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Episode summary:

In this episode, therapist Pamela Madsen, MS, LPC, explores the often-overlooked connection between narcissistic abuse and chronic pain conditions. Pamela breaks down the four types of narcissistic parents (grandiose, covert, malignant, and communal) and explains how growing up with narcissistic caregivers creates hypervigilance that extends beyond scanning the environment to scanning the body internally, amplifying pain perception and contributing to conditions like fibromyalgia, IBS, and migraines. She discusses why many high-achieving adults don't recognize their childhood experiences as traumatic, how complex PTSD manifests in successful people who come to therapy for seemingly unrelated issues, and why addressing the underlying trauma through therapy can significantly improve both emotional well-being and physical pain symptoms. Pamela emphasizes that healing begins with repairing the relationship with oneself and recognizing that you deserve care and are worthy of good things, rather than existing solely to benefit others.

MEET DESTINY: Website / Instagram / BlueSky / YouTube / TikTok

MEET GUEST: Website / Instagram / Facebook

Pamela is the owner of Sea Change Therapy, where there is a variety of specialties in the office with accessible building and easy parking access. Pamela also provide supervision and clinical consultation to other professionals.

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→ Beyond the Behavior: Understanding hair pulling, skin picking, nail biting, or other body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) in Chronic Illness

https://www.thechronicillnesstherapist.com/workshops

→ READ THE BLOG FOR THIS EPISODE

ASK DESTINY ANYTHING

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FOR YOU, OUR PODCAST LISTENERS

JOIN DESTINY’S MEMBERSHIP - for folks with chronic pain & illness

→ ⁠Join Welcome To The Waiting Room⁠ (ongoing support for staying regulated while living with chronic illness - This does not replace therapy, but it’s a great addition to your regular therapy appointments)

FOR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS

🏢 WE’RE HOSTING A CONFERENCE! WOOO! It’ll be an IN-PERSON event in Atlanta, GA, in the Spring or Fall of 2026! Sign up for the waitlist here!

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Disclaimer: Everything we talk about here is just meant to be general education and information. It's not intended as personal mental health or medical advice. If you have any questions related to your unique circumstances, please contact a licensed therapist or medical professional in your state of residence.

JOIN DESTINY’S MEMBERSHIP - for folks with chronic pain & illness

→ ⁠Join Welcome To The Waiting Room⁠ (ongoing support for staying regulated while living with chronic illness - This does not replace therapy, but it’s a great addition to your regular therapy appointments)

**

Episode summary: This episode features Jared Walker, founder of DollarFor, a nonprofit dedicated to eliminating medical debt by making hospital charity care known, easy, and fair. Walker shares how he discovered that most nonprofit hospitals are legally required to provide financial assistance (charity care) to patients who meet certain income qualifications, yet hospitals rarely inform patients about these programs. And you’d be surprised at how high some of the income requirements are!

Since launching in 2012, DollarFor has helped eliminate nearly $90 million in medical debt by creating user-friendly tools that help patients determine eligibility and apply for charity care programs that can completely wipe out hospital bills. Walker explains that charity care is far more accessible than most people realize, with many programs covering households earning up to 250-400% of federal poverty guidelines, and offers practical advice for negotiating medical bills when charity care isn't an option.

Resources mentioned:

→ dollarfor.org

MEET DESTINY: Website / Instagram / BlueSky / YouTube / TikTok

MEET GUEST: Website / Instagram / X / YouTube / TikTok

→ SIGN UP FOR DESTINY'S NEXT LIVE WORKSHOP

→ READ THE BLOG FOR THIS EPISODE

ASK DESTINY ANYTHING

→ Submit your questions here

FOR YOU, OUR PODCAST LISTENERS

JOIN DESTINY’S MEMBERSHIP - for folks with chronic pain & illness

→ ⁠Join Welcome To The Waiting Room⁠ (ongoing support for staying regulated while living with chronic illness - This does not replace therapy, but it’s a great addition to your regular therapy appointments)

FOR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS

🛋️ Join The Mastermind! (monthly business and clinical consultation calls for medical professionals specializing in working with patients with chronic illnesses)

🧭 Get Your Client Roadmap For Navigating Complex Trauma and Chronic Illness (specifically for mental health therapists) (COMING SOON- sign up for the waitlist)

**

SAY THANKS - Reviews tell the app, “hey, people like this! Show it in the algorithm to more people!” :)

💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify

**

Disclaimer: Everything we talk about here is just meant to be general education and information. It's not intended as personal mental health or medical advice. If you have any questions related to your unique circumstances, please contact a licensed therapist or medical professional in your state of residence.

