Host and Licensed Clinical Social Worker Sara Abbott, provide a raw, honest, and sometimes humorous look into what it means to live with Borderline Personality Disorder and a variety of other conditions. From relationships, to anger, to sex, and to recovery, she along with guests (and her husband occasionally!) provides a behind the lens view on the world’s most stigmatized mental illness. You find Sara on IG @borderlinefromhell
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Dialectic Behaviour Therapy Podcasts
Dive into the experiences of living with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Hear powerful stories from individuals with lived experience, their families, researchers, and mental health professionals. Each episode provides a strength-based perspective on mental health, filled with humor, raw emotion, and validation. Every other week you will learn from a group of Super Feelers about how they navigate the world using Dialectic Behavioural Therapy skills. Whether you’re navigating these cha ...
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Over the course of 36 podcasts we will explore the A to Z of mental health topics. This podcast is meant to facilitate discussion and hopefully help to remove stigma around a whole range of topics and issues. This is not a therapy podcast and I urge you to talk to you GP, Mind or someone you trust if you find any of the issues we touch on triggers anything for you. Every podcast is also raising money for Mind, so please support if you can by either clicking the link to donate in the podcast ...
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Welcome to the Mental Elf podcast, which features interviews with leading experts in mental health: researchers, clinicians, practitioners and experts by experience. I will help you keep up to date with the latest reliable mental health research. Our podcasts are recorded at major mental health events and conferences, and explore a wide range of topics relevant to people who work in mental health and related fields. Check out the Mental Elf website for thousands of free blogs summarising the ...
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In this episode, we break down what self-compassion actually means—without the fluff or fake positivity. We’ll explore why being kind to yourself feels so hard, especially if you’re used to self-criticism as a motivator. You’ll learn practical ways to start treating yourself with the same care you’d give a friend, even on your worst days. Get ready…
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Getting an Education with Borderline Feat. Cynthia Gralla
53:55
53:55
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53:55Today I'm joined by Cynthia Gralla, an author, writer, lifelong student, and professor who happens to have BPD. Cynthia is host of the podcast A Real Affliction: BPD, Culture and Stigma and today she joins us to talk about how it can be difficult and so important for some to get an education and the strategies for supporting your education when you…
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Super Feeler is out for the summer!!!!! I'll be back in September with some of the best episodes yet and even more opportunities to connect with the community through peer support. Find the links to all of the announcements in this episode below! Register for Peer Support Support The Show on Patreon for Free or by Donation Reach Out to Share Your S…
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Exploring Trauma Through Critical Memory Integration feat. Estefana Johnson
51:17
51:17
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51:17In this conversation, Estefana Johnson and I delve into the complexities of trauma and the innovative therapeutic approach known as Critical Memory Integration (CMI). We discuss the importance of understanding trauma not just as a singular event but as a series of experiences that shape an individual's response to adversity. We talk about the need …
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Queer, Neurodivergent and Finding Community (feat. Shane)
1:11:19
1:11:19
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1:11:19Shane (@cvvnty_boi44) joins for a solo episode to share about his life story. From experiencing a hard divorce as a child, to cross country moves, breakups, navigating substance use, transitioning, and discovering his BPD and ADHD, Shane's personal journey is a rollercoaster that led him to finding the Queer community he so loves and becoming a Sup…
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Okay here's a few more of the answers to those questions about BPD couples (where one person has BPD). Please excuse the shitty audio, as ADHD couples do we recorded in the car safely (hands-free driving, ya'll!). Send us a text message to be anonymously read and responded to! Support the show You can find Sara on Instagram @borderlinefromhell. You…
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Impulsivity is so much fun and so harmful often at the same time. It is really the most dialectic of the borderline personality disorder symptoms. Together the panel shares about our experiences with impulsivity and how it presents as part of BPD and ADHD. We finish off the episode sharing how we have learned to manage our impulsivity to prevent so…
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Final Mini Episode: What Is A Trauma Bond? (Feat. Leslie, Guest Co-Host)
21:17
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21:17Today is our final mini episode and we talk what the hell a trauma bond even is. Don't forget, if your'e on Patreon there's a 4th mini episode waiting for you there! Send us a text message to be anonymously read and responded to! Support the show You can find Sara on Instagram @borderlinefromhell. You can also find the podcast on IG @boldbeautifulb…
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Mini Episode: You NEED To Go To Therapy (feat. Leslie, guest co-host).
