Initiated Survivor

In this episode, I talk about vicarious trauma and its similarities to burnout. I will cover what vicarious trauma is, symptoms, and real-life examples of vicarious trauma in helping professionals. I’ll also share the importance of recognizing and addressing vicarious trauma to prevent the development of chronic PTSD. I’ll discuss systemic factors contributing to vicarious trauma and the impact on personal and professional lives. You can look forward to future episodes, where I will share strategies for alleviating vicarious trauma and fostering community support.

Watch the Full Video Podcast Here!

00:00 — Intro

00:12 — Connecting with Survivor-Focused Content

01:16 — Understanding Vicarious Trauma

06:11 — Symptoms of Vicarious Trauma

08:40 — Impact on Personal and Professional Life

10:32 — Managing Vicarious Trauma

16:24 — AD: Fall Workshops

28:10 — Challenges in the Helping Profession

30:59 — Survivor Therapists and Vicarious Trauma

33:59 — Conclusion and Future Content

Topics/Triggers:

· Vicarious Trauma

· Burnout

· Sexual Abuse

· Trauma Focused CBT

· PTSD

· Child Sexual Abuse

· Trauma Experience

· Trauma Memory

· Helplessness and Hopelessness

· Addictions

· Sexual Assault

· Rape

· Stalking

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If you took anything away from today’s podcast, please share it with someone who may need to hear it. And if you really want to support the podcast please give us a rate/review.

If you or anyone you know is suffering through trauma contact the National Sexual Assault hotline at 1-800-656-4673 or online for 24/7 support. (This podcast is not a replacement for psychotherapy or mental health care. You can obtain a referral for mental health care provider from your primary care physician, or search on Psychology Today’s Find a Therapist directory)

Find more Initiated Survivor content here and on Instagram!

In this episode, we’re shifting from gender-based violence to the unique challenges faced by all healthcare professionals — from psychologists and therapists to emergency responders. Addressing the high risk of burnout and compassion fatigue, I’m explaining how these professionals are uniquely vulnerable due to their roles. Burnout is characterized by chronic, unresolved stress leading to significant mental, physical, and emotional exhaustion, while compassion fatigue stems from witnessing the suffering of others. Moreover, BURNOUT IS NOT OUR FAULT. It is the result of systemic exploitation from late-stage capitalism and resource inequities. So how do we conquer it when it is not an individual problem? I’ll let you know my professional insights on interventions and community support, and the signs you need to look out for.

Watch the Full Video Podcast Here!

00:00 — Understanding Burnout in Healthcare Professionals

Topics/Triggers:

· Burnout

· Trauma

· Stress

· Exhaustion

· Mental Health

· Depression

· Compassion Fatigue

· Chronic Pain

· Moral Injury

· Isolation

· Helplessness

· Disassociation

· Empathy

· Anxiety

· Anger

· Capitalism

· Survival Mode

· Work Culture

· Human Rights & Social Injustices

· Neurodivergence

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If you took anything away from today’s podcast, please share it with someone who may need to hear it. And if you really want to support the podcast please give us a rate/review.

If you or anyone you know is suffering through trauma contact the National Sexual Assault hotline at 1-800-656-4673 or online for 24/7 support. (This podcast is not a replacement for psychotherapy or mental health care. You can obtain a referral for mental health care provider from your primary care physician, or search on Psychology Today’s Find a Therapist directory)

Find more Initiated Survivor content here and on Instagram!

Welcome back to Part Three of Ask a Psychologist Anything! In this episode, I address the frequently asked question: 'How do I get my loved one to go to therapy?' While many people wish for their loved ones to go to therapy, the key takeaway is that you can't force anyone to go. I’ll talk about how therapy is not the only path to healing, alternative support methods, the importance of boundaries, how to help loved ones understand their options without pressuring them, and how respecting a person's dignity and autonomy is essential.

Watch the Full Video Podcast Here!

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 — Intro

00:32 — Understanding the Desire for Therapy

02:16 — The Reality of Therapy Accessibility

04:10 — Respecting Autonomy and Dignity

05:51 — Exploring Alternatives to Therapy

08:00 — Sharing Personal Experiences

11:22 — Avoiding Pressure and Blame

14:25 — Addressing Personal Needs and Boundaries

17:57 — Addressing Concerns & Respecting Decisions

Topics/Triggers:

· Therapy

· Trauma Recovery

· Relationships

· Community

· Family Relationships

· Victim Blaming

· Boundaries

· Self Harm Behavior

· Depression

· Suicide

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If you took anything away from today’s podcast, please share it with someone who may need to hear it. And if you really want to support the podcast please give us a rate/review.

