53. Sarah #2: Growing Up in a Cult

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09/15/21 • 64 min

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***Trigger warning*** This episode contains potentially triggering and sensitive topics including child abuse. If you suspect or know that a child is being abused or neglected, call or text 800-4-A-CHILD (800-422-4453). Professional crisis counselors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in over 170 languages. All calls are confidential.

The new season continues with the second therapy session for Sarah, the new client in treatment with Doug. As they explore Sarah’s parenting style, she begins to tell some of her own story about growing up in a cult. Doug acknowledges her strength and resilience in the survival of her experiences while paving the way for them to work towards the “thrival” of her life going forward. Doug and Mer break down some of her background story while highlighting the early stages of therapy with a new client.

Doug Friedman

Meredith Levy

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Doug Friedman

Meredith Levy

Join Us on Social Media:

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Previous Episode

52. Sarah #1: I Don’t Have a Handle On It

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We’re baa-ack! In this new season kick-off, Doug and Meredith are “a step up from sweatpants” and ready to dive back into it with us. We hear the first session with Doug and Sarah, the new client we’ll get to know and join for the journey in therapy. Sarah shares some of her history and acknowledges that she’s spent a lifetime compartmentalizing, but doesn’t truly have a handle on everything. We hear a few tips of the icebergs that have developed over time for her coming from a traumatic background. The groundwork for therapy is being set and we all get to follow along from the start. Doug and Mer tease that there will soon be a Patreon site to follow ongoing sessions with Drew, the client we followed in previous episodes. And they’re coming out with a store on the website with merch very soon - so MerMer will have some new clothes to wear-wear!

Mentioned in this episode:

Bruce Almighty - file cabinet scene

Doug Friedman

Meredith Levy

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Next Episode

54. Sarah #3: A Little Bit Robocop

Meredith updates us on the intruder in her backyard - who came back again! We continue the new season with Sarah, in spite of a few audio hiccups in the session. Doug and Sarah talk about feeling frustrated, annoyed, and overwhelmed when others don’t get to a solution as quickly and easily as you do, especially when that means you take it on and do it all yourself. This has been a part of Sarah for so long as a survival mechanism growing up in, and running away from, a cult. Doug and Mer highlight the process of helping clients like Sarah recognize and begin to change their patterns, rather than stay focused on the details and the content of their current narrative.

Mentioned in this episode:

Doug Friedman

Meredith Levy

General Sherman Aluminum Blanket Wrap

Wimpy from Popeye

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