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Back From The Borderline

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I don’t want to talk to your personality; I want to talk to your soul. The idea of alchemy is to reduce something with fire – burning it down so that something new can rise from the ashes. You can do this with your personality, too. You can perform emotional alchemy. You’ve always had the power; you just didn’t know that. Now you do.

 

Welcome to Back from the Borderline, a place to unhook from your overextended life to explore, understand and integrate the darkest parts of your soul. On this podcast, there is no finish line, no quick fix or “cure.” There is no outcome, only eternal unfolding. More than 50% of us will be diagnosed with a mental illness at some point in our lifetime. Many of my listeners identify with various psychiatric labels (BPD, EUPD, bipolar, CPTSD, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, depression, etc.) The medical model of mental illness tries to convince us that the root of our suffering is due to chemical imbalances in our brains – that the best we can hope for is to numb or suppress the symptoms of these disorders, dysfunctions, and imbalances into remission.


The definition of “savior” is: “one that saves from danger or destruction.” What if we viewed our symptoms as saviors? Through this new lens, we can begin to see painful mental health symptoms as natural responses that we can learn to become fully conscious of and slowly change. On the podcast, you’ll learn to view your symptoms as saviors; as alerts from your body, mind, and spirit that want to let you know when you’re out of alignment with the deepest yearnings of your soul. From chaos comes clarity. Through working and integrating the concepts we’ll explore together on the podcast, you’ll emerge transformed, standing in the ashes of the person you used to be.


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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.

More episodes

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  • childhood emotional neglect part 6: linking past pain and present health while challenging the myths of modern recovery methods [premium cut]

    01:04:37
    Episode 6 of my deep-dive into Childhood Emotional Neglect (CEN) series ventures into uncharted territories, where the shadows of neglect stretch beyond the emotional realm to cast a profound impact on your physical well-being. This segment peels back the layers of how emotional turmoil from neglect and trauma in our formative years doesn't just scar our emotional landscapes but also seeds the ground for physical diseases and chronic conditions that can shorten your lifespan and diminish your quality of life. In this pivotal episode, I unravel the science and soul behind Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), illuminating how early-life stressors metamorphose from emotional dis-ease into tangible physical disease. I dissect the intricate web connecting our brains, bodies, and minds, challenging the conventional medical model's fragmented approach to mental health, which often seeks to bandage symptoms without addressing their rooted causes. But I don't stop at diagnosing the problem. This episode takes a bold step forward, critiquing the well-intentioned yet flawed one-size-fits-all healing narratives prevalent in today's self-help and recovery resources. I question the promises of returning to a state of 'pre-trauma purity' and dissect why such prescriptive paths often lead individuals down shame spirals, feeling irretrievably broken. As I delve into these critical conversations, I propose an alternative healing model—one that embraces the power of individuation, the transformative magic of emotional alchemy, and the profound strength found in our scars. This model doesn't seek to erase your past but integrates it, allowing you to craft a narrative of healing that's as unique as your experiences. Join me in Episode 6 for a transformative exploration that promises to redefine your understanding of healing. Let's journey together towards a new paradigm where healing is seen not as a destination but as a continuous process of becoming, where every scar is a testament to your resilience and every step forward is a victory.
  • childhood emotional neglect part 6: linking past pain and present health while challenging the myths of modern recovery methods

    01:09:44
    Episode 6 of my deep-dive into Childhood Emotional Neglect (CEN) series ventures into uncharted territories, where the shadows of neglect stretch beyond the emotional realm to cast a profound impact on your physical well-being. This segment peels back the layers of how emotional turmoil from neglect and trauma in our formative years doesn't just scar our emotional landscapes but also seeds the ground for physical diseases and chronic conditions that can shorten your lifespan and diminish your quality of life.In this pivotal episode, I unravel the science and soul behind Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), illuminating how early-life stressors metamorphose from emotional dis-ease into tangible physical disease. I dissect the intricate web connecting our brains, bodies, and minds, challenging the conventional medical model's fragmented approach to mental health, which often seeks to bandage symptoms without addressing their rooted causes.But I don't stop at diagnosing the problem. This episode takes a bold step forward, critiquing the well-intentioned yet flawed one-size-fits-all healing narratives prevalent in today's self-help and recovery resources. I question the promises of returning to a state of 'pre-trauma purity' and dissect why such prescriptive paths often lead individuals down shame spirals, feeling irretrievably broken.As I delve into these critical conversations, I propose an alternative healing model—one that embraces the power of individuation, the transformative magic of emotional alchemy, and the profound strength found in our scars. This model doesn't seek to erase your past but integrates it, allowing you to craft a narrative of healing that's as unique as your experiences.Join me in Episode 6 for a transformative exploration that promises to redefine your understanding of healing. Let's journey together towards a new paradigm where healing is seen not as a destination but as a continuous process of becoming, where every scar is a testament to your resilience and every step forward is a victory.Recommended Resources:✧ Running on Empty: Overcome Your Childhood Emotional Neglect by Jonice Webb, PhD✧ Childhood Disrupted: How Your Biography Becomes Your Biology, and How You Can Heal by Donna Jackson NakazawaCONTACT ME + UNLOCK PREMIUM: To join the Premium Submarines on Patreon (unlocking full + ad-free episodes), check out my sponsors, or contact me, visit 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.
  • re-parenting visualization series E03: inner school-aged child

