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

In this episode, hosts Dustin Oliver and Ryan Austin, a licensed professional counselor, dive deep into the world of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy. Together, they explore how IFS helps individuals understand their inner parts, navigate emotional trauma, and reconnect with their core Self-energy for lasting healing.

Ryan shares insights from his clinical work, including his experience with accountability courts, and discusses how childhood patterns, coping mechanisms, and numbing behaviors like addiction impact adult relationships and mental health.

The conversation also touches on the privilege of setting boundaries, cultural views of therapy, and the critical role of trust in the therapeutic process. Whether you're a therapist, someone in therapy, or curious about how IFS can help you heal, this episode offers a thoughtful, accessible introduction to one of today’s most transformative therapeutic modalities.

Connect with Ryan Austin:

Ryan Austin Therapy

Connect with boy meets therapy:

Instagram: ⁠⁠@boymeetstherapy⁠⁠

TikTok: ⁠@boymeetstherapy⁠

Website with Free Resources: ⁠boymeetstherapy.com

Episode Guide & Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Name Struggles

01:49 Ryan's Journey as a Licensed Professional Counselor

05:22 Understanding Accountability Court

10:04 Introduction to Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy

17:23 The Deeper Meaning of Therapy and Self-Care

22:46 Navigating Financial Fears and Self-Validation

24:32 The Impact of Cultural Perspectives on Therapy

26:13 The Privilege of Setting Boundaries

28:21 The Importance of Therapeutic Relationships

30:29 Understanding Core Self-Energy

36:05 Using IFS to Treat Trauma

40:25 Patterns from Childhood and Relationship Dynamics

45:28 Breaking Patterns: The Journey of Self-Discovery

51:06 Numbing and Addiction: Coping Mechanisms Explored

56:24 Listening to Our Parts: A Path to Self-Understanding

01:00:14 The Importance of Trust in Therapy

01:05:32 Sitting in the Slow: Embracing the Journey

Created and Produced by Dustin Oliver

In this episode, Dustin Oliver sits down with counseling graduate student Bailey McFadden to talk about the real-life journey through psychology education—from undergrad to grad school and beyond. They discuss why they both chose to pursue master’s degrees over PhDs, how to evaluate faith-integrated counseling programs, and what it’s really like working in internship settings. Bailey shares her experiences navigating clinical training, community support, and the pressure to “do it all” in grad school. Whether you're exploring mental health careers, considering a graduate degree, or already deep in your training, this candid conversation offers insight, encouragement, and practical advice.

Connect with Bailey McFadden:

Instagram: @genzcounselorb

TikTok: @genzcounselorb

Connect with boy meets therapy:

Instagram: ⁠@boymeetstherapy⁠

TikTok: ⁠@boymeetstherapy⁠

Website with Free Resources: boymeetstherapy.com

Episode Guide & Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:07 Undergraduate Experience in Psychology

06:04 Transitioning to Graduate School

09:01 Working in a Psychiatric Unit

12:09 Advice for Aspiring Psychologists

15:11 Study Abroad Experiences

17:47 Choosing a Graduate Program

20:51 Faith Integration in Counseling

24:05 The Role of Spirituality in Therapy

28:00 Navigating Faith Integration in Counseling Programs

29:51 The PhD Dilemma: To Pursue or Not?

35:48 Internship Insights: What to Expect

43:55 Finding Support and Community in Grad School

Created and Produced by Dustin Oliver.

In this episode, host Dustin Oliver sits down with child and adolescent therapist Chandler Donny to explore the unique challenges and breakthroughs in therapy with young clients. They dive into topics like OCD in children, the emotional impact of divorce, and how to build trust with resistant or withdrawn kids. Chandler shares clinical insights on the importance of confidentiality, psychoeducation, and engaging parents in the therapeutic process. The conversation also touches on Relational Cultural Theory, LGBTQ-affirming care, and the role of cultural understanding in effective mental health treatment. Whether you're a therapist, parent, or mental health professional, this episode offers valuable guidance on navigating the complex world of child and teen therapy.

Each week, we talk with clinicians about their areas of expertise, their connections to therapy, and how they use their tools in session.

