back from the borderline

Have you ever wondered if there’s more to your psychological struggles than meets the eye? Dive into Part 1 of our 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 begins by examining 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. On the other end of the spectrum, certain strands of new age spirituality engage in 'spiritual bypassing', where the challenging, darker facets of spiritual growth are overshadowed by an emphasis on positivity and light. This series delves into the critical middle path, exploring the concept of 'Spiritual Emergency', a term that captures the tumultuous yet potentially enlightening journey of the psyche during profound moments of transformation. It's a journey that acknowledges the darkness and the light, offering a more holistic and integrated understanding of our mental and spiritual well-being. 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.In this first episode (part 1 of 3), we unravel the essence of 'Spiritual Emergency' and 'Emergence,' terms that represent the transformational potential hidden within challenging psychological experiences. We delve into Dr. Grof's groundbreaking article, exploring the significance of these crises in the lives of shamans, religious founders, and spiritual seekers. This discussion sheds light on how what's often labeled psychotic in mainstream psychiatry could, in fact, be a critical phase of personal transformation and spiritual openness. Join me as we dissect the triggers of spiritual emergencies, from physical ordeals to profound emotional traumas, and how these crises can catalyze an inward journey of self-discovery. We also discuss how traditional psychiatric diagnoses often miss the mark in understanding and supporting these transformative states.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 artist and intuitive Christian Bradley West as he shares his journey through the complexities of new age beliefs and the quest for authentic spiritual awakening. We tackle the pitfalls of spiritual absolutism, discuss finding magic in the mundane, and explore the importance of recognizing the allegorical nature of spiritual texts. Discover Christian's refreshing perspective in an area crowded with false prophets and empty promises.

In this exclusive Back from the Borderline episode preview, we dive deep into the often invisible yet overwhelming world of “mental load” within relationships. Listener Geneva opens up about her decade-long journey with a partner, sharing how she silently took on the role of managing everything—a common experience that reveals an often-unspoken burden in many relationships. But this isn’t simply about dividing household chores; it’s about the layers of emotional labor and the subtle mental toll that can quietly strain our relationships and self-worth.Through Geneva’s story, we explore:The Mental Load Trap: Why do some partners take on an unequal share of managing tasks and responsibilities? Geneva’s journey shows how this can lead to cycles of overextension, passive-aggressiveness, and resentment.Unseen Emotional Labor: Beyond daily tasks, there’s a mental and emotional balancing act that often goes unnoticed. How does carrying this weight impact emotional well-being and relational stability, especially for those with intense emotions and abandonment fears?Emotional Boundaries and Self-Worth: This episode delves into the reasons behind overextending ourselves, exploring how the mental load can become a mask that conceals deeper insecurities and a desire for validation.Introducing the 'Fair Play' Method: We discuss this innovative approach to rebalancing emotional and physical labor in relationships, not just as a method of fairness but as a transformative tool for mutual respect and understanding.This conversation is more than a guide to reducing resentment; it’s a pathway to greater self-awareness, emotional alchemy, and healing in relationships. If you’ve ever felt the weight of “doing it all,” this episode offers insights and strategies to find balance, deepen connection, and redefine what it means to truly share life with someone. Join me for a transformative journey into the heart of relationship dynamics and self-discovery.RESOURCES:✧ Fair Play by Eve Rodsky✧ Time Out: A Fair Play PodcastCraving 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.

