168 episodes

You can perform emotional alchemy and I will show you how.

The idea of alchemy is to reduce something with fire – burning it down so that something new can rise from the ashes. You can do this with your personality, too. You’ve always had the power; you just didn’t know that. Now you do.
 
Highly sensitive, emotional, and intuitive children are often impacted most severely by dysfunctional family dynamics, childhood emotional neglect, sexual abuse, grooming, generational trauma, and inherited toxic shame. As adults, these same children often find themselves with a disorder or dysfunction label, as mainstream psychiatry tries to convince them that the root of their suffering is due to a disordered personality or chemical imbalance.

Our current medical model of mental health is quick to pathologize. Psychiatrists and therapists operating within this model often ask, “What’s wrong with you?” but rarely, “What *happened* to you?” Personalities are not cancerous tumors; psychological suffering cannot be accurately understood or treated through the lens of a purely medical model. We have to go deeper. And that's exactly what we do here on Back from the Borderline.

A path toward healing exists, even though I know it can feel impossible when you’re looking up from rock bottom.

Through working with and integrating the concepts we explore in each episode together, you’ll learn to:

✧ Better regulate, name and process your emotions
✧ Understand and reduce chronic feelings of emptiness
✧ Confront and uproot your toxic shame
✧ Put an end to recurring patterns of self-sabotage
✧ Connect with your Higher Self
✧ Break the cycle of generational family trauma
✧ Set healthier boundaries with yourself and others
✧ Recognize the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships
✧ Heal from a chronic need to please and seek validation from others

Tune in and prepare yourself to be standing in the ashes of the person you used to be. New episodes drop every Tuesday.
 
As for me? I'm Mollie Adler. A disillusioned millennial, podcaster, writer, creative, existential thinker, obsessive researcher (huge nerd), and fellow f*cked up human desperately trying to find meaning in a society and culture that seems to be devoid of it. To read my Substack articles, access my Amazon book recommendation list, submit a voicemail, or contact me for collaborations, visit https://linktr.ee/backfromtheborderline. 

Anyone – even you – can come Back From the Borderline. 𓆩ᥫ᭡𓆪 

acast+ https://plus.acast.com/s/back-from-the-borderline.



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back from the borderline mollie adler

    • Health & Fitness

You can perform emotional alchemy and I will show you how.

The idea of alchemy is to reduce something with fire – burning it down so that something new can rise from the ashes. You can do this with your personality, too. You’ve always had the power; you just didn’t know that. Now you do.
 
Highly sensitive, emotional, and intuitive children are often impacted most severely by dysfunctional family dynamics, childhood emotional neglect, sexual abuse, grooming, generational trauma, and inherited toxic shame. As adults, these same children often find themselves with a disorder or dysfunction label, as mainstream psychiatry tries to convince them that the root of their suffering is due to a disordered personality or chemical imbalance.

Our current medical model of mental health is quick to pathologize. Psychiatrists and therapists operating within this model often ask, “What’s wrong with you?” but rarely, “What *happened* to you?” Personalities are not cancerous tumors; psychological suffering cannot be accurately understood or treated through the lens of a purely medical model. We have to go deeper. And that's exactly what we do here on Back from the Borderline.

A path toward healing exists, even though I know it can feel impossible when you’re looking up from rock bottom.

Through working with and integrating the concepts we explore in each episode together, you’ll learn to:

✧ Better regulate, name and process your emotions
✧ Understand and reduce chronic feelings of emptiness
✧ Confront and uproot your toxic shame
✧ Put an end to recurring patterns of self-sabotage
✧ Connect with your Higher Self
✧ Break the cycle of generational family trauma
✧ Set healthier boundaries with yourself and others
✧ Recognize the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships
✧ Heal from a chronic need to please and seek validation from others

Tune in and prepare yourself to be standing in the ashes of the person you used to be. New episodes drop every Tuesday.
 
As for me? I'm Mollie Adler. A disillusioned millennial, podcaster, writer, creative, existential thinker, obsessive researcher (huge nerd), and fellow f*cked up human desperately trying to find meaning in a society and culture that seems to be devoid of it. To read my Substack articles, access my Amazon book recommendation list, submit a voicemail, or contact me for collaborations, visit https://linktr.ee/backfromtheborderline. 

