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From Shadows to Sunlight: How Jacquelin Maylani Bridges Mental Health and Spiritual Awakening

Women's Journal Staff on December 2, 2025

Mental health and spirituality often exist in separate conversations, yet for many people they are deeply intertwined. Few understand that intersection more intimately than Jacquelin Maylani, an award-winning spirit medium, author, and artist. Since 2016, she has guided individuals through emotionally complex and spiritually significant chapters of their lives, blending intuitive gifts with a mission centered around healing, self-awareness, and transformation.

Her upcoming book, From Shadows to Sunlight: A Journey of Healing from Mental Health Issues and Embracing Your Spiritual Gifts to Live in the Light, expands on this work. Through personal reflections and hard-won insights, Maylani explores how periods of emotional darkness can become catalysts for spiritual awakening and profound inner growth.

A Turning Point That Changed Everything

Before her career in spiritual work began, Maylani faced intense emotional turbulence that shaped the trajectory of her life. That period included depression, anxiety, traumatic experiences, and relationships filled with uncertainty. While navigating these challenges, she moved through what she describes as a deep “dark night of the soul”—a moment of collapse that eventually became the foundation for her spiritual calling.

Her experiences abroad marked a significant turning point. In confronting long-buried emotions and unprocessed pain, she began to understand the depth of her sensitivity and the intuitive abilities she had carried from a young age. This shift reframed her understanding of mental and emotional distress, revealing patterns that blended psychological insight with spiritual awareness.

This awakening became the heart of her later work: helping individuals who sense that their emotional experiences may hold layers of meaning beyond traditional explanations, while always emphasizing the importance of professional mental health care.

Interpreting Emotional Experiences Through a Spiritual Lens

Throughout her years as a spirit medium, Maylani has worked with clients who describe heightened emotions, intrusive thoughts, or unexplained physical sensations. While these experiences often align with common mental health symptoms, she also considers whether a spiritual dimension may be present—especially for individuals who identify as sensitive, intuitive, or energetically aware.

Her perspective suggests that some forms of emotional heaviness may reflect a combination of life circumstances, internal struggles, and heightened empathy. She notes that some individuals may carry emotional energy from others or feel deeply affected during periods of collective grief or personal loss. In her work, she approaches these moments with care, grounding, and respect for the complexity of each person’s experience.

Importantly, Maylani’s framework never replaces the need for professional treatment. Instead, it encourages a broader conversation—one that honors the emotional, psychological, and spiritual components of healing.

From Shadows to Sunlight: How Jacquelin Maylani Bridges Mental Health and Spiritual Awakening

Photo Courtesy: Better Together Photography

Finding Strength and Clarity in Dark Moments

A central theme in Maylani’s journey is the transformation of painful circumstances into sources of strength. Throughout her life, difficult relationships, periods of fear, and seasons of instability gradually revealed a deeper purpose: the development of her intuitive abilities and her commitment to emotional healing work.

During a relationship marked by instability and worry, she found herself constantly on edge. The experience was draining, yet it sharpened her awareness and intuition. Over time, that same sensitivity became a tool she now uses to support others, particularly those navigating their own complex emotional landscapes.

Her upcoming book expands on this idea, illustrating how moments of fear, confusion, or grief can serve as powerful turning points. The message woven through her writing is not that hardship is desirable, but that deep healing often emerges from the courage to face shadowed parts of life.

Understanding Depression and Emotional Transition

Another area of focus in Maylani’s work involves reframing experiences of depression and low mood. Rather than defining these states solely as signs of decline, she views certain emotional shifts as potential indicators of transformation. In her perspective, major life changes—such as a move, career transition, or shift in relationships—can trigger a period of emotional quietness or withdrawal.

These moments, she believes, may reflect the mind and body’s request for rest, recalibration, or introspection. Her approach encourages individuals to view emotional heaviness with compassion while seeking the support and clarity needed to navigate periods of change.

