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What happens when you have sex with someone you like, get along with, and trust, but don't want to call it a "serious relationship"? In this episode, we explore the types of casual relationships such as friends with benefits and situationships, where the lines between friendship, passion, and intimacy blur. We unravel personal journeys from casual friendships to full-blown romances, tackling controversial ideas like the "Ladder Theory" and how they stack up against real-life experiences. Different perspectives from relationship experts such as Esther Perel and John Gottman offer diverse insights into passion and intimacy within relationships. Whether it's the allure of seduction, the role of alcohol, or the evolutionary aspects of these connections, we dive into all the nuances that make these relationships both appealing and challenging.

We also give evidence-based strategies and practical tools to navigate these complex emotional terrains. With the help of KulaMind, our platform offering step-by-step guidance through relationship skills, we emphasize the importance of communication, self-awareness, and clear definitions in fostering healthier relationships. Reflect on your motivations and needs, and learn how to support those around you in their relational journeys. 

Resources:

Support the show

• If you have a loved one with mental or emotional problems, join KulaMind, our community and support platform. KulaMind teaches you how to cope with difficult relationships through one-on-one expert coaching, exclusive group support, and personalized digital resources. *We only take a select few clients at a time, so apply here if you're interested. Listeners of the podcast get a special discount!

• Follow @kulamind on Instagram for science-backed tips and resources for mental health and relationships.

• For more info about this podcast, check out: www.alittlehelpforourfriends.com

• Follow us on Instagram: @ALittleHelpForOurFriends

Send us a text! (include your email addy if you want us to respond)

When faced with the heart-wrenching decision to set boundaries with a loved one battling mental health issues, the choice is never easy. Many of us choose to estrange ourselves and cut off contact with difficult parents for our own wellbeing, but we also risk losing them forever. In this special episode, psychotherapist Dr. Caitlin Fang returns to share her deeply personal experiences with her mother, who struggled with depression, substance abuse, and schizoaffective disorder. She takes us through the emotional labyrinth of setting boundaries to protect herself and her child, while navigating the turbulent waters of unresolved grief after her mother's passing.

Dr. Fang's story sheds light on the complex dynamics of mental health within families. As she reflects on her upbringing, Caitlin shares insights into how her mother's mental health challenges shaped her resilience and empathy as a therapist. We explore the difficult balance between anger and forgiveness, the emotional tug-of-war of supporting a parent in crisis, and the profound realization of not being able to save a loved one from their struggles.

***Thinking of setting boundaries with a difficult family member or a loved one with mental illness? Book a free call with Dr. Kibby to get the support you need

Support the show

• If you have a loved one with mental or emotional problems, join KulaMind, our community and support platform. KulaMind teaches you how to cope with difficult relationships through one-on-one expert coaching, exclusive group support, and personalized digital resources. *We only take a select few clients at a time, so apply here if you're interested. Listeners of the podcast get a special discount!

• Follow @kulamind on Instagram for science-backed tips and resources for mental health and relationships.

• For more info about this podcast, check out: www.alittlehelpforourfriends.com

• Follow us on Instagram: @ALittleHelpForOurFriends

Send us a text! (include your email addy if you want us to respond)

When you grow up in a household where love feels conditional, and your sense of self-worth hinges on meeting impossibly high standards. In this episode, we discuss the challenges faced by those who have navigated life with narcissistic parents. We explore the emotional scars left by such upbringing, including struggles with low self-esteem and attachment issues. We also discuss how our personal and clinical experiences fueled our inspiration to build KulaMind, a community platform dedicated to helping people foster healthier relationships and developing a sense of self-worth coming from a family affected by mental illness.

We discuss what narcissistic tendencies can look like in our parents, where societal pressures and a parent's unmet emotional needs often overshadow genuine concern.  highlight the universal healing fantasy—a deep-seated longing for unconditional love and understanding from emotionally unavailable parents. This narrative is interwoven with stories of past traumas passed down through generations, emphasizing the need to address these patterns to heal and move forward. With insights drawn from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) principles, we offer practical advice for balancing power and connection in relationships, stressing the importance of vulnerability and empathy.

