Super Feeler: A BPD Podcast
Dive into the experiences of living with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD).Hear powerful stories from individuals with lived experience, their families, researchers, and mental health professionals. Each episode provides a strength-based perspective on mental health, filled with humor, raw emotion, and validation.Every other week you will learn from a group of Super Feelers about how they navigate the world using Dialectic Behavioural Therapy skills. Whether you’re navigating these challenges yourself, supporting a loved one, or simply looking to understand more about the complexities of emotional regulation, Super Feeler is here to inform, inspire, and connect. Subscribe to the pod...
No Longer Denying Diagnosis Leads to Normal-ish Parenting (feat. Jennifer)
Jennifer is a marriage and family counsellor living with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). She shares her personal journey, including her experiences with therapy, the importance of receiving the correct information/diagnosis in order to plan treatment, parenting, and the stigma she’s experienced.
Jennifer has spent a lot of time talking to her kids in an age appropriate way about her BPD and explaining what it means. This is helpful to her so she can stop the "hand-me-down" disordered thinking.
*just a note that Laurie refers to Jennifer in the episode as a counsellor rathe...
BPD Symptoms: Unstable and Intense Interpersonal Relationships
It's week 2 of the BPD Symptoms mini series! This week, Laurie, Heather, Kat, and Shane sit down to talk about the rollercoaster of intense relationships — you know, the ones that swing between idealization and devaluation, splitting, with favorite people and kind of take over our lives....
We unpack what it’s like to move through the world with the ability to connect deeply in the first moment, the fear of losing it, and the positives and negatives of the intensity of the relationships.
We talk A LOT about splitting and favorite people/persons.
Fr...
Why Certification Matters: Discussing DBT-LBC Certification (feat. Meredith Meyer, LMFT)
Meredith Meyer, LMFT, from the DBT Linehan Board of Certification comes on The Super Feeler Podcast to talk about the significance of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) certification and full DBT programs that are properly aligned with Marsha Linehan’s vision.
We also discuss what brought DBT into Meredith’s life, its application in marriage and family therapy, the importance of peer support,
If you’ve always wondered what it means to have “full/comprehensive” DBT, why certification is a thing, how to find the best DBT therapists, or are looking into certification for yourself this is episode...
BPD Symptoms: Frantic Efforts to Avoid Real or Imagined Abandonment
Welcome to a brand new Super Feeler mini-series!
Every other week, we're diving deep into the nine symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) with a panel of people who live it!
In our first episode, we’re talking about frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment — a symptom that many of us feel in our bones. We get into what this looks like in relationships, parenting, friendships, and how we've started to build more self-trust and resilience.
This series will feature some Super Feelers you already know and love...
Creating a Life Worth Living Through DBT (feat. @the.mindful.wildflower)
Michelle, the creator of the IG page @the.mindful.wildflower shares about her journey with BPD, diving head first into DBT and what it was like to move across the country, quit her job and go through a breakup all at once.
Michelle shares her journey of navigating friendship, healing and recovery in a new place and how it has motivated her to help others learn DBT skills.
GIVEAWAY!!!! Go to @the.mindful.wildflower on instagra to enter! You could win:
The Mindful Wildflower Skills Card DeckThe Mindful Wildflower and Super Feeler sti...DBT Skills: Diana Joins Skills Cast To Chat
Diana Partington is back to talk with our DBT Skills cast about what it was like to listen to us work through her book together!
Together we discuss about the transformative power of DBT and the importance of community support in the journey of recovery.
A lot of tears are shed - thank you for being on this beautiful journey with us.
Check out Diana's new project at community.dbtforlife.com !
Throughout this series we're using the book 'DBT for Life' by Diana Partington to guide our discussions. Get your own cop...
Mental Health Advocacy on Campus (feat. Kails)
Kails (@prettybpdpisces) joins the pod to share about her BPD journey and how it led her to mental health advocacy. She discusses her work with NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) and her efforts to create a more supportive mental health community on her university campus.
To learn more about her university club click here!
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 T...
DBT Skills: Alternate Rebellion
Let's chat about Alternate Rebellion - could this be the most important time in recent history to be talking about this DBT skill?
