back from the borderline

In this preview of an exclusive premium episode, we delve deep into the transformative power of the Black Madonna archetype, a journey that's particularly close to my heart and I believe, will resonate profoundly with yours. Amid the exploration of childhood emotional neglect (CEN) in our series, it's crucial to address not just the wounds inflicted but also the paths to healing. The Black Madonna, transcending religious confines, emerges as a universal symbol of unconditional maternal love, resilience, and the embracing of our existence's light and dark facets. For those of us grappling with the shadows cast by the mother wound or seeking to reconcile the feminine and masculine energies within, this episode offers a beacon of hope. It introduces depth psychology and the impactful work of Marion Woodman, who shares her intimate encounter with the Black Madonna—an experience that became a cornerstone of her healing journey.This episode isn't just informational; it's a deeply personal exploration of how the Black Madonna archetype can serve as a bridge in healing the deep wounds of childhood emotional neglect, especially those stemming from complex maternal relationships. Featuring a compelling interview between Marion Woodman and mystic Andrew Harvey, we dive into Woodman's life-altering experience with the Black Madonna during a significant illness in India. This story of silent, nurturing connection with a stranger beautifully illustrates the archetype's power to offer solace and understanding. My hope is that this episode acts as a healing balm for your soul, illuminating a path toward self-compassion and integration. By weaving my reflections with practical advice on engaging with the Black Madonna, I invite you to embark on a healing journey that acknowledges the pain, embraces the darkness, and celebrates the renewal within. The Black Madonna archetype challenges us to look beyond our scars, to find strength in our vulnerability, and to see the beauty in our brokenness. It's a spiritual exploration that's universally applicable, offering insights and solace to anyone on the path to recovery, regardless of background or belief system.As we journey through the childhood emotional neglect series and delve into the realms of parts work, re-parenting, and healing the inner child, the Black Madonna emerges as a pivotal figure in bridging the gap between knowledge and practical healing. Let this episode be a guide, a comfort, and an inspiration as we navigate the complexities of healing and transformation, together seeking wholeness within the embrace of the Divine Feminine.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 first part of our multi-episode series on Childhood Emotional Neglect (CEN), we delve into the elusive and powerful impact of what didn’t happen in childhood. Often overshadowed by more visible and overt forms of neglect or abuse, CEN is the absence of emotional support and validation during our formative years, and its effects can deeply influence our adult lives. Despite its invisible and covert nature, CEN leaves those it impacts with feelings of disconnection and unfulfillment, often questioning the meaning of life itself – without knowing why. Together, we’ll tackle common misconceptions that CEN only occurs in only in unloving homes, highlighting that it's not about the presence of love but the lack of response to a child’s unique emotional needs. Through examples and expert insights, we explore how this subtle yet significant form of neglect challenges recognition and understanding, often slipping past both individuals and professionals undetected. This episode sets the stage for our series by offering a foundation to identify the signs of CEN in our lives. We consider the generational patterns of emotional neglect and stress the importance of empathy for both parents and affected individuals. Join me as we embark on a journey of recognition, understanding, and healing from the invisible wounds of Emotional Neglect.Recommended resources:✧ Running on Empty: Overcome Your Childhood Emotional Neglect by Jonice Webb, PhD✧ Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving by Pete WalkerCraving 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 preview of this exclusive premium episode of the podcast where we dive deep into the mind and explore the concept of 'Wetiko', a cannibalistic spirit that symbolizes the darkest aspects of human psyche and society. Drawing from Paul Levy's illuminating book, "Wetiko: Healing the Mind-Virus That Plagues Our World", we unpack how this malevolent force insidiously infiltrates our lives, propelling us towards self-destruction and collective devastation. We confront the unsettling reality that Wetiko isn't just a legend; it's a metaphor for the greed, selfishness, and shortsightedness that haunt our modern existence. Levy's work offers a mirror to our society, reflecting a crisis that’s as psychological as it is spiritual, challenging us to recognize and heal this affliction within and around us.Transitioning from the global to the deeply personal, the episode then turns to Paul Levy’s own harrowing experiences as detailed in his article, "Psychiatry Almost Drove Me Crazy". Through his struggles with psychiatric abuse and a powerful spiritual awakening misdiagnosed as illness, we explore the broader implications of mental health, the biomedical model's shortcomings, and the transformative potential of what society too often dismisses as madness. This episode is a call to awaken our collective consciousness. It’s about recognizing our potential for profound creativity when we confront the Wetiko within and transforming our suffering into a catalyst for growth. Join me as we navigate the treacherous waters of the psyche to find healing and empowerment in the most unexpected places.