The Fight With Our Feelings

Oh boy, she's here, she's alone, and she's talking about about all the shitty things she's done recently 😅 In this episode I'm on my own, which gave me the freedom to just talk forever and ever. Just kidding, I kept it pretty short. I wanted to talk through a few big reflections that I've had in the last few weeks—some of which came from me alone, and some of which came from research on the Gottman Method: a widely respected form of therapy for couples. So whether you're like me, and you've been terrible at communicating appropriately recently, or you're like me, and you're also trying to grow and thrive in the face of some pretty frustrating history, there's something here for you (unless you're not like me) (jk). This caption is wild. Idk guys I hope you enjoy ❤

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Okay folx, I don't play favourites with my episodes, but if I did, this would be one of my tops for sure. I'm joined by the incredible Jordan Ford (@jordanford.omt), strength and conditioning coach, hybrid athlete, and founder of O.M.T. (One More Time). Jordan talks about his recent experience in an ultra-marathon where he ran 100 kilometers (yes, you read that correctly), raising money for local charities, and he goes into the immense mental, emotional, and physical suffering that occurred. We discuss the ultra-important transition from avoiding and suppressing your inner experiences to embracing them with open arms, and he explains how that has been an essential part of his growth, not only as a human but as a hybrid athlete. Thank you so much Jordan!

On my lovely trip to Peru, I met the incredible Paul Flynn as another solo traveler, and I immediately wanted to have him on the pod. He talked about his long stint in the forces (I don't know more specific army-lingo) and the impact of various traumatic events that he experienced on himself and his relationships. To me, some of the things he described were absolutely wild, and it's so infuriating that this system is built without any real support for mental health and trauma. So grateful for you Paul for being honest & forthcoming about your life! 

The lovely and intelligent Vanessa Nicholson, member of Sagamok Anishnawbek, talks about her roles in the Indigenous community (check out Finding Our Power Together) and her own experiences of battling the limited structure of Western colonial schooling & treatment. We both talked about how the current systems in place for mental health care don't meet the mark in effectively supporting Indigenous people—but also people in general with a complex history of trauma. It's a heavy episode, and an important one. Thanks for joining me Vanessa! Finding Our Power Together offers virtual support services in group and one-on-one settings to Indigenous youth & their families. Click to learn more about their programs and services. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 

Oh man, oh wow, this is something new and exciting that I'd love to do more of. My galpal and neighbour Taylor Elgie joined me to recap Love Is Blind season 2. I thought this would be a very funny and lighthearted way to talk about the heaviness of relationships, insecurities, & communication styles. I also just wanted a free-for-all situation to have no filter as a therapist and say the stuff I might be thinking straight up if they were my actual clients 😅 This was also decently tough for me because I've had my own Love Is Blind-esque relationship and it was..... no bueno. We talked about attachment styles, values, and everything in between.

Registered Psychotherapist Renée Ly (she/her) joins me again on the pod to really dive into the difficulty of staying present with distressing feelings. I talk a bit about preparing for my trip to Peru—definitely wasn't prepared to get COVID there, but that's a story for another time—and my own healing efforts that caused me to take the plunge and sign up for a solo vacation. We also give some examples of times when we test out connecting with or moving closer towards difficult emotions with clients and how that helps them heal. Thank you Renée for sharing your lovely spirit (:

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Apologies in advance for the audio cracks on this... I'm still learning about technology 🙃

So grateful for the presence of Taha Arshad with me on this podcast and his vulnerability of speaking to his experience as a queer, South-Asian person navigating his own identity, boundaries, and values.. I've been low-key intimidated by this ICON of a human for many years because of his confidence and (perceived) ease at being able to fit in with so many different communities of people. He talks about his commitment to being an advocate for others and we explore the responsibility that can come from being that active voice of representation in the online space. 