    01:13:57
    Overview: Step back into the world of your middle childhood in this transformative third installment of our re-parenting visualization series. This session invites you to reconnect and nurture your inner school-aged child, covering the critical ages of 6 to 12. Before you dive into this journey, make sure you have listened to the introductory episode available in the "re-parenting visualizations" collection on Patreon to fully prepare for the healing ahead. Detailed Description: In this guided visualization, we explore the pivotal development stage of middle childhood, where fundamental cognitive, social, emotional, and moral skills are shaped. For those who faced emotional neglect during these years, missed developmental milestones can lead to lasting challenges. This episode aims to address these gaps by revisiting and healing past wounds, helping you to foster self-esteem, learn emotional regulation, and enhance social skills that are essential for adult life. You will be guided through a series of deep visualizations that re-engage your younger self in scenarios that promote healing and growth. From navigating school challenges to enhancing social interactions, each step is designed to repair and empower your inner child. This journey is not just about looking back but also about reshaping your future with greater understanding and self-compassion. Find a quiet, comfortable space where you can delve deeply into your past, supported by gentle age-regression techniques and the nurturing guidance of affirmations. This profound session is crafted to help you re-claim the joy, learning, and growth of your school-aged years, ensuring that every child within you feels seen, heard, and cherished. Reminder: This healing process is designed for repeated listening. Regular engagement with this visualization can deepen the healing effects and reinforce your growth, helping you to fully integrate the lessons and strengths rediscovered from your school-aged years. This session is a significant step in your ongoing journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Embrace the process and see your inner child not just as a memory, but as a vital part of your complete and healed self.PREMIUM SUBMARINE QUESTIONS // Have a question about your premium submarine access or account? First, try reading the Premium Submarine Welcome Guide or check out the pinned post on Patreon. You should find answers to most questions there. Still stuck? Email help@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.
  • reparenting visualization series introduction [free premium offering]

    36:58
    This is the introductory episode of a premium visualization series available exclusively to my paid subscribers - I've made the full episode available to you for free to provide a taste of what you can expect in the following visualizations. This initial episode is your gateway to a journey of deep healing and self-discovery, where you'll learn to nurture and reclaim parts of yourself that may have been lost or neglected. Inspired by John Bradshaw's influential book, "Homecoming: Reclaiming and Championing Your Inner Child," this series is designed to guide you through healing your inner child at various stages, from infancy through adolescence. With each step, you'll be supported by specific solfeggio frequencies, enhancing the therapeutic impact of the meditations. This structured approach ensures you address each critical phase of development in sequence, enabling a comprehensive healing experience. Expect this process to evoke a range of emotions, as it's designed to touch on deep-seated wounds and offer paths to healing and wholeness. Through guided meditations and affirmations, you'll be given tools to address and heal from relational and attachment traumas, providing the nurturing, protection, and validation that may have been missing in your childhood. This introductory episode sets the stage for a transformative journey, laying out the why and how of our work together. As you proceed, remember this is a safe space for exploration and healing, and you're encouraged to revisit this introduction whenever you need grounding or a reminder of the journey's purpose.UNLOCK THE VISUALIZATIONS: After listening to this introductory episode, the next step is to move onto to the subsequent visualizations in the series. The next episode is titled “re-parenting visualization series E01: inner infant.” All four episodes (once released) will be easily accessible for future (and repeated) listening in the “re-parenting visualizations” collection in Patreon. To sign up for access, visit https://www.patreon.com/backfromtheborderline or 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.
  • childhood emotional neglect part 5: sociopathic, childlike, and well-meaning-but-neglected-themselves parents

