Initiated Survivor

This episode, I have special guest Brialynn Massie on the podcast to discuss the creation of their upcoming film 'I Need You To Stay'. The film aims to tackle the Hollywood stigma and misconceptions surrounding BPD through the story of its protagonist, Kira, who is in remission from BPD. We touch on themes such as the systemic issues of misogyny and white supremacy in the diagnosis and treatment of BPD, the pervasive stigma in media and healthcare, and the cycle of victimization. Additionally, we’ll talk about the importance of creating a community and safe spaces for individuals with BPD, the impact of therapy, and the potential for legislative changes to improve access to mental health care. Brialynn also highlights the efforts to maintain a trauma-informed culture on set and the partnership with Hire Survivors Hollywood to combat predatory behavior. Watch the Full Video Podcast Here! 00:00 — Unveiling the Stigma of Borderline Personality Disorder 00:39 — Brialynn’s Journey: From Diagnosis to Filmmaker 00:57 — Combating Hollywood's Stigma: The Making ofI Need You To Stay 01:31 — The Impact of Media and Misogyny on Mental Health Stigma 06:30 — Bridging the Gap: The Mission Behind the Movie 16:51 — The Power of Representation: Changing Narratives and Building Communities 30:13 — The Fight for Accessible Mental Health Care and Legislative Change 31:32 — Exploring the Complexities of Borderline Personality Disorder 32:44 — The Impact of Early Diagnosis and Access to Healthcare 35:01 — Navigating Relationships and Self-Validation with BPD 39:13 — The Dangers of Fetishization and Exploitation 50:30 — Healing, Hope, and Building Community Topics/Triggers: · Borderline Personality Disorder · Suicide/Suicidal Ideations · Addiction · Abuse · Medical/Workplace Abuse · Gaslighting · Victim Blaming · Child Abuse · CPTSD · Hire Survivors Hollywood · Community · Trauma · Self-Validation ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ ★ Connect with Brialynn Massie ★ Follow@ineedyoutostaymovieon Instagram Explore I Need You to StayWebsite Email:[email protected] If you took anything away from today’s podcast, please share it with someone who may need to hear it. And if you really want to support the podcast please give us a rate/review. If you or anyone you know is suffering through trauma contact the National Sexual Assault hotline at 1-800-656-4673 oronlinefor 24/7 support.(This podcast is not a replacement for psychotherapy or mental health care. You can obtain a referral for mental health care provider from your primary care physician, or search onPsychology Today’s Find a Therapist directory) Find moreInitiated Survivor content hereand onInstagram!

In this episode of Initiated Survivor, I’ll discuss the vital role of social support and community in the process of recovering from trauma. I will talk about the innate human need for connection, and how isolation exacerbates feelings of insecurity and depression, while the sense of belonging fosters healing and a sense of safety. I will share practical ways those in recovery can find and integrate into communities, especially after experiences of trauma, and navigate the challenges of connecting authentically with others. I will also share a few of my personal experiences with finding community and connection, the importance of self-validation, and the continuous, life-long journey of finding belonging and support in community.

Watch the Full Video Podcast Here!

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 — Intro

00:27 — The Power of Social Support in Mental Health Recovery

01:08 — Understanding Our Social Nature and Its Impact on Recovery

03:23 — Creative Expression and Community

07:54 — Navigating Social Connections as Adults: Challenges and Strategies

13:11 — Exploring Personal Values and Building Community Connections

14:37 — GROUP THERAPY AD:https://www.drkelseyharper.com/dbt-skills-group-for-lgbtq

24:38 — Embracing Vulnerability and Growth in Community Engagement

31:05 — Finding Peace and Purpose Through Community

Topics/Triggers:

· Abusive Realtionships

· Sexual Assault

· Community

· Creative Expression

· Self-Worth

· Self-Validation

· Trauma Recovery

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If you took anything away from today’s podcast, please share it with someone who may need to hear it. And if you really want to support the podcast please give us a rate/review.