Recognizing Signs of Ongoing Connection

Maylani also guides individuals seeking to feel connected to deceased loved ones. While common symbols like feathers or butterflies are widely discussed, she emphasizes the importance of highly personal signs. Clients often describe meaningful objects, favorite meals, specific flowers, or distinct colors that appear in ways that feel significant during moments of grief or transition.

She views these experiences as opportunities for comfort, reflection, and connection—allowing individuals to hold onto the presence and love of those who have passed while continuing their own healing journey.

From Shadows to Sunlight: How Jacquelin Maylani Bridges Mental Health and Spiritual Awakening

Photo Courtesy: Better Together Photography

A Mission Rooted in Accountability and Awakening

At the core of her work is a belief in shadow work, self-mastery, and radical responsibility. Maylani encourages those she supports to explore their emotional patterns, honor their intuitive gifts, and confront long-held truths with honesty. Her writing underscores this philosophy, blending vulnerability with a deep commitment to personal growth.

Today, Jacquelin Maylani continues to serve as a guide for those seeking to understand the connection between emotional healing and spiritual awakening. Through her mediumship, writing, and creative work, she aims to create a more compassionate and conscious world—one where individuals feel supported as they step from the shadows of their past into the sunlight of their own transformation.

More about Jacquelin Maylani’s work or seeking guidance, visit JacquelinMaylani.com or follow her on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.

 

Disclaimer: This article reflects Jacquelin Maylani’s personal experiences and spiritual beliefs. It is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or therapeutic care. Individuals experiencing mental health concerns should seek support from a qualified healthcare professional.

Lesley Christine: How To Trust Yourself Again By Rediscovering Faith and Flow in the Second Half of Life

Women's Journal Staff on December 2, 2025

By: David Adams

Many midlife women find themselves in an unexpected place, appearing successful on paper while feeling empty inside. If that’s you, you know what it’s like to build a career, raise a family, and keep everything running smoothly, only to have anxiety, stress, and self-doubt remain as your constant companions.

Lesley Christine knows this territory intimately. As an emotional healing coach and founder of Living the Game of Life™, she guides high-achieving women through the very transformation she once sought herself.

“Life isn’t something that happens to you, it’s a game you’re invited to play. And when you learn to play it successfully, you’re fulfilled from the inside out,” Lesley says.

From Breakdown to Breakthrough: A Journey Home

Lesley’s path to helping other women find their way was anything but linear. Born in England to adventurous parents, she was on the move from day one, backpacking across Europe as a baby. Years later, she returned to Europe to travel solo and study art, language, and culture before earning her BA and BFA.

After exploring creative career paths, Lesley took what she thought would be a ‘temporary’ job in insurance, a role that turned into a 13-year corporate career. The stability was comforting, but the slow erosion of her creativity left her wondering if she’d missed her chance to live a more meaningful life.

Then came the turning point that changed everything.

In 2015, a devastating flood displaced her family. What felt like a disaster became an awakening. She and her partner sold nearly everything they owned, left behind the corporate grind, and set out to travel full-time with their children.

Lesley recalls, “At first, it looked like freedom. But a heaviness remained in the background of my experience. Even in the beauty of the open road, I couldn’t escape the anxiety that followed me everywhere.”

And that’s when she realized the stress wasn’t in her circumstances; it was stored in her body.

Finding Her Calling

Determined to heal, Lesley dove into emotional release and healing practices, studying trauma recovery and nervous system regulation. As she began to clear old layers of pain and resistance, the fog lifted. Peace returned. And a calling emerged.

She became certified in Metaphysical Anatomy Technique as a Metapsychology Coach, a trauma-informed approach that releases stored emotions and unresolved trauma through gentle, body-centered practices instead of requiring people to recall and relive painful experiences.

The pandemic of 2020 paused her budding coaching practice almost overnight. But instead of succumbing to fear, she leaned into her faith, trusting the same spiritual principles she now teaches.

Then came an even deeper test. After ten days in the ICU, Lesley’s partner came home with a terminal diagnosis with six to nine months to live. They moved back to her home state of Arkansas to be near her family.

Her experience of grief and upheaval led her to a century-old book that transformed her understanding of faith and creation: Florence Scovel Shinn’s The Game of Life and How to Play It. 