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 crucial episode, we unpack the unsettling world of social media, where the rise of young influencers is often shadowed by exploitation risks hidden behind the allure of digital stardom. Beginning with an in-depth look at a New York Times exposé (February 2024), we uncover the troubling trend of parents managing their children’s influencer profiles—a reality in which parental aspirations can unwittingly open doors for predators. The investigation scrutinized over 2.1 million Instagram posts, conducted months of online surveillance on suspicious interactions, and included 100+ interviews with parents, children, and industry insiders.This episode explores:The Hidden Dangers in Child Influencer Culture: When a mother’s intention to support her child’s career meets the darker side of online commodificationThe Disturbing ‘Marketplace’ of Girl Influencers: How some adults exploit children’s content, crossing the boundaries of safety and privacySharenting vs. Privacy Rights: A dive into the 2017 study “Sharenting: Children’s Privacy in the Age of Social Media,” which questions the long-term impact of parents sharing their children’s lives onlineBalancing Public Image with Child Welfare: The struggle parents face between growing a child’s digital presence and preserving their right to privacyEthics and Best Practices for Parents: Insights from privacy experts on creating a healthier digital environment for children, protecting them from irreversible privacy violationsWith a focus on parental responsibility, child digital identity, and ethical challenges, this episode offers a wake-up call on the hidden consequences of “sharenting.” If you’re a parent, caregiver, or simply someone concerned about the future of online privacy, tune in for a vital discussion on safeguarding children’s identities in an increasingly public world.Articles referenced: “A Marketplace of Girl Influencers Managed by Moms and Stalked by Men” By Jennifer Valentino-DeVries and Michael H. Keller via the New York Times (Feb 2024) and “Sharenting: Children's Privacy in the Age of Social Media” by Stacey B. Steinberg (2017)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 groundbreaking episode, we dive into Bruce Levine’s explosive new article, “Scientific Misconduct and Fraud: The Final Nail in Psychiatry’s Antidepressant Coffin,” published on CounterPunch in January 2024. Levine’s critique reveals the troubling misuse of data in the STAR*D study, exposing how antidepressant efficacy has been overstated and distorted in mainstream psychiatric research. We unpack the controversial truth about SSRIs and SNRIs, discussing their real impacts on mental health, from Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction (PSSD) to severe withdrawal symptoms that often go unreported.Listeners will gain insight into:The STAR*D Study Controversy: How data manipulation led to inflated claims about antidepressant success ratesSSRIs and SNRIs Exposed: Understanding the true effectiveness of these medications, and the serious, often hidden side effectsThe Silent Epidemic of PSSD and Withdrawal: The impact of antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction and why withdrawal effects are downplayedInformed Self-Advocacy in Mental Health: Why it’s crucial to question and research prescribed treatments within the biomedical model of mental health careMainstream Media Suppression: How critical information about antidepressant risks is often hidden from public viewThis episode is essential listening for anyone questioning the conventional narrative on antidepressant use, SSRI/SNRI effectiveness, and the ethical failings in modern psychiatry. Levine’s article serves as both a wake-up call and a call to action, urging for greater transparency, honesty, and ethical responsibility in psychiatric care. Empower yourself with knowledge, challenge the status quo, and reclaim your path to healing by tuning in.Read the full article here: https://www.counterpunch.org/2024/01/17/scientific-misconduct-and-fraud-the-final-nail-in-psychiatrys-antidepressant-coffin/Connect with Bruce or read more of his work at https://brucelevine.net/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 transformative guided meditation and visualization practice as we explore the profound practice of surrender, crucial for healing from emotional neglect and trauma. Surrender here is not defeat; it's a key to unlocking a future where the past no longer dictates our path. Through words and ritual rooted in the wisdom of the ancients, we'll shift from the 'having' mode that fosters chronic feelings of emptiness and actions of self-sabotage to a 'being' mode of presence and peace. This practice is not just a meditation but an act of reclaiming power over the ego, an invitation to cut cords with what holds us back, and a step towards embracing our true selves in the present moment. Discover surrender as an empowering aspect of trauma recovery, where accepting the 'now' opens the door to rewriting a new, healed future. Join me to transform the act of letting go into a journey of self-discovery and genuine change.NOTE: This episode begins with a short intro and explanation of the practice itself, with the main part of the meditation exercise starting minute 15. Feel free to skip straight to 15:05 to skip straight to the practice upon your subsequent listens. I recommend re-listening to and reengaging with this practice as often as you like. The more you listen, the deeper the impact the material will have on your subconscious.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 preview of a voice note available exclusively for my Ultra Premium Submarines on Patreon, we’re diving into the profound effects of emotionally unavailable mothering and the far-reaching implications of childhood emotional neglect. You’ll gain an understanding of the crucial role a mother's emotional presence plays during infancy in fostering secure attachment, which is foundational for a child's future mental and emotional well-being. We examine how the absence of such nurturing can lead to the development of fragile coping mechanisms and persistent mental health challenges. This one is a tough and heavy listen, understanding and fully integrating these concepts and emotions are integral to any healing journey. Craving the full length version of this episode? 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.

