Jul 15, 2021
Your hosts, Tara Hedman and Diane Thompson, welcome Barb Torgerson to today’s show for the second part of a moving and insightful conversation.
In today’s episode, Barb shares her experience going to college and realizing her family was not normal, that her childhood and adolescence were not like what most other people encountered in their upbringings. Barb went through a deep time of crisis, that led her to the beginning of her healing journey. Barb struggled with depression, she shares her most valuable experiences in her own counseling, and how she decided to become a therapist to help others in their healing journeys.
Life really can suck less, so examine your head, man!
Key Takeaways:
[1:20] Barb shares how she experienced being away from her family when she went to college.
[2:27] Barb starts to realize her family was not “normal”.
[4:53] The first time in Barb’s life that she didn’t have to take care of anyone but herself.
[7:01] Barb seeks her vocation and career path.
[8:25] Barb shares how she transitioned from learning to experience joy, to healing.
[9:01] Barb started to see a therapist at senior year of college and that was the beginning of her healing journey.
[11:33] Having children was healing for Barb, even when she thought she didn’t want any.
[12:21] When did Barb decide to become a therapist?
[13:40] Barb shares the tools she got from counseling.
[18:20] Barb talks about how she reconciled with her inner child.
[20:05] Barb extends her advice to others struggling to find their inner child.
[22:05] What is different now for Barb as a result of learning to care for her inner child?
[23:28] Barb explains the meaning of dissociation.
[25:12] Barb talks about the current relationship with her siblings.
[26:14] Barb remembers the breaking point in the relationship with her siblings.
[27:55] What were the things outside of therapy that benefited Barb’s healing journey?
[31:50] What was the hardest part of Barb’s healing journey?
[34:21] Barb shares her words to someone struggling and wondering if it is worth it to get help.
[36:12] What does Barb’s life look like today?
[39:04] What does Barb’s community look like?
Mentioned in this episode:
Visit Examine Your Hedman
Learn more about Barb Torgerson
This podcast is not a substitute for a therapeutic relationship with a mental health professional