Braving the Way with Dr. Fletch

Hope, Grief, & Healing Together with Allys in Recovery: Larry Ruhl & Annie Dietzway

Fri, 22 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0800

Disclaimer & TW: There is mention of abuse and suicide. Any healing modalities mentioned do not represent psychological feedback or advice. Please consult yourself, parts, and healing team before choosing to engage in any of the modalities mentioned.

It's a poignant episode between friends today - a candid discussion with Larry Ruhl and Annie Dietzway, two beautiful souls who mean so much to me. We speak to the difficulties of the holidays, navigating anger and rage, setting boundaries for yourself, looking for the glimmers of love and light, and the incredibly sacred process of healing.

We all agree on the value of utilizing multiple, holistic healing modalities and we talk about how we often as a society we are taught to fear anger and grief. The truth being, there are so many ways to safely process these emotions.

There is no one answer, no one thing that is the silver bullet. It's a compilation of so many things when you are on a healing journey and looking to live a life that is rich, creative, authentic, and true.

Please listen to the 2nd season, EP dated 11/23/23, for a previous conversation around grief and holidays with Larry Ruhl.

Larry Ruhl is a queer artist and writer living in the Hudson Valley. His visual work centers on trauma, reflected in mixed media, collage, and encaustics. His writing explores the effects of childhood sexual abuse and ways in which we recover and heal. His first book, Breaking the Ruhls, was released in 2018.

Annie Dietzway is a compassionate heartfelt human who lost the love of her life, Lisa to suicide in March of 2022. Lisa was a human living with DID. Annie is on a mission to bring light and love to others as a forever DID ally in loving memory of Lisa. She wants others to know that she felt deeply loved by Lisa and her people, as Lisa referred to them and that she loved and continues to love them all very much. She is passionate about helping others understand the complexities of DID and shares her journey as a way to serve the community at large. Annie is divine gift and light to both Larry and Adrian and the three are compassionate allys healing together.

Connect with Larry. @larryruhl | https://www.larryruhl.com/

Connect with Annie. @anniedietzway

Podcast Sponsor: This podcast is sponsored by Barb Wesson who has been working in the mental health field for over 40 years in various capacities with adolescents, including incarcerated youth, adults with traumatic brain injuries, immigrants, people with cancer, adults with developmental disabilities, adults with mental health diagnoses, and the general population. Currently Barb works with low-income people with mental health diagnoses via movement education and spiritual mentoring. In 2017 she earned her PhD in the study of natural health. She feels it is imperative that more therapists not only understand DID but feel comfortable helping those with DID navigate their worlds. Barb is also known as the Dancing Data Doctor and she invites you to dance with her on Zoom. There is no charge. There is joy and community. dancingdatadoctor@gmail.com | www.dancingdatadoctor.com.

Alterchology®️; @drafletcher; https://www.drfletch.com/

Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is not a substitute for therapy or any other form of professional mental health/medical care. Listening does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship with Dr. Fletcher. The information provided is for inspirational and educational purposes only. If you are looking to obtain mental health resources in your area, please call 1-800-950-NAMI. If you are experiencing a crisis or need help, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

Extreme Love & Support with Seak Smith, CVO of Badass DoGooders

Fri, 08 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0800

It's an incredible episode today as I'm speaking with a dear, dear friend of mine, Seak Smith. Seak is a wife, Mom, connector, free thinker, truth seeker, freedom fighter, and warrior for children. A loving wife to her high school sweetheart and mom of three incredible humans, Seak is the Founder and CVO of Badass DoGooders, the Founder of Mom and Dad Army, the Founder of Unleashed, and the Co-creator of The Love Storm.

Seak is often referred to as the "Great Connector" as she loves to bring people together. Today we talk about her personal journey of self-discovery and the lessons that have guided her path. Her passion for working with women and children is evident in the various organizations she is spearheading. She works tirelessly to bring love, light, and hope to so many, while also working with others to reclaim themselves, all while anchored in the divine feminine.

Listen in to learn about all the ways in which we can live a heart and soul-led life. A life honoring both the darkness and the light, supporting and nourishing relationships and friendships with people vastly unique from yourself, and the importance of love and legacy. A truly moving episode, ending in making sure that you find your "hell yes" people, the ones who get you and expand you, and where you don't have to explain yourself.

Learn more about BadAss DoGooders! This is a league of heart-driven entrepreneurs, creators, and change-makers on a mission to impact our communities, the world, and each other. Dr. Adrian Fletcher and AnnaLynne McCord are both proud members of BadAss DoGooders. Seak introduced Adrian and AnnaLynne as they both live with DID and Seak invited Adrian to join BadAss DoGooders in January of 2023. All Adrian's parts respect and love Seak as she has supported all parts behind the scenes on their quest for continued health and wellness. Seak has been active supporter of individuals living with DID and has supported AnnaLynne McCord on her journey. Seak attended the supporter night of the Braving the Way Dissociative Community Mentorship Program to support Adrian and her parts and has sponsored Adrian's events to bring hope, love, and inspiration to the world.

@unleashe_official
@badassdogooders
@the.momarmy
@the.dadarmy
@annalynnemccord
@thelovestorm

Podcast Sponsor: This podcast is sponsored by Barb Wesson who has been working in the mental health field for over 40 years in various capacities with adolescents, including incarcerated youth, adults with traumatic brain injuries, immigrants, people with cancer, adults with developmental disabilities, adults with mental health diagnoses, and the general population. Currently Barb works with low-income people with mental health diagnoses via movement education and spiritual mentoring. In 2017 she earned her PhD in the study of natural health. She feels it is imperative that more therapists not only understand DID but feel comfortable helping those with DID navigate their worlds. Barb is also known as the Dancing Data Doctor and she invites you to dance with her on Zoom. There is no charge. There is joy and community.

dancingdatadoctor@gmail.com; www.dancingdatadoctor.com.

Alterchology®️; @drafletcher; https://www.drfletch.com/

Equine Therapy, with Angela Schmitt, MA

Fri, 24 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0800

Content and Trigger Warning: There is mention of child trafficking and abuse. Please listen to this episode with care.

It's one of my go-to healing modalities and today I'm delighted to be chatting with Angela Schmitt, Founder of Animal with Hearts, LLC. With a Masters in Transpersonal Counseling Psychology, over 2 decades of experience, and trained in gestalt and gestalt equine-assisted therapy work, Angela is proving that working with animals is a sustainable and alternative therapy to deep healing and transformation. Beginning with dolphin-assisted therapy programs at 19, Angela now works with horses in 1:1 therapy sessions, programs, and with groups.

Today, we are talking about the fact that connecting with animals is equal to connecting deeper within ourselves. Did you know that just 10 minutes with horses can help to regulate your nervous system? Horses are able to read the environment and energy, knowing what is safe, and who needs what, either in the moment you are observing the horses or working with them.

As I am a huge proponent of different modalities of therapy, this is a fascinating conversation about trusting yourself, trusting the horse you are working with, and getting comfortable with alternative healing styles, which can truly take you into deeper realms of healing and expressing yourself. Talk therapy is not the only way to make change.

Animals with Heart transports horses and therapy/service dogs to mental health hospitals where they co-facilitate with the therapists within that network to provide an animal-assisted therapy experience for their clients and patients. They also provide staff workshops and trainings and are continually designing more programs for children, corporations, and any person, group or staff that wants to move forward in life through transformation.

For more information please visit:
https://animalswithheart.com/ https://canvasrebel.com/meet-angela-schmitt/

Podcast Sponsor: This podcast is sponsored by Barb Wesson who has been working in the mental health field for over 40 years in various capacities with adolescents, including incarcerated youth, adults with traumatic brain injuries, immigrants, people with cancer, adults with developmental disabilities, adults with mental health diagnoses, and the general population. Currently, Barb works with low-income people with mental health diagnoses via movement education and spiritual mentoring. In 2017 she earned her PhD in the study of natural health. She feels it is imperative that more therapists not only understand DID but feel comfortable helping those with DID navigate their worlds. Barb is also known as the Dancing Data Doctor and she invites you to dance with her on Zoom. There is no charge. There is joy and community.

dancingdatadoctor@gmail.com

www.dancingdatadoctor.com.

Alterchology®️; @drafletcher; https://www.drfletch.com/

"Dropping Tracks": Music, Metaphor, & Lived Experience with H LS from Healing Selves Therapeutic

Fri, 10 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0800

TW: Mention of suicide ideation. Listen with care.

Today's conversation is with Heather (H LS) Scarboro+, a licensed clinical mental health counselor & clinical addictions specialist, national certified counselor, and the owner of Healing Selves Therapeutics, PLLC; a private practice specializing in the treatment of dissociative disorders. Today we talk about honoring the journey of the parts, the individualization of systems, the power of music and playlists, and turning trauma into song. Healing is hard work but worth it. Honor your path.

Heather has worked with special populations and communities such as elder care , mental health, university students, the LGBTQIAP+, plural community, and front line workers. H LS's specialty area is working with dissociative presentations and has been a passionate advocate for persons living with DID since their own diagnosis in 2002. H LS believes in the mind/body/heart connection and incorporates this into their treatment planning. Their approach is based around the team model of collaboration, lived experience, and evidence-based practices that work.

