Paul Gilmartin

Mental Illness Happy Hour

Paul Gilmartin

  • Episode 145: Dr. David Lisak

Episode 145: Dr. David Lisak

Friday 13th December 2013

Dr. David Lisak discusses surviving childhood sexual abuse, healing through therapy, and advocating for male survivors on 'Mental Illness Happy Hour'.
Explicit
127 minutes
Inspiring
Empowering
Informative
Hopeful
Compassionate

About this podcast

Mental Illness Happy Hour
Author:
Paul Gilmartin
Overview:
Categories:
Body & Mind
Sobriety Toolkit
Healing from Sexual Trauma
Healing Relationships
Financial Health in Recovery
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Dr. David Lisak: From Trauma to Triumph in Male Survivor Advocacy

You weep in grief over something like that, but then, having done that, you know to be able to pick yourself up and walk away and feel you know, okay, it wasn't my fault, and so I have to live with the fact that something bad happened to me, but I don't have to live with the feeling that it was me who did it, that I was responsible for it.
Imagine growing up in the shadow of trauma and finding a way to not only survive but also help others heal. That's exactly what Dr. David Lisak, a clinical and forensic psychologist, shares in this episode of 'Mental Illness Happy Hour'. Born in Montreal to a WWII widow, Lisak opens up about the sexual abuse he endured as a child and the complex emotions that male survivors often face.
With candor and empathy, he discusses the confusion, stigma, and isolation that can haunt survivors well into adulthood. Host Paul Gilmartin dives deep with Lisak, exploring how his early experiences affected his brain, particularly the prefrontal cortex, and strained his family relationships. But this isn't just a story of struggle; it's one of remarkable resilience and healing.
Lisak explains how therapy played a pivotal role in helping him process his trauma and understand that he wasn't to blame for what happened. Lisak's journey didn't stop at personal healing. He co-founded www1in6.org, an organization dedicated to supporting male survivors of sexual abuse. Through this platform, he aims to break down the barriers of stigma and silence that often surround these issues.
The episode highlights the vital work being done to foster open conversations about sexual abuse and provide much-needed support to those affected. Listeners will find themselves moved by Lisak's story and inspired by his dedication to advocacy. This episode offers not just insights into the impact of childhood sexual abuse but also practical advice on seeking therapy and support. It's a powerful reminder that healing is possible and that speaking out can pave the way for recovery and change.