The Chronic Illness Therapist

FOR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS:🏢 WE’RE HOSTING A CONFERENCE! It’ll be an IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL event in Atlanta, GA, on MARCH 6&7, 2026!⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠REGISTER HERE!⁠⁠⁠⁠NON THERAPISTS: SIGN UP FOR DESTINY'S NEXT LIVE WORKSHOP⁠⁠⁠⁠→ Upcoming Workshops!⁠⁠JOIN DESTINY’S MEMBERSHIP - for folks with chronic pain & illness→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Welcome To The Waiting Room⁠⁠⁠⁠ (ongoing support for staying regulated while living with chronic illness - This does not replace therapy, but it’s a great addition to your regular therapy appointments)Episode summary:In this episode, licensed professional counselor and supervisor Dr. Heather Olivier joins us to explore the intersection of neurodivergence and chronic illness—and what it means for both clients and clinicians. Drawing from her perinatal loss research, her clinical work using Relational-Cultural Theory and Brainspotting, and her own lived experience as an autistic, ADHD individual with POTS and MCAS, Heather brings a uniquely personal and professional lens to the conversation.In this conversation, we cover:● Why neurodivergent conditions like ADHD are so frequently misdiagnosed in women—and how missed diagnoses contribute to chronic illness down the road● The barriers neurodivergent and chronically ill therapists face in session—and why making accommodations for yourself as a clinician is an act of clinical care, not selfishness● How Brainspotting bridges the gap between physical pain and emotional experience for clients living with chronic illness and invisible conditions● Practical strategies for building a more inclusive therapeutic space—for both the clinician and the clientHeather reminds us that an inclusive space for one is an inclusive space for all. Her work at Olivier Counseling and Consulting, her role shaping the next generation of clinicians at Southeastern Louisiana University, and her nationally recognized perinatal loss research all reflect a commitment to meeting clients—and students—exactly where they are.MEET DESTINY:⁠⁠ ⁠Website⁠⁠⁠ /⁠⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ /⁠⁠ ⁠BlueSky⁠⁠⁠ /⁠⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ /⁠⁠ ⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠MEET GUEST: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠ / LinkedIn⁠⁠→ ⁠READ THE BLOG FOR THIS EPISODE⁠⁠ASK DESTINY ANYTHING→ ⁠⁠⁠Submit your questions here⁠⁠⁠FOR YOU, OUR PODCAST LISTENERS:JOIN DESTINY’S MEMBERSHIP - for folks with chronic pain & illness→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Welcome To The Waiting Room⁠⁠⁠⁠ (ongoing support for staying regulated while living with chronic illness - This does not replace therapy, but it’s a great addition to your regular therapy appointments)FOR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS:🏢 WE’RE HOSTING A CONFERENCE! It’ll be an IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL event in Atlanta, GA, on MARCH 6&7, 2026!⁠⁠ ⁠REGISTER HERE!⁠⁠🛋️ ⁠⁠⁠Join The Mastermind!⁠⁠⁠ (monthly business and clinical consultation calls for medical professionals specializing in working with patients with chronic illnesses)🧭 Get Your Client Roadmap For Navigating Complex Trauma and Chronic Illness (specifically for mental health therapists) (COMING SOON-⁠⁠ ⁠sign up for the waitlist⁠⁠⁠)WANT TO SAY THANKS - Reviews tell the app, “hey, people like this! Show it in the algorithm to more people!” :)💜 ⁠⁠⁠Leave a review on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠🟢 ⁠⁠⁠Leave a rating on Spotify⁠⁠⁠Disclaimer: Everything we talk about here is just meant to be general education and information. It's not intended as personal mental health or medical advice. If you have any questions related to your unique circumstances, please contact a licensed therapist or medical professional in your state of residence.

FOR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS:🏢 WE’RE HOSTING A CONFERENCE! It’ll be an IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL event in Atlanta, GA, on MARCH 6&7, 2026!⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠REGISTER HERE!⁠⁠⁠⁠NON THERAPISTS: SIGN UP FOR DESTINY'S NEXT LIVE WORKSHOP⁠⁠⁠⁠→ Upcoming Workshops!⁠⁠JOIN DESTINY’S MEMBERSHIP - for folks with chronic pain & illness→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Welcome To The Waiting Room⁠⁠⁠⁠ (ongoing support for staying regulated while living with chronic illness - This does not replace therapy, but it’s a great addition to your regular therapy appointments)Episode summary:In this episode, licensed marriage and family therapist Lisa Gray shares practical strategies for maintaining healthy relationships when chronic illness enters the picture—whether you're navigating high-conflict dynamics or learning to communicate through the unique challenges of chronic pain and fatigue.In this conversation, we cover:● Why externalizing chronic illness as a "third partner" helps couples team up against the problem instead of blaming each other—even when both partners are grieving in different directions● How to have scheduled, calm conversations using the speaker-listener framework so you actually understand each other before jumping to problem-solving● Why intimacy can become even more intimate when you scale back to sensual touch and connection—and how to navigate those conversations without guilt or pressure● The importance of the well partner taking care of themselves (and why it's the ill partner's job to encourage that), plus creative solutions for managing household responsibilities as a teamLisa reminds us that healthy conflict isn't just about reducing fights—it's also about being brave enough to have the hard conversations chronic illness demands. Her work focuses on teaching couples to stay connected, communicate with empathy, and renegotiate their relationship over and over as illness evolves—because this is chronic, and the adjustments never really end.MEET DESTINY:⁠⁠ ⁠Website⁠⁠⁠ /⁠⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ /⁠⁠ ⁠BlueSky⁠⁠⁠ /⁠⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ /⁠⁠ ⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠MEET GUEST: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠ / ⁠Instagram⁠ / Twitter / TikTok⁠⁠→ ⁠READ THE BLOG FOR THIS EPISODE⁠⁠ASK DESTINY ANYTHING→ ⁠⁠⁠Submit your questions here⁠⁠⁠FOR YOU, OUR PODCAST LISTENERS:JOIN DESTINY’S MEMBERSHIP - for folks with chronic pain & illness→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Welcome To The Waiting Room⁠⁠⁠⁠ (ongoing support for staying regulated while living with chronic illness - This does not replace therapy, but it’s a great addition to your regular therapy appointments)FOR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS:🏢 WE’RE HOSTING A CONFERENCE! WOOO! It’ll be an IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL event in Atlanta, GA, on MARCH 6&7, 2026!⁠⁠ ⁠REGISTER HERE!⁠⁠🛋️ ⁠⁠⁠Join The Mastermind!⁠⁠⁠ (monthly business and clinical consultation calls for medical professionals specializing in working with patients with chronic illnesses)🧭 Get Your Client Roadmap For Navigating Complex Trauma and Chronic Illness (specifically for mental health therapists) (COMING SOON-⁠⁠ ⁠sign up for the waitlist⁠⁠⁠)WANT TO SAY THANKS? - Reviews tell the app, “hey, people like this! Show it in the algorithm to more people!” :)💜 ⁠⁠⁠Leave a review on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠🟢 ⁠⁠⁠Leave a rating on Spotify⁠⁠⁠Disclaimer: Everything we talk about here is just meant to be general education and information. It's not intended as personal mental health or medical advice. If you have any questions related to your unique circumstances, please contact a licensed therapist or medical professional in your state of residence.

