This World Mental Health Day, I wanted to share something a little more personal.

In this episode, I talk about my own journey, including the challenges that first drew me to psychology and how somatic approaches became the integration point for so many things I’d been seeking in my own healing.

I also reflect on what it means to be with ourselves in moments of struggle, when asking for help feels impossibly hard, and when the parts of us that carry shame or fear feel especially loud.

This isn’t a clinical episode; it’s a human one. You’ll hear about the realities that shaped my path, why The Somatic Workbook for Nervous System Regulation and Anxiety Management is so close to my heart, and how the process of connecting body, mind, and compassion can help us move toward healing.

We also explore the difference between self-soothing and self-care, and how both can open the door to deeper work, the kind that supports real integration and long-term regulation.

Listen in if you’ve ever wondered why caring for your nervous system matters, or if you simply need a gentle reminder that you’re not alone on your journey.

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📘 Pre-order The Somatic Workbook and get the bonus bundle: drkaitlin.com/somaticworkbook

🤍 Connect with me on Instagram: @drkaitlin | Website: drkaitlin.com

Have you ever noticed that you tend to get sick right after a stressful period, like finishing a big project or navigating emotional upheaval? In this episode of Wisdom for Wellbeing, Dr. Kaitlin explores the science behind self-compassion and how somatic practices (like soothing touch, breathwork, and gentle movement)can reduce stress, boost vagal tone, and support immune function. Drawing on psychoneuroimmunology and Dr. Kristen Neff’s three components of self-compassion (mindfulness, common humanity, and self-kindness), she explains practical, embodied steps to interrupt the stress-illness cycle and cultivate resilience.

You’ll learn:

• How chronic stress and self-criticism impact immune function
• Why cultivating compassion and body-based awareness can buffer against illness
• The link between vagal tone, emotional regulation, and immune resilience
• Somatic practices to gently support your nervous system when you feel run down or overwhelmed

Dr. Kaitlin also shares a personal story about preparing for the upcoming book launch and having to lean on the very tools we teach when things didn’t go as planned.

If you’ve ever wondered how emotions “get under the skin,” this episode will help you understand the science behind self-compassion and how tending to your body’s signals can nurture both mental and physical wellbeing.

Resources & Links: 📖 The Somatic Workbook: For Nervous System Regulation and Anxiety Management is now available for pre-order.

Pre-launch bonus bundle available for a limited time:

• Guided meditations to help you stay present and embodied without flipping through the text
• A video mini-course walking you through foundational somatic skills step-by-step
• A reflective journal to support integration and daily practice

Pre-order now and go in the draw to win a Shakti mat. There will be one giveaway in Adelaide and another open to any English-speaking country. Draws will happen October 18th. Head to drkaitlin.com/somaticworkbook for more details.

🎧 Listen now and subscribe to the Wisdom for Wellbeing podcast for more conversations on nervous system regulation, mindfulness, and embodied psychology.

Follow along: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube — @drkaitlin Website: drkaitlin.com

Have you ever had a “gut feeling” or noticed your heart racing before a big event? Those are examples of interoception, your body’s ability to sense what’s happening inside.

In this episode, Dr. Kaitlin Harkess explores interoception, the fascinating inner sense that helps us notice signals like hunger, thirst, heart rate, and emotional states. Understanding and strengthening this skill can help us manage stress, regulate emotions, and connect more deeply with ourselves.

We’ll cover:

• What interoception is and how it influences physical and emotional wellbeing

• The link between interoception and alexithymia (difficulty identifying and describing feelings)

• How trauma and stress can disrupt body awareness, and how to begin restoring connection

• Simple, practical strategies to tune into your body’s cues, from mindful breathing to everyday check-ins

• Ways interoceptive awareness can improve sleep, relationships, and decision-making

Whether you’re new to the concept or curious to deepen your practice, this episode offers practical guidance for listening to your body and responding with compassion rather than judgment.

✨ Resources:

• Pre-order The Somatic Workbook for guided practices to support nervous system regulation

• Connect with me on Instagram: @drkaitlin

💌 If you found this episode helpful, please share it with a friend or leave a review — it really helps others discover the podcast.

And before you move on with your day, take a moment to pause… What is your body telling you right now?