A Little Help For Our Friends

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  Why It’s So Hard to Trust Someone After Addiction 17.09.2026 59dk

  Your loved one is sober. They’re getting help. They’re doing better.So why is it still so hard to trust them?In this episode, Dr. Kibby McMahon explains why trust doesn’t automatically return when someone enters addiction recovery. After months or years of broken promises, secrecy, unpredictability, or hurt, you may still be waiting for proof that things are really different.You’ll learn why recovery and rebuilding trust often happen on two different timelines, why constantly checking or monitoring your loved one can make things harder, and what actually helps trust grow again.Dr. Kibby also shares practical ways to rebuild trust through consistency, clear agreements, realistic expectations, and boundaries, without feeling like you have to become your loved one’s detective.If you love someone recovering from addiction, you don’t have to force yourself to trust them overnight. Trust can be rebuilt slowly, through consistent actions over time.🔬 Join our Brown University research studyKulaMind is working with Brown University on a research study supporting loved ones of people in addiction recovery. If someone you love is taking steps to cut down on drug use, you may be eligible to receive 3 months of free coaching with Dr. Kibby McMahon as part of the study.Learn more and see if you’re eligible:https://studies.buildclinical.com/bcfs002065-rih-ramsey-131
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  When You Don’t Feel Seen: Why Validation Can Change Everything 09.09.2026 50dk

  What happens when you’re overwhelmed, triggered, or emotionally flooded and the person you love just doesn’t seem to understand?In this episode, Dr. Kibby gets personal. Fresh from an experience that left her feeling overwhelmed and unseen, she shares what it feels like to be on the other side of an empathy breakdown.She explores why feeling judged or invalidated can turn an already difficult emotion into anger, resentment, or an explosion, and why simply feeling understood can make such a powerful difference.Kibby also looks at the responsibility on both sides: how to communicate what’s triggering you without attacking the other person, and how loved ones can listen, validate, and show that they’re genuinely trying to understand.In this episode:• What an empathy breakdown can feel like• Why feeling unseen can intensify emotional reactions• The difference between validation and agreement• How judgment and shame can fuel conflict• How to communicate your triggers more effectively• Finding the balance between accommodation and learning to cope• Why feeling seen can create connection, even when the problem can’t be fixedIf you love someone who struggles with intense emotions, BPD, addiction, or other mental health challenges, KulaMind teaches practical skills to help you communicate, reduce conflict, and support both your loved one and yourself.
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  How Childhood Trauma Affects Adult Relationships | EMDR Explained with Jessica Connell 02.09.2026 55dk

  How can experiences from childhood continue to shape our relationships decades later? And can trauma responses actually be changed?In this episode, Dr. Kibby McMahon sits down with psychotherapist and executive coach Jessica Connell, LCSW, to explore developmental trauma, EMDR, and the ways our early experiences can influence how we connect with others.Jessica explains what developmental trauma can look like, from major experiences of abuse or instability to moments of shame, rejection, or emotional disconnection that stay with us over time. They discuss how these experiences can show up later as difficulty trusting, fear of conflict, emotional reactivity, withdrawal, or feeling unsafe even in otherwise healthy relationships.They also take a closer look at EMDR: what happens during a session, how bilateral stimulation is used, and how trauma-focused work can help people respond differently to triggers in the present.In this episode:• What developmental trauma actually means• How childhood experiences shape adult relationships• Why certain situations can trigger surprisingly intense reactions• The “tiger and turtle” dynamic in relationships• What it means to feel emotionally safe with another person• How EMDR works and what a session can look like• Why healing doesn’t mean never getting triggered again• How understanding our patterns can help us communicate differentlyJessica Connell is a psychotherapist, executive coach, and owner of Confident Mind Psychotherapy and Coaching in New York City.If you’ve ever wondered why certain relationship dynamics affect you so deeply, or how experiences from your past might still be influencing your reactions today, this conversation offers a compassionate look at where those patterns come from and how they can begin to change.
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  How to Support Someone in Addiction Recovery: 6 Things That Actually Help 27.08.2026 51dk

