Heal Through Humor

In this episode, Talia Bombola interviews Anna Axotis about her experience with divorce and how she turned her personal journey into a career as a therapist. Anna shares how she went viral on social media by sharing her divorce story and how she used TikTok as a platform for healing out loud. They discuss the stigma around divorce and the pressure to stay in unhealthy relationships. They also explore the impact of childhood experiences on adult relationships and the importance of setting boundaries and recognizing deal breakers. In this conversation, Anna and Talia discuss the importance of understanding the impact of our upbringing on our romantic relationships. They emphasize the need for individuation from our family of origin and the importance of doing our own individual work. They also explore the role of trust and reassurance in relationships, especially after experiencing betrayal trauma. The conversation highlights the significance of effective communication, vulnerability, and setting boundaries in building healthy relationships.

In this conversation, Talia Bombola interviews Rhoda Sommer discuss the importance of having hard conversations in relationships. They discuss the need for authenticity, the avoidance of conflict in our culture, and the importance of respect in relationships. They emphasize the need for commitment to repair and the opportunity for growth and honesty in relationships. They provide advice on how to approach these difficult conversations and the importance of understanding each other's perspectives.

Morgan Pommells, a childhood trauma therapist, discusses the impact of growing up with emotionally immature parents. She specializes in helping adult children of emotionally immature parents heal from the trauma and develop healthy relationships. The conversation explores the insidious nature of this type of trauma, the guilt and self-blame that often accompany it, and the challenges of setting boundaries with emotionally immature parents. The importance of self-knowing and self-acceptance is emphasized, as well as the need to question traditional beliefs and expectations. The conversation also touches on the difference between emotionally immature parents and narcissistic parents. The conversation explores the dynamics of emotionally immature parents and the impact on their children. It emphasizes the need for self-awareness and questioning in relationships. The emotionally immature parent offloads their distress onto their child and struggles with boundaries and criticism. The conversation also delves into the overlap between narcissism and emotional immaturity, highlighting the fear of abandonment and control. The goal is for individuals to develop autonomy and authenticity, separate from their parents' expectations.

In this conversation, Talia Bombola and Betsy Chung discuss their experiences with pregnancy and parenthood. Betsy announces that she is five months pregnant, while Talia shares her journey of unexpectedly becoming a mother. They explore the emotional challenges and transformations that come with preparing for parenthood and becoming a parent. They also discuss the impact of their own childhood experiences on their parenting styles and the importance of choosing a supportive and attuned partner. The conversation highlights the complexity and joy of the parenting journey. The conversation explores the concept of generational healing and the importance of modeling healthy conflict in relationships. It emphasizes the significance of understanding one's childhood relationships and how they shape adult relationships. The conversation also highlights the need for self-reflection and self-work in order to have fulfilling relationships. The guest, Betsy Chung, discusses her book, 'The Couple's Skills Workbook,' which focuses on meeting emotional needs in relationships and promoting teamwork.

Rachel Brooks, author of Chasing Perfection, shares her journey of hitting rock bottom and finding healing, fitness, and self-love. She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, gratitude, and forgiveness in the healing process. Rachel discusses the need to ask ourselves profound questions like 'Who am I?' and 'What's holding me back?' in order to redefine our narratives and find purpose and meaning in life. She highlights the significance of emotional healing and the importance of aligning our mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being.
Rachel encourages listeners to embrace discomfort and seek support in their healing journey. The conversation explores the themes of worthiness, external validation, chasing perfection, and redefining success. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing and valuing one's inherent worth, rather than constantly striving for external validation. The discussion also touches on the dangers of people-pleasing and the need to set boundaries. The conversation concludes with the idea of giving from a place of overflow, where one's cup is already full, rather than trying to fill a leaky cup.

In this episode, Talia Bombola interviews Dr. Lina Haji, a forensic and clinical psychologist. They bond over their shared interest in debunking myths and misinformation. Dr. Haji shares her background and career in forensic psychology, including her experience working in prisons. She explains her inspiration for pursuing forensic psychology and her personal passion for the field.

Talia and Lina highlight the dangers of misinformation and misdiagnosis in the field of psychology. She emphasizes the need for qualified professionals to address and correct this misinformation. Additionally, she discusses the impact of technology and social media on vulnerable populations, as well as the need for laws and regulations to catch up with these advancements.

In this conversation, Talia interviews Thais Sky, a fellow psychoanalytic therapist. They discuss the healing power of psychoanalytic therapy and the role of the therapist in providing a secure attachment and a safe space for clients.

The two have a dynamic discussion about The Worthiness wound. They explore the impact of the subconscious mind and beliefs on behavior and the importance of self-discovery and insight; delve into the unconscious mind and the role of defenses in protecting against pain and differentiates between insight-oriented psychotherapy and skills-based coaching; highlight the significance of listening and investigating assumptions in therapy and the value of exploring the here and now. They emphasize the journey of self-understanding and the profound impact of talking. They also address the issue of limited access to psychoanalytic therapy and advocate for expanding access to all individuals.

