Dr. Courtney Tracy

#sponsored I’ve never had a client whose mental health wasn’t impacted in some way by employment practices in their own work, their parents’ work, or their partner’s work. These 2023 @deloitte Global #GenZMillennialSurvey numbers represent the answers of real human beings working to support themselves and their families. They’re important. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about mental health support and policies in job interviews. Remember: you’re interviewing them, too. COMMUNITY ASK: What are some of the best things your employer does to acknowledge the importance of mental health? And if you’re self-employed, name your favorite way to give yourself a break! Psst, don’t forget: You’re a human first, your unconscious is showing, and I’m so glad you exist. ❤️Dr. Courtney @the.truth.doctor #mentalhealthmatters #burnout #genz #therapist #millennial

As a therapist with mental health issues, I know what it feels like to be in survival mode. I also know, after the last 33 years, that we as human beings can both help and heal ourselves. When you are doing everything you can to make ends meet, that can cause stress and anxiety. It doesn’t mean you’re weak or that you’re incapable. It means life is HARD right now. It’s ok to not be ok. And it’s never to late to ask for support. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help. FREE resources are available. Call or text 833-317-HOPE (4673) or LIVE CHAT at CalHOPE.org For peer emotional support for all Californians go to calhope.org 🫂 Psst, don’t forget: You’re a human first, your unconscious is showing, and I’m so glad you exist. ❤️Dr. Courtney @the.truth.doctor #calHOPE #california #mentalhealth #depression #anxiety #ocd #ptsd #perfectionism #stress #trauma #cptsd #borderline #autism #adhd #socialanxiety #codependency #attachment #parenting #freeresources

It’s not too late to change your mind Even in your darkest moments, there is hope. It’s not too late to change your mind. In partnership with @alexwaarren and his song ‘Change Your Mind,’ Voices of Hope proudly presents a collaborative effort to share the stories of five remarkable individuals. In these touching videos, Alex and this group of courageous people openly revisit their personal battles, sharing what helped them to change their mind. Through this campaign, we aim to highlight the importance of seeking support and remind everyone that it’s never too late to rewrite your story. Watch the full interview on Alex Warren’s platform https://thevoicesofhope.org Directed by: @jazzthornton Need Support? Findahelpline.com #AlexWarren #ChangeYourMind #ItsNotWeakToSpeak

Your therapist’s office hours are back in session in 2024 🤍 Ask your questions and leave your comments below. Also, if you live in California, I’ve opened my (actual) therapy books! I’m starting to take on private 1:1 therapy clients starting the end of January AND @existcenters Intensive Outpatient Program will FINALLY open in January too! Check them both out using the links in my bio 🎊❤️ The quote at the beginning of the video is by Arthur Conan Doyle in The Sign of Four. fb: @twitchy.witch #mentalhealth #borderlinepersonality #bpd #addiction #recovery #substanceuse #rehab #anxiety #depression #trauma #stress #familyconflict #therapy #therapist #wellness #mentalhealthmatters #adhd #autistic #cptsd #ptsd #toxic #bipolar

Relapsing can occur suddenly and unexpectedly. Achieving 30 days sober is an incredible milestone, but it’s also a delicate time where old environments can pose significant risks. If you’re considering ‘partying with old friends,’ it’s vital to pause and reflect. Is there something on my mind or at the party that could set me off and make me want to drink again? Equip yourself with a toolkit of skills to maintain your sobriety: - Set Boundaries: Clearly define what you will and won’t accept from yourself and others. - Understand Your Triggers: Recognize situations, emotions, or people that might challenge your sobriety. - Lean On Your Support System: Surround yourself with people who respect and support your journey. - Practice Real Self-Care: Engage in activities that nurture your physical, mental, and emotional health. - Emergency Plan: Have a strategy for quickly leaving a risky situation. Remember, you have the power to choose your path. Celebrate your achievements with decisions that honor your journey. **Note: Dr. Courtney and EXIST (her treatment program) support the substance use continuum from full abstinence to moderation management and harm reduction. If you or a loved one need support, and you’re in California, go to @existcenters to learn more! #mentalhealth #borderlinepersonality #bpd #addiction #recovery #substanceuse #rehab #anxiety #depression #trauma #stress #familyconflict #therapy #therapist #wellness #mentalhealthmatters #adhd #autistic #cptsd #ptsd #toxic #bipolar

