
Hosted by Kendra Nielson | Therapist, Counselor, Self Development Educator, Fulfillment Therapy Founder, Consultant, · EN
Welcome to Fulfillment Therapy. I’m Kendra Nielson—wife, mom, licensed therapist, and someone who’s been right where you are. If you’re doing everything “right” but still feel exhausted, overwhelmed, and empty inside, know you’re not alone. Maybe you thought life, marriage, and parenting would be simpler or more rewarding by now, yet some days all you want to do is hide under the covers, scroll and series binge endlessly, or reach for comfort food instead of facing the stress and chaos at home. I get it—I’ve been there.
This podcast was created for people like you—parents and adults in the thick of it, juggling family, work, and personal growth, struggling to find balance and meaning in the daily grind. Here, we talk real life, real struggles, and real solutions to help you break free from the exhausting rat race. We’ll take small, doable steps toward flourishing, improving your mental health, and living with purpose—even when life feels overwhelming.
You’ll find honest conversations with other leading experts and practical tools to reduce stress, handle overwhelm, and care for yourself without guilt or shame. We’ll explore how to refill your cup, set healthy boundaries, and reconnect with your values so you have more energy and joy to share with your family. It’s about creating a life that feels meaningful to you without unrealistic perfectionism.
We’ll transform exhaustion into strength, chaos into calm, and daily survival into a life you love. It really is possible!
Reach out anytime at hello@fulfillmenttherapy.org and join our community on Facebook and Instagram @fulfillmenttherapy.
Visit fulfillmenttherapy.org for more support and resources.
This is your space to heal, grow, and flourish. It’s time to start living the life you were born to live.
Connect → fulfillment.therapist@gmail.com
Facebook → http://bit.ly/fulfillmenttherapy
Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/fulfillmenttherapy/

Show Notes: Karen Tavares Bates moved her family of ten to Mexico to build a home for abandoned teens, but quickly discovered that endless empathy without healthy boundaries was destroying her mental health and ability to parent effectively. In part 2 of this powerful two-part conversation, she further shares how recognizing toxic empathy patterns, learning assertiveness, and releasing shame transformed her approach to family life and purposeful living. Further discover how to model wholeness for your children, let go of approval-seeking behaviors, and build a life driven by authentic purpose instead of external pressure. Enjoy! -Kendra ALL LINKS → https://linktr.ee/fulfillmenttherapy Website → https://fulfillmenttherapy.org Contact → hello@fulfillmenttherapy.org Instagram → @fulfillmenttherapy Facebook Community → http://bit.ly/fulfillmenttherapy Facebook Group → Private FB Group YouTube → Podcast Episode Videos Schedule 1:1 Coaching → https://fulfillmenttherapy.org/1-on-1-coaching Chat → 1-986-910-5172 *text questions & topic requests Karen’s links: KarenTavaresBates.com (book and program) Find Your Path Mission (service trips and donations). Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karen.t.bates.77 IG: https://www.instagram.com/karenbates10/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@karenbatesfyp

Show Notes: Karen Tavares Bates moved her family of ten to Mexico to build a home for abandoned teens, but quickly discovered that endless empathy without healthy boundaries was destroying her mental health and ability to parent effectively. In this powerful two-part conversation, she shares how recognizing toxic empathy patterns, learning assertiveness, and releasing shame transformed her approach to family life and purposeful living. Parents struggling with overwhelm, people-pleasing, and the exhaustion of constantly putting others first will find practical wisdom for setting boundaries that protect their energy without losing their compassion. Discover how to model wholeness for your children, let go of approval-seeking behaviors, and build a life driven by authentic purpose instead of external pressure. Enjoy! -Kendra ALL LINKS → https://linktr.ee/fulfillmenttherapy Website → https://fulfillmenttherapy.org Contact → hello@fulfillmenttherapy.org Instagram → @fulfillmenttherapy Facebook Community → http://bit.ly/fulfillmenttherapy Facebook Group → Private FB Group YouTube → Podcast Episode Videos Schedule 1:1 Coaching → https://fulfillmenttherapy.org/1-on-1-coaching Chat → 1-986-910-5172 *text questions & topic requests Karen’s links: KarenTavaresBates.com (book and program) Find Your Path Mission (service trips and donations). Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karen.t.bates.77 IG: https://www.instagram.com/karenbates10/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@karenbatesfyp

Show Notes: What if the exhaustion you feel isn't about doing more, but about building something stronger within yourself? In part 2 of this episode, clinical psychologist Dr. Celeste Birkhofer further shares how profound loss taught her that real mental health isn't found in productivity or perfection—it's built on self-compassion, authentic living, and learning to tolerate life's pain without running from it. If you're a parent struggling to balance caring for everyone else while feeling empty inside, this conversation offers practical wisdom on developing the inner resources that create lasting fulfillment and emotional resilience, even through grief and stress. Enjoy! -Kendra ALL LINKS → https://linktr.ee/fulfillmenttherapy Website → https://fulfillmenttherapy.org Contact → hello@fulfillmenttherapy.org Instagram → @fulfillmenttherapy Facebook Community → http://bit.ly/fulfillmenttherapy Facebook Group → Private FB Group YouTube → Podcast Episode Videos Schedule 1:1 Coaching → https://fulfillmenttherapy.org/1-on-1-coaching Chat → 1-986-910-5172 *text questions & topic requests Celeste’s links: email: dr.cbirkhofer@me.com https://www.celestebirkhofer.com/ https://www.instagram.com/celestebirkhofer https://www.facebook.com/celeste.birkhofer https://www.linkedin.com/in/celeste-birkhofer-phd-psyd-85525a9/ https://drcelestebirkhofer.substack.com/ https://www.brainzmagazine.com/executive-contributor/celeste-birkhofer

