Pineapple Support, SextPanther Launch Holistic PTSD Support Group for Performers

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Pineapple Support, the adult industry’s leading mental health nonprofit, is launching a free, online support group to help performers navigate the complexities of post-traumatic stress. Sponsored by SextPanther, the six-week “Holistic PTSD support group” will be led by Pineapple Support therapist Nicki Line and will begin on Sunday, June 1st, at 4 PM EST.

“This group offers performers a chance to connect with others who understand trauma’s challenges while exploring a range of therapeutic modalities to aid in recovery,” says Line. “Each week we’ll introduce a different evidence-based approach to managing PTSD, including Polyvagal Theory, Somatic Therapy & Body Work, Art Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).”

Pineapple Support was founded by British performer Leya Tanit in 2018, after a string of losses in the adult industry from depression and other mental illnesses. The organization, a qualified 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization in the United States, has connected over 15,000 adult performers to mental health services, including free and low-cost therapy, counseling, and emotional support.

“I’m thankful to SextPanther for its support with this group, aimed at fostering a supportive community where performers can learn practical tools, find community, and explore diverse healing modalities to promote holistic well-being,” says Tanit. “Whether you’re beginning your healing journey or seeking new tools, this group provides a comprehensive and empowering approach, fostering resilience, and supporting their healing journey.”

The Holistic PTSD Support Group will begin on Sunday, June 1, at 1 PM PST / 4 PM EST / 10 PM CET, and will run for six weeks, with each session lasting 60 minutes. For more information and to reserve a spot, visit pineapplesupport.org/support-groups.

Plaiir Joins Pineapple Support As Supporter-Level Sponsor

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Pineapple Support, the adult industry’s leading mental health nonprofit, is pleased to welcome Plaiir as a supporter-level sponsor. The creator networking app joins over seventy adult businesses and organizations in committing funds and resources to the organization.

“At Plaiir, we care deeply about the well-being of creators — not just their careers, but their mental health and support systems too,” says Cole Bing, Founder & CEO of Plaiir. “Partnering with Pineapple Support was an easy choice. Their mission aligns perfectly with ours: to build a safer, more connected creator community.”

Pineapple Support was founded by British performer Leya Tanit in 2018, after a string of losses in the adult industry from depression and other mental illnesses. The organization, a qualified 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization in the United States, has connected over 15,000 adult performers to mental health services, including free and low-cost therapy, counseling, and emotional support.

“I’m incredibly grateful to Plaiir for supporting Pineapple,” says Tanit. “Their commitment to fostering community and connection within the creator space is so important to the mental health and wellbeing of our industry. With Plaiir’s support, we can continue to provide crucial services and build a safer, stronger, and more connected adult industry together.”

To learn more about becoming a sponsor of Pineapple Support, please visit https://pineapplesupport.org/sponsorship. Details about additional ways to support, as a company or individual, can be found on the organization’s website https://pineapplesupport.org.

 

Pineapple Support To Host Wellness Sessions for Creators at XBIZ Miami

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Pineapple Support, the adult industry’s leading mental health non-profit, will attend XBIZ Miami from May 19th to 22nd. During the conference, the organization will host a series of free group sessions for creators, sponsored by Ceartas and Streamate, including a support circle, a yoga session, and a masterclass in confidence.

Monday, May 19, 4-5pm
Waves & Wellness: A Beachside Support Circle (Sponsored by Ceartas)
A relaxed group session on the beach to check in, chat about what’s ahead, and build a community before the conference begins.

Tuesday, May 20 and Wednesday, May 21, 9am
Wellness Wake-Up: Morning Yoga Session (Sponsored by Streamate)
A gentle yoga session to help ground, stretch, and reconnect with yourself before the day’s events begin.

Wednesday, May 21, 3pm
Unshakable… A Confidence Masterclass for Adult Creators (With Laura Desiree and Alexxx Gay)
A high-energy workshop, using exercises and techniques to help unlock confidence, providing creators with a personalized confidence toolkit, industry resources, and a network of like-minded creators for ongoing support.

