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.
At my sickest, I couldn't leave the house most days. Over 10 years later, I can have full days out without even thinking about it. This is a small part of my real, unfiltered story of living with chronic illness—the struggles with getting diagnosed, what finally started to help, and the hard truths about healing that no one talks about.In this video, I share:Why I stopped chasing diagnoses after being gaslit by doctorsThe role of pharmaceutical medication in my healing journeyWhat trauma work actually is (and isn't)The truth about neuroplastic pain and medical gaslightingHow I went from housebound to living a full lifeI talk honestly about low-dose naltrexone, ketotifen, functional medicine, and why healing isn't a one-size-fits-all journey. If you're struggling with chronic pain, ME/CFS, fibromyalgia, or just feeling lost in the medical system, this might resonate with you.Chronic Pain & Illness IntensivesIf you're ready to work on changing your relationship with chronic pain while still taking proper medical care of yourself, I offer 1:1 intensives over 2-3 days. Apply for an intensive here: https://forms.gle/3Xv6jFcTroX7fbpEA
Episode Summary:Today I sit down with Emma Tynan, an Irish psychotherapist who specializes in medical trauma and chronic illness, bringing both professional expertise from over a decade as a nurse and personal understanding from her own chronic health journey. We explore the often-overlooked micro-traumas of chronic illness—how the real devastation often hits not during the big diagnosis moment, but in quiet daily realizations like the day you can't hold a spoon or write in a journal the way you used to.In this episode, we discuss:Why the recovery period after treatment can actually be the hardest timeThe unique challenges of having symptoms without a diagnosisHow to work with "different versions of yourself" each day using Emma's "money in your purse" approach to energy managementWhy our goals often need to shift from doing more to doing lessHow family and friends can unintentionally add to trauma through well-meaning but invalidating responsesEmma offers practical guidance for both those living with chronic illness and the people who want to support them, emphasizing that there's no universal experience of illness and the most powerful thing we can offer is simply asking and listening rather than assuming we know what someone needs.MEET DESTINY: Website / Instagram / BlueSky / YouTube / TikTokMEET EMMA: WebsiteSIGN UP FOR OUR NEXT LIVE WORKSHOP→Nervous System-Informed Care for Living With A Chronic Illness 🪴 July 26th 2025 @ 12PM EST / 9AM PST→ 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)**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, therapist Pamela Madsen, MS, LPC, explores the often-overlooked connection between narcissistic abuse and chronic pain conditions. Pamela breaks down the four types of narcissistic parents (grandiose, covert, malignant, and communal) and explains how growing up with narcissistic caregivers creates hypervigilance that extends beyond scanning the environment to scanning the body internally, amplifying pain perception and contributing to conditions like fibromyalgia, IBS, and migraines. She discusses why many high-achieving adults don't recognize their childhood experiences as traumatic, how complex PTSD manifests in successful people who come to therapy for seemingly unrelated issues, and why addressing the underlying trauma through therapy can significantly improve both emotional well-being and physical pain symptoms. Pamela emphasizes that healing begins with repairing the relationship with oneself and recognizing that you deserve care and are worthy of good things, rather than existing solely to benefit others.MEET DESTINY: Website / Instagram / BlueSky / YouTube / TikTokMEET GUEST: Website / Instagram / FacebookPamela is the owner of Sea Change Therapy, where there is a variety of specialties in the office with accessible building and easy parking access. Pamela also provide supervision and clinical consultation to other professionals.SIGN UP FOR DESTINY'S NEXT LIVE WORKSHOP→ Beyond the Behavior: Understanding hair pulling, skin picking, nail biting, or other body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) in Chronic Illnesshttps://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)**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: This episode features Jared Walker, founder of DollarFor, a nonprofit dedicated to eliminating medical debt by making hospital charity care known, easy, and fair. Walker shares how he discovered that most nonprofit hospitals are legally required to provide financial assistance (charity care) to patients who meet certain income qualifications, yet hospitals rarely inform patients about these programs. And you’d be surprised at how high some of the income requirements are!Since launching in 2012, DollarFor has helped eliminate nearly $90 million in medical debt by creating user-friendly tools that help patients determine eligibility and apply for charity care programs that can completely wipe out hospital bills. Walker explains that charity care is far more accessible than most people realize, with many programs covering households earning up to 250-400% of federal poverty guidelines, and offers practical advice for negotiating medical bills when charity care isn't an option.Resources mentioned:→ dollarfor.orgMEET DESTINY: Website / Instagram / BlueSky / YouTube / TikTokMEET GUEST: Website / Instagram / X / YouTube / TikTok→ SIGN UP FOR DESTINY'S NEXT LIVE WORKSHOP→ 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🛋️ 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.