If you or anyone you know is suffering through trauma contact the National Sexual Assault hotline at 1-800-656-4673 oronlinefor 24/7 support.(This podcast is not a replacement for psychotherapy or mental health care. You can obtain a referral for mental health care provider from your primary care physician, or search onPsychology Today’s Find a Therapist directory)

Find moreInitiated Survivor content hereand onInstagram!

In this episode, I talk about the power of group therapy and community for those recovering from traumatic experiences. I’ll discuss the emotional isolation people often experience in the aftermath of traumatic events, and how this can be exacerbated by societal factors. I’ll share some personal experiences on how participating in group activities, such as restorative yoga classes and virtual workshops served as a healing mechanism and a stepping stone towards building relationships and community. Additionally, I will talk about the benefits of group therapy in cultivating listening, speaking, healing, and social skills while maintaining a safe, validating space for participants. I am also excited to be offering two new groups starting in April which include: DBT Skills Group for LGBTQ+ and a Trauma Recovery Skills Group!

Watch the Full Video Podcast Here!

00:00 — Intro

00:59 — The Struggles of Isolation and Anxiety

03:12 — The Comfort of Home and the Challenge of Leaving

04:01 — Overcoming Agoraphobia and Building Connections

05:51 — The Power of Solitude and Self-Care

07:04 — The Role of Community Activities in Recovery

10:09 — The Impact of the Pandemic and Virtual Groups

12:37 — Group Therapy Ad:https://www.drkelseyharper.com/dbt-skills-group-for-lgbtq

17:50 — The Benefits of Group Therapy

21:39 — Personal Experiences with Group Therapy

22:12 — Upcoming Group Therapy Opportunities

23:55 — The Healing Power of Groups

Topics/Triggers:

· Rape Culture

· Victim Blaming

· Agoraphobia

· Anxiety

· Trauma

· Trauma Recovery

· Virtual Groups and Community

· CPTSD

· Group Therapy

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If you took anything away from today’s podcast, please share it with someone who may need to hear it. And if you really want to support the podcast please give us a rate/review.

If you or anyone you know is suffering through trauma contact the National Sexual Assault hotline at 1-800-656-4673 oronlinefor 24/7 support.(This podcast is not a replacement for psychotherapy or mental health care. You can obtain a referral for mental health care provider from your primary care physician, or search onPsychology Today’s Find a Therapist directory)

Find moreInitiated Survivor content hereand onInstagram!

In this episode, we delve deep into Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and complex trauma. We discuss the stigma associated with these conditions, their links to past trauma, their effects on personality and social behavior, and how they are often misunderstood. I’ll talk about the traits and symptoms of BPD, the relationship between BPD and complex trauma, and the intersections of these with PTSD. I’ll also cover the importance of trauma-informed care and discuss effective treatments like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and other trauma interventions.

00:00 — Introduction to Borderline Personality Disorder

01:50 — Understanding the Nature of Borderline Personality Disorder

03:35 — Traits and Symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder

11:45 — The Connection Between BPD and Trauma

13:18 — AD: Group Therapy:https://www.drkelseyharper.com/dbt-skills-group-for-lgbtq

14:49 — Understanding Complex PTSD and its Relation to BPD

21:07 — Treatment Options for BPD and Complex Trauma

23:41 — Conclusion and Future Discussions

Watch the Full Video Podcast Here!

Topics/Triggers:

·Dialectical Behavior Therapy by Dr. Marsha Linehan

· Suicide and Suicidal Ideation

· PTSD

· Trauma

· Emotional Overload and Overstimulation

· Intrusive Memories

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If you took anything away from today’s podcast, please share it with someone who may need to hear it. And if you really want to support the podcast please give us a rate/review.

If you or anyone you know is suffering through trauma contact the National Sexual Assault hotline at 1-800-656-4673 oronlinefor 24/7 support.(This podcast is not a replacement for psychotherapy or mental health care. You can obtain a referral for mental health care provider from your primary care physician, or search onPsychology Today’s Find a Therapist directory)

Find moreInitiated Survivor content hereand onInstagram!

