17. Tuning into anxiety as a sleep deprived mom with Hilary McClinton

What could it look like if you were sleeping better?

A lot of us out there, will sacrifice sleep in order to get something done. In order to have some alone time, down time, Netflix time, or maybe we’re taking care of a hungry, crying baby. 

Whatever your barrier for achieving a good nights’ sleep, you’re not wrong. You’re just responding to a need you might have in your life, and your behavior around sleep is therefore rationale and logical because you’re simply responding to your surroundings. And in the short-term, this might work for you…but what about the long term? Does sacrificing sleep work for you in the long term? And, what impacts does that lack of sleep have on your mental health? 
Today we are going to explore sleep, behavior, and a mental health condition that is not often talked about: postpartum anxiety. Our guest, Hilary McClinton, is a behavior analyst and sleep specialist who has her own story about anxiety…and how all of this is a product of her context as mom to child with sleeping difficulties, and a product of her own sleep deprivation. 

*** 

In this episode I talk about a free mini course and it’s called “An Introvert’s Guide to Getting Unstuck.” It is a free 45 minute mini course.

In the workshop I guide you through a series of journaling prompts, ACT-based exercises, and ways to navigate through your individual stuck points as an introvert. Go to my website to get access to it and check it out!

***

If you are interested in reaching out and telling your story, would like to join our monthly group called ACT Collective, or receive 1:1 individualized support & guidance on your own personal journey check out my service, Coaching for Vibrant Introverts which specializes in serving those with anxiety and social anxiety. You find me on

Instagram @actinspiredbehavior

If this episode resonated with you, subscribe to this podcast and stayed tuned for each new episode bright and early, starting this Wednesday and then every other Wednesday!

***

Our guest today was Hilary McClinton. Find her at:

@coastalridge_aba or @healthysleep.solutions

Or find her work here at her website at Sound Sleep Solutions.

In her work Hilary wears many hats, but first and foremost, she is a mom to two boys and partner to her husband. She lives in B.C., fortunate to be surrounded by beautiful lakes and forests. For the last 20+ years of her working career, she have worked in some kind of position related to supporting the neurodivergent community, in schools or home or clinical settings. She has served on the BC-ABA board for two terms, working with colleagues to disseminate applied behavior analysis.

She is grateful to have found her passions and one is specializing in sleep. She knows from experience how invaluable the gift of sleep is, it brings her joy to help families sleep again. She also enjoys supporting new practitioners find their own niche, and learning more about Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) has been a game changer in supporting interns through their journeys. She continues to provide early intervention, incorporating my training in Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) and general considerations of NDBI's into my practice as well.

While she has been practicing as a behavior analyst for over 10 years and have gained experience in many roles, she feels the bulk of my learning has occurred in the last 7 years. She is practicing more in line with her values as a parent, and clinician, while learning more about how she can serve compassionately, humbly, and with integrity.

Hilary McClinton, BCBA and sleep specialist

Hilary McClinton, BCBA and sleep specialist

Hilary with her kids

Hilary with her kids