Tune in to discover tools for healing from narcissistic abuse and reclaiming your self-worth. If you are struggling with this yourself, join KulaMind, a supportive community dedicated to guiding you on this transformative journey.

*Book a free call with Dr. Kibby to learn more. 

Resources:

• Take this quiz to learn more about how narcissistic your parents were to you: Parent Narcissism Quiz

 

• Faraji, H., Bilğiş, C., & Darçın, Z. (2024). The Mediator Role of Rejection Sensitivity Between Perceived Maternal Narcissism and Self-disclosure in Romantic Relationship. Turkish Psychological Counseling and Guidance Journal, 14(72), 37-47.

Support the show

• If you have a loved one with mental or emotional problems, join KulaMind, our community and support platform. KulaMind teaches you how to cope with difficult relationships through one-on-one expert coaching, exclusive group support, and personalized digital resources. *We only take a select few clients at a time, so apply here if you're interested. Listeners of the podcast get a special discount!

• Follow @kulamind on Instagram for science-backed tips and resources for mental health and relationships.

• For more info about this podcast, check out: www.alittlehelpforourfriends.com

• Follow us on Instagram: @ALittleHelpForOurFriends

Send us a text! (include your email addy if you want us to respond)

Tis the season to be overwhelmed by family dysfunction! The holidays often unravel unresolved family dynamics and we often have to balance time with loved ones and our own sanity. In this episode, we delve into the emotional triggers that resurface during festive gatherings, like feeling like a child again around older relatives. We highlight the contrast between the idealized holiday narrative and the complex reality, especially when trying to set boundaries or deal with family conflicts.  We share practical strategies for handling the post-New Year's blues and creating new traditions that embrace diversity and change. 

Resources:

• If you need support dealing with family dysfunction, book a free consultation call with cohost Dr. Kibby: https://kulamind.com/onboarding

• Schneider, E., Liwinski, T., Imfeld, L., Lang, U. E., & Brühl, A. B. (2023). Who is afraid of Christmas? The effect of Christmas and Easter holidays on psychiatric hospitalizations and emergencies—Systematic review and single center experience from 2012 to 2021. Frontiers in psychiatry, 13, 1049935.

Support the show

• If you have a loved one with mental or emotional problems, join KulaMind, our community and support platform. KulaMind teaches you how to cope with difficult relationships through one-on-one expert coaching, exclusive group support, and personalized digital resources. *We only take a select few clients at a time, so apply here if you're interested. Listeners of the podcast get a special discount!

• Follow @kulamind on Instagram for science-backed tips and resources for mental health and relationships.

• For more info about this podcast, check out: www.alittlehelpforourfriends.com

• Follow us on Instagram: @ALittleHelpForOurFriends

Send us a text! (include your email addy if you want us to respond)

Well, the results are in: Donald Trump is the president of the United States. Again. This election came with a ton of emotions on either side of the political divide. In a world where differing political views often lead to divisive conflicts, how can we bridge the gap and maintain our relationships? In this episode, we take a deep dive into the complex dynamics surrounding support for controversial figures, with a focus on Trump. We tackle the normalization of toxic masculinity and the cognitive dissonance present among his supporters, while also confronting uncomfortable truths about voting patterns among women. Through our discussion, we aim to unravel how cultural and social tensions shape political affiliations. Ultimately, we argue for using our perspective taking and compassion skills to arrive at mutual understanding between parties.

To get support in loving someone with mental illness (like voting for the opposite party as you, haha), join us at KulaMind.

Resources: 

• https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/the-social-emotional-brain/202410/why-voters-support-trump-despite-his-alleged-misdeeds?amp​

Support the show

• If you have a loved one with mental or emotional problems, join KulaMind, our community and support platform. KulaMind teaches you how to cope with difficult relationships through one-on-one expert coaching, exclusive group support, and personalized digital resources. *We only take a select few clients at a time, so apply here if you're interested. Listeners of the podcast get a special discount!