DID YOU KNOW THIS ABOUT BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER? People with BPD can and do have stable relationships. They can be honest and loyal and kind and loving. There is literally nothing saying they *can’t* be. The symptoms simply tend to get in the way. Reduce the symptoms, find stability. BPD is not a forever prison. ib: thepsychdoctormd #mentalhealth #borderlinepersonality #bpd #therapy #therapist #wellness #mentalhealthmatters #adhd #autistic #cptsd #ptsd #toxic #bpdrecovery

Anyone else’s bed their safe space? 🛌 Please tell me in the comments. I’m addicted to my bed. Frankly, if I could stay in here—yes, I am in bed now—forever, I would. It’s not a depressive-type of isolation; it’s an overstimulation-recoup-type of hideaway. I can only take so much input before it inputs me right back under the blankets for at least an hour and a half. If you’re a bed person too, I see you. No shame in the bed game ❤️ #mentalhealth #safespace #neurodivergent #anxiety #copingstrategies #wellness #mentalhealthawareness

Important details ⬇️ The key words to pay attention to here are: “get over it,” living hell, criticize, and problem. If you haven’t been told you make your kid’s life a living hell, that you’re a problem, that you criticize too much, or that you’re emotionally dismissive, this post isn’t for you. If you have, then here’s some info: Parents can unknowingly perpetuate a cycle of emotional harm and misunderstanding. It’s not uncommon for parents to believe they’re doing their best all while their unresolved issues are significantly impacting their children’s wellbeing…well into adulthood (when their children start scheduling sessions with me.) The biggest pattern I see in the relationship between my teen and young adult clients and their parents is their parent’s inability to see how they play a role in what’s happening. Shame, guilt, denial, and honestly a lot of genuine unknowing is usually at play. Criticism and lack of emotional support can foster insecurity and distress in children. Recognizing oneself as part of the problem is a crucial first step ❤️ Also, as a parent of two, please know: If you’re worried about how you’re raising your kids, you’re probably *not* a bad parent. It may actually make you a good one. Parents aren’t perfect. And, the parents closest to perfect are the ones who admit they aren’t. If you’re a parent or adult child who wants to address this, I HIGHLY suggest you check out @callinghome.co created by fellow therapist @sitwithwhit, Whitney Goodman, LMFT ❤️ (not sponsored, just an amazing, amazing program) NOTE: For all the parents who want to go to therapy, but can’t for one reason or another, I see you. This video isn’t meant to make you feel even worse. It’s to educate those who think they *don’t* need any type of healing and affect their children negatively 🫶 #parentsbelike #cptsd #bpd #anxiety #childhoodtrauma #childhoodruined #highschool #adultchildrenofemotionally

When someone with mental illness suddenly realizes just how many years have passed while they were trying to recover, they might face these problems: 1. Feeling sad about lost time: They might feel really sad about the fun times, friends, and opportunities they missed because they were feeling bad. 2. Identity confusion: They might wonder who they really are without their mental struggles if they truly spent that much time in the trenches trying to get better. 3. Feeling overwhelmed: Realizing how long they were struggling might make them feel like the past holds much more power than the future or present. REMINDERS: It’s never too late to seek help or make changes. And, be kind to yourself. You’re still here. Yes, the past was long AF. Your future can be even longer (And if it can’t be longer, it *can* be better.) #mentalillness #mentalhealth #therapist #therapy #trauma #ptsd #cptsd #anxiety #agoraphobia #schizophrenia #bipolar #panicattacks #angerissues

