcast: The Mental Health Toolbox

📢 Connect with Us!

🌐 Website: www.anitasandoval.com
📷 Instagram: @anita_sandoval
🐦 Twitter: Anita Sandoval@PACCTX
💼 LinkedIn: @Anita Sandoval

📺 YouTube: Empowering Women In Conversations

• If you enjoyed this episode feel free to listen in to our previous episode:

Breaking Free: Unmasking Narcissistic Abuse and Empowering the People Pleaser Within

And remember to subscribe so that you don't have to miss another episode.

What was your biggest Takeaway from this Episode! I would Love to hear from you!

The holiday season is here, and while it’s a time for joy and celebration, it can also be overwhelming—especially for women who struggle with people-pleasing. In this episode of Empowering Women in Conversations, Anita Sandoval is joined by Jessica Hope Murph, LMFT, to explore why the holidays are particularly challenging for people pleasers and how to reclaim peace, joy, and authenticity during this time.

What We Cover in This Episode:

• Why the Holidays Bring Stress for People Pleasers:
  Jessica explains how family programming, perfectionism, and cultural expectations contribute to holiday stress.
• Core Characteristics of People Pleasers:
  Understanding the patterns that lead women to prioritize others' needs and struggle with self-worth.
• Steps to Shift Away from People-Pleasing:
  Practical tips for starting small, such as treating yourself with care and setting boundaries.
• The Power of Assertive Communication:
  Examples of passive, aggressive, and assertive communication styles, and phrases to use in challenging situations.
• The Importance of Peer Support:
  How surrounding yourself with the right people can help you maintain boundaries and build resilience.

BONUS: Listen in to 6 quick survival tips will help you reclaim your worth, set boundaries, and truly enjoy the season. Reclaim Your Worth and Enjoy the Holidays

Memorable Quotes:

• “Stop trying to prove that you're enough and just be enough.” – Jessica Hope Murph, LMFT
• “When you treat yourself like the queen you are, you’re not just practicing self-care—you’re changing your core value to ‘I am enough.’” – Jessica Hope Murph, LMFT

Actionable Tips:

1. Start small with self-care: Take 10 minutes for yourself each morning or treat yourself to something you enjoy.
2. Practice assertive communication: Replace passive or aggressive styles with confident, respectful phrases.
3. Surround yourself with supportive people: Find peer groups or friends who uplift and empower you.

You can reach Jessica Hope Murph:

• practice: Beyond Boundaries Counseling RGV
• Couples Boot Camp: 4 Week Online Group Counseling For Couples
• Facebook: facebook.com/BBCRGV
• Youtube: Beyond Boundaries Counseling RGV
• Anita Sandoval’s 5-Day Relief Challenge:Unwind and Relax in 5 Days
  If you enjoyed this episode feel free to listen in to our previous episode:

Breaking Free: Unmasking Narcissistic Abuse and Empowering the People Pleaser Within

And remember to subscribe so that you don't have to miss another episode.
TikTok: anitasandoval_lpcs
Instagram: anita_sandoval
Twitter: Anita Sandoval@PACCTX
Linkdin: Anita Sandoval
Website:

What was your biggest Takeaway from this Episode! I would Love to hear from you!

Episode Highlights:

• Understanding Narcissistic Abuse: Definition and insights into how narcissists use coercion, power, and control in relationships.
• The People Pleaser's Plight: Examining why people pleasers become prime targets for narcissistic individuals and how their natural tendencies can prolong toxic dynamics.
• The Mask of Narcissism: Discussing the initial charm and subsequent reveal of a narcissist's true nature, and the psychological impact on their partners.
• Signs and Patterns Overlooked: Identifying the early warning signs that people pleasers often miss, including the dangerous cycle of justification and self-sacrifice.
• Breaking the Cycle: Strategies for recognizing, addressing, and healing from narcissistic abuse, with an emphasis on self-awareness and boundary-setting.

Key Takeaways:

1. Narcissistic Abuse Beyond Physical Harm: Understanding that emotional and psychological manipulation is a form of abuse.
2. The Danger of Mirroring: Recognizing the early phases of a relationship with a narcissist can help prevent deeper entanglement.
3. Empowerment Through Knowledge: Providing listeners with the tools to identify and escape abusive situations.
4. Healing and Recovery: Highlighting the importance of support, therapy, and community in overcoming the effects of narcissistic abuse.

If you want to learn more you can connect with Sybil Cummin at:
Email: info@risingbeyondpc.com

If you've been looking for a supportive community of women going through the topics we cover, head over to our website to learn more about the Rising Beyond Community. - https://www.risingbeyondpc.com/
Rising Beyond Facebook
Rising Beyond LinkedIn
Rising Beyond Pinterest
Domestic Shelters.org

Follow us on our social media platforms for more resources, and join our community discussions to share your experiences and insights.
If you enjoyed this episode feel free to listen in to our previous episode:
Unmasking Manipulators and Becoming a Woman Empowered!
And remember to subscribe so that you don't have to miss another episode.
TikTok:
anitasandoval_lpcs
Instagram:
anita_sandoval
Twitter:
Anita Sandoval@PACCTX
Linkdin:
Anita Sandoval
Facebook:
Conversations That Work
Website:

What was your biggest Takeaway from this Episode! I would Love to hear from you!

1. Personal Transformation: Kate Conwell's journey through infidelity in her marriage, 11 years ago, was an incredibly challenging and painful experience. However, it became a catalyst for personal growth and transformation, prompting her to reexamine her life and the kind of person she wanted to become.
2. The Power of Healing: Kate recognized that healing was necessary, and she decided to pursue it, both individually and with her husband. This journey of healing allowed them to eventually come back together and work on their marriage, which ultimately led to a stronger and more resilient relationship.
3. Creating a Safe Space: Kate's mission, with Journey Beyond Betrayal, is to provide a confidential and supportive environment where women can openly discuss their experiences, feel affirmed in their feelings, and gain a better understanding of what's normal in such situations. It's about ensuring that no one has to face this painful journey alone.
4. You're Not Alone: Kate understands that women who have experienced infidelity often feel isolated, misunderstood, and overwhelmed. She aims to be a guide for these women, offering a place where they can find understanding, support, and healing.