Inner Source - Healing from Toxic Abuse

In this episode, we are joined by Diana Esther, an acclaimed author, poet, speaker, transformational coach, and inspirational teacher. Diana shares her remarkable life story, including her recovery from lymphatic cancer and her extraordinary journey from the dark times in the Soviet Union to becoming a beacon of light and wisdom. She discusses her path to discovering the importance of inner light, her battle with cancer, and how she uses her personal experiences to help others transform their lives. Diana also speaks on the power of self-love, understanding, and the innate potential every individual has to connect with their true self for healing and growth.

00:00 Introduction to Diana Esther

01:15 Diana's Early Life in the Soviet Union

03:18 Struggles and Inner Strength

09:34 Journey to Freedom

16:31 Discovering the Diamond Within

24:52 The Power of Connection and Transformation

28:41 Understanding Innate Awareness

29:28 Breaking Free from Limiting Beliefs

30:38 The Power of Desire and Free Will

31:09 Elevating Consciousness

32:58 Connecting with Inner Light

34:50 Overcoming Adversity: A Personal Journey

38:42 Miraculous Recovery from Cancer

46:01 The Role of Diet in Healing

53:10 Empowerment through Self-Love

54:58 Final Thoughts and Resources

To contact or learn more about Diana Esther, or her book, The Diamond Within visit:

[email protected]

In this episode, we are joined by Diana Esther, an acclaimed author, poet, speaker, transformational coach, and inspirational teacher. Diana shares her remarkable life story, including her recovery from lymphatic cancer and her extraordinary journey from the dark times in the Soviet Union to becoming a beacon of light and wisdom. She discusses her path to discovering the importance of inner light, her battle with cancer, and how she uses her personal experiences to help others transform their lives. Diana also speaks on the power of self-love, understanding, and the innate potential every individual has to connect with their true self for healing and growth.

00:00 Introduction to Diana Esther

01:15 Diana's Early Life in the Soviet Union

03:18 Struggles and Inner Strength

09:34 Journey to Freedom

16:31 Discovering the Diamond Within

24:52 The Power of Connection and Transformation

28:41 Understanding Innate Awareness

29:28 Breaking Free from Limiting Beliefs

30:38 The Power of Desire and Free Will

31:09 Elevating Consciousness

32:58 Connecting with Inner Light

34:50 Overcoming Adversity: A Personal Journey

38:42 Miraculous Recovery from Cancer

46:01 The Role of Diet in Healing

53:10 Empowerment through Self-Love

54:58 Final Thoughts and Resources

To contact or learn more about Diana Esther, or her book, The Diamond Within visit:

[email protected]

Breaking Free: Embrace Your True Self and Let Go of These Toxic People

In this empowering episode, we dig into the hard part of the journey of healing, which is letting go. You have to set boundaries in order to reclaim your authentic self. The focus is on letting go of toxic relationships and people who thrive on your submissive and people-pleasing nature. As you start putting yourself first and saying 'no' without guilt, some people will undoubtedly get upset. However, this transformation is key for your mental, emotional, and physical health. 

Learn to identify the signs that you are being used. Celebrate your growth as you let go and embrace the inevitable changes that come with setting boundaries. The changes are sometimes hard, but always beneficial to you.  This episode encourages you to push past the fear of judgment and criticism to become the most authentic and inspired version of yourself, ultimately attracting genuine support and healthier relationships.

00:00 Empowering Yourself Against Naysayers

01:35 Recognizing Toxic Relationships

02:22 The Cost of People Pleasing

03:00 Embracing Your True Self

03:53 The Transformation and Its Impact

05:39 Facing Resistance and Manipulation

07:26 Breaking Free and Setting Boundaries

19:01 The Importance of Self-Improvement

21:03 Practical Steps for Self-Care

23:27 Conclusion: Embrace the Change

To learn more or connect with host, Deborah Ashway, LCMHCS, LCAS visit:

www.InnerSourceTherapy.com

In this episode, Lori Pappas, a humanitarian and entrepreneur, shares her inspiring journey of overcoming personal struggles and transforming them into catalysts for growth and positive change. Lori's life story includes surviving a tumultuous childhood and being forced in to a mental institution in the 1960s by her over-religous parents. Pioneering as one of the first women in computer sales, and founding an international charity in Ethiopia, her insights on inner peace, self-discovery, and resilience are deeply explored. Her book 'The Magic of Yes,' offers pathways for finding inner peace through self-reflection and the 'DREAM' framework. Lori also touches on concepts such as self-compassion, forgiveness, and overcoming negative self-talk. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own journeys and leave feedback to help further the discussion on achieving inner peace and happiness.