8:33
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8:33Hi ya'll! Over the next few days there will be mini episodes covering individual topics for the podcast. And then a final, mini episode as a bonus over on Patreon. Today we talk about how asking someone to go to therapy, or wishing that they will, without the right supports in place can be more harmful than helpful. And radical acceptance is the on…
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Mini Episode: Everywhere You Go There You Are (Feat. Leslie, Guest Co-Host)
12:12
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12:12Hi ya'll! Over the next few days there will be mini episodes covering individual topics for the podcast. And then a final, mini episode as a bonus over on Patreon. Today we talk a bit more about masking and how being borderline can result in other people's discomfort. Send us a text message to be anonymously read and responded to! Support the show …
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Using Your Platform to Raise Awareness (feat. Darcy)
29:21
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29:21Darcy is Miss Personality Northern Alberta and uses her platform to talk about borderline personality disorder. While Darcy hasn't been diagnosed with BPD she identifies with the disorder. Together we explore the impact of her childhood circumstances including a really challenging divorce, and how she found her voice through pageantry. Learn more a…
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Fighting Shame Through DBT Feat. Dr. Kiki Fehling
46:10
46:10
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46:10As promised I had to talk more about shame. In today's episode Dr. Kiki Fehling brings the DBT perspective to what causes shame, shame vs. guilt, and how we cope with shame. (Can you say opposite action???) Watch the episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qynq1T36Lp0 Kiki is a licensed psychologist, author, speaker, and Linehan-Board-certifi…
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BPD Symptoms: Chronic Feelings of Emptiness
59:37
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59:37Chronic feelings of emptiness are a tough symptom to describe if you haven't experienced it before. In the third episode of the BPD Symptoms Mini Series Laurie is joined by Kat, Shane, and Shannon to talk about one of the lesser understood but deeply impactful symptoms of BPD. We touch on where this feeling (or lack of feeling) shows up in our live…
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We didn't get nearly as far into the questions as I wanted to because #borderline and the damn irritation it causes. But this was really fun for us and I'm looking forward to doing a part 2 of reviewing the questions ya'll have for us about relationships with one person having BPD. Send us a text message to be anonymously read and responded to! Sup…
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No Longer Denying Diagnosis Leads to Normal-ish Parenting (feat. Jennifer)
1:01:26
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1:01:26Jennifer is a marriage and family counsellor living with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). She shares her personal journey, including her experiences with therapy, the importance of receiving the correct information/diagnosis in order to plan treatment, parenting, and the stigma she’s experienced. Jennifer has spent a lot of time talking to he…
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BPD Symptoms: Unstable and Intense Interpersonal Relationships
1:15:36
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1:15:36It's week 2 of the BPD Symptoms mini series! This week, Laurie, Heather, Kat, and Shane sit down to talk about the rollercoaster of intense relationships — you know, the ones that swing between idealization and devaluation, splitting, with favorite people and kind of take over our lives.... We unpack what it’s like to move through the world with th…
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Shame and Fear-Based Relationships/Environments
32:28
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32:28Today I talk about how shame feels like it's chewing me up and spitting me out. I talk about the components of a fear-based environment (or childhood) and how that results in chronic shame. And finally, I share your experiences with shame. Send us a text message to be anonymously read and responded to! Support the show You can find Sara on Instagra…
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Why Certification Matters: Discussing DBT-LBC Certification (feat. Meredith Meyer, LMFT)
51:31
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51:31Meredith Meyer, LMFT, from the DBT Linehan Board of Certification comes on The Super Feeler Podcast to talk about the significance of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) certification and full DBT programs that are properly aligned with Marsha Linehan’s vision. We also discuss what brought DBT into Meredith’s life, its application in marriage and fa…
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"Electroconvulsive Therapy Saved My Life" Feat. Rachel
41:26
41:26
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41:26Rachel joins the podcast today to talk about her journey with treatments that didn't work and ultimately her journey with a treatment not commonly used that has worked very well for her, ECT or Electroconvulsive Therapy. Rachel's story is unique and I'm grateful she joined the pod to share it! Rachel is raising funds for a wildlife rehabilitation n…
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BPD Symptoms: Frantic Efforts to Avoid Real or Imagined Abandonment
1:25:21
1:25:21
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1:25:21Welcome to a brand new Super Feeler mini-series! Every other week, we're diving deep into the nine symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) with a panel of people who live it! In our first episode, we’re talking about frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment — a symptom that many of us feel in our bones. We get into what this …
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From Trauma to Trust: a Journey in Psychotherapy.
