In this episode of the Functional Flow Wellness Podcast I break down my FREE Habit Stacking Challenge.

This is to help you regulate your circadian rhythm, balance blood sugar, sleep better, and more.

Join the free challenge here: https://www.functionalflowwellness.com/challenge-page/bfa7173a-3b9a-4ce8-bc52-b32729de93a5?programId=bfa7173a-3b9a-4ce8-bc52-b32729de93a5

Don't forget to follow me @functionalflowwellness on Instagram and tag me in your stories during the free challenge!

Carly's Integrated Approach Carly explains her integrated approach, which began with functional diagnostic nutrition and expanded to include emotional processing and various life coaching certifications, culminating in a trauma-informed somatics certification. Her aim is to empower clients to reclaim their lives by addressing mind, body, soul, and energetic aspects, recognizing that physical symptoms often stem from underlying emotional suppression.

• Passion for Working with Young Women Carly’s greatest passion lies in working with young women, particularly those in their mid to late 20s, whom they find receptive to alternative practices. She enjoys helping these individuals expand their worldview, process inner child work, and realize the profound impact of having support.

• The Importance of Client Relationships Both Carly and Kristin emphasize the relational aspect of their work as a favorite part of their roles. They highlight the significance of holding space for clients to share openly, breaking down beliefs that prevent them from taking up space or expressing themselves fully, especially since many clients have been dismissed by traditional doctors.

• Addressing Dismissal in Healthcare Carly discusses how their clients, often with prior mental health diagnoses or CPTSD, are accustomed to being dismissed by the traditional medical system. She stressed that even if symptoms are linked to a mental health disorder, the pain is real and should be validated, advocating for a holistic understanding that recognizes the deep connection between mental and physical well-being.

• Mindset and Somatics Carly clarifies that her approach to mindset goes beyond mere manifestation and affirmations, recognizing that physical issues cannot be “mind-setted” away if they originated in the body. Carly details her use of somatics, meaning "of the body," to help clients reconnect with their bodily cues, feel safe in their bodies, and trace physical symptoms back to core wounds or past decisions, ultimately untangling limiting stories and rewriting them.

• Breaking the Symptom Loop Kristin and Carly discuss the challenge clients face when stuck in a symptom loop, particularly with chronic fatigue syndrome, where focusing on symptoms can intensify stress responses. Carly advises asking clients what the symptoms are doing for them, encouraging acceptance and recognizing that symptoms often serve a protective mechanism, such as forcing rest.

• Acceptance and Progress Beyond Symptoms Carly highlights that acceptance of one's current state is crucial for breaking free from the symptom loop, counteracting the common misconception that acceptance equates to staying stuck. She emphasizes helping clients shift their attention from narrowly defined symptom markers to broader indicators of progress, such as changes in thought patterns, daily interactions, and other health markers, especially for those with invisible illnesses.

• Carly's Personal Health Journey Carly shares her personal health journey, which began after discontinuing antidepressants and led to an addiction to functional health, culminating in an orthorexia diagnosis.

• Addressing Root Causes and Hyperfixation Kristin and Carly discuss that health issues are rarely caused by a single factor, often stemming from a combination of elements. They noted a tendency for both themselves and clients to hyperfixate on finding "the one reason" for symptoms, like mold or hormones, which can create its own loop, but ultimately, they advocate for a holistic approach rather than chasing single root causes.

• Shifting from "Why" to "What Do I Need?" Carly explains the importance of shifting from "why" questions, which can lead to unproductive rabbit holes and increased anxiety, to "what do I actually need in this moment?".

• Nothing in this podcast is ever medical advice. Always check in with your own doctor.

In this episode I reflect on what has actually helped in recovery from ME/CFS, POTS/Dysautonomia, and more. Go back to episode 11 to hear the backstory.

I address my health as a whole.

GI Map, Cortisol and Hormone Testing, Histamine and DAO testing, Oxidative Stress, Intestinal Permeability, Gluten Sensitivity, and more.

This is never medical advice.

Apply to work with me here: functionalflowwellness.com/apply