Braving the Way with Dr. Fletch

Trigger and Content Warning: Please listen with care as there is mention of alcohol abuse, sexual assault, suicidal ideation, and trafficking. 

This podcast was inspired by Maggie Jones, contributing writer for New York Times Magazine and her article “How Talking to the Dead Dislodged Some of My Sorrow.” 

Today's episode, the final one for Season 3,  is a little different - this episode is an open love letter to my mother who passed in 2018. I'm here to share my story and experiences in the last 5 years, and my upcoming changes and life plans. From my confirmation of lived DID and coming out publicly, massive career shifts, becoming an author, podcast host, and entrepreneur, being tireless in my fight against the stigma surrounding DID, and new love, I'm here to tell it all to my mother.

Join me in listening to a very intimate conversation with my mother where I also tell her how I've grown, the self-work I've done, the affirmation of my self worth, my upcoming divorce, closing my private practice, and moving away from braving the way, to leading with love. I am worthy simply because I was born, so this is also a love letter to myself.

Thank you all for being here and tuning into Season 3. Season 4 is coming in early 2024, from the road and from different locations around the world. I'm so grateful and appreciative of all your support. Love and light to you, always.

Resources: 

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/06/magazine/talking-to-the-dead.html

https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Moms-Club-Memoir-Surviving/dp/1580056873

Podcast Sponsor: This podcast is sponsored by Barb Wesson who has been working in the mental health field for over 40 years in various capacities with adolescents, including incarcerated youth, adults with traumatic brain injuries, immigrants, people with cancer, adults with developmental disabilities, adults with mental health diagnoses, and the general population. Currently Barb works with low-income people with mental health diagnoses via movement education and spiritual mentoring. In 2017 she earned her PhD in the study of natural health. She feels it is imperative that more therapists not only understand DID but feel comfortable helping those with DID navigate their worlds. Barb is also known as the Dancing Data Doctor and she invites you to dance with her on Zoom. There is no charge. There is joy and community.

[email protected] 

www.dancingdatadoctor.com.

Alterchology®️; @drafletcher; https://www.drfletch.com/

Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is not a substitute for therapy or any other form of professional mental health/medical care. Listening does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship with Dr. Fletcher. The information provided is for inspirational and educational purposes only. If you are looking to obtain mental health resources in your area, please call 1-800-950-NAMI. If you are experiencing a crisis or need help, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

Disclaimer & TW: There is mention of abuse and suicide. Any healing modalities mentioned do not represent psychological feedback or advice. Please consult yourself, parts, and healing team before choosing to engage in any of the modalities mentioned. 

It's a poignant episode between friends today - a candid discussion with Larry Ruhl and Annie Dietzway, two beautiful souls who mean so much to me. We speak to the difficulties of the holidays, navigating anger and rage, setting boundaries for yourself, looking for the glimmers of love and light, and the incredibly sacred process of healing.

We all agree on the value of utilizing multiple, holistic healing modalities and we talk about how we often as a society we are taught to fear anger and grief. The truth being, there are so many ways to safely process these emotions.

There is no one answer, no one thing that is the silver bullet. It's a compilation of so many things when you are on a healing journey and looking to live a life that is rich, creative, authentic, and true. 

Please listen to the 2nd season, EP dated 11/23/23, for a previous conversation around grief and holidays with Larry Ruhl. 

Larry Ruhl is a queer artist and writer living in the Hudson Valley. His visual work centers on trauma, reflected in mixed media, collage, and encaustics. His writing explores the effects of childhood sexual abuse and ways in which we recover and heal. His first book, Breaking the Ruhls, was released in 2018.

Annie Dietzway is a compassionate heartfelt human who lost the love of her life, Lisa to suicide in March of 2022. Lisa was a human living with DID. Annie is on a mission to bring light and love to others as a forever DID ally in loving memory of Lisa. She wants others to know that she felt deeply loved by Lisa and her people, as Lisa referred to them and that she loved and continues to love them all very much. She is passionate about helping others understand the complexities of DID and shares her journey as a way to serve the community at large. Annie is divine gift and light to both Larry and Adrian and the three are compassionate allys healing together. 