A SECRET (sort of): I work with famous people, as their therapist. Sometimes as their coach. Other times as the owner of the center they’re getting treated at. I don’t talk about it much because: 1. It’s private; and 2. They’re just people. Humans. Like me and you. I started working in Malibu with comedians, musicians, actors, and family members of these individuals. They had (have) “the American dream”: Money, fame, power. Still, they were miserable, addicted, lonely, and scared. Now, I do the same work but with high-profile influencers and creators in Los Angeles. The ones you see in the headlines today. They also have it all. And they’re also struggling, confused, fearful, in chaos. The American dream doesn’t fulfill humans. Well, the Hollywood-fueled American dream doesn’t at least. So, what does? At minimum, these seven things (chosen at random from my past 10 years of sessions with the people others dream to be): 1. Having someone who *actually* understands you—a life companion 2. Being forgiven 3. Finding childhood memorabilia you thought you lost decades ago 4. Feeling like you’ve overcome something really really difficult 5. Having someone tell you your existence changed their life 6. Being able to be your authentic self 7. Simply being (and staying) alive Chase this stuff. It’s a lot more meaningful ❤️ #richandfamous #richlifestyle #mentalhealth #wellness #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #theamericandream #hustleculture #therapist #therapy #lifegoals #motivation #confidence #relationships #careergoals #hollywood #lifestyle

When someone comes after you for what they *expect* you to act like based on your profession, push back if their expectations are unreasonable (or uneducated) and it’s safe for you to do so (physically, financially, etc). My first mental health job was for the county behavioral health department as a Mental Health Worker at 21. Strict attire, hide your tattoos, flat shoes, no personality, slow connective voices. It was monotone and so typical… I used to experience this deep sense of ‘freedom’ when I clocked off, took my long-sleeve shirt off, said ‘f**k’ after 8 hours of holding back (lol its tough for me!) and could act like myself around other humans again. I only lasted six out of the 12 months I was contracted for. I simply could not do it. From then onward, I vowed to always be myself as a clinician. 13 years later, here I am, encouraging you to do the same, as The Truth Doctor. Degrees, licenses, and certifications do not take away your humanity, and no one should ever make you feel like you can’t be human (first 😉) People with tattoos can make good business decisions. People who say “f**k” can help someone’s depression. People with strong, loud, powerful voices can be caring and helpful. We really need to step out of our limited concepts of people and where we place them in our minds. Thoughts? #therapist #therapy #mentalhealth #corporatelife #hustleculture #corporateidentity #professionalism

PERSONAL POST: It’s been 6,700 days since that first kiss at 15 ❤️ Max is someone I’m asked about a lot on podcasts and in media interviews. He doesn’t make sense to people. The main question they have regarding him and our relationship is: “How could (why would) someone be with a person like me for all the years Max did when I was unhealed, harmful, and seemingly hopeless?” I ask him this too sometimes. His answer: “You made me curious. I knew there was more to you than people could see.” I like when he says the “knew” part. It implies he figured it out, and decided to stay. To every person seeking love and feeling too broken, the narrative’s bullsh*t. You’re lovable. I promise. 💋 #highschoolsweethearts #relationshipadvice #mentalhealth #newbaby #pregnancylife #parenting #love #marriage #marriagetip #marriagecoach #grateful #husband #wife #familytime #family

They say 20% of inpatient clients and 10% of outpatient clients have diagnosed Borderline Personality Disorder. I wonder what the percent is of people who have doctorates or become a therapist? We’re healing, we’re succeeding, and we’re changing the narrative. ——— At 22, in an inpatient psych hospital, while detoxing off of seven different substances, I was diagnosed with BPD by a psychiatrist. At 23, as a result of that visit, I went for my second rehab stay (first was at 15.) At 24, I obtained my Bachelor’s in Psych, with honors. At 25, I was promoted at my job in Malibu to Director of Clinical Operations… of a 50+ client facility, where people detoxed off substances and stabilized mentally. At 26, the same month I completed my Master’s in Social Work (with honors) and applied to start my Doctorate (which I’d also complete with honors), I opened my very own treatment center… right down the street from that same inpatient psych hospital. Three blocks away. Walkable. I toured that hospital, handing out pamphlets to help people just like me—I walked down the same hallway where I did Art Group with other unwell people, and smiled because I went from being someone in the chairs to someone handing hope to the people in them. As a result of this, individuals graduated from the psych ward, and then they enrolled in outpatient treatment… with me. And they got better. Way better. Just like me. Don’t give up. Don’t give up. Don’t give up. You’re such a badass for still existing ❤️ #mentalhealth #addiction #bpd #borderlinepersonality #therapist #therapy #psychwardmeme #psychotic #neurotic #borderline #anxiety #cptsd #detox #inpatient #outpatient #substanceusedisorder #substanceuse #odaat #onestepatatime