Toxic Parents & Sneaky Boundary Crossings

Toxic Fathers & The Daughters They Leave Behind I hope this episode was helpful and or thought provoking for you. Please like, follow or comment w/questions. For in depth journal prompts, subscribe to my YouTube channel for video versions of these episodes!Join the Monthly Healing Community Membership

Why Your C-PTSD Isn't Getting BetterTopics covered: sense of self, childhood trauma, DSO, CPTSD, PTSD, relationship problems, emotional triggers, psychology, assessment, measurable goals, journal prompts, childhood trauma, trauma response, attachment. In this episode I go over Disturbances in Self-Organization, a diagnostic criteria set that separates PTSD from C-PTSD. We can fine tune our healing efforts if we know which of the three DSO ideas affects our functioning the most. This episode also discusses a tool we are developing to measure C-PTSD progress and gives resources such as what therapy modalities might be the most useful for the category that you score the highest in.Join the Monthly Healing Community Membership

In this episode I cover the mental health personality of a Star Wars character C-3P0. Other Star Wars mental health mentions: K-2S0, gonk droid, Luke Skywalker, Andor, Mon Mothma, Empire Strikes Back, Luthen Rael, Dedra Meero, Syrill, R2-D2, Darth Vader, Palpatine, Han Solo, Narcissism, Covert Narcissist, codependency, Chewbacca, Emperor Palpatine, Princess Leia, Yoda, Boba Fett, Sith, Star Wars fans. The sound clips used in this episode are owned by Lucasfilm Ltd. and are part of the Star Wars franchise. All rights are reserved by the respective copyright holders. This episode is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only and falls under fair use.Join the Monthly Healing Community Membership

Our biggest fear is that we’re failing our children somehow.” If you’re worried—because most parents are—this video will help you approach that fear with compassion and clarity.In this video, you’ll learn:Real-life “no-one-tells-you” parenting stressors, from biting toddlers to boundary-pushing tweens.How to spot and rethink your personal triggers by tracing them back to your own childhood.Practical “reset” tools: what to say to yourself (and your child) when you feel that hot-button reaction.Healthy parenting concepts for responding with patience, even in your most challenging moments.Additional Thoughts:1. If you’re struggling with hitting your children, yes, that causes damage—try to get that issue resolved first.2. I believe that a child needs at least one engaged and loving parent working on themselves. 3. Repairing is discussed in the webinar - it’s never too late to repair and be real about failings. 4. Amplifying situations such as co-parenting with a toxic person are real issues. Try to just focus on your own parenting. A parenting coach can be very helpful in those situations if available. 5. No parent is perfect, but that cannot be used to self-enable or minimize.Join the Monthly Healing Community Membership

Anxiety rarely shows up without a backstory. In this video, I’m diving deep into how childhood trauma — especially experiences rooted in neglect and abuse — can shape the anxiety many of us struggle with today. These issues often get labeled just as anxiety. We'll explore: 1️⃣ The root causes of anxiety tied to our past 2️⃣ How those early experiences can still affect us in the presentI’ll walk you through a list of childhood trauma-related issues that might help you connect some important dots in your own life. These topics can be intense, so please take care of yourself as you watch. This isn’t about blaming the past, but about understanding it — because when we understand where anxiety comes from, we can begin to loosen its grip. I’ll also share my personal thoughts on anxiety, therapy, and how trauma differs from general anxiety. Join the Monthly Healing Community Membership

While this episode is directed at parents who are struggling to understand why their children have gone low or no contact, I think many of you—especially those who have lived through painful or invalidating family experiences—may find it deeply resonant. In it, I speak directly to estranged parents about: Seven of the most common blind spots I’ve seen in 15+ years of working with childhood trauma. Why insight without accountability is never enough. The disconnect between intention and impact. What real reconciliation actually requires. If you’ve ever felt like your parent didn’t—or couldn’t—see the truth of your experience… this may feel like someone finally saying it out loud. And no, I don’t recommend sending it to your parents. But I do hope it brings you some clarity, validation, or even peace. Keywords: Childhood trauma, estrangement, no-contact, low-contact, healing.Join the Monthly Healing Community Membership

In this episode, we explore how childhood trauma, like neglect or toxic parenting, affects emotional security and shapes our relationships. We discuss how these early experiences can lead to insecurities, especially in romantic relationships and when receiving feedback. You’ll hear practical tips for healing, building trust in yourself, and improving emotional resilience. Topics include: How neglect or toxic parenting impacts emotional securityHow childhood insecurities show up in romantic relationshipsDealing with feedback without feeling triggeredTips for rebuilding trust and self-worthJoin us for an insightful conversation on healing and finding emotional balance. Keywords: Childhood trauma, emotional security, relationships, healing, self-worth, feedback.Join the Monthly Healing Community Membership

 In this season 2 opener, we look back at a pivotal childhood experience with "Slow Jack," my first client. This story goes beyond a simple interaction—it’s about the genuine moments I experienced as a child in an adult world. No clinical jargon—just real, personal stories of growing up with childhood trauma and the journey to healing. Join the Monthly Healing Community Membership

In this episode, Orenda Fink opens up about her journey growing up in chaos with an alcoholic mother struggling with mental illness who self-identified as a practicing and often vindictive witch. As she navigates the trauma of her childhood, Orenda escapes to pursue music, forming bands like Little Red Rocket and Azure Ray. We explore the lasting impact of childhood trauma, the codependent other parent, the fine line between mental illness and the myth of magic, and the ongoing search for healing and self-discovery. A raw and moving conversation about resilience, family, and mental health. Don't miss it!Learn more about Orenda Fink: Orendafink.com  Join the Monthly Healing Community Membership

In this episode, I discuss mental health, psychology, functioning, self-care, relationships, childhood trauma, substance abuse, emotional regulation, dysthymia, depression, anxiety, conflict, alcohol, growth, progress, sobriety, and men's mental health. I've given a broad overview about possible reasons for not having one's SH*T together. I related them to being in the context of childhood trauma, but they don't always have to be. These issues can also be in line with problems ranging from ADHD to neurodivergent. It's important to consult a licensed professional. I educate on topics related to childhood trauma and voice my content around that issue. This episode is not a definitive diagnostic tool. Access the full-length, extended video version of "How to Get Your SH*T Together" in my healing membership. Use code "GYST25" for 25% off your first two months!Join the Monthly Healing Community Membership