H LS also enjoys philanthropy, music, songwriting, performance, gardening, and cooking. They currently advocate through blogs, interviews, podcasts, and presentations to propagate accurate information, education, and understanding of dissociative identity disorder. When not involved in any of the above, they can be found watching all renditions of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and eating pizza! Cowabunga!

www.healingselvestherapeuticspllc.com; IG: @sum.of.many; @healingselvestherapy

Reminder: Healing Together Conference 2/16-2/18 Virtual and In Person, Orlando FL
https://www.aninfinitemind.org/healing-together-conference

Extra! Extra! Read all about it in the LA Times!
"Dissociative identity disorder is distressing and stigmatized. It's also a 'brilliant adaptive coping mechanism'" Thank you Laura Newberry!!
https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/newsletter/2023-10-31/dissociative-identity-disorder-is-distressing-and-stigmatized-its-also-a-brilliant-adaptive-coping-mechanism-group-therapy

This episode is proudly sponsored by: Pasadena Trauma Therapy a group practice located in Pasadena, CA that focuses on providing individual and group psychotherapy to trauma survivors. They specialize in working with the whole trauma spectrum, but predominately with CPTSD, sexual abuse, and dissociative disoders. The therapists at Pasadena Trauma Therapy work from a variety of trauma informed modalities, including but not limited to EMDR, Brainspotting, Parts Work/IFS, Somatic therapies, etc. For more information, please visit www.pasadenatraumatherapy.com
http://www.facebook.com/TraumaTherapy; @Pasadena_Trauma_Therapy

Alterchology®️; @drafletcher; https://www.drfletch.com/
Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is not a substitute for therapy or any other form of professional mental health/medical care. Listening does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship with Dr. Fletcher. The information provided is for inspirational and educational purposes only. If you are looking to obtain mental health resources in your area, please call 1-800-950-NAMI. If you are experiencing a crisis or need help, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

Bodywork is Soul Work with Dusti VanTilborg

Fri, 27 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0700

Ready for a deep dive into bodywork? On today's episode, I'm chatting with my own personal bodywork healer, Dusti VanTilborg. For 21 years, Dusti has been in the healing space and is the owner of Heartfelt Therapies LLC, which offers massage and various other healing modalities. Additionally, her private studio, Wild Grace Journeys, is where she offers breath work, and hosts women’s circles, retreats, and workshops.

Dusti's passion and devotion to her own personal development and holistic healing journey led her to create a wellness team that she works with regularly, attending workshops, retreats, ceremonies, and rituals all over the world. Through her travels and studies she has experienced profound soul growth and transformation, and has woven many of the practices she has gained into her sessions with clients, as well as into her community through workshops, gatherings, and retreat offerings.

Today we talk about how bodywork = soul work. It's so much more than massage, it's about accessing the soul, trusting your intuition, gaining wisdom through intentional touch, and honoring where you are in the present moment. We are all sacred witnesses to our lives, and we are our ultimate healers. We simply need to pause, sit in stillness, and learn to listen to what our bodies are telling us. Tune into the episode to hear about ways to expand your healing through touch, nature, movement, breath, creativity, music, and soul communication to the mind, through the body.

Instagram @wild_grace_journeys

Website for Workshops: https://soulcenteredworkshops.com/ Resource/Book: The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness, and Healing in a Toxic Culture

by Gabor Maté

Alterchology®️

@drafletcher

https://www.drfletch.com/

Free Your Energy with Sylvester McNutt III: Best-selling author, podcaster, public speaker, & course creator

Fri, 13 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0700

I am beyond honored and delighted as today I'm chatting with Sylvester McNutt III, a best-selling author, podcaster, public speaker, course creator, and father. Sylvester teaches people how to transform their mindsets through self-awareness and healing practices. As a retired arena football player and survivor of traumatic experiences, Sylvester has used storytelling to teach people how to introspect, gain confidence, and sustain self-love. Sylvester's core belief is that healing is the key to success and self-awareness unlocks freedom.

This episode is filled with incredible wisdom, insights, truths, and motivation. Sylvester speaks to the awesome ways that we can shift and heal our energy to change our lives, how we can see growth as abundance, not as scarcity, how sometimes we fail if there isn't flexibility in the process, and how to speak up about our shame.

Additionally, we talk about how we can all be trapped by how we were raised, the innate programming from family and friends -- but how we can also break free from the stories we tell ourselves by speaking truth about the whole story, unlearning what no longer serves us, sifting through the prime material "raw data" of our lives, and asking ourselves "what do we want to create?"

Capping off with some thoughts on intentional healing, this was such an amazing episode and we can't wait for you to listen - enjoy and tell us what you think!

**This episode was recorded in May of 2023

Care Package and Free Your Energy are two of Dr. Fletcher's favorite books by Sylvester!

Connect with Sylvester:
https://www.sylvestermcnutt.net/
@sylvestermcnutt

The Free Your Energy Podcast:
Listen to our previous podcast conversation:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/healing-your-trauma-owning-your-story-and-steps-to/id1418852169?i=1000579906900

Alterchology®️
@drafletcher
https://www.drfletch.com/

DID & Neurodivergence with Katie Keech, LMFT

Fri, 29 Sep 2023 09:00:00 -0700

We are back with Episode 8! Today is a truly amazing conversation with Katherine "Katie" Keech, LMFT. Katie is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist living with DID and Autism, who works with adults, couples, young adults /TAY, and adolescents. Using a neurodiversity affirming style, Katie is helping people heal from the range of impacts long term trauma can have on an individual's day to day quality of life. Their work is always based on a foundation of collaboration with the person and what goals they are trying to work towards.

In our conversation, we speak candidly about those living with DID, and who are also on the Autism spectrum, a diagnosis that is frequently missed by clinicians. Katie walks us through their own diagnosis and personal journey, as well as their professional journey of working with others who have experienced complex trauma and dissociation. If you have wanted to learn more about sensory profiles, neurodivergence, masking, and stimming, this episode provides an incredible wealth of information for those living with DID, and on the Autism spectrum - and for those living with both. Most importantly, we discuss the continued need to change the stigma around DID, and when we tell our histories, that we are believed, trusted, and space is held for us and all of our PARTs.

Don't miss this episode, it's truly one of a kind.

More of Katie's bio: Their main goal is to help people develop their own inner skills to regularly obtain more satisfaction from life, and to break patterns that may get between them and where they want to be. They have extensive experience managing programs that focus on working with individuals diagnosed with serious mental illness such as schizophrenia/psychotic disorders, PTSD, dissociative disorders, and bipolar disorders. They have managed adult forensics programs that target working with individuals who have had complications with the legal system specifically due to their mental health. They managed emerging adult clinics for years and at one time was ISSTD'S emerging adult expert. They also created a truly trauma informed program at Stars Behavioral Health as well as created and led the LGBTQ SIG's in ISSTD. They won an award from the City of Berkeley for providing training to county CMH for clinicians to recognize DID. Autism is their most recent deep dive. They recently co-created The Refractory which is a clinical community specifically for folks with lived experience and they hope to create research and CE trainings soon.

Connect with Katie+ Keech

@neuroqueer_therapist on TikTok

Learn more at

https://www.katiekeech.com/

Alterchology®️

@drafletcher

https://www.drfletch.com/

PARTs Updates & Global DID & Suicide Awareness Initiative

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 11:00:00 -0700

TRIGGER WARNING: Mention of suicide and abuse, please listen with care.

Today is a mini podcast with no bumper music and no sponsors - just keeping it real to bring you all up to speed. On this episode I briefly discuss some updates regarding me and my PARTs, as well as share an upcoming global community initiative that a friend and I have teamed up to do to bring awareness to DID and suicide prevention/awareness.

September is suicide prevention month and September 30th is the one-year anniversary of the Braving the Way podcast and Lisa's heavenly birthday - a member of our community that we lost to suicide in March of 2023 and my friend's former partner. If you are feeling called to participate in the global initiative, please listen to this podcast all the way to the end for details, or see my Instagram feed @drafletcher for instructions/details as to how to get involved. Stay tuned for remaining episodes to drop during season 3 and an epic season 4 of the Braving the Way with Dr. Fletch podcast in 2024.

Resources shared on this podcast:
She Who Wins Book and 52 Card Affirmation Deck by Renee Bauer
I am Me: A Book of Authenticity by Susan Verde
Safe in Austin Rescue Ranch @safeinaustinrescue
The Human Rights Campaign

Gratitude Shout-outs & their Insta Handles:
@brushstrokes_imagination
@larryruhl
@mabelroselight
@inspiredmo

Much gratitude and respect to any and all humans connected to me within and outside the DID community that have been encouraging, supportive, loving, and kind to ALL Parts of me!

Brave On
Dr. Fletch & The PARTs
@drafletcher
@alterchology

Breathwork & Yoga Therapy with Lindsey Smith Campbell

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0700

Breathwork is a healing modality that has been used for generations, a way to tap back into self, bring forth inner guidance, meditate, and rest and nourish. Today, I'm delighted to be speaking with Lindsey Smith Campbell, a Holistic Healing Guide who is integrating the ways of the Divine Feminine, supporting women on their journey of self-discovery, self-love, and creative expression. Offering guidance into the innate wisdom of the body, breath, and heart through experiential practices of therapeutic yoga, somatic breath work, and sacred sound, Lindsey supports women in their journey back into their body.

In today's episode, we are talking about breathwork as a healing modality, exploring what is somatic breathwork, where to begin, and how we truly are our own healers. Especially powerful for those living with DID, we share how to utilize breathwork with care when working with the PARTs, so all feel safe when going internally. Breathwork truly means working with your emotions, while also realizing that you are the one in control. Between breathing, grounding, community, nature, conscious tremoring, and being aware of your "energetic hygiene", this is an episode filled with so much love, beauty, and intention.