Connect with Larry.  @larryruhl | https://www.larryruhl.com/

Connect with Annie. @anniedietzway

Podcast Sponsor: This podcast is sponsored by Barb Wesson who has been working in the mental health field for over 40 years in various capacities with adolescents, including incarcerated youth, adults with traumatic brain injuries, immigrants, people with cancer, adults with developmental disabilities, adults with mental health diagnoses, and the general population. Currently Barb works with low-income people with mental health diagnoses via movement education and spiritual mentoring. In 2017 she earned her PhD in the study of natural health. She feels it is imperative that more therapists not only understand DID but feel comfortable helping those with DID navigate their worlds. Barb is also known as the Dancing Data Doctor and she invites you to dance with her on Zoom. There is no charge. There is joy and community. [email protected] | www.dancingdatadoctor.com.

Alterchology®️; @drafletcher; https://www.drfletch.com/

Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is not a substitute for therapy or any other form of professional mental health/medical care. Listening does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship with Dr. Fletcher. The information provided is for inspirational and educational purposes only. If you are looking to obtain mental health resources in your area, please call 1-800-950-NAMI. If you are experiencing a crisis or need help, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

It's an incredible episode today as I'm speaking with a dear, dear friend of mine, Seak Smith. Seak is a wife, Mom, connector, free thinker, truth seeker, freedom fighter, and warrior for children. A loving wife to her high school sweetheart and mom of three incredible humans, Seak is the Founder and CVO of Badass DoGooders, the Founder of Mom and Dad Army, the Founder of Unleashed, and the Co-creator of The Love Storm.

Seak is often referred to as the "Great Connector" as she loves to bring people together. Today we talk about her personal journey of self-discovery and the lessons that have guided her path. Her passion for working with women and children is evident in the various organizations she is spearheading. She works tirelessly to bring love, light, and hope to so many, while also working with others to reclaim themselves, all while anchored in the divine feminine. 

Listen in to learn about all the ways in which we can live a heart and soul-led life. A life honoring both the darkness and the light, supporting and nourishing relationships and friendships with people vastly unique from yourself, and the importance of love and legacy. A truly moving episode, ending in making sure that you find your "hell yes" people, the ones who get you and expand you, and where you don't have to explain yourself. 

Learn more about BadAss DoGooders! This is a league of heart-driven entrepreneurs, creators, and change-makers on a mission to impact our communities, the world, and each other. Dr. Adrian Fletcher and AnnaLynne McCord are both proud members of BadAss DoGooders. Seak introduced Adrian and AnnaLynne as they both live with DID and Seak invited Adrian to join BadAss DoGooders in January of 2023. All Adrian's parts respect and love Seak as she has supported all parts behind the scenes on their quest for continued health and wellness. Seak has been active supporter of individuals living with DID and has supported AnnaLynne McCord on her journey. Seak attended the supporter night of the Braving the Way Dissociative Community Mentorship Program to support Adrian and her parts and has sponsored Adrian's events to bring hope, love, and inspiration to the world. 

@unleashe_official
@badassdogooders
@the.momarmy
@the.dadarmy
@annalynnemccord
@thelovestorm

Podcast Sponsor: This podcast is sponsored by Barb Wesson who has been working in the mental health field for over 40 years in various capacities with adolescents, including incarcerated youth, adults with traumatic brain injuries, immigrants, people with cancer, adults with developmental disabilities, adults with mental health diagnoses, and the general population. Currently Barb works with low-income people with mental health diagnoses via movement education and spiritual mentoring. In 2017 she earned her PhD in the study of natural health. She feels it is imperative that more therapists not only understand DID but feel comfortable helping those with DID navigate their worlds. Barb is also known as the Dancing Data Doctor and she invites you to dance with her on Zoom. There is no charge. There is joy and community.