FOR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS:🏢 WE’RE HOSTING A CONFERENCE! It’ll be an IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL event in Atlanta, GA, on MARCH 6&7, 2026!⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠REGISTER HERE!⁠⁠⁠⁠NON THERAPISTS: SIGN UP FOR DESTINY'S NEXT LIVE WORKSHOP⁠⁠⁠⁠→ Upcoming Workshops!⁠⁠JOIN DESTINY’S MEMBERSHIP - for folks with chronic pain & illness→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Welcome To The Waiting Room⁠⁠⁠⁠ (ongoing support for staying regulated while living with chronic illness - This does not replace therapy, but it’s a great addition to your regular therapy appointments)Episode summary:In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Victoria Rodriguez, PhD, LPC, a licensed professional counselor in New Orleans, Louisiana. In her private practice, she specializes in medical trauma and provides wellness trainings for professionals and healthcare organizations. She also serves on the Pregnancy Associated Mortality Review Board with the Louisiana Department of Health to advance equitable medical care across the state.In this conversation, we cover:The social model of disability and practical tools like a daily “tension list” and workplace accommodations (including resources like the Job Accommodation Network) to reduce physical and psychological strain.A reimagined approach to wellness: seasonal capacity, community care in chronic illness, and how cultural and family context shape our relationship to pain, rest, and asking for help.Clinical considerations for chronically ill therapists, including self-disclosure, managing countertransference, and building rest into your schedule before burnout.Why accommodations and comfort are acts of self-worth—and how accessibility practices (like those modeled at the Chronic Illness Therapist Conference) reflect the belief that wellness is about environment, not earning rest.Victoria reminds us that wellness isn’t about being cured or perfectly “healthy”—it’s about intentionally designing your environment and practice so you can show up fully. She challenges the idea that rest must be earned through productivity, arguing instead that comfort is a basic human right. For chronically ill therapists doing complex work, that message is both grounding and revolutionary.MEET DESTINY:⁠⁠ ⁠Website⁠⁠⁠ /⁠⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ /⁠⁠ ⁠BlueSky⁠⁠⁠ /⁠⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ /⁠⁠ ⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠MEET GUEST: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠ / ⁠Instagram⁠Join Victoria's next FREE training "The Home-Based Practice: Intentional Design for the Chronically Ill Telehealth Therapist" to learn how to design your office and practice to build a successful business AND prioritize your comfort. Register at homebasedtherapist.com⁠⁠→ ⁠READ THE BLOG FOR THIS EPISODE⁠⁠ASK DESTINY ANYTHING→ ⁠⁠⁠Submit your questions here⁠⁠⁠FOR YOU, OUR PODCAST LISTENERS:JOIN DESTINY’S MEMBERSHIP - for folks with chronic pain & illness→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Welcome To The Waiting Room⁠⁠⁠⁠ (ongoing support for staying regulated while living with chronic illness - This does not replace therapy, but it’s a great addition to your regular therapy appointments)FOR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS:🏢 WE’RE HOSTING A CONFERENCE! It’ll be an IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL event in Atlanta, GA, on MARCH 6&7, 2026!⁠⁠ ⁠REGISTER HERE!⁠⁠🛋️ ⁠⁠⁠Join The Mastermind!⁠⁠⁠ (monthly business and clinical consultation calls for medical professionals specializing in working with patients with chronic illnesses)🧭 Get Your Client Roadmap For Navigating Complex Trauma and Chronic Illness (specifically for mental health therapists) (COMING SOON-⁠⁠ ⁠sign up for the waitlist⁠⁠⁠)WANT TO SAY THANKS? - Reviews tell the app, “hey, people like this! Show it in the algorithm to more people!” :)💜 ⁠⁠⁠Leave a review on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠🟢 ⁠⁠⁠Leave a rating on Spotify⁠⁠⁠Disclaimer: Everything we talk about here is just meant to be general education and information. It's not intended as personal mental health or medical advice. If you have any questions related to your unique circumstances, please contact a licensed therapist or medical professional in your state of residence.

🏢 WE’RE HOSTING THE CHRONIC ILLNESS THERAPISTS CONFERENCE! It’ll be an IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL event in Atlanta, GA, on MARCH 6 & 7, 2026!REGISTER HERE!⁠⁠⁠⁠Use code EARLYBIRD for $100 off!Episode Summary:In this episode, therapists Destiny Davis and Victoria Rodriguez explain why chronic illness requires specialized clinical training beyond traditional therapy approaches and discuss the first-ever Chronic Illness Therapist Conference. They explore common treatment goals for chronically ill clients—including communicating needs without feeling burdensome, learning to rest and pace, and navigating accommodations—while debunking the myth that all major medical experiences are inherently traumatic and addressing how environmental factors and systemic issues often contribute to medical trauma.REGISTER HERE!⁠⁠ Use code EARLYBIRD for $100 off!

🏢 WE’RE HOSTING THE CHRONIC ILLNESS THERAPISTS CONFERENCE! It’ll be an IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL event in Atlanta, GA, on MARCH 6 & 7, 2026!⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠REGISTER HERE!Use code EARLYBIRD for $100 off!Episode Summary:In this episode, therapists Destiny Davis and Victoria Rodriguez discuss why empathy alone isn't enough when working with chronically ill clients and share insights about the first-ever Chronic Illness Therapist Conference. They explore the importance of understanding medical terminology, disability theory, and evidence-based frameworks, beyond just lived experience and compassion, to effectively support clients navigating chronic illness, medical trauma, and the US healthcare system. ⁠REGISTER HERE and use code EARLYBIRD for $100 off!

