In this episode of "Ask the Therapist," host James is joined by Nikki G, a recovery coach and educator specializing in religious trauma and spiritual abuse. Nikki shares her personal journey as a survivor of a narcissistic family system and her experiences in five different cults. She discusses the concept of "cult hopping," where individuals seek new communities after leaving toxic environments, often without processing their past experiences.

The conversation delves into the definitions of religious trauma, spiritual abuse, and religious trauma syndrome, highlighting the psychological and emotional impacts of these experiences. Nikki emphasizes the importance of education and critical thinking in recovery, particularly for those raised in strict religious environments where questioning authority is discouraged.

Listeners will gain insights into the dynamics of power and control within religious communities, the challenges of navigating mental health issues in a faith context, and the need for resources tailored to marginalized communities. This episode aims to raise awareness about the prevalence of religious trauma and the importance of healing and support for survivors. Join us for an enlightening discussion that encourages open-mindedness and understanding.

Timestamps

00:01:15 - Nikki's Background and Personal Journey

00:13:08 - The Process of Spiritual Manipulation

00:25:06 - Indoctrination and Fear in Families

00:32:25 - The Misuse of Scriptures

00:46:43 - Narcissism in Religious Leaders Follow: Nikki G

INSTAGRAM: ⁠ https://www.instagram.com/nikki_g_speaks/

WEBSITE: https://www.nikkigspeaks.com/

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/nikkig.speaks/

linktr: https://linktr.ee/nikkigspeaks

If you would like to share your story and help inspire others or have a perspective on Mental Health, please contact me for our conversation.

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Your Mental Health information line - Ireland

Mental Health Ireland: 01 284 1166

Pieta House: 1800 247 247

Suicide or Survive (SOS): 01 272 2158

Aware: 1800 80 48 48

Samaritans: 116 123

LGBT Ireland: 1800 929 539

James Hansen, a remarkable individual with deep insights into addiction and recovery. From facing his own addiction diagnosis 14 years into sobriety to navigating the complex landscape of mental health disorders, James Hansen shares his journey of resilience, growth, and transformation. He opens up about his experiences with substance abuse, the challenges of undiagnosed ADHD, and the pivotal moments that shaped his recovery. Join us as we delve into his inspiring story, explore the intersection of ADHD and addiction, and uncover the profound impact of building a life worth living. This is a raw and honest conversation that sheds light on the power of connection, self-discovery, and the resilience of the human spirit.

Timestamps:

06:35 Absent father, stepdad fills paternal role. Struggles at school due to family issues.

10:43 Fear of rejection leads to people pleasing.

21:07 Father sacrificed volunteering for daughter's rehab bed.

24:33 Struggled with denial and comparing drinking habits.

36:09 Managing ADHD symptoms crucial for balanced life.

41:15 Overcoming struggles, maintaining recovery, accepting identity.

58:25 Navigating self-doubt while striving to be father.

Follow: James Hansen

INSTAGRAM: ⁠ https://www.instagram.com/jameshansen595/

WEBSITE: https://www.jameshansen.co.uk/

LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/escapethechaos/

If you would like to share your story and help inspire others or have a perspective on Mental Health, please contact me for our conversation.

Follow The Show:

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/dontbeafraidtotalk/

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/Dontbeafraidtotalk/

Your Mental Health information line - Ireland

Mental Health Ireland: 01 284 1166

Pieta House: 1800 247 247

Suicide or Survive (SOS): 01 272 2158

Aware: 1800 80 48 48

Samaritans: 116 123

LGBT Ireland: 1800 929 539

In this episode, Jordan (Jo), a survivor of Munchausen by proxy abuse, and Dr. Marc Feldman, a researcher from Alabama, discuss Jo's story and the impact of medical abuse. Jo shares their experience as a survivor and their work with Munchausen Support, an organization aiding those affected by this type of abuse. Dr. Feldman adds his expertise to shed light on the issue. This insightful episode aims to raise awareness and provide valuable information on a crucial topic