Through all of her work, Lindsey is able to help cultivate a loving and trusting relationship with self to embody, empower, and express more of the Divine essence and potential to consciously co-create more beauty, love, connection, and freedom within oneself, one's life, and this world.

More about Lindsey: Lindsey’s passion is gathering women in sacred ceremonial containers to heal, expand, and co-create magic together. She offers a Women’s Mentorship Program ~ Creatress, in-studio and virtually. In addition to offering private one-on-one Healing Sessions, Couple’s Sessions, Women’s Circles and Ceremonies, and Co-Ed Group work from her studio ~ Au Naturel Wellness at Cattletrack Ranch, in Scottsdale Arizona. Lindsey will also be expanding with more virtual offerings, programs, and retreats in 2024.

Connect with Lindsey: http://www.aunaturel-wellness.com/

IG: @aunaturel.lindsey

Alterchology®️

@drafletcher

https://www.drfletch.com/

EMDR & Dissociative Identities (OSDD/DID) with Dr. Jamie Marich (she/they), Ph.D., LPCC-S, REAT, RYT-500, RMT

Fri, 01 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0700

Everybody get ready, this episode is filled with so much insightful information about EMDR, working as an EMDR practitioner, relationships between therapist and client, and laying to rest misconceptions about what it means to be living with OSDD/DID.

Today I'm diving deep with Dr. Jamie Marich. Jamie travels internationally teaching on topics related to trauma, EMDR therapy, expressive arts, mindfulness, and yoga, while maintaining a private practice and online education operations. Marich is the founder of the Institute for Creative Mindfulness and the developer of the Dancing Mindfulness approach to expressive arts therapy.

We talk about the origin story of EMDR, and how it doesn't ease traumatic memories, but helps them shift how they are stored in the brain. You will hear us passionately speak about the following: how working with trauma is like working with lava and you need to be prepared. The safety and rapport that must be established between a client and a practitioner. The misconception that healing only occurs if there is a full integration of PARTs. We disabuse the notion that you can't talk to your PARTs, and how the meaning of dissociation is a different level of separation.

TikTok: traumatherapistrants; IG: @drjamiem
https://www.drjamiemarich.com/books--media.html
http://www.redefinetherapy.com; http://www.instituteforcreativemindfulness.com

Marich is the author of: EMDR Made Simple: 4 Approaches for Using EMDR with Every Client;Trauma and the Twelve Steps: A Complete Guide for Recovery Enhancement; Creative Mindfulness; Trauma Made Simple: Competencies in Assessment, Treatment, and Working with Survivors; Dancing Mindfulness: A Creative Path to Healing and Transformation; EMDR Therapy & Mindfulness for Trauma-Focused Care (co-author); Process Not Perfection: Expressive Arts Solutions for Trauma Recovery; Healing Addiction with EMDR Therapy: A Trauma-Focused Guide;The Healing Power of Jiu-Jitsu: A Guide to Transforming Trauma and Facilitating Recovery; Dissociation Made Simple: A Stigma-Free Guide to Embracing Your Dissociative Mind and Navigating Life. She is working on 3 projects currently, including her personal memoir about surviving spiritual abuse called You Lied to Me About God.

This episode is proudly sponsored by: Pasadena Trauma Therapy a group practice located in Pasadena, CA that focuses on providing individual and group psychotherapy to trauma survivors. They specialize in working with the whole trauma spectrum, but predominately with CPTSD, sexual abuse, and dissociative disoders. The therapists at Pasadena Trauma Therapy work from a variety of trauma informed modalities, including but not limited to EMDR, Brainspotting, Parts Work/IFS, Somatic therapies, etc. For more information, please visit www.pasadenatraumatherapy.com
http://www.facebook.com/TraumaTherapy; @Pasadena_Trauma_Therapy

Alterchology®️; @drafletcher; https://www.drfletch.com/

Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is not a substitute for therapy or any other form of professional mental health/medical care. Listening does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship with Dr. Fletcher. The information provided is for inspirational and educational purposes only. If you are looking to obtain mental health resources in your area, please call 1-800-950-NAMI. If you are experiencing a crisis or need help, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

Creative Healing & Expressive Arts with Alix Amar, LCSW

Fri, 18 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0700

It's all about the art today, and I could not be more excited! Today's guest on the podcast is Alix Amar, an experienced psychotherapist with over 30 years of private practice. Her expertise lies in working with individuals who have a background of early childhood trauma and Dissociative Disorders. Alongside traditional talk therapy, Alix incorporates a range of creative modalities into her practice, such as expressive arts, Gestalt, Relaxation training, Sand Play, EMDR, and Somatic Therapy. Notably, she is a certified SoulCollage® Facilitator, adding a unique dimension to her therapeutic approach.

Today, we dive into the use of art in healing, and for healing. As a massive proponent of the expressive arts, this episode is very special for me. We have a wide-ranging conversation about the process of doing art, using art to help access other PARTs, grounding tools, and the different types of art out there. And yes, recognizing that the artistic pathway will be unique for each individual.

Additionally, if you've ever had questions about the various types of expressive arts such as Somatic therapy, Gestalt, Sand Play, and more, Alix walks us through the different modalities! Most importantly, it's about finding the modality that works best for you and your PARTs, and having awareness of what you might be carrying in your body, and ways to release!

Join us for an insightful and informative episode, and perhaps grab the glitter and markers while you are at it!

In addition to her individual work, Alix co-leads weekly Creative Art Journaling classes on Zoom specifically designed for individuals with dissociative disorders. These classes provide a safe and supportive environment for participants to explore their creativity and express themselves through various artistic mediums.

Alix is also the visionary behind the innovative Creative Exploration Series in Community (CESC), catering specifically to individuals who identify as plural. The Creative Exploration Series offers a diverse range of workshops, covering expressive art media such as SoulCollage®, collage, poetry, writing, painting and printing techniques, making altered books, and much more. This series aims to foster a sense of community and provide a platform for individuals to explore their creativity in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Alix has served on the Board of An Infinite Mind, a non-profit organization committed to educating individuals with dissociative disorders, their supporters, and clinicians specializing in these disorders, for over 5 years. She has presented numerous times on topics related to creativity at the annual conference and has also presented at the Expressive Arts Summit in New York City.

Connect with Alix & Learn about her workshops: Alix.CreativeExplorations@gmail.com

Thanks to our Sponsor!
Connect with An Infinite Mind
https://www.aninfinitemind.org/
https://www.facebook.com/aninfinitemind/Instagram
@an_infinitemind

Save the Date for An Infinite Mind's 2024 Healing Together ConferenceFeb 16-18th, 2024 Virtually & In Person Orlando, Florida

Alterchology®️
https://www.drfletch.com/
Follow Dr. Fletch:@drafletcher
Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is not a substitute for therapy or any other form of professional mental health/medical care. Listening does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship with Dr. Fletcher. The information provided is for inspirational and educational purposes only. If you are looking to obtain mental health resources in your area, please call 1-800-950-NAMI. If you are experiencing a crisis or need help, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

Eating Disorders & DID: Monika Ostroff, LICSW, CEDS-S

Fri, 04 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0700

CONTENT WARNING: Please note in this episode we discuss eating disorders, and there is mention of specific foods, weight loss, and weight loss numbers. There is also a small section where you will hear a dog barking. Please listen with care.

In today's episode, we are speaking about eating disorders (EDs), a challenge that many people struggle with, and the connection with those who have DID. Our guest is the brilliant Monika Ostroff, a Certified Eating Disorders Specialist and Supervisor, nationally recognized for her 25+ years of experience and contributions to the field of eating disorders.

Monika begins by sharing that 40% of people with DID also have an ED, and one of the greatest similarities is the fact that the majority of clinicians treating aren't trained for working with either. In an honest and authentic conversation, we talk about the fragmented care provided by those working with folks with ED's and DID, and the trauma that often goes unrecognized.

A passionate advocate, Monika takes us through how we are programmed to ignore our natural hunger cues, how we often believe that depravation is a tool (it isn't), and the complexity of living with DID and multiple PARTs who might want different foods, at different times, for different things. However, with much hope and optimism, we also talk about the methodologies for working with all PARTs when eating, getting rid of the rules about what a meal is "supposed" to look like, and ways for moving forward in healing.

We hope this episode inspires hope, and also to let you know that you aren't alone if you have struggled with an ED.

Monika's bio: She has directed several successful residential, partial hospital and intensive outpatient eating disorder programs in addition to having owned a thriving private practice. Monika is the co-author of Anorexia Nervosa: A Guide to Recovery and a contributing author to Self-Harm Behavior and Eating Disorders. She has presented at many national conferences, taught at the university level, and appeared on several radio and television broadcasts. Monika’s passion for treating eating disorders and mentoring other professionals was borne out of her own struggle and full recovery from what today is known as Severe and Enduring Anorexia Nervosa. She strongly believes in providing compassionate care that combines alternative healing with evidence-based modalities. In addition to using meditation, yoga, and essential oils, she is certified in several alternative healing modalities.
https://www.medainc.org/about-meda/meda-staff/

Thanks to our Sponsor! Connect with An Infinite Mind
www.aninfinitemind.org/
www.facebook.com/aninfinitemind/
@an_infinitemind
Save the Date for An Infinite Mind's 2024 Healing Together Conference
Feb 16-18th, 2024
Virtually & In Person Orlando, Florida

If you loved today's episode, please share your favorite takeaways by screenshotting this episode and tagging @drafletcher on instagram!