Are we sacrificing our mental well-being at the altar of social media and Big Tech? In this episode, I sit down with 21-year-old Thanasi Dilos, a pioneering voice for his generation's mental health and digital safety. Forgoing college to advocate for change, Thanasi shares his powerful journey, shedding light on the toll that tech companies’ profit-driven models take on millennials, Gen-Z, and Gen Alpha. Through his work with the youth-led organization Design It For Us, backed by influential supporters like Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, Thanasi is mobilizing change to confront the unchecked influence of social media on our psychological health.In this episode, we explore:The Mental Health Toll of Social Media: How Big Tech’s business models exacerbate mental health struggles in young people and the urgent need for change.A Generation’s Call for Digital Safety: Thanasi’s efforts to mobilize young people, creating initiatives that prioritize ethical data practices and user well-being.Building Empowered Digital Experiences: Strategies for empowering youth to take control of their digital lives and protect their mental health.The Rise of Youth-Led Advocacy: Insights into how Thanasi’s organization, Design It For Us, is shaping the conversation on online safety and advocating for ethical reforms in tech.This episode is more than just an interview—it’s a powerful call to action for a safer, more conscientious digital landscape. Whether you’re navigating the effects of social media yourself, a parent concerned for your child’s well-being, or simply interested in the future of mental health in the digital age, this conversation offers crucial insights into the transformative steps needed to protect the next generation.RESOURCES:✧ Connect with Thanasi at www.thanasidilos.com✧ Share your story or take action at https://designitforus.org/✧ Read more about “Wait Until 8th” at https://www.waituntil8th.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.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.

Laurence Hillman, a renowned expert in archetypal astrology and depth psychology, discusses how understanding archetypes can impact healing processes and offer guidance in our lives. He demystifies the practical application of astrology beyond popular culture, emphasizing the importance of shadow work for personal growth. Laurence also shares actionable advice on beginning the journey toward healing and self-realization, and discusses his approach to awakening consciousness through archetypes and depth psychology.

