Motherhood, Mental Health & Redefining Wellness with Gwen Olson, LCSW

In this heartfelt and powerful episode, Shannon is joined by Gwen Olson—a licensed clinical social worker, perinatal mental health specialist, and founder of Redefine Wellness in Wisconsin. Gwen opens up about her personal journey into motherhood, including a challenging postpartum experience and the pivotal moments that led her to specialize in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs).

Together, Shannon and Gwen dive into the often unspoken mental health challenges of motherhood, the gaps in traditional postpartum care, and the power of redefining support for moms. Gwen also shares tangible insights into what therapy can actually look and feel like, and why prioritizing your mental health as a mother is essential—not optional.

Whether you're a mom in the thick of early motherhood, a supporter of caregivers, or someone curious about what deeper support could look like, this conversation is a gentle, validating, and empowering listen.

💬 What We Talk About:

• Gwen’s personal postpartum journey and the emotional toll of an unexpected C-section
• The overlooked struggles of new motherhood—and why so many moms feel alone
• What PMADs really are, and why diagnosis isn’t enough
• The gaps in maternal mental health care and how Gwen is working to fill them
• A look inside the therapy process for moms (including the intake, treatment plans & CBT)
• How intention setting (with feelings, not just tasks) can shift your experience of motherhood
• The myth of “bouncing back” and why motherhood isn’t something to just push through
• Why “you can’t pour from an empty cup” is more than a cliché—it’s a call to action

🧠 Resources Mentioned:

• Postpartum Support International (PSI): https://postpartum.net – Directory to find certified perinatal mental health professionals
• Book: Crap, I Have a Toddler by Jamie Glowacki – A real and relatable look at parenting with intention
• Nine Steps to Wellness by Jane Honikman – A framework Gwen uses to help her clients navigate postpartum mental health
• Podcast: Feeling Good by Dr. David Burns – For those interested in learning more about Team CBT techniques

🔗 Connect with Gwen:

Practice: Redefine Wellness
Location: Watertown, Wisconsin
Website: https://redefinewellness.life/

🎧 Listen In If You’re...

• A mom navigating the early days and wondering if you're the only one feeling this way
• Interested in what therapy might actually look like for new mothers
• Tired of the “bounce back” narrative and craving real, nuanced conversations
• Ready to move from survival mode to more intentional motherhood

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