In this episode, Dustin Oliver sits down with Karley, a therapist who specializes in treating Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and co-occurring substance use disorders. Together, they explore the complex relationship between emotional dysregulation, trauma, and addiction, highlighting how Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) offers hope and structure for individuals navigating these challenges.

Karley shares her journey into the counseling field, the realities of working with high-acuity clients, and the importance of compassion and boundaries in clinical work. This conversation offers valuable insights for therapists, students, and anyone curious about the inner world of BPD, the path to recovery, and how therapy can help rebuild lives.

Connect with Karley Chickness

https://systemstherapy.org/

Connect with boy meets therapy:

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@boymeetstherapy⁠⁠⁠⁠

TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠@boymeetstherapy⁠⁠⁠

Website with Free Resources: ⁠⁠⁠boymeetstherapy.com

Episode Guide & Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Borderline Personality Disorder

03:02 Karley's Background and Journey into Counseling

05:55 Early Career Experiences and Specializations

08:35 Understanding Substance Use and Co-occurring Conditions

11:26 The Role of Trauma in Mental Health

14:17 Defining Borderline Personality Disorder

17:24 Dialectical Behavior Therapy Explained

20:17 The Impact of Trauma on BPD

22:35 Emotional Dysregulation in BPD

23:34 Understanding Emotional Intensity in BPD

26:15 The Role of DBT in Treatment

29:36 Modeling Secure Relationships

34:25 Active Passivity and Communication Challenges

35:05 Substance Use and BPD Treatment

38:47 Assessing Risks and Treatment Approaches

42:30 Internal Experience of BPD

44:37 Challenges in Treating BPD

47:15 Success Stories in BPD Recovery

50:06 Reflections on Being a Therapist

Created and Produced by Dustin Oliver

In this conversation, Dustin Oliver and Sara discuss the intricacies of dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), anxiety management, and borderline personality disorder (BPD).

Sara shares her personal journey into therapy, the challenges and rewards of working with individuals with BPD, and the importance of understanding emotional regulation. They explore the techniques used in DBT, including distress tolerance and mindfulness, and emphasize the need for compassion and acceptance in therapeutic relationships.

The discussion also highlights the misconceptions surrounding BPD and offers advice for friends and family members of those affected.

Connect with Sara Weand:

www.saraweandlpc.com/

Connect with boy meets therapy:

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@boymeetstherapy⁠⁠⁠

TikTok: ⁠⁠@boymeetstherapy⁠⁠

Website with Free Resources: ⁠⁠boymeetstherapy.com

Episode Guide & Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Therapy and Personal Journey

09:37 Understanding Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

19:23 Anxiety and DBT Techniques

24:45 Practical Techniques for Calming Anxiety

26:59 Understanding Panic and Distress Tolerance

29:26 Self-Awareness in Anxiety Management

31:03 The Role of Trauma in Anxiety

34:59 The Purpose of Emotions and Anxiety

36:54 Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

42:47 Advice for Friends and Family of BPD Individuals

45:48 Hope and Recovery from BPD

Created and Produced by Dustin Oliver

In this eye-opening conversation, host Dustin Oliver speaks with Dr. Eric Van Der Voort, a licensed psychologist and certified sex therapist, about the many misconceptions and complexities surrounding human sexuality. They explore how performance anxiety can disrupt intimacy, the importance of open communication in sexual relationships, and the ways societal norms shape, and often distort, our expectations around sex.

Dr. Van Der Voort offers a non-pathologizing approach to sexual behavior, distinguishing between sexual behaviors and addiction while encouraging a more compassionate understanding of kinks, fantasies, and the obsession with orgasm. He emphasizes the need to challenge internalized shame, redefine what “good sex” really means, and foster deeper connection through vulnerability and honest conversation.

Whether you’re a clinician, someone exploring your own sexuality, or simply curious, this episode offers practical insights and thoughtful reflections to support healthier, more fulfilling sexual relationships.

Connect with Dr. van der Voort:

Therapy

Website

Connect with boy meets therapy:

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@boymeetstherapy⁠⁠⁠

TikTok: ⁠⁠@boymeetstherapy⁠⁠

Website with Free Resources: ⁠⁠boymeetstherapy.com

Episode Guide & Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Personal Connection

02:07 Exploring Clinical Work and Background

09:00 Transition to Sex Therapy

11:00 Understanding Sexuality and Addiction

17:27 Societal Attitudes Towards Sex

18:52 Performance Anxiety in Sexual Relationships

26:25 Navigating Sexual Performance Issues

31:16 The Importance of Open Communication in Sexual Relationships

32:09 Understanding Performance Anxiety and Its Impact

34:57 Challenging Societal Norms Around Sex

38:29 Redefining What Good Sex Means

42:56 The Obsession with Orgasm in Sexual Encounters

46:36 Navigating Kinks and Overcoming Shame

52:28 Fantasy vs. Reality in Sexual Desires

54:31 Key Takeaways for Healthy Sexual Practices

Created and Produced by Dustin Oliver