Super Feeler: A BPD Podcast

It's time for the most controversial of all DBT skills! 

Radical acceptance.... or shall we say "radical reality"?

This week we talk about distress tolerance skills in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), with a focus on (one of) Laurie's favorite skills radical acceptance. 

We dive into the struggles of radical acceptance, the difference between willingness and willfulness, and how this skill can sometimes feel rea...

Åse-Line Baltzersen shares about her experiences living with and recovering from personality disorders, particularly in the context of living in Norway. Åse-Line shares her journey from diagnosis to recovery, her involvement in international advocacy, and the evolving understanding of personality disorders throughout the world. 

To learn more about the International Society of the Study of Personality Disorders Lived Experience Comm...

While it's not a DBT "skill" per se, figuring our what your values are and learning how to live them weaves into a lot of DBT skills. 

The DBT Skills panel (Dave, Kat, Heather and newest member Shannon)  explore how understanding our personal values can lead to a more fulfilling life through self-reflection. 

We also talk a bit about the Kaizen philosophy which is all about the power of small steps in achieving persona...

Daniel Mojica (@__mojii._), is a 21-year-old university student navigating life with borderline personality disorder (BPD). 

In this episode Daniel shares his journey of self-discovery, the challenges he faced growing up in an invalidating environment, and how he came to terms with his diagnosis. 

Together we explore themes of self-discovery, community engagement, and the complexities of emotions and relationships. 

Daniel shares his ...

Meet our new DBT Skills series guests Kat and Heather! 

In this episode we break down the PLEASE skill from Dialectical Behaviour Therapy. It's an IMPORTANT one. 

If you're new to the PLEASE skill here's a little breakdown for you! 

P – Physical Health: Address any physical illness, injuries, or medical concerns. Follow doctor’s recommendations and take medications as prescribed.
L – Lessen Mood-Altering Substances:...

Dr. Juveria Zaheer is an expert in suicide risk assessment and prevention, a psychiatrist and a literal Jeopardy superstar.

She is currently exploring the impacts of the COVID pandemic on suicidality and how the pandemic impacted Canadians.

Together we discuss the complexities of suicidality, the need for accessible targeted treatments and why it’s important for people with lived experience to be involved in research.

There’s still ti...

Cope Ahead is a particularly helpful life skill from dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) that helps us preparing for difficult interactions by coming prepared with healthy coping strategies. Laurie, Dave and Megan discuss how they use this skill to help manage social interactions and family dynamics.

Get your own copy of 'DBT for Life' by Diana Partington to follow along with us!  

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Mercedes Killeen is a writer and mental health advocate who has struggled throughout her life with anxiety, depression, BPD, and alcohol addiction. In this episode, Mercedes shares her story of working towards sobriety, seeking mental health treatment, and healing through writing/creativity.

You can learn more about Mercedes' work here.

To purchase your own digital copy of tulips, click here.

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Time to discuss Opposite Action! Long story short - Opposite Action means doing the opposite of what you want to do when what you want to do isn't effective.

Easier said than done of course - but an incredibly helpful tool once you're practiced at it. Part of that practice is recognizing unskillful urges, and the learning the balance between feeling emotions and taking action to improve one's situation.

Dr. Amanda Uliaszek, associate professor at the University of Toronto, joins Super Feeler to discuss her passion for research for people living with borderline personality disorder, reducing stigma, and including people with lived experience in the research process. 

We discuss the importance of a strengths-based approach to BPD, the challenges of conducting research, and the complexities around diagnosis and the symptom of emptines...

We're diving into the complexities of emotion regulation as we start unit 3 of our DBT Skills Series. Together Dave, Laurie and Megan explore the role of emotion regulation skills in our life, what our core values are, and how we use the dialectical behaviour therapy skill Check the Facts in our lives. 

Get your own copy of 'DBT for Life' by Diana Partington to follow along with us! 

Send us a text

If you want...

In this episode, my husband Aaron and I discuss my first inpatient/residential treatment experience at a crisis response facility called CRESST.

Together we explore the decision to go, what it was like to arrive with very limited information, and the importance of rest, monitored med management, and community.

And naturally - some ridiculously hilarious and embarrassing stories from my time there.

If y...

My husband Aaron joins to share about my recent suicide crisis, how we worked together to try and overcome it, and how we tried to navigate a complicated medication change together. 

Naturally - this episode comes with a trigger warning about discussing suicide and self-harm. It discusses some potential methods but not in detail. If you are struggling please reach out to the resources below and follow your safety plans. 

Se...

Validation is so important for people living with borderline personality disorder (BPD). In this episode we discuss the DBT Skill of validation including the complexities of giving and receiving validation, the challenges of navigating emotional conversations, and the techniques that can enhance effective communication.

Understanding our own emotions and self-validation is an incredibly important part of this skill.  
...

Anita is back for part 2 to discuss their transformative experience at Heartwood Centre for Women. They explore the impact of community support, the complexities of gender identity, and the importance of self-discovery. Anita shares their insights on resilience, personal growth, and the unique perspective that comes from navigating the highs and lows of life as a Super Feeler.

If you haven't listened to part 1 yet you...

Anita (they/them) discusses the complexities of being diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD), struggling with substance use and being queer in a small communtity. They share about the impact of a community of family (chosen and blood) and how a caring and compassionate treatment team can make all of the difference.  

Be sure to subscribe to the show so you don't miss part 2 of Anita's story!

DEAR MAN is Laurie's favorite DBT skill. If you've listened to any episodes of this series or her previous podcasts you'll have heard ALL about it. But it's such a helpful skill that there's always an excuse to hear other examples where it's used.

The DEAR MAN skill, from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), helps effectively ask for what you want or say no while maintaining relationships and ...

Shannon (@natureanditsnoise) shares about her BPD diagnosis, how supportive family role models impacted how she reacted to her diagnosis and the impact of nature as a healing space for her. Shannon emphasizes the power of the Super Feeler community has on her journey and the unique strengths that come with being a Super Feeler. 

You can listen to Shannon's podcast If These Trees Could Talk (@ifthesetreescouldtalk.podcast) ...

Dive into interpersonal effectiveness skills from dialectical behaviour therapy with Laurie, Shanthi and Dave!

In this episode they discuss the importance of clarifying priorities and figuring out what matters most in relationships. They also share personal experiences and insights on how to navigate interpersonal interactions effectively.

They  discuss the trap of focusing too much on self-respect and not consi...