She listened to the audiobook version daily, sometimes multiple times a day. The rhythm of Shinn’s words became Lesley’s lifeline: ‘I feel great. I’ve never felt better,’ she would imagine her partner saying, affirming it in her heart.

And one day, her partner spoke those very words out loud, and against all odds, made a full recovery. 

“That miracle anchored my belief that faith and energy are creative forces, not poetic ideals. And I felt called to share that finding with others,” Lesley says.

Bridging a Century of Wisdom for Modern Women

Her experience inspired Lesley to publish a special 100th anniversary edition of The Game of Life and How to Play It.

Lesley’s guided edition of Shinn’s classic pairs the original text with contemporary stories, embodiment practices, and reflection prompts, guiding readers to move from intellectual understanding into lived experience.

“Florence Scovel Shinn’s core principles of faith, nonresistance, intuition, and expectancy still hold the key to peace and prosperity today,” Lesley explains.

She emphasizes that what makes these principles so powerful for midlife women is that they directly counter everything we’ve been taught.

She says, “We’ve been conditioned to hustle, to doubt ourselves, to control outcomes, and to believe our best years are behind us. But Shinn’s teachings offer the antidote: trust your inner guidance, release resistance, expect good things, and have faith that life is unfolding for you, not against you,” she says.

Lesley brings this idea of faith as an ally into today’s reality by offering practical guidance, along with accessible tools, that allow women to finally stop struggling and start creating the lives they want.

Manifestation: A Misunderstood Concept

In a culture saturated with manifestation advice that can feel fluffy or impractical, Lesley addresses what she sees as the missing piece: emotional clearing.

She explains, “People think manifestation is about what you think, but you can’t think your way past what you’re feeling in your body. Women come to me saying, ‘I’ve done all the mindset work, but nothing’s changing.’ And when we dig deeper, we find layers of unprocessed emotion—grief, resentment, fear, shame—creating subconscious resistance. You can’t override that with positive thinking. But when you release what’s stored in your body, your whole being finally aligns with what you truly want, and that’s when life begins to flow.”

A Roadmap for Transformation

At the heart of Lesley’s work is her signature RECLAIM Framework™ —a six-step process designed to help women release emotional baggage, rebuild self-trust, and realign their lives from the inside out.

The framework guides women through six essential steps:

  1. Release the Past through energy work that dissolves old stories
  2. Embody Your True Self by rediscovering values and setting boundaries
  3. Clarify Your Vision through soul-aligned mapping
  4. Align with Your Energy using daily practices
  5. Implement with Confidence through spacious action plans
  6. Maintain and Expand by anchoring new habits for lasting transformation

This process forms the foundation of all her teachings in her book, coaching, public speaking, and community programs.

Building Community and Connection

In a culture that often renders midlife women invisible, Lesley is offering something different: validation, tools, and community. Beyond her book and coaching, Lesley has created the Living the Game of Life community on Skool, a space where women can connect, grow, and support each other’s journeys.

She says, “You can’t heal in isolation what was wounded in a relationship. Most of the emotional patterns we’re releasing were formed in community—family, workplace, social circles. So it makes sense that healing happens more powerfully in community, too. The women in Living the Game of Life aren’t just learning spiritual principles; they’re practicing them together and supporting each other’s growth. There’s a magic that happens when women who are committed to their own transformation come together with a shared language and mutual respect. They become each other’s teachers, mirrors, and champions.”

The Invitation

Through her Mastering the Game of LifeTM program, Lesley helps her clients release the emotional weight and inner pressure that success has piled on so they can feel at peace, trust themselves again, and design a life that works.

For women who’ve achieved much yet feel they’ve lost themselves along the way, Lesley’s message is clear:

“You have far more power to shape your life than you’ve been led to believe. When you release the emotions and old traumas that cloud your perception, you naturally align with spiritual law, and life begins to unfold with clarity, peace, and purpose.”

Start now with this self-reflective guidance from Lesley Christine:

Pay attention to your inner and outer dialogue. What are the words you are thinking and saying? How do they relate to the desired outcomes in your life?

