back from the borderline

This deep dive uncovers the dark corners of dysfunctional parenting, revealing how sociopathic parents create emotional vacuums that leave lasting scars. The discussion shifts to parentification, where children take on adult roles, often at the expense of their own growth. Insights into toxic shame and its ties to societal pressures add another layer, while personal anecdotes highlight the generational cycles of emotional neglect. Listeners are left contemplating the necessity of emotional awareness for healthier familial relationships.

Part four of our series unfolds the complex narratives of three more distinct parenting styles that, beneath their unique challenges, share a common thread of emotional neglect. Together, we’ll navigate the realms of “the Workaholic Parent”, “the Perfection-Obsessed Parent”, and “The Parent Caring for a Family Member Who Requires Special Attention”, each presenting a unique set of psychological dynamics that inadvertently contribute to Childhood Emotional Neglect (CEN).1. The Workaholic Parent: In a society that prizes achievement and productivity, the workaholic parent's ceaseless pursuit of professional success often comes at the expense of meaningful family interactions. Through Lily's story, we explore how a childhood adorned with material wealth yet devoid of emotional depth leaves enduring scars, highlighting the silent longing for parental presence and understanding.2. The Perfection-Obsessed Parent: The relentless chase for flawlessness and high achievement drives a wedge between parent and child, where love feels conditional on success. Liam's journey reveals the internal battle of living up to impossibly high standards, fostering a sense of inadequacy and a quest for external validation that overlooks the child's emotional needs and intrinsic value.3. The Parent Caring for a Family Member Who Requires Special Attention (due to illness, disability, addiction, or persistent mental health struggles): Tasked with an extraordinary responsibility, these parents navigate a daily reality of immense challenge and devotion. Through the experiences of Emily and Alex, we delve into the emotional landscape of siblings who, amidst the family's focused caregiving, grapple with feelings of invisibility, guilt, and the unintended neglect of their emotional well-being.This episode seeks to illuminate the nuanced psychological "whys" behind these parenting styles and the inadvertent emotional neglect they can engender. Through a compassionate lens, we aim to foster understanding, healing, and a dialogue on the importance of balancing the demands of work, aspirations, and caregiving with the essential emotional connection every child deserves. Join me as we navigate these intricate family dynamics, underscored by insights from depth psychology and personal stories of resilience. This exploration is an invitation to parents and families to reflect, acknowledge, and shift towards more emotionally attuned and connected relationships.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.

In this free preview of a premium episode, we dive deep into the realm of self-censorship, exploring its nuanced definition as the act of muting one's own voice out of fear or deference to others' sensibilities, without external compulsion. Kicking off with insights from Africa Brooke—a London-based beacon in overcoming self-sabotage and self-censorship—we dissect the intricacies of muting oneself in a world increasingly intolerant of dissenting voices.Africa Brooke, renowned for her candid exploration of self-sabotage and self-censorship, lends her expertise, illustrating the perilous landscape of public discourse, where expressing divergent views can result in exile or digital vilification. The episode is enriched by Brooke's recent Instagram video, heralding her forthcoming book "The Third Perspective: Brave Expression in The Age of Intolerance." Here, she delves into self-censorship's societal toll, advocating for a culture of "disagreeing well" and championing the art of pushback against collective sabotage—familiarly known as cancel culture. Her conviction? That navigating the treacherous waters of self-censorship and cancel culture demands a return to courageous, unfiltered expression. Through a meticulous exploration, we examine how self-censorship not only erodes personal integrity but also perpetuates a cycle of mutual surveillance, stifling societal progress. Drawing from a spectrum of thinkers, from Ada Palmer's historical perspectives to Orwell's dystopian foresights, we unpack the broader implications of self-censorship on freedom, control, and the collective psyche. Join me as we venture beyond the surface, challenging ourselves to confront the internalized censorship that shadows our discourse.Recommended Resources:✧ Dive into Africa Brooke’s work at https://africabrooke.com/ or follow her on Instagram @africabrooke [you can pre-order her book here]✧ 1984 by George OrwellCraving 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.

This podcast episode delves into the impact of divorced, grieving, addicted, and depressed parents on childhood emotional neglect. It explores how children navigate their emotional needs amidst their parents' struggles, leading to unintentional neglect and emotional insecurity. Through detailed vignettes, the episode paints a vivid picture of the silent struggle children face in these challenging circumstances.

Join me for a free preview of this Patreon-exclusive episode as we dive deep into the groundbreaking insights of renowned psychoanalyst and storyteller Clarissa Pinkola Estés. Through an exploration of a passage from her book, “Women Who Run With the Wolves”, we’ll unravel the complex effects of childhood emotional neglect on individuals' sense of identity and belonging. Exploring Estés' concept of the ‘Mistaken Zygote Syndrome’, we reveal the profound impact of feeling misplaced or misunderstood within one's family. Drawing from Jungian psychology, we uncover the clash between societal expectations and the innate wildness that lives within all of us.Delving further, we expose the desire for consistency within dysfunctional family systems and its repercussions for those seeking healing and integration. Through an exploration of themes from the therapeutic model of Internal Family Systems (IFS), we shed light on the challenges individuals face as they strive for change amidst familial resistance. Through gritty analysis and real-life examples, we unveil the transformative potential of embracing one's authentic self and reclaiming inner wildness. From challenging societal norms to setting boundaries within family dynamics, we reveal actionable steps for healing and growth. Tune in for a raw, unfiltered exploration of breaking free from the shackles of dysfunction, cultivating self-compassion, and embarking on a journey of empowerment. This episode promises to provoke thought, inspire change, and empower listeners on their path to self-discovery and integration while healing the wounds of childhood emotional neglect.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.

This podcast delves into the impact of Childhood Emotional Neglect, focusing on parenting styles like narcissistic, authoritarian, and permissive. It explores how these styles can lead to emotional neglect, hindering healthy self-esteem and autonomy in children. Case studies illustrate the detrimental effects of each parenting archetype, emphasizing the importance of breaking the cycle of emotional neglect for future generations.

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.