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→ The Family Waiting Room - Do your partner, spouse, friends, parents try to support you but they just don’t know how? Send them their own version of support here!

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Episode summary:

In this episode, I sit down with Shana Evans Basset, a Licensed Professional Counselor from Atlanta, to explore the complex intersection of chronic illness, emotional regulation, and healing. We get into why living with chronic pain is like being trapped in an abusive relationship you can't leave, the profound grief that comes with losing the life you thought you'd have, and how our "snap out of it" culture makes everything harder. Shana explains why emotional regulation isn't about fixing yourself or positive thinking your way out of symptoms - it's about learning to be with uncertainty, accepting what you can't control, and recognizing when trying harder actually makes things worse. We also discuss the crucial role of community support, the isolation that comes with chronic illness, and how real healing often happens when we allow ourselves to fully grieve our losses rather than pushing through them.

MEET DESTINY: Website / Instagram / BlueSky / YouTube / TikTok

MEET GUEST: Website / Instagram

SIGN UP FOR DESTINY'S NEXT LIVE WORKSHOP

→ Creating A Restorative Home: Environmental & Sensory Support for Chronic Illness Recovery

https://www.thechronicillnesstherapist.com/workshops

→ There are two blogs to accompany this podcast episode

• When Trying Harder Makes It Worse: A Different Approach to Chronic Illness Recovery
• The Relationship You Didn't Ask For: Navigating Chronic Pain and Emotional Regulation

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→ Submit your questions here

FOR YOU, OUR PODCAST LISTENERS

JOIN DESTINY’S MEMBERSHIP - for folks with chronic pain & illness

→ ⁠Join Welcome To The Waiting Room⁠ (ongoing support for staying regulated while living with chronic illness - This does not replace therapy, but it’s a great addition to your regular therapy appointments)

FOR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS

🏢 WE’RE HOSTING A CONFERENCE! WOOO! It’ll be an IN-PERSON event in Atlanta, GA, in the Spring or Fall of 2026! Sign up for the waitlist here!

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Disclaimer: Everything we talk about here is just meant to be general education and information. It's not intended as personal mental health or medical advice. If you have any questions related to your unique circumstances, please contact a licensed therapist or medical professional in your state of residence.