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Personal trainer Conor Shirton joins me again to discuss the harmful impacts of social media. We touch on body dysmorphia, polarizing beliefs, business ownership, and how we've both personally changed our relationship with different social media apps. Want to have some input on what topics I discuss next? Answer the question below or give your suggestions to me through @ Baldwin Psychotherapy on all social media platforms (ironic, right?).

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BARRIE FOOD BANK FUNDRAISER FOR ALL OF NOVEMBER! Every follow/sub on Baldwin Psychotherapy's social media platforms in the month of November equals $1 for the Barrie Food Bank, up to a max of $1,000! 

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FUNDRAISER FOR THE BARRIE FOOD BANK FOR THE WHOOOOOLE MONTH OF NOVEMBER! Follow/like/subscribe on Baldwin Psychotherapy's social media accounts and each one will raise $1 (up to a max of $1000) for the Barrie Food Bank! See social media links below.

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Things to help with SAD:

It's time for some tea about why we don't meet our goals. And that tea is sizzling. No honestly, we gotta talk about tracking progress. As boring or unnecessary as it may sound, measuring your progress on whatever goal(s) you're working towards is a MUST. In this episode I talk about my own goals & the specific tracking apps/strategies that have helped me in the long run.

I decided to record an episode fresh off of an hour and a half of crying. Why? No clue. Was it worth it? Absolutely. 

Inspired by the amaaaaazing movie Wisdom of Trauma with Gabor Mate, I decided to speak about this collective belief system that we are alone in our suffering, and that when we suffer, we are unlovable. I know that there are many areas in my life where I try to counter this idea of being unwanted, & that there are many areas in my life where I curl into a ball and hide away from the world. The only times when I reconnect with myself are when I open up to the world and am held by a supportive and understanding embrace (even if that comes from myself). So basically, that's what the episode is about. Light stuff!

THERE ARE POLLS AND QUESTIONS AT THE BOTTOM (?) OF THIS SO PLEASE INTERACT CAUSE IDK WHAT THEY ARE.

Have you wondered all this time about whether or not your gal pal Kaitlin had massive social anxiety? Well you'll get your answer here. 

In this episode, I talk about scary teenagers, trauma, & my recent whirlwind of skateboarding—all to bring home the biggest reflection I've made in my life: fear is a sign that we care. And it's well worth it for us to walk towards it with open arms rather than run away and hide.

What's up everyone, it's ya girl, Kaitlin. I wanted to leave the bio at just that but alas, that's not what bios are meant for. In this episode, I talk about this ageless question of "what's the best decision?" I find it really difficult to navigate moments when I need to step back from something—like bailing on plans or giving up some responsibility or taking a break—because I've been trained to doubt my intentions. And that's what this one is about.

My dear, dear friend gave me the idea to talk about journaling on the pod after she listened to the "Livestreaming" episode, as a way to talk about how we can all livestream when we are on our own and don't have someone else to listen to us babble. I wanted to share a few different ways that *I* personally journal that differ from the stereotypical "Dear Diary" format. I was heckin' scattered in this one so enjoy the ride hahaha.

Do you even lift, bro? We had our first guest episode on the pod! And oh boy, was it ever fun. Personal Trainer Conor Shirton tells tales from the squat rack and gives a fitness-perspective on themes of fear, shame, & motivation. 

Calling all archers, swordsmen, and shielders (I'm not a history/war person so I really need to drop this metaphor)! Or in more relevant terms, calling all passive people, angry people, or defensive/avoidant people!!! It's time to take a pause and check in with yourself. You're listening to a psychotherapist—did you really think I was gonna let you sit back and never do the work? 

In this episode, I thought it would be helpful to give some actual (clinical) labels to the ways that we fight with, avoid, or deny our true selves—AND give you a downloadable worksheet to boot (link below)! Based on the model of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, I talk about the different ways we can be present, open up, and do what matters. These are the underlying processes that I assess & check-in on to gauge how my clients (and myself) are doing on a regular basis.