Alterchology®️
CONNECT WITH DR.FLETCH
Follow Dr. Fletch:@drafletcher
Visit the Dr. Fletch website:https://www.drfletch.com/

Lucifer DID IT System on Living & Healing with DID

Fri, 28 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0700

Special Episode Drop!

In one of my most favorite episodes to date, I'm talking with Lucifer O'Shea, the host of the 'did it' system! Lucifer just recently came out openly about living with DID and has such beautiful and thoughtful insights to share about their journey.

Immediately, you'll get a sense of Lucifer when they tell you how "our disorder is creating our own, new, order." In a world that dramatizes people living with DID, Lucifer offers a vulnerable and intimate look into what it's like living with DID, and their system of alters. We dive into Lucifer's inner world, where the alters are together before stepping forward, self-care for their system, recognizing and learning from each of the alters, and navigating the world together.

We each speak candidly about our individual alters, how sweating and switching is incredibly common due to the response from the body, the individual journey of EMDR therapy, what safety means to us when living with DID, and how it's absolutely okay to hide the snacks. Listen in to find out why!

We hope you marinate in this episode, filled with amazing ideas, hopes, and dreams - where those living with DID know that what we have is a multiverse, all combined into one universe: ourselves.

Lucifer O’Shea is 36 and the host of the ’did it’ system. They live in London, UK and they have 9 alters, some who have been high achieving. Tubz was a very good football player, captain, and on first team for his age group and played for year above also. He was quick, little, and low centre of gravity also was used for rugby because he could not be caught, but only the last 15 mins of the game because he could not tackle. Tobie was into competitive trampolining and came in 2nd in all of the Southwest of England. Tobias Mead aka T, was a successful dancer, dancing for the biggest artists like Coldplay and Taylor Swift. They also got to the final of "Britain’s Got Talent" and won a TV show called “Got to Dance” and was then flown to USA and was interviewed and performed on The Ellen DeGeneres show. O’Shea is an award winning barber and they currently do that as their day job. They are grateful they have been a part of things achieved that they would not have been able to do without their system.

IG: @lucifer_did_it
Threadsapp 94612533
Dissociated Tees & Accessories by @dissociation.info
https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/DissociationInfo?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=1095013599&load_webview=1&bid=U2bpGDag2_dMIG-BnbzYQdfcWsnO

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Connect with An Infinite Mind
https://www.aninfinitemind.org/https://www.facebook.com/aninfinitemind/Instagram
@an_infinitemind

Save the Date for An Infinite Mind's 2024 Healing Together ConferenceFeb 16-18th, 2024 Virtually & In Person Orlando,Florida

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Melissa Parker: The Partnership with Psychedelic & Ketamine Psychotherapies

Fri, 21 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0700

I am honored to have Melissa Parker on as our guest today. Melissa is a psychotherapist who enjoys working with survivors of trauma. In addition to their clinical work, Melissa draws on their experience as a therapist with DID to provide consultation and supervision to therapists who are interested in deepening their work with clients who dissociate.

In a completely raw and open dialogue, we talk about Melissa's story to how they became a therapist (from almost not finishing high school, to getting an advanced degree), and how Psychedelic & Ketamine Psychotherapies have changed their life. Melissa gives us an inside look into when used thoughtfully and with intention, Psychedelics & Ketamine can be a huge part of the healing journey.

We also dive into the topics of what assisted psychotherapy sessions look like and while the experiential session is important, what is more critical is the integration and processing that comes from that session. We also touch on the misleading narrative of the "war on drugs" and fear surrounding certain substances, and what drives us to continue the work we do in this field.

Melissa is a founding member and Board President of Healing Options for Posttraumatic Experiences (HOPE), a nonprofit that focuses on providing education and support to mental health professionals. Once legal, HOPE will also provide psychedelic assisted therapy to survivors, prioritizing the needs of survivors from historically excluded communities.

Listen in, and let us know what you think!

centerpsychotherapy.com

Learn more about Healing Options for Posttraumatic Experiences (HOPE) on instagram @hopehealsma

Learn more about MAPS

https://maps.org/about-maps/mission/

Thanks to our Sponsor!

Connect with An Infinite Mindhttps://www.aninfinitemind.org/https://www.facebook.com/aninfinitemind/Instagram @an_infinitemind

Save the Date for An Infinite Mind's 2024 Healing Together ConferenceFeb 16-18th, 2024 Virtually & In Person Orlando,Florida

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Welcome Back Ya'll: Trailblazing with The PARTs

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0700

Welcome back!! I can't believe it but SEASON THREE of Braving the Way (BTW) has officially kicked off!! I am beyond excited to be launching another season of podcast episodes, with solo drops and amazing guest interviews. If you have been following along on our journey, you know that the last several months have been a wild, messy, and beautiful ride, with so many changes, growth, and periods of rest, but with some awesome adventures coming up on the horizon.

As you all know, disclosure is a process, and it's often challenging to come forward, tell your story, live your life, and simply be. As our DID community continues to come together, as brave souls offer their stories, now more than ever, kindness and grace are a must, both towards ourselves and others!

Which is why I'm so excited that this season will be focused on the plethora of healing modalities and treatments that have helped us along our own journey, and I want to share with all of you! From EMDR, breath-work, equine therapy, art therapy, and more, we are diving deep into how to treat yourself well, with love and care.

But first! Buckle up for our first episode, where we are chatting solo and providing all the life updates! It's a sassy one today, so listen in on what's been happening the last few months -- BTW merch is coming soon, we are launching new BTW programs, Hollywood and NYC are knocking on our door, a book is being written, and through all of this, we are still working hard to continue to advocate for our DID community, and fight the stigma surrounding DID.

So happy you are here! It's going to be a great season 3! Share with friends and family, and please rate, review, subscribe!

Thanks to our Sponsor!

Connect with An Infinite Mind
https://www.aninfinitemind.org/https://www.facebook.com/aninfinitemind/Instagram @an_infinitemind

Save the Date for An Infinite Mind's 2024 Healing Together ConferenceFeb 16-18th, 2024 Virtually & In Person Orlando,Florida

If you loved today's episode, please share your favorite takeaways by screenshotting this episode and tagging @drafletcher on instagram!
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AnnaLynne McCord: Actress & Activist on Sex, Love, & Trauma

Fri, 28 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0700

TRIGGER WARNING. Mature Content. Adult Only Content. Explicit Conversation. Parental Advisory. Sound Sensory Warning: Elevated Voice, Laughter, Screams. Please listen with care.

Episode includes meditative exercise towards the end of the
podcast, return to this part of the podcast later and do not listen while
driving or operating machinery.

And here we are! It's the final episode of season 2 of Braving the Way, and what an incredible season this has been. I cannot thank you all enough! From my amazing guests to all of you who are listening to the episodes - thank you. If you had told me just a year ago that I would be hosting a podcast and it would be such a beautiful journey, I'm not sure I would have thought this all possible.

For this final episode, I am beyond delighted and honored to have activist and actress, AnnaLynne McCord joining me today. AnnaLynne is an inspiring, authentic, and vulnerable soul. NOTHING is off limits in this episode. Today we are speaking about her journey with DID, being an actress while living with DID, and a very intimate dive into sex, love, and trauma and how they are all interconnected.

From talking about her process of living and thriving, healing modalities, monogamy and nonmonogamy, sexuality, and lessons learned from toxic relationships -- to ultimately learning that loving yourself should be at the center of everything you do, this episode is raw, real, and vulnerable. At the end, AnnaLynne provides listeners with a heart-centered and gratitude meditation. This is my longest episode to date, so take your time in listening, and go mindfully.

Thank you all for being here! Braving the way Season 3 is coming your way mid-summer of 2023, and I can't wait for you to hear what's next. Sending love and light, always. Brave on.

Connect with AnnaLynne:

@theannalynnemccord

@thelovestorm

https://www.thelovestorm.com/

The Enlightened Sex Manual: David Deida

AnnaLynne bio:

AnnaLynne McCord is an American actress, writer, director and
producer. McCord first gained prominence in 2007 as the scheming Eden Lord on the FX television series Nip/Tuck.

During her free time, McCord has contributed to various charities. She is the Founder of "THE LOVE STORM" a campaign which raises awareness for those victimized by human-trafficking and sexualized violence.

In 2014, McCord revealed that she was sexually assaulted when she was nineteen by a male friend. In 2018 while undergoing EMDR (a neurological treatment for PTSD), McCord had latent memories of years of child sexual abuse resurface. She has since become an advocate for the profound treatment and the remarkable transformation to which it has led her.

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Braving the Way Dissociative Community Mentorship Program

https://www.drfletch.com/programs-copy

Embracing Plurality, Advocating for Change, & The Power of Community

Fri, 21 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0700

Today, I have the incredible honor to be speaking with The Stronghold System (they/them), 35 years young, nonbinary, and volunteer founders and CEO of The Plural Association Nonprofit (TPA). They began their Plurality journey after a DID diagnosis, over a decade ago. They launched Power to the Plurals in 2017, reaching over 50k readers and 222k YouTube views. Their grassroots, peer-led, volunteer-driven organization TPA founded in 2020, now empowers Plurals worldwide. With over a decade of personal experience being aware of their Plurality after being diagnosed with DID, Stronghold's unique insights as members of a Plural System make them powerful team of advocates and educators.

