back from the borderline

By: mollie adler
  • Summary

  • I don’t want to talk to your personality; I want to talk to your soul. Imagine if your most painful and debilitating mental health symptoms and self-sabotaging behaviors aren’t evidence of 'disorder' or 'dysfunction', but adaptive strategies that once kept you safe. My goal is to help you shift from asking ‘What’s wrong with me?’ to ‘What happened to me?’


    The word ‘borderline’ in this podcast isn’t about psychiatric labels. It’s about coming back from the inner psychological brink we all experience. Everyone has found themselves on the edge, in that liminal space where the old self falls apart and the new Self emerges. Here, we explore what it means to undergo true emotional alchemy: that ancient and primordial process of falling apart, confronting the underworld of our psyche, and falling back together into someone stronger, wiser, and more whole.


    Many highly sensitive people who identify with the seemingly never-ending list of diagnostic mental health labels contained within ‘the bible of psychiatry’ (the DSM) share the same underlying sense of being irreparably broken, disconnected from their intuition, and paralyzed by life’s existential questions. I believe the resulting—and perfectly understandable—chronic feelings of emptiness and spiritual starvation are the TRUE causes of our current collective ‘mental health crisis.’


    Together, we’ll dive into depth psychology, mythology, human consciousness, critical psychiatry, and the impact of trauma to help you begin the process of emotional alchemy. This exploration will help you get to the root cause of your suffering and free yourself from the toxic shame, limiting beliefs, and mental programming that have kept you locked in the chains of your past.


    In an era where mental health and spirituality are too often commercialized, I’m not here as a guru with a quick fix to sell you. I don’t believe anyone is ever truly ‘healed’ or ‘cured.’ There is no return to some mythical state of pre-trauma purity, but rather a continuous spiral of unbecoming, unlearning, and transformation. As a fellow seeker, I will be there in your ear, walking alongside you on your path toward wholeness as a sort of parasocial big sister. That, I can promise.


    By integrating the concepts we explore together, you’ll begin to see that anyone—even you—can come back from the borderline.


    CRAVING MORE? Visit backfromtheborderline.com to dive into my universe, connect with me, access my Patreon, and discover more about my journey and work. Don’t forget to follow Back from the Borderline so new episodes on Tuesdays and Thursdays automatically drop into your podcast feed.

    acast+ https://plus.acast.com/s/back-from-the-borderline.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    mollie adler
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Episodes
  • dysfunctional family roles – part 5: hidden agendas (the peacemaker/mediator and narcissistic traits) [preview]
    Feb 20 2025

    Welcome back to our deep dive into the heart of dysfunctional family dynamics. This is the final episode of our series where each segment builds upon the last, further unraveling the complex roles that shape not just family life but our individual paths. If this is your first time joining us, consider starting with Episode 1, "Dysfunctional Family Roles – Part 1: Decoding the Dynamics of Dysfunction," to catch the full scope of our exploration. In this episode, we're capping off our series by examining two pivotal roles in the dance of family dynamics: The Peacemaker/Mediator and those with Narcissistic Traits. In this episode, we delve deep into these roles and their intricate interrelations—exploring how peacemakers often find themselves entangled with narcissistic behaviors, both overt and covert, and the profound impact these dynamics have on family systems.

    Why do some individuals take on the role of the peacekeeper, and how might this well-intentioned behavior enable narcissistic manipulation? How does covert narcissism mask itself as peacemaking, complicating the detection and understanding of these traits within familial relationships? We'll dissect these roles to understand the toll they take on those who bear them and the broader implications for the family. Drawing from real-life narratives, including personal accounts from Reddit, we explore the challenges and coping mechanisms of those enmeshed in these roles. From the overt displays of narcissism to the hidden agendas of the covert narcissist, we unpack how these dynamics play out in real-world settings, shaping everything from personal development to family equilibrium.

    Join me as we conclude our exploration, aiming not only to unveil the complex layers of these roles but also to provide insights and strategies for recognizing and breaking free from the dysfunctional patterns they often sustain. Let's peel back the final layers of family myths to reveal the stark realities that lie beneath, offering pathways to understanding and healing.

