The Fight With Our Feelings
By Kaitlin Baldwin
The Fight With Our FeelingsNov 17, 2021
Episode 28: "I've Been Crap at Communication"
Oh boy, she's here, she's alone, and she's talking about about all the shitty things she's done recently š 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 weeksāsome 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 ā¤
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Interested in working with Kaitlin? Contact her now to see if she's the right therapist for you.
Did you like this episode of The Fight With Our Feelings? Be sure to follow & subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episodeāand don't forget to write a review on Apple Podcasts!
Episode 27: Embracing the Suffering of a 100-km Run (with Jordan Ford)
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!
If you want to learn more about Jordan or his journey, you can check out his YouTube page here. You can also check out his business O.M.T. for apparel or fitness accessories.
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Interested in working with Kaitlin? Contact her now to see if she's the right therapist for you.
Did you like this episode of The Fight With Our Feelings? Be sure to follow & subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episodeāand don't forget to write a review on Apple Podcasts!
Episode 26: No Fear-Based Decisions (with Brittany Barratt)
The podcast is baaaaaaaack. After a long break (did you miss me?), I'm back with the wonderful Brittany Barratt, Registered Psychotherapist, to discuss the highs and lows of running a business. I've long been in awe with Brittany's perseverance and dedication, and in this episode, we talk about the challenges she faced and the stories of failure and scarcity that tend to plague the minds of entrepreneurs. We also dig into some of the processes of ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) and how we've both had to use it to support ourselves personally through the good and bad times. You can find out more about Brittany and her team by visiting reboundtotalhealth.ca
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Interested in working with Kaitlin? Contact her now to see if she's the right therapist for you.
Did you like this episode of The Fight With Our Feelings? Be sure to follow & subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episodeāand don't forget to write a review on Apple Podcasts!
taking a break - be back in the fall
Hey everyone, here's a super quick update about the podcast coming to a TEMPORARY end. I've decided to pause all my content-production over the summer months so that I can focus in on my client work, professional development, and just being me (outside of therapy). Thank you all for listening so far and there are many episodes that you can listen to in my absence. I'll be back in the fall!
Episode 25: Marines and Mental Health (with Paul Flynn)
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!Ā
Interested in working with Kaitlin? Contact her now to see if she's the right therapist for you.
Did you like this episode of The Fight With Our Feelings? Be sure to follow & subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episodeāand don't forget to write a review on Apple Podcasts!
Episode 24: Creating Your Own Standard for Support (with Vanessa Nicholson)
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 peopleābut 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. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------Ā
Interested in working with Kaitlin? Contact her now to see if she's the right therapist for you.
Did you like this episode of The Fight With Our Feelings? Be sure to follow & subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episodeāand don't forget to write a review on Apple Podcasts!
Episode 23: Love Is Blind RECAP (with Taylor Elgie)
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 š 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.
Catch the VIDEO version on YouTube if you wanna see our lovely faces.
Episode 22: Staying In It (with RenƩe Ly)
Registered Psychotherapist RenĆ©e 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 Peruādefinitely wasn't prepared to get COVID there, but that's a story for another timeāand 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 RenĆ©e for sharing your lovely spirit (:
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Interested in working with Kaitlin? Contact her now to see if she's the right therapist for you.
Did you like this episode of The Fight With Our Feelings? Be sure to follow & subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episodeāand don't forget to write a review on Apple Podcasts!
Episode 21: Following Your Passion (with Natalie Fougere)
Episode 20: The Importance of Community and Connection (with Taha Arshad)
Apologies in advance for the audio cracks on this... I'm still learning about technology š
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.Ā
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Interested in working with Kaitlin? Contact her now to see if she's the right therapist for you.
Did you like this episode of The Fight With Our Feelings? Be sure to follow & subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episodeāand don't forget to write a review on Apple Podcasts!
Episode 19: Humans, Not Diagnoses (with Allison Gibson)
Holiday Break / Schedule for the New Year
Trailer
idk, it's a trailer
Episode 17: Social Media Monster (with Conor Shirton)
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!Ā
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Interested in working with Kaitlin? Contact her now to see if she's the right therapist for you.
Did you like this episode of The Fight With Our Feelings? Be sure to follow & subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episodeāand don't forget to write a review on Apple Podcasts!
Episode 16: Rescue Clients (with Renee Ly)
Episode 15: Seasonal Affective Disorder
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:
- sun lamp / light therapy lamp (range between $40-$150) (couldn't find the exact one that I use but this is the same company)Ā
- vitamin D supplements
- commit to 1 outdoor activity per day
- let in natural light (keep your blinds open!)
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Interested in working with Kaitlin? Contact her now to see if she's the right therapist for you.
Did you like this episode of The Fight With Our Feelings? Be sure to follow & subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episodeāand don't forget to write a review on Apple Podcasts!
Episode 14: Doin' Yourself Dirty
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.
Interested in working with Kaitlin? Contact her now to see if she's the right therapist for you.
Did you like this episode of The Fight With Our Feelings? Be sure to follow & subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode.
Episode 13: I'm All Alone
I decided to record an episode fresh off of an hour and a half of crying. Why? No clue. Was it worth it? Absolutely.Ā
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!
Interested in working with Kaitlin? Contact her now to see if she's the right therapist for you.
Did you like this episode of The Fight With Our Feelings? Be sure to follow & subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode.
