Unlock Your Blocks with Elyssa

Have you ever achieved something amazing… and still felt like a fraud? In this powerful episode of Unlock Your Blocks, trauma-informed life strategist Elyssa Smith unpacks imposter syndrome from a nervous system perspective. She explains how feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy are not simply mindset issues—they’re deeply rooted survival mechanisms shaped by early life experiences.
Elyssa reveals how childhood conditioning, societal expectations, and gender differences contribute to imposter feelings, and why visibility can feel unsafe for high achievers. She also shares compassionate, practical strategies to quiet your inner critic, rewrite the “I don’t belong” story, and build confidence that feels safe in your body.
✅ What You’ll Learn:
Why imposter syndrome is actually a trauma response, not just a mindset issue
How early experiences of approval and achievement shape your sense of worth
The link between visibility, fear, and nervous system dysregulation
How men and women experience imposter syndrome differently
The Dunning-Kruger effect and what it teaches about confidence gaps
Practical steps to reframe imposter thoughts in real time
The role of self-compassion in building genuine confidence
How to use body awareness to interrupt self-doubt loops
🕒 Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Understanding Imposter Syndrome 02:45 – The Origins of Self-Doubt 05:35 – The Impact of Childhood Experiences 08:19 – Navigating Adult Challenges 11:30 – Gender Differences in Self-Perception 14:11 – Overcoming Imposter Syndrome 17:17 – Reframing Your Mindset
🎁 Get a Free Call with Elyssa: Book your FREE 15-minute Unlock Your Blocks focus call to uncover what’s keeping you from your next level of growth and clarity. 👉 Book here
📌 Follow Elyssa for More: 📸 Instagram: @elyssacsmith 📘 Facebook Group – The Stressless Lounge
 

What happens when life falls apart—but you still have to show up for work? In this moving episode of Unlock Your Blocks, Elyssa Smith sits down with workplace empathy expert Liesl Mertes, founder of Handle with Care. Liesl opens up about her own journey through loss and how it inspired her mission to help organizations better support employees navigating grief, trauma, and major life transitions.
They discuss the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership, how empathy can transform workplace culture, and why self-awareness is key to responding compassionately to others. This heartfelt conversation is an invitation to slow down, extend grace—to yourself and others—and recognize that healing and growth are both possible, even in the midst of hardship.
✅ What You’ll Learn:
How empathy can transform workplace culture and leadership
Why disruptive life events require emotional support at work
Practical ways to build a culture of empathy and care
How grief and trauma can deepen self-awareness and resilience
The importance of gentleness and self-compassion during healing
How to identify and overcome self-sabotaging behaviors
The power of movement and nature for grounding and safety
Why asking for help is an act of strength, not weakness
🕒 Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction to Workplace Empathy 03:07 – Understanding Handle with Care 10:26 – Liesl’s Personal Journey of Loss 18:40 – Building Handle with Care 23:21 – Overcoming Self-Sabotage 31:50 – Finding Safety and Hope 39:27 – Final Thoughts and Recommendations
🎁 Get a Free Call with Elyssa: Book your FREE 15-minute Unlock Your Blocks focus call to uncover what’s keeping you from your next level of growth and clarity. 👉 Book here
📌 Follow Elyssa for More: 📸 Instagram: @elyssacsmith 📘 Facebook Group – The Stressless Lounge

Are you an overachiever, a procrastinator, or an avoider? In this episode of Unlock Your Blocks, trauma-informed life strategist Elyssa Smith breaks down the hidden faces of perfectionism—and how each one keeps you stuck in survival mode. She unpacks how these patterns often begin in childhood, where self-worth becomes tied to performance or praise, and explains how they evolve into anxiety, burnout, and self-doubt in adulthood.
Elyssa shares practical, trauma-informed strategies for identifying your perfectionism style and starting to reprogram your nervous system to feel safe with imperfection. Through gentle awareness and small, intentional steps, you’ll learn how to trade the exhausting pursuit of “perfect” for the freedom of progress, authenticity, and peace.
✅ What You’ll Learn:
The three main types of perfectionists: overachiever, procrastinator, and avoider
How childhood conditioning fuels perfectionistic tendencies
The connection between perfectionism, anxiety, and burnout
Why procrastination is often a form of self-protection
How to reprogram your beliefs about failure and worth
The power of taking small, imperfect actions
Why your nervous system resists change (and how to make it feel safe)
How embracing imperfection leads to deeper growth and joy
🕒 Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Understanding Perfectionism 05:51 – The Three Faces of Perfectionism 10:18 – Reprogramming Perfectionist Patterns 15:13 – Taking Action Against Perfectionism
🎁 Get a Free Call with Elyssa: Book your FREE 15-minute Unlock Your Blocks focus call to uncover what’s keeping you from your next level of growth and clarity. 👉 Book here
📌 Follow Elyssa for More: 📸 Instagram: @elyssacsmith 📘 Facebook Group – The Stressless Lounge

