Dissociation is one of the hardest to explain BPD symptoms. It looks different for everyone and sometimes we don't even know when we are in a dissociated state.

In this episode Laurie, Shane, Shannon and Kat discuss the complexities of dissociation by sharing our personal experiences and insights on how dissociation manifests and impacts us. We also explore how dissociation is often times a coping mechanism stemming from complex traumatic experiences and the fine line between it being a helpful protective factor and a "symptom" to be a target of change. 

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If you are needing mental health support or someone to talk to, please connect with your local crisis line or call or text 988 in Canada or the US or find a local line

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Kat (they/them) joins to explore their journey of understanding their multiple alters/parts and how their suspected Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) works alongside their Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), and Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD). 

Dissociative Identity Disorder is what was formerly known as Multiple Personality Disorder. The name actually changed in 1994 but tons of people don't know that! 

Kat shares their experiences of feeling different from others, the impact of  significant childhood trauma, and the complexities of their internal world, including the presence of as many as 12 distinct parts.. 

Together we explore the significance of understanding inner child parts, validation, and the challenges of navigating relationships while living with significant trauma.  

We touch on various treatment approaches, the ongoing debate within the mental health community regarding the existence of DID, and the importance of mindfulness and grounding techniques in healing.

We also discuss the significance of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) research in understanding long-term effects of trauma on physical and mental health. 

You can find Kat on Instagram @gratitudeandtruth

Some of the resources Kat discussed are:

• Trauma and Dissociation in Complex Systems book that Kat referenced in the episode here.
• Coping with Trauma-Related Dissociation book can be found here.  
• Complex Trauma and Dissociative Disorders by Emma Sunshaw on Audible

Support the show

If you want to support the show, dive deeper into the world of super feeling and for tons of bonus content please consider subscribing to the Super Feeler patreon page.

Click here to register for The Super Feelers Club (the peer support group)

If you are needing mental health support or someone to talk to, please connect with your local crisis line or call or text 988 in Canada or the US or find a local line

Don't forget to follow us on social media (@thesuperfeeler) and subscribe to our podcast for new episodes and updates. Your subscriptions, downloads, and reviews mean the world to us!

Thank you for listening!

In part 2 of the suicide symptom episode we give more into our personal stories with suicide ideation, attempts and survival. 

We discuss the longstanding impacts on ourselves and our loved ones and the importance of connection, planning for crisis and recognizing our reasons to stay alive. 

Of course this is a sensitive topic. Please listen with care or don't listen at all! 

If you are in an immediate crisis please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. If you need someone to talk to about your suicidal thoughts please call 988 if you are in the US or Canada or find your local crisis line number. 

You are loved and we want you to keep living. We promise life gets better and the emotions you are going through will pass. 

Support the show

If you want to support the show, dive deeper into the world of super feeling and for tons of bonus content please consider subscribing to the Super Feeler patreon page.

Click here to register for The Super Feelers Club (the peer support group)

If you are needing mental health support or someone to talk to, please connect with your local crisis line or call or text 988 in Canada or the US or find a local line

Don't forget to follow us on social media (@thesuperfeeler) and subscribe to our podcast for new episodes and updates. Your subscriptions, downloads, and reviews mean the world to us!

Thank you for listening!

We're talking suicide - something that impacts almost everyone with borderline personality disorder in some way. A vast majority of us have experienced suicidal thoughts and as many as 10% of us will die by suicide at some point. 

Naturally this episode gets deep and you should listen with care. 

In part 1 (of 2) we talk language around suicide, stigma, shame, and start to get into our personal experiences with suicide.  

Suicide is a real thing and it's important we talk about it openly. It may be hard, but it's the truth. 

Relevant links to this episode: 

• Laurie and Aaron's episode about her suicide crisis in 2024. Part 1 and Part 2
• Kat's poetry book
• Suicide training SafeTALK and ASIST 

If you are in an immediate crisis please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. If you need someone to talk to about your suicidal thoughts please call 988 if you are in the US or Canada. 

You are loved and we want you to keep living. We promise life gets better and the emotions you are going through will pass. 