In today's episode, we have a powerful conversation about supporting your system, which is really your own community, the changing language around plurals and plurality, and being seen, heard, and validated when living with DID. In addition, we reiterate the incredible value of community support outside of yourself, and how when you are in flow and helping your PARTs to safety, the relationship with yourself and others is more fluid and open.

Join us and read more below for The Stronghold System's bio and amazing work they are doing for advocacy in the mental health field.

Embracing their diverse identities as neurodivergent Plural individuals, The Stronghold System leads TPA in creating a safe(r) and supportive environment for Systems. Resources include video and article resources, a private community, conferences, and virtual meetups, with a Warmline currently in the fundraising stages. With the help of dedicated Plural volunteers, TPA has educated over 225,000 people and facilitates 100K community interactions annually. The Plural Association Nonprofit is committed to inclusivity and has provided over 1000+ scholarships to their community and events, ensuring that financial barriers do not limit access to valuable resources and support.

Stronghold is also the driving force behind the Plural Positivity World Conference (PPWC), an annual, multilingual, and international online event that showcases the passion and knowledge of Plurals from around the globe. The success of PPWC and TPA's other initiatives is a testament to the dedication and hard work of their valued volunteers. Beyond TPA, Stronghold enjoys time with their amazing child, two cats, and service-puppy-in-training, in the Netherlands. For more information, visit https://powertotheplurals.com.

PPWC info & tickets: https://powertotheplurals.com/ppwc

TPA Petition Advocating for Change

https://www.change.org/p/petition-to-address-ableist-and-sanist-content-at-the-isstd-conference-and-mclean-hospital

Instagram & FB: @thepluralassociation

Twitter: @tpanonprofit

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Braving the Way Dissociative Community Mentorship Program

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Blazing a New Trail

Fri, 14 Apr 2023 07:00:00 -0700

It's hard to believe, but we are coming up on the end of Season 2, and what a season it has been! Today I'm chatting with you solo to offer a recap on the amazing episodes and guests that have created season 2, as well as where I am in my own journey. As you all know, there is a lot going on with me at the moment, between responding mindfully to the DID community and what occurred with McLean Hospital, meeting a new part, launching a new business, and simply living and thriving with DID.

Tune in today and you'll hear about the tools I've been using recently to manage some of the challenges that have cropped up, my thoughts on experiential learning, how to respond vs react, meeting my new part, Sarah, and how my goal and mission is to always serve as a bridge for the tough conversations that need to happen around DID and mental health.

I also dive deep into searching for acceptance of all PARTs, and lovingly stepping into your authenticity, loving yourself for who you are -- so buckle up, and let's brave the way together.

Happy Birthday @thedissociativerunner "Turning distance into donations" Follow them on Instagram for Information on Running to Support Local Charities

Tips for Managing DID Life Available on the Dr. Fletch website

https://www.drfletch.com/

Information on the Braving the Way Dissociative Community Mentorship Program

https://www.drfletch.com/programs-copy

Drop your email in the contact form to join the waitlist for the next group launch

One Soul Multiple Expressions Poetry Book: Mature Content

Link to Free Poem "Different"

Insta Live with Actress & Mental Health Advocate AnnaLynne McCord

Insta Live with Dr. Jamie Marich

Book Mentioned that has been helpful to Adrian & Her PARTs

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Disclosure, Love, & Attachment with Olga Trujillo, J.D., DID Survivor,, Author, Speaker, Consultant, & Trainer

Fri, 07 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0700

Trigger Warning: Today's episode includes reference to abuse and suicide. Please listen with care.

I'm honored to have Olga Trujillo on the podcast today! As a young lawyer, Olga was diagnosed with DID and after undergoing an extensive healing process, has become an internationally sought-after speaker and renowned author. Olga is featured in the video “A Survivor’s Story”, a documentary and training video based on her personal experience and her memoir, "The Sum of My Parts," was released in 2011.

Today, we talk about what it was like coming out publicly with DID while still working as a lawyer. Olga shares amazing advice to those who are wanting to do the same, but are afraid of potentially losing their job, or how it will impact their relationships and life, if they come out that they are living with DID. Managing job and relationship changes, initially not knowing she was living with DID, and then hiding her PARTs, it's an incredibly insightful conversation about trusting when it's right for you to come out publicly, loving your PARTs, the healing journey, and how DID is the solution, not a problem to be solved or eliminated. Join us!

Olga's Bio: Over a thirty-five-year career, Olga worked on Capitol Hill for Senator Charles McC. Mathias, in private practice for the law firm of Seyfarth, Shaw, Fairweather and Geraldson, at the U. S. Department of Justice (DOJ) where she served as the General Counsel of the Office of Justice Programs, and as the Legal Counsel and then Director of the Special Projects Division for the Office for Victims of Crime. Since leaving the DOJ in 2001, Olga has consulted with hundreds of national, state, and local organizations, addressing gender-based violence and has traveled to 49 states, 4 US territories, and 3 countries to deliver presentations and provide training on the impact of physical and sexual violence. A staple of her work, Olga weaves the role of culture, and in particular Latino culture, into every presentation, training, and technical assistance opportunity.

Connect with Olga
https://www.facebook.com/thesumofmyparts/
https://olgatrujillo.com/

Olga's Sum of My Parts Book & Services
https://olgatrujillo.com/books-and-dvds/

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One Soul Multiple Expressions Poetry Book: Mature Content on Poetry Book
https://www.amazon.com/One-Soul-Multiple-Expressions-POEMS/dp/B0BLG6SWS6/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2K7Z69HWE3180&keywords=one+soul+multiple+expressions&qid=1674007830&sprefix=one+soul+multiple%2Caps%2C231&sr=8-1

Disclaimers:
The information shared in this blog is not a substitute for therapy or any other form of professional mental health or medical care. It also does not constitute a doctor/patient relationship with Dr. Fletcher. The information provided is for education and informational purposes only. If you are experiencing a crisis or need help, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
Listening does not constitute a client-attorney relationship with Olga Trujillo. The content provided is for educational and inspirational purposes and is not a substitute for professional legal advice.

Healing Together in Community with Jaime Pollack, Founder of An Infinite Mind & Our Mutual Friend Larry Ruhl, Artist & Survivor

Fri, 31 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0700

Today's episode is one among friends, who also happen to be colleagues and living with DID - so get ready for some laughter, random comments about Shepard's Pie, some very honest truths, and three humans who are working hard to make a difference in the DID community, while honoring themselves and their PARTs.

Today I'm joined once again with Jaime Pollack and Larry Ruhl (bios below). As we all recently attended the annual An Infinite Mind conference, today we are debriefing about the conference and answering questions we received from the community, with truth and openness.

We go into the joys of being super connected with other like-minded humans, but also recognizing and honoring when a sacred pause is needed. We delve into what healing looks like for each of us (all very different!), and how it's okay to be angry and have rage. Even anger towards your PARTs and having DID, and how to channel that anger and rage through healthy outlets.

We also talk about how we engage with our littles, working with PARTs that might scare us, and our hopes for the community - where some day, perhaps mental health is just seen as health. Join us for laughter, insight, and authenticity in this conversation.

Jaime Pollack lives in Central Florida where she works as a district Pre-K special education resource teacher. She also works part-time as an in-home early interventionist for special needs children aged birth to three. In 2005, she was diagnosed with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) resulting from childhood trauma. Jaime searched for support only to find there were very limited resources available. Her efforts to find support for herself led her to seek out other survivors living with the disorder. As she found others living with DID, she witnessed firsthand the challenges they shared and decided to shift her focus to help others, like herself, living with DID. In July of 2007, she started one of the only peer-led DID support groups in the country, which led to the creation of An Infinite Mind in January of 2008.Her passion comes from the hope that people with DID can find the support and resources they need and will no longer fear the stigma surrounding the disorder.

Vist the An Infinite Mind website:
https://www.aninfinitemind.org/

Connect with Jaime and AIM
https://www.facebook.com/aninfinitemind
@an_infinitemind

Larry Ruhl
Larry Ruhl is a queer artist and writer living in between the Hudson Valley and Portugal. His visual work centers on trauma, reflected in mixed media, collage, and encaustics. His writing explores the effects of childhood sexual abuse and ways in which we recover and heal. His first book, Breaking the Ruhls, was released in 2018. Larry also serves as a board member for Taking Back Ourselves, which facilitates weekends of recovery for female survivors of sexual abuse, and is a registered speaker with the RAINN network (Rape Abuse Incest National Network). He previously served as a board member at Male Survivor. He also spoke at colleges and retreats to increase awareness of sexual abuse against men and boys. Today he shares his story publicly to spread awareness and to help others shed the shame and stigma associated with sexual abuse. He graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), with a degree in Display & Exhibit Design, and worked as a creative director at a textile firm for ten years until opening his own home furnishings/interior design business in 2004.

Connect with Larry
https://www.breakingtheruhls.com
@larryruhl on instagram

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Candid Conversations on the Treatment of DID with Mental Health Clinicians Kelly Caligia & Aimee Ford

Fri, 24 Mar 2023 09:00:00 -0700

It's the 4th episode of season 2 on Braving the Way and today, we are breaking open the conversation about DID, mental health, and mental health practitioners. In this episode, I am joined by these two amazing women: Kelly Caniglia, who is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in NC, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of FL, and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional based out of Chapel Hill, NC; and Aimee Ford who is a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, an EMDR trained clinician, and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional based in Southern California. Learn more in their bios below!

