Episode 86 - Breaking Generational Cycles in Motherhood with Clinical Psychologist Dr Angele Close

Unburdening Motherhood: How Mothers Can Heal Trauma and Become Self-Led
Why Motherhood Triggers Us - and How to Heal Using Parts Work From Perfectionism to Self-Compassion: Healing Motherhood with Dr Angele Close Healing Trauma and Reparenting Yourself Through Motherhood

In this episode, I’m joined by psychologist, motherhood coach, and author Dr Angele Close to explore motherhood, self-compassion, and what it really takes to move out of exhaustion and overwhelm in motherhood.

Dr. Angele shares how her own journey through motherhood - and the profound challenges of matrescence, led her to shift her work toward supporting mothers’ mental and emotional wellbeing. Together, we explore how unhealed childhood patterns, cultural expectations of “good motherhood,” and internalized perfectionism can leave mothers feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, and disconnected from themselves.

We discuss Internal Family Systems (IFS) and parts work, which provide a compassionate approach that supports mothers in understanding their inner world, easing self-criticism, and responding more calmly and authentically in parenting.

Dr Angele and I chat about: 

• What matrescence is and why it’s such a vulnerable, transformative time
• How cultural myths of “good motherhood” shape our inner critic and perfectionism
• What parts work and Internal Family Systems are (and why they’re so helpful for moms)
• Common “mom parts” like the perfectionist, inner critic, worrier, and mama bear
• How to respond more calmly to your child’s big emotions by doing your own inner work
• What it really means to break generational cycles
• How self-compassion and reparenting support both mothers and children
• Practical ways to begin parts work, even with limited time

This episode is an invitation to move out of survival mode, reconnect with your inner wisdom, and become more self-led in motherhood.

Dr Angele Close is a psychologist, motherhood coach, and author with nearly 20 years of clinical experience. Her work centers on supporting mothers in moving out of exhaustion, depletion, and overwhelm, and reclaiming a healthy, thriving identity in motherhood. Her approach is shaped not only by professional training, but by her own lived experience navigating the challenges of early motherhood. Dr Angele specializes in maternal mental health, Internal Family Systems, and cycle-breaking work for mothers.

Her book, Unburdening Motherhood: A Guide to Breaking Cycles, Healing Trauma, and Becoming a Self-Led Mom, offers practical tools, reflections, and guided practices to support mothers in deep inner healing.

Episode Links:

• Say hi to Dr Angele on Instagram
• Read Unburdening Motherhood 
• Try out some of Dr Angele’s meditations on Insight Timer 
• Find out more about Dr Angele on her website

• Come say hello to me on Instagram 
• Read my books The Motherhood Reset, Nourished Mama and Mama Let It Go
• Grab my Picky Eating Guide