Lolly's Candy Store of Emotions
A delicious podcast hosted by Lolly, a licensed marriage and family therapist with a blended family. She has three CIS daughters, one trans son, one trans stepson, one CIS stepson, a straight husband, a dog, a stepdog, a gay ex-husband, and a Carlos (ex-husband's husband.) Please join us as we explore the sweet, savory, and sometimes bitter offerings of life.
Laurel Shea (aka Lolly) is a licensed marriage and family therapist in Washington State. You can find more information regarding her therapy practice at https://www.laurelshea.com/.
Lolly's Candy Store of Emotions
Reclaiming Names: A Journey Beyond Patriarchy
In this episode of Lolly's Candy Store of Emotions, host Lolly Weed, a licensed therapist known for her compassionate and insightful approach, sits down with fellow therapist Aimee Heffernan for a powerful conversation on gender oppression, the weight of patriarchal systems, and the deeply personal journey of reclaiming one’s voice. Both women, having navigated the complex terrain of leaving a church that often stifled their true selves, share their stories of resistance, resilience, and ultimately, liberation.
Lolly, formerly known as Lolly Weed, opens up about her recent experience of legally changing her name back to her maiden name—Shea. In this candid discussion, Lolly delves into the significance of this act, not just as a legal procedure but as a profound step in reclaiming her identity and autonomy. She reflects on the empowering moment in court, where the simple act of asserting her chosen name symbolized a larger victory over the oppressive forces that had sought to define her for so long.
The conversation extends beyond personal stories to explore broader themes of gender oppression and the pervasive influence of patriarchal norms in religious communities. Lolly and Aimee share their insights into how these dynamics impact mental health, particularly for women. They discuss the subtle and overt ways the church that they grew up in enforced gender roles, silenced dissenting voices, and maintained control over its members, often under the guise of spiritual authority.
As therapists, both Lolly and Aimee offer unique perspectives on healing from such experiences. They talk about the importance of reclaiming agency, the therapeutic process of rediscovering one's voice, and the role of community in supporting individuals as they break free from oppressive structures.
This episode is not just a conversation between two therapists; it's a testament to the resilience and strength it takes to challenge deeply ingrained systems of oppression and redefine one’s path. Whether you're on a similar journey or supporting someone who is, Lolly and Aimee's discussion offers invaluable insights and inspiration for anyone seeking to reclaim their voice and identity.
Join Lolly Weed and Aimee Heffernan for this deeply moving and inspiring episode of Reclaiming Voices, where they explore what it means to take back your power and speak your truth in a world that often tries to silence it.
Please note this podcast was originally recorded on 4/28/23.
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