Nothing is off limits as we cover a wide range of topics, including the continued stigma of those living with DID, the lack of resources and information for those training as mental health practitioners, and the experiences the 3 of us have had in the mental health field, working with clients who have DID. We don't hold back and in an authentic and raw dialogue, we express our frustration and disappointment, but also our hope for the future and the humanness that can be provided to all those living with DID. Not one to miss, so tune in.

Kelly Caniglia: Kelly specializes in working with trauma, PTSD, and CPTSD, with a focus on Dissociative Disorders and DID. Kelly takes great pride in serving on the board of An Infinite Mind, a national organization focused on education and advocating for individuals living with DID. Kelly joined An Infinite Mind as their first intern in 2012, and moved up through the years. Kelly has served on the board for 10 years, and is currently their Director of Events and Conferences. Kelly has an intense passion for educating and advocating for those living with DID, and hopes to continue to help train and cultivate other Clinicians in this part of the mental health field. In her spare time, Kelly enjoys going on outdoor adventures with her dog and her partner. She is also a painter, photographer and artist. She avidly enjoys theater and being onstage as well as behind the scenes, and focuses on soaking in all of life’s experiences.

NC Center for Resiliency
www.nccenterforresiliency.com

Aimee Ford: As an EMDR trained clinician, Aimee works with trauma, PTSD, CPTSD, Dissociative Disorders and DID in private practice at Pasadena Trauma Therapy. As a mental health advocate, Aimee is honored to serve as Director of Volunteers on the board of directors of An Infinite Mind, an international organization focused on education and advocacy for individuals living with DID. Aimee joined An Infinite Mind while working toward her Master of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University, Malibu. Aimee always knew she wanted to be a trauma specialist, and refined her passion to working primarily with complex trauma, dissociative disorders and DID early on in her graduate school journey. Aimee enjoys dancing, singing, creating artwork, playing Beat Saber and other fun games with her partner and two children. You can also very easily catch Aimee shopping for new shoes, listening to music, and having a blast with her inner child! To learn more about Aimee Ford and Pasadena Trauma Therapy’s services for individuals living with Complex Trauma, Dissociative Disorders and DID please visit https://pasadenatraumatherapy.comConsultation services for clinicians and past workshops can be found in the “Professional Development” drop down menu. Pasadena Trauma Therapy’s 2023 workshops and group consultation services can be found be visiting https://pasadenatraumatherapy.com/events/

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Vis

Finding Hope, Faith & Writing Your Way Through DID with Lyn Barrette Founder of Dissociative Writers

Fri, 17 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0700

I am delighted and honored to be joined by Lyn Barrette on the show today, in what is another raw and honest conversation about living with DID, coming out publicly, and finding self-acceptance and love for all of our parts.

Lyn is an author and founder of Dissociative Writers which offers writers’ workshops and memoir classes for people with dissociative disorders. Her memoir, Crazy: Reclaiming Life from the Shadow of Traumatic Memory, was published in 2022. She hosts two websites, writes a weekly blog and newsletter, and speaks on podcasts, at universities and seminaries, and at other venues interested in learning about the impact trauma has on the human mind. A retired teacher, school principal, and pastor, Lyn was diagnosed with multiple personality disorder (now known as dissociative identity disorder or DID) in 1992 while she was climbing up the career ladder. After considerable therapeutic work, she now lives a happily integrated life with her husband in the high desert of New Mexico.

This is a deeply moving exchange where we speak about regaining our voice, the complex nature of a relationship with God or spirituality, living an integrated, whole life, with parts, and how there is always hope and you CAN overcome what life throws at you.

You can connect with Lyn on her website at www.lynbarrett.com and you can learn more about Dissociative Writers at http://www.dissociativewriters.com/
Instagram @lynbarrettauthor Her favorite quotes
"Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul and sings the tune without the words and never stops at all." ~ Emily Dickinson
"Never, never, never give up." ~ Winston Churchill

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Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is not a substitute for therapy or any other form of professional mental health/medical care. Listening does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship with Dr. Fletcher. The information provided is for inspirational and educational purposes only. If you are looking to obtain mental health resources in your area, please call 1-800-950-NAMI. If you are experiencing a crisis or need help, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

Painting the Uncomfortable into a Rainbow of Acceptance, with artist Meg, from Brushstrokes Imagination

Thu, 09 Mar 2023 23:00:00 -0800

We are already diving deep as we head into the second episode of season two, thank you again for being here. Today I am honored to be speaking with artist Meg, from Brushstrokes Imagination. Mother, grandmother, student, and fellow human living with DID, today's conversation is a poignant one. For Meg, as an artist, her art is many things and one of the primary ways she can express herself and show love to her parts.

We discuss what it's like to be living with DID and how we can show love to all of our parts, give ample rest when needed, and know that it's healthy to both express anger, and know when to play and when to show up in responsibility and accountability. Meg takes us on the journey she has experienced during parenting, and how DID isn't something to overcome, but instead, it's how you can work with it, and deciding where the sprinkles are within you.

From Meg:
"Shift Happens"
Do you ever look in the mirror to check in with yourself? Not for blemishes or brushing your teeth but, more like a sanity check. What's goin on in there. Is your head & heart in sync or are they saying two different things? Do you even recognize yourself? I struggle hourly with mental illness. I'd wish it to be different. But I couldn't have turned out any other way. Because of the childhood trauma I endured my brain developed differently & my coping skills are to dissociate or create a false self to mask the pain. Mental illness isn't noticeable like a limb missing. It's inside. It's not easy to articulate not because of my vocabulary but because there are so many vastly different feelings going on at once. We all have struggles, some are hidden in plain sight, others are not. My motto is be kind & rewind because some are more scattered & covered & smothered more than others. Love to you all who are still listening & learning about yourself & those you love.

Join us, as we fight against the stigmas placed upon mental health, and how the media exploits DID. Get to know it. Get to know us.

Connect or request a commissioned art piece with Meg @brushstrokes_imagination on Instagram

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Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is not a substitute for therapy or any other form of professional mental health/medical care. Listening does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship with Dr. Fletcher. The information provided is for inspirational and educational purposes only. If you are looking to obtain mental health resources in your area, please call 1-800-950-NAMI. If you are experiencing a crisis or need help, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

Embracing DID Life

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 23:00:00 -0800

TRIGGER WARNING: In this episode, there is mention of ritual abuse, mind control, and suicide. Please listen with care.

Welcome back! We are so excited that Season 2 of Braving the Way is here!! We have an amazing season lined up, with a deep dive into DID, including sharing more of my journey, as well as talking with other souls who are out publicly and how they are living and thriving. In this first solo episode, I cover a lot, so come with me as I catch you up on what me and the PARTs have been going through these last few months, and the massive changes that are underway, both professionally and personally.

Today, I'm giving you the inside look at how my life is starting to change and while there is a lot of unknown in front of me, I'm working to surrender, flow, and trust that all will unfold as it should. It's definitely been a whirlwind already in 2023, with changes in my private practice, launching new business endeavors, and traveling to Costa Rica for yoga, nourishment, adventure, and nature. Not to mention, just last week I gave the keynote address to An Infinite Mind conference in Florida and I/we are still processing the incredible weekend we had there.

Each day I become more and more passionate about breaking down the stigma surrounding DID and mental health. I can't wait to share this season, filled with other mental health warriors, in the pursuit of living well, sharing hope and inspiration, and recognizing the love story that is our lives, despite all odds.

I also want to mention that this first episode of season 2 opens and closes with a poem from our book. The closing poem is not published, but was read during the keynote I just gave at An Infinite Mind conference, and is inspired by Annalynne McCord, who came out with her story of DID in April of 2021.

Thank you for being here for this next season and remember, there is always magic in the mess.

Resources:
Our book: One Soul, Multiple Expressions: Poems by the Parts
Trigger Warning, Mature Content
Available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.com
https://www.amazon.com/One-Soul-Multiple-Expressions-POEMS/dp/B0BLG6SWS6

Great Like You
Erica Grace
@greatlikeyoubook
https://www.amazon.com/Great-Like-You-Situation-Hospital/dp/0998035025

An Insider's Guide to Managing Life Successfully with DID by ATW
https://www.amazon.com/Insiders-Managing-Successfully-Dissociative-Identity/dp/1932690034

Amongst Ourselves:A self-help guide to living with DID
Alderman
https://www.amazon.com/Amongst-Ourselves-Self-Help-Dissociative-Identity/dp/1572241225

My Mommy has Multiple Parts by Joh Knyn
@guidedhealingpsychology
https://www.amazon.com/Mommy-has-Multiple-Parts-Dissociative/dp/B09SP8JQZX

Dissociation Made Simple
Dr. Jamie Marich
@drjamiem
https://www.amazon.com/Dissociation-Made-Simple-Stigma-Free-Dissociative/dp/1623177219

An Infinite Mind:International Organization on DID
https://www.aninfinitemind.org/

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK

If you loved today's episode, please share your favorite takeaways by screenshotting this episode and tagging @drafletcher on instagram!
Alterchology®️

CONNECT WITH DR.FLETCH
Follow Dr. Fletch:
@drafletcher

Working through shame, cultivating hope, life with DID, & my word for 2023: Gratitude

Thu, 29 Dec 2022 23:00:00 -0800

It's the last episode of season 1 of Braving the Way, and it has been such an incredible journey. A massive and heartfelt thank you for all of you who have listened along with me, and for all of my incredible and courageous guests who have come on the show, I'm so honored. Check out all the resources and guest info below!

