back from the borderline

Join me for an intimate conversation with Louise Rosager, a celebrated dreamwork teacher and creative coach, who has transformed countless lives by reconnecting people with the potent messages of their subconscious minds. In this enlightening episode, Louise opens up about her own struggles with stage fright and how mysterious synchronicities and dream figures not only guided her through dark times but also deepened her understanding of the profound connection we all share with our dreams and intuition—a bond often silenced by societal expectations. Throughout our discussion, Louise revisits a powerful insight from Carl Jung: "If you were conscious of the material that the dream reveals, you wouldn’t need the dream." This thought-provoking idea resonates as a recurring theme, highlighting how our dreams serve as direct links to our subconscious, urging us to confront and heal the parts of ourselves that need attention most.Louise demystifies the process of dreamwork, explaining how engaging actively with our dreams can offer profound insights and facilitate healing, particularly valuable for those healing from trauma. She shares her innovative methods for transforming nightmares into therapeutic dialogues and discusses how skepticism often surrounds such practices, offering practical advice and clear examples of how dreamwork leads to transformative realizations and healing. For newcomers to dreamwork or those curious about integrating this fascinating exploration into their lives, Louise provides simple and effective techniques to get started. She emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive council of dream figures, animals, and loved ones, which can assist us not just in our dreams but in our waking lives as well. Prepare for a deep dive into the transformative power of your subconscious mind. Tune in if you're ready to unlock a deeper understanding of yourself, transform your healing journey, and connect more deeply with your creative potential.✧ Connect with Louise via her website @ https://www.louiserosager.com/✧ Learn more about Dream Tending via https://dreamtending.com/ Craving more? Become a Premium Submarine. Join an exclusive community and unlock hundreds of hours of members-only content: full-length episodes, deep-dive series, guided meditations, and more—all for the cost of a couple of coffees a month. Start exploring at backfromtheborderline.com.The information contained in this podcast episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for treatment or consultation with a licensed mental health professional. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join me for a conversation with Laila Mickelwait, a fearless anti-human-trafficking activist and the author of the newly released book, Takedown: Inside the Fight to Shut Down PornHub, a gripping account of her journey to expose and dismantle what she describes as ‘not just a porn site’ but a ‘crime scene.’ Throughout our conversation, which was her very first interview just days before her book was published, Laila sat down with me to share how her years of advocacy led her to uncover the disturbing practices of PornHub and its parent company, Mindgeek and how these ‘ubiquitous sex crimes remained hidden in plain sight for over a decade.’ Together, we’ll dive into the stories of victims and whistleblowers, the shocking lack of moderation on the site itself, illegal and non-consensual content, and how PornHub harvests user data.Laila's story is not just about exposing sex crimes and systemic failures but also about the incredibly transformative power of grassroots movements, strategic litigation, and public pressure. She shares practical steps on how you can get involved and support the ongoing fight to make the internet safer for future generations.This issue goes beyond politics and ideologies, attracting ardent support even from within the adult film industry. As Laila puts it in her book, ‘This fight for justice isn’t just about a website and pixels on a screen. It is about real, living, breathing, feeling human beings—people who have been severely harmed by those who abused them, and by the men running this website that is immortalizing their trauma.'TIME STAMPS:★ Intro + Takedown book trailer: 00:00 – 07:24★ Interview with Laila Mickelwait: 07:24 – 01:23:25RESOURCES:★ Order your copy of the book at https://takedownbook.com/★ Connect with Laila at https://lailamickelwait.com/★ Click here to sign the Traffickinghub petition [over 2.3m signatures as of July 2024]★ Click here to join Team Takedown to donate to the Justice Defense Fund★ Click here to read my full review of Laila’s book on my SubstackVICTIM SUPPORT: If you are a victim of online sexual exploitation and want information about possible legal assistance options fill out the form at https://justicedefensefund.org/#find-help.Craving more? Become a Premium Submarine. Join an exclusive community and unlock hundreds of hours of members-only content: full-length episodes, deep-dive series, guided meditations, and more—all for the cost of a couple of coffees a month. Start exploring at backfromtheborderline.