Your emotions are a guide showing you both what’s important to you and what you’re still holding onto from the past. What do you need to release?

To learn more about Lesley Christine and her transformational work, visit www.lesleychristine.com, check out her book, her Living the Game of Life community on Skool, or connect with her on social media.

 

Disclaimer: This article shares the personal experiences and perspectives of Lesley Christine and the author for informational purposes only. It is not medical, mental health, financial, or legal advice. Results vary for each person, and readers should use their own judgment and seek guidance from qualified professionals when needed.

Dr. Desi Bartlett: Where Wellness Becomes a Journey of Renewal

Women's Journal Staff on December 2, 2025

By: Regal Media Press

There are moments in life when the world feels too loud, and the soul begins to whisper for space. For thousands of women around the world, that whisper has led them to the work of Dr. Desiree “Desi” Bartlett. Known for her signature program, The BodyMind Workout®, and for her thirty-year career in women’s health, Desi has created something rare in the modern wellness world: a movement that feels both intelligent and deeply human.

Her philosophy, strength from the inside out, has carried her from the studios of Los Angeles to lecture halls, retreats, and global platforms. Whether she is teaching yoga on a quiet beach in Mexico or speaking at a conference in New York, Desi reminds women that real health is not about perfection. It is about returning to ourselves.

Dr. Desi Bartlett: Where Wellness Becomes a Journey of Renewal

Photo Courtesy: Dr. Desiree “Desi” Bartlett

A retreat for body and soul

At the heart of Desi’s current work is the Radiant Renewal Wellness Retreat, an experience designed to help women pause, restore, and reconnect. Led in partnership with her dear friend and colleague, Dr. Natiya Guin, women have the opportunity to connect in sisterhood. Guests begin each day with gentle yoga and meditation, move through workshops on women’s health and mindset, and close the evening under open skies with guided reflection. It is equal parts education and sanctuary.

“I wanted to create a space where women could exhale,” Desi explains. “So many of us are doing and giving all the time. The retreat is a reminder that receiving is also sacred.”

Each element of the retreat draws from Desi’s decades of study. Her doctorate in kinesiology informs the science behind the movement, while her training in yoga and meditation keeps the approach compassionate and accessible. Women arrive feeling drained or uncertain and leave grounded, energized, and often with lifelong friends.

From a single class to a global community

Desi’s reach began in local studios but quickly grew beyond them. Her BodyMind Workout® has been featured on Beachbody On Demand, iFit, DailyOM, and soon BetterMe. She has guided thousands through prenatal and perimenopausal stages, helping them navigate change with grace and practical strength.

Her two books, Your Strong Sexy Pregnancy and Total Body Beautiful, with a foreword by actress Kate Hudson, expanded her audience even further. Through her writing, Desi became a trusted voice for women who wanted real answers about health at every age.

Yet it is her retreats that truly bring her philosophy to life. “When you gather women together in nature, something powerful happens,” she says. “They remember who they are beneath the noise.”

Science, spirit, and the circle of life

Desi’s programs are not about trends. They are about integration. Her academic work explored how yoga and education can ease the transition through perimenopause, but her teaching expands that idea into everyday living, in her classes, movement and mindfulness merge. A strength sequence might end with a meditation. A lecture on hormones might lead to a breathing practice. Each part supports the whole.

She often uses her signature round yoga mat as a metaphor. “Movement is circular,” she says. “So is life. When we practice on a round mat, we remember there is no straight line to growth. We keep coming back to the center.”

That belief has shaped how she approaches every stage of womanhood. From pregnancy to menopause, she teaches that the body is never the enemy. It is a wise messenger that deserves attention, rest, and gratitude.

Service as a form of strength

Desi’s definition of wellness includes giving back. She has volunteered with the PS I Love You Foundation and the Los Angeles Unified School District, teaching yoga to at-risk youth. She has led charity classes to raise funds for breast cancer research and child-protection organizations. When wildfires devastated Maui, she hosted online courses to support affected families.