Support the show

If you want to support the show, dive deeper into the world of super feeling and for tons of bonus content please consider subscribing to the Super Feeler patreon page.

Click here to register for The Super Feelers Club (the peer support group)

If you are needing mental health support or someone to talk to, please connect with your local crisis line or call or text 988 in Canada or the US or find a local line

Don't forget to follow us on social media (@thesuperfeeler) and subscribe to our podcast for new episodes and updates. Your subscriptions, downloads, and reviews mean the world to us!

Thank you for listening!

Molly has experienced plenty of her own BPD stigma including as part of the legal system following a rape.  

We also discuss the importance of therapy, the challenges of finding her biological family, and her discovering  that she was Indigenous as an adult. 

Molly's story highlights the complexities of mental health, drug use, trauma, and the search for self-acceptance. 

This episode discuses rape and sexual assault in detail - please listen with caution and take care of yourself while you listen. 

Support the show

If you want to support the show, dive deeper into the world of super feeling and for tons of bonus content please consider subscribing to the Super Feeler patreon page.

Click here to register for The Super Feelers Club (the peer support group)

If you are needing mental health support or someone to talk to, please connect with your local crisis line or call or text 988 in Canada or the US or find a local line

Don't forget to follow us on social media (@thesuperfeeler) and subscribe to our podcast for new episodes and updates. Your subscriptions, downloads, and reviews mean the world to us!

Thank you for listening!

Dr. Elsa Ronningstam is an expert in narcissistic personality disorders, an Associate Professor of Psychology at Harvard University and the former president of the International Society of the Study of Personality Disorders (ISSPD).  She joins the podcast to discuss the history and evolution of the International Society for the Study of Personality Disorders (ISSPD) and the importance of international collaboration in research and advocacy. 

Dr. Ronningstam emphasizes the significance of psychoeducation and the various treatment modalities available for individuals with personality disorders, particularly focusing on narcissistic personality disorder. The conversation highlights the importance of empathy and understanding in supporting those affected by these conditions.

Dr. Ronningstam will be speaking at the presenting 2025 International Congress for the Study of Personality Disorders in Boston November 9th-11th. 

Her presentation topics include:

• Psychoeducation promoting destigmatization and change in NPD 
• Changes in narcissistic personality disorder in the context of co-morbid conditions 
• A dimensional perspective on the NPD core feature grandiosity

There are still tickets available to attend the Congress, including a brand-new option to attend virtually! PLUS there is a flash sale on for a limited time. You can find all of the information and register at ISSPD Registration

Come join Elsa, Laurie and hundreds of others passionate about personality disorders learn and connect together this fall!

Find the NPD Basics 5th Edition here. 

Support the show

If you want to support the show, dive deeper into the world of super feeling and for tons of bonus content please consider subscribing to the Super Feeler patreon page.

Click here to register for The Super Feelers Club (the peer support group)

If you are needing mental health support or someone to talk to, please connect with your local crisis line or call or text 988 in Canada or the US or find a local line

Don't forget to follow us on social media (@thesuperfeeler) and subscribe to our podcast for new episodes and updates. Your subscriptions, downloads, and reviews mean the world to us!

Thank you for listening!

Intense, uncontrollable anger is the scariest part of borderline personality disorder for a lot of people. And I don't mean scary for those around us (although them too) but for many of us it's a shameful, uncontrollable rage that feels like it will ruin our lives - and it absolutely ruins our happiness. 

Dave, Shannon, Laurie, Heather and Kat talk about what anger looks like in their lives, the differences between the internal and external expressions of anger, and how we have learned to manage our anger and unproductive coping mechanisms that often come with it. 

Together we discuss the challenges of managing anger, the importance of accountability, and the skills that help us navigate our emotions. 

Our conversation highlights the struggle between feeling justified in anger at times and the need for self-awareness and emotional regulation.

Support the show

If you want to support the show, dive deeper into the world of super feeling and for tons of bonus content please consider subscribing to the Super Feeler patreon page.