JOIN DESTINY’S MEMBERSHIP - for folks with chronic pain & illness

→ ⁠Join Welcome To The Waiting Room⁠ (ongoing support for staying regulated while living with chronic illness - This does not replace therapy, but it’s a great addition to your regular therapy appointments)

**

Episode summary:

Jackie Williams-Reade, a marriage and family therapist with a PhD in medical family therapy, discusses family systems theory and particularly the concept of differentiation, which involves balancing authenticity with the conforming that’s often required in relationships. Jackie explores how childhood family dynamics, especially scapegoating, can affect adult behavior patterns and relationships with medical providers. She explains how people who were scapegoated as children often struggle with trusting themselves and advocating for their needs in healthcare settings. The conversation covers practical strategies for setting boundaries while staying connected, asking for help effectively, and recognizing that healing isn't about perfect responses but rather increased awareness and continued effort. Jackie and Destiny also discuss the challenges of navigating the medical system and how integrated care models can help bridge communication gaps between patients and providers.

MEET DESTINY: Website / Instagram / BlueSky / YouTube / TikTok

MEET GUEST: Website / Jackie’s Textbook for Medical Professionals

→ SIGN UP FOR DESTINY'S NEXT LIVE WORKSHOP

→ READ THE BLOG FOR THIS EPISODE

ASK DESTINY ANYTHING

→ Submit your questions here

FOR YOU, OUR PODCAST LISTENERS

JOIN DESTINY’S MEMBERSHIP - for folks with chronic pain & illness

→ ⁠Join Welcome To The Waiting Room⁠ (ongoing support for staying regulated while living with chronic illness - This does not replace therapy, but it’s a great addition to your regular therapy appointments)

FOR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS

🛋️ Join The Mastermind! (monthly business and clinical consultation calls for medical professionals specializing in working with patients with chronic illnesses)

🧭 Jackie’s Textbook for Medical Professionals⁠

**

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Disclaimer: Everything we talk about here is just meant to be general education and information. It's not intended as personal mental health or medical advice. If you have any questions related to your unique circumstances, please contact a licensed therapist or medical professional in your state of residence.

Episode Summary:

In this vulnerable and insightful episode, licensed professional counselor Danielle McDowell shares her journey of navigating professional ambitions while managing fibromyalgia. After experiencing sudden onset of symptoms following the birth of her son, Danielle recounts how she adapted her therapeutic practice and home life by setting boundaries, extending timelines, and finding community with others who understand chronic illness. She discusses the generational patterns of appearing "superhuman" that she inherited and her commitment to modeling authentic struggle for her children. Danielle's story offers valuable lessons on redefining success, embracing limitations, and finding purpose through personal challenges.

MEET DESTINY: Website / Instagram / BlueSky / YouTube / TikTok

MEET DANIELLE: Website / Instagram / Danielle's TedTalk! The Painful And Necessary Work of Collective Healing

JOIN DESTINY’S MEMBERSHIP - for folks with chronic pain & illness

→ Join Welcome To The Waiting Room

ASK DESTINY ANYTHING

→ Submit your questions here

FOR YOU, OUR PODCAST LISTENERS

Join The Membership (ongoing support for staying regulated while living with chronic illness - This does not replace therapy, but it’s a great addition to your regular therapy appointments)

FOR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS

🛋️ Join The Mastermind! (monthly business and clinical consultation calls for medical professionals specializing in working with patients with chronic illnesses)

🧭 Get Your Client Roadmap For Navigating Complex Trauma and Chronic Illness (specifically for mental health therapists) (COMING SOON- sign up for the waitlist)

JOIN DESTINY’S MEMBERSHIP - for folks with chronic pain & illness

→ Join Welcome To The Waiting Room (ongoing support for staying regulated while living with chronic illness - This does not replace therapy, but it’s a great addition to your regular therapy appointments)

**

Episode summary: Destiny Davis speaks with Kara Cruz, a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in women's mental health, particularly perinatal mental health and perimenopause. They discuss the importance of women trusting themselves when advocating for their health needs, as many experience being dismissed or unheard by healthcare providers. Kara shares strategies for self-advocacy, including practical approaches like symptom tracking and preparing questions, as well as emotional regulation techniques to help clients recognize bodily sensations and navigate nervous system responses during difficult healthcare interactions. They explore how past trauma and people-pleasing behaviors can interfere with self-advocacy, emphasizing that learning to trust yourself is foundational to health advocacy. Kara also highlights the importance of community support through her Women's Support Circle and discusses the need for comprehensive screening for the seven distinct perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.