    01:48:31
    While this is far from the final episode of our mega-series exploring the impacts of Childhood Emotional Neglect (CEN), this does mark the final episode exploring the various dysfunctional parenting styles that can contribute to its development. Join me for part five, where we delve into the profound and often covertly traumatic world shaped by parents who, through their own unresolved issues, inadvertently sow the seeds of emotional neglect in their children.This episode takes us through the diverse landscapes of family dynamics, from the outwardly successful yet emotionally void households of sociopath parents, to the role-reversed scenarios of parentification, and into the silent generational cycles of neglect perpetuated by the well-meaning but emotionally neglected parents themselves.A breakdown of the various dysfunctional parenting styles covered in this episode: 1. The Sociopath Parent: Beyond the sensationalized depictions lies a reality far more complex and closer to the realm of the everyday. We explore the subtle manipulations and emotional vacuums created by parents lacking in empathy and moral grounding, highlighting the indelible impact on children left to navigate these turbulent waters.2. The Parent Acting Like a Child (parental enmeshment / parentification / emotional incest): Here, the traditional roles are inverted, thrusting children into premature adulthood. We examine the emotional and psychological toll exacted on children forced into caretaking roles, deprived not only of their childhood but also of the foundational emotional support crucial for healthy development.3. The “Well-Meaning but Neglected Themselves” Parent: Unveiling the silent echo of generational emotional neglect, this segment sheds light on parents who, devoid of a model for emotional attunement, unknowingly perpetuate a legacy of emotional silence and absence, despite their best intentions and love for their children.Through poignant vignettes and heartfelt reflections shared in the Childhood Emotional Neglect Subreddit, this episode offers a mirror to the nuanced experiences of those navigating the legacy of CEN. From the depths of unrecognized emotional turmoil to the courageous journey towards healing and self-discovery, we explore the transformative power of understanding, empathy, and the human capacity for resilience. Join me as we dive deep into these complex parenting styles, unearthing the silent narratives of neglect and the paths towards breaking the cycles that bind us. This episode not only aims to illuminate the shadows of CEN but also to offer solace, understanding, and hope to those who find their stories reflected in these discussions.Recommended Resources:✧ Running on Empty: Overcome Your Childhood Emotional Neglect by Jonice Webb, PhD✧ Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving by Pete WalkerCONTACT ME + UNLOCK PREMIUM: To join the Premium Submarines on Patreon (unlocking full + ad-free episodes), check out my sponsors, or contact me, visit 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.
  • childhood emotional neglect part 5: sociopathic, childlike, and well-meaning-but-neglected-themselves parents [ad-free for premium]

    01:48:31
    While this is far from the final episode of our mega-series exploring the impacts of Childhood Emotional Neglect (CEN), this does mark the final episode exploring the various dysfunctional parenting styles that can contribute to its development. Join me for part five, where we delve into the profound and often covertly traumatic world shaped by parents who, through their own unresolved issues, inadvertently sow the seeds of emotional neglect in their children. This episode takes us through the diverse landscapes of family dynamics, from the outwardly successful yet emotionally void households of sociopath parents, to the role-reversed scenarios of parentification, and into the silent generational cycles of neglect perpetuated by the well-meaning but emotionally neglected parents themselves.A breakdown of the styles covered: The Sociopath Parent: Beyond the sensationalized depictions lies a reality far more complex and closer to the realm of the everyday. We explore the subtle manipulations and emotional vacuums created by parents lacking in empathy and moral grounding, highlighting the indelible impact on children left to navigate these turbulent waters.The Parent Acting Like a Child (parental enmeshment / parentification / emotional incest): Here, the traditional roles are inverted, thrusting children into premature adulthood. We examine the emotional and psychological toll exacted on children forced into caretaking roles, deprived not only of their childhood but also of the foundational emotional support crucial for healthy development.The “Well-Meaning but Neglected Themselves” Parent: Unveiling the silent echo of generational emotional neglect, this segment sheds light on parents who, devoid of a model for emotional attunement, unknowingly perpetuate a legacy of emotional silence and absence, despite their best intentions and love for their children.Through poignant vignettes and heartfelt reflections shared in the Childhood Emotional Neglect Subreddit, this episode offers a mirror to the nuanced experiences of those navigating the legacy of CEN. From the depths of unrecognized emotional turmoil to the courageous journey towards healing and self-discovery, we explore the transformative power of understanding, empathy, and the human capacity for resilience. Join me as we dive deep into these complex parenting styles, unearthing the silent narratives of neglect and the paths towards breaking the cycles that bind us. Recommended Resources:✧ Running on Empty: Overcome Your Childhood Emotional Neglect by Jonice Webb, PhD✧ Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving by Pete WalkerPREMIUM SUBMARINE QUESTIONS // Have a question about your premium submarine access or account? First, try reading the Premium Submarine Welcome Guide or check out the pinned post on Patreon. You should find answers to most questions there. Still stuck? Email help@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.
  • re-parenting visualization series E02: inner preschooler [premium exclusive]