Episode 12: Towards the Frickin' Fear
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.Ā
In this episode, I talk about scary teenagers, trauma, & my recent whirlwind of skateboardingāall 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.
Interested in working with Kaitlin? Contact her now to see if she's the right therapist for you.
Did you like this episode of The Fight With Our Feelings? Be sure to follow & subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode.
Episode 11: Am I Faking It?
What's up everyone, it's ya girl, Kaitlin.Ā 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 somethingālike bailing on plans or giving up some responsibility or taking a breakābecause I've been trained to doubt my intentions. And that's what this one is about.
Interested in working with Kaitlin? Contact her now to see if she's the right therapist for you.
Did you like this episode of The Fight With Our Feelings? Be sure to follow & subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode.
Meditation for Transferring Anxious Energy
I recorded this about a month ago, literally seconds after I woke up & was flooded with anxiety. It also has musicāwoo!
Episode 10: Three Ways to Journal
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.
Interested in working with Kaitlin? Contact her now to see if she's the right therapist for you.
Did you like this episode of The Fight With Our Feelings? Be sure to follow & subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode.
Episode 9: Embracing Discomfort (with Conor Shirton)
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.Ā
Interested in working with Kaitlin? Contact her now to see if she's the right therapist for you.
Did you like this episode of The Fight With Our Feelings? Be sure to follow & subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode.
Episode 8: A Routine for Self-Awareness
Iām in a cemetery talking to the trees (and all of you). It's also time that I give you the key, the answer, the solution you've all been waiting for..................................................................................................................................... it's mindfulness. And it's easier than you might think. In this episode, I talk about my own hesitations around mindfulness & meditation, then I walk through ways that you can bring it into your own lifeāwith structured goals & spontaneous sessions!
Meditation to Slow Down with a Task
I had to hold this epoxy glue together for 5 minutes so here's a quick meditation to slow down while completing a task.
Episode 7: I'm Rooting for You
This one is all about the good, warm, fuzzy feelings that we get when we actually do the workāand why I chose to be the therapist that I am. I've spent these first few episodes talking about the fight or how & why we do it, but I haven't really spoken to the overwhelming pride & relief we feel when we stop fighting. And in particular, why I care so much about this work. I talk about my incredible gratitude for every single one of my clients & every single one of you that chooses to do the work.
Episode 6: Livestreaming: A Relationship Saver
Relationships, am I right? With my partner's permission, I spent today's episode discussing this thing we do called "livestreaming." Basically, it's when we are feeling some type of way, and we get to word-vomit out whatever feelings and thoughts and worries are coming up so that we can process it a little easier. There's no benefit to keeping stuff inside, AND, there are many ways to say how we feel without blaming the other person. Listen to me ramble for under 22 minutes (wowāfirst time ever?) as I get real honest about relationship insecurity.
Episode 5: Am I Fighting?
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 psychotherapistādid you really think I was gonna let you sit back and never do the work?Ā
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 selvesāAND 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.
CHECK-IN WORKSHEET: https://www.baldwinpsychotherapy.com/self-help-resources
Episode 4: Control is a Fighting Word
People tell me they want to "control" their feelings better all the time. Like, all the time. And this stirs up a bag of mixed feelings for me because I know that control is the opposite of freedom. Control does not allow room for self-compassion. Control does not lend itself well to reality. In this episode, I talk about the reasons why we usually crave control, how my understanding of the word control changed after a terrible relationship, and how we can feel good & proud about our responses without having to limit, constrain, or deny our true feelings.
Episode 3: Wounding Ourselves
In this episode, I describe 5 ways that we hurt ourselves on a daily basis: numbing, distracting, denying, projecting, & shaming. I also added in a little bonus discussion about how anxiety can feel like we're more in control and more "productive" than feeling sad, lonely, or hopeless. I thought it was important to talk about these actual methods of fighting & avoidance before talking about all the other good stuff; sometimes I forget that this isn't common knowledge to everyone and I know I'll be referencing these terms a lot, so I wanted to bring them up early on.
I'll be off as of NOW for 1 week so please listen & don't talk to me š Ā I'll be out in a cabin with no service anyways so I'm totally jokingāany and all feedback is massively appreciated!Ā
Episode 2: Less Buts, More Ands.
It's the SECOND episode of the pod!! Still very scary & very exciting. In this episode, I talk about the duality of our experiences; how we can feel, think, sense, or want opposing things at the same time. First, I share a little bit more about me & my fight, break down the "singularity" mindset, explain the importance of duality, and pause awkwardly as I hear a motorcycle drive by. I also swore a few times (woopsāsorry mom).Ā
5 Minute Simple Meditation
I use a variation of this meditation with myself and a lot of my clients. I wanted to present it in a few ways, with different lengths, so that you can use one that's accessible to you.
3 Minute Simple Meditation
I use a variation of this meditation with myself and a lot of my clients. I wanted to present it in a few ways, with different lengths, so that you can use one that's accessible to you.
1 Minute Simple Meditation
I use a variation of this meditation with myself and a lot of my clients. I wanted to present it in a few ways, with different lengths, so that you can use one that's accessible to you.Ā
Episode 1: The Struggle is Real
It's the first episode of the pod!!! I wanted to open things up by being a little vulnerable, a little scared, and totally honest. I explain what I mean by "the fight," talk about experiential avoidance, and have a really tender moment near the end. There was also a power outage halfway through recording which was fun to deal with. Thanks for listening; it means the world to me.