If you or anyone you know is suffering through trauma contact the National Sexual Assault hotline at 1-800-656-4673 or online for 24/7 support. (This podcast is not a replacement for psychotherapy or mental health care. You can obtain a referral for mental health care provider from your primary care physician, or search on Psychology Today’s Find a Therapist directory)

Find more Initiated Survivor content here and on Instagram!

In this episode, I talk about the value and role of emotional support animals (ESAs) in mental health and trauma recovery. I’ll cover what ESAs are, the differences between ESAs and service animals, and the benefits of having an ESA, such as improved mental health, increased social interaction, and better routine management. I’ll also answer some common questions, like how to get an ESA, the types of animals that make good ESAs, and the legal rights of ESA owners. From my own experience, my emotional support animals have been a crucial part of my recovery and I am very thankful for them!

Watch the Full Video Podcast Here!

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 — Intro

00:48 — Understanding Emotional Support Animals (ESAs)

01:40 — Differences Between ESAs and Service Animals

02:39— Benefits of Emotional Support Animals

05:32— Legal Rights and Accessibility of ESAs

10:59 — How to Get an ESA

12:02 — Choosing the Right ESA for You

16:26 — Where You Can Take Your ESA

19:21 — Personal Experiences with ESAs

Topics/Triggers:

· Mental Health

· Emotional Support Animals

· Depression

· Anxiety

· Isolation

· Service Animals

· Emotional Regulation

· Trauma

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If you took anything away from today’s podcast, please share it with someone who may need to hear it. And if you really want to support the podcast please give us a rate/review.

If you or anyone you know is suffering through trauma contact the National Sexual Assault hotline at 1-800-656-4673 or online for 24/7 support. (This podcast is not a replacement for psychotherapy or mental health care. You can obtain a referral for mental health care provider from your primary care physician, or search on Psychology Today’s Find a Therapist directory)

Find more Initiated Survivor content here and on Instagram!

In this episode of Initiated Survivor, I’ll discuss the vital role of social support and community in the process of recovering from trauma. I will talk about the innate human need for connection, and how isolation exacerbates feelings of insecurity and depression, while the sense of belonging fosters healing and a sense of safety. I will share practical ways those in recovery can find and integrate into communities, especially after experiences of trauma, and navigate the challenges of connecting authentically with others. I will also share a few of my personal experiences with finding community and connection, the importance of self-validation, and the continuous, life-long journey of finding belonging and support in community.

Watch the Full Video Podcast Here!

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 — Intro

00:27 — The Power of Social Support in Mental Health Recovery

01:08 — Understanding Our Social Nature and Its Impact on Recovery

03:23 — Creative Expression and Community

07:54 — Navigating Social Connections as Adults: Challenges and Strategies

13:11 — Exploring Personal Values and Building Community Connections

14:37 — GROUP THERAPY AD:  https://www.drkelseyharper.com/dbt-skills-group-for-lgbtq

24:38 — Embracing Vulnerability and Growth in Community Engagement

31:05 — Finding Peace and Purpose Through Community

Topics/Triggers:

· Abusive Realtionships

· Sexual Assault

· Community

· Creative Expression

· Self-Worth

· Self-Validation

· Trauma Recovery

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If you took anything away from today’s podcast, please share it with someone who may need to hear it. And if you really want to support the podcast please give us a rate/review.

If you or anyone you know is suffering through trauma contact the National Sexual Assault hotline at 1-800-656-4673 or online for 24/7 support. (This podcast is not a replacement for psychotherapy or mental health care. You can obtain a referral for mental health care provider from your primary care physician, or search on Psychology Today’s Find a Therapist directory)

Find more Initiated Survivor content here and on Instagram!

In this episode, I talk about the power of group therapy and community for those recovering from traumatic experiences. I’ll discuss the emotional isolation people often experience in the aftermath of traumatic events, and how this can be exacerbated by societal factors. I’ll share some personal experiences on how participating in group activities, such as restorative yoga classes and virtual workshops served as a healing mechanism and a stepping stone towards building relationships and community. Additionally, I will talk about the benefits of group therapy in cultivating listening, speaking, healing, and social skills while maintaining a safe, validating space for participants. I am also excited to be offering two new groups starting in April which include: DBT Skills Group for LGBTQ+ and a Trauma Recovery Skills Group!

Watch the Full Video Podcast Here!

00:00 — Intro

00:59 — The Struggles of Isolation and Anxiety

03:12 — The Comfort of Home and the Challenge of Leaving

04:01 — Overcoming Agoraphobia and Building Connections

05:51 — The Power of Solitude and Self-Care

07:04 — The Role of Community Activities in Recovery

10:09 — The Impact of the Pandemic and Virtual Groups

12:37 — Group Therapy Ad: https://www.drkelseyharper.com/dbt-skills-group-for-lgbtq

17:50 — The Benefits of Group Therapy

21:39 — Personal Experiences with Group Therapy

22:12 — Upcoming Group Therapy Opportunities

23:55 — The Healing Power of Groups

Topics/Triggers:

· Rape Culture

· Victim Blaming

· Agoraphobia

· Anxiety

· Trauma

· Trauma Recovery

· Virtual Groups and Community

· CPTSD

· Group Therapy

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If you took anything away from today’s podcast, please share it with someone who may need to hear it. And if you really want to support the podcast please give us a rate/review.

