Can high-achieving women actually slow down, heal, and thrive—without burning out or giving up their ambition? In this transformative episode of Unlock Your Blocks, Elyssa Smith interviews Lauren Prasek, an integrative psychiatry expert and women’s wellness educator who went from finance to functional medicine. Together, they explore the powerful link between trauma, chronic health issues, and the importance of self-advocacy in healthcare—especially for women who are used to pushing through pain to perform. Lauren shares why traditional medicine often falls short for women, how the gut-brain connection affects your mood and motivation, and why small changes (not big overhauls) are the key to long-term wellness. If you’re feeling dismissed, depleted, or disconnected from your health, this episode will help you reclaim your power—and trust your body again. ✅ What You’ll Learn: Why so many women feel unheard or misdiagnosed in traditional healthcare The gut-brain connection and how it impacts mood, focus, and stress How trauma can manifest as chronic health issues What integrative psychiatry is and how it supports the whole person Why medication is a tool—not the full solution—for healing The hidden cost of performance-based self-worth How to build sustainable self-care habits (even with a busy life) Why high achievers need data and intuition to track their healing How to advocate for yourself with doctors and health providers Why your 30s, 40s, and beyond are still prime time to thrive 🕒 Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction to Holistic Wellness 01:44 – Lauren's Unconventional Journey 04:09 – The Need for Holistic Approaches 06:44 – Understanding Trauma and Illness 11:18 – Integrative Psychiatry Explained 15:26 – The Challenge of Impatience in Healing 19:38 – Building Small Habits for Big Change 23:16 – Performance-Based Self-Worth and Motivation 25:17 – The Challenge of Small Changes 28:14 – Tracking Progress and Celebrating Wins 30:58 – Understanding the Brain-Gut Connection 32:56 – Empowering Self-Advocacy in Health 36:21 – Self-Care Practices for Busy Lives 🎁 Get a Free Call with Elyssa: Ladies—book your FREE 15-minute Unlock Your Blocks focus call with Elyssa to get to the root of why you're stuck playing small and discover your next steps. You’re just 15 minutes away from the clarity that will set you free! 👉 Book here 📌 Follow Elyssa for More: 📸 Instagram: @elyssacsmith 📘 Facebook Group – The Stressless Lounge