Anyone – even you – can come Back From the Borderline. 𓆩ᥫ᭡𓆪 

acast+ https://plus.acast.com/s/back-from-the-borderline.



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    the healing power of labyrinths and EMDR [preview]

    the healing power of labyrinths and EMDR [preview]

    Discover the profound legacy of labyrinths, not just as intricate mazes, but as powerful tools in modern psychological therapy. This episode explores their historical significance and their transformative role in EMDR therapy— a technique developed by Francine Shapiro in 1987 for healing psychological trauma. Together, we’ll learn how these ancient paths, once central to the ceremonies of ancient Egypt and the myths of Greece, are now implemented in hospitals, churches, and prisons as meditative and therapeutic spaces. We’ll delve into scientific studies that highlight the benefits of labyrinth walking, from reducing blood pressure to enhancing emotional regulation, and illustrate how this age-old practice, when combined with innovative therapy, offers a transformative journey of healing. Tune in for a captivating look at how the age-old labyrinth is turning into a modern path to recovery.
    Reference for episode: “The Healing Power of Labyrinths” by Leo F. for The Oxbow School
    Resources:
    ✧ 12 inch bamboo finger labyrinth (Amazon)
    ✧ Finger labyrinth travel cards (Amazon)
    ✧ Walking a Sacred Path: Rediscovering the Labyrinth as a Spiritual Practice by Lauren Artress
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    • 30 min
    drake vs. kendrick: the battle over allegations of grooming and underage girls in the digital age

    drake vs. kendrick: the battle over allegations of grooming and underage girls in the digital age

    Should Drake's denial of Kendrick Lamar's allegations of pursuing underage girls open a wider conversation on grooming, social media, and consent? In this episode, we dissect this pressing issue and much more.
    Unless you've been living under a rock, you've likely heard of the ongoing rap beef between Drake and Kendrick Lamar that kicked off in April 2024.
    During the first week of May 2024, this months-long spat has hit full throttle. On Saturday (May 4th), Lamar put out yet another diss entitled "Not Like Us," which doubled down on allegations of Drake’s pedophilia (even going as far as to refer to him as a “certified pedophile”).
    The latest development came on the evening of May 5th, with Drake’s release of “The Heart Part 6.” On the track, the Toronto rapper mainly denies Lamar’s allegations that he has a pattern of pursuing underage girls, a claim that has plagued the rapper in the wake of tales from the likes of 'Stranger Tales' actress Millie Bobby Brown, 20, who said Drake regularly texted her when she was only 14.
    As the old saying goes, where there's smoke, there's usually fire. Rumors surrounding Drake's interactions with young women have persisted long before the Kendrick and Drake beef. In this episode, we delve into the longstanding and controversial history of Drake's relationships with girls on the cusp of womanhood. We'll examine the legal framework of consent and the ethical complexities surrounding men who pursue significantly younger partners, regardless of legal culpability.
    We'll conclude this discussion with a reading of a personal essay, recounting my experiences as a young girl navigating the digital landscape of the early 2000s, where I was groomed and pursued by much older men during the 'wild west days' of the internet and social media. Through this piece, I aim to shed light on the pervasive nature of this issue, transcending the confines of Drake's rap beef. It's imperative to recognize that these occurrences are symptomatic of a broader systemic problem—a culture that has long permitted the sexualization and exploitation of young girls online. Join me as we confront these uncomfortable truths and advocate for meaningful change.
    TIMESTAMPS:
    ✧ 00:00 – 03:23: Intro
    ✧ 03:23 – 10:27: quick timeline of the Kendrick Lamar and Drake feud
    ✧ 10:27 – 41:17: an analysis of the Kendrick lyrics that level accusations against Drake
    ✧ 41:17 – 01:07:16: six times Drake allegedly groomed young girls
    ✧ 01:08:17 – 01:26:24: The fine line between grooming, pedophilia, and the “age of consent” (+ an exploration of Angel Reese’s appearance on The Breakfast Club)
    ✧ 01:26:24 – 02:00:02: the circle jerk of sadness to grooming pipeline: how growing up during internet's wild west era arrested the sexual development of a generation (personal essay)
    CHECK OUT MORE OF MY WORK + UNLOCK PREMIUM: To join the Premium Submarines on Patreon (unlocking full + ad-free episodes), check out my sponsors, subscribe to my Substack, or contact me, 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.
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    • 2 hrs 2 min
    “why did you even have kids?” (how different generations have transmitted emotional neglect) [preview]