Connect with Chandler Donny:

Therapy

Connect with boy meets therapy:

Instagram: @boymeetstherapy

TikTok: @boymeetstherapy

Website with Free Resources: boymeetstherapy.com

Episode Guide & Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Connection

01:46 Chandler's Journey into Therapy

07:28 Specialization in Working with Teens

09:40 Common Issues in Child Therapy

10:32 Navigating Divorce and Its Impact on Children

11:50 Integrating Parents in Child Therapy

17:01 Confidentiality and Trust in Therapy

19:57 Building Rapport with Resistant Clients

23:18 Understanding Relational Cultural Theory

30:40 Exploring Client Relationships and Dynamics

37:41 Navigating Childhood Therapy and Accountability

42:54 Understanding OCD in Children

49:20 The Importance of the Therapeutic Relationship

Created and Produced by Dustin Oliver.

What if recovery wasn’t just about stopping the use of a substance — but about understanding why it was there in the first place?

In this episode, I speak with Julie River, LPC, NCC, clinical director and therapist at Atlas Behavioral Health, about what truly person-centered substance use treatment can look like. We explore the daily experience of clients in recovery programs, the role of group therapy, and how therapists can support emotional sobriety, boundary-setting, and harm reduction with empathy and nuance.

Whether you’re a clinician, student, or someone navigating their own healing journey, Julie brings thoughtful insight into how treatment can move beyond stereotypes — and toward connection, curiosity, and lasting change.

Connect with Julie River:

Therapy

Atlas Behavioral Health

Connect with boy meets therapy:

Instagram: ⁠⁠@boymeetstherapy⁠⁠

TikTok: ⁠@boymeetstherapy⁠

Website with Free Resources: ⁠boymeetstherapy.com

Episode Guide & Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Personal Background

02:59 Understanding Substance Use Disorder Treatment

05:51 Daily Life in Treatment Programs

09:08 Innovative Therapeutic Approaches

12:04 Client Reactions to Alternative Therapies

14:53 Co-occurring Disorders and Their Impact

17:46 The Complexity of Diagnosing Disorders

20:58 Interpersonal Dynamics in Group Therapy

23:53 Managing Resentments and Emotions

26:53 Facilitating Group Interactions

30:06 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

35:45 Understanding Boundaries in Relationships

40:10 The Concept of Emotional Sobriety

45:05 Navigating Sober Curiosity

49:49 The Spectrum of Addiction

54:26 Harm Reduction in Substance Use Treatment

58:24 The Misconceptions of Addiction Treatment

This episode focuses on trauma-informed therapy and working with survivors of abuse. We explore how to build trust, address denial, and apply attachment theory in clinical practice. The conversation also highlights the role of supervision, therapeutic alliances, and navigating power dynamics. Special attention is given to supporting trans and gender non-conforming clients through anti-oppressive, empathetic, and empowering approaches.

Each week we talk with clinicians about their areas of expertise, their connections to therapy, and how they use their tools in session.

Connect with Sakinaa Rock:

Sakinaa Rock Therapy

Connect with boy meets therapy:

Instagram: ⁠@boymeetstherapy⁠

TikTok: @boymeetstherapy

Website with Free Resources: boymeetstherapy.com

Episode Guide & Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:08 Theoretical Perspectives in Social Work

05:58 Understanding Client Populations

08:58 Building Trust and Safety in Therapy

11:55 Working with Survivors of Abuse

14:57 Navigating Denial and Confrontation

17:59 The Role of Supervision in Therapy

20:49 Attachment Theory and Its Impact

23:59 Unlearning Harmful Relational Patterns

31:03 Navigating Client Emotions and Healthy Responses

32:03 Confronting Disagreements in Therapy

32:51 The Role of Power and Oppression in Therapy

33:51 Addressing Misogyny in Client Interactions

36:14 Challenging Heteronormative Dynamics in Queer Relationships

37:00 Exploring Power Dynamics in Kink Relationships

41:02 Understanding Trans and Gender Non-Conforming Experiences

49:57 The Therapist's Responsibility in Anti-Oppressive Practice

Created and Produced by Dustin Oliver