Pineapple Support was founded by performer Leya Tanit in 2018, after a string of losses in the adult industry from depression and other mental illnesses. The organization, a qualified 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization in the United States, has connected over 14,000 adult performers to mental health services, including free and low-cost therapy, counseling, and emotional support.

“Industry events like XBIZ Miami can be exhilarating, but also overwhelming,” says Tanit. “Our aim is to provide grounding moments that help performers reconnect with themselves and one another. Whether it’s through yoga, workshops, or simply a safe space to talk, we’re here to support the emotional wellbeing of our community.”

To view the full schedule of the XBIZ Miami conference, visit https://www.xbizmiami.com/. To learn more about becoming a sponsor of Pineapple Support, please visit https://pineapplesupport.org/sponsorship. Details about additional ways to support the organization as a company or individual can be found by visiting https://pineapplesupport.org.

Trauma, Therapy & Transcendence

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Lately, I’ve found myself in a full-blown obsession with Dr. Gabor Maté – the gentle, truth-bomb-dropping trauma whisperer whose voice I now hear in my head more than my own internal monologue. And honestly, I’m not mad about it.

The more I dive into his work, from The Scattered Mind to his soulful interviews, the more I am captivated by the undeniable  link between psychological healing and spiritual awakening. These two paths aren’t just parallel. They’re braided, like your childhood friendship bracelets. You tug one end, and the other tightens too.

First, Let’s Talk Definitions (Bear With Me)
Let’s demystify this a bit.
Psychological growth isn’t just “going to therapy”, it’s the deep work of understanding our patterns, healing our inner wounds, and making friends with our nervous system (yes, even when it’s in full-blown fire-drill mode). It’s learning how to stop reacting from old survival strategies and start responding from your real self.

Spiritual enlightenment, on the other hand, is a bit trickier to define without sounding like a hippie-dippy, woowoo (which to be fair, I am kinda am). Think: presence, peace, ego dissolution, oneness, or even that moment in yoga when you forgot you had emails. It’s not about floating off into the cosmos,  it’s about becoming deeply present.

What draws me to Gabor Maté, is that he doesn’t sell enlightenment. What he does is walk people toward it, through the smoke and mirrors of trauma.

The Wounded Ego and the “False Self” (AKA: Why We Can’t Just Be Chill)
According to Gabor (yes, we’re on a first-name basis now), trauma isn’t just the awful thing that happened to you. Trauma is what happens inside you as a result. It’s the internal split,  the disconnection from your authentic self in exchange for safety, belonging, or survival.

That split? It creates the false self – the overachiever, the people-pleaser, the rebel, the tough guy, the one who says “I’m fine” while inwardly Googling “how to cry without looking puffy.”

And that false self? It’s a major blocker on both the therapy couch and the meditation cushion.

Therapy as a Spiritual Practice (No Incense Required)
What I’ve come to realize, between emotional flashbacks and a frankly inappropriate number of Maté videos, is that therapy is spiritual work.
Because when you do the deep psychological digging, when you start sitting with the wounded inner child rather than running from her,  you’re not just healing trauma.
You’re also dissolving the ego.

You begin to sense, beneath all the pain and protection, a you that feels older than pain. A presence. A stillness. And you realize – oh hey, maybe that’s the real me.

Enlightenment isn’t about bypassing the mess. It’s about getting cozy in the middle of it.

Speaking of Bypassing… Let’s Not.
Here’s the trap: jumping to spirituality to avoid the emotional grunt work. “I’m not angry, I’m just sending them love and light.” Sound familiar?

Gabor Maté gently (and by gently, I mean with the precision of a psychic scalpel) warns against this: spiritual bypassing. When we skip therapy in favor of transcendence, we’re not ascending – we’re avoiding. And avoidance, my friends, is just trauma in fancier clothes.

You can’t meditate away your childhood…. you can, however, hold your inner child’s hand during meditation. That’s the difference. The Beautiful, Messy Integration

So, what’s the takeaway here?