[email protected]; www.dancingdatadoctor.com.

Alterchology®️; @drafletcher; https://www.drfletch.com/

Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is not a substitute for therapy or any other form of professional mental health/medical care. Listening does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship with Dr. Fletcher. The information provided is for inspirational and educational purposes only. If you are looking to obtain mental health resources in your area, please call 1-800-950-NAMI. If you are experiencing a crisis or need help, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

Content and Trigger Warning: There is mention of child trafficking and abuse. Please listen to this episode with care.

It's one of my go-to healing modalities and today I'm delighted to be chatting with Angela Schmitt, Founder of Animal with Hearts, LLC. With a Masters in Transpersonal Counseling Psychology, over 2 decades of experience, and trained in gestalt and gestalt equine-assisted therapy work, Angela is proving that working with animals is a sustainable and alternative therapy to deep healing and transformation. Beginning with dolphin-assisted therapy programs at 19, Angela now works with horses in 1:1 therapy sessions, programs, and with groups.

Today, we are talking about the fact that connecting with animals is equal to connecting deeper within ourselves. Did you know that just 10 minutes with horses can help to regulate your nervous system? Horses are able to read the environment and energy, knowing what is safe, and who needs what, either in the moment you are observing the horses or working with them. 

As I am a huge proponent of different modalities of therapy, this is a fascinating conversation about trusting yourself, trusting the horse you are working with, and getting comfortable with alternative healing styles, which can truly take you into deeper realms of healing and expressing yourself. Talk therapy is not the only way to make change.

Animals with Heart transports horses and therapy/service dogs to mental health hospitals where they co-facilitate with the therapists within that network to provide an animal-assisted therapy experience for their clients and patients. They also provide staff workshops and trainings and are continually designing more programs for children, corporations, and any person, group or staff that wants to move forward in life through transformation. 

For more information please visit:
https://animalswithheart.com/ https://canvasrebel.com/meet-angela-schmitt/

Podcast Sponsor: This podcast is sponsored by Barb Wesson who has been working in the mental health field for over 40 years in various capacities with adolescents, including incarcerated youth, adults with traumatic brain injuries, immigrants, people with cancer, adults with developmental disabilities, adults with mental health diagnoses, and the general population. Currently, Barb works with low-income people with mental health diagnoses via movement education and spiritual mentoring. In 2017 she earned her PhD in the study of natural health. She feels it is imperative that more therapists not only understand DID but feel comfortable helping those with DID navigate their worlds. Barb is also known as the Dancing Data Doctor and she invites you to dance with her on Zoom. There is no charge. There is joy and community.

[email protected] 

www.dancingdatadoctor.com.

Alterchology®️; @drafletcher; https://www.drfletch.com/

Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is not a substitute for therapy or any other form of professional mental health/medical care. Listening does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship with Dr. Fletcher. The information provided is for inspirational and educational purposes only. If you are looking to obtain mental health resources in your area, please call 1-800-950-NAMI. If you are experiencing a crisis or need help, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

TW: Mention of suicide ideation. Listen with care.

Today's conversation is with Heather (H LS) Scarboro+, a licensed clinical mental health counselor & clinical addictions specialist, national certified counselor, and the owner of Healing Selves Therapeutics, PLLC; a private practice specializing in the treatment of dissociative disorders.  Today we talk about honoring the journey of the parts, the individualization of systems, the power of music and playlists, and turning trauma into song. Healing is hard work but worth it. Honor your path.

Heather has worked with special populations and communities such as elder care , mental health, university students, the LGBTQIAP+, plural community, and front line workers. H LS's specialty area is working with dissociative presentations and has been a passionate advocate for persons living with DID since their own diagnosis in 2002. H LS believes in the mind/body/heart connection and incorporates this into their treatment planning. Their approach is based around the team model of collaboration, lived experience, and evidence-based practices that work.

