Back From The Borderline

Borderline personality disorder is often stigmatized, with a significant number of professionals within the industry regarding borderline patients with contempt. As one psychiatrist told anthropologist Tanya Lurhmann, “if you’re talking to a patient and it feels like your internal organs are being turned into hamburger meat, she’s probably borderline.” This harsh and dehumanizing perspective is alarmingly common and contributes to the intense stigma faced by individuals given a diagnosis of BPD.But what if we looked at BPD not as a disorder of personality, but as a disorder of relationships? Most people diagnosed with BPD grew up in situations where their very existence as a person with independent thoughts and feelings was invalidated. They overwhelmingly experienced their early lives as involving constant messages that they do not—and should not—fully exist. These invalidating environments shape behaviors that, while once adaptive, become problematic as they carry into adulthood.Join me as I explore these profound insights through the work of anthropologist and psychotherapist Rebecca J. Lester. We’ll uncover how societal and familial invalidation can lead to the behaviors associated with BPD and discuss why clinicians often dread working with these patients. Through compelling quotes and real-life examples, this episode will challenge your understanding of BPD and offer a new perspective on the resilience and struggles of those living with it.By the end of this episode, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of BPD, not just as a clinical diagnosis, but as a complex interplay of personal history and relational dynamics. You’ll learn how relationships can both exacerbate and alleviate the symptoms associated with the BPD label, offering a path to healing and growth. Don’t miss this eye-opening discussion that will change how you perceive mental health, relationships, and the resilience of the human spirit. Tune in to uncover the lessons from the borderline and discover a new perspective on what it means to struggle and survive.Resources:✧  “Lessons from the borderline: Anthropology, psychiatry, and the risks of being human” by Rebecca J Lester (Feminism & Psychology, 2013)✧ Get Me Out of Here: My Recovery from Borderline Personality Disorder by Rachel Reiland✧ The Buddha and the Borderline by Kiera Van Gelder

Join me for a compelling exploration into the intersection of trauma, folklore, and the supernatural with psychotherapist and author Alex Monk. In this episode, we delve into his book, Trauma and the Supernatural in Psychotherapy: Working with the Curse Position in Clinical Practice, which integrates psychoanalytic theory, anthropology, and esoteric philosophy to offer a new perspective on trauma therapy.Alex shares his insights on how traumatic experiences interact with unconscious fantasies rooted in folklore and the supernatural. We discuss his concept of the "curse position" and its relation to deeply ingrained trauma responses. Discover how the mythopoetic imagination can be both a source of suffering and a pathway to healing, and learn about the role of "magical consciousness" in therapeutic practice.We explore the haunting nature of family structures, the therapeutic benefits of viewing clients' experiences through a lens of empowerment rather than pathology, and the importance of narrative in overcoming trauma. Alex also highlights the parallels between historical scapegoating, like the persecution of witches, and modern psychiatric labels, offering a more compassionate understanding of conditions such as BPD.Listen in as Alex Monk discusses the role of art, mythology, and folklore in therapy, the healing potential of engaging with the archaic unconscious, and the delicate balance of recognizing 'clairvoyant' sensitivities in traumatized individuals. This episode promises to challenge your perceptions and provide you with new tools for understanding and healing from trauma.Tune in for an enlightening conversation that bridges the worlds of psychology, spirituality, and the supernatural, offering deep insights into the complex legacy of trauma and the transformative power of narrative.✧ Click here to subscribe to Alex’s Substack “The Logic of the Cat”✧ Click here to view Alex’s website or book a consultation✧ Click here to buy/read Trauma and the Supernatural in PsychotherapyPREMIUM 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.AMAZON BOOK LIST: Looking for your next recovery read? Explore my curated list of hundreds of books, neatly organized into categories for your browsing pleasure. Click here to dive in. 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.