  When someone you love gets sober, it can feel like everything should finally be okay. But addiction recovery isn’t an on/off switch, and for loved ones, this stage can bring its own fear, uncertainty, and challenges.In this episode, Dr. Kibby McMahon shares six research-backed ways you can support someone in addiction recovery while also protecting your own well-being.We cover:• How to make treatment and recovery easier to access• Why reinforcing healthy recovery behaviors matters• How to communicate without escalating shame or conflict• How to prepare for the possibility of an overdose• Why your own mental health and safety matter too• How to recognize underlying mental health and relationship issues during recoveryDr. Kibby also shares her own experience supporting her mother through alcoholism, relapse, and long-term sobriety, and why recovery required healing not only for her mother, but for their relationship too.We’re also excited to share that KulaMind, in partnership with researchers at Brown University, is studying KulaMind Recovery, a program specifically designed to support loved ones of people recovering from substance use disorders.If you or someone you love is in addiction recovery and you’re interested in participating, check the link in the show notes to learn more.Learn more about KulaMind and get support for yourself and your loved one.Link for study: https://studies.buildclinical.com/bcfs002065-rih-ramsey-131/#AddictionRecovery #SubstanceUseRecovery #FamilySupport #MentalHealth #AddictionSupport #Recovery
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  3 Lessons I Learned From a Year of Change, Growth & Letting Go 12.08.2026 46dk

  In the season 6 finale of A Little Help for Our Friends, Dr. Kibby McMahon looks back on a year of major change, both personally and professionally, and shares the three biggest lessons she’s taking with her into the next chapter.Kibby talks about what it means to let go of roles and relationship patterns that no longer fit, why real growth often comes from consistency and the right support, and what she’s learned from working with families affected by mental illness and addiction.She also reflects on stepping into a new role after a major change to the podcast, building KulaMind, growing an online community from scratch, and learning to become more comfortable being seen and leading.Most importantly, this episode explores something that has become increasingly clear through this work: mental illness is rarely a one-person problem. It affects partners, parents, children, caregivers, and entire family systems.If you’ve ever felt stuck in an old version of yourself, struggled to support someone you love, or wondered how to keep going when change feels uncomfortable, this episode is for you.A Little Help for Our Friends will be back for Season 7 after a short break.
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  Does Therapy Really Have to Take Years? 06.08.2026 59dk

  Most people think therapy means talking about your past for years. But what if that's not always true?In this episode, Dr. Kibby is joined by clinical psychologist Dr. Chandler Chang, founder of Therapy Lab, to explore how mental health treatment is changing. They discuss why many people expect therapy to last indefinitely, how targeted, evidence-based treatments can often help much more quickly, and why matching the right treatment to the right problem matters.Dr. Chandler explains Therapy Lab's unique approach of creating focused treatment plans for specific challenges like panic attacks, insomnia, breakups, self-esteem, and anxiety. Together, they discuss the difference between long-term supportive therapy and goal-oriented treatment, why exposure therapy is so effective for anxiety disorders, and how setting clear expectations can improve outcomes.They also dive into the future of mental health, including AI, personalized treatment, and whether technology will replace therapists or simply make therapy more effective. Along the way, they explore what makes human connection so valuable, where AI can genuinely help, and where it may unintentionally make things worse.Whether you've been curious about therapy, wondered if it has to take years, or are interested in where mental health care is headed, this conversation offers a thoughtful look at what the future could look like.Resources:Check out Therapy LabFollow Dr. Chandler Chang on IGIf you need help dealing with a loved one with mental illness or addiction, apply to work with Dr. Kibby in KulaMind
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  5 Things That Make Therapy Not Work 30.07.2026 1sa 6dk

  This episode breaks down practical strategies for getting more out of therapy and the common mistakes that can quietly get in the way of real progress.Have you ever left a therapy session feeling better for an hour, only to find yourself stuck in the exact same patterns a week later? Or wondered why someone can spend years in therapy without seeming to change?In this episode, Dr. Kibby explores the habits that often prevent therapy from being effective. She talks about emotional avoidance, people pleasing, staying in "problem talk" instead of focusing on change, and why honesty with your therapist matters more than trying to be the "perfect" client. She also explains how to choose the right therapist, what questions to ask before starting treatment, and why the work that happens between sessions is just as important as what happens during them.Whether you're in therapy yourself or supporting someone who is, this episode offers practical ways to make treatment more meaningful and increase the chances that it leads to lasting change.Resources: - Chapman, A. L., & Rosenthal, M. Z. (2016). Managing therapy-interfering behavior: Strategies from dialectical behavior therapy. American Psychological Association.
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  How to Talk to Someone About Getting Help When They Don’t Think They Need It 22.07.2026 54dk