Today I'm chatting solo from Telluride, Colorado, where I'm comfy, cozy, and filled with immense gratitude for this past year. It has been a year filled with growth and bravery, a year that I've met amazing people, hit professional milestones, took myself out of my comfort zone -- and also experienced many feelings and emotions, all to be expected as part of our souls' journey. I speak about this past year, as well as managing grief during the holidays, seeing the world as a good place, finding hope, navigating feelings of shame, and how resolutions for the New Year can really be seen as intentions and mindsets, allowing ourselves understanding, grace, and change.

I will see you all back here for the launch of season two on Friday March 3, 2023. Stay tuned for a special episode devoted to dissociative identity disorder awareness day March 5, 2023 featuring two very special guests.

Have a safe, happy, and healthy New Year!
With love and gratitude,
Dr. Fletch

Resources:
Our Book
One Soul, Multiple Expressions:POEMS BY THE PARTS
Trigger Warning, Mature Content
eBook, Paperback, & Hardcover Available online at Amazon & Barnes & Noble
https://www.amazon.com/One-Soul-Multiple-Expressions-POEMS/dp/B0BLG6SWS6

Creatress Women's Mentorship Program
Arizona Residents
Facilitated by Lindsey Smith Campbell
@aunaturel.lindsey

An Infinite Mind's Healing Together Conference
February 17-19th
https://www.aninfinitemind.org/healing-together-conference
@an_infinitemind

Dissociation Made Simple: A Stigma Free Guide to Embracing Your Dissociative Mind and Navigating Daily Life
Jamie Marich, Ph.D.
Book Releasing January 10th, 2023
@drjamiem

Thank you to our guests in 2022
Jamie Pollack of An Infinite Mind
@an_infinitemind
Larry Ruhl, Artist & Survivor
@larryruhl
Heidi Busche, Woman in Recovery,Author, Speaker, & Business Strategist
@heidibcoaching
Clarita Escalente, Cancer Survivor, Health Coach, Speaker, Retreat Leader
@the_clarita_escalente
Dr. Morgan Francis, Body Image & Eating Disorder Expert
@drmorganfrancis

Heartfelt Thank You to Nina and Krista of @noelestellecreative for working behind the scenes of this podcast to bring it to life for all of you.

If you loved today's episode, please share your favorite takeaways by screenshotting this episode and tagging @drafletcher on instagram!

Visit the Dr. Fletch website:
https://www.drfletch.com/

Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is not a substitute for therapy or any other form of professional mental health/medical care. Listening does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship with Dr. Fletcher. The information provided is for inspirational and educational purposes only. If you are looking to obtain mental health resources in your area, please call 1-800-950-NAMI. If you are experiencing a crisis or need help, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

Cultivating a healthy relationship with food and your body with Dr. Morgan Francis, therapist, speaker, and owner of Scottsdale Premier Counseling

Thu, 15 Dec 2022 23:00:00 -0800

In our second-to-last episode of the podcast, I have to say that it's been an incredible journey over this first season and I'm just so grateful to all of you for being here. Today I'm speaking with Dr. Morgan Francis, a Licensed Professional Counselor with a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology. She has over 20 years of experience working in mental health and specializes in the treatment of Body Image and Eating Disorders, Self Empowerment, Sexual Compulsive Behavior, Mood Disorders, Relationships, and Trauma. In 2017, Dr. Francis founded Scottsdale Premier Counseling, a private practice in Scottsdale, Arizona providing individual, couples and group therapy.

Listen in for our conversation discussing her own personal struggle with an eating disorder and how she walked the journey back to herself. Now, incredibly motivated to help others, Dr. Francis is working to improve the relationship between ourselves (and with ourselves) and food. It's more than the food we eat, it's about our mindset and mental health, our perspective of the diet culture, what we talk about with our children, positive affirmations, and approaching our bodies kindly and with love.

Dr. Francis is a nationally recognized treatment specialist whose work has been frequently featured in the media. In 2019 she was recognized by fitness clothing brand, LuLu Lemon, as a female leader making a difference in the community for her inspiring work with body image. Additionally in 2019, Dr. Francis was featured in the KNOW BOOK. The Know Tribe features the most dynamic female business owners, leaders, and philanthropists. Dr. Francis was selected to be a speaker at the 2019 Know Tribe Summit on “The Psychology Of Personal Style" and in 2018, Dr. Francis was a speaker at the Powerhouse Women’s Event alongside Lori Harder.

Stay tuned for Dr. Francis' launch of her intuitive eating course launching in 2023!

Connect with Dr. Francis
Instagram @drmorganfrancis
Website and Online Courses https://www.scottsdalepremiercounseling.com/courses

Receive Mindful Messages by Dr. Francis
Text 480-605-1768

Jewelry by her Daughter
Instagram @jewelrybydm

If you loved today's episode, please share your favorite takeaways by taking a screenshot of this episode and tagging @drafletcher on instagram!

CONNECT WITH DR.FLETCH
Follow Dr. Fletch:
@drafletcher

Visit the Dr. Fletch website:
https://www.drfletch.com/

Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is not a substitute for therapy or any other form of professional mental health/medical care. Listening does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship with Dr. Fletcher. The information provided is for inspirational and educational purposes only. If you are looking to obtain mental health resources in your area, please call 1-800-950-NAMI. If you are experiencing a crisis or need help, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

Self-empowerment, Wellness, & Journaling with Certified Transformational Health Coach, Author, Speaker, and Cancer Survivor Clarita Escalante

Thu, 01 Dec 2022 23:00:00 -0800

With only a few episodes left of Braving the Way, I am delighted to have on the show my good friend, and light in this world, Clarita Escalante. Clarita is a certified transformational nutrition health coach, author of "The Wellness Journal", the podcast host of "The Clarita Escalante Show" and speaker. Clarita is working to empower women to create daily rituals that nourish the mind, body, and spirit, and provide holistic wellness for all. A multi-passionate entrepreneur, Clarita builds foundations for women by shifting perspectives, believing in abundance, expressing gratitude, and growing community, and is on a mission to raise the vibration of everyone she encounters.

After a completely unexpected cancer diagnosis 5 years ago, Clarita first went into total shock and denial, and then sat in a victim mentality for over a year. It wasn't until after a year that she realized that she had to make some changes, and do things differently - not just to be as healthy as possible for her diagnosis, but for her overall holistic wellbeing. Today, we speak about her journey, and how she now sees her cancer diagnosis as a gift, motivating her to live her best life, emotionally, spiritually, mentally, and physically, inspired to help others as well. Clarita's real healing began when she realized that she hadn't been sitting in victim mode for a year, but for her entire life. Once she identified the healing work needed to start with the trauma in her childhood, she learned how to sit in stillness, tap into her own inner child and strength, and change the inner dialogue with herself.

A powerful conversation as we start to wrap up this first season, I know you'll find so many amazing takeaways and moments of inspiration! Make sure to take a listen!

Connect with Clarita:
Instagram @the_clarita_escalante

Podcast:
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-clarita-escalante-show/id1561363489

Wellness Journal:
https://www.amazon.com/Wellness-Journal-Clarita-Escalante/dp/B0B3NBGNM9/ref=sr_1_4?crid=1CWNPVXNGA0OH&keywords=wellness+journal+clarita+escalante&qid=1668565771&sprefix=Wellness+Jounral+Clar%2Caps%2C170&sr=8-4

Soul Alchemy Retreat: https://soulalchemyretreat.com

If you loved today's episode, please share your favorite takeaways by screenshotting this episode and tagging @drafletcher on instagram!

Visit the Dr. Fletch website:
https://www.drfletch.com/

Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is not a substitute for therapy or any other form of professional mental health/medical care. Listening does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship with Dr. Fletcher. The information provided is for inspirational and educational purposes only. If you are looking to obtain mental health resources in your area, please call 1-800-950-NAMI. If you are experiencing a crisis or need help, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

DID, Grief, Holidays,Boundaries & the Journey with Author and Survivor, Larry Ruhl

Tue, 22 Nov 2022 23:00:00 -0800

Braving the Way: Episode 5. Trigger Warning: Contents of this episode may be triggering to some listeners as it includes reference to sexual abuse and suicide. Please listen with care.

Today, I'm honored to have Larry Ruhl on the podcast who is an author and survivor, and is sharing his story publicly to spread awareness and help others shed the shame and stigma associated with sexual abuse. Larry serves as a board member for Taking Back Ourselves, which facilitates weekends of recovery for female survivors of sexual abuse, and is a registered speaker with the RAINN network (Rape Abuse Incest National Network). He previously served as a board member at Male Survivor. He also spoke at colleges and retreats to increase awareness of sexual abuse against men and boys.

In a very open and honest conversation, Larry and I talk about his continued healing journey from sexual abuse and trauma and everything that has entailed, including asking the incredibly difficult question over the years in regards to his abuse, "how could this have happened?" The response to that question might surprise you. We also discuss how the holidays can be extremely triggering and setting boundaries with family and friends can simply start by dipping your toe in the water of those boundaries, nothing needs to be absolute right away. Larry also talks about the gift of asking the right questions after abuse, and how trauma recovery work can really open things up for a person, with continued learning and transformation. Not an episode to miss as Larry's story is critical to share, and as we move closer to the holidays.

