{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"From The Vault : December 20th, 2019 w\/ Margena Carter, LMFT","description":"In this special birthday edition of #FreeAdviceFriday, Spirit and guest therapist Margena Carter dive into pressing mental health topics, relationships, and personal growth. The episode features live audience questions about setting boundaries, co-parenting struggles, navigating breakups, exploring identity, and managing anxiety. In addition to answering listener questions, Spirit leads a fundraiser for Centennial Academy in Atlanta, supporting K-8 students who are at risk of losing access to therapy services. Tune in for insightful discussions, expert advice, and actionable tips on mental well-being, relationships, and personal empowerment. Timestamps & Key Topics [00:00:00] \u2013 Birthday Celebration & Fundraiser Introduction Spirit celebrates her birthday by raising funds for Centennial Academy to save their mental health program. Emphasis on why therapy is vital for young students, especially those in poverty or unstable environments. [00:02:20] \u2013 Introducing the Guest: Margena Carter Margena Carter shares her expertise as a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and Entertainment Therapist. Her work in trauma therapy, self-harm interventions, and academic contributions at Antioch University. [00:07:40] \u2013 How to Move On but Stay Friends with the Love of Your Life Audience question: Is it possible to stay friends after breaking up with "the love of your life" while dating others? Spirit and Marjina discuss emotional boundaries, potential pitfalls, and unrealistic expectations in maintaining such relationships. [00:11:10] \u2013 Exploring Identity: A Man\u2019s Desire to Wear Heels Without Consequences Discussion on self-expression, confidence, and societal judgment. Advice on gradual integration in supportive environments and the importance of self-acceptance. [00:15:00] \u2013 Pregnancy, Marriage Pressure & Relationship Red Flags A pregnant woman questions whether she should marry her child\u2019s father despite not feeling ready. Insights on coercion, relationship readiness, and the long-term consequences of marrying out of obligation. [00:22:50] \u2013 Managing Anxiety, Career Growth & Co-Parenting Struggles Caller shares struggles with imposter syndrome at work, lack of career fulfillment, and a toxic co-parenting dynamic. Spirit & Marjina recommend boundary-setting, therapy, and career planning for long-term relief. [00:34:30] \u2013 Breaking Up with a Partner Who is Emotionally Dependent Advice on codependency, guilt-driven relationships, and constructive uncoupling. Spirit reveals a hard truth about how people unconsciously enable dependency in relationships. [00:41:10] \u2013 When Someone Keeps Leaving & Coming Back: Relationship Patterns A listener asks why a partner repeatedly enters and exits their life. The dangers of "almost compatible relationships" and the illusion of fixing someone. [00:47:30] \u2013 Family Drama: A Sister Who Keeps Leaving & Moving Back In When a family member continually seeks refuge but never leaves a toxic relationship. How enabling differs from supporting, and setting boundaries while still being compassionate. [00:53:00] \u2013 Understanding Schizophrenia & Mental Illness Breaking down common myths about schizophrenia and its biological vs. environmental causes. Treatment options, the importance of medication management, and support for family members. [01:00:00] \u2013 Final Thoughts & Fundraiser Wrap-Up Encouragement to donate to the Centennial Academy Mental Health Fund. Reflection on the importance of mental health resources for underserved youth. Follow Dr. Spirit: Instagram: https:\/\/instagram.com\/talk2spirit Facebook: https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/talk2spirit TikTok: https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@talk2spirit LinkedIn: https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/talk2spirit\/   ","author_name":"#FreeAdviceFriday","author_url":"https:\/\/sites.libsyn.com\/568220","html":"