  This episode shares practical strategies for how to talk to a loved one who is struggling with mental health about getting therapy.Have you ever said to someone "You need therapy" or "why don't you get help?" when they seem like they're struggling? Then what do you do if your loved one clearly needs help but feels defensive, misunderstood, or convinced that therapy isn’t the answer? And what happens when your urgency to help only makes them push back harder? In this episode, Dr. Kibby breaks down why people resist treatment, how shame, fear, and loss of autonomy can get in the way, and why trying to convince someone usually backfires. She explains how to shift from pressure to partnership by listening first, validating their experience, finding common ground, and focusing on the outcome you both want. Along the way, she shares real-life examples from family, relationships, and clinical work, including how to support someone who is in crisis while still preserving dignity whenever possible. Dr. Kibby also breaks down science-backed, methods that clinicians use to talk to someone about engaging in treatment. She goes through the LEAP method and motivational interviewing techniques that work with people who need help but don't think they have a problem. Whether you’re dealing with a partner, parent, adult child, or friend, this episode offers a clear framework for having harder conversations with more empathy, less conflict, and a better chance of real change.Resources:Need help dealing with a difficult family member who's struggling with mental health? Dr. Kibby can help through her program⁠⁠ KulaMind⁠⁠⁠⁠Books on the LEAP method
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  How I Married My Wedding Officiant: My Story of Building my Dream Family 15.07.2026 28dk

  In this episode, Dr. Kibby shares her deeply personal story of infertility, attachment trauma, and the unexpected path that led her to motherhood. How do you build a family when the journey doesn’t go the way you planned? And what happens when control, willpower, and even the best-laid plans aren’t enough? In this honest and vulnerable episode, Dr. Kibby opens up about the heartbreak, uncertainty, and inner work that shaped her path to becoming a mother. She explains why trusting her gut became the turning point in her journey, and how letting go of rigid expectations made space for something greater than she imagined. Along the way, she reveals how attachment trauma influenced her relationships, how emotional safety and vulnerability became essential, and why infertility is so much more complex than most people realize. She talks about the limits of pure logic when it comes to family, the role of intuition in life-changing decisions, and how faith, surrender, and resilience can help us move through the unknown. Whether you’re navigating fertility challenges, relationship pain, or simply trying to trust yourself more deeply, this episode offers compassion, insight, and hope.If you’ve ever wondered whether you should keep pushing, let go, or trust your inner voice, this conversation will meet you where you are. You’ll leave with a new perspective on motherhood, healing, and the surprising ways a family can come together.Resources:Need help dealing with a difficult family member who's struggling with mental health? Dr. Kibby can help through her program⁠ KulaMind⁠⁠Follow Dr. Kibby on Instagram⁠Dr. Kibby telling the story of ⁠The Story Collider⁠
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  The Generational Divide In Families: Bridging the Gap Between Boomer Parents and Millennial/ Gen-Z Children 08.07.2026 57dk

  In this episode, Dr. Amy Todey joins Dr. Kibby to talk about the generational divide in modern families and how families can navigate difficult relationships.Are Boomer parents all narcissists? Or are the younger generations just fragile snowflakes? In this episode, Dr. Amy Todey joins Dr. Kibby to discuss how the generational divide in family relationships is deeper (and more fragile) than most of us realize. Dr. Amy Todey is a clinical psychologist who specializes in coparenting and family relationships. In this conversation, she reveals why conflicts between parents, adult children, and grandparents often stem from misaligned values and unspoken wounds, and how understanding these differences can lead to repair, not rupture. She shares surprising insights on why modern families fracture, how labels like "narcissist" obscure the real issues, and the quiet power of boundaries rooted in love and accountability. They also discuss the risk of the rise in "cut-off" or estrangement culture. In this eye-opening conversation, you'll discover practical frameworks for navigating emotional safety and reconciliation across generations. Dr. Todey discusses the importance of honoring your own story while holding space for others’, offering concrete strategies to set boundaries without severing connections. She explores how societal shifts are fueling family conflicts, and what you can do to foster belonging despite these tensions. Dr. Kibby and Dr. Todey explore how to recognize when to cut off or lean in, the role of forgiveness in healing familial wounds, and the common pitfalls that keep families stuck in cycles of estrangement. Whether you're navigating the challenges of aging parents, estranged siblings, or strained grandparent relationships, you'll leave with tangible tools to foster understanding, love, and resilience in your family, no matter how complex or imperfect.Resources:Need help dealing with a difficult family member? Dr. Kibby can help through her program KulaMindDr. Amy Todey's WebsiteDr. Amy Todey's Instagram
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  BPD Rage: Why Anger in Borderline Personality Disorder Feels Uncontrollable and How Loved Ones Can Calm It 01.07.2026 1sa 2dk