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join me for a transformative journey with Dr. Judy Tsafrir, a board-certified psychiatrist, Harvard Medical School faculty member, and a visionary in the field of mental health. A recipient of the 2024 Silver Nautilus Award for her groundbreaking book, "Sacred Psychiatry: Bridging the Personal and Transpersonal to Transform Health and Consciousness," Dr. Tsafrir brings a unique perspective shaped by her background as the daughter of Holocaust survivors. This deep personal connection to generational trauma has profoundly influenced her holistic approach to mental health care.In this episode, Dr. Tsafrir discusses her transition from traditional to holistic psychiatry, integrating spiritual, environmental, and physical healing practices. She shares insights on the limitations of conventional psychiatry, which often relies heavily on pharmaceuticals and overlooks the holistic integration of the spiritual, emotional, and physical dimensions of health. Her comprehensive method includes extensive initial consultations to understand the deep-rooted causes of her patients' ailments, who often find her after being disillusioned with mainstream psychiatric approaches. Dr. Tsafrir is passionate about addressing Environmentally Acquired Illnesses (EAI), such as mold toxicity, a frequently unrecognized condition in conventional medicine with significant psychological and physical impacts. She elaborates on the extensive list of symptoms associated with mold toxicity and employs a multimodal approach to treatment, emphasizing diet, lifestyle changes, trauma healing, and community connection.Moreover, Dr. Tsafrir engages with the existential questions that paralyze many of us—fears of death, impermanence, and loss. She criticizes societal tendencies to stigmatize those who confront these profound issues and praises the sensitivity needed to tackle such existential concerns. Throughout the episode, she discusses how embracing inevitable aspects of life such as aging, illness, and death can be transformative experiences. Tune in to gain invaluable insights into how the integration of heart, mind, body, and spirit can lead to a more fulfilling and healed life. Dr. Tsafrir shares strategies to foster resilience in a world facing ecological crises, offering a comprehensive look at how holistic practices can transform personal and global health.✧ Click here to connect with Judy via her website (https://www.judytsafrirmd.com/)✧ Click here to learn more about or purchase her book “Sacred Psychiatry: Bridging the Personal and Transpersonal to Transform Health and Consciousness”Craving more? Become a Premium Submarine. Join an exclusive community and unlock hundreds of hours of members-only content: full-length episodes, deep-dive series, guided meditations, and more—all for the cost of a couple of coffees a month. Start exploring at backfromtheborderline.com.The information contained in this podcast episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for treatment or consultation with a licensed mental health professional. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Does he actually love you, or is he just tolerating you for as long as it takes him to get what he REALLY wants? It's a jarring question, one that challenges the very foundation of romantic relationships. But it's precisely the kind of provocative statement that modern female dating influencers use to capture the attention of millions. These influencers, with their sharp advice and confident personas, have sparked a resurgence in dating strategies that many thought had been left behind in the past. They are telling women to make men chase, to withhold affection, and to use their feminine wiles to manipulate relationships in their favor. But is this truly empowering, or is it simply recycling toxic advice from decades ago?In this episode, we'll dive deep into the fascinating world of modern female pickup artists. We'll explore how these influencers are repackaging old dating tactics under the guise of empowerment and financial independence. Drawing parallels to the notorious pickup artist culture of the past, we'll examine how these strategies echo the advice from the 90s best-seller "The Rules," a book that preached the art of playing hard to get. Through this journey, we'll uncover the striking similarities between these eras and how these tactics have been modernized to fit today's digital landscape.Listeners can expect to learn not just about the history and evolution of these dating strategies, but also about their implications for modern relationships. We'll discuss the rise of influencers like SheRa Seven, whose advice to women includes withholding sex to keep a man interested and using reverse psychology to manipulate men into financial support. We'll also delve into the social and economic factors that make these strategies appealing today, from financial instability to the pervasive pressures of modern dating.By the end of this episode, you'll have a comprehensive understanding of how old dating advice is being repurposed for a new generation. You'll gain insights into why these strategies are resonating with young women today and the potential pitfalls they may lead to. We'll challenge you to think critically about the advice you consume and to consider what truly empowers you in your relationships. So, buckle up and get ready for a deep dive into the world of modern female pickup artists and their outdated 90s dating playbook.Craving more? Become a Premium Submarine. Join an exclusive community and unlock hundreds of hours of members-only content: full-length episodes, deep-dive series, guided meditations, and more—all for the cost of a couple of coffees a month. Start exploring at backfromtheborderline.com.The information contained in this podcast episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for treatment or consultation with a licensed mental health professional. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this hard-hitting episode, I sit down with Dr. Roger McFillin, a board-certified clinical psychologist, executive director of the Center for Integrated Behavioral Health, and host of the globally popular "Radically Genuine" podcast. Known for his fearless critique of the mainstream mental health system, Dr. McFillin exposes the detrimental consequences of psychiatric diagnoses and drugs, advocating for a deeper understanding of human suffering.Dr. McFillin shares his journey from a disillusioned practitioner of evidence-based treatments to a vocal critic of the American mental health system. We discuss his "red-pill moment" while working in an in-patient child psychiatric unit, where he witnessed the heartbreaking reality of children being restrained and drugged. This pivotal experience led him to question the efficacy and ethics of psychiatric interventions and to explore the profound impact of the placebo effect in psychiatric drug studies.In our conversation, Dr. McFillin highlights the hypocritical nature of psychiatric drugs being labeled as "medicine" when prescribed, yet still considered "drugs" when obtained elsewhere. He argues for the importance of finding the "story behind our suffering" rather than merely labeling and pathologizing it. Dr. McFillin also critiques the current mental health system, describing it as the "fast food of health care," prioritizing quick fixes over addressing the systemic issues underlying the mental health crisis.We delve into his views on antidepressants, which he describes as potentially "one of the most lucrative scams in history." Dr. McFillin explains how our culture has "lost its language for suffering," and how focusing excessively on mental health can paradoxically harm our well-being. He emphasizes the need for a paradigm shift in understanding and addressing psychological distress.Join me as Dr. McFillin shares his provocative insights and well-researched perspectives, challenging the status quo and advocating for a more compassionate, story-driven approach to mental health. This episode is a must-listen for anyone questioning the mainstream narrative on mental health and seeking deeper, more humane approaches to understanding and alleviating human suffering.✧ Click here to listen to + follow Roger’s podcast Radically Genuine✧ Click here to learn more about (or join) the Conscious Clinician Collective✧ Click here to watch the video that was originally banned on YouTube mentioned in our discussionCONTACT ME + UNLOCK PREMIUM: To join the Premium Submarines on Patreon (unlocking full + ad-free episodes), check out my sponsors and book recommendations, or contact me directly, visit backfromtheborderline.com. Disclaimer: The information contained in this podcast episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for treatment or consultation with a licensed mental health professional. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if everything we think we know about depression is wrong? What if the very framework we've built around the concept of depression has been shaped, not by the inherent nature of the experience, but by changing cultural narratives and evolving medical perspectives? In today's episode, we’ll trace depression’s origins back to ancient times, where it was known as melancholia—a term that encompassed a broader and perhaps more human understanding of the experience. Unlike the clinical, often pathologizing perspective we hold today, melancholia was viewed as a natural response to life's inevitable sorrows and hardships. Fast forward to the modern era, and we see a shift—one that frames depression as a medical condition, a disorder to be treated and cured. This transformation didn't just happen overnight. It was the result of centuries of evolving thought, influenced by cultural changes, medical advancements, and societal expectations. As we navigate through this historical tapestry, we'll uncover how these shifts have impacted the way we experience and talk about depression today. You'll learn about the ancient notion of melancholia, how it was perceived by thinkers like Freud and the ancient Greeks, and how modern psychiatry has redefined it. We'll discuss the implications of viewing depression as a disorder versus a natural human experience and explore how language and culture shape our understanding of mental health. But more importantly, we’ll reflect on what these insights mean for us today. Are we, perhaps, pathologizing what might be a normal aspect of the human condition? Could our modern approach to depression be limiting our understanding and empathy towards those who suffer from it? By the end of our journey today, you’ll have gained a new perspective on depression and melancholia. Perhaps you will see these experiences not just as conditions to be treated but as essential parts of what it means to be human. So settle in and prepare to uncover the rich history and evolving narrative of these deeply human experiences, and consider how we can move forward with a more compassionate and nuanced understanding of psychological suffering.UNLOCK THE FULL EPISODE: visit https://www.patreon.com/backfromtheborderline to join the community on Patreon. From here, you'll be able to access all full-length (and ad free!) episodes of BFTB, opening up hundreds of hours of additional bonus content. CONTACT ME CHECK OUT MORE OF MY WORK: To read my Substack articles, access my Amazon book recommendation list, or contact me for collaborations, visit backfromtheborderline.