Episode notes
In Season 3, Episode 9 of the Element Q Podcast, TJ Woodward and Gregory Fisher explore the profound difference between managing symptoms and discovering the wholeness that already exists beneath our coping strategies. Together, they unpack internalized shame, spiritual bypassing, LGBTQ+ identity, addiction recovery, compassion, Carl Jung's shadow work, and why healing begins when we stop believing we're broken.
Gregory shares his remarkable story of coming out as a Southern Baptist minister, navigating recovery for nearly four decades, and learning to embrace the six-year-old version of himself who had long carried shame. The conversation offers practical wisdom for anyone recovering from addiction, trauma, religious conditioning, or simply trying to live a more authentic life.
In this episode, you'll discover:
Why your coping strategies are not your identity
The difference between healing and fixing yourself
How spiritual bypassing can delay authentic recovery
Carl Jung's shadow work and its connection to modern healing
Healing internalized shame and self-rejection
The role of compassion in recovery
Why LGBTQ+ experiences can become profound sources of wisdom
Transforming activism through love instead of anger
Why recovery is a lifelong journey—not a destination
How embracing your authentic self creates lasting freedom
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🔗 Learn more:
Element Q Healing: https://www.elementqhealingcenter.com
TJ Woodward: https://www.tjwoodward.com
Gregory Fisher: https://gregoryfisher.life