The conversation explores the complexities of rebellion, bravery, and the importance of sharing personal stories in the context of mental health and healing.
Trigger warning: Throughout the episode we speak about sexual assault, abuse and other potentially triggering topics. Please listen with caution and take good care of yourself if you listen.
Throughout this series we're using the book 'DBT for Life' by Diana Partington to guide our d...
The Power of Accessible DBT Skills (feat. Dr. Kiki Fehling)
Dr. Kiki Fehling, a super feeler psychologist, author, influencer, and super feeler joins the pod to talk all about Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), its accessibility, and the importance of skills for all parts of life.
Kiki shares about their journey learning DBT while training as a psychologist and their desire to develop more accessible DBT-based resources.
Laurie and Kiki also compare notes on their heart issues (Kiki’s heart attack and Laurie’s heart rhythm disorder) and how they used DBT skills to cope through the attacks themselves and the subsequent treatm...
Walking With Love: Sashbear, Family Support & the Power of Community (feat. Lynn and Sandy)
This week we're joined by Sashbear Foundation founder Lynn Courey and Sandy, a family partner involved in Sashbear's Family Connections Program. The Sashbear Foundation, is an internationally recognized Canadian charity focused on supporting families affected by borderline personality disorder (BPD) and emotion dysregulation.
Sashbear was created following Lynn's family's tragic loss of a daughter to suicide. Both Lynn and Sandy share about the impact of peer support for families as well as the importance of normalizing conversations about mental health, decreasing stigma and advocacy.
May is borderline personality disorder aw...
DBT Skills: Pushing Away and Distracting
In this episode we focus on distraction techniques, emotional regulation, and navigating relationships.
Kat talks about 'future faking' in relationships and we all talk about how helpful the idea of "worry appointments" is!
The conversation emphasizes the balance between distraction and avoidance, and how understanding these skills can lead to better emotional health and relationships
Throughout this series we're using the book 'DBT for Life' by Diana Partington to guide our discussions. Get your own copy to follow along with us!
If you want to support the show, dive dee...
Losing Your Child to the System While Navigating Your Own Abuse (feat. Kati)
This week I’m joined by Kati, who shares her journey with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD). Kati discusses her experiences as a young mother and the impact of childhood trauma on her own life.
She shares about her abusive relationship, the loss of custody of her son, and her path to healing through therapy and community support.
Join Kati and Laurie at the next session of The Super Feelers Club by clicking here.
Trigger warnings: child family services, child apprehension, sexual and relationship abuse.
If you...
DBT Skills: Self Soothing with the Five Senses
Self-soothing isn’t just about bubble baths and candles—it’s about survival.
In this episode we discuss the DBT skill of self-soothing through the five senses, exploring how sensory awareness can be a lifeline in our hardest moments.
Self-soothing looks different for everyone, so you'll hear from Dave, Laurie, Heather, Kat and Shannon about our own favorite ways to soothe.
Throughout this series we're using the book 'DBT for Life' by Diana Partington to guide our discussions. Get your own copy to follow along with us!
If you want t...
Navigating Estrangements and Legal Battles (feat. Katelyn)
Katelyn shares about her journey through estrangement from her parents, the legal battles that ensued, and the impact on her mental health.
While she doesn’t have a BPD diagnosis she is certainly a Super Feeler and her journey is super relatable to many of us.
Together we explore the complexities of family dynamics and parenting, the role of secrets, and the healing power of art and expression. That leads us to a few tangents including: drag king goals, the strange impact of stress on physical health, experiences with sexual assault and...
DBT Skills: Radical Acceptance
It's time for the most controversial of all DBT skills!
Radical acceptance.... or shall we say "radical reality"?
This week we talk about distress tolerance skills in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), with a focus on (one of) Laurie's favorite skills radical acceptance.
We dive into the struggles of radical acceptance, the difference between willingness and willfulness, and how this skill can sometimes feel really invalidating.
Throughout this series we're using the book 'DBT for Life' by Diana Partington to guide our discussions. Get your own copy to follow along with us!