    01:01:31
    Dive deep into your childhood's essence with the second episode of our re-parenting series, focusing on the vibrant preschool years (ages 1 to 5). This guided journey is your invitation to heal and reconnect with your inner preschooler, exploring a period brimming with the first steps of independence and the magic of imagination. Make sure you've listened to our introductory episode for a comprehensive foundation of this transformative adventure, available in the “re-parenting visualizations” collection on Patreon.In this episode, you will address unmet needs and overlooked moments from these formative years, providing your inner child the validation and security they've longed for. You'll revisit essential milestones, from the pure joy of play to the empowering act of saying "no," setting the emotional and psychological foundation for autonomy and self-esteem. Find a comfortable, safe space and prepare to be captivated by the profound connection and rejuvenation that awaits. Your inner preschooler is eager to be seen, heard, and cherished—let the journey begin.
  • re-parenting visualization series E01: inner infant [premium exclusive]

    43:28
    Welcome to the transformative heart of our re-parenting visualization series. In this foundational episode, we delve deep into reconnecting with and nurturing your inner infant. This guided journey of age regression is a powerful step towards healing the most vulnerable part of yourself. Before embarking on this episode, ensure you've engaged with our introductory session to grasp the full scope and sequence of the healing path we're undertaking.This session is designed as a sanctuary for profound emotional release and healing. We'll begin by guiding you into a deep state of relaxation, creating a safe space for your inner child to emerge and express. The process involves revisiting your earliest memories and emotions, often carrying significant influence over life decisions, sometimes unbeknownst to you. By identifying and understanding these pivotal moments, we initiate the healing and reclaiming process.We'll employ guided affirmations to address and mend stages of development potentially marred by relational or attachment traumas. Despite initial skepticism or discomfort, these affirmations are intended to deeply resonate, fostering a gradual integration into your psyche. The journey acknowledges the immense pain of feeling unwelcomed or unloved at birth—what John Bradshaw described as "soul murder." The affirmations serve as a healing salve, affirming your worth, belonging, and the fundamental truth that you are, and always were, a source of joy and wonder.As we navigate this meditation, embrace the strength found in vulnerability. Our culture may shy away from genuine emotion, but in this space, we honor and welcome it as a powerful conduit for healing. Through this episode, you're not just revisiting the past; you're laying down new, nurturing pathways for your inner infant, affirming their right to love, safety, and happiness—paving the way for a future where you feel whole, valued, and infinitely loved.Prepare to embark on this healing journey with an open heart, ready to meet, nurture, and reclaim your inner infant, stepping forward with newfound inner peace and wholeness.
  • re-parenting visualization series introduction [premium exclusive]

    27:33
    This initial episode is your gateway to a journey of deep healing and self-discovery, where you'll learn to nurture and reclaim parts of yourself that may have been lost or neglected. It's essential to start here, understanding the purpose and structure of what's to come, as we prepare to dive into the heart of re-parenting work.Inspired by John Bradshaw's influential book, "Homecoming," this series is designed to guide you through healing your inner child at various stages, from infancy through adolescence. With each step, you'll be supported by specific solfeggio frequencies, enhancing the therapeutic impact of the meditations. This structured approach ensures you address each critical phase of development in sequence, enabling a comprehensive healing experience.Expect this process to evoke a range of emotions, as it's designed to touch on deep-seated wounds and offer paths to healing and wholeness. Through guided meditations and affirmations, you'll be given tools to address and heal from relational and attachment traumas, providing the nurturing, protection, and validation that may have been missing in your childhood.This introductory episode sets the stage for a transformative journey, laying out the why and how of our work together. As you proceed, remember this is a safe space for exploration and healing, and you're encouraged to revisit this introduction whenever you need grounding or a reminder of the journey's purpose.Let's embark on this path together, with courage and openness to the healing that awaits. Your next step will be to connect with and heal your inner infant, laying the foundation for the transformative work ahead.NEXT STEPS: After listening to this introductory episode, feel free to move onto to the first visualization in the series, titled “re-parenting visualization series E01: inner infant.”