Facing a spiritual emergency and need guidance? Learn how to blend self-care with expert assistance in our series conclusion. In a world where mental health dialogue often vacillates between strict biomedical interpretations and elusive new age spirituality, the concept of spiritual emergence stands out. It's a profound experience that defies simple classification, often overlooked in mainstream mental health due to its focus on clinical aspects, neglecting the deeply personal and transcendent elements of psychological crises. This final installment in this 3-part series delves into the treatment of spiritual crises through the lens of the work of transpersonal psychiatrist Dr. Stanislov Grof. We explore effective psychotherapeutic strategies that recognize these states not as pathological conditions, but as gateways to healing and transformation. This involves understanding the extended cartography of the psyche, including perinatal and transpersonal realms. Whether it's through experiential therapy or holistic approaches, the right treatment can facilitate emotional and psychosomatic healing, psychological transformation, and consciousness evolution. Navigating the treatment of spiritual crises can be challenging, particularly in finding therapists who are adept at handling such complex transformations. This episode provides recommendations for seeking appropriate therapists, including whom to approach and whom to avoid. It brings Grof's work into the 21st century, highlighting the difficulty of finding insurance-compatible therapy and offering insights into managing spiritual crises with limited resources. I also share my personal journey, revealing how I moved through my own spiritual crisis with constrained finances and no health insurance. It's a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of self-guided healing. Reference: http://www.totallyalivecore.com/images/Spiritual_Emergencies_-_Article_by_Stan_Grof,_PhD.pdf Spiritual Emergence Network Resources: https://www.spiritualemergence.org/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. 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.

Have you ever secretly rejoiced in someone else's misfortune? This episode peels back the layers of schadenfreude, a complex emotion often hidden in plain sight.Schadenfreude, the feeling of pleasure derived from another's troubles, is a concept deeply ingrained in human nature, yet it's rarely acknowledged openly. We delve into its origins and the psychological underpinnings that make us susceptible to this emotion. Why do we experience it, and what does it say about our societal values and personal insecurities?Through real-life narratives, we examine schadenfreude from both sides. One story explores its role as a defense mechanism, highlighting how personal insecurities and envy can lead to feelings of satisfaction in others' failings. The contrasting narrative focuses on experiencing schadenfreude from the receiving end, unraveling the emotional complexities and unspoken tensions it creates in relationships. In dissecting these stories, we confront uncomfortable truths about human nature. This episode is an investigation into our darker impulses and a call to greater self-awareness and empathy. Join me in exploring the intricate dynamics of schadenfreude and what it reveals about our inner selves.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.

What if your deepest struggle was a gateway to total inner transformation? Explore the types of spiritual emergencies and their hidden meanings. Dive into Part 2 of this 3-part series, 'Spiritual Emergency,' and explore the intriguing concept of psychospiritual crises. Through the lens of the work of transpersonal psychiatrist Dr. Stanislav Grof, this series examines the fine line between profound spiritual awakening and overwhelming psychological breakdowns. In today’s world, discussions around mental health often oscillate between rigid, biomedical interpretations and the sometimes evasive positivity of new age spirituality. This dichotomy leaves little room for the complex reality of spiritual emergence, a profound and transformative experience that defies simple categorization. Too often, mainstream mental health discourse excludes the spiritual dimension entirely, favoring a strictly clinical approach that may overlook the deeply personal and transcendent aspects of psychological crises. Part 2 delves into the various forms of spiritual crises identified by Dr. Grof and his wife, Christina. We discuss diverse experiences, ranging from Shamanic crises, in which individuals undergo profound transformative journeys, to Kundalini awakenings, marked by intense physical and emotional upheaval. We also cover episodes of unitive consciousness or peak experiences, a renewing psychological process through a return to one's inner center, and crises of psychic opening, where individuals encounter intense psychic phenomena. Additionally, this episode unpacks past-life experiences, communication with spirit guides and the phenomena of "channeling," near-death experiences (NDEs), and close encounters with UFOs and alien abduction experiences. Finally, we explore possession states, where individuals feel overtaken by external entities, and the concept of alcoholism and drug addiction as forms of psychospiritual crisis. This comprehensive exploration aims to shed light on these varied and often misunderstood experiences, offering insights into their transformative potential and the challenges they pose. Join us in unraveling the complexities of these spiritual emergencies, as we navigate the mysterious intersection of psychology and spirituality. Having mystical experiences dismissed as being purely ‘psychotic,’ ‘borderline,’ or ‘schizophrenic’ not only denies the spiritual validity of what we’re going through but also adds an unnecessary element of fear and terror to the experience. This fear and terror can be profoundly crippling and can make the whole experience much more difficult than it really needs to be. This episode is not just an academic exercise but a guide to recognizing and understanding the profound changes these crises can precipitate.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.