As survivors, we understand the experience of being wronged and the desire to make a positive impact in the world. With so much happening at this moment, it can feel overwhelming. However, one effective tool we have in our fight for a better future is activism. By standing up for our values within our local community, we can create meaningful change. In this episode of 'Initiated Survivor', we explore the role of activism in the healing process for trauma survivors. We discuss how engaging in collective actions that align with our personal values can foster a sense of community and serve as a powerful tool for change and recovery. I also provide various strategies for incorporating activism into our recovery journey, such as connecting with long-term goals, emphasizing community-building, and supporting local organizations that make a tangible impact on our daily lives.

Watch the Full Video Podcast Here!

00:00 — Introduction

01:37 — The Power of Activism

03:20 — Activism and Emotional Expression

05:00 — AD: Individual Therapy:https://www.drkelseyharper.com/trauma-therapy

05:42 — Mindfulness in Activism

08:42 — Sensory Needs in Activism

09:40 — Titration and Exposure in Activism

11:05 — Emotional Support, Expressive Activities, Self Care

16:20 — AD: Group Therapy:https://www.drkelseyharper.com/dbt-skills-group-for-lgbtq

17:40 — Engaging in Pleasant Activities & Personal Values

19:15 — Different Ways to Engage in Activism

22:23 — Local Organizations

24:50 — Providing Direct Services in Activism

26:01 — Utilizing Personal Skills in Activism

27:15 — Conclusion: The Power of Activism in Healing Trauma

Topics/Triggers:

· Titrating

· Self-care

· Community Engagement

· Trauma Processing

· Self-soothing Habits

· Physiological Regulations

· Mindfulness

· The Power of Activism

· Vicarious Trauma

· Engaging in Expressive & Pleasant Activities

· Our Values & Goals

· Abortion Bans

·Success Stories Prison Feminism

· Supporting NonProfit Organizations

· Grassroots Activism

·Ask a Psychologist Anything

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If you took anything away from today’s podcast, please share it with someone who may need to hear it. And if you really want to support the podcast please give us a rate/review.

If you or anyone you know is suffering through trauma contact the National Sexual Assault hotline at 1-800-656-4673 oronlinefor 24/7 support.(This podcast is not a replacement for psychotherapy or mental health care. You can obtain a referral for mental health care provider from your primary care physician, or search onPsychology Today’s Find a Therapist directory)

Find moreInitiated Survivor content hereand onInstagram!

Diet culture permeates every facet of our lives. We have to eat food to live, but when our relationship to food becomes complicated, we can quickly lose control and fall into disordered eating habits due to the societal pressures all around us. In this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing the incredible Devon Cole, RD, MS, a registered dietitian specializing in intuitive eating and trauma recovery. We delved into the world of intuitive eating and explored how it goes beyond just fueling our bodies. Devon shared valuable insights on how intuitive eating allows us to embrace pleasure, connection, and celebration when it comes to food. We discussed the harmful effects of diet culture and the mental gymnastics it imposes on us when trying to fit into unattainable beauty standards. Throughout the episode, Devon shared her expertise and provided practical advice for survivors of trauma and anyone seeking a healthier relationship with food.

Join My Trauma Skills Workshop — 12 Weeks of one-on-one Small Group Trauma Skills Therapy Starting in April 2024!

Watch the Full Video Podcast Here!

Topics/Triggers:

· Diet Culture

· Disordered Eating

· Chronic Dieting

· Intuitive Eating

· Health at Every Size

· When to See a Dietitian

· Binge Eating

· Calorie Restriction

· Common Questions & Concerns with Dieting

· Food & The Need for Control

· The Binge-Restrict Cycle

· Unattainable Beauty Standards

· Maintaining Our Agency

· Coming Home to Your Body

· Food as Culture Rather than Just Sustenance

· Maintenance Phase Podcast

· Health & Healthy Eating

· Weight

· How Parents Can Help Their Children with Weight

· Why Our Relationship to Our Bodies Affects Our Relationship with Food

Connect with Devon Cole:

· Website: https://devoncolerd.com/

· Instagram @devoncolerd https://www.instagram.com/devoncolerd/

· Email: [email protected]

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If you took anything away from today’s podcast, please share it with someone who may need to hear it. And if you really want to support the podcast please give us a rate/review.

