My guest on the show today is an author, psychologist and pioneer in the mental health field. Mary Hoang started her career working with street kids for the Salvation Army and found through her experience that employing creative tools, such as music and art, helped change the way kids viewed mental health and opened up communication. 

Mary went on to found The Indigo Project, a progressive psychology practice that runs online courses and workshops to guide people through a transformational journey. She discovered the need for a different approach than the traditional clinical methods when she was searching for a practice for herself and couldn’t find any that fit. 

We explore the messiness in relationships and how to transform them. Mary shares her insight into realistic expectations, not taking on a therapist role, the importance of communication, red flags, boundaries and her own advice for maintaining a healthy relationship. 

Topics we cover and where to find them:

• [0:00]: Intro.
• [3:06]: Updates for Livin. 
• [3:51]: Last week’s podcast. 
• [4:20]: Introduction of Mary Hoang. 
• [7:05]: Background of Mary and The Indigo Project. 
• [10:51]: Utilising music to create a safe space - Embodied Practices. 
• [14:53]: A gateway to therapy. 
• [16:47]: Working with the right therapist changes everything.
• [20:34]: A digital company with soul. 
• [20:54]: Self care strategies. 
• [22:57]: ‘Darkness is golden’ book by Mary Hoang. 
• [25:36]: Realistic expectations in relationships. 
• [29:09]: Don’t take on the role of a therapist in relationships. 
• [31:05]: Communication is essential. 
• [33:15]: Red flags. 
• [35:06]: How and why we give. 
• [39:45]: Advice for a healthy relationship. 
• [43:38]: Anticipations for new baby. 
• [44:26]: Most important lesson learned. 
• [46:01]: Where to find Mary and The Indigo Project. 

Like this show? Please leave us a review here - All comments and reviews help us break the stigma of mental health so that we can save more lives. Post a screenshot of you listening on Instagram & tag @livinorg @samwebb so we can thank you personally.

Episode Resources:

• Instagram: @the_indigo_project + @maryhoangindigo
• Website: https://theindigoproject.com.au/  
• Book: https://www.darknessisgolden.com/ 

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