Ask A Therapist

What happens when an experience feels both deeply physical and deeply spiritual?This week, we respond to a listener who has struggled with sleep paralysis for years. While they understand the scientific explanations behind sleep paralysis, part of them still wonders if there's a spiritual dimension to what they're experiencing.It's a question many people quietly wrestle with: Can something be explained neurologically and still carry personal, emotional, or spiritual meaning?In this conversation, we explore the fascinating science of sleep paralysis, why these experiences can feel so terrifyingly real, and how different cultures throughout history have interpreted them. We also discuss the overlap between faith, psychology, and meaning-making, and whether therapy can help even when someone holds spiritual beliefs about their experiences.Most importantly, we talk about how fear surrounding sleep paralysis can begin affecting daily life—and why support, understanding, and treatment don't require abandoning your faith or worldview.Have a question? Email us at [email protected], use the link below, or DM us on IG or TikTok at @askatherapist_podSubmit Your Question Here!Find Kenzie at therapy-with-kenzie.com or @therapywithkenzieFind Carli at carlikingtherapy.com or @carlikinglmft

How do you help a daughter who is struggling with body image without accidentally making things worse?This week, we hear from a mom who's noticing subtle but concerning changes in her teen daughter's relationship with food, weight, and appearance. Like many parents, she's caught between wanting to protect her child and worrying that bringing attention to the issue could make it worse.In this conversation, we explore the complicated reality of raising girls in a culture saturated with filtered beauty standards, social media comparison, wellness culture, and constant messages about how women and girls should look. We discuss the difference between normal body image struggles and early signs of disordered eating, what language actually helps, and why parents don't need to wait for a crisis before seeking support.We also talk about the emotional layers underneath body obsession, inherited body shame, and the powerful role parents play in helping daughters build an identity that extends far beyond appearance.If you're the parent of a teen or have a teen in your life who you care about, you won't want to miss this critical conversation. Have a question? Email us at [email protected], use the link below, or DM us on IG or TikTok at @askatherapist_podSubmit Your Question Here!Find Kenzie at therapy-with-kenzie.com or @therapywithkenzieFind Carli at carlikingtherapy.com or @carlikinglmft

This week, we respond to a heartfelt letter from a woman who feels like she's slowly becoming a different version of herself. Between brain fog, irritability, exhaustion, declining motivation, and a changing libido, she's left wondering whether she's experiencing stress, burnout, depression, aging, perimenopause—or some combination of all of the above.If that resonates, you're not alone.In this episode, we explore the often-overlooked reality of perimenopause and why so many women enter this stage feeling blindsided. We discuss the physical, emotional, cognitive, and sexual changes that can accompany midlife, why symptoms are frequently misunderstood, and how women can better advocate for themselves when seeking medical care.We also dive into one of the biggest questions many women face: When is it time to ask for help? You do not have to wait until you're completely depleted before asking for support.Whether your symptoms stem from hormonal changes, chronic stress, mental health challenges, or a combination of factors, your experience is real and worthy of attention. Midlife is not a test of endurance, and seeking help isn't an overreaction—it's self-care.Have a question? Email us at [email protected], use the link below, or DM us on IG or TikTok at @askatherapist_podSubmit Your Question Here!Find Kenzie at therapy-with-kenzie.com or @therapywithkenzieFind Carli at carlikingtherapy.com or @carlikinglmft

Father’s Day is supposed to feel like appreciation—but what happens when it feels more like an afterthought?In this episode, Kenzie & Carli respond to a listener letter from a dad who feels unsure about how to address his quiet disappointment around Father's Day. He consistently shows up in big ways for Mother’s Day, but finds himself feeling overlooked when his own day rolls around. Now he’s wondering: should he say something, or just accept it?The conversation digs into the emotional gap between what we assume our families know we want—and what we actually say out loud. They explore the identity of the “low-maintenance dad,” the discomfort of asking for recognition, and why wanting to feel celebrated isn’t the same as being “needy” or keeping score.At its core, this episode is about something simple but often hard to say: I want to feel seen in my own family.Have a question? Email us at [email protected], use the link below, or DM us on IG or TikTok at @askatherapist_podSubmit Your Question Here!Find Kenzie at therapy-with-kenzie.com or @therapywithkenzieFind Carli at carlikingtherapy.com or @carlikinglmft