00:00 Introduction to Lori Pappas

00:56 Early Life Struggles and Resilience

04:27 Breaking Barriers in the Tech Industry

07:53 Humanitarian Work in Africa

12:23 The Magic of Yes: Lori's Book

17:18 The Dream Framework Explained

20:36 Cultivating Courage and Setting Boundaries

24:50 Reincarnation and Past Lives

25:37 The Power of Reflection

26:18 Visions of Past Lives

28:42 The Difference in This Life

29:50 Inner Peace and Self-Reflection

30:43 Sticky Thoughts and Self-Love

34:11 Overcoming Negative Self-Talk

36:27 Fostering Self-Compassion

42:14 Final Thoughts and Resources

To learn more or contact Lori Pappas:

www.LoriPappas.com

Please reach out to Lori Pappas about joining the Wisewomen sisterhood

Email: [email protected]

To contact host Deborah Ashway:

www.InnerSourceTherapy.com

In this episode, award-winning and best selling author Kennerly Clay discusses her memoir, 'Letters from East of Nowhere; Daddy’s Words to Live, Drink & Die By' offering valuable insights into forgiveness, dealing with family complexities, and the journey of personal growth and healing. If you’re a fan of ‘The Glass Castle’ and ‘Lit’ then you’ll love hearing about Kennerly’s life. She shares her personal experiences with recovery, the impact of past traumas, and the challenge of navigating toxic relationships. Kennerly highlights the significance of authentic communication and resilience in the face of adversity while recounting the compelling influence of her father and the power of letter writing. Kennerly offers her wisdom on the challenges of healing from toxic abuse. This conversation offers timely advice for anyone facing unresolved familial and emotional issues. 

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:16 Kennerly’s Journey to Sobriety

02:05 Writing as a Healing Process

03:28 Father-Daughter Relationship Dynamics

06:19 The Power of Forgiveness

11:22 Navigating Complex Family Dynamics

20:01 Embracing Sobriety at a Young Age

23:03 Exploring Resilience and Overcoming Disappointments

25:44 Introducing the Book: Letters from East of Nowhere

26:01 The Story Behind the Book's Title and Content

29:11 Impact of a Troubled Parent on Family Dynamics

33:17 Understanding Forgiveness and Personal Growth

36:41 Recognizing and Dealing with Triggers

39:16 Final Thoughts and Where to Find More Information

To learn more about Kennerly Clay:

www.LettersFromEastOfNowhere.com

To contact host Deborah Ashway:

www.InnerSourceTherapy.com

In this episode, host Deborah introduces Melanie Weller, a pioneer in mental health and holistic healing. Melanie discusses her approach of integrating intuition into clinical practice and how she has evolved her unique practice over 30 years. By focusing on the vagus nerve, Melanie reveals the profound connection between physical and emotional wellbeing and discusses the significance of time perception and processing in various health diagnoses. The conversation delves into the integration of ancient mythology and astrology with modern science, offering transformative solutions for those struggling with chronic pain, mental health challenges, and the aftermath of toxic abuse. Melanie shares practical exercises like helical breathing and discusses the broader implications of her work, aiming for a deeper understanding and healing of the mind, body, and soul.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:13 Melanie's Journey into Integrating Intuition

04:56 Understanding the Vagus Nerve

08:28 The Connection Between Intuition and the Vagus Nerve

14:54 Practical Techniques for Vagus Nerve Decompression

18:55 Ancient Wisdom and Modern Science

25:43 Imaginal Exercises and Metaphors in Healing

27:34 Astrology and the Body's Clock

27:50 Time Perception and Mental Health

28:38 Cerebellum and Emotional Coordination

31:54 Finger Tapping Exercise for Healing

40:33 Astrology, Mythology, and Healing

42:55 Healing from Toxic Abuse

46:26 Conclusion and Resources

To contact Melanie Weller:

www.melanieweller.com

You can also listen to Melanie's podcast: Fearless Presence

To contact Deborah Ashway:

www.InnerSourceTherapy.com

In this insightful episode of Healing from Toxic Abuse, host Deborah Ashway, LCMHCS, LCAS welcomes Thomas LaGrave Jr., LCSW, an expert with over 35 years in the field of adolescent mental health. Thomas, a former Navy SEAL and currently a licensed clinical social worker, shares his compelling journey from addiction to recovery and his dedication to helping young individuals. He discusses his book 'Special Welfare Social Warfare' and the Honor Bound Academy, a nonprofit aimed at providing a rite of passage for adolescents. The episode covers his personal story, insights into the mental health challenges faced by today’s youth, and the importance of creating supportive environments to foster youths on the verge of adulthood.

TheHonorBoundAcademy.org

00:00 Introduction to Thomas J. La Grave Jr.