High-achieving women are often seen as strong, capable, and unstoppable—but behind the success, many are silently carrying the weight of unhealed trauma.
In this powerful episode of Unlock Your Blocks, Elyssa Smith is joined by Krystal Williams to unpack the realities of healing for women who have learned to perform, lead, and hold it all together—often at the expense of their own well-being. Krystal vulnerably shares her journey through childhood trauma, the impact of family dynamics, and how embracing self-leadership became a turning point in her healing. Together, they discuss the importance of emotional expression, breaking toxic cycles, and making space for authentic self-care. If you’ve ever felt like you had to be the crisis manager for everyone else, this conversation will remind you that healing is not just possible—it’s your birthright.
✅ What You’ll Learn:
Why high-achieving women often struggle with hidden trauma
How crying can be a powerful sign of emotional release and healing
The impact of family dynamics and the need to set boundaries
Why stepping out of the “crisis manager” role matters for growth
How trauma can manifest in subtle, overlooked ways
The role of self-leadership in breaking toxic cycles
The question to ask when you don’t know what’s next in your healing journey
Why playing small limits not only you, but those around you
Practical steps to embrace patience, self-care, and compassion
🕒 Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction to Healing and Trauma 02:44 – Krystal's Journey Through Trauma 13:25 – Understanding PTSD and Its Impact 17:40 – Navigating the Path to Healing 22:30 – The Roots of Trauma and Personal Growth 25:22 – Navigating Family Dynamics and Personal Healing 31:03 – The Journey of Self-Discovery and Leadership 38:54 – Embracing the Healing Process and Self-Care 43:24 – Looking Ahead: Future Conversations and Connections
🎁 Get a Free Call with Elyssa: Ready to step into healing and self-leadership? Book your FREE 15-minute Unlock Your Blocks focus call with Elyssa and start reclaiming your energy and clarity today. 👉 Book here
📌 Follow Elyssa for More: 📸 Instagram: @elyssacsmith 📘 Facebook Group – The Stressless Lounge
 

Have you ever wondered why you procrastinate, freeze, or hesitate just as you’re about to step into something bigger? In this episode of Unlock Your Blocks, Elyssa Smith unpacks the hidden reasons behind self-sabotage and how survival mode—often rooted in childhood experiences—can shape the way we approach success as adults.
Elyssa shares how fear of visibility, anxiety, and inner criticism often keep women from asking for more, stepping into leadership, or fully embracing opportunities. She introduces the power of inner child work, practical mindset shifts, and pattern interrupts to help you break free from cycles of self-doubt. If you’ve ever felt stuck, this conversation will give you tools to move forward with compassion, courage, and clarity.
✅ What You’ll Learn:
How survival mode contributes to self-sabotaging behaviors
Why childhood experiences impact your motivation and view of success
The connection between fear of visibility and procrastination
How anxiety shows up as resistance when you’re close to growth
The importance of reassuring your inner child during transitions
Why investing in yourself is key to sustainable success
How to use pattern interrupts to break cycles of self-doubt
Ways to reframe setbacks and enjoy the journey, not just the outcome
🕒 Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Understanding Survival Mode and Its Impact on Success 08:28 – Breaking the Cycle of Self-Sabotage 11:36 – Practical Steps to Overcome Fear of Success
🎁 Get a Free Call with Elyssa: Book your FREE 15-minute Unlock Your Blocks focus call to uncover what’s keeping you from your next level of growth and clarity. 👉 Book here
📌 Follow Elyssa for More: 📸 Instagram: @elyssacsmith 📘 Facebook Group – The Stressless Lounge

