Shows
A Little Help For Our FriendsComplex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (cPTSD): What is it and how does it compare to borderline personality disorderThis episode describes what complex Post Traumatic Stress disorder (cPTSD) is, how it's diagnosed, and how it's different to similar disorders like PTSD and borderline personality disorder. This episode was inspired by the angry comments on Dr. Kibby's latest reel on spotting emotion dysregulation in borderline personality disorder. When someone has a history of childhood trauma and they struggle with intense emotions, self-esteem issues, and relationship problems- what disorder do they have? In this episode, Dr. Kibby delves into the criteria for complex PTSD, which is still not an official disorder in the DSM-V. Yet, so many...
2026-02-111h 05A Little Help For Our FriendsThe Man-Child Syndrome: The Psychology of Men Who Refuse to Grow UpIn this episode, Dr. Kibby breaks down the psychology behind the "Man-Child Syndrome," when men stay emotionally immature and avoid real responsibility.Do you know a grown man who clearly wants to stay a boy forever? Maybe he's fun, charismatic, adventurous and creative but...he runs away from adulthood. He's afraid of commitment, avoids responsibilities, and expects everyone else to take care of him. If so, you're familiar with the Man-Child Syndrome.Dr. Kibby analyzes the "Man-Child" (also called the "Peter Pan Syndrome") and discusses the tell-tale signs of...
2026-01-281h 24A Little Help For Our FriendsFrom Toxic Patterns to a Healthy Marriage: 5 Mindset Shifts To Find "The One"This episode shares five mindset shifts that helped Dr. Kibby stop chasing toxic relationships and finally find a real life partner.How do you know when you've found "the one"? Disney movies and rom coms aside, how do we even figure out who should we spend the rest of our lives with? Dr. Kibby breaks down the five giant shifts in perspective that led her to the right husband: choosing a partner who can truly care for you “in sickness and in health,” ending the urge to heal childhood wounds by repeating old patterns, prioritizing someone who will...
2026-01-2254 min
A Little Help For Our FriendsWhy 2025 Was a Lonely Year And How To Rebuild ConnectionMessage us here!Well, 2025 is almost over and by all accounts, it was one of the hardest for mental health across America. The past year felt like emotional sandpaper: unstable jobs, AI anxiety, and a constant stream of obligations that made even simple days feel crowded. Beneath all that noise, a quieter force did much of the damage: loneliness. In this episode, Dr. Kibby unpacks why January often hits hardest after the holidays, why being surrounded by people can still feel empty, and how one-way relationships quietly burn us out.Dr. Kibby discusses a candid...
2025-12-3141 min
A Little Help For Our FriendsSo Long, Co-Host; Hello, Crippling Self-Doubt and New FrontiersMessage us here!Little Helpers, this is a new era for this community: This is my first episode as the solo host of "A Little Help For Our Friends." It's Dr. Kibby and we're saying goodbye to my beloved co-host, Jacqueline Trumbull as she moves on from this podcast. This will be a new phase focused on what made this community matter from day one: centering caregivers, loved ones, people-pleasers, and supporters who carry the unseen weight of mental illness and addiction.I revisit the show’s roots in evidence-based tools and how it grew in...
2025-10-3038 min
A Little Help For Our FriendsInterview with Jordon Monroe: Healing Narcissism With Honesty And HeartMessage us here!To open Season 6 with a bang, we start where most hot takes end: with a self-aware narcissist describing his collapse, the shame behind the mask, and the painstaking choices that made empathy real. Jordan Monroe, a former tech founder turned emotional healing coach, joins us to explore a grounded path out of grandiosity, defensiveness, and reality wars—without dismissing the deep harm survivors endure.We dig into what actually shifts behavior. Jordan explains why many narcissists don’t lack empathy so much as defend against it, and how guided “heart-opening” experiences help clients...
2025-10-2259 min
A Little Help For Our FriendsSeason 5 Wrap Up: Beating Cancer, Becoming a Psychologist, and Leaping into the Next ChapterMessage us here!What happens when the hamster wheels we've been running on suddenly stop spinning? In this raw and deeply personal Season 5 finale, we pull back the curtain on our own mental health journeys over the past year, revealing the profound transformations that occur when life forces you to confront your deepest wounds.Dr. Kibby shares her post-cancer emotional reckoning, describing how surviving treatment was just the beginning of her healing journey. The conversation turns to our viral self-hatred episode, exploring what happens when you finally see the wounds that have defined your life...
2025-09-1056 min
A Little Help For Our FriendsManifestation: Path to Your Dreams or Just Wishful Thinking?Message us here!What happens when two skeptical psychologists take a deep dive into the world of manifestation? In this episode, we take a look at what "manifestation" is, what is actually based in science...and then we try manifesting for real. We start by acknowledging our initial skepticism about the idea that you can get everything you want just by thinking about it- a practice that became popular from the book "The Secret." But as we peel back the layers, we discover powerful psychological mechanisms that explain why some manifestation practices genuinely work.
