Oct 14, 2020
In this episode, I sit down with my soul sister, friend, and fellow podcaster, KJ Nasrul. KJ is a Marriage and Family therapist, Disaster Psychological First Aid Responder, musician and writer nursing a slight obsession with words and melted cheese. Growing up, the characteristics that marked her as an outsider and led to depression and shame as a biracial woman of color, and being a transracial adoptee raised by a single mother, are truly the source of what KJ refers to as her, “unique healing superpowers.”
In her work as a psychotherapist, KJ guides healthcare providers, artists, educators and leaders in the discovery of their inner resourcefulness with techniques influenced by expressive arts – music, design, journaling, guided visualization – within a traditional psychotherapeutic framework. KJ also hosts her own podcast, Stories of Astonishing Light.
Key Highlights from Our Episode
- KJ discusses how as a child growing up she knew she was somehow different than her peers. Her innate sense of curiosity led her to look at things more deeply rather than just accepting everything at face value
- The journey of entrepreneurship for many private practice mental health counselors is often unconventional.
- KJ courageously shares a very intimate experience in which she used her voice and trusted her intuition to avoid what could have been a deadly encounter with someone who had invaded her home one afternoon while she was home studying.
- You can rewrite new patterns and narratives in your resilience story.
- Practicing radical self-compassion is the essential first step to healing traumatic wounds of the past.
- Everyone has a wellspring of resilience and wisdom within. The key is to get quiet enough to tune into your own voice and to trust your intuition.
Quote
“Words and conversations through the lens of compassion and curiosity have the power to create profound change.”
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