International Advocacy for Personality Disorders (feat. Åse-Line)
Åse-Line Baltzersen shares about her experiences living with and recovering from personality disorders, particularly in the context of living in Norway. Åse-Line shares her journey from diagnosis to recovery, her involvement in international advocacy, and the evolving understanding of personality disorders throughout the world.
To learn more about the International Society of the Study of Personality Disorders Lived Experience Committee click here.
To learn more about the ISSPD Congress in Boston click here. Abstracts are due by March 31st 2025!
If you want to support the show, dive deeper into the world of...
DBT Skills: Identifying Your Values
While it's not a DBT "skill" per se, figuring our what your values are and learning how to live them weaves into a lot of DBT skills.
The DBT Skills panel (Dave, Kat, Heather and newest member Shannon) explore how understanding our personal values can lead to a more fulfilling life through self-reflection.
We also talk a bit about the Kaizen philosophy which is all about the power of small steps in achieving personal goals.
Throughout this series we're using the book 'DBT for Life' by Diana Partington to guide our discussions. Get you...
Navigating the Wounded Parts of Myself (feat. Daniel)
Daniel Mojica (@__mojii._), is a 21-year-old university student navigating life with borderline personality disorder (BPD).
In this episode Daniel shares his journey of self-discovery, the challenges he faced growing up in an invalidating environment, and how he came to terms with his diagnosis.
Together we explore themes of self-discovery, community engagement, and the complexities of emotions and relationships.
Daniel shares his journey of wanting to help others while navigating his own struggles with identity, mental health and the significance of acknowledging emotions and the journey towards self-love and acceptance.
If you wan...
DBT Skills: PLEASE
Meet our new DBT Skills series guests Kat and Heather!
In this episode we break down the PLEASE skill from Dialectical Behaviour Therapy. It's an IMPORTANT one.
If you're new to the PLEASE skill here's a little breakdown for you!
P – Physical Health: Address any physical illness, injuries, or medical concerns. Follow doctor’s recommendations and take medications as prescribed.
L – Lessen Mood-Altering Substances: Avoid or reduce alcohol, drugs, and excessive caffeine,
E – Eat a Balanced Diet: Eat regular, nutritious...
Experience of Suicidality During the Pandemic (feat. Dr. Juveria Zaheer)
Dr. Juveria Zaheer is an expert in suicide risk assessment and prevention, a psychiatrist and a literal Jeopardy superstar.
She is currently exploring the impacts of the COVID pandemic on suicidality and how the pandemic impacted Canadians.
Together we discuss the complexities of suicidality, the need for accessible targeted treatments and why it’s important for people with lived experience to be involved in research.
There’s still time to share about your own experience in the Suicide and the COVID-19 pandemic: Understanding Canadian stories research study.
The study is currently look...
DBT Skills: Cope Ahead
Cope Ahead is a particularly helpful life skill from dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) that helps us preparing for difficult interactions by coming prepared with healthy coping strategies. Laurie, Dave and Megan discuss how they use this skill to help manage social interactions and family dynamics.
Get your own copy of 'DBT for Life' by Diana Partington to follow along with us!
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.
C...
Poetry, Sobriety, and Healing (feat. Mercedes Killeen)
Mercedes Killeen is a writer and mental health advocate who has struggled throughout her life with anxiety, depression, BPD, and alcohol addiction. In this episode, Mercedes shares her story of working towards sobriety, seeking mental health treatment, and healing through writing/creativity.
You can learn more about Mercedes' work here.
To purchase your own digital copy of tulips, click here.
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. <...
DBT Skills: Opposite Action
Time to discuss Opposite Action! Long story short - Opposite Action means doing the opposite of what you want to do when what you want to do isn't effective.
Easier said than done of course - but an incredibly helpful tool once you're practiced at it. Part of that practice is recognizing unskillful urges, and the learning the balance between feeling emotions and taking action to improve one's situation.
Get your own copy of 'DBT for Life' by Diana Partington to follow along with us!