2025-09-031h 02
A Little Help For Our FriendsLove Island USA Analysis Part 2: The Emotional Intelligence Behind Reality TV RelationshipsMessage us here!Now that Season 7 of "Love Island USA" has finished, we're unpacking the fascinating psychological dynamics that made this season so compelling.In this episode, we discussed how the men of Love Island gave us a masterclass in modern masculinity. In an era where men's mental health is suffering from isolation and loneliness, these bromances offered a refreshing alternative to toxic masculinity. T It turns out that protecting and providing looks different in 2023, and these men showed what's possible when emotional intelligence takes center stage.The budding romances in the villa...
2025-07-231h 10
A Little Help For Our FriendsThe Hidden Pain of Rejection: Understanding Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria and Its Link to ADHDMessage us here!What happens when criticism feels like a physical blow? For some of you, rejection and criticism trigger an emotional response so intense it has its own name: Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD).In this episode, we deep into the painful world of RSD – that overwhelming feeling of shame and worthlessness that can follow even minor criticism for or rejection. Jacqueline shares a raw, personal story about crying in a supervisor's office following critical feedback, highlighting how even successful people can feel ambushed by the pain of rejection. What's surprising is that th...
2025-07-161h 06
A Little Help For Our FriendsWhen One Chases and the Other Runs: Understanding the Pursuer-Withdrawer Dynamics in CouplesMessage us here!Feeling stuck in the same arguments with your partner? Does it feel like a cycle of one of you is chasing and the other is running away? In this episode, we talk about the problematic cycle behind recurring relationship conflicts through the lens of Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT).We break down the pursuer-withdrawer dynamic: that frustrating cycle where one person pushes for connection while the other pulls away. What looks like rejection or criticism on the surface actually masks deeper attachment needs and fears. You may be the one desperately trying to get...
2025-06-041h 00
A Little Help For Our FriendsSelf-Hatred: Wrestling With The Hidden DemonMessage us here!Have you ever had the unsettling realization that perhaps you don't like yourself very much? That underneath all your accomplishments, relationships, and hard work, there's a persistent voice whispering that you're somehow fundamentally flawed? In this very personal episode, we dive into the connection between childhood trauma and the development of negative core beliefs that can manifest as self-loathing. When children experience abuse or emotional neglect, especially from parents who refuse to acknowledge their harmful behavior, the child often internalizes the belief that they're inherently bad, broken, or unlovable.What makes this...
2025-05-211h 15
A Little Help For Our FriendsSex After Trauma: How PTSD Affects Sexual IntimacyMessage us here!The invisible connection between trauma and sexual intimacy affects countless relationships, yet remains largely hidden in silence and shame. In this episode, we dive deep into why PTSD creates significant barriers to healthy sexual function—even when the original trauma had nothing to do with sex.Sexual arousal shares remarkable physiological similarities with threat response, creating a devastating paradox for trauma survivors. The racing heart, flushed skin, and heightened sensitivity that should signal pleasure become warning signs of danger to a traumatized nervous system. Beyond the physiological responses, trauma rewires our capacity fo...
2025-05-1457 min
A Little Help For Our FriendsInterview with Dr. Jordan Quaglia: The Science of We-Care beyond Self-CareMessage us here!Do we always have to choose between caring for ourselves vs. caring for others? Nope! Dr. Jordan Quaglia, associate professor at Naropa University, introduces us to "We-Care" – a revolutionary approach to caring that blends self-care and caring for others into an integrated practice where they mutually reinforce each other.Drawing from over a decade of research in mindfulness, compassion, and boundaries, Dr. Quaglia explains how self-care has evolved from a medical term to today's ubiquitous wellness practice, but suggests we're now ready for something more interconnected. The conversation delves into "car...
2025-05-071h 11
A Little Help For Our FriendsInterview with Madison Errichiello: Love is Blind, Loss, and Healing through TraumaMessage us here!Madison Errichiello steps out of the "Love is Blind" pods and into a raw, illuminating conversation about healing from trauma and finding strength in vulnerability. Known for her openness about mental health on the show, Madison joins us to reveal the deeper layers behind what viewers saw – and how reality TV editing shaped public perception of her journey."I don't wear this trauma as a coat," Madison explains, addressing misconceptions about her willingness to discuss her difficult past. Growing up between two drastically different households, Madison developed resilience alongside complex relationship patterns. Sh...