    “why did you even have kids?” (how different generations have transmitted emotional neglect) [preview]

    In this exclusive preview of a premium episode, join me as we delve into the intricate web of generational emotional neglect, exploring how historical, cultural, and social factors shaped parenting styles across the The WWI Generation, Silent Generation, Baby Boomers, Gen X, and Millennials. This journey through time reveals a pattern akin to a bizarre Russian doll, where dysfunctional parenting practices are passed down, layer by layer, impacting each subsequent generation.
    Together, we'll unpack the profound effects these inherited behaviors have on our current struggles, offering insights that might just change how you view yourself and your lineage. By tracing the socioeconomic backgrounds, upbringing, and the worldviews of our ancestors, we connect dots that illuminate the roots of our own emotional landscapes. This episode not only deepens understanding but fosters a compassion for those who came before us, revealing the deep-seated origins of many modern psychological challenges.
    For an even deeper exploration, don't miss my companion series on childhood emotional neglect, linked below. All episodes are free to listen.
    PARENTAL GENERATIONS EXPLORED IN THIS EPISODE:
    ✧ “The Greatest Generation” (G.I. / WWII Generation): parents born between 1901-1927
    ✧ The Silent Generation: parents born between 1928 - 1945
    ✧ Baby Boomers: parents born between 1946 – 1964
    ✧ Generation X: parents born between 1965 - 1980
    ✧ Millennials (Generation Y): parents born between 1981 – 1996
    Click here to listen to episode 1 of my childhood emotional neglect series on Apple Podcasts or here to listen on Spotify.
    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.
    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.
    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.
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    • 41 min
    childhood emotional neglect part 8: signs and symptoms – skewed self-perception, lack of self-compassion, and toxic shame

    childhood emotional neglect part 8: signs and symptoms – skewed self-perception, lack of self-compassion, and toxic shame

    In Episode 8 of our ongoing series on Childhood Emotional Neglect (CEN), we continue our exploration of the symptoms that shape the lives of adults affected by early emotional neglect. In this portion of our discussion, we’ll be covering skewed perception of self, lack of self-compassion, and toxic guilt and shame. Each of these symptoms reflects deep-seated distortions in self-perception and interpersonal relations, forged in the fires of childhood emotional neglect.
    First, we explore the concept of unrealistic self-appraisal, where individuals either overestimate or underestimate their worth, abilities, and attributes. This skewed self-perception often originates from inconsistent or absent feedback during formative years, leading to significant life implications, from career choices to personal relationships. We examine how this distortion in self-view can be corrected through a deeper understanding of its roots and a reassessment of one’s true capabilities and worth.
    Next, we address the profound lack of self-compassion that many neglect survivors experience. Despite their often boundless compassion for others, they struggle to extend the same kindness to themselves. This segment discusses the critical need to balance empathy, how to cultivate internal compassion, and the transformative impact this can have on one's sense of self and overall mental health.
    Lastly, we tackle toxic guilt and shame, a debilitating byproduct of CEN that compels individuals to internalize excessive blame and unworthiness. This discussion highlights the importance of differentiating between constructive guilt and destructive shame and provides strategies for overcoming the deeply ingrained belief systems that fuel these feelings.
    By exploring these symptoms, this episode aims to offer insights and practical guidance for listeners to begin reevaluating their self-perceptions, fostering self-compassion, and challenging the guilt and shame that have held sway over their lives. Join me as we continue to uncover the hidden impacts of childhood emotional neglect and move towards healing, self-acceptance, and a more authentic life.
    Recommended Resources:
    ✧ Running on Empty: Overcome Your Childhood Emotional Neglect by Jonice Webb, PhD
    ✧ Start part 1 of my multi-episode series on toxic shame (“shame series part 1: healthy shame makes you human”) click here to listen on Apple Podcasts or here to listen on Spotify.
    ✧ Radical Acceptance by Tara Brach
    ✧ Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself by Kristin Neff
    CONTACT ME + UNLOCK PREMIUM: To join the Premium Submarines on Patreon (unlocking full + ad-free episodes), check out my sponsors, or contact me, 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.