If you want to support the show
Breaking Down BPD Stigma Through Research (feat. Dr. Amanda Uliaszek)
Dr. Amanda Uliaszek, associate professor at the University of Toronto, joins Super Feeler to discuss her passion for research for people living with borderline personality disorder, reducing stigma, and including people with lived experience in the research process.
We discuss the importance of a strengths-based approach to BPD, the challenges of conducting research, and the complexities around diagnosis and the symptom of emptiness.
To learn more about the work of Amanda's lab (called STEPP) including how to sign up to participate in research studies click here.
If you want to support the sh...
DBT Skills: Check the Facts and Emotion Regulation Overview
We're diving into the complexities of emotion regulation as we start unit 3 of our DBT Skills Series. Together Dave, Laurie and Megan explore the role of emotion regulation skills in our life, what our core values are, and how we use the dialectical behaviour therapy skill Check the Facts in our lives.
Get your own copy of 'DBT for Life' by Diana Partington to follow along with us!
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 th...
My Suicide Crisis and First Inpatient Treatment (part 2. feat. Aaron)
In this episode, my husband Aaron and I discuss my first inpatient/residential treatment experience at a crisis response facility called CRESST.
Together we explore the decision to go, what it was like to arrive with very limited information, and the importance of rest, monitored med management, and community.
And naturally - some ridiculously hilarious and embarrassing stories from my time there.
If you're local to the Fraser Health area of British Columbia and interested in learning more about CRESST, click here.
If you want to support the show, d...
My Suicide Crisis (part 1 - feat Aaron)
My husband Aaron joins to share about my recent suicide crisis, how we worked together to try and overcome it, and how we tried to navigate a complicated medication change together.
Naturally - this episode comes with a trigger warning about discussing suicide and self-harm. It discusses some potential methods but not in detail. If you are struggling please reach out to the resources below and follow your safety plans.
If you want to support the show, dive deeper into the world of super feeling and for tons of bonus content please consider su...
DBT Skills: Validation
Validation is so important for people living with borderline personality disorder (BPD). In this episode we discuss the DBT Skill of validation including the complexities of giving and receiving validation, the challenges of navigating emotional conversations, and the techniques that can enhance effective communication.
Understanding our own emotions and self-validation is an incredibly important part of this skill.
Get your own copy of 'DBT for Life' by Diana Partington to follow along with us!
If you want to support the show, dive deeper into the world of super feeling and for...
A Transformative Treatment Experience (part 2 - feat. Anita)
Anita is back for part 2 to discuss their transformative experience at Heartwood Centre for Women. They explore the impact of community support, the complexities of gender identity, and the importance of self-discovery. Anita shares their insights on resilience, personal growth, and the unique perspective that comes from navigating the highs and lows of life as a Super Feeler.
If you haven't listened to part 1 yet you can find that in the Super Feeler feed!
If you want to support the show, dive deeper into the world of super feeling and...
Small Town Queer Living with BPD (part 1 - feat. Anita)
Anita (they/them) discusses the complexities of being diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD), struggling with substance use and being queer in a small communtity. They share about the impact of a community of family (chosen and blood) and how a caring and compassionate treatment team can make all of the difference.
Be sure to subscribe to the show so you don't miss part 2 of Anita's story!
If you want to support the show, dive deeper into the world of super feeling and for tons of bonus content please consider s...
DBT Skills: DEAR MAN
DEAR MAN is Laurie's favorite DBT skill. If you've listened to any episodes of this series or her previous podcasts you'll have heard ALL about it. But it's such a helpful skill that there's always an excuse to hear other examples where it's used.
The DEAR MAN skill, from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), helps effectively ask for what you want or say no while maintaining relationships and self-respect. It stands for: Describe, Express, Assert, Reinforce, Mindful, Appear confident, Negotiate. It’s used to communicate needs clearly and handle conflicts constructively.
It's SO helpful!
Ge...
The Healing Power of Nature (feat. Shannon)
Shannon (@natureanditsnoise) shares about her BPD diagnosis, how supportive family role models impacted how she reacted to her diagnosis and the impact of nature as a healing space for her. Shannon emphasizes the power of the Super Feeler community has on her journey and the unique strengths that come with being a Super Feeler.
