In this enlightening episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, co-hosts Matt Sabatello and Kaitlyn Oleinik sit down with Claudia Arias, the founder of Sacred Space Counseling. A Lyme literate therapist specializing in EMDR, Claudia brings her own Lyme journey to the forefront, offering invaluable insights into how her personal experiences have shaped her professional approach in helping the community.

Key Discussion Points:

• Introduction of Claudia Arias: Learn about Claudia’s background, her work in mental health, and how her own battle with Lyme disease led her to specialize in trauma and EMDR therapy.
• Claudia's Lyme Disease Journey: Claudia shares her initial symptoms, the challenges of diagnosis, and the integration of her experience into her therapeutic practices.
• Healing Techniques and Therapies: Claudia discusses the benefits of EMDR and other healing therapies she used during her Lyme disease treatment.
• Advice for Lyme Disease Sufferers: Drawing from her professional expertise and personal experience, Claudia offers advice to those currently battling Lyme disease.
• Impact of Lyme on Mental Health: Exploration of how Lyme disease affects mental health and how Claudia’s practice addresses these complex challenges.
• EMDR and Its Role in Lyme Disease Recovery: Detailed discussion on how Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) can be a powerful tool in the healing journey for those suffering from Lyme and other tick-borne illnesses.

Conclusion: Claudia's story is not just one of overcoming illness, but also of transforming personal adversity into professional advocacy. Her insights provide hope and actionable advice for anyone affected by Lyme disease. Join Matt, Kaitlyn, and Claudia as they delve into the intersections of mental health and chronic illness, shedding light on the path to recovery and empowerment.

Connect with Us: Stay connected with the Tick Boot Camp community and join the conversation on social media to share your own Lyme disease story and insights.

Whether you're a Lyme disease patient, a mental health professional, or someone interested in the healing journeys of others, this episode is a profound resource filled with guidance and inspiration.

In this compelling episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, we sit down with Chris Lizza, a 27-year-old from New Jersey who has been battling Lyme disease and its myriad complications since he was first bitten by ticks at age 13. Chris shares his intensive journey through misdiagnoses, various treatments, and his ongoing fight against Lyme disease, alongside pursuing his PhD. Tune in as Chris offers invaluable insights and advice for others navigating the complexities of Lyme and tick-borne diseases.

What You'll Learn:

• Early Life and Initial Symptoms:
  • Chris's early experiences with tick bites at age 13 and the onset of symptoms that were initially overlooked.
• Path to Diagnosis:
  • The long and arduous journey to a Lyme disease diagnosis at age 21, after being misdiagnosed multiple times.
  • Experiences with over eight specialists and various tests that eventually led to the correct diagnosis.
• Treatment Journey:
  • Overview of the treatments Chris underwent, including IV antibiotics, herbal remedies, and his current participation in the Quadruple Dapsone Protocol under Dr. Richard Horowitz and John Fallon.
  • Discussion of the effectiveness and challenges of each treatment, including the pivotal role of IV antibiotics in regaining functionality.
• Impact on Life:
  • How Lyme disease has affected Chris's work, social life, and daily activities.
  • The ongoing battle with symptoms and managing health post-diagnosis.
• Advocacy and Awareness:
  • Chris’s work on a Lyme disease documentary to raise awareness and educate others.
  • The importance of advocacy and self-advocacy in dealing with Lyme disease and the medical system.
• Advice for Others:
  • Strategies for managing the disease, including the importance of a supportive care team, the right treatment protocol, and maintaining mental health.
  • Encouragement for those newly diagnosed or struggling with chronic symptoms of Lyme disease.

Call to Action: If you or someone you know is battling Lyme disease, remember you are not alone. Join us in spreading awareness and sharing stories like Chris's to help illuminate the path to better understanding and treatments. Subscribe, rate, and review our podcast for more insightful episodes. Feel free to adjust or expand any section to better fit the details and goals of your podcast episode!

In this special collaborative episode, co-hosts Matt Sabatello and Rich Johannesen of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast join forces with Cassidy Colbert from the It Goes Without Saying podcast and Lacey Anderson from the Your Lyme Matters podcast. This episode marks a unique triple-platform broadcast aimed at reaching as many people as possible within the Lyme disease and co-infection community.

Join us as we discuss our journeys, the formation of our supportive Lyme community, and the crucial steps we all take towards healing and advocacy. From the early days of virtual support groups to the creation of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, this episode is packed with insights, heartfelt stories, and powerful lessons learned.

Key Points Discussed:

• Introductions and Backgrounds:
  • Lacey Anderson introduces the episode as the home opener for the "Your Lyme Matters" podcast.
  • Cassidy Colbert and her journey with the "It Goes Without Saying" podcast.
  • Matt Sabatello and Rich Johannesen's creation and evolution of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast.
• The Power of Community:
  • The formation and impact of virtual support groups.
  • Personal stories of connection and support within the Lyme community.
  • The importance of unfiltered discussions and sharing experiences.
• Interviewing Matt and Rich:
  • How Lacey and Cassidy first connected with Matt and Rich.
  • The importance of candid conversations about Lyme disease and its transmission.
• Mental Health and Lyme Disease:
  • Experiences with anxiety, depression, and panic attacks triggered by Lyme disease.
  • The psychological impact of Lyme disease and the importance of mental health support.
• Grief and Acceptance:
  • Understanding the grief cycle in relation to chronic illness.
  • The journey from denial to acceptance and the role of therapy and support.
• Future Plans and Projects:
  • Matt and Rich’s upcoming YouTube channel dedicated to sharing insights and patterns observed from hundreds of interviews.
  • The importance of continuous learning and adapting to new information within the Lyme community.

Resources Mentioned:

• Dr. Kathleen King and Primal Trust: Insights on the cell danger response and nervous system regulation.
• Dr. Leo Shea III and Neuropsychology: The ability of microbes, like Lyme, to cause psychiatric distress.
• Dr. Omar Morales and Neurological Lyme: Discussions on psychiatric symptoms related to Lyme disease.
• Heather Glovack and the Grief Cycle: Understanding the process of grieving within the Lyme community.
• CBD Oil and Herbal Protocols: The benefits of CBD oil and the HPA balance for managing symptoms.