In this exclusive preview of the fourth episode of our eye-opening multi-part series exploring the book "The Radical Therapist," we dive into an intimate and revealing letter from an anonymous person who refers to themselves as "C.B.", who recounts their harrowing experiences in various mental hospitals during the 1960s and 70s. This episode is an unflinching look at the impact of institutionalization on mental health and personal autonomy.This powerful narrative explores:The profound loss of purpose and meaning leading to mental health disintegration.The destructive cycle of dependency fostered by psychiatric facilities, stripping patients of autonomy and motivation.The paradoxical rewards for 'sickness' in the hospital setting, promoting acting out for attention and care.The dehumanizing experiences of psychiatric treatment, including invasive searches, withheld information, and forced labor.The alarming use of Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) without proper consent or understanding of its consequences.The deep stigma attached to mental illness, complicating reintegration into society and magnifying feelings of isolation.The often condescending and defensive nature of interactions with psychiatrists, leading to further alienation and frustration.C.B.'s account sheds light on the profound challenges faced within mental health institutions and the urgent need for compassionate, patient-centered approaches.This episode invites us to reflect on the historical treatment of mental illness and question how far we have come in understanding and addressing these complex issues.Enjoyed this episode? Explore more as a Premium Submarine. Dive deep into hundreds of hours of ad-free exclusive content and full-length episodes on Patreon, including my original BPD recovery series, guided meditations, and much more. Click here to preview the premium collections you’ll unlock access to for as little as a couple of cups of coffee a month. Learn more and join 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 captivating episode, we explore the profound insights of Paul Rebillot, a Gestalt therapist and former actor, who harmoniously blends the art of storytelling with the transformative process of therapy. His article, "The Power of Story and Myth – The Genesis of an Approach to Healing," takes us on a journey through the time-honored tradition of myth and its pivotal role in shaping human consciousness.In this episode, you'll discover how: ★Stories and myths have been the vessels of wisdom across various cultures, from the Lakota Sioux to ancient Greece.★The therapeutic potential of myth can lead to personal transformation and a deeper understanding of our own 'madness.'★Rebillot's own workshops harness the Hero's Journey archetype, facilitating profound personal change.Reference: https://www.adventurelife.eu/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Rebillot-The-power-of-story-and-myth.pdfEnjoyed this episode? Explore more as a Premium Submarine. Dive deep into hundreds of hours of ad-free exclusive content and full-length episodes on Patreon, including my original BPD recovery series, guided meditations, and much more. Click here to preview the premium collections you’ll unlock access to for as little as a couple of cups of coffee a month. Learn more and join 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 Premium Submarine exclusive multi-part series exploring the 1971 book "The Radical Therapist." In part three, we'll take a critical look at the training of psychiatrists and its far-reaching implications on the practice of therapy and systemic change within the field.In this episode, you'll learn about: The deeply entrenched 'master and apprentice' model in psychiatric education and its effect on trainee therapists.The cycle of mystification in psychiatric training, leading to a perplexing and often unchallengeable professional aura.How the medical model in psychiatry not only shapes therapists but also impacts the patients under their care.This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the nuances and complexities of psychiatric training and its role in shaping the mental health landscape. The full discussion delves deeper into these themes, challenging conventional norms and sparking a conversation on necessary reforms.ABOUT THE BOOK: The Radical Therapist, an alternative mental health journal from the early 1970s, emerged as a critique of traditional psychiatry and a proponent of social change as the primary treatment for mental illness. Published from 1970 to 1972, it was part of the anti-psychiatry movement challenging established psychiatric principles. The journal originated in Minot, North Dakota, where a group of psychiatrists and activists founded The Radical Therapist Collective, emphasizing therapy for social, political, and personal change. The Collective aimed to establish a forum for those critical of traditional therapy, advocating for a new psychology and therapy programs under client control. The journal was highly critical of the societal "Establishment," supporting women's liberation, gay liberation, and opposing the Vietnam War, racism, and consumerist greed. It attracted contributing editors and authors who shared these views.Enjoyed this episode? Explore more as a Premium Submarine. Dive deep into hundreds of hours of ad-free exclusive content and full-length episodes on Patreon, including my original BPD recovery series, guided meditations, and much more. Click here to preview the premium collections you’ll unlock access to for as little as a couple of cups of coffee a month. Learn more and join 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 third and final installment of our "Trauma Worlds" series marks a turning point from darkness to light, focusing on the transformative process of healing. In this episode, we continue to unravel the complex layers of trauma, including the role of shame, as we forge a path toward recovery and self-renewal.Here's what we'll cover: ✧ How confronting and understanding shame paves the way for profound healing.✧ Methods for liberating ourselves from the chains of trauma and redefining our narrative.✧ Marion Woodman's insights into the necessity of embracing our body's wisdom and lived experiences.✧ The significance of nurturing connections and self-empathy in our healing journey.This conversation is not just about identifying the sources of our struggles—it's about actively seeking the light at the end of the tunnel and the steps we can take to reach it.Reference: Sieff, D. F. (2017). Trauma-worlds and the wisdom of Marion Woodman. Psychological Perspectives, 60(2), 170-185.UNLOCK THE FULL EPISODE:Enjoyed this episode? Explore more as a Premium Submarine. Dive deep into hundreds of hours of ad-free exclusive content and full-length episodes on Patreon, including my original BPD recovery series, guided meditations, and much more. Click here to preview the premium collections you’ll unlock access to for as little as a couple of cups of coffee a month. Learn more and join 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.

Tune in for an exclusive preview of another premium episode of Back from the Borderline, where we tackle an exploration of the roots of psychiatric care and its potential to oppress and mystify. This sneak peek will confront the uncomfortable, questioning if the care provided truly heals or further entangles us in unseen binds.Topics Covered:✧ Deciphering oppression in psychiatric treatment✧ The role of awareness in transforming our mental health journey✧ Unmasking 'mystification' in therapy and its effects on our autonomy✧ The crucial equation for liberation: awareness + contactEnjoyed this episode? Explore more as a Premium Submarine. Dive deep into hundreds of hours of ad-free exclusive content and full-length episodes on Patreon, including my original BPD recovery series, guided meditations, and much more. Click here to preview the premium collections you’ll unlock access to for as little as a couple of cups of coffee a month. Learn more and join 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.