FOR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS:🏢 WE’RE HOSTING A CONFERENCE! WOOO! It’ll be an IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL event in Atlanta, GA, on MARCH 6&7, 2026!⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠REGISTER HERE!⁠⁠⁠⁠NON THERAPISTS: SIGN UP FOR DESTINY'S NEXT LIVE WORKSHOP⁠⁠⁠⁠→ Upcoming Workshops!⁠⁠JOIN DESTINY’S MEMBERSHIP - for folks with chronic pain & illness→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Welcome To The Waiting Room⁠⁠⁠⁠ (ongoing support for staying regulated while living with chronic illness - This does not replace therapy, but it’s a great addition to your regular therapy appointments)Episode summary:In this episode, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Financial Social Worker Megan Stevenson shares practical insights on navigating the financial and emotional complexities of chronic illness. Through her private practice, Curiosity Counseling and Consulting, Megan helps individuals and caregivers manage the unique intersection of money stress, healthcare costs, and the emotional weight of living with conditions like chronic kidney disease and rheumatoid arthritis.In this conversation, we cover:What financial therapy really is—why it focuses on the emotional relationship with money rather than just budgeting, and how common money blocks like impulsive spending and shame show up with chronic illnessPractical strategies for navigating healthcare costs, including offsetting expenses through patient assistance programs, understanding hidden insurance benefits, and finding community resourcesWhy the healthcare system is working exactly as designed (just not for patients or providers), the critical need for care coordinators, and how providers can build coalitions to advocate for systemic changeMegan reminds us that money is a skill that takes time to develop, and that financial stress during chronic illness isn't a personal failing, but a predictable response to a system that was never designed to support patient wellbeing. Her work emphasizes the importance of addressing both the practical financial literacy side and the deeper emotional and trauma work that shapes our relationship with money.MEET DESTINY:⁠⁠ ⁠Website⁠⁠⁠ /⁠⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ /⁠⁠ ⁠BlueSky⁠⁠⁠ /⁠⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ /⁠⁠ ⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠MEET GUEST: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠ / Facebook / Threads⁠⁠→ ⁠READ THE BLOG FOR THIS EPISODE⁠⁠ASK DESTINY ANYTHING→ ⁠⁠⁠Submit your questions here⁠⁠⁠FOR YOU, OUR PODCAST LISTENERS:JOIN DESTINY’S MEMBERSHIP - for folks with chronic pain & illness→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Welcome To The Waiting Room⁠⁠⁠⁠ (ongoing support for staying regulated while living with chronic illness - This does not replace therapy, but it’s a great addition to your regular therapy appointments)FOR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS:🏢 WE’RE HOSTING A CONFERENCE! WOOO! It’ll be an IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL event in Atlanta, GA, on MARCH 6&7, 2026!⁠⁠ ⁠REGISTER HERE!⁠⁠🛋️ ⁠⁠⁠Join The Mastermind!⁠⁠⁠ (monthly business and clinical consultation calls for medical professionals specializing in working with patients with chronic illnesses)🧭 Get Your Client Roadmap For Navigating Complex Trauma and Chronic Illness (specifically for mental health therapists) (COMING SOON-⁠⁠ ⁠sign up for the waitlist⁠⁠⁠)WANT TO SAY THANKS? Reviews tell the app, “hey, people like this! Show it in the algorithm to more people!” :)💜 ⁠⁠⁠Leave a review on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠🟢 ⁠⁠⁠Leave a rating on Spotify⁠⁠⁠Disclaimer: Everything we talk about here is just meant to be general education and information. It's not intended as personal mental health or medical advice. If you have any questions related to your unique circumstances, please contact a licensed therapist or medical professional in your state of residence.

In this episode, I reflect on the emotional and nervous system impacts of current socio-political events. I discuss the progression of my own relationship with news and politics, emphasizing the importance of staying informed while managing emotional and sensory overload. I encourage you to find and consume more neutral news sources, build capacity for conflict, and observe effective communication styles in order to find your voice. I highlight the significance of grounding ourselves in the midst of conflict and recognizing personal limits, aiming to provide guidance for those feeling overwhelmed or uncertain about how to respond to ongoing societal issues.

FOR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS:🏢 WE’RE HOSTING A CONFERENCE FOR THERAPISTS AND PHYSICAL THERAPISTS! WOOO! It’ll be an IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL event in Atlanta, GA, on MARCH 6&7, 2026!⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠REGISTER HERE!⁠⁠⁠⁠NON THERAPISTS: SIGN UP FOR DESTINY'S NEXT LIVE WORKSHOP⁠⁠⁠⁠→ Upcoming Workshops!⁠⁠DOWNLOAD JASON'S "THE BEAR" WORKSHEETJOIN DESTINY’S MEMBERSHIP - for folks with chronic pain & illness→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Welcome To The Waiting Room⁠⁠⁠⁠ (ongoing support for staying regulated while living with chronic illness - This does not replace therapy, but it’s a great addition to your regular therapy appointments)Episode summary:In this episode, physical therapist and health coach Jason Therrien shares his compassionate approach to helping people rebuild trust with their bodies after chronic pain has damaged that relationship.In this conversation, we cover:The "bear metaphor" for understanding pain flares and why you need to calm the bear before building strengthWhy "grace leads to growth but shame leads to more of the same" when rebuilding trust with your bodyThe five foundations of body partnership: body awareness, intention, body knowledge, body responsiveness, and body relationshipHow graded motor imagery can reduce the nervous system's threat response to movementsWhy most people with chronic pain aren't afraid to move but are actually afraid of what might happen if they stop pushing throughJason reminds us that most people with chronic pain aren't afraid to move; they've spent years pushing through pain and have incredibly high pain tolerances. The real fear is often about what might happen if they stop pushing, which keeps them trapped in cycles of boom and bust. His work focuses on helping people develop a more collaborative, compassionate relationship with their bodies that honors both rest and growth.MEET DESTINY:⁠⁠ ⁠Website⁠⁠⁠ /⁠⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ /⁠⁠ ⁠BlueSky⁠⁠⁠ /⁠⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ /⁠⁠ ⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠MEET GUEST: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠ / ⁠Instagram⁠ / YouTube / LinkedIn / TikTok⁠⁠→ ⁠READ THE BLOG FOR THIS EPISODE⁠⁠ASK DESTINY ANYTHING→ ⁠⁠⁠Submit your questions here⁠⁠⁠FOR YOU, OUR PODCAST LISTENERS:JOIN DESTINY’S MEMBERSHIP - for folks with chronic pain & illness→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Welcome To The Waiting Room⁠⁠⁠⁠ (ongoing support for staying regulated while living with chronic illness - This does not replace therapy, but it’s a great addition to your regular therapy appointments)FOR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS:🏢 WE’RE HOSTING A CONFERENCE! WOOO! It’ll be an IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL event in Atlanta, GA, on MARCH 6&7, 2026!⁠⁠ ⁠REGISTER HERE!⁠⁠🛋️ ⁠⁠⁠Join The Mastermind!⁠⁠⁠ (monthly business and clinical consultation calls for medical professionals specializing in working with patients with chronic illnesses)🧭 Get Your Client Roadmap For Navigating Complex Trauma and Chronic Illness (specifically for mental health therapists) (COMING SOON-⁠⁠ ⁠sign up for the waitlist⁠⁠⁠)WANT TO SAY THANKS? - Reviews tell the app, “hey, people like this! Show it in the algorithm to more people!” :)💜 ⁠⁠⁠Leave a review on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠🟢 ⁠⁠⁠Leave a rating on Spotify⁠⁠⁠Disclaimer: Everything we talk about here is just meant to be general education and information. It's not intended as personal mental health or medical advice. If you have any questions related to your unique circumstances, please contact a licensed therapist or medical professional in your state of residence.

