Karen Whelan is a Ballybeg native and psychotherapist who is just home from touring America after the launch of her new book.

She joined Damien to discuss the book, her work, and her journey to where she is now.

They began the conversation following an audio clip of Ana Kasparian, an American TV host speaking about how religion affects people's morals in relation to abortion.

Karen shared her opinion on Ana's words and said that a mother giving birth in a traumatic situation would affect the relationship between the mother and baby.

She does not believe that you can have an objective opinion on abortion unless you have a lived experience on either side of the argument.

Her book

Karen had not planned on discussing the topic of abortion with Damien, but instead her new book.

It is called Women Gone Wild: The Feminine Guide To Fearless Living and is available on Kindle. 

The book launched in Las Vegas and is about encouraging women to live in a financially free and fearless way.

Karen saw herself on two 40ft billboards in Times Square which she described as "epic."

She also mentions that Kris Jenner has asked for a copy of the book.

Her life

Karen has not had an easy life, which she touches on this throughout her chat with Damien.

At 15, she tried to take her own life because of the constant self-destructive thoughts and self-hate that she was experiencing.

She thought that she was the problem and did not believe that she mattered.

She dropped out of school at 15 and has spent time bed-hopping, sleeping on the streets, and using drugs.

Eventually, she decided to say yes to herself and she found who she is.

She is grateful for the work that she has done on her own healing.

Her work

Karen is a psychotherapist and has the truth at the core of all of her work.

She believes that being true to you allows you to connect more deeply with yourself.

Her work revolves around softening inner voices and the narratives inside her client's minds.

She stresses that you are not the problem and that your mindset is.

Once you give yourself permission to talk about your feelings, your wounds will begin to heal and you will start to see the beauty in the world around you.

See her website for more information on the work she does.

Karen leaves people with a thought for the day on how precious life is.

To hear the thought and the full conversation, click the link in this podcast.

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