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I sit down with Elisabeth Kristof, an expert in nervous system health and trauma resolution, the founder of Brain-Based Wellness and a co-host of the Trauma Rewired podcast. Elisabeth shares her journey of discovering neurosomatic intelligence, a path sparked by her own experiences with childhood sexual abuse, self-sabotaging behaviors, and toxic relationships. When her life fell apart, she found healing through understanding the brain-body connection and applied neurology. Before her healing journey, Elisabeth felt she was "flailing through life," constantly in reaction mode, always sensing an internal lack of safety. She describes feeling like she was "running from something all the time," as if life was chasing her. Despite years of cognitive therapy, self-help books, and understanding the psychology behind her suffering, she couldn't get past the behaviors that kept her stuck. Many of my listeners find themselves stuck in repeating toxic and self-sabotaging behavior patterns, attracting unhealthy relationships, and constantly in a hyper-reactive state. This is a painful place to be. However, there is a way to heal our nervous systems. The key is to connect body, brain, and spirit. Join me as Elisabeth shares how to make this vital connection. She provides insights, tools, and her personal story of transformation, illustrating how applied neurology and somatic practices can lead to profound healing and lasting change. RESOURCES: ✧ Click here to start your 2-week free trial of nervous system healing with The-Rewire [unlock your 20% discount with the code BFTB20]✧ Click here to follow and listen to the Trauma Rewired podcast✧ Click here to visit Elisabeth’s website @ brainbased-wellness.com.✧ Click here to buy Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma by Peter LevineCONTACT ME + UNLOCK PREMIUM: To join the Premium Submarines on Patreon (unlocking full + ad-free episodes), check out my sponsors and book recommendations, or contact me directly, visit backfromtheborderline.com. Disclaimer: The information contained in this podcast episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for treatment or consultation with a licensed mental health professional. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why are we so obsessed with looking young, and what does this obsession say about us as a society? From the ads we see on TV and social media to the conversations we have with friends and family, there's a relentless focus on maintaining a youthful appearance. But have you ever stopped to wonder why? Why do we place such high value on looking young, and how does this impact our mental health and self-perception?The beauty industry, worth billions of dollars, thrives on this obsession. It tells us that aging is something to be feared and fought against. We're bombarded with messages suggesting our worth diminishes as we age, leading many to resort to various anti-aging treatments, from Botox to expensive skincare products. But what are the psychological costs of this constant pressure to look young? How does it affect our self-esteem, our sense of identity, and our overall mental health?In today's episode, we're going to unpack these questions and more. We'll explore societal beauty standards and how they've evolved over time. We'll take a critical look at the role of the beauty industry and the powerful marketing strategies that shape our perceptions of beauty. We'll delve into the impact of anti-aging treatments like Botox, examining both the physical and psychological implications. And, most importantly, we'll discuss what all of this means for our personal identity and self-worth.By the end of this episode, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the beauty industry's influence on our lives. You'll learn how societal pressures to look young can shape our behaviors and beliefs. And you'll be encouraged to reflect on your own views of beauty and aging, perhaps challenging some of the assumptions you've held for years.UNLOCK THE FULL VERSION OF THIS EPISODE: visit https://www.patreon.com/backfromtheborderline to join the community on Patreon. From here, you'll be able to access all full-length (and ad free!) episodes of BFTB, opening up hundreds of hours of additional bonus content. CONTACT ME CHECK OUT MORE OF MY WORK: To read my Substack articles, access my Amazon book recommendation list, submit a voicemail, or contact me for collaborations, visit backfromtheborderline.