FOR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS:SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE TRAINING Jan 10th! The Countertransference & Chronic Illness Intensive ⁠Click here to register!⁠🏢 WE’RE HOSTING A CONFERENCE! WOOO! It’ll be an IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL event in Atlanta, GA, on MARCH 6&7, 2026!⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠REGISTER HERE!⁠⁠⁠⁠NON THERAPISTS: SIGN UP FOR DESTINY'S NEXT LIVE WORKSHOPThe Masks We Wear: Navigating Chronic Illness in Social Contexts on January 3rd!⁠⁠⁠⁠→ Register Here!JOIN DESTINY’S MEMBERSHIP - for folks with chronic pain & illness→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Welcome To The Waiting Room⁠⁠⁠⁠ (ongoing support for staying regulated while living with chronic illness - This does not replace therapy, but it’s a great addition to your regular therapy appointments)Episode summary:In this episode, clinical psychologist Dr. Laurie Dos Santos shares her approach to supporting adolescents and young adults with POTS, dysautonomia, and chronic fatigue syndrome. With advanced training in these often-dismissed conditions and a background in designing innovative support groups, Dr. Dos Santos brings both clinical expertise and genuine warmth to her work with young people navigating complex medical and mental health challenges.Dr. Dos Santos reminds us that even with the best intentions, the healthcare system consistently dismisses people with POTS and dysautonomia. Her practice, Evolvinn Therapy and Consulting, now serves clients across 43 states and runs 13 chronic illness support groups, creating the community and specialized care that this population desperately needs.MEET DESTINY:⁠⁠ ⁠Website⁠⁠⁠ /⁠⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ /⁠⁠ ⁠BlueSky⁠⁠⁠ /⁠⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ /⁠⁠ ⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠MEET GUEST: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠ / ⁠Instagram⁠ / Facebook⁠⁠→ ⁠READ THE BLOG FOR THIS EPISODE⁠⁠ASK DESTINY ANYTHING→ ⁠⁠⁠Submit your questions here⁠⁠⁠FOR YOU, OUR PODCAST LISTENERS:JOIN DESTINY’S MEMBERSHIP - for folks with chronic pain & illness→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Welcome To The Waiting Room⁠⁠⁠⁠ (ongoing support for staying regulated while living with chronic illness - This does not replace therapy, but it’s a great addition to your regular therapy appointments)FOR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS:🏢 WE’RE HOSTING A CONFERENCE! WOOO! It’ll be an IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL event in Atlanta, GA, on MARCH 6&7, 2026!⁠⁠ ⁠REGISTER HERE!⁠⁠🛋️ ⁠⁠⁠Join The Mastermind!⁠⁠⁠ (monthly business and clinical consultation calls for medical professionals specializing in working with patients with chronic illnesses)🧭 Get Your Client Roadmap For Navigating Complex Trauma and Chronic Illness (specifically for mental health therapists) (COMING SOON-⁠⁠ ⁠sign up for the waitlist⁠⁠⁠)WANT TO SAY THANKS? - Reviews tell the app, “hey, people like this! Show it in the algorithm to more people!” :)💜 ⁠⁠⁠Leave a review on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠🟢 ⁠⁠⁠Leave a rating on Spotify⁠⁠⁠Disclaimer: Everything we talk about here is just meant to be general education and information. It's not intended as personal mental health or medical advice. If you have any questions related to your unique circumstances, please contact a licensed therapist or medical professional in your state of residence.

FOR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS:SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE TRAINING Jan 10th! The Countertransference & Chronic Illness Intensive Click here to register!🏢 WE’RE HOSTING A CONFERENCE! WOOO! It’ll be an IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL event in Atlanta, GA, on MARCH 6&7, 2026!⁠⁠⁠ ⁠REGISTER HERE!⁠⁠⁠NON THERAPISTS: SIGN UP FOR DESTINY'S NEXT LIVE WORKSHOP⁠⁠⁠→ Upcoming Workshops!⁠⁠JOIN DESTINY’S MEMBERSHIP - for folks with chronic pain & illness→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Welcome To The Waiting Room⁠⁠⁠⁠ (ongoing support for staying regulated while living with chronic illness - This does not replace therapy, but it’s a great addition to your regular therapy appointments)Episode summary:Tiffany Quicke is a Respiratory Therapist and Certified Asthma Educator and works as a Lung Health Navigator for the American Lung Association. She has over 20 years of experience working in Pulmonary Rehab and has been with the American Lung Association for 2 years. Her primary role includes being the lead Lung Health Navigator on both the COPD and Pulmonary Fibrosis education programs.In this conversation, we cover:Why lung.org serves as a critical resource hub that bridges the gap between rushed medical appointments and the support patients actually need—from proper inhaler technique to end-of-life planningHow isolation and the stoic "don't ask for help" mentality create barriers for patients, and why having someone to simply talk to can be life-changing for people who are homebound and talk to no oneWhy shame and guilt are so prevalent among COPD patients (particularly those whose disease stems from smoking), and how both patients and their overwhelmed caregivers need support to navigate grief and role changesHow therapy and resource navigation work hand-in-hand—you need both the practical support that organizations like the American Lung Association provide and the mental health care to truly thrive with chronic illnessWhy 76% of Americans now have at least one chronic condition, yet we're still fighting against a healthcare system designed around individualism rather than community support—and why recent Medicare telehealth restrictions are devastating for patients who can barely walk to the bathroomTiffany reminds us that in a healthcare system where doctors don't have time to explain how to use an inhaler or discuss what to expect at the end of life, organizations like the American Lung Association fill an essential gap. Her work isn't just about education—it's about being a consistent human presence for people who often talk to no one and go nowhere, reminding them they're not alone in navigating their diagnosis.Contact Tiffany and Access Resources:Lung Navigator WebsiteLung Helpline: 866-252-2959MEET DESTINY:⁠⁠ ⁠Website⁠⁠⁠ /⁠⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ /⁠⁠ ⁠BlueSky⁠⁠⁠ /⁠⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ /⁠⁠ ⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠MEET GUEST: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠ / ⁠Instagram⁠ / Lung Helpline: 866-252-2959⁠⁠→ ⁠READ THE BLOG FOR THIS EPISODE⁠⁠FOR YOU, OUR PODCAST LISTENERS:JOIN DESTINY’S MEMBERSHIP - for folks with chronic pain & illness→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Welcome To The Waiting Room⁠⁠⁠⁠ (ongoing support for staying regulated while living with chronic illness - This does not replace therapy, but it’s a great addition to your regular therapy appointments)🛋️ ⁠⁠⁠Join The Mastermind!⁠⁠⁠ (monthly business and clinical consultation calls for medical professionals specializing in working with patients with chronic illnesses)WANT TO SAY THANKS - Reviews tell the app, “hey, people like this! Show it in the algorithm to more people!” :)💜 ⁠⁠⁠Leave a review on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠🟢 ⁠⁠⁠Leave a rating on Spotify⁠⁠⁠Disclaimer: Everything we talk about here is just meant to be general education and information. It's not intended as personal mental health or medical advice. If you have any questions related to your unique circumstances, please contact a licensed therapist or medical professional in your state of residence.