Connect with Thais at https://www.instagram.com/iamthaissky/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

00:52 Journey into Psychoanalytic Work

09:13 The Limitations of Insurance in Long-Term Therapy

10:03 Differentiating Coaching and Psychotherapy

11:22 The Need for Awareness of Different Modalities

14:37 Insight-Oriented Psychotherapy vs. Skills-Based Coaching

22:53 The Healing Power of Therapy

23:22 The Role of the Therapist

24:20 The Subconscious Mind and Beliefs

25:18 The Journey of Self-Discovery

26:22The Unconscious Mind and Defenses

32:06 The Journey to Self-Understanding

33:03 Creating a Safe Space for Exploration

35:19 Access to Psychoanalytic Therapy

37:31 The Injustice of Limited Access

In this conversation, Talia Bombola LMFT, and Emily Celis LMFT discuss their personal and professional journeys, the challenges of balancing multiple roles, and the importance of living in alignment with one's values. They explore the concept of embodying a holistic lifestyle and the need to prioritize what truly matters in life. They also touch on the grief process of letting go of certain visions and the importance of self-reflection and self-care. Throughout the conversation, they emphasize the importance of finding balance and making choices that align with one's values and priorities.

Follow Emily on IG https://www.instagram.com/sagewellnessctr/

00:00 Introduction and Personal Connection

02:55 Balancing Multiple Roles and Priorities

07:58 Living in Alignment with Your Values

12:02 The Grief Process of Letting Go

16:03 Finding Balance and Embracing a Holistic Lifestyle

23:11 Exploring Identity and Regret

25:24 The Challenges of Decision Making

27:07 Defining Courage and Bravery

30:29 Believing in What's Meant for You

37:40 Loss, Growth, and Embracing Change

41:38 The Role of Therapy in Personal Growth

43:08 Creating a Holistic Healing Collective

44:14 Embracing the Sage Method for a Holistic Lifestyle

Takeaways:
- Balancing multiple roles and responsibilities requires self-reflection and prioritization.
- Living in alignment with one's values and priorities is essential for a fulfilling life.
- The process of letting go of certain visions and embracing new ones can be a grief process.
- Finding balance and making choices that align with one's values and priorities is key to living a holistic lifestyle.
- Courage and bravery are necessary for making difficult decisions and aligning with one's true self.
- Therapy can provide support and guidance in navigating these processes.
- Loss can lead to growth and new opportunities.
- It's important to surround oneself with people who believe in and support personal growth.

In this episode, Talia Bombola, LMFT, interviews Erika Ettin, the founder of A Little Nudge, a company that helps people with online dating. They discuss the importance of online dating and how to navigate the challenges that come with it. They also explore the evolution of online dating over the years and the impact of technology on dating. The conversation highlights the need for efficiency and time management in dating, as well as the importance of knowing one's needs and intentions. They also discuss the balance between work and dating, the role of boundaries in relationships, and the societal pressure to find a partner.

Follow Erika on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alittlenudge

Chapters

01:14 The Importance of Online Dating

06:00 Efficiency and Time Management in Dating

08:16 Balancing Work and Dating

10:03 Knowing Your Needs and Intentions in Dating13:12Avoiding Rushed Relationships

15:30 The Importance of Autonomy in Relationships

24:35 Exploring Relationship Envy and Jealousy

29:06 Redefining Success in Relationships

30:07 Identifying Obstacles in Dating

32:36 Understanding Potential in Relationships

33:24 Being Authentic and Communicating Needs

35:08 Balancing Ambition and Relationship Building

36:26 Exploring Assumptions and Blind Spots

47:38 Relationship Advice

Takeaways
- Online dating can be a valuable tool for meeting potential partners, but it requires effort and intentionality to be successful.
- Efficiency and time management are crucial in online dating to avoid wasting time on unproductive interactions.
- Knowing your needs and intentions in dating is essential for finding a compatible partner.
- Balancing work and dating can be challenging, but it's important to prioritize both aspects of your life.
- Setting and maintaining boundaries is crucial in healthy relationships.
- Society's expectations around marriage and children are changing, and it's important to make choices that align with your own values and desires.
- Challenge societal expectations and judgments in making life choices.
- Communicate openly and honestly about relationship envy and jealousy.
- Recognize the cumulative nature of relationships and the importance of individual moments.
- Challenge assumptions and be authentic in dating and relationships.
- Value flexibility, assertiveness, and communication in relationships.
- Recognize and communicate personal needs and preferences.
- Respect boundaries and seek consent in all aspects of relationships.

In this episode, Talia interviews Dr. Ashley Southard discuss the concept of the over-functioning woman and her under-functioning partner in love relationships. She shares her personal journey and how it led her to specialize in helping women in unfulfilling relationships. The origins of the over-functioning woman concept resonates with many women. She also explores the influence of childhood and parental relationships on adult partnerships.

This conversation explores the dynamics of over-functioning and under-functioning in relationships, particularly focusing on the experiences of women. They discuss the concerns about children's well-being when parents are going through a divorce. They emphasize the importance of teaching children how to advocate for themselves and navigate difficult situations. As children grow, their needs shift from physical support to emotional support, and parents need to adapt their parenting style accordingly. The conversation also explores the importance of modeling healthy relationships for children and the different approaches to co-parenting. It is crucial for parents to be in integrity with themselves and live according to their values. They should also teach their children to listen to their inner truth and make courageous decisions. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the trap of over-functioning and the need to find balance in parenting.

Follow Ashley on Instagram @drashleysouthard and learn more about her practice here https://www.drashleysouthard.com/