“True health is collective,” she says. “When we care for others, we heal ourselves too.”

That sense of service echoes through her retreats, where a portion of the proceeds often supports community projects for women and children. For Desi, empowerment has never been about status; it has always been about connection.

Recognition that mirrors purpose

Her dedication has earned her honors such as IDEA Fitness Leader of the Year and MSN’s #1 Health Voice of the Year. She has graced more than thirty magazine covers, appeared on ABC, NBC, Univision, and Hallmark, and collaborated with wellness brands including Kate Hudson’s In Bloom and Ashley Tisdale’s Frenshe.

Yet what moves her most are the quiet messages she receives from women after an event or retreat: a mother who finally sleeps through the night, a woman who rediscovers energy after menopause. This daughter starts meditating with her mom. Those moments, she says, are the real success stories.

A vision for the future

Looking ahead, Desi plans to expand The BodyMind Workout® into a household name and to continue leading retreats that travel the world. She envisions products in major retailers that help women practice self-care wherever they are. Her online courses and YouTube channel will continue to grow, offering free access to practices that combine strength and stillness.

Most of all, she hopes to keep reminding women that transformation is possible at any age. “Wellness is not a destination,” she says. “It’s a relationship, one that begins the moment you choose to listen to your own body.”

A quiet revolution

In an industry crowded with quick fixes, Dr. Desi Bartlett stands apart by teaching women to trust themselves. Her message is not about youth or perfection. It is about vitality, resilience, and the courage to keep evolving. Through science, spirituality, and service, she has created a movement that helps women meet life with open eyes and an open heart.

At her retreats, there are no grand speeches at the end. Just a circle of women, hands resting over hearts, breathing together. It is the perfect reflection of Desi’s work – gentle, powerful, and endlessly renewing.

For those ready to begin their own journey, her invitation is simple: come as you are, breathe, and start again.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It does not replace professional medical expertise or treatment. If you have any health concerns or questions, including before starting any fitness, yoga, or wellness program, always consult a physician or other qualified healthcare professional.

Advent Calendar Gift Ideas Women Will Cherish This Year

Womens Journal Staff 2 on December 2, 2025

Advent calendars have become one of the most exciting seasonal gifts, offering women a daily surprise throughout December. Once a simple tradition, they now come in countless varieties, ranging from luxury beauty sets to gourmet food assortments. The excitement lies in the anticipation, with each day revealing something new to brighten the holiday countdown.

Retailers have embraced the trend by creating calendars tailored to different interests. Women can choose from skincare minis, artisanal chocolates, or lifestyle accessories, ensuring that each calendar feels personal and thoughtful. This variety reflects how gifting traditions have evolved, meeting modern tastes while preserving the festive spirit.

These calendars transform waiting into celebration, turning December into a month of small but meaningful experiences. For women who enjoy self-care, indulgence, or creativity, these calendars provide a curated journey that feels both festive and personal. With options to suit every personality, Advent calendars have become a favorite way to embrace the holiday season.

Beauty and Skincare Calendars

Beauty Advent calendars remain among the most popular choices, offering a mix of makeup, skincare, and fragrance items. Limited-edition sets often include both mini and full-size products, allowing women to explore new collections without committing to larger purchases. These calendars combine luxury with discovery, making them both practical and exciting.

Each day brings a new product that can enhance routines, from hydrating serums to bold lipsticks. For many, the experience feels like a guided journey through a brand’s highlights, creating a sense of exclusivity. The appeal lies not only in the products themselves but also in the ritual of unveiling them.

Beauty calendars are increasingly designed with self-care in mind. Many now include wellness items such as bath oils, candles, or face masks, reflecting a broader trend toward relaxation and mindfulness in gifting. This shift shows how beauty calendars have expanded beyond glamour to embrace holistic wellness, making them an even more thoughtful gift.

Gourmet Food and Drink Calendars

Food and drink Advent calendars are perfect for women who enjoy culinary delights. Popular options include jam assortments, gourmet chocolates, specialty coffees, and even wine or tea collections. These calendars offer a sensory journey, with each day introducing a new flavor or aroma to savor.