24:57
24:57
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24:57Exploring Power Imbalance, Systemic Racism, and Dialogue in Mental Health. A conversation with Maxine Dennis for the 2025 BIGSPD conference. Join André from The Mental Elf for episode three of the BIGSPD 2025 Podcast in conversation with Maxine Dennis, a consultant clinical psychologist and psychoanalyst. They discuss power imbalance, systemic raci…
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"I Started Therapy" Feat Paul (again!)
1:16:15
1:16:15
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1:16:15Today Paul gives us updates on his start in therapy a few years after his original time on the podcast! Thank you Paul for once again sharing your story and congratulations on the next steps you've made towards recovery. We love you! Send us a text message to be anonymously read and responded to! Support the show You can find Sara on Instagram @bor…
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Creating a Life Worth Living Through DBT (feat. @the.mindful.wildflower)
54:27
54:27
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54:27Michelle, the creator of the IG page @the.mindful.wildflower shares about her journey with BPD, diving head first into DBT and what it was like to move across the country, quit her job and go through a breakup all at once. Michelle shares her journey of navigating friendship, healing and recovery in a new place and how it has motivated her to help …
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We all need a bit of safety and comfort right now. I find nature really comforting but I'm not always able to go there. Today I'm sending you a bonus guided meditation. A walk through the forest for feeling safe. Send us a text message to be anonymously read and responded to! Support the show You can find Sara on Instagram @borderlinefromhell. You …
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Spiritual Intelligence and Mental Health Feat. Yosi Amram
48:39
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48:39In today's episode I speak with Yosi Amram. Yosi is a licensed clinical psychologist, a CEO leadership coach, an author, and a pioneering researcher in the field of Spiritual Intelligence. We talk what is spiritual intelligence, how it positively benefits mental health and his own experience managing mental health through the use of spiritual intel…
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DBT Skills: Diana Joins Skills Cast To Chat
1:29:50
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1:29:50Diana Partington is back to talk with our DBT Skills cast about what it was like to listen to us work through her book together! Together we discuss about the transformative power of DBT and the importance of community support in the journey of recovery. A lot of tears are shed - thank you for being on this beautiful journey with us. Check out Dian…
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Parenting With Mental Illness Feat. Dr. Michelle Sherman of SEeds of Hope Books
42:49
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42:49On today's episode Dr. Michelle Sherman joins us on the podcast to talk my most favorite tear-jerking topic, parenting when you're mentally ill as well as how to support family members who are mentally ill/being the family member of someone who is mentally ill. Michelle (she/her) is a clinical psychologist who has dedicated her 30+ year career to s…
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Cultivating Democratic Mental Health: Relational Practice and Cooperation
18:58
18:58
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18:58Relational Practice: making hope possible rather than despair convincing. Join André from The Mental Elf for episode two of the BIGSPD 2025 Podcast as he discusses relational practice and democratic mental health with Professor Mick McKeown. Mick is a mental health nurse academic who shares his insights on the intersection of sociology, philosophy,…
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Mental Health Advocacy on Campus (feat. Kails)
37:53
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37:53Kails (@prettybpdpisces) joins the pod to share about her BPD journey and how it led her to mental health advocacy. She discusses her work with NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) and her efforts to create a more supportive mental health community on her university campus. To learn more about her university club click here! Support the show …