  • To truly heal we must embrace both spiritual enlightenment and psychological growth/mind work.
  • Your tears are just as holy as your mantras.
  • And healing isn’t linear — it’s more like a spiral, with lots of tea breaks.

When we heal psychologically, we soften into our spiritual selves. When we awaken spiritually, we create more space for that healing to deepen. One supports the other, endlessly.

And maybe, just maybe, as Gabor says, the goal isn’t to become “better,” but to become more ourselves – raw, present, and fully alive.

Final Thought (Before I Download The Next Gabor AudioBook)
If you’re on a path of healing, know that every uncomfortable moment, every panic attack, every aha in therapy, every awkward boundary you set, is a step toward something bigger than you.
Not bigger in a grandiose way.
Bigger in a truer way.

It’s not about becoming enlightened. It’s about remembering you already were.

Kiiroo Joins Pineapple Support As Supporter-Level Sponsor

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Pineapple Support, the adult industry’s leading mental health nonprofit, is pleased to welcome Kiiroo as a supporter-level sponsor. The adult retailer joins over seventy adult businesses and organizations in committing funds and resources to the organization.

“We are thrilled to partner with Pineapple Support, an organization that shares our deep commitment to mental health and well-being,” says Alicia Quiroga, Kiiroo Market Developer Manager. “In our industry, we understand the unique challenges faced by content creators and the importance of providing accessible support. By working together, we aim to foster a community where individuals feel seen, heard, and empowered to prioritize their mental health. Our collaboration with Pineapple Support underscores our dedication to helping others and creating a safer, more compassionate (online) space for everyone.”

Pineapple Support was founded by British performer Leya Tanit in 2018, after a string of losses in the adult industry from depression and other mental illnesses. The organization, a qualified 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization in the United States, has connected over 15,000 adult performers to mental health services, including free and low-cost therapy, counseling, and emotional support.

“I’d like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Kiiroo team for their support of Pineapple Support,” says Tanit. “By joining us as a sponsor, Kiiroo is making a clear statement about their commitment to mental health awareness and the well-being of the adult industry. Their generous contribution enables us to continue expanding our resources and providing crucial support to those in need. We’re excited to welcome them into our growing network of partners.”

To learn more about becoming a sponsor of Pineapple Support, please visit https://pineapplesupport.org/sponsorship. Details about additional ways to support, as a company or individual, can be found on the organization’s website https://pineapplesupport.org.

Joi AI Joins Pineapple Support As Partner-Level Sponsor, Hosts Workshop For Creators

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Pineapple Support, the adult industry’s leading mental health nonprofit, is pleased to welcome Joi AI, formerly known as Eva AI, as a partner-level sponsor. The digital relationship platform joins over seventy adult businesses and organizations in committing funds and resources to the organization. Joi AI will also host the Joi AI Academy Workshop, a virtual event to explore how creators can protect their mental health while using AI tools to maintain audience engagement.

“Pineapple Support brings invaluable experience in creator wellness,” says Caleth Jones, spokesperson for Joi AI. “The session will address common challenges such as burnout, anxiety, and the pressure of being ‘always on,’ as well as introduce ways AI can help creators automate tasks, maintain boundaries, and stay connected with fans. Together, we hope to offer practical insights and emotional support to empower creators both online and off.”

Pineapple Support was founded by performer Leya Tanit in 2018, after a string of losses in the adult industry from depression and other mental illnesses. The organization, a qualified 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization in the United States, has connected over 15,000 adult performers to mental health services, including free and low-cost therapy, counseling, and emotional support.

“I’m thankful to Joi AI for supporting our mission to provide stigma-free and accessible mental health care to industry creators,” says Tanit. “We’re excited to collaborate with them on this workshop to discuss the potential AI may hold for creator wellbeing.”

The Joi AI Academy Workshop will take place on May 8, 2025, and will feature insights from Tanit representing Pineapple Support, and other industry advocates. For more information and to register, visit https://partiful.com/e/OfWmHqbAvWsRSPkkkfej.