Show Notes: What if the exhaustion you feel isn't about doing more, but about building something stronger within yourself? Clinical psychologist Dr. Celeste Birkhofer shares how profound loss taught her that real mental health isn't found in productivity or perfection—it's built on self-compassion, authentic living, and learning to tolerate life's pain without running from it. If you're a parent struggling to balance caring for everyone else while feeling empty inside, this conversation offers practical wisdom on developing the inner resources that create lasting fulfillment and emotional resilience, even through grief and stress. Enjoy! -Kendra ALL LINKS → https://linktr.ee/fulfillmenttherapy Website → https://fulfillmenttherapy.org Contact → hello@fulfillmenttherapy.org Instagram → @fulfillmenttherapy Facebook Community → http://bit.ly/fulfillmenttherapy Facebook Group → Private FB Group YouTube → Podcast Episode Videos Schedule 1:1 Coaching → https://fulfillmenttherapy.org/1-on-1-coaching Chat → 1-986-910-5172 *text questions & topic requests Celeste’s links: email: dr.cbirkhofer@me.com https://www.celestebirkhofer.com/ https://www.instagram.com/celestebirkhofer https://www.facebook.com/celeste.birkhofer https://www.linkedin.com/in/celeste-birkhofer-phd-psyd-85525a9/ https://drcelestebirkhofer.substack.com/ https://www.brainzmagazine.com/executive-contributor/celeste-birkhofer

Show Notes: Part 2 of this episode further follows Jeff’s personal journey into fatherhood after infertility and how redefining what it means to be a dad changed everything for him and his boys. Listeners will learn simple, realistic ways to shift from reactive, shame-filled parenting into emotionally regulated, intentional fatherhood that supports both kids’ resilience and parents’ mental health. You’ll hear practical strategies for being present in short, meaningful bursts, repairing after you lose it, and creating family rituals—like a gratitude tree and kitchen dance parties—that build connection and fulfillment over time. Parents who feel alone, exhausted, or unsure how to model growth and vulnerability will find hope, language, and tools to create a more purposeful, emotionally healthy home. Enjoy! -Kendra ALL LINKS → https://linktr.ee/fulfillmenttherapy Website → https://fulfillmenttherapy.org Contact → hello@fulfillmenttherapy.org Instagram → @fulfillmenttherapy Facebook Community → http://bit.ly/fulfillmenttherapy Facebook Group → Private FB Group YouTube → Podcast Episode Videos Schedule 1:1 Coaching → https://fulfillmenttherapy.org/1-on-1-coaching Chat → 1-986-910-5172 *text questions & topic requests Jeff’s links: Website: https://www.ambitiousdads.com/ Podcast: https://ambitiousdads.transistor.fm/ Substack: https://ambitiousdads.substack.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmbitiousDads Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousdads/

Show Notes: This episode follows Jeff’s personal journey into fatherhood after infertility and how redefining what it means to be a dad changed everything for him and his boys. Listeners will learn simple, realistic ways to shift from reactive, shame-filled parenting into emotionally regulated, intentional fatherhood that supports both kids’ resilience and parents’ mental health. You’ll hear practical strategies for being present in short, meaningful bursts, repairing after you lose it, and creating family rituals—like a gratitude tree and kitchen dance parties—that build connection and fulfillment over time. Parents who feel alone, exhausted, or unsure how to model growth and vulnerability will find hope, language, and tools to create a more purposeful, emotionally healthy home. Enjoy! -Kendra ALL LINKS → https://linktr.ee/fulfillmenttherapy Website → https://fulfillmenttherapy.org Contact → hello@fulfillmenttherapy.org Instagram → @fulfillmenttherapy Facebook Community → http://bit.ly/fulfillmenttherapy Facebook Group → Private FB Group YouTube → Podcast Episode Videos Schedule 1:1 Coaching → https://fulfillmenttherapy.org/1-on-1-coaching Chat → 1-986-910-5172 *text questions & topic requests Jeff’s links: Website: https://www.ambitiousdads.com/ Podcast: https://ambitiousdads.transistor.fm/ Substack: https://ambitiousdads.substack.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmbitiousDads Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousdads/