If you or anyone you know is suffering through trauma contact the National Sexual Assault hotline at 1-800-656-4673 or online for 24/7 support. (This podcast is not a replacement for psychotherapy or mental health care. You can obtain a referral for mental health care provider from your primary care physician, or search on Psychology Today’s Find a Therapist directory)

Find more Initiated Survivor content here and on Instagram!

In this episode, we delve deep into Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and complex trauma. We discuss the stigma associated with these conditions, their links to past trauma, their effects on personality and social behavior, and how they are often misunderstood. I’ll talk about the traits and symptoms of BPD, the relationship between BPD and complex trauma, and the intersections of these with PTSD. I’ll also cover the importance of trauma-informed care and discuss effective treatments like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and other trauma interventions.

00:00 — Introduction to Borderline Personality Disorder

01:50 — Understanding the Nature of Borderline Personality Disorder

03:35 — Traits and Symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder

11:45 — The Connection Between BPD and Trauma

13:18 — AD: Group Therapy: https://www.drkelseyharper.com/dbt-skills-group-for-lgbtq

14:49 — Understanding Complex PTSD and its Relation to BPD

21:07 — Treatment Options for BPD and Complex Trauma

23:41 — Conclusion and Future Discussions

Watch the Full Video Podcast Here!

Topics/Triggers:

· Dialectical Behavior Therapy by Dr. Marsha Linehan

· Suicide and Suicidal Ideation

· PTSD

· Trauma

· Emotional Overload and Overstimulation

· Intrusive Memories

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If you took anything away from today’s podcast, please share it with someone who may need to hear it. And if you really want to support the podcast please give us a rate/review.

If you or anyone you know is suffering through trauma contact the National Sexual Assault hotline at 1-800-656-4673 or online for 24/7 support. (This podcast is not a replacement for psychotherapy or mental health care. You can obtain a referral for mental health care provider from your primary care physician, or search on Psychology Today’s Find a Therapist directory)

Find more Initiated Survivor content here and on Instagram!

As survivors, we understand the experience of being wronged and the desire to make a positive impact in the world. With so much happening at this moment, it can feel overwhelming. However, one effective tool we have in our fight for a better future is activism. By standing up for our values within our local community, we can create meaningful change. In this episode of 'Initiated Survivor', we explore the role of activism in the healing process for trauma survivors. We discuss how engaging in collective actions that align with our personal values can foster a sense of community and serve as a powerful tool for change and recovery. I also provide various strategies for incorporating activism into our recovery journey, such as connecting with long-term goals, emphasizing community-building, and supporting local organizations that make a tangible impact on our daily lives.

Watch the Full Video Podcast Here!

00:00 — Introduction

01:37 — The Power of Activism

03:20 — Activism and Emotional Expression

05:00 — AD: Individual Therapy: https://www.drkelseyharper.com/trauma-therapy

05:42 — Mindfulness in Activism

08:42 — Sensory Needs in Activism

09:40 — Titration and Exposure in Activism

11:05 — Emotional Support, Expressive Activities, Self Care

16:20 — AD: Group Therapy: https://www.drkelseyharper.com/dbt-skills-group-for-lgbtq

17:40 — Engaging in Pleasant Activities & Personal Values

19:15 — Different Ways to Engage in Activism

22:23 — Local Organizations

24:50 — Providing Direct Services in Activism

26:01 — Utilizing Personal Skills in Activism

27:15 — Conclusion: The Power of Activism in Healing Trauma

Topics/Triggers:

· Titrating

· Self-care

· Community Engagement

· Trauma Processing

· Self-soothing Habits

· Physiological Regulations

· Mindfulness

· The Power of Activism

· Vicarious Trauma

· Engaging in Expressive & Pleasant Activities

· Our Values & Goals

· Abortion Bans

· Success Stories Prison Feminism

· Supporting NonProfit Organizations

· Grassroots Activism

· Ask a Psychologist Anything

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If you took anything away from today’s podcast, please share it with someone who may need to hear it. And if you really want to support the podcast please give us a rate/review.

If you or anyone you know is suffering through trauma contact the National Sexual Assault hotline at 1-800-656-4673 or online for 24/7 support. (This podcast is not a replacement for psychotherapy or mental health care. You can obtain a referral for mental health care provider from your primary care physician, or search on Psychology Today’s Find a Therapist directory)

Find more Initiated Survivor content here and on Instagram!