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    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    • 1 hr 9 min
    how a dysfunctional family system functions like a cult [preview]

    how a dysfunctional family system functions like a cult [preview]

    In this exclusive preview of a premium BFTB episode, we explore the disturbing parallels between dysfunctional family structures and cult organizations. Drawing insights from psychologist Jose Fernández Aguado's article, "How a Dysfunctional Family Functions Like a Cult," I delve into the mechanics of control, trust, and dependency that define both these environments. Dysfunctional families, much like cults, can manipulate and erode the individual identities of their members, leading to a cycle of psychological abuse that mirrors the coercive tactics employed by cult leaders.
    The discussion will unpack how such families fail to foster healthy relational skills among their members, specifically focusing on the inability to establish boundaries and the resulting lack of autonomy. Using critical concepts from family systems theory, we'll examine the roles, rules, and boundaries within these families, highlighting how they create an atmosphere of distrust and dependence that stifles personal growth and mimics cult-like compliance and isolation.
    As I analyze the article's key points, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of why some families may feel eerily similar to a cult, with rigid roles and an overarching control diminishing the individual's sense of self and autonomy. The episode will not only shed light on the subtle dynamics of control and manipulation inherent in such families but also offer insights into recognizing and overcoming these toxic patterns.
    Tune in to learn about the transformative journey from recognizing to healing from the hidden manipulations within dysfunctional family structures, and discover how breaking free from these patterns can lead to personal liberation and growth.
    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.
     
    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.
    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.
    acast+ https://plus.acast.com/s/back-from-the-borderline.



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    • 36 min
    childhood emotional neglect part 7: signs and symptoms – chronic feelings of emptiness and counter-dependence

    childhood emotional neglect part 7: signs and symptoms – chronic feelings of emptiness and counter-dependence

    As we transition into a new phase of our mega-series exploring the impact of childhood emotional neglect (CEN), we’ll begin examining the lasting effects of CEN as they manifest in late adolescence and early adulthood. This installment exposes the first two critical, often covert impacts: chronic feelings of emptiness and counter-dependence.
    First, we address the pervasive sense of emptiness that haunts individuals long after their childhood has ended. This condition is more than fleeting sadness; it's a persistent, profound lack of fulfillment that manifests physically as a void and emotionally as disconnection. This episode explores the depths of this emptiness, elucidating its subtle yet powerful influence on personal identity and engagement with the world.
    Next, the discussion shifts to counter-dependence, a symptom frequently misunderstood and overlooked. Far from a healthy preference for independence, counter-dependence is a severe aversion to vulnerability, born from the protective instincts developed in response to childhood neglect. This segment examines how such an extreme self-reliance can alienate individuals from meaningful support and intimacy, often to their detriment.
    Accompanied by targeted reflection questions, this episode not only helps listeners identify these experiences in their own lives but also offers an understanding of their origins. By recognizing these patterns, listeners can begin to address the profound impact of early emotional neglect on their adult lives.
    Tune in as we delve into these intricate psychological phenomena, aiming to empower listeners with knowledge and strategies to overcome the enduring effects of childhood neglect. This exploration is not merely about identifying pain—it's about moving towards recovery and reclaiming a fuller, more connected life.
    Recommended Resources:
    ✧ Running on Empty: Overcome Your Childhood Emotional Neglect by Jonice Webb, PhD
    CONTACT ME + UNLOCK PREMIUM: To join the Premium Submarines on Patreon (unlocking full + ad-free episodes), check out my sponsors, or contact me, 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.
    acast+ https://plus.acast.com/s/back-from-the-borderline.



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    • 1 hr 8 min

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