H LS also enjoys philanthropy, music, songwriting, performance, gardening, and cooking. They currently advocate through blogs, interviews, podcasts, and presentations to propagate accurate information, education, and understanding of dissociative identity disorder. When not involved in any of the above, they can be found watching all renditions of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and eating pizza! Cowabunga!

www.healingselvestherapeuticspllc.com; IG: @sum.of.many; @healingselvestherapy

Reminder: Healing Together Conference 2/16-2/18 Virtual and In Person, Orlando FL
 https://www.aninfinitemind.org/healing-together-conference

Extra! Extra! Read all about it in the LA Times!
"Dissociative identity disorder is distressing and stigmatized. It's also a 'brilliant adaptive coping mechanism'" Thank you Laura Newberry!!
https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/newsletter/2023-10-31/dissociative-identity-disorder-is-distressing-and-stigmatized-its-also-a-brilliant-adaptive-coping-mechanism-group-therapy

This episode is proudly sponsored by: Pasadena Trauma Therapy a group practice located in Pasadena, CA that focuses on providing individual and group psychotherapy to trauma survivors. They specialize in working with the whole trauma spectrum, but predominately with CPTSD, sexual abuse, and dissociative disoders. The therapists at Pasadena Trauma Therapy work from a variety of trauma informed modalities, including but not limited to EMDR, Brainspotting, Parts Work/IFS, Somatic therapies, etc. For more information, please visit www.pasadenatraumatherapy.com
http://www.facebook.com/TraumaTherapy; @Pasadena_Trauma_Therapy

Alterchology®️; @drafletcher; https://www.drfletch.com/
Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is not a substitute for therapy or any other form of professional mental health/medical care. Listening does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship with Dr. Fletcher. The information provided is for inspirational and educational purposes only. If you are looking to obtain mental health resources in your area, please call 1-800-950-NAMI. If you are experiencing a crisis or need help, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

Ready for a deep dive into bodywork? On today's episode, I'm chatting with my own personal bodywork healer, Dusti VanTilborg. For 21 years, Dusti has been in the healing space and is the owner of Heartfelt Therapies LLC, which offers massage and various other healing modalities. Additionally, her private studio, Wild Grace Journeys, is where she offers breath work, and hosts women’s circles, retreats, and workshops.

Dusti's passion and devotion to her own personal development and holistic healing journey led her to create a wellness team that she works with regularly, attending workshops, retreats, ceremonies, and rituals all over the world. Through her travels and studies she has experienced profound soul growth and transformation, and has woven many of the practices she has gained into her sessions with clients, as well as into her community through workshops, gatherings, and retreat offerings.

Today we talk about how bodywork = soul work. It's so much more than massage, it's about accessing the soul, trusting your intuition, gaining wisdom through intentional touch, and honoring where you are in the present moment. We are all sacred witnesses to our lives, and we are our ultimate healers. We simply need to pause, sit in stillness, and learn to listen to what our bodies are telling us. Tune into the episode to hear about ways to expand your healing through touch, nature, movement, breath, creativity, music, and soul communication to the mind, through the body.

Instagram @wild_grace_journeys

Website for Workshops: https://soulcenteredworkshops.com/ Resource/Book: The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness, and Healing in a Toxic Culture

by Gabor Maté

Alterchology®️

@drafletcher

https://www.drfletch.com/

Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is not a substitute for therapy or any other form of professional mental health/medical care. Listening does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship with Dr. Fletcher. The information provided is for inspirational and educational purposes only. If you are looking to obtain mental health resources in your area, please call 1-800-950-NAMI. If you are experiencing a crisis or need help, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

I am beyond honored and delighted as today I'm chatting with Sylvester McNutt III, a best-selling author, podcaster, public speaker, course creator, and father. Sylvester teaches people how to transform their mindsets through self-awareness and healing practices. As a retired arena football player and survivor of traumatic experiences, Sylvester has used storytelling to teach people how to introspect, gain confidence, and sustain self-love. Sylvester's core belief is that healing is the key to success and self-awareness unlocks freedom.