FOR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS:🏢 WE’RE HOSTING A CONFERENCE! WOOO! It’ll be an IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL event in Atlanta, GA, on MARCH 6&7, 2026!⁠⁠⁠ ⁠REGISTER HERE!⁠⁠⁠SIGN UP FOR DESTINY'S NEXT LIVE WORKSHOP⁠⁠⁠→ ⁠Parenting Sensory Kids + The Holidays (Chronic Illness Edition) with Rachael Lopez OTR/L!⁠⁠⁠JOIN DESTINY’S MEMBERSHIP - for folks with chronic pain & illness→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Welcome To The Waiting Room⁠⁠⁠⁠ (ongoing support for staying regulated while living with chronic illness - This does not replace therapy, but it’s a great addition to your regular therapy appointments)Episode summary:In this episode, registered nurse and personal medical strategist Kayla Thompson-Riviere shares practical strategies for getting off what she calls the "medical merry-go-round" when you're stuck, dismissed, or misdiagnosed.In this conversation, we cover:Why leading with data instead of emotions helps providers take you seriouslyHow to prepare for appointments like business meetings with clear agendasThe "breadcrumb technique" for guiding doctors toward the right tests without triggering defensivenessWhy bringing someone to appointments can be crucial for advocacyHow to handle dismissal by requesting documentation of declined testsWhy the healthcare system isn't broken—it's working exactly as designed, just not for patientsKayla reminds us that even with clinical training, being the patient activates the emotional brain in ways that make self-advocacy incredibly difficult. Her work focuses on being that clinical partner who takes the time to know everything about you and helps coordinate the care you deserve.MEET DESTINY:⁠⁠ ⁠Website⁠⁠⁠ /⁠⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ /⁠⁠ ⁠BlueSky⁠⁠⁠ /⁠⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ /⁠⁠ ⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠MEET GUEST: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠ / ⁠Facebook / Kayla’s Medical Roadmap⁠⁠→ ⁠READ THE BLOG FOR THIS EPISODE⁠⁠ASK DESTINY ANYTHING→ ⁠⁠⁠Submit your questions here⁠⁠⁠FOR YOU, OUR PODCAST LISTENERS:JOIN DESTINY’S MEMBERSHIP - for folks with chronic pain & illness→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Welcome To The Waiting Room⁠⁠⁠⁠ (ongoing support for staying regulated while living with chronic illness - This does not replace therapy, but it’s a great addition to your regular therapy appointments)FOR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS:🏢 WE’RE HOSTING A CONFERENCE! WOOO! It’ll be an IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL event in Atlanta, GA, on MARCH 6&7, 2026!⁠⁠ ⁠REGISTER HERE!⁠⁠🛋️ ⁠⁠⁠Join The Mastermind!⁠⁠⁠ (monthly business and clinical consultation calls for medical professionals specializing in working with patients with chronic illnesses)🧭 Get Your Client Roadmap For Navigating Complex Trauma and Chronic Illness (specifically for mental health therapists) (COMING SOON-⁠⁠ ⁠sign up for the waitlist⁠⁠⁠)WANT TO SAY THANKS - Reviews tell the app, “hey, people like this! Show it in the algorithm to more people!” :)💜 ⁠⁠⁠Leave a review on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠🟢 ⁠⁠⁠Leave a rating on Spotify⁠⁠⁠Disclaimer: Everything we talk about here is just meant to be general education and information. It's not intended as personal mental health or medical advice. If you have any questions related to your unique circumstances, please contact a licensed therapist or medical professional in your state of residence.

FOR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS:🏢 WE’RE HOSTING A CONFERENCE! WOOO! It’ll be an IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL event in Atlanta, GA, on MARCH 6&7, 2026!⁠⁠⁠ ⁠REGISTER HERE!⁠⁠⁠SIGN UP FOR DESTINY'S NEXT LIVE WORKSHOP⁠⁠⁠→ ⁠Parenting Sensory Kids + The Holidays (Chronic Illness Edition) with Rachael Lopez OTR/L!⁠⁠⁠JOIN DESTINY’S MEMBERSHIP - for folks with chronic pain & illness→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Welcome To The Waiting Room⁠⁠⁠⁠ (ongoing support for staying regulated while living with chronic illness - This does not replace therapy, but it’s a great addition to your regular therapy appointments)Episode summary:Dr. Kara Pepper joins the podcast to discuss her approach to treating the vastly overlooked triad of EDS, POTS, and MCAS, along with eating disorders. After leaving the commercial healthcare model to open her own practice, Dr. Pepper now spends an hour with patients instead of 10 minutes, giving her time to actually listen and put together the puzzle pieces that other doctors miss. She explains why validation is often the most therapeutic thing she offers, how she navigates the gray space of diseases without reliable testing, and why some of her most dramatic patient improvements come from looking at blood vessel compression rather than just prescribing more salt and water. We also talk about the nuanced role of GLP-1s in MCAS treatment, why compounded medications matter for this population, and her philosophy that patients should drive their own healthcare WITH proper medical guidance. This conversation is for anyone who's been told their labs are normal while feeling anything but fine.MEET DESTINY:⁠⁠ ⁠Website⁠⁠⁠ /⁠⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ /⁠⁠ ⁠BlueSky⁠⁠⁠ /⁠⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ /⁠⁠ ⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠MEET GUEST: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠ / ⁠Instagram⁠ / YouTube⁠⁠→ ⁠READ THE BLOG FOR THIS EPISODE⁠⁠ASK DESTINY ANYTHING→ ⁠⁠⁠Submit your questions here⁠⁠⁠FOR YOU, OUR PODCAST LISTENERS:JOIN DESTINY’S MEMBERSHIP - for folks with chronic pain & illness→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Welcome To The Waiting Room⁠⁠⁠⁠ (ongoing support for staying regulated while living with chronic illness - This does not replace therapy, but it’s a great addition to your regular therapy appointments)FOR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS:🏢 WE’RE HOSTING A CONFERENCE! WOOO! It’ll be an IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL event in Atlanta, GA, on MARCH 6&7, 2026!⁠⁠ ⁠REGISTER HERE!⁠⁠🛋️ ⁠⁠⁠Join The Mastermind!⁠⁠⁠ (monthly business and clinical consultation calls for medical professionals specializing in working with patients with chronic illnesses)🧭 Get Your Client Roadmap For Navigating Complex Trauma and Chronic Illness (specifically for mental health therapists) (COMING SOON-⁠⁠ ⁠sign up for the waitlist⁠⁠⁠)WANT TO SAY THANKS - Reviews tell the app, “hey, people like this! Show it in the algorithm to more people!” :)💜 ⁠⁠⁠Leave a review on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠🟢 ⁠⁠⁠Leave a rating on Spotify⁠⁠⁠Disclaimer: Everything we talk about here is just meant to be general education and information. It's not intended as personal mental health or medical advice. If you have any questions related to your unique circumstances, please contact a licensed therapist or medical professional in your state of residence.