If you or anyone you know is suffering through trauma contact the National Sexual Assault hotline at 1-800-656-4673 oronlinefor 24/7 support.(This podcast is not a replacement for psychotherapy or mental health care. You can obtain a referral for mental health care provider from your primary care physician, or search onPsychology Today’s Find a Therapist directory)

Find moreInitiated Survivor content hereand onInstagram!

We are back for another round of Ask a Psychologist Anything. In this episode, I dive into various topics related to trauma, vulnerability management, therapist-client relations, and the balance between triggers and optimism. We discuss the balance between pushing for change and taking care of ourselves, the concept of the window of tolerance, and how it affects our emotional well-being. Join me as I provide insights, practical advice, and compassionate guidance on navigating trauma recovery and fostering mental well-being. Whether you're a survivor, a mental health professional, or simply interested in these topics, this podcast aims to create a supportive and informative space for everyone.

Join My Trauma Skills Workshop — 12 Weeks of one-on-one Small Group Trauma Skills Therapy Starting in April 2024!

Watch the Full Video Podcast Here!

Topics/Triggers:

· Trauma Related Grief

· EMDR

· How to Cope

· Politics

· Following Through on Goals

· Neurodivergence

· Hypervigilance & Apathy

· Activism & Triggers

· Politics and Therapy

· The Client-Therapist Relationship

· Trauma

· Mental Health and Community

· The Meaning of Rest

· Vulnerability Management

· Support Systems

· Initiated Survivor: Poet Kate Burns on The Power of Creativity for Healing:

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If you took anything away from today’s podcast, please share it with someone who may need to hear it. And if you really want to support the podcast please give us a rate/review.

If you or anyone you know is suffering through trauma contact the National Sexual Assault hotline at 1-800-656-4673 oronlinefor 24/7 support.(This podcast is not a replacement for psychotherapy or mental health care. You can obtain a referral for mental health care provider from your primary care physician, or search onPsychology Today’s Find a Therapist directory)

Find moreInitiated Survivor content hereand onInstagram!

We've got something special for you on Initiated Survivor for the Holiday Season! Join us as we revisit a past episode called"Holiday Survival Skills."I know that the holidays can be a bit overwhelming, especially with all the family dynamics, financial pressures, and cultural stressors. But we've got some practical strategies to help you handle it all. We'll show you how to take care of yourself while also actively participating in positive change. It's all about finding those moments of connection, celebrating your values, and staying grounded during tough times. We're here to support you as you create meaningful memories and navigate the end of the year with resilience and joy. Enjoy this replay, and happy holidays!

Join My Trauma Skills Workshop — 12 Weeks of one-on-one Small Group Trauma Skills Therapy Starting in April 2024!

Topics/Triggers:

• Seasonal Energy Shifts

• Dark Moon Phase of the Year

• Heightened Sensitivities around Triggers During the Holidays

• Radical Acceptance & Mindfulness

• Living in the Moment Without Judgement.

• How to Practice Mindfulness Daily

• Giving Yourself Permission to Remove Yourself from Toxic Situations

• The Value of Setting & Enforcing Boundaries in Relationships

• Treating Our Time & Energy as Finite Resources

• Giving Yourself the Gift of Prioritizing Your Own Needs

• Self-Care During the Holiday Season

• Private Distractions During Events

• Finding Connection

• Tara Brach

• Self-Soothing (Listen to Initiated Survivor Bonus Ep "Skill Spotlight - Self-Soothing" for more information!)

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If you took anything away from today’s podcast, please share it with someone who may need to hear it. And if you really want to support the podcast please give us a rate/review.

