Initiated Survivor Kelsey Harper

On this episode of Initiated Survivor, my friend and empowerment coach, April Arielli, shares her inspiring story of overcoming trauma and finding her calling as a life, relationship, and career coach. From surviving a harrowing experience to finding healing through yoga and skydiving, April's journey is a testament to resilience and reclaiming one's power. April shares how she empowers others to navigate challenging life transitions and achieve their dreams, and the impact of sharing survivor stories to create a stronger community.

Watch the Full Video Podcast Here!

TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 — Intro
00:52 — April’s Journey: From Actress to Empowerment Coach
01:28 — The Power of Sharing and Connecting Survivor Stories
08:59 — The Struggle with Reporting and Internalized Shame
15:37 — Recovery and Reclaiming Self-Worth After Trauma
17:39 — Discovering Kundalini Yoga: A Journey to Emotional Healing
19:22 — Skydiving: A Leap Towards Healing and Confidence
26:45 — Navigating New Relationships and Trust After Trauma
30:34 — Embracing Life Coaching: A New Chapter of Empowerment
35:34 — The Impact of Sharing and Healing

Topics/Triggers:
· Sexual Assault
· Rape
· Aggressive Behavior
· Violence
· Trauma Recovery
· Reclaiming Your Power
· Healing
· Creating a Community
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★ Connect with April Arielli ★
Website: aprilarielli.com
IG: @aprilarielli
Take The First Step: https://bit.ly/AprilArielli
**50% off 2 or 3 month life coaching package for Initiated Survivor Subscribers - Take the First Step and mention Initiated Survivor. *Limited Time Offer

If you took anything away from today’s podcast, please share it with someone who may need to hear it. And if you really want to support the podcast please give us a rate/review.
If you or anyone you know is suffering through trauma contact the National Sexual Assault hotline at 1-800-656-4673 or online for 24/7 support. (This podcast is not a replacement for psychotherapy or mental health care. You can obtain a referral for mental health care provider from your primary care physician, or search on Psychology Today’s Find a Therapist directory)
Find more Initiated Survivor content here and on Instagram!

This episode, I have special guest Brialynn Massie on the podcast to discuss the creation of their upcoming film 'I Need You To Stay'. The film aims to tackle the Hollywood stigma and misconceptions surrounding BPD through the story of its protagonist, Kira, who is in remission from BPD. We touch on themes such as the systemic issues of misogyny and white supremacy in the diagnosis and treatment of BPD, the pervasive stigma in media and healthcare, and the cycle of victimization. Additionally, we’ll talk about the importance of creating a community and safe spaces for individuals with BPD, the impact of therapy, and the potential for legislative changes to improve access to mental health care. Brialynn also highlights the efforts to maintain a trauma-informed culture on set and the partnership with Hire Survivors Hollywood to combat predatory behavior.

Watch the Full Video Podcast Here!

00:00 — Unveiling the Stigma of Borderline Personality Disorder
00:39 — Brialynn’s Journey: From Diagnosis to Filmmaker
00:57 — Combating Hollywood's Stigma: The Making of I Need You To Stay 
01:31 — The Impact of Media and Misogyny on Mental Health Stigma
06:30 — Bridging the Gap: The Mission Behind the Movie
16:51 — The Power of Representation: Changing Narratives and Building Communities
30:13 — The Fight for Accessible Mental Health Care and Legislative Change
31:32 — Exploring the Complexities of Borderline Personality Disorder
32:44 — The Impact of Early Diagnosis and Access to Healthcare
35:01 — Navigating Relationships and Self-Validation with BPD
39:13 — The Dangers of Fetishization and Exploitation
50:30 — Healing, Hope, and Building Community

Topics/Triggers:
· Borderline Personality Disorder
· Suicide/Suicidal Ideations
· Addiction
· Abuse
· Medical/Workplace Abuse
· Gaslighting
· Victim Blaming
· Child Abuse
· CPTSD
· Hire Survivors Hollywood
· Community
· Trauma
· Self-Validation
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★ Connect with Brialynn Massie ★
Follow @ineedyoutostaymovie on Instagram
Explore I Need You to Stay Website
Email: admin@ineedyoutostay.com

If you took anything away from today’s podcast, please share it with someone who may need to hear it. And if you really want to support the podcast please give us a rate/review.
If you or anyone you know is suffering through trauma contact the National Sexual Assault hotline at 1-800-656-4673 or online for 24/7 support. (This podcast is not a replacement for psychotherapy or mental health care. You can obtain a referral for mental health care provider from your primary care physician, or search on Psychology Today’s Find a Therapist directory)
Find more Initiated Survivor content here and on Instagram!

