MacKenzie Bradke, LCSW 7/19/25 MacKenzie Bradke, LCSW 7/19/25

Why Is It So Damn Hard to Be a Mom and a Therapist?

We all have stories of how parenthood was hyped up throughout our childhood and then when the day arrived…it may have been deeply disappointing. Or harder than they said it would be. Or you realized it’s a thankless job.

MacKenzie Bradke, LCSW 5/1/25 MacKenzie Bradke, LCSW 5/1/25

Why Do I Play Small When I Want To Play Big?

I’m always the smallest person in the room. I will minimize my accomplishments all day long. I look at other therapists like they’re celebs that I’m not allowed to rub elbows with, only admire from afar. I never feel like I’m on the same or equal playing field.

MacKenzie Bradke, LCSW 2/11/25 MacKenzie Bradke, LCSW 2/11/25

Burn It Down to Build It Up: Ditching the ‘Perfect Mom’ Myth for Good

Newsflash: The “perfect mom” doesn’t exist.

Yet, somehow, we keep chasing this fictitious woman. She’s the mom with the spotless house, the homemade organic lunches, the perfectly balanced work-life schedule, and the patience of a saint. She never forgets a permission slip, she never raises her voice, and her kids always eat their vegetables without a fight.

MacKenzie Bradke, LCSW 12/1/24 MacKenzie Bradke, LCSW 12/1/24

Letting Go of the “Shoulds”: The Permission Moms Give Themselves to Say No

As moms, we carry the weight of an endless to-do list. From the laundry pile that never seems to shrink to the emails flagged for "later" that haunt us, there’s a nagging pressure to keep pushing through, to handle it all, and to do it perfectly. But what happens when our energy runs dry? When the mental and emotional load gets to be too much, yet our inner dialogue whispers, "You should just power through"?

MacKenzie Bradke, LCSW 9/10/24 MacKenzie Bradke, LCSW 9/10/24

"I Don't Always Like Being A Mom" (and that's okay!)

Catch my podcast appearance on Mind You with Deja Kelly, graduate student. We talk all things mental health, moms and therapy.

MacKenzie Bradke, LCSW 7/7/24 MacKenzie Bradke, LCSW 7/7/24

The Power of Mutual Friendship Among Therapist Moms

In my own journey, I've found that the connections I've made with other Therapist Moms have been invaluable. There’s an instant acceptance, recognition and understanding that cannot be put into words.

MacKenzie Bradke, LCSW 7/5/24 MacKenzie Bradke, LCSW 7/5/24

Why "Self-Care, Mama!" is the New Queen of Cringe

So sure, moms need a break. But it’s not a nail appointment or a spa day, it’s a break from the pressure to do all and be all in spite of ourselves.

Guest Blog by Stacy McCann, LCSW, LBA

MacKenzie Bradke, LCSW 6/30/24 MacKenzie Bradke, LCSW 6/30/24

Part 3: The Keys to Taking PTO as a Therapist and Mom

We’ve arrived at Part 3 where I spill the beans on my super duper top secret way that I ensure my PTO is not only taken, but done the way it’s intended.