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Dialectical Behaviour Therapy: Past, Present, and Future
35:53
35:53
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35:53Exploring DBT: Techniques, Efficacy, and Lived Experience #BIGSPD25 Welcome to episode 1 of the BIGSPD 2025 podcast, hosted by André from the Mental Elf. This episode dives deep into Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) with guest experts Professor Michaela Swales, Programme Director at the North Wales Clinical Psychology Programme, and Jenifer Dyla…
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Relapse, New DBT program, and Telling a Therapist "No" Feat. Christina (again)
44:20
44:20
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44:20Christina returns to the podcast to tell us her experience with a recent move, relapse, new relationships, no-contact updates. Really just all the things in her world. We get down on them all. Thank you, Christina, for sharing your BPD story with the world. YOUTUBE: WATCH THIS EPISODE HERE Send us a text message to be anonymously read and responded…
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Let's chat about Alternate Rebellion - could this be the most important time in recent history to be talking about this DBT skill? The conversation explores the complexities of rebellion, bravery, and the importance of sharing personal stories in the context of mental health and healing. Trigger warning: Throughout the episode we speak about sexual…
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Darren Williams - Bridging Disciplines: Highlights from the 2025 IoPPN Research Festival
13:34
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13:34In the final episode of the 2025 IoPPN Research Festival podcast, André from The Mental Elf welcomes Dr. Darren Williams from Kings College London to discuss the upcoming festival. Dr. Williams shares insights into the diverse range of topics and speakers that will be featured, including presentations on religious cognition, autism, and the transfo…
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So with the recent defunding proposition of LGBTQ crisis lines how we do community work around suicide prevention is essential. It's always been essential but even more now than ever. Here's 50 reasons to stay alive - listen anytime you need it. And buy a laminated card to carry around and remind you. 100% of proceeds go to LGBTQ crisis line(s). Ex…
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Juliet Foster - The ‘whole university’ approach to mental health and well-being.
15:36
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15:36Welcome to episode 2 of the 2025 IoPPN Research Festival Podcast! In this episode, André from The Mental Elf speaks with Professor Juliet Foster, Professor of Social Psychology from the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience at King's College London, where she is also the Dean of Education and academic lead for student mental health a…
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The Power of Accessible DBT Skills (feat. Dr. Kiki Fehling)
55:45
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55:45Dr. Kiki Fehling, a super feeler psychologist, author, influencer, and super feeler joins the pod to talk all about Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), its accessibility, and the importance of skills for all parts of life. Kiki shares about their journey learning DBT while training as a psychologist and their desire to develop more accessible DBT-b…
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There's three different types of perfectionism - who knew? In this episode we get into specific examples of mine and Talon's perfectionism and how it hurts us, holds us back, and steals our joy. Send us a text message to be anonymously read and responded to! Support the show You can find Sara on Instagram @borderlinefromhell. You can also find the …
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Walking With Love: Sashbear, Family Support & the Power of Community (feat. Lynn and Sandy)
47:52
47:52
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47:52This week we're joined by Sashbear Foundation founder Lynn Courey and Sandy, a family partner involved in Sashbear's Family Connections Program. The Sashbear Foundation, is an internationally recognized Canadian charity focused on supporting families affected by borderline personality disorder (BPD) and emotion dysregulation. Sashbear was created f…
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What The Hell Is A Highly Sensitive Person???