    TIME STAMPS:

    04:34.69 – 41:32.16: PART 1 (Introducing the Peacemaker/Mediator role, its characteristics, impact on family dynamics, emotional and psychological toll, and common signs to identify peacemakers. Disclaimer on diagnosing personality disorders, understanding narcissistic traits, and discussion on overt narcissism.)

    41:32.16 – 01:21:40.41: PART 2 (Exploration of covert and malignant narcissism, their characteristics, impact on relationships, covert narcissism deception, distinguishing between true peacemakers and covert narcissists, interaction dynamics, real-world implications, strategies for recognition and adaptation, cultural variations, and the impact on family dynamics. Concluding with a segment on healing and breaking free from dysfunctional family roles.)


    Enjoyed this episode? Explore more as a Premium Submarine. Dive deep into hundreds of hours of ad-free exclusive content and full-length episodes on Patreon, including my original BPD recovery series, guided meditations, and much more. Click here to preview the premium collections you’ll unlock access to for as little as a couple of cups of coffee a month. Learn more and join at backfromtheborderline.com.


    The information contained in this podcast episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for treatment or consultation with a licensed mental health professional.

    acast+ https://plus.acast.com/s/back-from-the-borderline.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    45 mins
  • mind unveiled part 6: the individuation process as spiritual ascent (integrating outer psychology, personality types, and the mystical qabalah)
    Feb 18 2025

    Have you ever wondered what it truly means to become your most authentic self? To integrate all aspects of your being—both conscious and unconscious—and embark on a profound journey of self-realization? Welcome to the final episode of our 'Mind Unveiled' series, where we explore the transformative process of individuation, as envisioned by Carl Jung. In this episode, I'll guide you through the concept of individuation, defining it as the journey toward becoming a complete, self-realized individual. We’ll delve into how this holistic and spiritual approach differs from traditional models of healing in mainstream biomedical mental health. Discover why individuation is crucial for personal growth and psychological well-being, and learn about the balance and harmony it aims to achieve between the conscious and unconscious aspects of the psyche.


    We’ll also explore the role of outer psychology and personality types in individuation. You'll learn how Jung distinguished between introverted and extroverted personality types and how this distinction plays into the individuation process. We'll break down the organization of personality types according to Jung’s model, focusing on the four faculties: sensing, thinking, feeling, and intuition, and illustrate how these faculties interact and contribute to your journey of self-discovery.


    Furthermore, we’ll dive into the spiritual dimensions of individuation, discussing how Jung viewed it as a spiritual journey and the significance of his use of spiritual terminology. We'll explore how Jung’s system of individuation complements the mystical Qabalah, highlighting parallels like the Tree of Life and the process of spiritual ascent. By integrating psychological and spiritual growth, you’ll understand how to achieve a more holistic and enriched life. Finally, I'll provide practical advice to help you embark on your own individuation journey, encouraging self-reflection, mindfulness, and the exploration of dreams and fantasies as tools for self-discovery. Join me for this transformative conclusion to our series, and take the next step on your path to becoming your true self. Don’t miss out on this comprehensive exploration of the individuation process and its profound impact on your personal and spiritual growth. Tune in and discover how to integrate all facets of your being for a richer, more fulfilling life.


    Enjoyed this episode? Explore more as a Premium Submarine. Dive deep into hundreds of hours of ad-free exclusive content and full-length episodes on Patreon, including my original BPD recovery series, guided meditations, and much more. Click here to preview the premium collections you’ll unlock access to for as little as a couple of cups of coffee a month. Learn more and join at backfromtheborderline.com.


    The information contained in this podcast episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for treatment or consultation with a licensed mental health professional.

    acast+ https://plus.acast.com/s/back-from-the-borderline.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • dysfunctional family roles – part 4: avoidance strategies (the mascot/clown and the lost child/rebel) [preview]
    Feb 13 2025

    Welcome back to our deep dive into the complexities of dysfunctional family dynamics. You're tuning into Episode 4 of our series, where each segment builds on the last, further unraveling the roles that shape not just family life but our individual identities. If this is your first time joining us, consider starting with Episode 1, "Dysfunctional Family Roles – Part 1: Decoding the Dynamics of Dysfunction," to catch the full scope of our exploration. In this episode, we're examining avoidance strategies within dysfunctional families through the unique perspectives of The Mascot/Clown and The Lost Child/Rebel. Why do some turn to humor as a shield against family tension, while others retreat into silence or rebellion? Together, we'll explore these roles, their development, and the profound impact they have on personal growth and family dynamics.