In this episode of Initiated Survivor, I’ll discuss the vital role of social support and community in the process of recovering from trauma. I will talk about the innate human need for connection, and how isolation exacerbates feelings of insecurity and depression, while the sense of belonging fosters healing and a sense of safety. I will share practical ways those in recovery can find and integrate into communities, especially after experiences of trauma, and navigate the challenges of connecting authentically with others. I will also share a few of my personal experiences with finding community and connection, the importance of self-validation, and the continuous, life-long journey of finding belonging and support in community.



Watch the Full Video Podcast Here!



TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 — Intro

00:27 — The Power of Social Support in Mental Health Recovery

01:08 — Understanding Our Social Nature and Its Impact on Recovery

03:23 — Creative Expression and Community

07:54 — Navigating Social Connections as Adults: Challenges and Strategies

13:11 — Exploring Personal Values and Building Community Connections

14:37 — GROUP THERAPY AD:  https://www.drkelseyharper.com/dbt-skills-group-for-lgbtq

24:38 — Embracing Vulnerability and Growth in Community Engagement

31:05 — Finding Peace and Purpose Through Community



Topics/Triggers:

· Abusive Realtionships

· Sexual Assault

· Community

· Creative Expression

· Self-Worth

· Self-Validation

· Trauma Recovery

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If you took anything away from today’s podcast, please share it with someone who may need to hear it. And if you really want to support the podcast please give us a rate/review.

If you or anyone you know is suffering through trauma contact the National Sexual Assault hotline at 1-800-656-4673 or online for 24/7 support. (This podcast is not a replacement for psychotherapy or mental health care. You can obtain a referral for mental health care provider from your primary care physician, or search on Psychology Today’s Find a Therapist directory)

Find more Initiated Survivor content here and on Instagram!

In this episode, I talk about the power of group therapy and community for those recovering from traumatic experiences. I’ll discuss the emotional isolation people often experience in the aftermath of traumatic events, and how this can be exacerbated by societal factors. I’ll share some personal experiences on how participating in group activities, such as restorative yoga classes and virtual workshops served as a healing mechanism and a stepping stone towards building relationships and community. Additionally, I will talk about the benefits of group therapy in cultivating listening, speaking, healing, and social skills while maintaining a safe, validating space for participants. I am also excited to be offering two new groups starting in April which include: DBT Skills Group for LGBTQ+ and a Trauma Recovery Skills Group!



Watch the Full Video Podcast Here!



00:00 — Intro

00:59 — The Struggles of Isolation and Anxiety

03:12 — The Comfort of Home and the Challenge of Leaving

04:01 — Overcoming Agoraphobia and Building Connections

05:51 — The Power of Solitude and Self-Care

07:04 — The Role of Community Activities in Recovery

10:09 — The Impact of the Pandemic and Virtual Groups

12:37 — Group Therapy Ad: https://www.drkelseyharper.com/dbt-skills-group-for-lgbtq

17:50 — The Benefits of Group Therapy

21:39 — Personal Experiences with Group Therapy

22:12 — Upcoming Group Therapy Opportunities

23:55 — The Healing Power of Groups



Topics/Triggers:

· Rape Culture

· Victim Blaming

· Agoraphobia

· Anxiety

· Trauma

· Trauma Recovery

· Virtual Groups and Community

· CPTSD

· Group Therapy

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If you took anything away from today’s podcast, please share it with someone who may need to hear it. And if you really want to support the podcast please give us a rate/review.

If you or anyone you know is suffering through trauma contact the National Sexual Assault hotline at 1-800-656-4673 or online for 24/7 support. (This podcast is not a replacement for psychotherapy or mental health care. You can obtain a referral for mental health care provider from your primary care physician, or search on Psychology Today’s Find a Therapist directory)

Find more Initiated Survivor content here and on Instagram!

