Jul 20

We're all a Little Bit Narcissistic: Myths, the Science & the Stigma behind Personality Disorders

Personality disorders are some of the most misunderstood mental health conditions and because of that, they're often surrounded by fear, shame, and misinformation. In this episode of Permission to Heal, Kelly sits down with fellow Registered Psychotherapist and Alli Therapy alumni, Anthony Colonello, to unpack what personality disorders really are, how they develop, and why the conversation around them needs more compassion and less stigma. Together, they explore the role of genetics, trauma, and early life experiences, why a diagnosis isn't a life sentence, and how effective treatment and support can help people build meaningful, fulfilling lives. They also dive into one of the internet's favourite buzzwords: *narcissism* and Anthony explains why narcissistic traits exist on a spectrum, why the term is so often misused online, and how casually labeling people can do more harm than good. Whether you're living with a personality disorder, supporting someone who is, or simply wanting to better understand these often misunderstood diagnoses, this episode offers practical insights, hope, and a more compassionate perspective. This episode is for you if: * You've been diagnosed with a personality disorder and are looking for hope and understanding * You're curious about how personality disorders develop * You want to understand the difference between mental health conditions like anxiety and depression, personality traits and personality disorders * You're confused by the way terms like "narcissist" are used on social media. * You're supporting a loved one with a personality disorder and want to better understand their experience. And find Anthony Colonello at his practice, DeNovo Psychotherapy! https://www.denovopsychotherapy.ca 🎙 Hosted by Kelly Kozluk, Registered Psychotherapist and host of Permission to Heal 📩 Share this episode with someone who might need it ⭐ Follow, rate, and review to help us continue bringing these conversations into the light At Alli Therapy, we make mental health support accessible and affordable for everyone. Visit alli.io to book a session with an intern therapist (your first session is free, and sessions start at $45 after) or connect with an associate therapist starting at $115.

Jul 6

Stop Being Your Own Worst Enemy: The Real Practice of Self-Compassion

Self-compassion can feel easier said than done. Kelly is joined by Natalie Taylor, Registered Psychotherapist at Alli Therapy, for an honest conversation about self-compassion: what it is, why it's one of the most important skills for good mental health, why so many of us find it difficult, and how to actually practice it in everyday life. Together, they explore the connection between self-compassion and anxiety, depression, perfectionism, shame, and emotional resilience. You'll learn practical, evidence-based strategies to quiet your inner critic, build self-worth, cope with difficult emotions, and develop a kinder relationship with yourself without lowering your standards or "letting yourself off the hook." This episode is for you if you: * Struggle with your inner critic or negative self-talk * Feel like you're never good enough, no matter how much you achieve * Live with anxiety, perfectionism, or low self-esteem * Find it easier to show compassion to others than to yourself * Feel guilty when you prioritize your own needs * Want to build confidence and a healthier relationship with yourself * Are looking for practical, evidence-based ways to practice self-compassion * Want to improve your mental health without relying on self-criticism to stay motivated 🎙 Hosted by Kelly Kozluk, Registered Psychotherapist and host of Permission to Heal 📩 Share this episode with someone who might need it ⭐ Follow, rate, and review to help us continue bringing these conversations into the light At Alli Therapy, we make mental health support accessible and affordable for everyone. Visit alli.io to book a session with an intern therapist (your first session is free, and sessions start at $45 after) or connect with an associate therapist starting at $115.

Jun 22

Personality, Compatibility & Dating Apps

What if understanding yourself was the key to finding a healthier, more compatible relationship? In this episode of *Permission to Heal*, Kelly sits down with Saeid Fard, who has spent years working in personality testing and is now developing a personality-based dating app designed to help people build more meaningful connections. Together, they explore what personality really is, the different ways people perceive and interact with the world and how understanding your own patterns can transform the way you approach love and dating. From the biology of love to attachment styles, compatibility, and the realities of modern dating apps, this conversation dives into what actually helps relationships thrive over the long term. Saeid shares insights into the different dimensions of compatibility including personality, love styles, sexuality, and lifestyle and explains why finding your person isn't about finding the one, but it's about finding a good fit you can grow with. Whether you're exhausted by swipe culture, curious about personality science, or hoping to date with more confidence and intention, this episode offers practical wisdom and a refreshing perspective on modern relationships. **This episode is for you if:** • You want to better understand your personality and how it influences the way you love and connect • You're wondering what actually makes long-term relationships successful • You want to understand the difference between attraction and long compatibility • Dating apps have left you feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, or discouraged • You want practical guidance for navigating modern dating with more confidence • You want to stop chasing perfection and start looking for genuine compatibility 🎙 Hosted by Kelly Kozluk, Registered Psychotherapist and host of Permission to Heal 📩 Share this episode with someone who might need it ⭐ Follow, rate, and review to help us continue bringing these conversations into the light At Alli Therapy, we make mental health support accessible and affordable for everyone. Visit alli.io to book a session with an intern therapist (your first session is free, and sessions start at $45 after) or connect with an associate therapist starting at $115.