  This episode explores the biology and nature of anger in borderline personality disorder ("BPD Rage") and practical strategies family members, friends and partners can use to respond to BPD rage. Some people get angry, while some people just see red. In this episode, Dr. Kibby lifts the veil on what’s happening in the brain during these emotional storms and shares proven strategies to manage, soothe, and respond effectively. You might feel helpless as your loved one spirals into a rage that lasts for hours, fueled by triggers deep in their brain’s emotional wiring. Dr. Kibby unpacks why BPD rage is so overwhelming, rooted in hyper-reactive amygdalas, weak prefrontal regulation, and a cascade of shame and rejection fears. It's not about bad character or being "evil," but a biological response, amplified by social triggers like betrayal, abandonment, or misunderstood intentions. These emotional storms often appear suddenly, with the flip of a switch, and how they can mimic psychosis or demon-like behavior, leaving loved ones terrified and powerless. Dr. Kibby breaks down the neuroscience behind BPD rage, including the brain’s regulatory pathways. Then, the conversation offers practical, research-backed communication techniques that help de-escalate these heightened states. Dr. Kibby shares specific scripts and real-life stories that reveal how these tools can prevent escalation, reduce personal attacks, and promote healing instead of blame. Learn why acknowledging the emotional experience, rather than dismissing it, is crucial for injury prevention and long-term connection. Most importantly, she emphasizes that setting boundaries around dangerous behavior isn’t about blame- it’s about safety and self-care. Whether you’re a parent, partner, or therapist, this episode offers a compassionate, no-nonsense blueprint to handle BPD rage. Resources:Talk to Dr. Kibby about KulaMind⁠, where she supports people dealing with their loved ones' emotional issuesMitolo, M., D’Adda, F., Evangelisti, S., Pellegrini, L., Gramegna, L. L., Bianchini, C., ... & Tonon, C. (2024). Emotion dysregulation, impulsivity and anger rumination in borderline personality disorder: the role of amygdala and insula. European archives of psychiatry and clinical neuroscience, 274(1), 109-116.
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  Youth in Crisis: What To Do When a Teen or Adolescent Wants To Hurt Themselves 25.06.2026 1sa 7dk

  This episode describes how to respond when a teen, adolescent or young adult says they want to hurt themselves or kill themselves.It's horrifying when someone as young as 12-20 years old says they want to take their own life. When a teen or young adult confesses thoughts of hurting themselves or even hints at a plan, panic often kicks in...but what you do next can mean the difference between life and tragedy. In this episode, Dr. Kibby describes how you can transform fear into effective, life-saving support. If you're a parent, clinician, educator, or anyone caring for at-risk youth, this episode will change your perspective on how to handle these terrifying moments with compassion, clarity, and confidence. In this honest conversation, you'll discover why traditional reactions often do more harm than good and how shifting from control to understanding can unlock trust and safety. Dr. Kibby shares insights from her nearly lifelong work with mental health crises as well as adolescent and family Dialectical Behavior Therapy expert Dr. Marcus Rodriguez. Drawing from what she learned from Dr. Rodriguez, she emphasizes the importance of treating the whole family and system instead of isolated individuals. You'll learn why vague answers from teens are actually a sign of trust-building, not apathy or indifference, and how impulsivity heightens the risk of dangerous behaviors that require immediate, delicate intervention. We break down practical, step-by-step frameworks for assessing suicidality, from asking direct questions about plans and access to means, to understanding the importance of safety measures like environment restriction and involving the support system. You’ll hear specific scripts designed to validate pain without validating harmful coping strategies, and how to balance genuine empathy with concrete safety protocols. The core message: you’re not just stopping a moment of crisis- you're working with the teen, their family, and their community, to understand their pain and help them find hope. Interpersonal triggers like breakups, bullying, and social rejection are particularly devastating for teens, and how they differ from adult experiences. Dr. Kibby describes how you can meet teens where they are, by respecting their vague answers, impulsive actions, and emotional intensity, and why working systemically is essential for lasting safety. Remember: Asking directly about suicide does not plant the idea; it saves lives. Whether you’re facing an immediate crisis or working to prevent one, this episode is your essential guide to understanding and intervening with care, respect, and hope.Trigger warning: Sensitive topics discussed include self-harm, suicidal ideation, and family trauma.If you’re involved with teens or young adults, or if you simply want to learn how to support someone in their darkest hour, this episode is a must-listen. Resources:Parents, partners and other loved ones of people struggling with self harm and suicide, check out ⁠⁠KulaMind⁠⁠. Book a free call with Dr. Kibby to learn how she can help.Adolescents, teens and families in California in crisis should learn about Dr. Rodriguez's Dialectical Behavior Therapy program at Youth and Family Institute
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  Dissecting Antisocial Personality Disorder: What It Is and How It Affects Relationships 17.06.2026 1sa 1dk

  This episode explores the complexities of Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) and its impact on relationships. Are you close to someone who's charming but unreliable, impulsive, and manipulative? Dr. Kibby delves into the behaviors often associated with ASPD, a personality disorder that comes with a pattern of violating other people's rights, lack of empathy, and dangerous behaviors for thrill or power. She discusses nuanced differences between ASPD and other disorders, and learn how to navigate relationships with individuals who exhibit these traits. Dr. Kibby discusses potential treatments, including cognitive behavioral therapy and mentalization-based therapy, and offers strategies for loved ones to set boundaries and motivate change. This episode is essential for anyone struggling to understand a loved one's challenging behavior and seeking effective ways to cope and connect.Resources:If you need support with a difficult relationship with someone who has mental health problems (antisocial personality disorder, narcissism, anger issues, BPD, trauma), check out ⁠KulaMind⁠. Book a free call with Dr. Kibby to learn how she can help.
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  5 Mental Health Disorders People Mistake for Narcissism 10.06.2026 1sa 7dk

  This episode dives into the mental health conditions and behaviors often mistaken for narcissism. When someone you love struggles with mental health and acts selfishly, the internet will immediately tell you that they're "a narcissist." However, you might be overlooking an underlying condition that just looks like narcissism on the surface. In this episode, Dr. Kibby reveals the five disorders frequently confused with narcissistic personality disorder, including: 1. borderline personality disorder; 2. attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); 3. autism, 4. complex post traumatic stress disorder (cPTSD), and 5.obsessive compulsive personality disorder (OCPD). Dr. Kibby breaks down why these five conditions share similar behavior as narcissistic personality disorder but have critical differences in deeper motivation, triggers and beliefs. For example, BPD’s intense fear of abandonment mirrors narcissistic fears of devaluation, yet stems from different core needs. Understand how autism’s social deficits and rigid rules can appear as arrogance but are rooted in neurodivergent processes. Trauma disorders like complex PTSD create self-protective behaviors in relationships, driven by past wounds needing healing. ADHD can be mistaken for selfishness, reflecting impulsivity and attention struggles.This episode is essential if you’re frustrated by how a loved one's treating you but you get the sense that the label "narcissist" doesn't tell the whole story. Misdiagnosing these conditions can lead to frustration and missed opportunities for connection. Learn the nuanced distinctions that empower you to respond with empathy and insight, whether in personal relationships or professional settings.Resources:If you need support with a difficult relationship with someone who has mental health problems (narcissism, anger issues, BPD, trauma), check out KulaMind. Book a free call with Dr. Kibby to learn how she can help.
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  Unmasking Manipulation in Toxic Relationships 04.06.2026 1sa 1dk