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:Jackie Williams-Reade, a marriage and family therapist with a PhD in medical family therapy, discusses family systems theory and particularly the concept of differentiation, which involves balancing authenticity with the conforming that’s often required in relationships. Jackie explores how childhood family dynamics, especially scapegoating, can affect adult behavior patterns and relationships with medical providers. She explains how people who were scapegoated as children often struggle with trusting themselves and advocating for their needs in healthcare settings. The conversation covers practical strategies for setting boundaries while staying connected, asking for help effectively, and recognizing that healing isn't about perfect responses but rather increased awareness and continued effort. Jackie and Destiny also discuss the challenges of navigating the medical system and how integrated care models can help bridge communication gaps between patients and providers.MEET DESTINY: Website / Instagram / BlueSky / YouTube / TikTokMEET GUEST: Website / Jackie’s Textbook for Medical Professionals→ SIGN UP FOR DESTINY'S NEXT LIVE WORKSHOP→ 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🛋️ Join The Mastermind! (monthly business and clinical consultation calls for medical professionals specializing in working with patients with chronic illnesses)🧭 Jackie’s Textbook for Medical Professionals**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 vulnerable and insightful episode, licensed professional counselor Danielle McDowell shares her journey of navigating professional ambitions while managing fibromyalgia. After experiencing sudden onset of symptoms following the birth of her son, Danielle recounts how she adapted her therapeutic practice and home life by setting boundaries, extending timelines, and finding community with others who understand chronic illness. She discusses the generational patterns of appearing "superhuman" that she inherited and her commitment to modeling authentic struggle for her children. Danielle's story offers valuable lessons on redefining success, embracing limitations, and finding purpose through personal challenges.MEET DESTINY: Website / Instagram / BlueSky / YouTube / TikTokMEET DANIELLE: Website / Instagram / Danielle's TedTalk! The Painful And Necessary Work of Collective HealingJOIN DESTINY’S MEMBERSHIP - for folks with chronic pain & illness→ Join Welcome To The Waiting RoomASK 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)
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: Destiny Davis speaks with Kara Cruz, a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in women's mental health, particularly perinatal mental health and perimenopause. They discuss the importance of women trusting themselves when advocating for their health needs, as many experience being dismissed or unheard by healthcare providers. Kara shares strategies for self-advocacy, including practical approaches like symptom tracking and preparing questions, as well as emotional regulation techniques to help clients recognize bodily sensations and navigate nervous system responses during difficult healthcare interactions. They explore how past trauma and people-pleasing behaviors can interfere with self-advocacy, emphasizing that learning to trust yourself is foundational to health advocacy. Kara also highlights the importance of community support through her Women's Support Circle and discusses the need for comprehensive screening for the seven distinct perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.MEET DESTINY: Website / Instagram / BlueSky / YouTube / TikTokMEET KARA: Website / Instagram / FacebookSIGN UP FOR DESTINY'S NEXT LIVE WORKSHOP→ https://www.thechronicillnesstherapist.com/workshops→ READ THE BLOG FOR THIS EPISODEASK DESTINY ANYTHING→ Submit your questions hereFOR 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.
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 talk with Dr. Jenny Tufenkina, a naturopathic physician who shares her framework of five root causes behind chronic fatigue and complex illnesses. Drawing from both her clinical experience and personal journey recovering from fatigue twice in her life, Dr. Jenny walks us through how the hormone triangle, chronic infections, toxic overload, mitochondrial dysfunction, and limbic system dysregulation can contribute to these conditions. As someone currently addressing my own adrenal/hormone challenges, I appreciated her individualized approach that recognizes each person's unique situation. Dr. Jenny offers practical insights on identifying which root causes might be present in your case and potential paths forward, all while maintaining a compassionate perspective. For those interested in learning more, she's hosting a summit on chronic fatigue running April 11-18, 2025 with researchers and practitioners exploring these topics in depth.Resources mentioned:→ Dr. Jenny’s Summit April 11-18, 2025→ Why Are You So Tired QuizMEET DESTINY: Website / Instagram / BlueSky / YouTube / TikTokMEET GUEST: Website / Instagram / FacebookSIGN UP FOR OUR NEXT LIVE WORKSHOP→ Strength Training w/ Fibromyalgia April 5th 2025 @ 10:30am EST / 3:30pm GMTREAD THE BLOG FOR THIS EPISODE→ASK 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)**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.**SPONSORS💼 View all sponsors and offers
Episode Summary:In this episode, I chat with David McGettigan, an amazing pain and movement specialist who's been helping people for 15 years recover from chronic pain and other symptoms, like chemical sensitivity and insomnia. David works with folks who've been bounced around the healthcare system without finding real answers.I love how he frames pain as an adaptation instead of a "dysfunction" - such a game-changer! We discuss the connection between sleep and pain (mind-blowing stuff about how poor sleep literally opens neural pathways to more pain), and how morning sunlight can reset your whole system.David shares his own journey with chronic pain and gives super practical advice about healing timelines - did you know tissue typically needs 6-8 week cycles to adapt? No wonder quick fixes don't stick!What I appreciate most is how David balances solid science with real compassion - "evidence of safety" for your nervous system and pacing your recovery properly. If you're dealing with chronic pain or know someone who is, this conversation offers both hope and practical steps forward. David truly believes change is possible at any stage, and after talking with him, I do too!Resources mentioned:→ Bigger Than Pain ProgramMEET DESTINY: Website / Instagram / BlueSky / YouTube / TikTokMEET GUEST: Website / Instagram / YouTube /SIGN UP FOR DESTINY’S NEXT LIVE WORKSHOP→ Strength Training w/ Fibromyalgia 🏋️♀️ March 29th 2025 @ 12pm EST / 5pm GMTREAD THE BLOG FOR THIS EPISODE→ coming soonASK DESTINY ANYTHING→ Submit your questions hereFOR YOU, OUR PODCAST LISTENERSJoin Destiny's 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.