Join me for a compelling exploration into the intersection of trauma, folklore, and the supernatural with psychotherapist and author Alex Monk. In this episode, we delve into his book, Trauma and the Supernatural in Psychotherapy: Working with the Curse Position in Clinical Practice, which integrates psychoanalytic theory, anthropology, and esoteric philosophy to offer a new perspective on trauma therapy.Alex shares his insights on how traumatic experiences interact with unconscious fantasies rooted in folklore and the supernatural. We discuss his concept of the "curse position" and its relation to deeply ingrained trauma responses. Discover how the mythopoetic imagination can be both a source of suffering and a pathway to healing, and learn about the role of "magical consciousness" in therapeutic practice.We explore the haunting nature of family structures, the therapeutic benefits of viewing clients' experiences through a lens of empowerment rather than pathology, and the importance of narrative in overcoming trauma. Alex also highlights the parallels between historical scapegoating, like the persecution of witches, and modern psychiatric labels, offering a more compassionate understanding of conditions such as BPD.Listen in as Alex Monk discusses the role of art, mythology, and folklore in therapy, the healing potential of engaging with the archaic unconscious, and the delicate balance of recognizing 'clairvoyant' sensitivities in traumatized individuals. This episode promises to challenge your perceptions and provide you with new tools for understanding and healing from trauma.Tune in for an enlightening conversation that bridges the worlds of psychology, spirituality, and the supernatural, offering deep insights into the complex legacy of trauma and the transformative power of narrative.✧ Click here to subscribe to Alex’s Substack “The Logic of the Cat”✧ Click here to view Alex’s website or book a consultation✧ Click here to buy/read Trauma and the Supernatural in PsychotherapyCONTACT ME + UNLOCK PREMIUM: To join the Premium Submarines on Patreon (unlocking full + ad-free episodes), check out my sponsors and book recommendations, or contact me directly, 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.

Have you ever felt like everything you once knew is crumbling around you? Or perhaps you're grappling with a profound inner turmoil that seems to defy explanation? You might be experiencing a Dark Night of the Soul—a profound transformation that challenges the very fabric of your identity and existence.Join me as we unravel what a Dark Night of the Soul really is, distinguishing it from ordinary hardships and depression. We'll explore the intense, often terrifying feelings of emptiness and despair that mark this spiritual crisis, and discuss why it's not just a struggle, but a sacred rite of passage that can lead to profound personal growth and enlightenment.If you listen through to the end, you’ll learn how to recognize if you're undergoing this dark spiritual journey and gain valuable strategies to navigate through it. From maintaining your spiritual practice to embracing the transformative pain, I’ll equip you with the tools to not only survive but also thrive through this pivotal phase of your life.This episode isn't just about enduring darkness; it's about discovering the light that emerges from it. Tune in to find out how facing the darkest nights of your soul can ultimately lead you to a brighter, more authentic existence. Whether you're in the throes of this spiritual ordeal or just curious about its profound impact, this episode will offer you insights, hope, and the reassurance that you're not alone on this journey.UNLOCK THE FULL VERSION OF THIS EPISODE: visit https://www.patreon.com/backfromtheborderline to join the community on Patreon. From here, you'll be able to access all full-length (and ad free!) episodes of BFTB, opening up hundreds of hours of additional bonus content. CONTACT ME CHECK OUT MORE OF MY WORK: To read my Substack articles, access my Amazon book recommendation list, submit a voicemail, or contact me for collaborations, visit backfromtheborderline.com.

Join me for a crucial conversation with Robert Whitaker, the fearless journalist and author whose investigations have profoundly challenged our understanding of mental health care. Robert's seminal works, including Mad In America: Bad Science, Bad Medicine, and The Enduring Mistreatment of the Mentally Ill, Anatomy of an Epidemic: Magic Bullets, Psychiatric Drugs, and the Astonishing Rise of Mental Illness in America, and Psychiatry Under the Influence: Institutional Corruption, Social Injury, and Prescriptions for Reform, have ignited debates and prompted a reevaluation of psychiatric practices.In this episode, Robert shares the pivotal moments that awakened him to the significant flaws of the traditional mental health system—particularly its misguided approach to childhood trauma. He delves into the dangerous reliance on medication and exposes the unsettling connections between psychiatry and Big Pharma.Dive into Robert's investigative journey—from his early days as a medical writer to becoming a leading critic of psychiatric practices. You'll hear how his research, recognized with a George Polk Award and a finalist position for the Pulitzer Prize, reveals the often-overlooked impact of psychiatric drugs and the manipulative tactics of the pharmaceutical industry.Robert also shares his blueprint for a mental health system that values compassion, understanding, and holistic treatment. His vision challenges the existing paradigm and proposes a more humane approach to psychiatric care. His straightforward discussion of the resistance he has faced from the psychiatric community highlights the urgent need for meaningful change and supports a future where mental health care truly fosters recovery and well-being.Get ready to deepen your understanding of mental health care and learn how to advocate for a system that truly respects and comprehends the intricacies of human psychology. Together, we can push for care that uplifts and supports, rather than stigmatizes. This conversation could change the way you think about mental health forever.Click here to sign up for the Mad In America newsletter.Click here to read books by Robert Whitaker.CONTACT ME + UNLOCK PREMIUM: To join the Premium Submarines on Patreon (unlocking full + ad-free episodes), check out my sponsors and book recommendations, or contact me directly, 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.