20:07
20:07
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20:07The term Highly Sensitive Person was recently referenced in a DBT training I was attending and I thought "I've really gotta read about this" to myself. In today's episode I give a brief overview of what an HSP is, the differences and similarities between BPD and HSPs and what I think about the quiz when taking it for myself. Don't forget a bonus po…
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In this episode we focus on distraction techniques, emotional regulation, and navigating relationships. Kat talks about 'future faking' in relationships and we all talk about how helpful the idea of "worry appointments" is! The conversation emphasizes the balance between distraction and avoidance, and how understanding these skills can lead to bett…
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Tax Day: I Fired And Got Fired By My Accountant (BONUS)
18:24
18:24
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18:24In this bonus episode, Talon and I dive into the often-overlooked struggles people with disabilities face when navigating the service industry of any kind. In this example, it's an accountant. She fired me, but I fired her first. It was a tough morning but we are finding the humor and steps forward in it. Send us a text message to be anonymously re…
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I Thought I Had ADHD Last Year on BBB and This Year I Do! (Feat. Laura)
45:24
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45:24Laura was on the podcast last year talking about their BPD experience and we thought maybe they had ADHD and did the ADHD Self-Reporting Tool. Fast forward a year and they have a diagnosis, take medication and report "I don't hate myself like I used to!". A beautiful full circle. Thanks for the updates, Laura! Listen to Laura's past episode here! S…
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Losing Your Child to the System While Navigating Your Own Abuse (feat. Kati)
55:37
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55:37This week I’m joined by Kati, who shares her journey with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD). Kati discusses her experiences as a young mother and the impact of childhood trauma on her own life. She shares about her abusive relationship, the loss of custody of her son, and her path to healing th…
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Masking BPD Suicidal Ideation and More Feat. Guest Co-Host Leslie
53:36
53:36
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53:36What is masking? Masking is when someone hides or suppresses their true emotions, behaviors, or traits—usually to fit in socially, avoid judgment, or feel safer in a particular environment. It’s especially common among people with neurodivergent experiences (like autism, ADHD, or anxiety), but anyone can do it and those of us with BPD certainly do.…
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Edmund Sonuga-Barke: RE-STAR - multidisciplinary adventure in participatory translational science
16:34
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16:34Welcome to the 2025 IoPPN Research Festival Podcast! In this first episode, we hear from Professor Edmund Sonuga-Barke, a leading expert in developmental psychology at King’s College London. He introduces RE-STAR—a four-year, interdisciplinary research programme. RE-STAR stands for Regulating Emotions – Strengthening Adolescent Resilience. It focus…
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DBT Skills: Self Soothing with the Five Senses
23:58
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23:58Self-soothing isn’t just about bubble baths and candles—it’s about survival. In this episode we discuss the DBT skill of self-soothing through the five senses, exploring how sensory awareness can be a lifeline in our hardest moments. Self-soothing looks different for everyone, so you'll hear from Dave, Laurie, Heather, Kat and Shannon about our own…
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STOP Loving Who You WANT Them To Be Feat. Guest Co-host, Leslie
51:04
51:04
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51:04A BPD classic struggle is to love the potential you see in them or who you want them to be and forgetting to see who they are. I've done this with dozens of people: friends, family, partners, even co-workers. I struggle to meet people where they're at and instead dream about how I can make them fit into my world the way I want because maybe then I'…
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Navigating Estrangements and Legal Battles (feat. Katelyn)
1:10:30
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1:10:30Katelyn shares about her journey through estrangement from her parents, the legal battles that ensued, and the impact on her mental health. While she doesn’t have a BPD diagnosis she is certainly a Super Feeler and her journey is super relatable to many of us. Together we explore the complexities of family dynamics and parenting, the role of secret…
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"No contact" has been a term popping up over the last few years in the social media world. It sounds pretty: "I'm not contact". But it's often devastating and wonderful all at once. It's messy. In today's episode I talk about what family estrangement is, some reasons why it can happen, and YOUR thoughts on going no contact. Send us a text message t…
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It's time for the most controversial of all DBT skills! Radical acceptance.... or shall we say "radical reality"? This week we talk about distress tolerance skills in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), with a focus on (one of) Laurie's favorite skills radical acceptance. We dive into the struggles of radical acceptance, the difference between will…
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