Highlights: - Jordan's Background and Work

- Dr. Marc Feldman's Expertise

- Jo's Childhood and Medical Abuse

- Legal and Psychological Challenges in Addressing Abuse

- Judicial and Systemic Barriers in Protecting Children

- Survivor Support and Resources

- Shifting Focus from Perpetrator to Victim

- Challenges Faced by Medical Professionals Follow: Jordyn Hope

INSTAGRAM: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/flourishingwildly/TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@flourishingwildly Follow: Dr Marc Feldman, M.D.
WEBSITE: https://www.munchausen.com/

If you would like to share your story and help inspire others or have a perspective on Mental Health, please contact me for our conversation.

Follow The Show:

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/dontbeafraidtotalk/

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/Dontbeafraidtotalk/

Your Mental Health information line - Ireland

Mental Health Ireland: 01 284 1166

Pieta House: 1800 247 247

Suicide or Survive (SOS): 01 272 2158

Aware: 1800 80 48 48

Samaritans: 116 123

LGBT Ireland: 1800 929 539

In this episode of "Ask the Expert," Peggy, a childhood trauma survivor, former therapist, and author, joins the host to discuss coping mechanisms. The conversation delves into the unconscious ways we develop coping mechanisms early in life and how they continue to impact us into adulthood. Peggy explains the concepts of denial, avoidance, minimization, and rationalization, highlighting how these coping mechanisms manifest and the importance of awareness in recognizing and changing them. Tune in to gain insights into understanding and transforming coping mechanisms, the impact of childhood experiences on adult behavior, and the significance of self-awareness in healing and growth.

Follow Peggy Oliveira, MSW

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/peggyoliveira/

WEBSITE: https://courageousjourneys.com/

FACEBOOK: ⁠ https://www.facebook.com/courageousjourneys

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@theoneinsidepodcast

If you would like to share your story and help inspire others or have a perspective on Mental Health, please contact me for our conversation.

Follow The Show:

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/dontbeafraidtotalk/

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/Dontbeafraidtotalk/

Your Mental Health information line - Ireland

Mental Health Ireland: 01 284 1166

Pieta House: 1800 247 247

Suicide or Survive (SOS): 01 272 2158

Aware: 1800 80 48 48

Samaritans: 116 123

LGBT Ireland: 1800 929 539

In this episode of Ask the Therapist, Tammy, a clinical mental health counselor and psychotherapist, discusses her journey with managing anxiety. She shares her experience of calming her anxious part, highlighting the importance of self-care and self-compassion. Tammy also talks about her background as a therapist practicing internal family systems therapy, which she further explores in her podcast and book, "The One Inside."

Hightlights:

Tammy's Background and IFS Therapy

Mapping out your systems

Working with Exiles and Inner Healing

Parts that manage our lives

Uncomfortable feelings with self

Inner Conversation with Child Parts

Follow Tammy Sollenberger

INSTAGRAM: ⁠ https://www.instagram.com/ifs.tammy/

WEBSITE: https://tammysollenberger.com/

FACEBOOK: ⁠ ttps://www.facebook.com/theoneinsideIFS

YOUTUBE: ttps://www.youtube.com/@theoneinsidepodcast

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ifstammy

If you would like to share your story and help inspire others or have a perspective on Mental Health, please contact me for our conversation.

Follow The Show:

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/dontbeafraidtotalk/

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/Dontbeafraidtotalk/

Your Mental Health information line - Ireland

Mental Health Ireland: 01 284 1166

Pieta House: 1800 247 247

Suicide or Survive (SOS): 01 272 2158

Aware: 1800 80 48 48

Samaritans: 116 123

LGBT Ireland: 1800 929 539

What has breathwork done for you?

This podcast features an interview with Lauren, a trauma-informed breathwork facilitator from Scotland. Lauren shares her journey and experiences, including her childhood, living with a physical disability caused by an autoimmune response as a result of a viral infection. She also discusses the loss of her parents and her journey of self-parenting.