You can listen to Shannon's podcast If These Trees Could Talk (@ifthesetreescouldtalk.podcast) and her episode about her journey around suicide here.
If you want to support the show, dive deeper into the wo...
DBT Skills: Clarifying Priorities
Dive into interpersonal effectiveness skills from dialectical behaviour therapy with Laurie, Shanthi and Dave!
In this episode they discuss the importance of clarifying priorities and figuring out what matters most in relationships. They also share personal experiences and insights on how to navigate interpersonal interactions effectively.
They discuss the trap of focusing too much on self-respect and not considering the needs of others and share personal experiences and insights on how this skill can be applied in real-life situations.
Get your own copy of 'DBT for Life' by Diana Partington to follow along w...
Setting Boundaries, Breaking Cycles and Doing Better for Our Kids (feat. Chelsea)
Chelsea shares her journey as a superfeeler and how it has impacted her life. She discusses her struggles with postpartum depression, psychosis, OCD, and mastitis after giving birth to her son.
Chelsea talks about her decision to quit her job and enroll in school, only to face the challenges of online learning and being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood.
She also opens up about her experiences with self-medication and hospitalization, as well as her diagnosis of ADHD and the positive impact of medication.
Throughout the...
DBT Skills: Effectively
In this episode, Laurie, Shanthi, and Dave the DBT Skill Effectively, using Chapter 5 of the book 'DBT for Life' by Diana Partington.
The group shares personal experiences and insights on using this skill in various situations, such as dealing with difficult family dynamics and customer service interactions. They also discuss the importance of assuming good intentions and understanding that everyone is doing their best.
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 Sup...
The Borderline Barrister (feat. Megan)
Megan (@borderlinebarrister) was first diagnosed with BPD while in law school.
She discusses her experiences with mental health throughout her life, including struggles with anxiety and panic attacks. Megan discusses her journey of living with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and the impact it has had on her relationships, including with her parents and her partner.
Megan shares her decision to be open about her diagnosis and create the Instagram account BorderlineBarrister to raise awareness around professionals living with this diagnosis and provide support for others with BPD. She highlights t...
DBT Skills: Describe
This episode delves into the intricacies of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), focusing on the mindfulness unit and the 'Describe' skill.
They explore how to differentiate between facts and opinions, the challenges of gaslighting, and the importance of trusting one's own reality. The conversation emphasizes the interconnectedness of DBT skills, particularly how 'Describe' relates to radical acceptance and interpersonal effectiveness. Personal anecdotes and practical applications provide insights into navigating complex emotional landscapes and building healthier relationships.
If you want to support the show, dive deeper into the world of super feeling a...
Riding the Storm (feat. Ryan)
Ryan Harland (IG: @ridingthestorm11977) is the author of Riding the Storm: A Memoir of Mental Illness and a father of 2. He shares about the impacts of his own childhood trauma, including parental sexual abuse and physical violence, in the development of his emotionally unstable personality disorder (aka borderline personality disorder or emotional intensity disorder).
This episode highlights a lot of potentially triggering topics including childhood abuse, sexual abuse, date rape, death of family members, etc. Please listen with care for yourself.
If you want to support the show, dive deeper into the world of...
DBT Skills: Stop and Observe
We dive into the Stop and Observe skills from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and how it can be applied in various situations. Dave, Shanthi, Megan and Laurie discuss the challenges of remembering to use the skills in the heat of the moment and share tips on how to remind oneself. They also talk about using the stop skill in family gatherings, conflicts, and crisis situations.
The discussion in this episode is guided by the book DBT for Life by Diana Partington
If you want to support the show, dive deeper into the world...
Taking Action Against Stigma (feat. Sonia)
Sonia (@_soniastewart_) is a great example of what it means to be an ally to people with specific highly stigmatized mental health challenges and what you can do to help break down stigma when you see it. Sonia is a Masters of Counselling student who reached out to Laurie after her program was providing stigmatizing, unbiased and harmful stereotypes in their course work about BPD.
She knew that it was important for her cohort to hear from someone who lives with BPD and does lots of advocacy on stigma to better support them clinicians. She believes that b...
