Embodying Affirmation: Therapy, Advocacy, and Radical Love with Karla Fleshman, LCSW, MDiv

In this heart-shaking, wisdom-soaked episode, we’re joined by the incomparable Karla Fleshman (they/she) — a licensed clinical social worker, EMDR therapist, irreverent reverend, published author, and breast cancer survivor thriving in community.What unfolds is part interview, part sermon, part love letter to queer and dissociative youth — and a fierce call to action for therapists, schools, and adults everywhere.We explore:* Karla’s cancer diagnosis and system discovery anniversary * Their journey through severe school bullying, trauma, and survival as a queer teen* How dissociation shows up as a somatic, adaptive response to systemic harm* A powerful reading of their poem “Who Was Nex? Who Is Nex.T?” honoring Nex Benedict and queer youth lost to violence ⚠️ *Content note: The poem addresses bullying, suicide, and trauma.** What it means to create healing community inside and outside the therapy room* Why clinicians must break from rigid models to truly welcome all parts* How healing happens when we slow down, get real, and stop trying to do therapy “perfectly”Whether you’re a clinician seeking to be more affirming, a system navigating complex trauma, or someone longing to be reminded that healing is possible — this episode is for you.00:00 – Opening + Guest Introduction08:43 – Discovering They Were a System13:10 – Bullying, Survival, and Dissociation31:31 – Poem: Who Was Nex? ⚠️ *Content note: The poem addresses bullying, suicide, and trauma.*38:47 – Queering EMDR + Therapist Clarity49:29 – Community, Not Just Clinicians1:08:40 – Closing Reflections🔗 Connect with Karla Fleshman* Transitions Delaware* Be The One Campaign* Queering EMDR Therapy Book* “Who Was Nex?” Poem + Journal Article🛠 LGBTQ+ & Plurality ResourcesYouth Support & Education:* GLSEN* Welcoming Schools* Rainbow Book Lists* PFLAGFor LGBTQ+ Elders:* LGBT Aging CenterCrisis Lines:* Thrive Lifeline* The Trevor Project* Trans LifelineLegal, Medical, and Community Support:* Point of Pride* Trans Equality Legal Network* Transgender Law Center* FOLX Health* WPATH💥 Are you a System or Therapist looking for more?Visit HealingMyParts.org — a hub for professional consults, trainings as well as system-led groups, unapologetic blog posts, and merch with a pulse.Built by a therapist living with DID and 25+ years of experience in the field.Whether you’re a therapist seeking advanced trainings or a system craving a community — you’re welcome here. 🩷🫶💜Visit us on Substack at healingmyparts.substack.comVisit us on Instagram for bite sized healing nuggets @HealingMyParts Get full access to Healing My Parts at healingmyparts.substack.com/subscribe