In this episode, I sit down with stepfamily coach and licensed counselor Rachel Dunne to talk about grief, loss, and healing as a stepmom. We dive into how stepfamily life is built on loss and why acknowledging that truth is the first step toward peace. Rachel shares how to process grief, release shame, and give yourself permission to feel all the emotions that come with stepmom life. If you’ve ever felt the weight of "It wasn’t supposed to be this way," this conversation will bring validation, hope, and healing.

Rachel Dunne is a wife, mom, stepmom, stepfamily coach, and licensed counselor with a passion for helping stepmoms find peace and purpose in the chaos of blended family life. She has been coaching stepmoms all over the world for the past five years, and in 2023 became a licensed mental health counselor to strengthen and expand her ability to serve stepfamilies with both professional expertise and personal understanding.

For the past two years, Rachel has been helping train professionals to become certified stepfamily coaches with the StepFamily Foundation. She is also a strong advocate for the mental health of stepmoms and is currently pursuing her PhD in Counselor Education & Supervision, with a focus on stepfamily dynamics and the well-being of women in blended families.

Known for her honest yet compassionate approach, Rachel brings a faith-based perspective to her work, offering stepmoms a safe place to be real about their struggles while pointing them toward hope, healing, and practical strategies for daily life.

Links Mentioned:

www.Racheldunnecoaching.com

www.instagram.com/spiritualstepmom

Ready to create a stepmom life you love? Grab my FREE GUIDE 15 Ways to Become a Happier Stepmom Overnight: https://stepmomming.com/happier

Let’s work together: https://stepmomming.com/stepmom-support-coaching/

Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy

Head over to StepMomMagazine.com and use code Podcast20 to save 20 percent.

So many stepmoms I meet feel underappreciated. In this episode, I kick off season four by naming and unpacking the invisible load so many stepmoms carry behind the scenes. I explore the mental and emotional labor of keeping everyone and everything together, and how unspoken expectations and a desire for appreciation can lead to resentment and burnout. I’ll help you check your motivations, set healthier boundaries, and remember that your worth isn’t measured by how much you do, but by who you are.

Ready to create a stepmom life you love? Grab my FREE GUIDE 15 Ways to Become a Happier Stepmom Overnight: https://stepmomming.com/happier

Let’s work together: https://stepmomming.com/stepmom-support-coaching/

Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy

Head over to StepMomMagazine.com and use code Podcast20 to save 20 percent.

In this powerful episode, I dive deep into a critical challenge for stepmoms: living life beyond the custody schedule. Drawing from a chapter in my upcoming book Stepmomming Made Easy, I share personal insights on how custody arrangements shouldn't dictate your entire life.

I explore how constantly planning around your stepchild's schedule can lead to burnout, resentment, and missed opportunities. The key message? Live your life 100% of the time, not just 50%. By maintaining a full, balanced life, you actually model healthier relationships for your stepchildren and protect your own mental well-being.

This episode offers validation and practical strategies for stepmoms feeling trapped by rigid custody schedules, empowering them to make intentional choices that support their happiness and family dynamics.

Links Mentioned:

Pre-order Stepmomming Made Easy and receive 3 value-packed bonuses: https://stepmomming.com/book/

Ready to create a stepmom life you love? Grab my FREE GUIDE 15 Ways to Become a Happier Stepmom Overnight: https://stepmomming.com/happier

Let’s work together: https://stepmomming.com/stepmom-support-coaching/

Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy