Ep.97 Ciara Devereux: Breaking Free: Healing, Radical Self-Ownership, and the Power of Story

In this episode of The Blueprint Podcast, Jason welcomes Ciara Devereux, a licensed psychotherapist, trauma, grief, and loss specialist, and public speaker based in San Francisco. With a background spanning addiction recovery, post-incarceration rehabilitation, and relationship counseling, Ciara brings a wealth of experience to the conversation. She shares how her own personal journey led her into the mental health space, emphasizing the importance of radical self-ownership and the power of rewriting the stories we tell ourselves. Together, Jason and Ciara dive deep into why people-pleasing keeps so many stuck in cycles of external validation and self-sacrifice. They explore the hidden cost of avoiding conflict, the role of shame in shaping identity, and how unprocessed emotions often manifest as anger, anxiety, and avoidance. Ciara introduces the concept of “if you spot it, you got it,” explaining how our triggers reveal deep-seated wounds and offer opportunities for growth. The discussion shifts to relationships and attachment, breaking down the anxious-avoidant cycle and why so many people mistake familiarity for love. Ciara challenges the narrative of waiting for external validation and explains why true transformation begins with internal work. She also provides insight into why boundary-setting is difficult and how men, in particular, struggle to advocate for their own needs due to societal conditioning. As the conversation unfolds, Jason and Ciara examine grief, trauma, and the misconceptions surrounding healing. They discuss why grief is often misunderstood, how to recognize its presence in everyday life, and why people unknowingly carry unresolved loss into relationships and decision-making. Ciara shares strategies for self-regulation, including how shifting internal narratives can create a foundation for lasting change. The episode concludes with an exploration of the future of mental health and the shift toward self-healing. Ciara emphasizes the need for emotional literacy, particularly for men, and highlights the importance of building real-life community and mentorship. She challenges the traditional approach to therapy, advocating for a more holistic and empowering model that places individuals in control of their own healing. For those looking to connect with Ciara, she can be found on TikTok and Instagram under RealTalkTherapy. She also offers coaching for individuals navigating relational distress and personal transformation. To join Jason’s free men’s community, The Antares Society, or explore his coaching programs, visit the link in his bio. This episode is packed with insight, practical tools, and hard-hitting truths about self-awareness, relationships, and overcoming past conditioning. If you found value in this conversation, consider sharing it with someone who needs it and leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. Connect with Ciara!  To connect with Jason and sign up for The Ultimate Self-Love and Secure Attachment Program click the link below! https://stan.store/Jbirdfit  Disclaimer: The training is intended for informational and educational purposes, it is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, and/or treatment. Please consult your medical professional before making changes to your diet, exercise routine, medical regimen, lifestyle, and/or mental health care. Your background, education, experience, and work ethic may differ. There is no guarantee of success. Individuals do not track the typicality of its student's experiences. Your results may vary. https://988lifeline.org/