  This episode breaks down what manipulation is and why it's so common in relationships with people struggling with mental health. It also gives actionable strategies for resisting the effects of manipulation.Have you ever been in a relationship where you found it hard to think for yourself? You somehow make decisions that are out of character and doubt yourself so much, you're not sure what's real? In this episode, Dr. Kibby exposes the truth behind these tactics: what manipulation really is, how it shows up, and most importantly, how to regain control. Deep dive ahead: you'll discover why manipulation isn’t always "evil," but an abuse of normal strategies for communication and social influence. We're being manipulated all the time by ads, entertainment, sales, and even our health providers. But it becomes harmful when it robs you of your autonomy and sacrifices your wellbeing for the manipulator's gain. Dr. Kibby unpacks concrete tactics, like gaslighting, guilt-tripping, love withdrawal, surveillance, and coercive control, that abusers use to undermine your decision-making. She explores how these tactics often leverage your vulnerabilities and blur your sense of choice and agency, whether in romantic, family, or workplace dynamics.Feeling manipulated is common in relationships with people with mental illnesses like borderline personality disorder, narcissistic personality disorder, or trauma. Actually BOTH the individual with disorders and their loved ones often feel manipulated. Dr. Kibby also breaks down the research behind manipulation in BPD and narcissistic abuse.Why does this matter? Because understanding these subtle tactics can protect your mental well-being, help you spot emotional tricks early, and empower you to set healthier boundaries. This episode offers practical strategies and tools to disarm manipulation’s grip and reclaim your personal agency. Whether you're navigating toxic family ties, romantic relationships, or workplace conflicts, this episode reveals the unseen manipulative tactics at play and how to dismantle them. Resources:If you need more hands-on help with feeling manipulated by people with mental health or addiction challenges, check out ⁠KulaMind
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  How to Set Healthy Boundaries in High-Conflict Relationships 20.05.2026 58dk

  This episode talks about setting healthy boundaries in high-conflict relationships with people who have intense, dysregulated emotions.If you're in an emotionally charged or high-conflict relationship, you struggle to say "no" or assert yourself. If you’ve ever felt blindsided, criticized, or powerless in high-conflict moments with loved ones, this episode reveals the proven framework that transforms chaos into clarity. Dr. Kibby talks about common mistakes with setting boundaries that make things even worse. Because boundaries are essential for healthy relationships, she shares the secret sauce from Dialectical Behavior Therapy and clinical science to set boundaries that stick without escalating fights. You’ll learn how to communicate precisely, protect your autonomy, and foster genuine connection even when emotions run high. Plus, she shares real-life examples (like managing rage outbursts from loved ones with trauma or mental health challenges) and how to respond without losing your mind or your heart. Whether you’re navigating family drama, a difficult partner, or teen conflicts, mastering these boundary skills can prevent burnout and create healthier, more resilient relationships. Tune in and learn how to turn high-conflict moments into opportunities for growth and mutual understanding.Resources:If you need more hands-on help with setting boundaries in your high-conflict relationships, check out KulaMind
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  "That Never Happened": How Out-Of-Control Emotions Warps Memory 14.05.2026 1sa

  This episode talks about how mood, especially dysregulated emotions, affect memory. It explains why people with emotional issues may have such a different perspective and memory for things that happened in the past. If you're close to someone with big emotions, you've probably gotten into an argument with them about something you remember...very differently than they do. You bring up something that happened and they'll say "that never happened!", leaving you to question your whole reality. In this episode, Dr. Kibby delves into why the "that never happened" argument happens so often. What if your loved one is genuinely remembering a fight differently- and that difference isn’t about manipulation, but about how your brain reconstructs trauma and emotion? This episode dives deep into the science of how mood, trauma, and dysregulation distort memory, often making "truth" feel entirely relative.Dr. Kibby discusses why borderline personality disorder, trauma, or anxiety see the world and their memories through a skewed lens, and how this impacts trust, communication, and conflict resolution. She describes frameworks like mood-congruent bias and affect-as-information, which explain how emotions activate specific memory networks, creating a battlefield of conflicting recollections.This episode also breaks down practical strategies for coming to a resolution when someone has a very different version of events. Learn how to respond when someone insists "that didn’t happen," or accuses you of things you don’t remember without gaslighting or invalidating their experience. You’ll hear about the dangers of false memories, how negative content is more memorable, and why gaslighting often involves wielding power over someone’s very sense of reality.If you've ever wondered whether their reality is "crazy" or if you're losing your mind, this episode will give you the understanding and tactics you need to foster compassion, clarity, and peaceful communication.Resources:KulaMind for support with loved ones with emotional issuesJoshi, G., Rathore, T., & Verma, K. (2025). Emotion-induced memory distortions: Insights from deese-roediger-mcdermott and misinformation paradigms—A comprehensive review. Health Sciences Review, 14, 100216.
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  Unpacking the Controversy: BPD vs. CPTSD and the Path to Healing with Kaytlyn Gilner 06.05.2026 58dk

