The Chronic Illness Therapists

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.

THERAPISTS: Join my 4-week group with physical therapist Jason TherrienThis is specifically designed to reduce tension in the body that comes from 1) sitting all day and 2) holding client stories in our brains and bodies.LEARN MORE HEREGENERAL PUBLIC - 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. Antonia Repollet to demystify clinical hypnosis and explore how it's revolutionizing treatment for gut-brain disorders like IBS and IBD. We dive into what clinical hypnosis actually is (spoiler: nothing like stage hypnosis), why it's so effective for digestive issues with 70-80% success rates, and what you can realistically expect from treatment. Dr. Repollet breaks down the gut-brain connection, explains how our nervous systems develop "muscle memory" for symptoms, and walks us through what sessions actually look like - including some fascinating techniques for people whose minds race too fast for traditional meditation. Whether you're dealing with functional disorders, chronic pain, or just curious about evidence-based mind-body approaches, this conversation offers practical insights and realistic expectations about what healing can look like.MEET DESTINY: Website / Instagram / BlueSky / YouTube / TikTokMEET GUEST: Website / Instagram - Antonia / Instagram - GI Psychology clinic SIGN UP FOR DESTINY'S NEXT LIVE WORKSHOP→ When Everything’s Connected: Understanding Autism, ADHD, and Chronic Health ConditionsSaturday Aug 30th noon ESThttps://www.thechronicillnesstherapist.com/workshops→ 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)🌱4-week group with physical therapist Jason TherrienThis is specifically designed to reduce tension in the body that comes from 1) sitting all day and 2) holding client stories in our brains and bodies.LEARN MORE HERE**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→ When Everything’s Connected: Understanding Autism, ADHD, and Chronic Health Conditions → CLICK HERE TO JOINEpisode summary: In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Rita Gupta, a board-certified family medicine physician and integrative medicine practitioner, to discuss why you don't have to choose between traditional medicine and holistic approaches when managing chronic pain. We explore the three types of pain (nociceptive, neuropathic, and neuroplastic), explore how fear and anxiety create real physical symptoms in the body, and tackle some controversial territory around vaccines and chronic illness. Dr. Rita shares her unique perspective as someone who's lived with chronic pain herself while working within both traditional and integrative medical models, and we discuss practical strategies like understanding your personal recovery times, the importance of pain education in changing beliefs, and why finding practitioners who see you as a whole human - not just a collection of symptoms - can be life-changing. Whether you're feeling stuck between medical approaches or struggling to make sense of conflicting health information, this conversation offers a balanced, nuanced perspective on creating your own integrated approach to healing.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 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 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.

Episode Summary: In this episode, registered dietitian Louisa O'Grady shares practical, evidence-based nutrition strategies for managing EDS, POTS, and MCAS without falling into restrictive diet patterns. Louisa, who lives with these conditions herself, debunks common myths about low histamine diets (they're meant to be temporary, not lifelong), introduces important tips like using belly bands for POTS symptom management during meals, and explains why your food reactions might actually be triggered by environmental factors like stress or barometric pressure changes rather than the food itself. She emphasizes an additive rather than restrictive approach to nutrition, offering practical solutions throughout the whole episode to manage histamine levels and strategic fiber introduction for gut health. Throughout the conversation, Louisa highlights the importance of individualized care, nervous system regulation, and working with qualified professionals who understand the complex interplay between these conditions and nutrition.Resources mentioned:→ Harvard Healthy PlateMEET DESTINY: Website / Instagram / BlueSky / YouTube / TikTokMEET GUEST: Website / InstagramSIGN UP FOR OUR NEXT LIVE WORKSHOP→ When Everything’s Connected: Understanding Autism, ADHD, and Chronic Health Conditions Sat Aug 30th @ 12pm EST→ READ THE BLOG FOR THIS EPISODEASK DESTINY ANYTHING→ Submit your questions hereFOR YOU, OUR PODCAST LISTENERSJoin 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)**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.

THERAPISTS! Join me and Victoria Rodriguez of Revive Counseling in our 6-week Chronic Illness Therapists Cohort! This is a curriculum-based consultation class for therapists who want to do their best work with the chronic illness population.[CLICK HERE TO JOIN]**Episode summary: In this follow-up episode with registered dietitian Samina Qureshi, we explore her new clinical textbook that tackles something I see all the time in my practice - when chronic GI conditions create eating patterns that look disordered but have nothing to do with weight or body image. Samina and her team of 10 health professionals wrote this resource because they were seeing patients come in terrified of food, experiencing unexplained weight loss, not because they wanted to be thin, but because they were genuinely afraid of throwing up or having worsened GI symptoms. We talk about ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) and how it shows up in the GI space, why it's so important to believe patients when they say certain foods cause pain even without a formal diagnosis, and how the goal isn't just telling someone to "eat and you'll feel better" - because how frustrating is that advice? Instead, it's about finding accessible ways to nourish their body while expanding their diet and helping them feel confident around food again. This conversation is valuable for both clinicians who want to understand these complex intersections and for anyone living with GI conditions who's been told their very real physical symptoms are just anxiety when they're actually doing what they can to keep their body safe.Resources mentioned:→ Samina’s Book, Comprehensive Nutrition Therapy for Co-Occurring Gastrointestinal & Eating Disorders: the EDGI Training ProjectMEET DESTINY: Website / Instagram / BlueSky / YouTube / TikTokMEET SAMINA: Website / Instagram / TikTokSIGN UP FOR DESTINY'S NEXT LIVE WORKSHOP→ Aug 30th → 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)💻Join me and Victoria Rodriguez of Revive Counseling in our 6-week Chronic Illness Therapists Cohort! This is a curriculum-based consultation class for therapists who want to do their best work with the chronic illness population.⁠[CLICK HERE TO JOIN]🧭 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.

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 ADHD nutrition research expert Annika Angelo to bust some of the biggest myths floating around ADHD and diet. We talk about why that viral "78% improvement" elimination diet study is actually BS, why you shouldn't be afraid of fruit, and the truth about Red 40 and food additives (spoiler: the US actually has stricter regulations than the EU). We talk about what stress really does to our bodies, why community is the secret ingredient most people ignore, and practical tips that actually work for ADHD brains. If you're tired of conflicting nutrition advice and want to know what the research actually says, this one's for you. Bottom line: stop putting so much pressure on yourself around food choices – there are way bigger factors affecting your health than whether you eat gluten.MEET DESTINY: Website / Instagram / BlueSky / YouTube / TikTokMEET Annika: Website / Instagram / YouTube / TikTok / The Nutritional Mental Health Podcast (Apple)SIGN UP FOR DESTINY'S NEXT LIVE WORKSHOP→ Nervous System-Informed Care for Chronic Illness: Aligning your self-care habits with your personal values, capacity levels, and nervous system needs. https://chronicillnesstherapist.myflodesk.com/selfcare→ READ THE BLOG FOR THIS EPISODE→ ASK 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.