Jun 8

Not All Therapists Are Safe. A Queer Affirming Therapist on How to Find the Right One

In this episode of Permission to Heal, Kelly Kozluk, Registered Psychotherapist, sits down with XT Belcastro, founder of Rainbow Counselling, to talk about their personal journey navigating the mental health system as a queer person and how you can take control of your healing journey to find support that truly feels safe, affirming, and understanding. Together, Kelly and XT explore what queer-affirming care actually means, why therapy cannot be separated from the realities of culture, politics, and society, and how creating space to discuss identities such as gender, sexuality, race, and lived experience is essential to meaningful therapeutic work. They also offer practical guidance for anyone searching for a therapist, including how to identify green flags and red flags before your first session, what to look for on a therapist's website and intake forms, and why it's okay to ask questions about a therapist's beliefs, approach, and values. This episode is for you if: • You've struggled to find a therapist who truly understands your lived experience • You're queer, questioning, or exploring your identity and want affirming support • You've ever left therapy feeling unseen, misunderstood, or like you had to educate your therapist • You're looking for practical tips on how to find a queer-affirming therapist or clinic • You're curious about how social, cultural, and political realities impact mental health and therapy • You're a therapist wanting to better understand what affirming care looks like in practice Healing happens best when all parts of who you are are welcome in the room. 🎙 Hosted by Kelly, Registered Psychotherapist and host of Permission to Heal 📩 Share this episode with someone who might need it ⭐ Follow, rate, and review to help us continue bringing these conversations into the light At Alli Therapy, we make mental health support accessible and affordable for everyone. Visit alli.io to book a session with an intern therapist (your first session is free, and sessions start at $45 after) or connect with an associate therapist starting at $115.

May 25

Learning to Live with Bipolar Disorder

Kelly Kozluk, Registered Psychotherapist, sits down with Marion Goreski to dive deep into her lifelong journey navigating depression, eating disorders and bipolar disorder, from childhood struggles to adulthood healing. Marion opens up about what it was like growing up feeling different, carrying pain silently through school and into adult life, and the difficult process of trying to understand what was happening to her mental health. Together, they explore the complicated reality of navigating psychiatrists, hospitalizations, medications, changing diagnoses, and the often overwhelming side effects that can come with treatment. This episode also dives into the emotional weight of labels, especially the experience of being diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Marion speaks candidly about the confusion, grief, shame, and resistance she felt toward the diagnosis, struggling with what it meant, fearing something was “wrong” with her, and wrestling with the idea of what it means to be “normal.” At the heart of this conversation is a powerful reminder that you are deserving of help, support, care, and compassion. Marion reflects on the importance of reaching out, learning to let others in, and the role her support system played in helping her survive and eventually thrive. This episode is for you if: - You've felt different, broken, or confused about what you're struggling with - You've been frustrated with navigating the health care system and diagoses - You're looking for hope, optimism and inspiration in your own mental health journey 🎙 Hosted by Kelly, Registered Psychotherapist and host of Permission to Heal 📩 Share this episode with someone who might need it ⭐ Follow, rate, and review to help us continue bringing these conversations into the light At Alli Therapy, we make mental health support accessible and affordable for everyone. Visit alli.io to book a session with an intern therapist (your first session is free, and sessions start at $45 after) or connect with an associate therapist starting at $115.

May 11

Is Your Relationship Over? Or Can It Be Fixed?

Kelly Kozluk, Registered Psychotherapist, is joined by Rana Khan, a Marriage and Family Therapist, for an honest conversation about why couples therapy doesn’t have to be something you fear and why it shouldn’t be saved as a last resort. They explore how therapy can be a space to strengthen connection, improve communication, and navigate the natural differences that show up in every relationship. They talk about the real give-and-take required for partnership, how to approach conversations about intimacy without shame or defensiveness, and what it looks like to grow together instead of growing apart. They also gently unpack one of the hardest questions couples face: How do you know whether to keep trying to make something work, or to accept that the relationship may be over? Who this episode is for: - Couples who feel disconnected but don’t know how to start talking about it - Partners who love each other but keep having the same arguments on repeat - Anyone who feels nervous or intimidated by the idea of couples therapy - People wondering, “is this something we can work through, or is it time to let go?” - Couples navigating differences in needs, communication styles, or intimacy - Those who want to strengthen their relationship before it reaches a breaking point 🎙 Hosted by Kelly, Registered Psychotherapist and host of Permission to Heal 📩 Share this episode with someone who might need it ⭐ Follow, rate, and review to help us continue bringing these conversations into the light At Alli Therapy, we make mental health support accessible and affordable for everyone. Visit alli.io to book a session with an intern therapist (your first session is free, and sessions start at $45 after) or connect with an associate therapist starting at $115.