Life can pivot in an instant, and sometimes those challenges reveal your true purpose. In this episode of Unlock Your Blocks, Elyssa Smith sits down with Missy Shopshire to explore her transition from a high-powered corporate sales career to becoming a life and business coach.
Missy shares her personal story, including facing her daughter’s illness and a near-death experience of her own, which prompted a deep reevaluation of her life and priorities. They discuss overcoming self-sabotage, trusting your intuition, embracing visibility, and the importance of building support systems. This conversation is a powerful reminder that intentional living and stepping into your purpose often require courage, reflection, and actionable steps.
✅ What You’ll Learn:
How unexpected life challenges can spark personal transformation
Common self-sabotage patterns among high-achieving women
The importance of trusting your intuition for growth and decision-making
Why delegation and support systems are essential for success
How to embrace visibility and self-promotion with confidence
Lessons in intentional living and prioritizing your purpose
Practical steps for taking small, meaningful actions toward your goals
🕒 Episode Chapters: 00:00 – From Sales Success to Life Coaching 06:42 – Facing Life's Challenges: A Near-Death Experience 11:47 – The Journey of Self-Discovery and Purpose 17:08 – Overcoming Self-Sabotage and Embracing Visibility 24:53 – Redefining Intentions in Speaking Engagements 26:09 – The Power of Authenticity and Connection 28:05 – The Importance of Support and Delegation 30:12 – Learning to Ask for Help 33:40 – Finding Flexibility in Entrepreneurship 37:03 – Trusting Yourself and Your Body 39:24 – Choosing Your Response in Difficult Times 40:05 – Taking the Next Right Step 42:00 – Empowering Self-Care Practices
 
🎁 Get a Free Call with Elyssa: Book your FREE 15-minute Unlock Your Blocks focus call to uncover what’s keeping you from your next level of growth and clarity. 👉 Book here
📌 Follow Elyssa for More: 📸 Instagram: @elyssacsmith 📘 Facebook Group – The Stressless Lounge
 

Ever feel like you’re your own worst enemy? That harsh inner voice might not be laziness or weakness—it’s actually a protective mechanism your brain learned long ago.
In this episode of Unlock Your Blocks, trauma-informed life strategist Elyssa Smith unpacks the roots of self-criticism and negative self-talk. She explains how these patterns often come from childhood experiences and societal pressures, then linger into adulthood as overactive inner critics. Elyssa shares practical strategies to recognize when self-criticism shows up, reframe it with compassion, and retrain the brain through nervous system regulation. If you’ve been stuck in cycles of doubt or judgment, this episode will give you tools to shift from self-sabotage to self-support.
✅ What You’ll Learn:
Why harsh self-criticism often starts in childhood
How negative self-talk is secretly trying to protect you
The role your nervous system plays in fueling self-doubt
Why recognizing the inner critic is the first step to healing
Practical ways to bring self-compassion into your daily routine
How nervous system regulation helps calm inner judgment
The power of reframing negative self-talk to support growth
Why creating a supportive lifestyle accelerates change
When seeking professional help can be a game-changer
🕒 Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Understanding Harsh Self-Criticism 04:58 – The Impact of Negative Self-Talk 08:03 – Recognizing and Integrating the Inner Critic 12:25 – Rewiring the Brain for Self-Compassion
🎁 Get a Free Call with Elyssa: Ready to quiet the inner critic and unlock more compassion for yourself? Book your FREE 15-minute Unlock Your Blocks focus call with Elyssa and start building a kinder, more supportive relationship with yourself. 👉 Book here
📌 Follow Elyssa for More: 📸 Instagram: @elyssacsmith 📘 Facebook Group – The Stressless Lounge
 

Making a career pivot can feel intimidating—especially when self-doubt and imposter syndrome creep in. In this episode of Unlock Your Blocks, Elyssa Smith sits down with Kristen Weeden to talk about trusting your instincts, embracing authenticity, and navigating the challenges women face in leadership.
Kristen shares her journey from sports management to corporate HR, offering a candid look at the lessons learned along the way. Together, they discuss the power of authenticity in leadership, building positive workplace culture, and challenging the self-limiting beliefs that hold women back. If you’ve ever felt like you needed to check every box before going after an opportunity, this conversation will inspire you to step forward with confidence and own the value you bring.
✅ What You’ll Learn:
Why trusting your gut is essential for career pivots
How self-doubt keeps women from pursuing opportunities
The role authenticity plays in leadership and workplace culture
Why negative self-talk undermines career fulfillment
How to balance serving others with caring for yourself
Why you don’t need to meet every qualification to apply for a role
How diversity strengthens organizations and teams
The importance of focusing on impact, not accolades
🕒 Episode Chapters: 00:00 – The Journey of Pivots 04:55 – From Sports Management to Corporate HR 11:43 – Trusting Your Gut in Career Decisions 18:07 – Overcoming Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome 24:06 – The Importance of Authenticity in Leadership 30:18 – Navigating Gender Dynamics in the Workplace 37:42 – Creating a Positive Work Culture 43:47 – Taking Action Against Negative Self-Talk
🎁 Get a Free Call with Elyssa: Ready to break through self-doubt and step into your next level of leadership? Book your FREE 15-minute Unlock Your Blocks focus call with Elyssa today. 👉 Book here
📌 Follow Elyssa for More: 📸 Instagram: @elyssacsmith 📘 Facebook Group – The Stressless Lounge
 

