In this episode of the Recalibrate Podcast, I interview Amanda Beausoleil, founder of a mental health non-profit Self Injury Recovery and Awareness (SIRA). Amanda shares her intimate experiences of self-injury since she was 10 years old and her journey towards recovery. Understanding its impact on her life, Amanda shifted her mindset and now dedicates her life to help those struggling with self-injury. We also discuss the stigma around self-injury and the importance of creating safe spaces, having compassionate conversations, and understanding that recovery is tangible. Amanda emphasizes the need to separate self-injurious behavior from personal identity and to treat one's pain and suffering with acknowledgement and gratitude for the growth it brings.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome to the Podcast

00:54 Guest Introduction: Amanda's Journey

01:57 Amanda's Struggle with Self Injury

03:46 The Turning Point: Seeking Help

05:44 Establishing SIRA: A Mental Health Non-Profit

07:54 The Impact of Sharing Vulnerable Experiences

14:56 Understanding and Addressing Self-Hatred

15:51 The Importance of Recognizing and Meeting Needs

18:20 The Journey of Recovery: From Shame to Acceptance

22:34 Overcoming the Stigma of Therapy

23:12 The Changing Perception of Therapy

23:48 The Importance of Open Conversations about Self Injury

26:12 The Power of Empathy and Understanding in Recovery

31:01 The Role of Compassion in Healing

34:49 Separating Identity from Self-Injurious Behaviors

37:48 The Journey of Recovery and Self-Discovery

37:56 The Power of Sharing and Supporting Others in Their Journey

40:49 The Importance of Resources and Support in Recovery

41:26 Support SIRA: Fundraising in Expanding Support Services

ABOUT AMANDA:

Amanda Beausoleil is the Founder and Executive Director of SIRA, a nonprofit that helps people recover from self-injury through an effective and powerful peer-group support model. Amanda struggled with self-injury for 15 years. She found recovery through a self-injury peer support group in New York. In 2019 she left the corporate world and a longstanding career in fashion working for the industry’s most respected brands (Saks Fifth Avenue, Tory Burch, and Coveteur) to take the peer support group and launch it into a full-fledged 501(c)3. She now brings her lived experience and professional expertise as Executive Director.

Donation Ask & Links:

SIRA is fundraising for $1K this month to help keep our peer support meetings going. Whether you donate $1 or $100, every bit counts and is very much appreciated! Please see below on how you can donate.

Donate via our website here.
Text "SIRA" to 44-321.
Venmo us @siranonprofit. *All donations are tax deductible.

SIRA Website linked here.

Email:If you would like to learn more about SIRA and/or attend meetings, please email us at info@thesira.org.

SIRA's IG: @sirawareness

Amanda's IG: @amanda_soleil

If you liked this episode, be sure to give it a 5 star rating wherever you listen to podcasts & head to ⁠⁠@recalibrate.podcast⁠⁠ on IG to stay connected!

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