Episodios

  • Ep 92: Narcissistic Abuse When It Intersects with Chronic Pain - Insights from Pamela Madsen

    Ep 92: Narcissistic Abuse When It Intersects with Chronic Pain - Insights from Pamela Madsen
    May 19 2025
    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.
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    56 m
  • Ep 91: Eliminating Medical Debt: How DollarFor Is Helping Patients Access Hospital Charity Care

    Ep 91: Eliminating Medical Debt: How DollarFor Is Helping Patients Access Hospital Charity Care
    May 3 2025
    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.
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    39 m
  • Ep 90: The Medical System Wants To Scapegoat You - Don't Let Them w/ Jackie Williams-Reade, PhD, LMFT, LCPC

    Ep 90: The Medical System Wants To Scapegoat You - Don't Let Them w/ Jackie Williams-Reade, PhD, LMFT, LCPC
    Apr 24 2025

    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 / TikTok

    MEET GUEST: Website / Jackie’s Textbook for Medical Professionals


    → SIGN UP FOR DESTINY'S NEXT LIVE WORKSHOP


    → READ THE BLOG FOR THIS EPISODE


    ASK DESTINY ANYTHING

    → Submit your questions here


    FOR 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

    🛋️ 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.
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    52 m
  • Ep 89: Finding Purpose Through Pain - A Therapist's Journey with Chronic Illness w/ Danielle McDowell

    Ep 89: Finding Purpose Through Pain - A Therapist's Journey with Chronic Illness w/ Danielle McDowell
    Apr 20 2025

    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 / TikTok


    MEET DANIELLE: Website / Instagram / Danielle's TedTalk! The Painful And Necessary Work of Collective Healing


    JOIN DESTINY’S MEMBERSHIP - for folks with chronic pain & illness

    → Join Welcome To The Waiting Room


    ASK DESTINY ANYTHING

    → Submit your questions here


    FOR 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)
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    53 m
  • Ep 88: Trusting Yourself - A Conversation on Women's Health Advocacy w/ Kara Cruz

    Ep 88: Trusting Yourself - A Conversation on Women's Health Advocacy w/ Kara Cruz
    Apr 17 2025
    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.
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    39 m
  • Ep 87: The Five Root Causes of Chronic Fatigue: Insights from Dr. Jenny Tufenkian

    Ep 87: The Five Root Causes of Chronic Fatigue: Insights from Dr. Jenny Tufenkian
    Apr 4 2025
    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
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    59 m
  • Ep 86: Bigger than Pain: Insights on Improving Movement, Sleep, and Healing w/ David McGettigan

    Ep 86: Bigger than Pain: Insights on Improving Movement, Sleep, and Healing w/ David McGettigan
    Mar 22 2025
    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.
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    52 m
  • Ep 85: Strength Training For Fibromyalgia w/ Rachel Smith MS, CPT

    Ep 85: Strength Training For Fibromyalgia w/ Rachel Smith MS, CPT
    Mar 13 2025
    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.
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    58 m
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