Click here to register for The Super Feelers Club (the peer support group)

If you are needing mental health support or someone to talk to, please connect with your local crisis line or call or text 988 in Canada or the US or find a local line

Don't forget to follow us on social media (@thesuperfeeler) and subscribe to our podcast for new episodes and updates. Your subscriptions, downloads, and reviews mean the world to us!

Thank you for listening!

Dr. Shirley Yen, is a clinical psychologist and researcher at Harvard Medical School and board member of the International Society of the Study of Personality Disorders (ISSPD) in addition to so many other roles and publications that you can learn about here. 

In this episode we discuss the critical issues surrounding adolescent mental health, particularly focusing on suicide, non-suicidal self injury (NSSI) and the importance of resilience-based interventions.

Dr. Yen shares her personal motivations for studying these topics, the complexities of self-harm, and we discuss two of the most asked questions about BPD:

1. Should the name be changed?
2. Should we diagnose BPD under the age of 18?

Laurie is presenting alongside Dr. Shirley Yen, Dr. Mary Zanarini and Isabel Glass at the upcoming 2025 International Congress for the Study of Personality Disorders in Boston November 9th-11th. Come Join Us!!!

There are still tickets available to attend the Congress, including a brand-new option to attend virtually! PLUS there is a flash sale on for a limited time. You can find all of the information and register at ISSPD Registration

Support the show

If you want to support the show, dive deeper into the world of super feeling and for tons of bonus content please consider subscribing to the Super Feeler patreon page.

Click here to register for The Super Feelers Club (the peer support group)

If you are needing mental health support or someone to talk to, please connect with your local crisis line or call or text 988 in Canada or the US or find a local line

Don't forget to follow us on social media (@thesuperfeeler) and subscribe to our podcast for new episodes and updates. Your subscriptions, downloads, and reviews mean the world to us!

Thank you for listening!

Ciara Toddington, is a new registered clinical counselor who is passionate about destigmatizing borderline personality disorder (BPD) for her clients and providing dialectic behavioral therapy (DBT) in a way that works for them. 

Together we discuss what led Ciara to becoming a counsellor, the stigma around BPD in education and clinical settings, and the importance of working to change the narrative.  

To find out more about Ciara's work and to reach out about her therapy services you can find her at the Unitive Wellness Clinic in Vancouver British Columbia Canada. 

Support the show

If you want to support the show, dive deeper into the world of super feeling and for tons of bonus content please consider subscribing to the Super Feeler patreon page.

Click here to register for The Super Feelers Club (the peer support group)

If you are needing mental health support or someone to talk to, please connect with your local crisis line or call or text 988 in Canada or the US or find a local line

Don't forget to follow us on social media (@thesuperfeeler) and subscribe to our podcast for new episodes and updates. Your subscriptions, downloads, and reviews mean the world to us!

Thank you for listening!

Rakesh Kumar (@healingwitheverystep) is currently walking across Canada to raise awareness about borderline personality disorder. 

Rakesh shares his personal journey, the cultural challenges surrounding mental health in the South Asian community, and the impact of finding peer support.

Rakesh's inspiring mission just goes to show the incredible perseverance that people with BPD embody. 

As of October 2nd 2025 - Rakesh has walked 2,798km (1739 miles) for which he brought no money and has been relying on generous donations of food and spaces to sleep by strangers he meets along the way. 

In the episode you'll hear Rakesh share about how he does not want to connect money to his journey because it takes away from his mission. 

Laurie however wants you to know that the organization he talks about benefitting so much is the Borderline Personality Disorder Society of British Columbia which does accept donations if you are so inclined. 

Support the show

If you want to support the show, dive deeper into the world of super feeling and for tons of bonus content please consider subscribing to the Super Feeler patreon page.

Click here to register for The Super Feelers Club (the peer support group)

If you are needing mental health support or someone to talk to, please connect with your local crisis line or call or text 988 in Canada or the US or find a local line

Don't forget to follow us on social media (@thesuperfeeler) and subscribe to our podcast for new episodes and updates. Your subscriptions, downloads, and reviews mean the world to us!

Thank you for listening!