If you or anyone you know is suffering through trauma contact the National Sexual Assault hotline at 1-800-656-4673 oronlinefor 24/7 support.(This podcast is not a replacement for psychotherapy or mental health care. You can obtain a referral for mental health care provider from your primary care physician, or search onPsychology Today’s Find a Therapist directory)

Find moreInitiated Survivor content hereand onInstagram!

In this episode, I had the honor of interviewing Kate Burns, a survivor and poet. We delved deep into her healing journey and the importance of community support. Kate shared her experiences of initially struggling to trust men and the significance of allowing survivors to fully own their feelings without judgment. She also discussed the creation of her emotional emergency care kit and the power of reaching out to trusted friends for support. We explored the transformative impact of writing letters to oneself and receiving affirmations from others. Kate's resilience and fierce determination to create a safe space for survivors were truly inspiring, and she leaves us all with a touch of her wisdom by closing out the interview with a reading of one of her poems in her book, "All My Favorite Men Are Dead." Listen in as we explore healing, community, and finding strength in vulnerability.

→ Watch the Full Video Podcast Here!

00:00 — Intro

00:18 — Kate's Survivor Story

03:19 — Creativity & Healing

10:17 —Making Poetry Active

11:54 —Kate's Recovery

16:10 —How to Get Started in Poetry

22:04 — Effective Healing Strategies

28:14 — Emergency Emotional Care Kit

33:42 — Community & Trust

38:53 — A Reading of Kate's Poem "Me Too"

Topics/Triggers:

• Using a Pseudonym

• Sexual Assault from a Male Friend

• Finding Community

• Asking for Help

• Suicide

• Healing through Creativity

• Emotional Self-Care

• Attachment Wounds

• Trust

• Feeling Safe in Your Body

• The Power of Poetry

Connect with Kate:

— Website: https://www.kateburnspoet.com/

— Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kateburnspoet/?hl=en

— Links: https://linktr.ee/kbpoetry

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If you took anything away from today’s podcast, please share it with someone who may need to hear it. And if you really want to support the podcast please give us a rate/review.

If you or anyone you know is suffering through trauma contact the National Sexual Assault hotline at 1-800-656-4673 oronlinefor 24/7 support.(This podcast is not a replacement for psychotherapy or mental health care. You can obtain a referral for mental health care provider from your primary care physician, or search onPsychology Today’s Find a Therapist directory)

Find moreInitiated Survivor content hereand onInstagram!

Dedeker Winston was last on the podcast to discuss her somatic practitioner training and how somatic experience can help you on your recovery journey. Today, she shares her story of surviving domestic violence in one of her romantic partnerships. Dedeker talks about what it was like leaving an abusive relationship, the challenges and rewards of practicing non-monogamy, and the importance of community support in healing from trauma. We discuss the harmful stereotypes surrounding victims and perpetrators of abuse and the need for a more nuanced understanding of these dynamics. Dedeker also shares her perspective on the power of embodied experiences of safety and security in healing from trauma. Join us for this powerful conversation on healing, community, and the importance of breaking out of societal norms to find new ways of relating and connecting with others.

Connect with Dedeker:

• Website: https://www.dedekerwinston.com/

• Multiamory Podcast: https://www.multiamory.com/podcast-summary

Topics/Triggers:

• Consensual Non-monogamy

• Domestic Abuse

• Intimate Partner Violence

• The Feeling of Paralysis

• Cognitive Dissonance

• PTSD

• The Image of an Abuser

• Telling Your Partner About Your Trauma

• Finding a Safe, Secure Attachment

• Shame

• Polyamory

• The Variety of Responses from People in Your Life

• Signs of Abuse in a Relationship

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If you took anything away from today’s podcast, please share it with someone who may need to hear it. And if you really want to support the podcast please give us a rate/review.

If you or anyone you know is suffering through trauma contact the National Sexual Assault hotline at 1-800-656-4673 oronlinefor 24/7 support.(This podcast is not a replacement for psychotherapy or mental health care. You can obtain a referral for mental health care provider from your primary care physician, or search onPsychology Today’s Find a Therapist directory)

Find moreInitiated Survivor content hereand onInstagram!