FOR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS:🏢 WE’RE HOSTING A CONFERENCE! WOOO! It’ll be an IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL event in Atlanta, GA, on MARCH 6&7, 2026!⁠⁠⁠ ⁠REGISTER HERE!⁠⁠⁠SIGN UP FOR DESTINY'S NEXT LIVE WORKSHOP⁠⁠⁠→ Parenting Sensory Kids + The Holidays (Chronic Illness Edition) with Rachael Lopez OTR/L!⁠⁠JOIN DESTINY’S MEMBERSHIP - for folks with chronic pain & illness→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Welcome To The Waiting Room⁠⁠⁠⁠ (ongoing support for staying regulated while living with chronic illness - This does not replace therapy, but it’s a great addition to your regular therapy appointments)Episode summary:In this episode, Sarah Stasica, LMSW and founder of the membership community Medical Trauma Support, joins me to talk about the realities of healing from medical trauma and why going slowly might be the best thing you can do for your nervous system. We explore why people isolate during medical crises, the overlap between complex trauma and medical trauma, how our nervous system responses show up in our bodies, and why befriending your body isn't about positive thinking but about building the capacity to trust yourself again. Sarah reminds us that this work isn't fast or overnight, and that our nervous systems deserve to be treated gently and slowly, even when parts of us think we don't deserve that care.MEET DESTINY:⁠⁠ ⁠Website⁠⁠⁠ /⁠⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ /⁠⁠ ⁠BlueSky⁠⁠⁠ /⁠⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ /⁠⁠ ⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠MEET GUEST: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠ / ⁠Instagram⁠ / YouTube / Facebook / Podcast Check out Sarah’s Befriend Your Body Membership here!⁠⁠→ ⁠READ THE BLOG FOR THIS EPISODE⁠⁠ASK DESTINY ANYTHING→ ⁠⁠⁠Submit your questions here⁠⁠⁠FOR YOU, OUR PODCAST LISTENERS:JOIN DESTINY’S MEMBERSHIP - for folks with chronic pain & illness→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Welcome To The Waiting Room⁠⁠⁠⁠ (ongoing support for staying regulated while living with chronic illness - This does not replace therapy, but it’s a great addition to your regular therapy appointments)FOR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS:🏢 WE’RE HOSTING A CONFERENCE! WOOO! It’ll be an IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL event in Atlanta, GA, on MARCH 6&7, 2026!⁠⁠ ⁠REGISTER HERE!⁠⁠🛋️ ⁠⁠⁠Join The Mastermind!⁠⁠⁠ (monthly business and clinical consultation calls for medical professionals specializing in working with patients with chronic illnesses)🧭 Get Your Client Roadmap For Navigating Complex Trauma and Chronic Illness (specifically for mental health therapists) (COMING SOON-⁠⁠ ⁠sign up for the waitlist⁠⁠⁠)WANT TO SAY THANKS - Reviews tell the app, “hey, people like this! Show it in the algorithm to more people!” :)💜 ⁠⁠⁠Leave a review on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠🟢 ⁠⁠⁠Leave a rating on Spotify⁠⁠⁠Disclaimer: Everything we talk about here is just meant to be general education and information. It's not intended as personal mental health or medical advice. If you have any questions related to your unique circumstances, please contact a licensed therapist or medical professional in your state of residence.

FOR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS:🏢 WE’RE HOSTING A CONFERENCE! WOOO! It’ll be an IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL event in Atlanta, GA, on MARCH 6&7, 2026!⁠⁠ ⁠REGISTER HERE!⁠⁠SIGN UP FOR DESTINY'S NEXT LIVE WORKSHOP⁠⁠→ Upcoming Workshops!⁠JOIN DESTINY’S MEMBERSHIP - for folks with chronic pain & illness→ ⁠⁠⁠Join Welcome To The Waiting Room⁠⁠⁠ (ongoing support for staying regulated while living with chronic illness - This does not replace therapy, but it’s a great addition to your regular therapy appointments)Episode summary:In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Brentia Caldwell-Smith, founder of the UP Center and a licensed professional counselor who specializes in chronic illness navigation. We discuss disenfranchised grief—the kind of loss that comes with chronic illness that people don't always recognize or validate—and explore how cultural expectations around strength, religion, and perseverance can complicate the healing process. Dr. Brentia shares her personal experience living with lupus and interstitial lung disease, and we talk about the importance of building community, finding joy in the midst of uncertainty, and making your life work for you even when it looks different than you expected. This conversation is full of practical wisdom about connecting with others, prioritizing your own needs, and refusing to let illness take away your ability to have fun and live fully.MEET DESTINY:⁠ ⁠Website⁠⁠ /⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠⁠ /⁠ ⁠BlueSky⁠⁠ /⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠⁠ /⁠ ⁠TikTok⁠⁠MEET GUEST: ⁠⁠⁠Website⁠ / Instagram⁠→ ⁠READ THE BLOG FOR THIS EPISODE⁠ASK DESTINY ANYTHING→ ⁠⁠Submit your questions here⁠⁠FOR YOU, OUR PODCAST LISTENERS:JOIN DESTINY’S MEMBERSHIP - for folks with chronic pain & illness→ ⁠⁠⁠Join Welcome To The Waiting Room⁠⁠⁠ (ongoing support for staying regulated while living with chronic illness - This does not replace therapy, but it’s a great addition to your regular therapy appointments)FOR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS:🏢 WE’RE HOSTING A CONFERENCE! WOOO! It’ll be an IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL event in Atlanta, GA, on MARCH 6&7, 2026!⁠ ⁠REGISTER HERE!⁠🛋️ ⁠⁠Join The Mastermind!⁠⁠ (monthly business and clinical consultation calls for medical professionals specializing in working with patients with chronic illnesses)🧭 Get Your Client Roadmap For Navigating Complex Trauma and Chronic Illness (specifically for mental health therapists) (COMING SOON-⁠ ⁠sign up for the waitlist⁠⁠)WANT TO SAY THANKS - Reviews tell the app, “hey, people like this! Show it in the algorithm to more people!” :)💜 ⁠⁠Leave a review on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠🟢 ⁠⁠Leave a rating on Spotify⁠⁠Disclaimer: Everything we talk about here is just meant to be general education and information. It's not intended as personal mental health or medical advice. If you have any questions related to your unique circumstances, please contact a licensed therapist or medical professional in your state of residence.

FOR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS:🏢 WE’RE HOSTING A CONFERENCE! WOOO! It’ll be an IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL event in Atlanta, GA, on MARCH 6&7, 2026!⁠ ⁠REGISTER HERE!⁠SIGN UP FOR DESTINY'S NEXT LIVE WORKSHOP⁠→ Upcoming Workshops!JOIN DESTINY’S MEMBERSHIP - for folks with chronic pain & illness→ ⁠⁠Join Welcome To The Waiting Room⁠⁠ (ongoing support for staying regulated while living with chronic illness - This does not replace therapy, but it’s a great addition to your regular therapy appointments)Episode summary:In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Kara Wada, a board-certified allergist and immunologist who also lives with Sjögren's disease and dysautonomia. We talk about what happens when your labs come back "normal" but your body is anything but, why 30-40% of people with Sjögren's have normal blood work, and how to navigate the gap between a medical system that dismisses you and wellness influencers who promise quick fixes. Dr. Kara shares her own story of going down the supplement rabbit hole, the three questions to ask when vetting providers, and why hypervigilance—both mental and physical—keeps so many people stuck in chronic illness. We also dig into the 80/20 rule for symptom management, the concept of de-prescribing, and why partnership beats certainty every single time. If you've ever felt too complicated for the system or been told it's all in your head, this conversation is for you.MEET DESTINY: ⁠Website⁠ / ⁠Instagram⁠ / ⁠BlueSky⁠ / ⁠YouTube⁠ / ⁠TikTok⁠MEET GUEST: ⁠Website⁠ / Instagram / YouTube Dr. Kara offers virtual consultations and direct care memberships through the Immune Confident Institute for individuals navigating allergies, autoimmunity, and chronic inflammation.→ ⁠READ THE BLOG FOR THIS EPISODEASK DESTINY ANYTHING→ ⁠Submit your questions here⁠FOR YOU, OUR PODCAST LISTENERS:JOIN DESTINY’S MEMBERSHIP - for folks with chronic pain & illness→ ⁠⁠Join Welcome To The Waiting Room⁠⁠ (ongoing support for staying regulated while living with chronic illness - This does not replace therapy, but it’s a great addition to your regular therapy appointments)FOR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS:🏢 WE’RE HOSTING A CONFERENCE! WOOO! It’ll be an IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL event in Atlanta, GA, on MARCH 6&7, 2026! ⁠REGISTER HERE!🛋️ ⁠Join The Mastermind!⁠ (monthly business and clinical consultation calls for medical professionals specializing in working with patients with chronic illnesses)🧭 Get Your Client Roadmap For Navigating Complex Trauma and Chronic Illness (specifically for mental health therapists) (COMING SOON- ⁠sign up for the waitlist⁠)WANT TO SAY THANKS - Reviews tell the app, “hey, people like this! Show it in the algorithm to more people!” :)💜 ⁠Leave a review on Apple Podcasts⁠🟢 ⁠Leave a rating on Spotify⁠Disclaimer: Everything we talk about here is just meant to be general education and information. It's not intended as personal mental health or medical advice. If you have any questions related to your unique circumstances, please contact a licensed therapist or medical professional in your state of residence.