Have you ever felt like everything you once knew is crumbling around you? Or perhaps you're grappling with a profound inner turmoil that seems to defy explanation? You might be experiencing a Dark Night of the Soul—a profound transformation that challenges the very fabric of your identity and existence.Join me as we unravel what a Dark Night of the Soul really is, distinguishing it from ordinary hardships and depression. We'll explore the intense, often terrifying feelings of emptiness and despair that mark this spiritual crisis, and discuss why it's not just a struggle, but a sacred rite of passage that can lead to profound personal growth and enlightenment.If you listen through to the end, you’ll learn how to recognize if you're undergoing this dark spiritual journey and gain valuable strategies to navigate through it. From maintaining your spiritual practice to embracing the transformative pain, I’ll equip you with the tools to not only survive but also thrive through this pivotal phase of your life.This episode isn't just about enduring darkness; it's about discovering the light that emerges from it. Tune in to find out how facing the darkest nights of your soul can ultimately lead you to a brighter, more authentic existence. Whether you're in the throes of this spiritual ordeal or just curious about its profound impact, this episode will offer you insights, hope, and the reassurance that you're not alone on this journey.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.AMAZON BOOK LIST: Looking for your next recovery read? Explore my curated list of hundreds of books, neatly organized into categories for your browsing pleasure. Click here to dive in. 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.

Join me for a crucial conversation with Robert Whitaker, the fearless journalist and author whose investigations have profoundly challenged our understanding of mental health care. Robert's seminal works, including Mad In America: Bad Science, Bad Medicine, and The Enduring Mistreatment of the Mentally Ill, Anatomy of an Epidemic: Magic Bullets, Psychiatric Drugs, and the Astonishing Rise of Mental Illness in America, and Psychiatry Under the Influence: Institutional Corruption, Social Injury, and Prescriptions for Reform, have ignited debates and prompted a reevaluation of psychiatric practices.In this episode, Robert shares the pivotal moments that awakened him to the significant flaws of the traditional mental health system—particularly its misguided approach to childhood trauma. He delves into the dangerous reliance on medication and exposes the unsettling connections between psychiatry and Big Pharma.Dive into Robert's investigative journey—from his early days as a medical writer to becoming a leading critic of psychiatric practices. You'll hear how his research, recognized with a George Polk Award and a finalist position for the Pulitzer Prize, reveals the often-overlooked impact of psychiatric drugs and the manipulative tactics of the pharmaceutical industry.Robert also shares his blueprint for a mental health system that values compassion, understanding, and holistic treatment. His vision challenges the existing paradigm and proposes a more humane approach to psychiatric care. His straightforward discussion of the resistance he has faced from the psychiatric community highlights the urgent need for meaningful change and supports a future where mental health care truly fosters recovery and well-being.Get ready to deepen your understanding of mental health care and learn how to advocate for a system that truly respects and comprehends the intricacies of human psychology. Together, we can push for care that uplifts and supports, rather than stigmatizes. This conversation could change the way you think about mental health forever.Click here to sign up for the Mad In America newsletter.Click here to read books by Robert Whitaker.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.AMAZON BOOK LIST: Looking for your next recovery read? Explore my curated list of hundreds of books, neatly organized into categories for your browsing pleasure. Click here to dive in. 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.

