Encountering You

Latest Episodes:

Stopping the Cycle: How to Not Pass Down What Hurt You May 06, 2026

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Many of us reach a point where we notice it; the way we react, the way we shut down, the way we respond in relationships and think, I don’t want to keep doing this. In this episode, we explore what actually gets passed down in families and relationships, and why those patterns can feel so hard to change. Through the lens of attachment and the nervous system, we look at how our reactions are often learned, automatic, and rooted in what once helped us feel safe. More importantly, we talk about how to begin interrupting those patterns in real, practical ways. This episode offers a simple, repeatable framework:Notice → Pause → Regulate → Choose → Repair Because breaking generational cycles isn’t about getting it right every time; it’s about responding differently, one moment at a time. In this episode we explore: What actually gets passed down in relationships Why patterns repeat (even when we don’t want them to) The role of attachment and nervous system responses How to interrupt patterns in real time Why repair matters more than perfection

When Work Doesn’t Deliver What You Thought It Would: The Disappointment of Career and Finances Apr 22, 2026

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Many of us grow up believing that hard work will eventually lead to success, stability, and fulfillment. But career and financial stories don’t always unfold the way we imagined. In this episode, we talk about the disappointment that can surface when work feels empty, progress stalls, financial stress lingers, or success fails to satisfy the way we thought it would. We also explore how cultural messages around productivity can quietly tie our worth to our work and how to hold ambition without letting it define who we are. In this episode we explore: 1. Why career disappointment can feel like an identity crisis 2. The connection between productivity and self-worth 3. The impact of financial stress on the nervous system 4. Holding ambition without tying it to your values

When the Story of Parenting Doesn’t Unfold as Expected: The Disappointment of Parenting Apr 08, 2026

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Parenting carries some of our deepest hopes for connection, meaning, and legacy. But the story of parenting doesn’t always unfold the way we imagined. For some, the disappointment comes from longing for children that never arrive, through infertility, miscarriage, or not finding a partner to build a family with. For others, the grief happens within parenting itself when children struggle, relationships change, or the experience is harder than expected. In this episode, we explore why these disappointments can feel so profound and how attachment, identity, and cultural expectations all shape the parenting story. In this episode we explore: 1. The grief of infertility or not finding a partner to have children with 2. Why parenting struggles can feel so personal 3. Attachment and the caregiving system 4. Separating grief from shame in the parenting journey

When Love Doesn’t Look Like You Thought It Would: The Disappointment of Relationship Status Mar 25, 2026

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Many of us grow up assuming marriage is simply the next step in life. But what happens when that story doesn’t unfold the way we expected?

In this episode, we explore the quiet disappointment many people carry regarding relationship status: whether that’s longing to be married, navigating singleness, divorce, dating later in life than expected, or feeling lonely within a marriage.

We also talk about how cultural and church messages around marriage can intensify this grief. When something is framed as inevitable, not experiencing it can feel like falling behind or missing something essential.

Using insights from attachment research, we explore why relational disappointment can feel so personal and painful, and how to separate grief from shame.

In this episode we explore:

1. Why relationship disappointment runs so deep

2. How cultural and church messages shape expectations around marriage

3. Attachment and the human need for connection

4. Hold longing without tying it to your worth

Mental Health Q&A: Trends, Self-Diagnosis & When to Seek Counseling Mar 11, 2026

Show notes

In this special Q&A episode, Laura is tackling a few questions that have been coming up a lot lately around mental health and relationships. She shares some interesting trends showing up in 2026—from people switching to “brick phones” to set better digital boundaries, to the danger of self-diagnosis and conversations around family boundaries. Then she covers some practical questions: How do you know if you might need counseling? How can you suggest therapy to someone you care about without it coming across the wrong way? And what do you do if you’re someone who’s afraid of making mistakes? If you've ever asked any of these questions - this episode is for you.

Judgement vs. Curiosity: Practicing Value-Centered Curiosity With Boundaries Feb 25, 2026

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In this episode, Laura explores the difference between judgement and curiosity—and why learning to regulate our judgement is essential for becoming grounded, healthy adults. She explains how judgement is biologically protective, when it’s necessary for safety, and when it crosses into harmful territory. Laura then offers a roadmap for shifting from judgement to curiosity while holding ethical boundaries for ourselves and others.

If you’ve ever found yourself judging too quickly—or judging yourself even more harshly—this episode invites you into compassion, clarity, and deeper relational awareness for yourself and others.

What Does It Actually Mean to Be Regulated? Feb 11, 2026

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In this episode of Encountering You, Laura Williams explains why nervous system regulation isn’t about being calm, positive, or emotionally controlled. Regulation is about your ability to stay present with stress, emotion, and discomfort without shutting down or becoming reactive.

You’ll learn how fight, flight, freeze, and fawn show up in everyday life, why dysregulation isn’t a failure, and how regulation grows through compassion, repetition, and safe connection.

Certainty vs. Attunement: Do We Need Control or Connection? Jan 28, 2026

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Thanks for listening, be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode and for more shows like this, check out AccessMore!

The Purpose of Purpose Jan 14, 2026

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In this episode, Laura explores why purpose is so essential to our mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being—and why so many of us feel disconnected from it. Instead of treating purpose like a goal to achieve, Laura reframes it as something that naturally emerges as we heal, become more grounded, and reconnect with who we truly are.

Drawing from personal story, the Healing Our Core Issues (HOCI) model, and current research, she explains how purpose is shaped by our core developmental needs (attachment, self-esteem, boundaries, reality, dependency, and moderation) and how unmet needs can make purpose feel confusing or out of reach.

You’ll learn:

why purpose grows from worth, not achievement
how purpose affects the nervous system, stress, and longevity
why purpose is both psychological and spiritual
why your purpose isn’t your job title—it’s how you show up in your life
simple practices to approach purpose gently in the new year

Laura closes with a grounding blessing, reminding you that you don’t have to earn your purpose.
You are here on purpose—and that is enough.

A Break for the Holidays Dec 24, 2025

Show notes

Encountering You will be taking a short break over Christmas and New Years. In this short message, Laura shares what she hopes for you this season, and a preview of what to expect from Encountering You in 2026!

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