  This episode features a conversation with Kaytlyn Gilner, a mental health advocate and host of the "Not So Dumb Blonde" podcast. We delve into the complexities of complex post traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) and borderline personality disorder (BPD), exploring the nuances and overlaps between these diagnoses. If you struggle with intense negative emotions, difficulty with intimacy, low self-esteem, and dissociation, what "diagnosis" should you get? In this episode, Kaytlyn Gilner shares her personal journey of misdiagnosis and the transformative power of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Dr. Kibby and Kaytlyn break down the hot controversy over these diagnoses that pushes back on the stigma of BPD. The recent backlash against the "borderline personality disorder" label argues that a diagnosis like "complex PTSD" recognizes the symptoms as trauma responses better. Dr. Kibby and Kaytlyn discuss the importance of understanding, setting boundaries, and the role of environment in mental health. They also talk about the power of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), the intensive outpatient treatment that teaches how to regulate emotions and relationships, no matter what diagnosis you have. This episode offers insights into how loved ones can support those struggling with intense emotions, emphasizing the need for empathy and structured support. Resources:KulaMind, Dr. Kibby's program to support loved ones of people with emotion dysregulationKatylyn's Stop Sabotaging Your Relationships (DBT-Inspired Workbook):https://tr.ee/9pKDGhjuNUIs It an Actual Red Flag or Anxiety? (DBT-Inspired Workbook):https://tr.ee/GrAOWvyh1VTo connect, collaborate, or attend an event with Kaytlyn:https://linktr.ee/kaytlynmYouTube: NotSoDumbBlondePodcastInstagram: @notsodumbblonde_pod
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  Navigating Mental Health Crises: A Guide to Overdose, Self-Harm & Suicide Risk 29.04.2026 51dk

  This episode gives a step by step guide to managing mental health crises like self-harm, suicide, or overdose threats.Most people feel completely helpless when someone they love descends into a mental health crisis but what if you had a clear, plan that could save lives? In this episode, Dr. Kibby shares the insider knowledge she gained from working in psychiatric emergency rooms and supporting families through the most dangerous moments. Whether it's a loved one overdosing, becoming violent, or threatening suicide, knowing exactly what to do can make all the difference and even prevent tragedy.Dr.Kibby demystifies the chaos of mental health emergencies. She walks you through what really happens inside the hospital, explains how to recognize dangerous signs like alcohol withdrawal or impulsive self-harm, and reveals the untold reality of involuntary holds and crisis interventions. She shares personal stories and offers practical, repeatable steps to de-escalate crises before they escalate further. Tune in for actionable tactics: how to create a tailored safety plan, the best emergency resources like 988 and mobile crisis teams, and when to call 911 versus seek professional help. You’ll learn concrete warning signs and calming techniques from DBT skills, as well as how to assemble your support network in advance. Safety planning isn’t just for professionals- it’s your first line of defense. With clear advice rooted in real-world experience, this episode equips you to act decisively when it matters most. Don’t wait for a crisis to strike! Prepare now, protect those you love, and reclaim your peace of mind.Resources:Safety Plan TemplateDr. Kibby's quick guide for managing an emotional outburst (for free)
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  Parenting Adult Children with Borderline Personality Disorder 22.04.2026 1sa 7dk

  This episode gives parents of adults with borderline personality disorder insights into the experience of parenting someone with BPD and strategies for supporting their children. When your child struggles with intense emotions, it's heartbreaking for any parent. But when you're a parent of an adult child with borderline personality disorder (BPD), you're walking on eggshells trying not to make things worse. In this episode, Dr. Kibby shares powerful, research-backed strategies for parents of grown children with intense emotions, revealing how your approach can prevent crises from escalating and rebuild vital connections.You’ll discover why family dynamics often reinforce emotional storms, and how shifting your perspective can de-escalate fights before they explode. Dr. Kibby breaks down practical, compassionate tools like validation, boundary-setting, and safety planning—skills that empower you to stay calm and present, even when your loved one is in chaos. Plus, she reveals why involving the whole family system is essential, not just the individual with BPD, and how to handle crisis moments like threats or self-harm without reinforcing harmful behaviors. We’ll also explore the impact of trauma, shame, and guilt that parents carry and how your own mental health is intertwined with theirs. If you’re exhausted by cycles of overwhelm, blame, or hopelessness, this episode is your guide to navigating the unthinkable with clarity and kindness. Perfect for parents, partners, or anyone supporting someone with borderline or emotional dysregulation.Resources:Join KulaMind, Dr. Kibby's support program for parents and partners of people with BPDBook: Stop Walking on Eggshells for Parents: How to Help Your Child (of Any Age) with Borderline Personality Disorder without Losing Yourself