Rejecting Shame in Motherhood

In the final episode of season 1 of Speak Shame with Dr Connie Kerali, Dr McClain Sampson shares her profound journey from an academic career to founding Hear Me Roar Coaching and Consulting, a platform dedicated to empowering women at all life stages. Dr Sampson's narrative is one of resilience, transformation, and the relentless pursuit of creating impactful change in maternal health and personal empowerment.

The Formative Years

Dr McClain Sampson recounts the early years of her life, marked by her parents' divorce and constant relocation, which fostered an initial sense of confusion and loneliness. Growing up in a household touched by addiction, she struggled to trust and find her voice—a theme that has woven through her life and career.

A Passion for Maternal Health

Navigating early adulthood, Dr Sampson was driven by a desire to help women, influenced by memories of her single mother's struggles. Her unexpected pregnancy during her first year in a doctoral program became a pivotal experience, highlighting the profound identity transformation of motherhood and unveiling the glaring gaps in maternal mental health support. Her academic pursuits took root in this passion, leading her to create interventions focused on supporting low-income mothers through home visits.

Transition to Coaching

Feeling a growing dissatisfaction in her tenured academic role, Dr Sampson turned to coaching. Inspired by Martha Beck, a pioneer in life coaching, she discovered a new avenue to fulfil her passion for directly impacting women's lives. This transition allowed her to utilize her expertise and personal experiences to connect deeply with women, especially mothers, helping them uncover their internal capacities.

Personal Challenges and Growth

A mother of two, Dr Sampson faced personal challenges when her teenage son struggled with behavioural issues and addiction. This experience intensified her journey of self-discovery and resilience, highlighting the necessity of addressing shame and societal expectations around motherhood. Her personal growth through this period enriched her coaching philosophy, centring around the idea of "Savage Self-Care"—a framework for radical self-honesty and self-maintenance.

Building Bridges and Offering Support

Through Hear Me Roar, Dr Sampson extends her hand to women seeking empowerment and transformation. Her commitment to creating accessible coaching programs reflects her belief in the power of community and support. Her group coaching initiatives offer practical tools for women to engage in effective communication and self-awareness, cultivating resilience and personal growth.

A Call to Savage Self-Care

Dr Sampson encourages embracing one's essential self by engaging in radical self-care and honesty. Her journey underscores the reality that personal and professional challenges can coexist, and through vulnerability and support, individuals can reclaim their stories and live authentically.

Connect with Dr McClain Sampson

For those inspired by Dr Sampson's story and interested in her transformative coaching, Hear Me Roar is accessible through her website, Instagram and LinkedIn pages. Dr Sampson invites women to join her year-long transformation program, as she guides them in nurturing their inner strengths and embracing their unique journeys with compassion and self-care.

Through sharing her story, Dr McClain Sampson not only illuminates the path to personal empowerment but also inspires others to rise above their challenges, advocate for themselves, and create lasting impact in their lives and communities.

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Resources for Support

If you need additional support after listening to this episode/reading this blog post, you can use the links below to find more information on some places to go:

·        In an emergency, dial 999 (UK only) or 911 (USA); for non-emergencies, dial 101 (UK)

·        A doctor or practice nurse at your GP surgery

·        A voluntary organisation such as The Samaritans (UK – call for free anytime: 116 123) or 988 Lifeline (USA – call for free anytime: 988)

Your Journey Begins Here

If you or someone you know is grappling with similar experiences, know that you are not alone. Speak up, seek help, and embrace vulnerability as the beginning of your healing journey. Whether through trusted friends, professionals, or community resources, finding someone you can confide in can be life changing. I know this to be true firsthand. 

Get in Touch

Join the community:

@DrConnieKerali on Instagram

@SpeakShame on Instagram

Speak Shame the private group on Facebook

Learn more about Dr Connie Kerali’s Mission 100K to share over 100,000 inspiring stories of women who have faced and overcome adversity, so that others may find strength, connection, and hope in their own journeys, and so that shame itself loses its power.

Do you want to share your story? Email Dr Connie Kerali at [email protected].

If you're a remarkable woman who wants to let go of shame and reach your full potential, book a free discovery call with me, Dr Connie Kerali.