SIGN UP FOR DESTINY'S NEXT LIVE WORKSHOP→ Financial Wellness for Chronic Medical ConditionsJOIN DESTINY’S MEMBERSHIP - for folks with chronic pain & illness→ ⁠Join Welcome To The Waiting Room⁠ (ongoing support for staying regulated while living with chronic illness - This does not replace therapy, but it’s a great addition to your regular therapy appointments)**Episode summary:In this episode, clinical social worker and psychotherapist Kate Zera Kray joins Destiny to explore Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy and its powerful application for those living with chronic illness. Kate breaks down the three types of "parts" we all have – managers (our organized protectors), firefighters (our emergency responders), and exiles (the vulnerable parts holding our pain) – and explains how chronic illness can send these internal systems into overdrive. Through personal stories about Lyme disease, diabetes management, and the challenge of de-identifying from illness, they discuss how understanding our protective parts can lead to more self-compassion during the medical journey. The conversation illuminates why over-identification with illness can be protective during acute treatment phases, and how creativity becomes essential for problem-solving when traditional approaches fail. Kate emphasizes the importance of "unblending" from our parts to access our core Self, characterized by qualities like curiosity, compassion, and creativity – offering a new framework for navigating the complex emotional landscape of chronic illness with greater understanding and grace.MEET DESTINY: Website / Instagram / BlueSky / YouTube / TikTokMEET GUEST: Website / licensed in GA and ILSIGN UP FOR DESTINY'S NEXT LIVE WORKSHOP→ Financial Wellness for Chronic Medical Conditions→ READ THE BLOG FOR THIS EPISODEASK DESTINY ANYTHING→ Submit your questions hereFOR YOU, OUR PODCAST LISTENERSJOIN DESTINY’S MEMBERSHIP - for folks with chronic pain & illness→ ⁠Join Welcome To The Waiting Room⁠ (ongoing support for staying regulated while living with chronic illness - This does not replace therapy, but it’s a great addition to your regular therapy appointments)FOR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS🏢 WE’RE HOSTING A CONFERENCE! WOOO! It’ll be an IN-PERSON event in Atlanta, GA, in the Spring or Fall of 2026! Sign up for the waitlist here!🛋️ Join The Mastermind! (monthly business and clinical consultation calls for medical professionals specializing in working with patients with chronic illnesses)🧭 Get Your Client Roadmap For Navigating Complex Trauma and Chronic Illness (specifically for mental health therapists) (COMING SOON- sign up for the waitlist)**WANT TO SAY THANKS - Reviews tell the app, “hey, people like this! Show it in the algorithm to more people!” :)💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify**Disclaimer: Everything we talk about here is just meant to be general education and information. It's not intended as personal mental health or medical advice. If you have any questions related to your unique circumstances, please contact a licensed therapist or medical professional in your state of residence.

SIGN UP FOR DESTINY'S NEXT LIVE WORKSHOP→ Financial Wellness for Chronic Medical Conditions**JOIN DESTINY’S MEMBERSHIP - for folks with chronic pain & illness→ ⁠Join Welcome To The Waiting Room⁠ (ongoing support for staying regulated while living with chronic illness - This does not replace therapy, but it’s a great addition to your regular therapy appointments)**Episode summary: In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Kelly Clark, a physical therapist and owner of Patient PT in Bloomington, Indiana, to challenge the popular narrative that chronic pain is a "false alarm." Kelly shares her personal journey with chronic pain and explains why pain is actually valuable biological data that deserves our attention, not dismissal. We explore the crucial difference between "good pain" and "bad pain" in therapeutic exercise, why the relational aspect of healing matters so much for chronic pain recovery, and how learning to listen to smaller pain signals can prevent your nervous system from turning up the volume. Kelly also walks us through a fascinating case study on headaches, demonstrating how understanding anatomy and building trust with your body are both essential for healing. If you've been told your chronic pain is "all in your head" or you're struggling with the "push through it" mentality, this conversation offers a refreshing and hopeful perspective on working with your pain rather than against it.→ READ THE BLOG FOR THIS EPISODEMEET DESTINY: Website / Instagram / BlueSky / YouTube / TikTokMEET GUEST: Website / Instagram→ READ THE BLOG FOR THIS EPISODEASK DESTINY ANYTHING→ Submit your questions hereFOR YOU, OUR PODCAST LISTENERSJOIN DESTINY’S MEMBERSHIP - for folks with chronic pain & illness→ ⁠Join Welcome To The Waiting Room⁠ (ongoing support for staying regulated while living with chronic illness - This does not replace therapy, but it’s a great addition to your regular therapy appointments)FOR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS🏢 WE’RE HOSTING A CONFERENCE! WOOO! It’ll be an IN-PERSON event in Atlanta, GA, in the Spring or Fall of 2026! Sign up for the waitlist here!🛋️ Join The Mastermind! (monthly business and clinical consultation calls for medical professionals specializing in working with patients with chronic illnesses)🧭 Get Your Client Roadmap For Navigating Complex Trauma and Chronic Illness (specifically for mental health therapists) (COMING SOON- sign up for the waitlist)**WANT TO SAY THANKS - Reviews tell the app, “hey, people like this! Show it in the algorithm to more people!” :)💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify**Disclaimer: Everything we talk about here is just meant to be general education and information. It's not intended as personal mental health or medical advice. If you have any questions related to your unique circumstances, please contact a licensed therapist or medical professional in your state of residence.