Shownotes:

00:03:46 Childhood shaped by disability.

00:12:43 The power of resilience.

00:14:49 Challenging negative perceptions of disability.

00:25:49 Discrimination against disabled people.

00:30:15 Grief can shape our identities.

00:44:11 Awareness and education are crucial.

00:44:18 Importance of self-education and healing.

00:52:11 Breathwork brings healing and transformation.

01:03:08 Start believing in yourself.

01:06:53 Self-love is an act of defiance.

Follow Lauren Stewart

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/darlin_breathe/

WEBSITE: https://www.darlinbreathe.com/

LINKTR: https://linktr.ee/EllStu

If you would like to share your story and help inspire others or have a perspective on Mental Health, please contact me for our conversation.

Follow The Show:

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/dontbeafraidtotalk/

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/Dontbeafraidtotalk/

Your Mental Health information line - Ireland

Mental Health Ireland: 01 284 1166

Pieta House: 1800 247 247

Suicide or Survive (SOS): 01 272 2158

Aware: 1800 80 48 48

Samaritans: 116 123

LGBT Ireland: 1800 929 539

How occupational therapy can help people?

Padraig, a mental health occupational therapist based in Cork. Padraig specializes in trauma, anxiety, depression, self-harm, and eating disorders, working with both teenagers and adults. He has a background in social care and holds a master's degree in positive psychology and coaching.

Chapters:

• Definition of occupational therapy and its focus on function
• Importance of evidence-based practice in occupational therapy
• Personalized interventions and goal-setting in occupational therapy
• Building relationships with clients and becoming part of their families
• Involvement in community work and delivering training

Padraig also discusses the use of practical strategies and interventions tailored to each individual's needs. He highlights the significance of building a strong therapeutic relationship with clients and the importance of understanding their emotions and behaviours.

Follow Padraig Danaher

INSTAGRAM: ⁠ https://www.instagram.com/the_ot_coach_/WEBSITE: https://www.theotcoach.ie/LINKEDIN:https://www.linkedin.com/in/padraig-danaher/

If you would like to share your story and help inspire others or have a perspective on Mental Health, please contact me for our conversation.

Follow The Show:

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/dontbeafraidtotalk/

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/Dontbeafraidtotalk/

Your Mental Health information line - Ireland

Mental Health Ireland: 01 284 1166

Pieta House: 1800 247 247

Suicide or Survive (SOS): 01 272 2158

Aware: 1800 80 48 48

Samaritans: 116 123

LGBT Ireland: 1800 929 539

Our latest episode is a testament to the strength of human will and the power of transformation. I sat down with an awe-inspiring guest, Nick who candidly shared his turbulent journey, from wrestling with alcohol addiction to championing mental health awareness. Nick’s story, riddled with piercing highs and soul-crushing lows, shines a light on the importance of self-discipline and the valor in 'parenting ourselves'. His story is a rally cry for all who are trapped in silent battles, encouraging them to embrace their struggles and use them as a stepping stone to redemption.

Follow: Nick Jonsson

INSTAGRAM: ⁠ https://www.instagram.com/jonssonnick/ WEBSITE: https://www.nickjonsson.com/

FACEBOOK: ⁠ https://www.facebook.com/jonsson.nick

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/c/NickJonsson

WEBSITE: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-jonsson/?originalSubdomain=sg

If you would like to share your story and help inspire others or have a perspective on Mental Health, please contact me for our conversation.

Follow The Show:

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/dontbeafraidtotalk/

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/Dontbeafraidtotalk/

Your Mental Health information line - Ireland

Mental Health Ireland: 01 284 1166

Pieta House: 1800 247 247

Suicide or Survive (SOS): 01 272 2158

Aware: 1800 80 48 48

Samaritans: 116 123

LGBT Ireland: 1800 929 539