2025-04-161h 01
A Little Help For Our FriendsSelf-Pity: The Social Costs of Wallowing In Your TroublesMessage us here!Ever found yourself wanting to scream when someone launches into their hundredth "woe is me" monologue? Yep, we've been there. In this episode, we talk about one of the more isolating coping mechanisms: self-pity.We break down exactly what makes self-pity so aggravating for loved ones—that toxic combination of helplessness, victim mentality, and emotional quicksand that seems to pull everyone down. Unlike genuine sadness or grief, self-pity comes with an external locus of control that rejects solutions while demanding endless reassurance. It's the "help me, help me, but don't help me" dy...
2025-04-0959 min
A Little Help For Our FriendsArrested Development: The Generational Trauma of Emotionally Immature ParentsMessage us here!Are your parents bad at dealing with difficult emotions? Do they fall apart, ignore, criticize or withdraw when you need them the most? Emotional immaturity in parents causes profound ripple effects through generations, creating patterns many of us don't recognize until we're deep into adulthood. Based on Dr. Lindsay Gibson's model of emotional immaturity, we describe the four distinct types of emotionally immature parents —emotional, driven, passive, and rejecting—and how each type uniquely shapes their children's development.We explore why this topic has exploded in popularity, tracing it back to historical cont...
2025-03-121h 02
A Little Help For Our FriendsTransforming Defensiveness: From Conflict to Connection in RelationshipsSend us a text! (add your email to get a response)If defending yourself is important for protecting your self-respect in relationships, then why is "defensiveness" so bad? In this episode, we discuss "acceptable" and "not acceptable" defensiveness and cover strategies to transform those knee-jerk defensive reactions into opportunities for growth and connection. We talk about how to navigate the tricky terrain of criticism—whether it involves character slights or behavior-focused feedback. We peel back the layers of defensiveness, from professional settings to the nuanced dynamics within friendships and romantic relationships. Societal issues like microaggressions pla...
2025-02-191h 11
A Little Help For Our FriendsPlastic Surgery: Navigating Self-Love, Societal Pressure, and Body ImageMessage us here!Is plastic surgery a sign of self-improvement or a lack of self-love? In this episode, we reflect on this question after both of our (first?) major plastic surgery procedures: Kibby's double mastectomy for breast cancer treatment and Jacqueline’s decision to undergo liposuction. We question societal standards and the stigma surrounding body modifications, challenging the notion that altering one's appearance is inherently negative.We address our evolution of body image as we age, where societal norms and personal perceptions often clash. Jacqueline opens up about her journey from being a reality TV st...
2025-01-2257 min
A Little Help For Our FriendsNavigating Boundaries and Grief: Dr. Caitlin Fang's Journey Through Family Mental Health ChallengesMessage us here!When faced with the heart-wrenching decision to set boundaries with a loved one battling mental health issues, the choice is never easy. Many of us choose to estrange ourselves and cut off contact with difficult parents for our own wellbeing, but we also risk losing them forever. In this special episode, psychotherapist Dr. Caitlin Fang returns to share her deeply personal experiences with her mother, who struggled with depression, substance abuse, and schizoaffective disorder. She takes us through the emotional labyrinth of setting boundaries to protect herself and her child, while navigating the turbulent...
2024-12-261h 11
A Little Help For Our FriendsBreaking Free from Narcissistic Parents: Healing, Self-Worth, and Healthier RelationshipsMessage us here!When you grow up in a household where love feels conditional, and your sense of self-worth hinges on meeting impossibly high standards. In this episode, we discuss the challenges faced by those who have navigated life with narcissistic parents. We explore the emotional scars left by such upbringing, including struggles with low self-esteem and attachment issues. We also discuss how our personal and clinical experiences fueled our inspiration to build KulaMind, a community platform dedicated to helping people foster healthier relationships and developing a sense of self-worth coming from a family affected by mental...
2024-12-181h 04
A Little Help For Our FriendsSurviving the Holidays: Tips for maintaining sanity through family dysfunctionMessage us here!Tis the season to be overwhelmed by family dysfunction! The holidays often unravel unresolved family dynamics and we often have to balance time with loved ones and our own sanity. In this episode, we delve into the emotional triggers that resurface during festive gatherings, like feeling like a child again around older relatives. We highlight the contrast between the idealized holiday narrative and the complex reality, especially when trying to set boundaries or deal with family conflicts. We share practical strategies for handling the post-New Year's blues and creating new traditions that embrace diversity a...
2024-11-2743 min
A Little Help For Our FriendsEstrangement: The rising trend of cutting off toxic family membersMessage us here!Welcome back to the first episode of our fifth season! Whether it's a temporary break or a permanent distance, many of us have cut off contact with a family member when the relationship has gotten too difficult. Estrangement is on the rise as more people are deciding to cut off contact with their parents to protect their mental health. In this episode, we discuss the different ways adult children become estranged from their parents and what strategies can support reconciliation. We draw from the teachings of Dr. Joshua Coleman, an expert in families dealing...