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEXT LIVE WORKSHOP⁠→ Financial Wellness for Chronic Medical Conditions⁠ Oct 25th 2025 @ 12 EST:Understanding your relationship with money and building practical strategies that work with your chronic illness reality.Episode Summary: In this episode, Destiny sits down with Kamilah Jones, PharmD, LPC, CRC, to explore the crucial difference between stress and burnout, particularly for healthcare professionals. Kamilah shares her personal journey from pharmacist to therapist, including her own experience with burnout while building her private practice - and why knowing what to do wasn't enough to prevent it. They talk about why healthcare workers are uniquely vulnerable to burnout due to competitive training, emotional labor, and systemic constraints, and discuss the uncomfortable truth that resources (financial, social, and professional support) often matter more than resilience when it comes to recovery. The conversation covers practical strategies for healthcare providers, including the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, knowing when to refer out, and recognizing the signs that professional help is needed. Kamilah offers a free self-care guide for stress and burnout at InTouch Wellness, and both hosts emphasize that asking for help isn't weakness - it's wisdom.Resources mentioned → ⁠Kamilah's Self-Care Guide MEET DESTINY: Website / Instagram / BlueSky / YouTube / TikTokMEET GUEST: Website / Instagram / LinkedIREAD THE BLOG FOR THIS EPISODE→ Burnout Is Predictable - But Prevention Requires More Than Willpower w/ Kamilah JonesASK DESTINY ANYTHING→ Submit your questions hereFOR YOU, OUR PODCAST LISTENERS→ Join The Membership (ongoing support for staying regulated while living with chronic illness - This does not replace therapy, but it’s a great addition to your regular therapy appointments)FOR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS🛋️ Join The Mastermind! (monthly business and clinical consultation calls for medical professionals specializing in working with patients with chronic illnesses)🧭 Get Your Client Roadmap For Navigating Complex Trauma and Chronic Illness (specifically for mental health therapists) (COMING SOON- sign up for the waitlist)**SAY THANKS - Reviews tell the app, “hey, people like this! Show it in the algorithm to more people!” :)💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify**Disclaimer: Everything we talk about here is just meant to be general education and information. It's not intended as personal mental health or medical advice. If you have any questions related to your unique circumstances, please contact a licensed therapist or medical professional in your state of residence.

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEXT LIVE WORKSHOP⁠→ Financial Wellness for Chronic Medical Conditions⁠ Oct 25th 2025 @ 12 EST:Understanding your relationship with money and building practical strategies that work with your chronic illness reality.JOIN DESTINY’S MEMBERSHIP - for folks with chronic pain & illness→ ⁠Join Welcome To The Waiting Room⁠ (ongoing support for staying regulated while living with chronic illness - This does not replace therapy, but it’s a great addition to your regular therapy appointments)**Episode summary:In this episode, sports and orthopedic physical therapist Rick Olderman explains why chronic pain is a systems problem, not a component problem, and how our medical system's focus on individual tissues misses the bigger picture. Through fascinating patient stories - like how a 20-year-old ankle injury can cause back pain 30 years later when left unchecked - Rick demonstrates how compensation patterns create chains of dysfunction throughout the body. We explore the science of myofibroblasts, specialized connective tissue that responds to stress hormones and provides a real, physical pathway for how emotional states manifest as tension in the body. This conversation challenges the false dichotomy of pain being "all physical" or "all mental" and offers hope for people who've been told "nothing's wrong" while living with very real symptoms.Resources mentioned:→ Rick's Youtube ChannelMEET DESTINY: Website / Instagram / BlueSky / YouTube / TikTokMEET GUEST: Website / Facebook→ READ THE BLOG FOR THIS EPISODEASK DESTINY ANYTHING→ Submit your questions hereFOR YOU, OUR PODCAST LISTENERS:JOIN DESTINY’S MEMBERSHIP - for folks with chronic pain & illness→ ⁠Join Welcome To The Waiting Room⁠ (ongoing support for staying regulated while living with chronic illness - This does not replace therapy, but it’s a great addition to your regular therapy appointments)FOR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS:🏢 WE’RE HOSTING A CONFERENCE! WOOO! It’ll be an IN-PERSON event in Atlanta, GA, in the Spring or Fall of 2026! Sign up for the waitlist here!🛋️ Join The Mastermind! (monthly business and clinical consultation calls for medical professionals specializing in working with patients with chronic illnesses)🧭 Get Your Client Roadmap For Navigating Complex Trauma and Chronic Illness (specifically for mental health therapists) (COMING SOON- sign up for the waitlist)**WANT TO SAY THANKS - Reviews tell the app, “hey, people like this! Show it in the algorithm to more people!” :)💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify**Disclaimer: Everything we talk about here is just meant to be general education and information. It's not intended as personal mental health or medical advice. If you have any questions related to your unique circumstances, please contact a licensed therapist or medical professional in your state of residence.

JOIN DESTINY’S MEMBERSHIP - for folks with chronic pain & illness→ ⁠Join Welcome To The Waiting Room⁠ (ongoing support for staying regulated while living with chronic illness - This does not replace therapy, but it’s a great addition to your regular therapy appointments)→ The Family Waiting Room - Do your partner, spouse, friends, parents try to support you but they just don’t know how? Send them their own version of support here!**Episode summary:In this episode, I sit down with Shana Evans Basset, a Licensed Professional Counselor from Atlanta, to explore the complex intersection of chronic illness, emotional regulation, and healing. We get into why living with chronic pain is like being trapped in an abusive relationship you can't leave, the profound grief that comes with losing the life you thought you'd have, and how our "snap out of it" culture makes everything harder. Shana explains why emotional regulation isn't about fixing yourself or positive thinking your way out of symptoms - it's about learning to be with uncertainty, accepting what you can't control, and recognizing when trying harder actually makes things worse. We also discuss the crucial role of community support, the isolation that comes with chronic illness, and how real healing often happens when we allow ourselves to fully grieve our losses rather than pushing through them.MEET DESTINY: Website / Instagram / BlueSky / YouTube / TikTokMEET GUEST: Website / InstagramSIGN UP FOR DESTINY'S NEXT LIVE WORKSHOP→ Creating A Restorative Home: Environmental & Sensory Support for Chronic Illness Recoveryhttps://www.thechronicillnesstherapist.com/workshops→ There are two blogs to accompany this podcast episodeWhen Trying Harder Makes It Worse: A Different Approach to Chronic Illness RecoveryThe Relationship You Didn't Ask For: Navigating Chronic Pain and Emotional RegulationASK DESTINY ANYTHING→ Submit your questions hereFOR YOU, OUR PODCAST LISTENERSJOIN DESTINY’S MEMBERSHIP - for folks with chronic pain & illness→ ⁠Join Welcome To The Waiting Room⁠ (ongoing support for staying regulated while living with chronic illness - This does not replace therapy, but it’s a great addition to your regular therapy appointments)FOR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS🏢 WE’RE HOSTING A CONFERENCE! WOOO! It’ll be an IN-PERSON event in Atlanta, GA, in the Spring or Fall of 2026! Sign up for the waitlist here!🛋️ Join The Mastermind! (monthly business and clinical consultation calls for medical professionals specializing in working with patients with chronic illnesses)🧭 Get Your Client Roadmap For Navigating Complex Trauma and Chronic Illness (specifically for mental health therapists) (COMING SOON- sign up for the waitlist)**WANT TO SAY THANKS - Reviews tell the app, “hey, people like this! Show it in the algorithm to more people!” :)💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify**Disclaimer: Everything we talk about here is just meant to be general education and information. It's not intended as personal mental health or medical advice. If you have any questions related to your unique circumstances, please contact a licensed therapist or medical professional in your state of residence.