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join me as I sit down with Dr. Lucy Johnstone, a trailblazing consultant clinical psychologist, author, and co-creator of the Power Threat Meaning Framework (PTMF). Dr. Johnstone’s extensive work challenges the conventional biomedical model of mental health, offering an innovative approach that prioritizes understanding human suffering within its broader social, cultural, and political contexts.Dr. Johnstone shares her journey from a young academic inspired by the works of Carl Jung to a leading critic of traditional psychiatric practices. She delves into the concept of the "DSM mindset" and why the current diagnostic approach often fails to address the true origins of mental distress. We explore how the PTMF shifts the focus from individual pathology to the impact of power dynamics and life experiences, providing a more holistic understanding of mental health.Throughout our discussion, Dr. Johnstone provides insights into the motivations behind developing the PTMF and addresses the resistance and criticisms it has faced. She offers practical advice for mental health professionals looking to incorporate the PTMF into their work and discusses how the framework can influence mental health policies and service structures to better meet the needs of those in distress.For individuals and families navigating the mental health system, Dr. Johnstone shares valuable guidance on seeking support. She also outlines her vision for the future of mental health care, shaped by the principles of the PTMF.Join me for an enlightening conversation that not only critiques existing mental health paradigms but also offers a hopeful and empowering alternative. Whether you're a mental health professional, someone experiencing distress, or simply interested in innovative approaches to understanding human suffering, this episode is a must-listen.Tune in to explore how we can move from a model of diagnosis to one of understanding and meaning and learn how the Power Threat Meaning Framework can reshape our approach to mental health.✧ (PDF) 2-page summary of the Power Threat Meaning Framework (PTMF) via the British Psychological Society✧ Click here to explore books by Dr. Lucy Johnstone✧ Full PDF of the Power Threat Meaning Framework via Mad in AmericaCONTACT ME + UNLOCK PREMIUM: To join the Premium Submarines on Patreon (unlocking full + ad-free episodes), check out my sponsors and book recommendations, or contact me directly, visit backfromtheborderline.com. Disclaimer: The information contained in this podcast episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for treatment or consultation with a licensed mental health professional. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Borderline personality disorder is often stigmatized, with a significant number of professionals within the industry regarding borderline patients with contempt. As one psychiatrist told anthropologist Tanya Lurhmann, “if you’re talking to a patient and it feels like your internal organs are being turned into hamburger meat, she’s probably borderline.” This harsh and dehumanizing perspective is alarmingly common and contributes to the intense stigma faced by individuals given a diagnosis of BPD.But what if we looked at BPD not as a disorder of personality, but as a disorder of relationships? Most people diagnosed with BPD grew up in situations where their very existence as a person with independent thoughts and feelings was invalidated. They overwhelmingly experienced their early lives as involving constant messages that they do not—and should not—fully exist. These invalidating environments shape behaviors that, while once adaptive, become problematic as they carry into adulthood.Join me as I explore these profound insights through the work of anthropologist and psychotherapist Rebecca J. Lester. We’ll uncover how societal and familial invalidation can lead to the behaviors associated with BPD and discuss why clinicians often dread working with these patients. Through compelling quotes and real-life examples, this episode will challenge your understanding of BPD and offer a new perspective on the resilience and struggles of those living with it.By the end of this episode, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of BPD, not just as a clinical diagnosis, but as a complex interplay of personal history and relational dynamics. You’ll learn how relationships can both exacerbate and alleviate the symptoms associated with the BPD label, offering a path to healing and growth. Don’t miss this eye-opening discussion that will change how you perceive mental health, relationships, and the resilience of the human spirit. Tune in to uncover the lessons from the borderline and discover a new perspective on what it means to struggle and survive.UNLOCK THE FULL VERSION OF THIS EPISODE: visit https://www.patreon.com/backfromtheborderline to join the community on Patreon. From here, you'll be able to access all full-length (and ad free!) episodes of BFTB, opening up hundreds of hours of additional bonus content. CONTACT ME CHECK OUT MORE OF MY WORK: To read my Substack articles, access my Amazon book recommendation list, submit a voicemail, or contact me for collaborations, visit backfromtheborderline.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.