What do you do when your "perfect" life starts to feel like a cage? For licensed psychotherapist Izabela Oquendo, a series of profound losses—the death of her father and the ending of long-held friendships—served as a wake-up call that she could no longer ignore.

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For ten years, Amy Thurman lived with a broken neck. For six of those months, it went undiagnosed. But as harrowing as the physical pain was, it was the internal "wreck"—the emotional toll, the disconnect from her true self, and the moment she almost gave up—that defined her journey.In this episode of Longterm, Amy joins me to unpack a story of survival that goes far beyond a medical diagnosis. We discuss the moment she looked at the "briefcase" of her life and realized that if she was going to stay, she had to stay as her authentic self.In this episode, we explore:The Undiagnosed Decade: What it’s like to live in constant, high-level physical trauma while trying to maintain a "normal" life.The Choice to Live: A raw look at the moment Amy contemplated suicide and the pivotal realization that led her back to hope.The Authenticity Gap: Why we hide our pain to fit in, and how "masking" prevents us from truly recovering.Bridging Mental & Physical Health: How to start healing the mind when the body has been through a war.Amy is now an authenticity expert and author, teaching others how to align their inner truth with their outward expression. Her story is a powerful reminder that no matter how "broken" we feel, redemption is always possible when we stop hiding.

Connect with Amy Thurman:

🌐 Website: https://getamyshelp.com/

📖 Read her book: https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Hero-Within-Incapacitation-Empowerment/dp/B0CYY6KRHY

#Resilience #ChronicPain #MentalHealth #LongtermPodcast #Authenticity #Recovery #SuicidePrevention #HealingJourney

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"How do you keep moving when your world stops spinning?"

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In this episode, Ti King speaks with Dan Maigler, a social worker and therapist, about the profound impact of animals on mental health and therapy. They discuss Dan's journey in creating the nonprofit Paws for Patrick, which connects young people with emotional support animals following the tragic loss of one of his students. The conversation explores how pets can facilitate communication, reduce stigma, and foster empathy, while also addressing the challenges therapists face in processing their own grief. Dan shares insights on the reciprocal relationship between pets and their owners, emphasizing the importance of community and support in overcoming adversity.

Credits:

License code: F6ULZVUWGCBLM8WU#pets #animals #healing #gettingbetter

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In this special episode, podcast industry expert and Podcast Hall of Fame inductee Arielle Nissenblatt joins Ti King to talk about how this platform can improve and reach a wider audience. This behind the scenes chat gives real insight into how the show is made and how we can push this message of recovery further.

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In this episode, Ti King interviews Chris Cummins, COO of Laguna Treatment Center, discussing the multifaceted nature of recovery from addiction. Chris shares his personal journey, including his early experiences with substance use and the importance of counseling in recovery. The conversation explores the challenges within the treatment landscape, the significance of building connections, and the need for a united front in addressing addiction. Chris emphasizes the importance of addressing underlying issues and planning for long-term recovery, while also highlighting the role of personal traits in helping others.

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Angela Campagna is a licensed clinical social worker and certified clinical trauma professional. In this episode we explore the multifaceted nature of recovery and healing, discussing the impact of trauma, the importance of self-insight, and the role of therapy in personal growth. Angela shares her experiences with brain-spotting therapy, a newer approach to trauma treatment, and emphasizes the significance of finding the right therapist and advocating for oneself in the therapeutic process. The conversation highlights the treatability of PTSD and addiction, encouraging listeners to seek help and understand their mental health better.

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Is it possible to have the "ritual" of a drink without the destruction of the alcohol?

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In this episode of Longterm, we’re back in Dallas for a conversation that is as heartfelt as it is heavy. We sit down with creator and podcaster Jessica Spawn to 'unbox' a story she has never shared quite like this before.

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In this conversation, Mark Astor discusses the profound impact of addiction on individuals and their families. He emphasizes the importance of understanding that those struggling with addiction may not be aware of their actions, likening it to a kidnapping of their brain. Astor highlights the necessity for families to commit to the recovery process, as individuals often cannot make the decision to seek help themselves. He outlines the critical role of family support and intervention in facilitating recovery.

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