You can find Larry below:

Website: https://www.breakingtheruhls.com/about-the-book
Instagram:@lruhlstudio

An Infinite Mind's Healing Together Conference
https://www.aninfinitemind.org/healing-together-conference

If you loved today's episode, please share your favorite takeaways by taking a screenshot of this episode and tagging @drafletcher on instagram!

CONNECT WITH DR.FLETCH
Follow Dr. Fletch:
@drafletcher

Visit the Dr. Fletch website:
https://www.drfletch.com/

Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is not a substitute for therapy or any other form of professional mental health/medical care. Listening does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship with Dr. Fletcher. The information provided is for inspirational and educational purposes only. If you are looking to obtain mental health resources in your area, please call 1-800-950-NAMI. If you are experiencing a crisis or need help, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

Alcohol & Accountability, with author, coach, and podcast host, Heidi Busche

Thu, 10 Nov 2022 23:00:00 -0800

Today's episode is a very special one for me as I'm speaking with Heidi Busche, a good friend who is the host of the Heidi B Podcast Show, author, and coach - who also happens to be one of the first people I reached out to when considering coming out publicly with my DID journey. Heidi is one of the most authentic, raw, and vulnerable souls that I know, who is bravely and boldly sharing her story of alcoholism and her path to sobriety. Heidi has worked through the guilt and shame she felt of what was a years-long struggle, and speaks openly about her human-ness, and how she needed to accept that as a human, she is both flawed AND amazing. This allowed her to make different decisions once she decided to get sober.

In a candid conversation, we talk about Heidi's young beginning with alcohol, her parents struggle with alcoholism, and how in a split-second moment of clarity, on a somewhat regular morning, she realized that she could either fight for her life and get sober, or she could die drinking. When Heidi really thought about what death would look like from drinking, it was a shock to her system, and caused her to start to make lasting moves to change her behaviors.

We also discuss how post-Covid, the conversation about alcoholism and the surrounding mental health is opening up, removing some of the stigma and shame, and showing people that we are all human, and our human-ness is what makes us great. Heidi also offers up 3 of her top holiday tips for those who might have some anxiety about the upcoming season, and how boundaries and accountability are some of the non-negotiables in recovery.

Find Heidi here:
IG: @heidibcoaching
Website: https://www.heidibcoaching.com/
Book: https://www.heidibcoaching.com/relationship-ready

If you loved today's episode, please share your favorite takeaways by taking a screenshot of this episode and tagging @drafletcher on instagram!

CONNECT WITH DR.FLETCH
Follow Dr. Fletch:
@drafletcher

Visit the Dr. Fletch website:
https://www.drfletch.com/

Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is not a substitute for therapy or any other form of professional mental health/medical care. Listening does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship with Dr. Fletcher. The information provided is for inspirational and educational purposes only. If you are looking to obtain mental health resources in your area, please call 1-800-950-NAMI. If you are experiencing a crisis or need help, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

Pain to Purpose

Fri, 28 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0700

In a solo episode today, I'm diving into how you can use your pain and fuel it into your purpose and passion. With total honesty, it's definitely not easy, and for a long time, my perspective wasn't always this one. For many years, due to the trauma and abuse I experienced, I was incredibly angry, wasn't easy to be around, had a lot of negativity, and was constantly assessing people on whether or not they would use me for something or judge me. This was a toxic mindset to live in, and it was actually the anger that landed me in therapy to try and work through some of these big emotions I was feeling and living with.

In this episode, I'm sharing how, while not an easy road and certainly my journey isn't complete or done, I've worked towards turning that pain into my purpose, which is to both help others and dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health and those living with DID. My own healing has come from therapy, writing, art, nature, meditation, and rituals such as using crystals, oracle cards, and other alternative healing modalities. I am now operating from a place of love, passion, grace, understanding, and receiving.

Recovery is not a straight line, it's a roller coaster, and while there are many steps, the first is having awareness of the feelings and emotions inside of you. Then, it's about taking the time to sit with yourself to decide what you want for your life, who are those people you can lean on and trust, and what healing modalities work for you, despite what anyone else may think.

Thank you for joining me in listening to the 3rd episode. Know that I see you, and you are amazing. You can own who you want to be and how you show up in the world. Keep the faith and let your pain fuel you toward your purpose and passion -- you've got this.

Resources:
Sylvester McNutt: @sylvestermcnutt

If you loved today's episode, please share your favorite takeaways by screenshotting this episode and tagging @drafletcher on instagram!

CONNECT WITH DR.FLETCH
Follow Dr. Fletch:
@drafletcher

Visit the Dr. Fletch website:
https://www.drfletch.com/

Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is not a substitute for therapy or any other form of professional mental health/medical care. Listening does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship with Dr. Fletcher. The information provided is for inspirational and educational purposes only. If you are looking to obtain mental health resources in your area, please call 1-800-950-NAMI. If you are experiencing a crisis or need help, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

Living with Dissociative Identities with Jaime Pollack, Founder of An Infinite Mind (AIM)

Fri, 14 Oct 2022 01:00:00 -0700

In our second episode of "Braving the Way", I am excited to share the conversation between myself and Jaime Pollack, the founder of An Infinite Mind an International Organization on DID.

In 2005, Jamie was diagnosed with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) resulting from childhood trauma. As she searched for support for herself, she quickly realized that there were very limited resources available, leading her to seek out other survivors living with the disorder.

As she found others living with DID, she witnessed first-hand the challenges they shared and decided to shift her focus to help others, like herself. In July of 2007, she started one of the only peer-led DID support groups in the country, which led to the creation of An Infinite Mind in January of 2008.

Her passion comes from the hope that people with DID can find the support and resources they need and will no longer fear the stigma surrounding the disorder. Listen in to the conversation as we further explore Jaime's journey. We talk about the challenges she has faced with DID, (including how her parts became more expressive once she was officially diagnosed), the ongoing healing after her diagnosis and battling her own internalized stigma of DID, and how she now sees DID as a gift. It's a truly raw and authentic conversation, and I'm honored to share this with you.

You can find Jaime below:
https://www.aninfinitemind.org/

Connect with Jaime and AIM
https://www.facebook.com/aninfinitemind

Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is not a substitute for therapy or any other form of professional mental health or medical care. It also does not constitute a doctor/patient relationship with Dr. Adrian Fletcher. The information provided is for educational, informational, and inspirational purposes only. If you are looking to obtain mental health resources in your area, please call 1-800-950-NAMI. If you are experiencing a crisis or need help, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

Your Story Matters

Fri, 30 Sep 2022 01:00:00 -0700

It's episode one of "Braving the Way" and I'm honored and delighted you are here. I'm both excited and nervous for this new venture but my mission is just as the title of this show suggests: I wish to inspire you to brave the way, owning your own story, finding your authentic voice, and being fearless in showing up exactly as you are. I hope this show does many things, and while I'm not here to be your therapist, I am here to be human-to-human with you and to tell you that you are truly incredible. Your life and your voice are so critical and you deserve to be heard and loved, and I see you.

In this very first episode, I share a little more about my journey, and how after 40 years, I am finally owning my story which has been challenging and complex. As a sex-trafficking survivor, and a human with lived experience of dissociative identity disorder (formerly known as multiple personality disorder), I know the power of taking charge of your own healing journey, and the importance of community. The fact of the matter is life is hard, and we are not meant to go at this alone.

I invite you to take a listen, knowing this safe space where you can simply show up as yourself, and hopefully we can all inspire each other towards owning our own stories, get present for ourselves with grace, kindness, and compassion.

If you loved today's episode, please share your favorite takeaways and screenshot this episode and tag @drafletcher on instagram. If you think this episode might inspire someone else please share it with them, and take a minute to rate, review, and subscribe. It really helps get this podcast out to the larger community! I can't wait to see you on the audio waves!

You can continue to follow the journey on instagram @drafletcher

Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is not a substitute for therapy or any other form of professional mental health or medical care. It also does not constitute a doctor/patient relationship with Dr. Adrian Fletcher. The information provided is for educational, informational, and inspirational purposes only. If you are looking to obtain mental health resources in your area, please call 1-800-950-NAMI. If you are experiencing a crisis or need help, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

Trailer - Braving the Way with Dr. Fletch

Wed, 07 Sep 2022 17:00:00 -0700

Introducing Braving the Way with Dr. Fletch! I’m Dr. Adrian Fletcher, psychologist, speaker, consultant, and writer. Here on, BRAVING THE WAY, we are going to have honest, authentic, and brave conversations about mental health. I will share my own personal journey and lived experience with you, provide you with education, tips, and resources on a variety of mental health related topics and bring on inspiring guests who want to share their own experiences with mental health so that we can all be reminded that we are not alone.

The first episode drops on Friday, September 30 th , 2022. Don’t forget to follow BRAVING THE WAY so that you get every show as soon as it becomes available. Listen, follow, and share for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audacy and wherever you get your podcasts.

Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is not a substitute for therapy or any other form of professional mental health or medical care. It also does not constitute a doctor/patient relationship with Dr. Adrian Fletcher. The information provided is for educational, informational, and inspirational purposes only. If you are looking to obtain mental health resources in your area, please call 1-800-950-NAMI. If you are experiencing a crisis or need help, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.