• Follow @kulamind on Instagram for science-backed tips and resources for mental health and relationships.

• For more info about this podcast, check out: www.alittlehelpforourfriends.com

• Follow us on Instagram: @ALittleHelpForOurFriends

Send us a text! (include your email addy if you want us to respond)

Every couple fights sometimes, but what if conflict is the norm in your relationship? High conflict couples tend to fight, shut down, yell, and sometimes even get violent too often. In this episode, we talk to couples therapist and relationship mindset expert Dr. Marina Rosenthal about how high conflict couples can change the way they fight. We talk about the different types of high conflict couples and how to tell if you can save your troubled relationship or need to plan your exit strategy. Dr. Rosenthal also gives us a picture of what hope and healing can look like for a high conflict couple.

***If you are in a relationship with someone struggling with mental or emotional problems, we are building something new to support you at KulaMind. Click here to get early access.

Resources:

• Dr. Marina Rosenthal's website and Instagram
• What The F**k Did You Just Say To Me?!
• Take A Break Guide
• Free Calm Conflict Starter Kit

Support the show

• If you have a loved one with mental or emotional problems, join KulaMind, our community and support platform. KulaMind teaches you how to cope with difficult relationships through one-on-one expert coaching, exclusive group support, and personalized digital resources. *We only take a select few clients at a time, so apply here if you're interested. Listeners of the podcast get a special discount!

• Follow @kulamind on Instagram for science-backed tips and resources for mental health and relationships.

• For more info about this podcast, check out: www.alittlehelpforourfriends.com

• Follow us on Instagram: @ALittleHelpForOurFriends

Send us a text! (include your email addy if you want us to respond)

How well do you really understand the grim reality of sex trafficking? We challenge some of the most deeply-held misconceptions, revealing its unsettling proximity to our everyday lives. We confront the recent allegations against music mogul Diddy, exploring how power and abuse intertwine in complex ways, reshaping our understanding of consent and control. We further illuminate the hidden signs of human trafficking and abusive relationships, drawing parallels to the pressures faced by young celebrities. Finally, we shine a light on reality TV's manipulative tactics, illustrating how these mirror broader societal issues of control and objectification. Empowering listeners with awareness, our discussion offers tools to recognize and confront these pervasive issues effectively.

***We are creating something special to support you in loving someone with mental illness. Click here to join the KulaMind waitlist and stay tuned!!

Resources:

• https://humantraffickinghotline.org/en/report-trafficking

• https://variety.com/2024/music/news/diddy-lawsuits-timeline-sex-trafficking-charges-sean-combs-1236177399/

• Casassa, K., Knight, L., & Mengo, C. (2022). Trauma bonding perspectives from service providers and survivors of sex trafficking: A scoping review. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, 23(3), 969-984.

Support the show

• If you have a loved one with mental or emotional problems, join KulaMind, our community and support platform. KulaMind teaches you how to cope with difficult relationships through one-on-one expert coaching, exclusive group support, and personalized digital resources. *We only take a select few clients at a time, so apply here if you're interested. Listeners of the podcast get a special discount!

• Follow @kulamind on Instagram for science-backed tips and resources for mental health and relationships.

• For more info about this podcast, check out: www.alittlehelpforourfriends.com

• Follow us on Instagram: @ALittleHelpForOurFriends

Send us a text! (include your email addy if you want us to respond)

Welcome back to the first episode of our fifth season! Whether it's a temporary break or a permanent distance, many of us have cut off contact with a family member when the relationship has gotten too difficult. Estrangement is on the rise as more people are deciding to cut off contact with their parents to protect their mental health. In this episode, we discuss the different ways adult children become estranged from their parents and what strategies can support reconciliation. We draw from the teachings of Dr. Joshua Coleman, an expert in families dealing with estrangement.

***Listening to so many audience requests, Kibby and Jacqueline are coming out with something special to support you in loving someone with mental illness. Tap to join the waitlist and stay tuned!!