Show Notes: Struggling with emotional eating, stress, and putting everyone else first while your own needs fall to the bottom of the list? In part 2 of this powerful two-part conversation, emotional eating expert Amber Romaniuk continues to share her journey from severe binge eating to complete food freedom—and reveals why willpower and diets never work for lasting change. You'll discover the surprising connection between people-pleasing, hormone imbalances, and those late-night pantry visits, plus practical strategies for setting boundaries, managing triggers, and finally building the self-trust and body confidence you've been seeking. This episode offers hope and actionable tools for parents ready to break free from the exhausting cycle of self-sabotage and step into genuine wellness. Enjoy! -Kendra ALL LINKS → https://linktr.ee/fulfillmenttherapy Website → https://fulfillmenttherapy.org Contact → hello@fulfillmenttherapy.org Instagram → @fulfillmenttherapy Facebook Community → http://bit.ly/fulfillmenttherapy Facebook Group → Private FB Group YouTube → Podcast Episode Videos Schedule 1:1 Coaching → https://fulfillmenttherapy.org/1-on-1-coaching Chat → 1-986-910-5172 *text questions & topic requests Amber’s Links: Website: https://amberapproved.ca Free Emotional Eating Quiz: https://amberapproved.ca/emotional-eating-quiz/ Schedule a Complimentary 30 Minute Body Freedom Session: https://amberapproved.ca/body-freedom-consultation/ The No Sugarcoating Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-no-sugarcoating-podcast/id1158699464 https://amberapproved.ca/podcast/ Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@amberromaniuk Instagram: https://instagram.com/amberromaniuk

Show Notes: Struggling with emotional eating, stress, and putting everyone else first while your own needs fall to the bottom of the list? In this powerful two-part conversation, emotional eating expert Amber Romaniuk shares her journey from severe binge eating to complete food freedom—and reveals why willpower and diets never work for lasting change. You'll discover the surprising connection between people-pleasing, hormone imbalances, and those late-night pantry visits, plus practical strategies for setting boundaries, managing triggers, and finally building the self-trust and body confidence you've been seeking. This episode offers hope and actionable tools for parents ready to break free from the exhausting cycle of self-sabotage and step into genuine wellness. Enjoy! -Kendra ALL LINKS → https://linktr.ee/fulfillmenttherapy Website → https://fulfillmenttherapy.org Contact → hello@fulfillmenttherapy.org Instagram → @fulfillmenttherapy Facebook Community → http://bit.ly/fulfillmenttherapy Facebook Group → Private FB Group YouTube → Podcast Episode Videos Schedule 1:1 Coaching → https://fulfillmenttherapy.org/1-on-1-coaching Chat → 1-986-910-5172 *text questions & topic requests Amber’s Links: Website: https://amberapproved.ca Free Emotional Eating Quiz: https://amberapproved.ca/emotional-eating-quiz/ Schedule a Complimentary 30 Minute Body Freedom Session: https://amberapproved.ca/body-freedom-consultation/ The No Sugarcoating Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-no-sugarcoating-podcast/id1158699464 https://amberapproved.ca/podcast/ Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@amberromaniuk Instagram: https://instagram.com/amberromaniuk

Show Notes: Family estrangement affects one in four adults, yet most of us don't know if we're setting healthy boundaries or causing more damage. Are you avoiding necessary conversations because conflict feels too hard, or are you genuinely protecting yourself from harm? In part 2 of this episode, licensed therapist Jeanette Beverly further reveals the critical difference between boundaries and punishment, why estrangement often backfires, and how to heal family relationships—or yourself—when reconciliation feels impossible. This episode gives parents and adults struggling with family conflict the clarity and tools to move forward without regret, bitterness, or losing yourself in the process. Enjoy! -Kendra ALL LINKS → https://linktr.ee/fulfillmenttherapy Website → https://fulfillmenttherapy.org Contact → hello@fulfillmenttherapy.org Instagram → @fulfillmenttherapy Facebook Community → http://bit.ly/fulfillmenttherapy Facebook Group → Private FB Group YouTube → Podcast Episode Videos Schedule 1:1 Coaching → https://fulfillmenttherapy.org/1-on-1-coaching Chat → 1-986-910-5172 *text questions & topic requests Janette's Link: https://janettebeverley.com/

Show Notes: Family estrangement affects one in four adults, yet most of us don't know if we're setting healthy boundaries or causing more damage. Are you avoiding necessary conversations because conflict feels too hard, or are you genuinely protecting yourself from harm? Licensed therapist Jeanette Beverly reveals the critical difference between boundaries and punishment, why estrangement often backfires, and how to heal family relationships—or yourself—when reconciliation feels impossible. This episode gives parents and adults struggling with family conflict the clarity and tools to move forward without regret, bitterness, or losing yourself in the process. Enjoy! -Kendra ALL LINKS → https://linktr.ee/fulfillmenttherapy Website → https://fulfillmenttherapy.org Contact → hello@fulfillmenttherapy.org Instagram → @fulfillmenttherapy Facebook Community → http://bit.ly/fulfillmenttherapy Facebook Group → Private FB Group YouTube → Podcast Episode Videos Schedule 1:1 Coaching → https://fulfillmenttherapy.org/1-on-1-coaching Chat → 1-986-910-5172 *text questions & topic requests Janette's Link: https://janettebeverley.com/