2024-10-021h 12
A Little Help For Our FriendsSeason 4 Wrap up: From feeling lost to...a little less lostMessage us here!Well, this year has been trying, to say the least. From losing a beloved pet, coping with cancer, and career transitions, we open up about the challenges we've had to overcome throughout season 4. In this episode, we recap the season and reflect on the strategies we used to rebuild our resilience amidst turbulence. We also dive into how our struggles impacted our friendship, forcing us to face deeper questions about unconditional love. We also remember how much family, friends, and other loved ones play such a huge role in our wellbeing, the inspiration for...
2024-08-1449 min
A Little Help For Our FriendsDating Borderline Personality DisorderMessage us here!Love can feel "dysregulated" even in the best relationships with intense infatuation, disappointments, intimacy, and heartbreak. However, dating someone with borderline personality disorder (BPD) means these ups and downs can get extreme. In this episode, we talk about what it's like to be in a romantic relationship with BPD. We also give tips for people coping with a partner with BPD and other signs of emotion regulation problems.Resources:If you're dating someone with BPD and need support, check out KulaMind or fill out this interest form to learn how Dr...
2024-06-191h 03
A Little Help For Our FriendsEscaping the Trap: Unveiling the Reality of Narcissistic AbuseMessage us here!Relationships with narcissists can be thrilling, consuming, and completely devastating. Narcissists try to fill the void of their own insecurities by controlling or exploiting their loved ones, creating patterns of narcissistic abuse. In this episode, we talk about how people can tell if they're a victim of narcissistic abuse and what this unhealthy relationship looks like according to Monique Dauphin. We also share tips about how to support a loved one who is being abused by a narcissist. Resources:If you or your loved one is a victim narcissistic abuse, submit this f...
2024-04-241h 02
A Little Help For Our FriendsThe Big C: Living and Loving with CancerMessage us here!Kibby has some unfortunate news to share: She has just been diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. As much of a shock as it is, cancer rates are on the rise in younger adults and no one knows why. Such a devastating illness can turn someone's life upside down in an instant- for the people diagnosed and also their loved ones. In this episode, Kibby and Jacqueline try to process this emotional rollercoaster and how can we support our loved ones living with cancer.Resources:Getting Things Off My Chest: A Survivor's...
2024-01-251h 10
A Little Help For Our FriendsFor Richer or Poorer: Fixing the Business Partner RelationshipMessage us here!It's an exciting time when entrepreneurs find the perfect business partner to co-found a new company. However, many don't realize that a staggering 65% of startups fail because of cofounder conflicts. Entrepreneurs who overlook the importance of their business partner relationships are at high risk of misunderstandings, strategy disagreements, or role confusion that can tear a venture apart. In this episode, Kibby talks about how her company Seon Health aims to address this crucial dynamic with evidence-based couples therapy and interpersonal interventions. Special Offer:For entrepreneurs who need help with t...
2023-11-0953 min
A Little Help For Our FriendsSeason 3 Wrap UpMessage us here!We wrap up season 3 reflecting on this doozy of a year. Around a year ago, Jacqueline and Kibby were coming back from Portugal where Jacqueline was breaking off an engagement and Kibby was gestating a huge baby. We talk about the lessons learned during these major life changes, which inspired our episodes on healing from difficult relationships, postpartum depression, and men.Support the showIf you're navigating someone's mental health or emotional issues, join KulaMind, our community and support platform. In KulaMind, we'll help you set healthy...
2023-09-1451 min
A Little Help For Our FriendsA Personal Experience with Postpartum DepressionMessage us here!In every episode, we talk about people struggling with mental health, and we are no exception. Kibby has been dealing with postpartum depression (PPD), exacerbated by identity shifts and sleep deprivation that are common with new parents. In this episode, we talk about Kibby's personal experience with depression and how it directly affected her relationship with Jacqueline. We share what steps Kibby's taking to recovery that are often recommended to those with PPD. Check out: Sarah Bossio (www.yourzenbabysleep.com), the coach that helped Kibby sleep train her baby and saved her...
2023-04-2649 min
A Little Help For Our FriendsThe Mind-Body Connection in TraumaMessage us here!The words of Thai Massage Master Pichest, we need to learn to "listen to body." Trauma and other emotions live in the body, sometimes sending us important signals through our physical sensations and physical health. In this episode, we talk about the magical connection between the mind and the body. Kibby also reminisces about her yoga teaching and Thai massage days when she learned the healing power of the body in the middle of a rice patty in Chiang Mai.Check out: Van der Kolk, B. (2014). The body keeps the score: Brain...
2023-03-0841 min