In this episode, Elaine introduces good friend, spunky seniorpreneur, speaker, author of the award-winning book Return To Center, and clinical therapist Patricia Morgan. You’ll hear some awesome insights on how using ordinary language is one of the most powerful tools in her toolbox as a therapist, and yours as a farmer.

Elaine and her guest examine how Patricia’s discovery of Polyvagal Theory in 2020 led to a better understanding of what stress actually is, how it affects the nervous system, and how the simple use of intentional words can change everything. This episode provides listeners with some actionable tips and tools they can start using today, to stop catastrophizing and start returning to center.

“There’s nothing wrong with giving up. [The problem is] when we get stuck there. There’s nothing wrong with getting angry or frustrated or wanting to defend yourself, but [don’t let yourself] get stuck there. That’s a problem, and you may see this in your other family members. What we want is the capacity and the ability to return to center – where we make meaningful connection with ourselves and others, where we can problem-solve, where we can love, and where we can meaningfully connect in conversation.”  – Patricia Morgan

Mentioned During This Episode:

Books

• Return To Center: Simple Strategies to Navigate Distress, Depression, and Disconnection – by Patricia Morgan
• Farming’s In-Law Factor – by Elaine Froese & Dr. Megan Mckenzie

Concepts

• Polyvagal Theory (PV)
• Suicidal Ideation 
• Somatics

People

• Brene Brown: American Academic and Podcaster
• Dr. Allender: Counseling Psychology Ph.D.

Conference

• Rocky Mountain Couples Retreat

Organizations

• The Do More Ag Foundation
• The National Farmer Mental Health Alliance 
• Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program 
• Better Help

Elaine Froese Resources & Links

• SPEAKING – book Elaine for your next event
• COACHING – find your Farm Transition Coach
• MEMBERSHIP – become a Farm Family Harmony Member
• RESOURCES – download for FREE  
• CONTACT – take the next steps in your transition

About Our Guest

Patricia Morgan is an award-winning author, speaker, clinical therapist, and Woman of Vision recipient. Her research and insights on resiliency have benefited many individuals and organizations such as Shell Canada Ltd, Husky Oil, City of Calgary, and Mastercard; provincial and federal governments; education and health associations; non-profit agencies; and communities such as Slave Lake, after the 2011 fires, and Okotoks after the 2013 flooding. 

Patricia grew up on a farm and practices in Calgary, Alberta. She’s been married for over 50 years and is known for her awesome ability to turn complex concepts into easily digestible teachings for the everyday farmer.

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Timestamps

[0:00:00] Introduction to Patricia Morgan and her award-winning book

[0:00:46] The motivation behind Patricia’s book “Return To Center”

[0:01:43] Polyvagal Theory – a new understanding of stress 

[0:02:33] Using ordinary language vs complex medical terminology 

[0:04:08] How Patricia helps people return to center  

[0:08:38] Challenging triggering thoughts 

[0:09:50] What is an “Emotional Bank Account” 

[0:12:53] Catastrophizing and triggers  

[0:14:40] Rocky Mountain Couples Retreat  

[0:15:40] Jumping to conclusions and mind-reading 

[0:16:36] How are you, really? 

[0:17:28] Emotional reasoning

[0:18:12] Expressing emotions is one the best positive conflict behaviors 

[0:19:46] Judging, name calling, and labeling 

[0:20:22] The danger of ‘You Are’ and ‘I Am’ statements

[0:22:28] The power of the word “wow”

[0:23:20] Hurt vs afraid 

[0:24:35] The need to be right 

[0:26:15] Self-compassion

[0:27:48] The three emotional states and the one you wants to work towards 

[0:30:00] Accessing mental health services