EPISODE · Feb 25, 2026 · 42 MIN
Episode 57: Why Clients Mask in Therapy (And Why It Matters)
from Tell Me About Your Mother · host Evan Miller and Melissa Martin
In this episode, we unpack one of the most misunderstood dynamics in therapy: masking.We start with the Felt Sense Polyvagal Model and how somatic work helps clients notice real shifts in their nervous system. Then we get into what therapists often miss — clients who look “fine” in session but are shutting down outside the room.We cover:Why clients mask in therapy (often without realizing it)How therapists can misread progressDorsal vagal shutdown and what it actually looks likeWhen a memory is too big for the client’s current capacityWhy some people stay emotionally stuck for decadesHow blame can block real healingThe link between underdeveloped identity and addiction riskShort-form content, attention and ADHD brainsThe pressure to appear regulated in everyday lifeIf you’re a therapist, helper or someone trying to understand why change can feel harder than it “should,” this episode will give you a much deeper lens.Send us Fan Mail Support the showHave any questions or insights about this episode? Reach out to us at [email protected]
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What this episode covers
In this episode, we unpack one of the most misunderstood dynamics in therapy: masking.We start with the Felt Sense Polyvagal Model and how somatic work helps clients notice real shifts in their nervous system. Then we get into what therapists often miss — clients who look “fine” in session but are shutting down outside the room. We cover: Why clients mask in therapy (often without realizing it)How therapists can misread progressDorsal vagal shutdown and what it actually looks likeWhen a memor...
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Episode 57: Why Clients Mask in Therapy (And Why It Matters)
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