The Secret Cause of Sexual Dysfunction: Trauma
Jan Appel Jan Appel

The Secret Cause of Sexual Dysfunction: Trauma

After recording our latest episode of A Little Help for Our Friends, I sat with a heavy heart—but also with a sense of clarity. Jacqueline and I talked about something that comes up all the time in our work with trauma survivors, yet rarely gets named out loud: how PTSD affects sex and intimacy.

It’s a topic that feels too tender for the DSM, too personal for most therapy sessions, and yet it lives in so many of our clients' homes and relationships—in silence.

I wanted to take a moment to reflect more personally on what came up for me during this conversation, and what I hope anyone listening—or reading—takes away from it.

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Gaslighting: How to Recognize, Overcome, and Heal from Emotional Manipulation
Jan Appel Jan Appel

Gaslighting: How to Recognize, Overcome, and Heal from Emotional Manipulation

Gaslighting is a subtle yet damaging form of emotional manipulation that can leave victims doubting their reality and self-worth. Learn how to recognize its signs, understand its psychological impact, and find tools to break free. Inspired by insights from A Little Help For Our Friends podcast, this guide offers validation, support, and actionable strategies.

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Loving someone with substance use disorder
Kibby McMahon Kibby McMahon

Loving someone with substance use disorder

Substance use disorder (SUD) isn’t just about using drugs or alcohol excessively. It’s a chronic condition that changes the brain and behavior, often leading to destructive cycles that are hard to break. For loved ones, watching someone struggle with substance abuse or SUD can feel overwhelming, heartbreaking, and isolating. This blog post describes what substance use disorder is, how it affects family and friends, and what loved ones can do.

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Breaking Free: How to Set Boundaries in Toxic Family Relationships
Jan Appel Jan Appel

Breaking Free: How to Set Boundaries in Toxic Family Relationships

Setting boundaries in toxic family relationships can be challenging, but it’s essential for emotional well-being. Dr. Caitlin Fang shares her insights on managing guilt, rebuilding self-trust, and navigating difficult dynamics, including over-sharing and emotional manipulation. By assessing what you can give, communicating limits clearly, and staying consistent, it’s possible to foster healthier connections without losing yourself.

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The Cost of Loving Someone with Mental Illness
Kibby McMahon Kibby McMahon

The Cost of Loving Someone with Mental Illness

A husband with depression. A daughter with social anxiety. A father with narcissism and drug addiction. A roommate with an eating disorder. An uncle with dementia. These relationships are so common, we forget that having a loved one with mental illness is a challenge worthy of attention.

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The Birth Of KulaMind- Dr. Kibby McMahon’s story