I introduced myself to Carolyn after seeing her speak at a Stonewall Event.
She spoke on a topic that I have wanted to discuss on the podcast but to date, had not found anyone who I could invite on as a guest.
Carolyn gives a very candid account of her experiences of aversion therapy and talks to me about how her self hatred drove her to seek this intervention.
Carolyn talks about how she is still struggling with letting herself experience positive emotions. She is however, still developing herself to achieve this.
She is an absolutely amazing woman and I hope our conversation helps you, especially if you struggling with who you are.
It is important to warn you that this episode has an extract from the short film by Andrew Cardinal called Carolyn- A survivor of aversion therapy. In that extract, Carolyn talks explicitly of her experiences of aversion therapy.
There are links below for you to contact someone to talk about any adverse feelings you may experience as a result of listening to this episode.
Please copy and paste all URL's into your browser.
Switchboard
https://switchboard.lgbt/help/
Phone
0300 330 0630
Open 10:00-22:00 every day
Email chris@switchboard.lgbt
Emails are typically replied to within 72 hours
The Trevor Project
https://www.thetrevorproject.org/
Their trained counsellors are there to support you 24/7.
If you are a young person in crisis, feeling suicidal, or in need of a safe and judgment-free place to talk.
Call the TrevorLifeline now at 1-866-488-7386
Stonewall
https://www.stonewall.org.uk/
Information and support for LGBT communities and their allies.
Contact Stonewall's Information Service
FREEPHONE 0800 0502020
Lines are open 9:30 - 4:30 Monday to Friday.
SHOUT
Shout is an affiliate of Crisis Text Line® in the UK that provides free, confidential support, 24/7 via text.
Text SHOUT to 85258 in the UK to text with a trained Crisis Volunteer
It’s the first free 24/7 texting service in the UK for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere.
Shout is available in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
CNTW NHS Self Help Guides
A selection of self-help guides available for free at:
https://web.ntw.nhs.uk/selfhelp/
Please contact A Big Mouthful with any comments, feedback, questions or suggestions for any future Podcasts or if you would like to be a guest on an episode.
You can get in touch using these methods
Email: abigmouthful1@gmail.com
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Articles relating to this episode:
https://www.psychotherapy.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Memorandum-of-understanding-on-conversion-therapy.pdf
https://www.stonewall.org.uk/system/files/lgbt_in_britain_health.pdf
https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/conversion-therapy-ban-law-meaning-uk-lgbt-legal-boris-johnson-jacinda-ardern-new-zealand-b805670.html
https://www.psychotherapy.org.uk/about-ukcp/public-policy/conversion-therapy/