MEET DESTINY: Website / Instagram / BlueSky / YouTube / TikTok

MEET KARA: Website / Instagram / Facebook

SIGN UP FOR DESTINY'S NEXT LIVE WORKSHOP

→ https://www.thechronicillnesstherapist.com/workshops

→ READ THE BLOG FOR THIS EPISODE

ASK DESTINY ANYTHING

→ Submit your questions here

FOR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS

🛋️ Join The Mastermind! (monthly business and clinical consultation calls for medical professionals specializing in working with patients with chronic illnesses)

🧭 Get Your Client Roadmap For Navigating Complex Trauma and Chronic Illness (specifically for mental health therapists) (COMING SOON- sign up for the waitlist)

**

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**

Disclaimer: Everything we talk about here is just meant to be general education and information. It's not intended as personal mental health or medical advice. If you have any questions related to your unique circumstances, please contact a licensed therapist or medical professional in your state of residence.

JOIN DESTINY’S MEMBERSHIP - for folks with chronic pain & illness

→ ⁠Join Welcome To The Waiting Room⁠ (ongoing support for staying regulated while living with chronic illness - This does not replace therapy, but it’s a great addition to your regular therapy appointments)

**

Episode summary:

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Jenny Tufenkina, a naturopathic physician who shares her framework of five root causes behind chronic fatigue and complex illnesses. Drawing from both her clinical experience and personal journey recovering from fatigue twice in her life, Dr. Jenny walks us through how the hormone triangle, chronic infections, toxic overload, mitochondrial dysfunction, and limbic system dysregulation can contribute to these conditions.

As someone currently addressing my own adrenal/hormone challenges, I appreciated her individualized approach that recognizes each person's unique situation. Dr. Jenny offers practical insights on identifying which root causes might be present in your case and potential paths forward, all while maintaining a compassionate perspective. For those interested in learning more, she's hosting a summit on chronic fatigue running April 11-18, 2025 with researchers and practitioners exploring these topics in depth.

Resources mentioned:

→ Dr. Jenny’s Summit April 11-18, 2025

→ Why Are You So Tired Quiz

MEET DESTINY: Website / Instagram / BlueSky / YouTube / TikTok

MEET GUEST: Website / Instagram / Facebook

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEXT LIVE WORKSHOP

→ Strength Training w/ Fibromyalgia April 5th 2025 @ 10:30am EST / 3:30pm GMT

READ THE BLOG FOR THIS EPISODE

→

ASK DESTINY ANYTHING

→ Submit your questions here

FOR YOU, OUR PODCAST LISTENERS

Join The Membership (ongoing support for staying regulated while living with chronic illness - This does not replace therapy, but it’s a great addition to your regular therapy appointments)

FOR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS

🛋️ Join The Mastermind! (monthly business and clinical consultation calls for medical professionals specializing in working with patients with chronic illnesses)

🧭 Get Your Client Roadmap For Navigating Complex Trauma and Chronic Illness (specifically for mental health therapists) (COMING SOON- sign up for the waitlist)

**

SAY THANKS - Reviews tell the app, “hey, people like this! Show it in the algorithm to more people!” :)

💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

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**

Disclaimer: Everything we talk about here is just meant to be general education and information. It's not intended as personal mental health or medical advice. If you have any questions related to your unique circumstances, please contact a licensed therapist or medical professional in your state of residence.

**

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Episode Summary:

In this episode, I chat with David McGettigan, an amazing pain and movement specialist who's been helping people for 15 years recover from chronic pain and other symptoms, like chemical sensitivity and insomnia. David works with folks who've been bounced around the healthcare system without finding real answers.

I love how he frames pain as an adaptation instead of a "dysfunction" - such a game-changer! We discuss the connection between sleep and pain (mind-blowing stuff about how poor sleep literally opens neural pathways to more pain), and how morning sunlight can reset your whole system.David shares his own journey with chronic pain and gives super practical advice about healing timelines - did you know tissue typically needs 6-8 week cycles to adapt? No wonder quick fixes don't stick!