01:24 Thomas's Personal Journey with Addiction

01:58 From Navy SEAL to Recovery

03:30 Finding Purpose Through Helping Adolescents

06:15 Educational Pursuits and Professional Growth

08:05 Insights from 'Special Welfare Social Warfare'

11:49 Generational Analysis and Youth Challenges

19:47 The Honor Bound Academy: Vision and Structure

25:16 Mental Health Challenges for Adolescents Today

28:53 Struggles with Addiction and Technology

29:10 Reeducating Phone Usage

30:35 Honor Bound Academy's Approach

30:39 Building Self-Esteem and Confidence

30:54 Using Nature and Challenges as Tools

31:37 Addressing Failures and Learning

33:51 The Role of Parents in Child Development

34:41 The Power of Love in Recovery

36:39 Challenges in Modern Parenting

46:56 The Importance of Trust and Accountability

49:11 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode, the host interviews Dr. Michelle Sherman, a clinical psychologist and author, known for her work on family dynamics related to mental health and trauma. Dr. Sherman talks about her books, 'Loving Someone with a Mental Illness or History of Trauma: Skills, Hope, and Strength for Your Journey' and 'I'm Not Alone: A Teen's Guide to Living with a Parent Who Has a Mental Illness or History of Trauma.' She shares her journey, professional experiences, and personal motivations for focusing on this field. The discussion centers on the importance of understanding mental health symptoms, the impact of parental mental illness on children, and the need for self-care and boundary setting for family members. Dr. Sherman also emphasizes the significance of community support and resources for managing these challenges. The episode concludes with a call to action for better awareness and support systems for families dealing with mental health issues.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background

01:04 Dr. Sherman's Career and Contributions

01:37 Personal Motivations and Early Work

04:02 Book Structure and Purpose

06:38 Teen Resilience and Prevention

10:00 Understanding Mental Health Symptoms

14:58 Impact on Adolescents and Families

18:21 Challenges and Support Systems

25:28 Identifying Toxic Relationships

26:29 Recognizing Behavioral Patterns

28:36 Approaching with Kindness and Curiosity

31:46 Collaborating with Family

35:46 Setting Boundaries and Self-Care

41:06 Future Plans and Mission

“What do you mean I’m avoiding? I’m facing everything head on.” I hear this frequently and sometimes catch myself  in a state of avoidance.  It takes a lot of self-reflection and awareness to notice this. Avoidance can be a natural built-in protective tendency in our body’s nervous system. We might not even realize when our bodies are keeping us from processing, cleaning out and re-writing the script.  In this episode, we delve into the concept of avoidance and its detrimental effects on us and how it can keep us stuck in toxic or unhealthy relationships. The discussion covers the nature of avoidance, its origins as a protective mechanism, and the ways it perpetuates anxiety and physical tension. By avoiding negative emotions, we hinder our healing process and allow manipulative individuals to undermine our self-confidence and self-worth. The episode explores strategies to overcome avoidance, emphasizing self-awareness, self-compassion, and the importance of rebuilding social networks. Practical steps, such as journaling, setting boundaries, and gradually facing uncomfortable emotions, are highlighted to foster personal growth and emotional resilience.

00:00 Understanding Avoidance: The Root of Being Stuck

03:19 The Impact of Avoidance on Mental and Physical Health

07:25 Manipulation and Self-Confidence: The Vicious Cycle

17:57 Breaking the Cycle: Steps to Overcome Avoidance

22:40 Rebuilding Social Networks and Facing Emotions

28:24 Practical Tips for Pushing Through Avoidance

Exploring Neuroplastic Pain: Insights from Dr. David Clarke

In this episode, host Deborah interviews Dr. David Clarke, President of the Association for Treatment of Neuroplastic Symptoms (ATNS). They discuss the chronic pain epidemic, neuroplasticity, and its link to stress-related and brain-generated medical conditions. Dr. Clarke highlights various conditions such as fibromyalgia, migraines, and chronic fatigue as examples of neuroplastic pain. He emphasizes the importance of understanding one's life stressors and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in diagnosing and treating these conditions. Deborah and Dr. Clarke also delve into the effectiveness of pain relief psychotherapy compared to traditional CBT. They underscore the essential role of self-esteem and the accurate understanding of personal experiences in relieving chronic pain and stress symptoms. The conversation sheds light on the necessity for modern healthcare to incorporate these insights for better patient outcomes.

00:00 Introduction to Dr. David Clarke and ATNS

00:58 Understanding Neuroplasticity

03:04 Chronic Pain and Stress Connection

05:52 Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Chronic Illness

12:56 Pain Relief Psychotherapy and Its Effectiveness

18:31 Differences Between CBT and Pain Relief Psychology

24:54 The Language of Physical Symptoms

28:28 Protective Programs and Boundary Setting

29:01 Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

29:42 Rebuilding Self-Esteem

30:51 Therapeutic Techniques and Exercises

31:56 The Role of Affirmations

33:42 Understanding False Belief Systems

34:10 Brain and Body Connection

35:49 Journey into Gastroenterology and Neuroplasticity

43:52 Challenges in Modern Healthcare

45:26 The Importance of Collaboration in Healthcare

46:05 Subtle Forms of Toxicity

47:17 Patient Resistance and Acceptance

49:27 The Power of Placebo and Effective Treatments

51:20 Success Stories and Transformations

To learn more visit: Symptomatic.Me