Apr 27

The Reality of Being the Underdog with Survivor Winner Erika Casupanan

She won Survivor, but this isn’t a story just about winnning. In this conversation, Kelly Kozluk sits down with Erika Casupanan, winner of Survivor 41, to talk about what the cameras don’t show. What it feels like to be underestimated. What it does to your mind to be watched, judged, and edited into a character. What happens to your identity when millions of people think they know who you are. And what it takes to process and come back to yourself after an experience that changes your life overnight. Erika shares the mental health reality of before, during, and after Survivor, the self-doubt, the resilience, and the quiet self-trust and confidence that carried her through. Together, we explore how being underestimated can become a hidden advantage, and why learning to trust yourself matters more than how the world sees you. This episode is for anyone who has ever felt overlooked, unsure about what comes next, and for any Survivor or reality TV fans. Sometimes, the people who seem the quietest are the ones who outlast everyone. 🎙 Hosted by Kelly Kozluk, Registered Psychotherapist and host of Permission to Heal 📩 Share this episode with someone who might need it ⭐ Follow, rate, and review to help us continue bringing these conversations into the light At Alli Therapy, we make mental health support accessible and affordable for everyone. Visit alli.io to book a session with an intern therapist (your first session is free, and sessions start at $45 after) or connect with an associate therapist starting at $115.

Apr 13

What No One Tells You About Postpartum, From a Mom and Therapist

What is actually normal after you have a baby… and what’s a sign you might need support? In this honest, practical, and deeply reassuring conversation, Kelly is joined by Natalie, a Registered Psychotherapist, mom of one, and currently pregnant, to talk about the postpartum experience no one prepares you for. They unpack the emotional reality of the early weeks after birth, including the very common “baby blues,” the mental load no one talks about, and the difference between what’s hard-but-normal and what may be postpartum depression, anxiety, or OCD. You’ll learn: What the baby blues really feel like (and how long they last) What no one tells you about the postpartum experience How postpartum depression, anxiety, and OCD can show up The signs it’s time to reach out for help How to prepare before baby arrives to protect your mental health How partners and loved ones can offer meaningful support This conversation is for anyone (pregnant folks and supporters!) who wants a more honest, compassionate understanding of postpartum mental health, without shame, fear, or unrealistic expectations. Because the more we talk about it, the less alone new parents have to feel. 🎙 Hosted by Kelly, Registered Psychotherapist and host of Permission to Heal 📩 Share this episode with someone who might need it ⭐ Follow, rate, and review to help us continue bringing these conversations into the light At Alli Therapy, we make mental health support accessible and affordable for everyone. Visit alli.io to book a session with an intern therapist (your first session is free, and sessions start at $45 after) or connect with an associate therapist starting at $115.

Permission to Heal

We're all a Little Bit Narcissistic: Myths, the Science & the Stigma behind Personality Disorders

Stop Being Your Own Worst Enemy: The Real Practice of Self-Compassion

Personality, Compatibility & Dating Apps

Not All Therapists Are Safe. A Queer Affirming Therapist on How to Find the Right One

Learning to Live with Bipolar Disorder

Is Your Relationship Over? Or Can It Be Fixed?

The Reality of Being the Underdog with Survivor Winner Erika Casupanan

What No One Tells You About Postpartum, From a Mom and Therapist

About

Information

You Might Also Like

Permission to Heal

Episodes

We're all a Little Bit Narcissistic: Myths, the Science & the Stigma behind Personality Disorders

Stop Being Your Own Worst Enemy: The Real Practice of Self-Compassion

Personality, Compatibility & Dating Apps

Not All Therapists Are Safe. A Queer Affirming Therapist on How to Find the Right One

Learning to Live with Bipolar Disorder

Is Your Relationship Over? Or Can It Be Fixed?

The Reality of Being the Underdog with Survivor Winner Erika Casupanan

What No One Tells You About Postpartum, From a Mom and Therapist

About

Information

You Might Also Like