To learn more about becoming a sponsor of Pineapple Support, visit https://pineapplesupport.org/sponsorship. Details about additional ways to support, as a company or individual, can be found on the organization’s website https://pineapplesupport.org.

Pineapple Support To Host Morning Yoga Sessions at GRABBYS Europe

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Pineapple Support, the adult industry’s leading mental health nonprofit, will host daily morning yoga sessions during the Grabbys Europe event in Torremolinos, April 24th–28th. These sessions, led by Pineapple therapist Michele Karban, are designed to help attendees reset and recharge amidst the buzz of the show.

The “Pineapple Support Yoga Morning” sessions will take place on Friday, April 25 and Saturday, April 26 at 11am, by the pool at the Rendez-vous Lounge, next to the hotel stage. Each 45-minute class offers a calming space for grounding and gentle movement, ideal for all experience levels. Attendees are encouraged to join before breakfast to stretch, breathe, and reconnect in a safe, welcoming environment.

“At fast-paced events like this, taking a moment for yourself is essential,” says Pineapple Support founder and CEO, Leya Tanit. “Our morning yoga sessions provide a gentle, supportive space where attendees can start the day feeling more balanced, relaxed, and ready to engage.”

Pineapple Support was founded by British performer Leya Tanit in 2018, after a string of losses in the adult industry from depression and other mental illnesses. The organization, a qualified 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization in the United States, has connected over 14,000 adult performers to mental health services, including free and low-cost therapy, counseling, and emotional support.

For more information about Grabbys Europe and to view the full event schedule, please visit grabbyseurope.com. To learn more about Pineapple Support, including sponsorship and ways to get involved, visit pineapplesupport.org.

What Autism Means To Me

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There’s been a lot of attention on autism through social media recently, and it’s become somewhat of a buzzword. To some extent, this is positive—it breaks some of the stigma surrounding the spectrum and raises awareness. But it’s also led to a wave of people self-diagnosing (nothing wrong with that, as long as it’s not a misdiagnosis or used as an excuse for poor behavior). However, the overuse of labels can sometimes be harmful.

Discovering you’re on the spectrum (ADHD and Autism) in your early 40’s is, to put it bluntly, really f-ing odd.
When my therapist first suggested it, my immediate reaction was, “Absolutely not, I’m an empath, what a ridiculous thing to suggest.” Then I spoke with some therapist friends of mine, and one by one, they all agreed—some even said they’d known since they met me (for over 10 years). News like this is not easy to digest, and it had my head spinning like a tumble dryer for many days. Once the dust had settled and I could finally process the information, I started talking to my friends. It turns out, like attracts like—over 90% of my close circle of friends are also on the spectrum. Hurrah, we move in packs! Vibe with your tribe!

Since my diagnosis, there have been many “aha” moments. Suddenly, it all made sense—why certain social situations are so difficult for me to navigate. It explains why I gravitate towards facts, my overwhelming desire to do people please, often to my detriment, and why it takes me a second to read between the lines (flirting? Never been my thing). Let’s talk about sensory overload—specifically loud noises. I always thought I didn’t like being around children because, well… children. Turns out, I actually have a good reason to steer clear of them now!
It’s also helped me understand how I like to support my friends: I’m absolutely terrible at comforting anyone who’s crying (I want to give them a pat on the back and hide in another room until they’re done), but I do want to use my pragmatism to fix, help, and support. Looking back, this is probably why I started Pineapple. People I loved were hurting—people who deserved care were uncared for—and this is how I knew to “fix” it.

Being on the spectrum didn’t just give me the drive to start Pineapple; it gave me the problem-solving skills to create a structure that would work and scale. It’s why I can approach things from a different angle and build systems that support people effectively.

There’s an interesting intersection between social justice and autism, with the two being highly intertwined, as many autistic individuals possess a strong sense of justice and may become distressed by injustice, advocating for change and challenging perceived unfairness. However, autistic people also face unique challenges and discrimination, requiring social justice efforts to ensure their rights and needs are met. What is strange to me is that this desire for social justice is seen as a “symptom of a disability”, and the sad reflection this gives of society today.