This episode is filled with incredible wisdom, insights, truths, and motivation. Sylvester speaks to the awesome ways that we can shift and heal our energy to change our lives, how we can see growth as abundance, not as scarcity, how sometimes we fail if there isn't flexibility in the process, and how to speak up about our shame. 

Additionally, we talk about how we can all be trapped by how we were raised, the innate programming from family and friends -- but how we can also break free from the stories we tell ourselves by speaking truth about the whole story, unlearning what no longer serves us, sifting through the prime material "raw data" of our lives, and asking ourselves "what do we want to create?" 

Capping off with some thoughts on intentional healing, this was such an amazing episode and we can't wait for you to listen - enjoy and tell us what you think!

**This episode was recorded in May of 2023

Care Package and Free Your Energy are two of Dr. Fletcher's favorite books by Sylvester!

Connect with Sylvester:
https://www.sylvestermcnutt.net/
@sylvestermcnutt 

The Free Your Energy Podcast:
Listen to our previous podcast conversation:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/healing-your-trauma-owning-your-story-and-steps-to/id1418852169?i=1000579906900

Alterchology®️
@drafletcher
https://www.drfletch.com/

Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is not a substitute for therapy or any other form of professional mental health/medical care. Listening does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship with Dr. Fletcher. The information provided is for inspirational and educational purposes only. If you are looking to obtain mental health resources in your area, please call 1-800-950-NAMI. If you are experiencing a crisis or need help, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

We are back with Episode 8! Today is a truly amazing conversation with Katherine "Katie" Keech, LMFT. Katie is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist living with DID and Autism, who works with adults, couples, young adults /TAY, and adolescents. Using a neurodiversity affirming style, Katie is helping people heal from the range of impacts long term trauma can have on an individual's day to day quality of life. Their work is always based on a foundation of collaboration with the person and what goals they are trying to work towards. 

In our conversation, we speak candidly about those living with DID, and who are also on the Autism spectrum, a diagnosis that is frequently missed by clinicians. Katie walks us through their own diagnosis and personal journey, as well as their professional journey of working with others who have experienced complex trauma and dissociation.  If you have wanted to learn more about sensory profiles, neurodivergence, masking, and stimming, this episode provides an incredible wealth of information for those living with DID, and on the Autism spectrum - and for those living with both. Most importantly, we discuss the continued need to change the stigma around DID, and when we tell our histories, that we are believed, trusted, and space is held for us and all of our PARTs.

Don't miss this episode, it's truly one of a kind. 

More of Katie's bio: Their main goal is to help people develop their own inner skills to regularly obtain more satisfaction from life, and to break patterns that may get between them and where they want to be. They have extensive experience managing programs that focus on working with individuals diagnosed with serious mental illness such as schizophrenia/psychotic disorders, PTSD, dissociative disorders, and bipolar disorders. They have managed adult forensics programs that target working with individuals who have had complications with the legal system specifically due to their mental health. They managed emerging adult clinics for years and at one time was ISSTD'S emerging adult expert. They also created a truly trauma informed program at Stars Behavioral Health as well as created and led the LGBTQ SIG's in ISSTD. They won an award from the City of Berkeley for providing training to county CMH for clinicians to recognize DID. Autism is their most recent deep dive. They recently co-created The Refractory which is a clinical community specifically for folks with lived experience and they hope to create research and CE trainings soon. 