What I appreciate most is how David balances solid science with real compassion - "evidence of safety" for your nervous system and pacing your recovery properly. If you're dealing with chronic pain or know someone who is, this conversation offers both hope and practical steps forward. David truly believes change is possible at any stage, and after talking with him, I do too!

Resources mentioned:

→ Bigger Than Pain Program

MEET DESTINY: Website / Instagram / BlueSky / YouTube / TikTok

MEET GUEST: Website / Instagram / YouTube /

SIGN UP FOR DESTINY’S NEXT LIVE WORKSHOP

→ Strength Training w/ Fibromyalgia 🏋️‍♀️ March 29th 2025 @ 12pm EST / 5pm GMT

READ THE BLOG FOR THIS EPISODE

→ coming soon

ASK DESTINY ANYTHING

→ Submit your questions here

FOR YOU, OUR PODCAST LISTENERS

Join Destiny's Membership (ongoing support for staying regulated while living with chronic illness - This does not replace therapy, but it’s a great addition to your regular therapy appointments)

FOR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS

🛋️ Join The Mastermind! (monthly business and clinical consultation calls for medical professionals specializing in working with patients with chronic illnesses)

🧭 Get Your Client Roadmap For Navigating Complex Trauma and Chronic Illness (specifically for mental health therapists) (COMING SOON- sign up for the waitlist)

**

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**

Disclaimer: Everything we talk about here is just meant to be general education and information. It's not intended as personal mental health or medical advice. If you have any questions related to your unique circumstances, please contact a licensed therapist or medical professional in your state of residence.

JOIN DESTINY’S MEMBERSHIP - for folks with chronic pain & illness

→ ⁠Join Welcome To The Waiting Room⁠ (ongoing support for staying regulated while living with chronic illness - This does not replace therapy, but it’s a great addition to your regular therapy appointments)

**

Episode summary:

In this episode, we speak with Rachel Smith, a certified personal trainer with a Master's in Exercise Science who specializes in working with clients with fibromyalgia and chronic pain. Rachel shares her personal journey with fibromyalgia, diagnosed in 2010, and how she discovered that strength training was particularly effective for managing her symptoms. She discusses the importance of individualized approaches to exercise, the challenge of breaking the "boom and bust" cycle many chronic pain sufferers experience, and why a gradual, consistent approach is more effective than pushing to extremes. Rachel also addresses common myths about fibromyalgia treatment, particularly around diet, and explains how her program, FibroFit Warriors, combines evidence-based methods with community support. For those newly diagnosed, she emphasizes the value of finding trusted information sources and avoiding the negativity often found in online support groups.

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEXT LIVE WORKSHOP

→ Fibromyalgia 101: What You Wish Your Doctor Told You

→ Strength Training w/ Fibromyalgia

MEET DESTINY: Website / Instagram / BlueSky / YouTube / TikTok

MEET RACHEL: Website / Instagram

Rachel Smith is the founder of Fibro Fit Warriors, a science-based program dedicated to helping people with Fibromyalgia manage their symptoms through movement, nutrition, and lifestyle strategies.

→ READ THE BLOG FOR THIS EPISODE

ASK DESTINY ANYTHING

→ Submit your questions here

FOR YOU, OUR PODCAST LISTENERS

Join The Membership (ongoing support for staying regulated while living with chronic illness - This does not replace therapy, but it’s a great addition to your regular therapy appointments)

FOR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS

🛋️ Join The Mastermind! (monthly business and clinical consultation calls for medical professionals specializing in working with patients with chronic illnesses)

🧭 Get Your Client Roadmap For Navigating Complex Trauma and Chronic Illness (specifically for mental health therapists) (COMING SOON- sign up for the waitlist)

**

SAY THANKS - Reviews tell the app, “hey, people like this! Show it in the algorithm to more people!” :)

💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify

**

Disclaimer: Everything we talk about here is just meant to be general education and information. It's not intended as personal mental health or medical advice. If you have any questions related to your unique circumstances, please contact a licensed therapist or medical professional in your state of residence.

