"There were so many things that I apparently did that I would never do if I was sober...I'm not that person at all."   Lets explore addiction; what that word really means, and what it's like being an addict. Join Serena Sun and Sober Sadie in a conversation about what it’s really like struggling with alcohol use and finally getting your life back.  How can a normal person have an addiction that becomes all consuming? How does that happen? How does it affect families, school, and work?  They explore all the different factors of addiction like the biological, environmental, and psychological aspects as well as how media and television glamorizes drugs and alcohol.   Also- does AA actually work for everyone? You might be surprised at the answer! Bonus: Serena opens up and talks about what it was like being addicted to cigarettes! Listen and find out more in this very real, down to earth episode!    3:00— Cravings 4:00— Why she started drinking 6:10— Losing herself after drinking 12:20— Memories of alcoholic father --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/breaking-taboo/support

"Hey I’m Dan form the UK, and I have Asperger’s Syndrome!" Meet Daniel Jones, a successful social media influencer, a husband, and a musician in a rock band - who wants to share with the world his experiences with Asperger's. Listen in as he and Serena have a fun, energetic conversation about everything from life to favorite books, while also educating people about Asperger’s and autism symptoms. Find out which tasks are naturally easier and which daily tasks are more difficult to do for someone who is on the spectrum, and ways to handle it and cope. Also find out why Asperger's and autism can be useful! Join in on another episode in Breaking Taboo around Asperger's and Autism! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/breaking-taboo/support

Katie Conibear does not hide her experiences being diagnosed with bipolar 1 with psychotic episodes; in fact, quite the opposite. Katie wrote a book about her journey, and on this episode with Serena, she shares some of the more memorable times- like going on extravagant shopping sprees, taking impulsive vacations, and how her friends and ex boyfriends have reacted to it- not yet knowing that it was due to her having bipolar 1! Join this upbeat and enlightening story and learn about what BiPolar 1 is like, how it presents itself, how Katie has dealt with her own mental health, where she is at now with it, and why she is telling the whole world about it! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/breaking-taboo/support

Join an upbeat and inspiring story with "Dan the One Armed Wonder" and self proclaimed "Pro Life Liver" as he shares what has inspired thousands of people around the world. He speaks about how being in the military has influenced him for the better and how the mindset he developed from such experiences has helped him get through life challenges. He also talks about going through depression and coming out of it. A motorist turned cyclist, today Dan is best known for his bicycle races around the world. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/breaking-taboo/support

Lets Break some Taboos around Schizophrenia! Join a fascinating conversation between Michelle Hammer and Serena Sun as they dive into what it means to be diagnosed with schizophrenia. You might have seen Michelle in New York, actively talking about having schizophrenia while selling her clothing line. Listen as they dispel myths and answer some questions from someone who actually experiences it. Questions such as:  What is it like to live with schizophrenia on a daily basis? Schizophrenia presents itself in different ways- but who notices it first? The person with the diagnosis or their family and friends?  Does it or does it not really affect personal relationships?   They talk about the stereotypes that surround schizophrenia, how symptoms manifest and affect the individual, the possibility of improper diagnoses, the importance of a good therapist, and more. Listen in on this fascinating topic! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/breaking-taboo/support

Join in on a fun, upbeat episode with a TON of useful information! Meet Eli Weinstein, a psychotherapist based in New York. Eli and Serena will cover topics such as:  1) Breaking down the taboo around mental health & therapy 2) Fact or Fiction: "Therapists are the most messed up" - and does it matter?  3) The amount of Men vs Women who seek therapy - Who goes to therapy more?   4) Age Groups & Therapy: Common age related issues - What are "age related issues" that people of certain ages tend to seek therapy for?  8-13 (Kids) 13- 20 (Teenagers) 20-30 year olds (young adults) 30-40 (Adults) 50 and up (Middle age) Older Seniors (70 and up) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/breaking-taboo/support

Watch the episode that just gets more and more interesting as it plays out! Multiple Personality Disorder aka Dissociative Identity Disorder- Is it a "Disorder"? Is it even real? In fact, some therapists do not recognize DID as a "real" disorder, and even more therapists won't treat it. It can be argued that DID is one of the more difficult "disorders" to treat, but it is definitely one of the most fascinating ones. This interesting characteristic has been portrayed in movies and TV shows, but did Hollywood get it right? Learn from Julie Lyons, who is a counselor for DID, and an expert because....wait for it.... tune in to watch her surprising reveal as the episode unfolds! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/breaking-taboo/support

In Part 2 of our Adoption Therapy discussions with Moses Farrow, we talk about what exactly adoption therapy is designed to treat, including traumas such as Cross Generational Traumas- traumas being passed down from generations to generations, and Attachment Traumas- traumas that stem from childhood parenting and attachment styles. Serena and Moses also discuss the importance of creativity and "Doing it All" ; having multiple passions, as a therapist, as an entrepreneur, and as an individual in general. Finally, they end with words of advice for the many hidden adoptees who may be suffering from adoption trauma. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/breaking-taboo/support

Adoption is controversial! In part 1 of this episode focused on the world of Adoption, join Moses Farrow, an adoption trauma therapist, and Serena Sun as they uncover hidden controversies around adoption. Moses, who happens to be adopted himself, explains why there is an emerging demand for adoption related therapy. There are many traumas around adoptions, both for adoptees and their parents. There are also arguments both for and against adoption. Serena questions why the adoption process is so difficult while Moses explains the controversial rules and the conditions of foster care. Have you ever wondered why so many children are left unadopted? Find out in this episode! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/breaking-taboo/support

Journey with Dr. Sam, Clinical Psychology, PsyD and Neuropsychology fellow, and Serena Sun through a wide variety of topics. Research based, controversial, or rhetorical, they explore them all. Join them as they tap into ADHD and coping mechanisms. Listen as they explore socio-cultural differences in parenting styles. Hear them discuss the meaning of "intrinsic racism". Ponder with them on rhetorical questions whilst sharing the latest psychological and neurological research. Learn about famous studies on skin color in children such as the Bobo doll studies. Also in this episode, Serena herself opens up and shares about her own struggles growing up. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/breaking-taboo/support