Advent Calendar Gift Ideas Women Will Cherish This Year

Photo Credit: Unsplash.com

The experience goes beyond indulgence. Each treat encourages exploration, turning the holiday countdown into a culinary adventure. For women who appreciate gourmet experiences, these calendars provide both enjoyment and discovery.

The rise of artisanal products has added sophistication to food calendars. From craft chocolates to premium teas, these gifts combine tradition with novelty. They are thoughtful choices for women who value quality and creativity in their holiday celebrations.

Lifestyle and Hobby Calendars

Lifestyle Advent calendars cater to hobbies and personal interests, offering daily opportunities to engage with passions. Options range from candle collections to craft kits, making them versatile gifts that emphasize creativity and relaxation.

Candle calendars, for example, provide a curated selection of scents, allowing recipients to enjoy a new fragrance each day. Craft calendars encourage hands-on engagement, offering projects like embroidery or DIY décor. These gifts resonate with women who appreciate experiences as much as tangible items.

The growing popularity of lifestyle calendars reflects a shift toward personalization. Many consumers now seek gifts that align with individual interests rather than generic options. This trend emphasizes the importance of thoughtful gifting, where calendars serve as both entertainment and self-expression.

The Enduring Appeal of Advent Calendars

Advent calendars hold a special place in holiday traditions, blending anticipation with celebration. For women, they represent more than just gifts; they symbolize daily rituals that enhance the season’s joy. The act of opening a new door or box each day creates a rhythm that builds excitement toward Christmas.

The appeal lies in making waiting enjoyable. In a fast-paced world, they encourage slowing down and savoring small moments. This resonates with women who value mindfulness and intentional living, making Advent calendars both practical and meaningful.

As the demand for these festive gifts continues to rise, retailers are constantly innovating, offering new themes and collaborations each year. The appeal of Advent calendars remains strong, offering a unique way to celebrate the holiday season with curiosity, indulgence, and excitement.

The Future of Advent Calendar Gifting

Advent calendars are showing no signs of losing their popularity. As each year brings new designs, themes, and collaborations, the gift-giving tradition continues to evolve. Retailers are expected to keep innovating, offering unique experiences that make each calendar feel more personal than ever.

As we look ahead, the growing diversity in Advent calendar offerings points to even more creative and thoughtful options for the future. From personalized beauty sets to sophisticated food assortments, these gifts will continue to bring joy to women who cherish the festive countdown. The increasing variety of options also ensures that there’s something for everyone, making Advent calendars a perfect holiday gift year after year.

Advent calendars will remain an essential part of holiday traditions, combining the excitement of anticipation with the joy of gifting.

Lies of Money: Lisa Cooney’s Call to Transform How We Relate to Wealth, Safety, and Self-Worth

Women's Journal Staff on December 2, 2025

By: Sara Walsh

Money is one of the most emotionally charged forces in modern life. For many people, financial fear, avoidance, or stress becomes a constant background noise — something endured rather than understood. In Lies of Money: Who Are You Being?, Dr. Lisa Cooney challenges these patterns by inviting readers to explore the psychological and nervous system dynamics underlying their financial experiences.

From the start, Cooney makes her mission clear. She wrote the book because she kept seeing “the same painful pattern over and over again: we treat money as if it’s strictly logical or external — something separate from who we are.” In her view, the traditional conversation about money misses the deeper truth: “money is profoundly emotional. It’s tied to our nervous system, our sense of safety, and the stories we absorbed long before we ever earned a single dollar.”

Confronting the Lie That Money Equals Worth

One theme Cooney returns to throughout her work is the idea of worthiness. She calls out what she sees as the most damaging lie people carry: “the belief that money equals worth.” For many, this becomes a lifelong chase — seeking validation through income, productivity, or financial status. According to Cooney, this lie drives fear-based choices, self-sabotage, and cycles of overwork or under-earning.