Resources:

• Coleman, J. (2024). Rules of Estrangement: Why Adult Children Cut Ties & How to Heal the Conflict. Random House.

Support the show

• If you have a loved one with mental or emotional problems, join KulaMind, our community and support platform. KulaMind teaches you how to cope with difficult relationships through one-on-one expert coaching, exclusive group support, and personalized digital resources. *We only take a select few clients at a time, so apply here if you're interested. Listeners of the podcast get a special discount!

• Follow @kulamind on Instagram for science-backed tips and resources for mental health and relationships.

• For more info about this podcast, check out: www.alittlehelpforourfriends.com

• Follow us on Instagram: @ALittleHelpForOurFriends

Send us a text! (include your email addy if you want us to respond)

Well, this year has been trying, to say the least. From losing a beloved pet, coping with cancer, and career transitions, we open up about the challenges we've had to overcome throughout season 4. In this episode, we recap the season and reflect on the strategies we used to rebuild our resilience amidst turbulence. We also dive into how our struggles impacted our friendship, forcing us to face deeper questions about unconditional love. We also remember how much family, friends, and other loved ones play such a huge role in our wellbeing, the inspiration for Kibby's new venture KulaMind. We'll return for Season 5 in a few weeks after Jacqueline gets settled in her New York life!

Resources:

• Dr. Kibby McMahon is opening a few spots for supporting loved ones of people with mental illness. Little Helper fans of this podcast will get a 20% discount. Apply here

Support the show

• If you have a loved one with mental or emotional problems, join KulaMind, our community and support platform. KulaMind teaches you how to cope with difficult relationships through one-on-one expert coaching, exclusive group support, and personalized digital resources. *We only take a select few clients at a time, so apply here if you're interested. Listeners of the podcast get a special discount!

• Follow @kulamind on Instagram for science-backed tips and resources for mental health and relationships.

• For more info about this podcast, check out: www.alittlehelpforourfriends.com

• Follow us on Instagram: @ALittleHelpForOurFriends

Send us a text! (include your email addy if you want us to respond)

The #MeToo movement raised awareness of just how common sexual assault really is. Unwanted sexual contact can have devastating consequences on the victim's life through trauma symptoms that show up at work, at home, and in love. In this episode, Dr. Erin Berenz (associate professor at University of Illinois Chicago and co-founder of Rebound Health) unpacks the intricate and often misunderstood aspects of sexual trauma. Dr. Berenz sheds light on the challenges many face in practicing consent, especially when grappling with societal pressures and internal conflicts. We delve into the psychological impact of these dynamics and the struggle for survivors to reconcile their experiences with their personal narratives and trauma. We also explore the theme of control in the context of trauma, particularly sexual assault, and the physiological responses that occur during these harrowing experiences. Learn about the long-term effects of trauma, including the heightened risk of PTSD, and various treatment options available.

Resources:

• ​The Rebound app for Apple devices for self-help for sexual trauma

• If you struggle with supporting a loved one with sexual trauma, check out KulaMind or fill out this interest form to learn how we can help.

• Shekhtman, K. (2024). Getting Unstuck from PTSD: Using Cognitive Processing Therapy to Guide Your Recovery by Patricia A. Resick, Shannon Wiltsey Stirman, and Stefanie T. LoSavio: The Guilford Press, 2023. 305 pp. with Worksheets and Additional Resources (Paperback)

Support the show

• If you have a loved one with mental or emotional problems, join KulaMind, our community and support platform. KulaMind teaches you how to cope with difficult relationships through one-on-one expert coaching, exclusive group support, and personalized digital resources. *We only take a select few clients at a time, so apply here if you're interested. Listeners of the podcast get a special discount!

• Follow @kulamind on Instagram for science-backed tips and resources for mental health and relationships.

• For more info about this podcast, check out: www.alittlehelpforourfriends.com

• Follow us on Instagram: @ALittleHelpForOurFriends