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, we speak with Rachel Smith, a certified personal trainer with a Master's in Exercise Science who specializes in working with clients with fibromyalgia and chronic pain. Rachel shares her personal journey with fibromyalgia, diagnosed in 2010, and how she discovered that strength training was particularly effective for managing her symptoms. She discusses the importance of individualized approaches to exercise, the challenge of breaking the "boom and bust" cycle many chronic pain sufferers experience, and why a gradual, consistent approach is more effective than pushing to extremes. Rachel also addresses common myths about fibromyalgia treatment, particularly around diet, and explains how her program, FibroFit Warriors, combines evidence-based methods with community support. For those newly diagnosed, she emphasizes the value of finding trusted information sources and avoiding the negativity often found in online support groups.SIGN UP FOR OUR NEXT LIVE WORKSHOP→ Fibromyalgia 101: What You Wish Your Doctor Told You→ Strength Training w/ FibromyalgiaMEET DESTINY: Website / Instagram / BlueSky / YouTube / TikTokMEET RACHEL: Website / InstagramRachel Smith is the founder of Fibro Fit Warriors, a science-based program dedicated to helping people with Fibromyalgia manage their symptoms through movement, nutrition, and lifestyle strategies.→ 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)**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, we speak with Rachel Smith, a certified personal trainer with a Master's in Exercise Science who specializes in working with clients with fibromyalgia and chronic pain. Rachel shares her personal journey with fibromyalgia, diagnosed in 2010, and how she discovered that strength training was particularly effective for managing her symptoms. She discusses the importance of individualized approaches to exercise, the challenge of breaking the "boom and bust" cycle many chronic pain sufferers experience, and why a gradual, consistent approach is more effective than pushing to extremes. Rachel also addresses common myths about fibromyalgia treatment, particularly around diet, and explains how her program, FibroFit Warriors, combines evidence-based methods with community support. For those newly diagnosed, she emphasizes the value of finding trusted information sources and avoiding the negativity often found in online support groups.SIGN UP FOR OUR NEXT LIVE WORKSHOP→ Fibromyalgia 101: What You Wish Your Doctor Told You→ Strength Training w/ FibromyalgiaMEET DESTINY: Website / Instagram / BlueSky / YouTube / TikTokMEET RACHEL: Website / InstagramRachel Smith is the founder of Fibro Fit Warriors, a science-based program dedicated to helping people with Fibromyalgia manage their symptoms through movement, nutrition, and lifestyle strategies.→ 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)**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: Samina Qureshi is a registered dietitian specializing in IBS management from a weight-inclusive perspective. She challenges the common approach of endless food elimination, revealing that the standard low FODMAP diet should only last 2-4 weeks, not months or years as many attempt. Samina explains why food sensitivity tests are largely unreliable and how restriction often worsens gut symptoms by disrupting motility and starving beneficial gut bacteria. Instead, she advocates for focusing on adding variety rather than eliminating foods, and recognizes that simply nourishing your body regularly is powerful nervous system work. For those caught in cycles of restriction and worsening symptoms, Samina offers a refreshing path forward that expands food choices while addressing individual digestive needs, proving that healing your relationship with food and finding relief from IBS symptoms can happen simultaneously.MEET GUEST: Website / Instagram / Facebook / TikTok→ Sign up for Samina’s Free Guide: 5 Ways to Avoid IBS Flares!MEET DESTINY: Website / Instagram / BlueSky / YouTube / TikTokSIGN UP FOR OUR NEXT LIVE WORKSHOP→ Your Perfect Morning Routine 🥞 Jan 25th 2025 @ 10:30am EST / 3:30pm GMT→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)**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: Samina Qureshi is a registered dietitian specializing in IBS management from a weight-inclusive perspective. She challenges the common approach of endless food elimination, revealing that the standard low FODMAP diet should only last 2-4 weeks, not months or years as many attempt. Samina explains why food sensitivity tests are largely unreliable and how restriction often worsens gut symptoms by disrupting motility and starving beneficial gut bacteria. Instead, she advocates for focusing on adding variety rather than eliminating foods, and recognizes that simply nourishing your body regularly is powerful nervous system work. For those caught in cycles of restriction and worsening symptoms, Samina offers a refreshing path forward that expands food choices while addressing individual digestive needs, proving that healing your relationship with food and finding relief from IBS symptoms can happen simultaneously.MEET GUEST: Website / Instagram / Facebook / TikTok→ Sign up for Samina’s Free Guide: 5 Ways to Avoid IBS Flares!MEET DESTINY: Website / Instagram / BlueSky / YouTube / TikTokSIGN UP FOR OUR NEXT LIVE WORKSHOP→ Your Perfect Morning Routine 🥞 Jan 25th 2025 @ 10:30am EST / 3:30pm GMT→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)**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)**