Her solution is not about positive thinking or financial hustle. Instead, she offers a radical reframing: “Real financial freedom begins when we reclaim our worth as something inherent — not something we have to earn, prove, or justify with our income.” When that shift happens, she says, “our entire relationship with money changes.”

From Survival Mode to Conscious Empowerment

For many readers, the biggest barrier to financial ease isn’t the money itself — it’s the emotional pattern beneath it. “If money puts you into fear, avoidance, or survival mode… you’re not alone,” Cooney says. “And it’s not about dollars — it’s about your nervous system.”

In the book, she outlines common money-related survival responses: freezing, fawning, hustling, under-earning, or disconnecting. She emphasizes that these patterns are not personal failings; they are nervous-system imprints that people often learned early in life. Her goal is to help readers “identify your pattern (freeze, fawn, hustle, under-earn, disconnect) and shift it with regulation, clarity, and choice.” Because, as she puts it, “When you change the pattern, you change the power. Money stops controlling you — you start leading it.”

A Practical Tool: The Money Truth Check-In

One of the most accessible tools Cooney shares is what she calls The Money Truth Check-In — a simple ritual designed to interrupt automatic fear and bring awareness into the moment. She describes it this way:

  • “Notice the fear or judgment.”
  • “Ask: ‘Is this true… or a lie I inherited?’”
  • “Name where it came from.”
  • “Replace it with a grounded truth you choose now.”

This brief pause, she says, can be powerful enough to “reroute your entire money narrative.” It helps readers question the beliefs driving their reactions and choose responses rooted in clarity rather than conditioning.

Trauma, Survival Patterns & Financial Behavior

Cooney has long explored the connection between trauma and the nervous system, and she places those insights at the heart of The Lies of Money. She explains that financial behavior often mirrors survival responses:

  • Freeze → money avoidance
  • Fawn → undercharging, overgiving
  • Fight/Overwork → chronic hustle for safety
  • Flight → compulsive earning or constant busyness
  • Collapse → hopelessness or self-sabotage around money

The book offers strategies for recognizing these patterns, regulating emotional responses, and making choices from grounded self-trust rather than inherited fear.

Unlearning the Myth That “Success Will Fix the Fear”

One of the biggest misconceptions Cooney hopes readers will release is the belief that “success will fix the fear.” She explains that financial fear doesn’t disappear with higher income — it often intensifies if the underlying emotional structure isn’t addressed.

Technical financial knowledge is also not enough. As Cooney puts it, “You can understand budgets, investments, and business strategy — and still operate from fear, urgency, avoidance, or inherited beliefs.” Her goal is to help readers develop emotional mastery alongside practical understanding.

The Transformation She Hopes Readers Experience

Six months after readers finish the book, Cooney envisions a profound shift: “That they’re living from a fundamentally different internal landscape.” Her hope is that readers become able to “recognize their nervous-system responses, and choose empowered action instead of inherited fear.”

She sees the outcome as “sovereignty: a grounded, regulated, self-led relationship with money that influences not only finances, but relationships, work, and personal freedom.” This, she says, is the kind of transformation that “doesn’t fade once the book is closed — it integrates into how they live.”

Understanding the Psychological Layers Behind Money

Cooney’s perspective is clear: money isn’t just about economics; it’s about the deepest layers of human psychology. She writes about how financial behavior often reflects identity, early experiences of safety, and attachment patterns. Many people unconsciously carry behaviors such as overfunctioning to prove value, underearning to avoid visibility, chronic scarcity rooted in instability, or people-pleasing in financial decisions.

Her work aims to help readers recognize these patterns, understand their origins, and begin transforming them at the level of the nervous system. In doing so, she reframes money as an area where self-trust, clarity, and empowerment can grow.

To explore these ideas further and begin transforming your own relationship with money, check out Dr. Lisa Cooney’s book The Lies of Money: Who Are You Being? on Amazon.

 

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, medical, or psychological advice. For personalized advice, readers are encouraged to consult with qualified professionals in financial, psychological, or medical fields. The information shared in this article is based on Dr. Cooney’s work and is intended to provide a perspective on how emotional and psychological patterns can impact financial behavior.