Connect with Katie+ Keech

@neuroqueer_therapist on TikTok

Learn more at

https://www.katiekeech.com/

Alterchology®️

@drafletcher

https://www.drfletch.com/

Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is not a substitute for therapy or any other form of professional mental health/medical care. Listening does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship with Dr. Fletcher. The information provided is for inspirational and educational purposes only. If you are looking to obtain mental health resources in your area, please call 1-800-950-NAMI. If you are experiencing a crisis or need help, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

TRIGGER WARNING: Mention of suicide and abuse, please listen with care.

Today is a mini podcast with no bumper music and no sponsors - just keeping it real to bring you all up to speed. On this episode I briefly discuss some updates regarding me and my PARTs, as well as share an upcoming global community initiative that a friend and I have teamed up to do to bring awareness to DID and suicide prevention/awareness. 

September is suicide prevention month and September 30th is the one-year anniversary of the Braving the Way podcast and Lisa's heavenly birthday - a member of our community that we lost to suicide in March of 2023 and my friend's former partner. If you are feeling called to participate in the global initiative, please listen to this podcast all the way to the end for details, or see my Instagram feed @drafletcher for instructions/details as to how to get involved. Stay tuned for remaining episodes to drop during season 3 and an epic season 4 of the Braving the Way with Dr. Fletch podcast in 2024. 

Resources shared on this podcast:
She Who Wins Book and 52 Card Affirmation Deck by Renee Bauer 
I am Me: A Book of Authenticity by Susan Verde
Safe in Austin Rescue Ranch @safeinaustinrescue
The Human Rights Campaign

Gratitude Shout-outs & their Insta Handles:
@brushstrokes_imagination
@larryruhl
@mabelroselight
@inspiredmo

Much gratitude and respect to any and all humans connected to me within and outside the DID community that have been encouraging, supportive, loving, and kind to ALL Parts of me! 

Brave On
Dr. Fletch & The PARTs
@drafletcher
@alterchology

Breathwork is a healing modality that has been used for generations, a way to tap back into self, bring forth inner guidance, meditate, and rest and nourish. Today, I'm delighted to be speaking with Lindsey Smith Campbell, a Holistic Healing Guide who is integrating the ways of the Divine Feminine, supporting women on their journey of self-discovery, self-love, and creative expression. Offering guidance into the innate wisdom of the body, breath, and heart through experiential practices of therapeutic yoga, somatic breath work, and sacred sound, Lindsey supports women in their journey back into their body.  

In today's episode, we are talking about breathwork as a healing modality, exploring what is somatic breathwork, where to begin, and how we truly are our own healers. Especially powerful for those living with DID, we share how to utilize breathwork with care when working with the PARTs, so all feel safe when going internally. Breathwork truly means working with your emotions, while also realizing that you are the one in control. Between breathing, grounding, community, nature, conscious tremoring, and being aware of your "energetic hygiene", this is an episode filled with so much love, beauty, and intention. 

Through all of her work, Lindsey is able to help cultivate a loving and trusting relationship with self to embody, empower, and express more of the Divine essence and potential to consciously co-create more beauty, love, connection, and freedom within oneself, one's life, and this world.

More about Lindsey: Lindsey’s passion is gathering women in sacred ceremonial containers to heal, expand, and co-create magic together. She offers a Women’s Mentorship Program ~ Creatress, in-studio and virtually. In addition to offering private one-on-one Healing Sessions, Couple’s Sessions, Women’s Circles and Ceremonies, and Co-Ed Group work from her studio ~ Au Naturel Wellness at Cattletrack Ranch, in Scottsdale Arizona. Lindsey will also be expanding with more virtual offerings, programs, and retreats in 2024.

Connect with Lindsey:  http://www.aunaturel-wellness.com/

IG: @aunaturel.lindsey

Alterchology®️

@drafletcher

https://www.drfletch.com/

Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is not a substitute for therapy or any other form of professional mental health/medical care. Listening does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship with Dr. Fletcher. The information provided is for inspirational and educational purposes only. If you are looking to obtain mental health resources in your area, please call 1-800-950-NAMI. If you are experiencing a crisis or need help, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.