Are you often guarded, or do you find yourself stuck in patterns you can't seem to break? You might be living behind an "inner wall" — a psychological barrier we all build to protect ourselves from emotional hurt and vulnerability. But what if these walls are not just keeping the pain out, but also joy, connection, and growth? In this premium episode, we'll be diving deep into the concept of inner walls, exploring how these hidden fortresses within us can influence every aspect of our lives.Join me as we uncover:The Nature of Inner Walls: Learn how these barriers, constructed from our deepest fears and unresolved conflicts, manifest in our daily lives, often without our conscious awareness.The Impact on Your Life: From strained relationships to personal stagnation, discover how inner walls shape your emotional health and life satisfaction.Physical Manifestations: Understand the surprising ways in which psychological barriers can lead to physical illness, as modern science bridges the gap between our emotional state and physical health.A Path to Healing: Engage in a transformative exercise designed to help you converse with your inner walls. This guided dialogue will not only reveal what your walls are protecting but also how you can reclaim the power you've locked away behind them.Whether you're feeling stuck, unfulfilled, or simply curious about the unseen forces shaping your life, this episode offers valuable insights and practical tools for anyone ready to break free from their inner barriers and embrace a fuller, more connected life. Tune in to start dismantling your walls and discover the strength and freedom that lie on the other side.UNLOCK THE FULL VERSION OF THIS EPISODE: visit https://www.patreon.com/backfromtheborderline to join the community on Patreon. From here, you'll be able to access all full-length (and ad free!) episodes of BFTB, opening up hundreds of hours of additional bonus content. CONTACT ME CHECK OUT MORE OF MY WORK: To read my Substack articles, access my Amazon book recommendation list, submit a voicemail, or contact me for collaborations, visit backfromtheborderline.com.

Have you ever wondered why Taylor Swift—and her music—seem to hold the entire music industry and legions of fans worldwide in what seems like a perpetual chokehold? In this episode, we’ll aim to get to the bottom of this phenomenon with a lyrical analysis of her latest album, "The Tortured Poet's Department," through the lens of depth psychology, most notably how Swift perfectly embodies the puella aeterna (forever girl) archetype.This analysis is not about Taylor Swift as a person—as none of us, not even her most die-hard fans, truly know the real human behind the persona—but rather the broader patterns her lyrics and public image represent, which paradoxically may not usher fans toward growth but instead keep them anchored in an endless teenage dream.At 34, Taylor Swift continues to expertly embody the essence of youthful idealism and romantic drama, holding a mirror up to our collective reluctance to embrace the responsibilities and complexities of adulthood. Her music portrays eternal youth, echoing a societal fascination with the simplicity and excitement of adolescence, and one might say—at the expense of mature introspection and integration of lessons learned. Through this exploration, I’ll invite you to question the allure of perpetual youth and consider the transformative power of moving from the eternal girl to embracing and embodying the wisdom of the Mother and, eventually, the Crone.This episode will challenge you to see beyond the surface of Swift's enchanting narratives. It asks why we, as a society, are mesmerized by tales of tumultuous love and eternal innocence, and how this infatuation may prevent us from recognizing that real, securely attached love is stable, enduring, and a conscious choice to stick through the less stereotypically 'passionate' times that modern music, media, and culture aim to sell to us. Whether you are a die-hard fan, a casual listener, someone perplexed by Swift’s decades-long stranglehold on public attention, or someone seeking deeper insight into cultural phenomena, this discussion will engage you with compelling questions about personal growth and societal values.Join me for a provocative and enlightening journey into the world of archetypes and cultural narratives with Taylor Swift's latest lyrics as our guide. This isn't just an analysis of a pop icon; it's an invitation to reflect on the stories we tell ourselves about love, maturity, and self-awareness.TIME STAMPS:✧ 00:00 – 10:33: Episode introduction + disclaimer✧ 10:33 – 21:03: what is the puella aeterna archetype?✧ 21:03 – 27:08: artistic evolution (swift vs. adele – a lyrical comparison)✧ 27:08 – 36:24: the business of youth (taylor swift’s persona as brand strategy)✧ 36:24 – 50:41: lyrical analysis (living in the past, the forever virgin, and unconscious fear of commitment)✧ 50:41 – 01:07:29: lyrical analysis (living in a bubble, inner emptiness, and self-sabotage)✧ 01:07:29 – 01:28:28: lyrical analysis (struggles with identity, romanticizing toxicity, and high school drama)✧ 01:28:85 – 01:36:21: final thoughts