Throughout my childhood, I was called weird, felt excluded, and always knew I was different. As an adult, I’ve learned to harness these idiosyncrasies and thrive because of them. Being different, unique, that’s our superpower. Not just for those on the spectrum, but for every single one of us. Embracing our quirks and accepting our weird, wonderful selves is the biggest step we can take toward happiness. For those of you who feel like you don’t belong, like everyone else is speaking a different language, know that you aren’t alone. The world is full of people who are just like you, waiting for the space to be themselves. Accepting others without judgment and pushing ourselves to question bias is how we create a more inclusive, understanding, and united world. Together, we can make the world a place where we all belong.

Why Fit In When You Were Born to Stand Out? – Dr. Seuss

Reagan Foxx Joins Pineapple Support as Brand Ambassador

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Pineapple Support, the adult industry’s leading mental health nonprofit, has appointed Reagan Foxx as its latest brand ambassador. The acclaimed adult actress, model, and cam performer joins a growing team of ambassadors dedicated to advocating for mental health awareness and performer support within the adult industry.

Foxx, a highly respected figure in the industry, brings more than a decade of experience to her new role. Her deep understanding of the challenges faced by performers, combined with her commitment to fostering a supportive and stigma-free environment, makes her an invaluable addition to the Pineapple Support team.

“If you have been in any profession for over ten years, I think you realize that you want to give something back,” says Foxx. “Spend enough time with people working, and I believe you will find that most of your colleagues will move on to become friends and family, especially in this line of work. These are a few reasons I am so proud to announce that I am now an ambassador with Pineapple Support, a company that has helped support us performers in ways that no other company has before. Creating awareness of performer safety, mental health, and industry resources to further careers like no other generation in adult entertainment has ever received.”

Pineapple Support was founded by British performer Leya Tanit in 2018, after a string of losses in the adult industry from depression and other mental illnesses. The organization, a qualified 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization in the United States, has connected over 14,000 adult performers to mental health services, including free and low-cost therapy, counseling, and emotional support.

“We are thrilled to welcome Reagan to our ambassador team,” says Tanit. “Reagan’s passion for advocating for performer well-being, along with her deep industry experience, aligns perfectly with our mission. Her dedication to breaking down stigma and fostering a compassionate and supportive community will be instrumental in expanding our reach and ensuring more performers have access to the resources they need.”

For more information and to become a member of Pineapples United, the membership club for adult industry members, please visit Pineapplesupport.org/Pineapples-United. If you have a business and would like to find out how to become an official sponsor of Pineapple Support, view the available packages by visiting Pineapplesupport.org/sponsorship.

Wick Entertainment Joins Pineapple Support As Supporter-Level Sponsor

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Pineapple Support, the adult industry’s leading mental health nonprofit, is pleased to welcome Wick Entertainment as a sponsor at the supporter level. The fan engagement platform joins over sixty adult businesses and organizations in committing funds and resources to the organization.

“We all share a responsibility to support and safeguard the lifeblood of our industry, ensuring creators have unhindered access to essential mental health resources is paramount,” says Kaspa Sejo, Co-Founder of Wick Entertainment. “Pineapple Support’s work is vital to the well-being of creators, and we’re honoured to be able to support their incredible efforts.”

Pineapple Support was founded by performer Leya Tanit in 2018, after a string of losses in the adult industry from depression and other mental illnesses. The organization, a qualified 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization in the United States, has connected over 14,000 adult performers to mental health services, including free and low-cost therapy, counseling, and emotional support.

“Wick Entertainment’ support is helping us provide more resources to creators who need them,” says Tanit. “In an increasingly online industry, it’s more essential than ever that we support those on our platforms. We’re grateful to Wick Entertainment for standing with us in prioritizing the well-being of our community.”

To learn more about becoming a sponsor of Pineapple Support, please visit https://pineapplesupport.org/sponsorship. Details about additional ways to support, as a company or individual, can be found on the organization’s website https://pineapplesupport.org