JOIN DESTINY’S MEMBERSHIP - for folks with chronic pain & illness

→ ⁠Join Welcome To The Waiting Room⁠ (ongoing support for staying regulated while living with chronic illness - This does not replace therapy, but it’s a great addition to your regular therapy appointments)

**

Episode summary:

In this episode, we speak with Rachel Smith, a certified personal trainer with a Master's in Exercise Science who specializes in working with clients with fibromyalgia and chronic pain. Rachel shares her personal journey with fibromyalgia, diagnosed in 2010, and how she discovered that strength training was particularly effective for managing her symptoms. She discusses the importance of individualized approaches to exercise, the challenge of breaking the "boom and bust" cycle many chronic pain sufferers experience, and why a gradual, consistent approach is more effective than pushing to extremes. Rachel also addresses common myths about fibromyalgia treatment, particularly around diet, and explains how her program, FibroFit Warriors, combines evidence-based methods with community support. For those newly diagnosed, she emphasizes the value of finding trusted information sources and avoiding the negativity often found in online support groups.

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEXT LIVE WORKSHOP

→ Fibromyalgia 101: What You Wish Your Doctor Told You

→ Strength Training w/ Fibromyalgia

MEET DESTINY: Website / Instagram / BlueSky / YouTube / TikTok

MEET RACHEL: Website / Instagram

Rachel Smith is the founder of Fibro Fit Warriors, a science-based program dedicated to helping people with Fibromyalgia manage their symptoms through movement, nutrition, and lifestyle strategies.

→ READ THE BLOG FOR THIS EPISODE

ASK DESTINY ANYTHING

→ Submit your questions here

FOR YOU, OUR PODCAST LISTENERS

Join The Membership (ongoing support for staying regulated while living with chronic illness - This does not replace therapy, but it’s a great addition to your regular therapy appointments)

FOR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS

🛋️ Join The Mastermind! (monthly business and clinical consultation calls for medical professionals specializing in working with patients with chronic illnesses)

🧭 Get Your Client Roadmap For Navigating Complex Trauma and Chronic Illness (specifically for mental health therapists) (COMING SOON- sign up for the waitlist)

**

SAY THANKS - Reviews tell the app, “hey, people like this! Show it in the algorithm to more people!” :)

💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify

**

Disclaimer: Everything we talk about here is just meant to be general education and information. It's not intended as personal mental health or medical advice. If you have any questions related to your unique circumstances, please contact a licensed therapist or medical professional in your state of residence.

JOIN DESTINY’S MEMBERSHIP - for folks with chronic pain & illness

→ ⁠Join Welcome To The Waiting Room⁠ (ongoing support for staying regulated while living with chronic illness - This does not replace therapy, but it’s a great addition to your regular therapy appointments)

**

Episode summary: Samina Qureshi is a registered dietitian specializing in IBS management from a weight-inclusive perspective. She challenges the common approach of endless food elimination, revealing that the standard low FODMAP diet should only last 2-4 weeks, not months or years as many attempt. Samina explains why food sensitivity tests are largely unreliable and how restriction often worsens gut symptoms by disrupting motility and starving beneficial gut bacteria. Instead, she advocates for focusing on adding variety rather than eliminating foods, and recognizes that simply nourishing your body regularly is powerful nervous system work. For those caught in cycles of restriction and worsening symptoms, Samina offers a refreshing path forward that expands food choices while addressing individual digestive needs, proving that healing your relationship with food and finding relief from IBS symptoms can happen simultaneously.

MEET GUEST: Website / Instagram / Facebook / TikTok

→ Sign up for Samina’s Free Guide: 5 Ways to Avoid IBS Flares!

MEET DESTINY: Website / Instagram / BlueSky / YouTube / TikTok

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEXT LIVE WORKSHOP

→ Your Perfect Morning Routine 🥞 Jan 25th 2025 @ 10:30am EST / 3:30pm GMT

→⁠READ THE BLOG FOR THIS EPISODE⁠

ASK DESTINY ANYTHING

→ Submit your questions here

FOR YOU, OUR PODCAST LISTENERS

Join The Membership (ongoing support for staying regulated while living with chronic illness - This does not replace therapy, but it’s a great addition to your regular therapy appointments)

FOR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS

🛋️ Join The Mastermind! (monthly business and clinical consultation calls for medical professionals specializing in working with patients with chronic illnesses)

🧭 Get Your Client Roadmap For Navigating Complex Trauma and Chronic Illness (specifically for mental health therapists) (COMING SOON- sign up for the waitlist)

**

SAY THANKS - Reviews tell the app, “hey, people like this! Show it in the algorithm to more people!” :)

💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify

**

Disclaimer: Everything we talk about here is just meant to be general education and information. It's not intended as personal mental health or medical advice. If you have any questions related to your unique circumstances, please contact a licensed therapist or medical professional in your state of residence.