Jamie Sedgwick shares her insights on the stigma surrounding Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and discusses how it is often misunderstood and wrongly believed to be untreatable. She emphasizes the effectiveness of therapies like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in treating BPD. Jamie also talks about the importance of therapists taking care of themselves to avoid burnout and advocates for de-stigmatizing BPD by understanding the behaviors as former adaptive skills for getting needs met. This conversation aims to inspire mental health professionals and advocates to challenge existing stigmas and approaches to BPD treatment.

About Jamie Sedgwick:

Jamie is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and National Certified Counselor. She has worked in the mental health field for over 10 years and has been trained in EMDR since 2017. Jamie credits EMDR with changing her practice as a therapist and helping her be more effective in assisting clients in healing from a wide range of presenting problems. Jamie has a passion for working with Complex Trauma and a Special Interest in Personality Disorders. In addition to her clinical work, she is an EMDR Consultant and acts as the Training Director for Trauma Specialists Training Institute. Jamie has experience in leading EMDR Basic Training as well as creating and facilitating EMDR Advanced Trainings. She enjoys her roles as a consultant and trainer because it allows her the opportunity to meet like-minded clinicians and assist them in learning how to implement EMDR into their own clinical practice in a way that makes the most sense to the clinician and the client.

traumaspecialiststraining.com

Episode Timestamps:

• (02:20) Stigma and misconceptions about BPD
• (04:15) The role of EMDR in treating BPD
• (06:20) Behaviors and symptoms of BPD
• (11:20) Jamie’s passion to destigmatize the BPD population
• (13:10) Developing effective treatment plans
• (16:00) Messages of hope and advocacy

Borderline Personality Disorder Through A Trauma Lens

Destigmatize BPD, Gain Skills and Reduce Your Fear

Register Now for the December 12th Virtual Training!

Watch this episode on YouTube:

youtube.com/@TheMentalHealthEntrepreneurPod

Connect with Rachel:

Facebook Group: The Mental Health Entrepreneur

Website: traumaspecialiststraining.com

Instagram: instagram.com/trauma_specialist

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rachel-harrison-81a4796

Lohelani Furtardo-Gaspar, Director of Cultural Education at Ka`ehu in Maui, gives insight into the deep-rooted intergenerational trauma tied to the Hawaiian language and traditions, and how Ka`ehu is working to heal these wounds by integrating cultural education with environmental awareness. She shares how Ka`ehu has evolved from a conservation-focused organization into a vibrant hub for kids and families, offering programs like Hanano'o and Kilo to strengthen connections with nature. She also explains the creative ways Ka`ehu teaches essential life skills, with hands-on activities that promote problem-solving and communication among parents and children. In addition, Lohelani reflects on her work at Lahaina High School and her vision to expand these impactful programs across more schools and islands, despite the challenges. This episode offers an inspiring look at how reclaiming culture and caring for the environment can empower future generations in Hawaii.

About Lohe Furtardo-Gaspar:

Lohelani grew up in Kalihi on the island of Hawaii, where she was immersed in the rich culture and traditions of the community. She attended the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, where she earned both a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW). Since 2016, she has been part of the Ka`ehu community, and transitioned to the Director of Cultural Education in 2020. In this position, she coordinates and facilitates workshops, events, and field trips at Kaehu Bay, aiming to enrich the cultural experiences of the community. She is dedicated to advancing her career in social work and is actively working towards obtaining her Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) certification. Her goal is to create a positive impact in the lives of those she serves, drawing on her experiences and cultural background to inform her practice.

kaehu.org

Episode Timestamps:

• (02:15) Ka`ehu's mission and community programs
• (05:00) Instilling pride and overcoming shame as a Hawaiian native
• (08:55) Kilo; environmental connection
• (13:45) Strengthening parent-child relationships
• (17:40) The impact of Ka`ehu's cultural programs
• (19:30) Lohelani’s personal journey and involvement with Ka`ehu
• (23:50) Proverb of encouragement; having an open heart and mind

Borderline Personality Disorder Through A Trauma Lens

Destigmatize BPD, Gain Skills and Reduce Your Fear

Register Now for the December 12th Virtual Training!

Watch this episode on YouTube:

youtube.com/@TheMentalHealthEntrepreneurPod

Connect with Rachel:

Facebook Group: The Mental Health Entrepreneur

Website: traumaspecialiststraining.com

Instagram: instagram.com/trauma_specialist

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rachel-harrison-81a4796

Alison Pidgeon dives into the challenges faced by the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed individuals) population. Despite being employed and insured, these individuals often struggle to afford therapy. Alison shares her journey from community mental health to establishing her own large group practice, Move Forward Counseling, and her mission to break down systemic barriers and reduce stigma in mental health. She highlights legislative wins in Pennsylvania, like provisional licensure for professional counselors to increase available therapists and initiatives to further integrate coaching with therapy. She also discusses the need for systemic improvements and innovative approaches in mental health care, including the potential future use of psilocybin in therapy and leveraging technology and community resources to improve accessibility and reduce stigma.

About Alison Pidgeon:

Alison Pidgeon is the Founder and CEO of Move Forward Counseling LLC, a mental health outpatient private practice spanning the state of Pennsylvania. Her training and education is as a licensed professional counselor, but now she is the visionary for her business of 80 employees. Alison also works as a business consultant, started and successfully sold a virtual assistant company, and is a real estate investor. In her spare time, she chases after her 3 boys and drives a minivan to soccer practice.

moveforwardpa.com

linkedin.com/in/alison-pidgeon

Episode Timestamps:

• (02:05) Alison’s journey to advocacy
• (05:00) Current challenges in the mental health system
• (09:45) The ALICE community
• (12:00) Collaborating with United Way of Pennsylvania
• (13:55) Legislative efforts; provisional licensure for LPCs
• (17:00) Ideas for the future of therapy; psilocybin
• (18:05) Integrating therapy and coaching

Borderline Personality Disorder Through A Trauma Lens

Destigmatize BPD, Gain Skills and Reduce Your Fear

Register Now for the December 12th Virtual Training!

Watch this episode on YouTube:

youtube.com/@TheMentalHealthEntrepreneurPod

Connect with Rachel:

Facebook Group: The Mental Health Entrepreneur

Website: traumaspecialiststraining.com

Instagram: instagram.com/trauma_specialist

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rachel-harrison-81a4796