A Date with Darkness

Nancy Allen, host of the podcast Tail of The Bell joins us today to share her personal story of being sexually abused by her father. Nancy explains how difficult it was to be taken from her family, placed in the system, and be treated as though she was the one who did something wrong. She discusses the impact that parental incest has had on her life and how she overcome it.

To contact Nancy Allen please visit: www.tailofthebell.com

Dr. Meagan Houston-Bright, PhD is a police psychologist based out of Houston, TX; who specializes in working with those who struggle with suicide and self-harm. Today, she joins us to explain how the difference between suicide, self-harm, suicidal gestures, and morbid ideations. She discusses the importance of taking threats seriously. Lastly, we discuss the impact of the threat of self-harm on toxic relationships.

Resources:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline  – 800-273-8255

https://www.samhsa.gov/

Treating Suicidal Clients and Self-Harming Behaviors, by Dr. Meagan N. Houston, PhD

Why Does He Do That, by Lundy Bancroft

The White Knight Syndrome, by Marilyn Kreiger & Mary Lamia

Healing From Hidden Abuse, by Shannon Thomas LCSW

Healing the Trauma of Abuse Workbook by Mary Copeland MS & Maxine Harris, PhD

Abused Men: The Hidden Side of Domestic Violence by Philip Cook

To contact Dr. Houston-Bright, PhD please visit

Dr. Houston’s Website

Dr. Houston’s Instagram

Dr. Houston’s Facebook

Brandi Lewis, LPC owner and director of Reach Counseling Solutions LLC in Charlotte, NC joins us in a candid discussion about her work with survivors of abuse. Joy and personal energy can be completely depleted from us when we are caught in relationships that are abusive. Without realizing it, we carry negative energy with us from relationship to relationship – which perpetuates a pattern Brandi enlightens us on why we do this, and what steps we can take to have a happy and joyous energy after weathering stormy relationships.

Connect with Brandi Lewis, LPC at: http://www.reachcounselingsolutions.com

Resources:

Dodging Energy Vampires: An Empath’s Guide to Evading Relationships That Drain You and Restoring Your Health and Power

Boundaries: When To Say Yes, How to Say No To Take Control of Your Life

Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind To Yourself

Patricia Young LCSW joins us today to discuss what it means to be a highly sensitive person. Highly sensitive people are more receptive to the surroundings and because of this – can be the subject of scrutiny from toxic people. Patricia helps us to understand how we can determine whether we are highly sensitive, and how you can utilize your sensitivity as a strength. She also talks about her own struggle with being a HSP.

Connect with Patricia Young, LCSW at: http://www.unapologeticallysensitive.com

Resources:

Dr. Elaine Aron https://hsperson.com/

Dr. Margaret Paul, Phd joins us to discuss inner bonding, a self-healing technique used to conquer feelings of shame and abandonment. Dr. Paul tells us the importance of bonding with ourselves and connecting our feelings and how our ability to do so  impacts both our lifestyle and our ability to connect with others. She shares the steps of inner bonding, and discusses how her own personal journey changed after she was able to effectively execute the technique.

Connect with Dr. Margaret Paul: www.innerbonding.com

Books:

The Inner Bonding Workbook, By Dr. Maurgaret Paul 

Inner Bonding: Becoming a Loving Adult To Your Inner Child, by Dr. Margaret Paul

Diet For Divine Connection: Beyond Junk Foods and Junk Thoughts to At-Will Spiritual Connection, by Dr. Margaret Paul

Healing Your Aloneness, Finding Love and Wholeness Through Your Inner Child by Dr. Margaret Paul