    Drawing from genuine conversations and personal stories shared on platforms like Reddit, we delve into the lives of those who've navigated these roles. From the Mascot/Clown, often seen lightening the mood at their own emotional expense, to the Lost Child/Rebel, hiding in plain sight or pushing back against family norms, we'll uncover how these strategies serve as coping mechanisms that both maintain and challenge family equilibrium. Join me as we dissect how these avoidance strategies not only reflect but also shape the core identities of those who employ them, influencing their interactions both within and beyond the family context.

    TIME STAMPS:

    00:00 – 20:50.26: PART 1 (Examining how avoidance strategies manifest through humor and withdrawal in dysfunctional families; grouping roles for their commonality in avoiding stress; understanding these strategies in family dynamics. Defines Mascot/Clown role, its origins in family instability, psychological impact, and coping mechanisms, including the connection with comedians.)

    20:50.26 – 43:18.85: PART 2 (Defines Lost Child/Rebel role, its origins in feeling overlooked, and psychological impacts like isolation. Explores coping mechanisms, portrayals in media, and comparative analysis of how both roles maintain family equilibrium and enable caregivers to avoid confronting family dysfunction.)


    Enjoyed this episode? Explore more as a Premium Submarine. Dive deep into hundreds of hours of ad-free exclusive content and full-length episodes on Patreon, including my original BPD recovery series, guided meditations, and much more. Click here to preview the premium collections you’ll unlock access to for as little as a couple of cups of coffee a month. Learn more and join at backfromtheborderline.com.


    The information contained in this podcast episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for treatment or consultation with a licensed mental health professional.

    acast+ https://plus.acast.com/s/back-from-the-borderline.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    24 mins

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More than just BPD, great mental health pod

I started listening to this podcast to learn more about borderline personality disorder so that I could better understand a loved one with BPD traits. Mollie is uniquely qualified to host this podcast as someone who is on her own journey with BPD. There's been a wealth of useful information here as well as destigmatizing of BPD. I think this podcast is valuable to anyone struggling with regulating their emotions or to their loved ones, not just to people with a BPD diagnosis or suspected BPD. Mollie is so generous with her experience and her knowledge and her voice is very soothing, which makes these a very easy listen.

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Beautiful

Helps me truly do the emotional alchemy talked about on here I feel
Honest, insightful, compassionate, and smart in all the best ways

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View from a parents eye

This Podcast has helped me incredibly. As a parent of a fourteen year old daughter who has not “officially” been diagnosed with BPD, but displays all of the characteristics, BFTB has helped open my eyes. I have been unable to understand what my daughter is going through, as she has never been able to talk to me about what she’s feeling. Hearing all of this explained through the experiences of Mollie, and her guests really has changed the way I see behaviors with her. There is invaluable information here.

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Amazing, to say the least.

Amazing podcast; Extremely informative and thought provoking. I love how it helps to inform about bpd and cptsd with a compassionate lens. The added touch of spirituality adds a fresh and lovely blend. Mollie never fails to deliver each topic, and no topic seems gratuitous. This podcast helps many with bpd to come to terms with their condition and for individuals to have compassion for themselves. Thank you, Mollie. You help a lot of people like myself to feel seen.

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Poignant, relevant, accurate!

I am in love. I just discovered this today and I've already listened to 13 episodes...some of them twice! Mollie is a delight to listen to. Her language is hard-hitting and authentic. Her research is real, her guests are genuine, and her conversations are raw. Great resources--books, social accounts, podcasts, songs, interviews, etc. I've gone through a half box of tissues, and I've almost peed myself laughing. For my first podcast ever, this did not disappoint!!!

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