Not all “self-care” is actually caring for yourself. Sometimes it’s survival mode in disguise.
In this episode of Unlock Your Blocks, trauma-informed life strategist Elyssa Smith breaks down the subtle differences between restorative self-care and sneaky self-sabotage. She reveals how childhood messages shape the way we treat ourselves as adults, especially when it comes to productivity, fear, and avoidance. If you’ve ever wondered why your “breaks” sometimes leave you feeling worse, this conversation will help you recognize what’s really happening and how to shift into true, supportive self-care. Elyssa shares calming techniques, practical strategies, and mindset shifts to help you rewire limiting beliefs and create a safe environment where growth can actually flourish.
✅ What You’ll Learn:
How survival mode can masquerade as self-care
The impact of childhood messages on adult behaviors
Why your nervous system triggers self-sabotage when it perceives threats
How to tell the difference between a needed break and avoidance
Why unintentional “self-care” can actually stall your growth
How to spot patterns of exhaustion before they sabotage progress
Simple calming techniques to reset your system in the moment
How uncovering the root of your fears helps overcome self-sabotage
Why creating safety is essential for lasting personal growth
🕒 Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Understanding Survival Mode vs. Self-Care 02:45 – The Impact of Childhood Messages on Adult Behavior 05:48 – Recognizing Self-Sabotage in the Name of Self-Care 08:35 – Strategies for Overcoming Self-Sabotage 11:41 – Creating a Safe Environment for Growth
🎁 Get a Free Call with Elyssa: If self-sabotage keeps showing up in your “self-care,” let’s uncover what’s really going on. Book your FREE 15-minute Unlock Your Blocks focus call with Elyssa and learn how to create a safe, growth-focused reset. 👉 Book here
📌 Follow Elyssa for More: 📸 Instagram: @elyssacsmith 📘 Facebook Group – The Stressless Lounge
 

Can high-achieving women actually slow down, heal, and thrive—without burning out or giving up their ambition? In this transformative episode of Unlock Your Blocks, Elyssa Smith interviews Lauren Prasek, an integrative psychiatry expert and women’s wellness educator who went from finance to functional medicine. Together, they explore the powerful link between trauma, chronic health issues, and the importance of self-advocacy in healthcare—especially for women who are used to pushing through pain to perform. Lauren shares why traditional medicine often falls short for women, how the gut-brain connection affects your mood and motivation, and why small changes (not big overhauls) are the key to long-term wellness. If you’re feeling dismissed, depleted, or disconnected from your health, this episode will help you reclaim your power—and trust your body again.
✅ What You’ll Learn:
Why so many women feel unheard or misdiagnosed in traditional healthcare
The gut-brain connection and how it impacts mood, focus, and stress
How trauma can manifest as chronic health issues
What integrative psychiatry is and how it supports the whole person
Why medication is a tool—not the full solution—for healing
The hidden cost of performance-based self-worth
How to build sustainable self-care habits (even with a busy life)
Why high achievers need data and intuition to track their healing
How to advocate for yourself with doctors and health providers
Why your 30s, 40s, and beyond are still prime time to thrive
🕒 Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction to Holistic Wellness 01:44 – Lauren's Unconventional Journey 04:09 – The Need for Holistic Approaches 06:44 – Understanding Trauma and Illness 11:18 – Integrative Psychiatry Explained 15:26 – The Challenge of Impatience in Healing 19:38 – Building Small Habits for Big Change 23:16 – Performance-Based Self-Worth and Motivation 25:17 – The Challenge of Small Changes 28:14 – Tracking Progress and Celebrating Wins 30:58 – Understanding the Brain-Gut Connection 32:56 – Empowering Self-Advocacy in Health 36:21 – Self-Care Practices for Busy Lives
🎁 Get a Free Call with Elyssa: Ladies—book your FREE 15-minute Unlock Your Blocks focus call with Elyssa to get to the root of why you're stuck playing small and discover your next steps. You’re just 15 minutes away from the clarity that will set you free! 👉 Book here
📌 Follow Elyssa for More: 📸 Instagram: @elyssacsmith 📘 Facebook Group – The Stressless Lounge