In this episode, we delve deep into Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and complex trauma. We discuss the stigma associated with these conditions, their links to past trauma, their effects on personality and social behavior, and how they are often misunderstood. I’ll talk about the traits and symptoms of BPD, the relationship between BPD and complex trauma, and the intersections of these with PTSD. I’ll also cover the importance of trauma-informed care and discuss effective treatments like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and other trauma interventions.



00:00 — Introduction to Borderline Personality Disorder

01:50 — Understanding the Nature of Borderline Personality Disorder

03:35 — Traits and Symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder

11:45 — The Connection Between BPD and Trauma

13:18 — AD: Group Therapy: https://www.drkelseyharper.com/dbt-skills-group-for-lgbtq

14:49 — Understanding Complex PTSD and its Relation to BPD

21:07 — Treatment Options for BPD and Complex Trauma

23:41 — Conclusion and Future Discussions



Watch the Full Video Podcast Here!



Topics/Triggers:

· Dialectical Behavior Therapy by Dr. Marsha Linehan

· Suicide and Suicidal Ideation

· PTSD

· Trauma

· Emotional Overload and Overstimulation

· Intrusive Memories

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If you took anything away from today’s podcast, please share it with someone who may need to hear it. And if you really want to support the podcast please give us a rate/review.

If you or anyone you know is suffering through trauma contact the National Sexual Assault hotline at 1-800-656-4673 or online for 24/7 support. (This podcast is not a replacement for psychotherapy or mental health care. You can obtain a referral for mental health care provider from your primary care physician, or search on Psychology Today’s Find a Therapist directory)

Find more Initiated Survivor content here and on Instagram!

As survivors, we understand the experience of being wronged and the desire to make a positive impact in the world. With so much happening at this moment, it can feel overwhelming. However, one effective tool we have in our fight for a better future is activism. By standing up for our values within our local community, we can create meaningful change. In this episode of 'Initiated Survivor', we explore the role of activism in the healing process for trauma survivors. We discuss how engaging in collective actions that align with our personal values can foster a sense of community and serve as a powerful tool for change and recovery. I also provide various strategies for incorporating activism into our recovery journey, such as connecting with long-term goals, emphasizing community-building, and supporting local organizations that make a tangible impact on our daily lives.



Watch the Full Video Podcast Here!



00:00 — Introduction

01:37 — The Power of Activism

03:20 — Activism and Emotional Expression

05:00 — AD: Individual Therapy: https://www.drkelseyharper.com/trauma-therapy

05:42 — Mindfulness in Activism

08:42 — Sensory Needs in Activism

09:40 — Titration and Exposure in Activism

11:05 — Emotional Support, Expressive Activities, Self Care

16:20 — AD: Group Therapy: https://www.drkelseyharper.com/dbt-skills-group-for-lgbtq

17:40 — Engaging in Pleasant Activities & Personal Values

19:15 — Different Ways to Engage in Activism

22:23 — Local Organizations

24:50 — Providing Direct Services in Activism

26:01 — Utilizing Personal Skills in Activism

27:15 — Conclusion: The Power of Activism in Healing Trauma



Topics/Triggers:

· Titrating

· Self-care

· Community Engagement

· Trauma Processing

· Self-soothing Habits

· Physiological Regulations

· Mindfulness

· The Power of Activism

· Vicarious Trauma

· Engaging in Expressive & Pleasant Activities

· Our Values & Goals

· Abortion Bans

· Success Stories Prison Feminism

· Supporting NonProfit Organizations

· Grassroots Activism

· Ask a Psychologist Anything



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If you took anything away from today’s podcast, please share it with someone who may need to hear it. And if you really want to support the podcast please give us a rate/review.

If you or anyone you know is suffering through trauma contact the National Sexual Assault hotline at 1-800-656-4673 or online for 24/7 support. (This podcast is not a replacement for psychotherapy or mental health care. You can obtain a referral for mental health care provider from your primary care physician, or search on Psychology Today’s Find a Therapist directory)

Find more Initiated Survivor content here and on Instagram!