Episode Details

In this episode of That's Where I'm At, host Laura interviews Ginger Kramer, a therapist, author, educator, and speaker passionate about helping women understand the emotional patterns that keep them stuck and find the confidence to move forward. Ginger shares insights from her 20+ years in therapy and her book Break the Anxiety Loop, exploring practical tools for managing anxiety, rebuilding self-trust after abuse, and navigating the emotional challenges of midlife transitions.

Ginger emphasizes the power of taking baby steps, celebrating small wins, and using positive affirmations backed by personal evidence to rebuild confidence. She also discusses shadow work and the importance of making small daily decisions that help women reconnect with their true selves, reclaim their identity, and create healthier, more fulfilling lives after toxic relationships.

Key Topics & Timestamps

Podcast Introduction (00:00:38) Host Laura introduces the podcast's mission to help women heal by sharing stories and breaking the silence around their struggles.

Content Warning (00:01:26) A brief warning is given that the episode may contain subjects that could be triggering for some listeners.

Guest Introduction: Ginger Kramer (00:01:35) Host Laura introduces guest Ginger Kramer, a therapist and author specializing in emotional wellness, anxiety, and personal growth.

Ginger's Background and Journey (00:03:34) Ginger discusses her 23-year therapy career, how selling skincare built her confidence, and her personal experience with anxiety.

Breaking the Anxiety Loop (00:05:36) Ginger explains her hands-on therapy approach and the inspiration behind her book, which provides tools to manage the nervous system.

The Power of Positive Self-Talk (00:11:06) Ginger shares a simple tool: using three positive phrases as a form of self-cheerleading to build confidence and move forward.

Finding Proof for Affirmations (00:12:53) The importance of looking for real-life proof to validate affirmations is discussed, making them more effective than just repeating words.

Keeping Healing Simple (00:15:20) Ginger advises against overwhelming oneself with big journals, suggesting instead to use scrap paper to track small, daily wins.

Taking "Baby Steps" (00:16:49) Using the movie "What About Bob?" as an example, Ginger emphasizes the power of taking small, manageable steps during healing.

Rebuilding Self-Trust in Midlife (00:18:28) The conversation shifts to the challenges women in midlife face, like empty nest syndrome, and how to rediscover themselves.

Finding Your Path (00:21:34) Ginger explains that life has different chapters and encourages finding purpose and satisfaction in new passions, no matter how small.

Revisiting Your Past Self (00:22:23) Instead of wanting to be who you were, identify the feelings from your past you want to reclaim now.

Connecting Your Life's Thread (00:25:25) Ginger gives Laura homework to find the connecting thread between her past career and her current work with the podcast.

A Therapist's Role (00:28:54) Ginger describes her role as helping clients see different perspectives and understand they can be whoever they want to be now.

Trying New Things and Failing (00:31:12) The importance of trying new activities, building new neural pathways, and accepting failure as a necessary part of learning.

Ginger's Workbooks and Action Guides (00:35:34) Ginger provides an overview of her published resources, including a 30-day skills book, a coloring book, and journals.

Understanding Shadow Work (00:37:31) Shadow work is explained as a way to explore hidden or forgotten parts of yourself to become more well-rounded.

Making Your Own Decisions (00:39:17) The speakers discuss the freedom and challenge of making personal choices after leaving a controlling relationship, starting with small