What happens when you try to do the right thing for a child—but it puts you at odds with their parent?In this episode, Kenzie & Carli unpack a listener letter from an uncle who found himself in hot water with his brother after explaining Juneteenth to his nephews. The conversation dives into the complicated intersection of intention, identity, and boundaries within families.They explore the reality that conversations about race aren’t optional for some children—especially those growing up in environments where they may already feel “othered.” At the same time, they hold space for the importance of parental autonomy and the emotional weight of being “the one” to introduce big, meaningful topics to your kids.Whether you’re a parent, aunt, uncle, or trusted adult in a child’s life, this conversation offers a nuanced look at how to show up with care, honesty, and respect—even when it’s messy.Have a question? Email us at [email protected], use the link below, or DM us on IG or TikTok at @askatherapist_podSubmit Your Question Here!Find Kenzie at therapy-with-kenzie.com or @therapywithkenzieFind Carli at carlikingtherapy.com or @carlikinglmft

This week, we hear from a listener questioning if work they initially deemed to be  meaningful has become compromised. We talk about the uneasy space where visibility, marketing, and identity collide. When does representation become performative? What does it mean to be asked to “sign off” on authenticity? And how do you hold onto your values while working within systems that reward optics over substance?It’s a conversation about compromise, integrity, and what it takes to stay grounded when your work both reflects and reshapes who you are. If you’ve ever felt proud of what you do and uncomfortable with it at the same time, this one’s for you.Have a question? Email us at [email protected], use the link below, or DM us on IG or TikTok at @askatherapist_podSubmit Your Question Here!Find Kenzie at therapy-with-kenzie.com or @therapywithkenzieFind Carli at carlikingtherapy.com or @carlikinglmft

In this episode, we respond to a listener letter from a woman in her 40s who was recently diagnosed with ADHD—and is now trying to navigate what that means for her daily life.We explore how ADHD often shows up differently in women, including the less visible (but equally challenging) symptoms like mental overload, chronic overwhelm, and internal restlessness. We also talk about why so many women go undiagnosed for years—and the emotional impact of finally having answers.Most importantly, this episode is packed with practical, realistic strategies to help you work with your brain instead of against it. We cover ways to reduce overwhelm, improve focus, follow through on tasks, and strengthen executive functioning without relying on unrealistic routines or sheer willpower.Whether you’ve been recently diagnosed, suspect you might have ADHD, or simply feel stuck in cycles of distraction and unfinished projects, this conversation offers tools, validation, and a starting point for change.Have a question? Email us at [email protected], use the link below, or DM us on IG or TikTok at @askatherapist_podSubmit Your Question Here!Find Kenzie at therapy-with-kenzie.com or @therapywithkenzieFind Carli at carlikingtherapy.com or @carlikinglmft

What’s the difference between being open to love… and getting swept up in something that isn’t grounded in reality?This week, we unpack a listener letter about a friend who falls hard and fast—every time. She calls herself a hopeless romantic, but her pattern raises a deeper question: when does optimism cross into limerence, and how is that connected to anxious attachment?In this episode, Kenzie & Carli explore why intense early feelings can feel so real, how the brain fills in emotional gaps, and how “seeing the best in people” can sometimes mask a deeper need for reassurance.We also get into the tricky part: what do you do when you see this pattern in someone you care about? How do you bring it up without sounding judgmental—or pushing them away?Tune in for a nuanced conversation about love, attachment, and the fine line between hope and overwhelm.Have a question? Email us at [email protected], use the link below, or DM us on IG or TikTok at @askatherapist_podSubmit Your Question Here!Find Kenzie at therapy-with-kenzie.com or @therapywithkenzieFind Carli at carlikingtherapy.com or @carlikinglmft

In this episode, we respond to a listener who’s graduating college—and feeling completely unprepared for what comes next.With pressure from family, fear about debt, and a job market that feels uncertain, they’re stuck in a question so many people in their 20's face: What am I supposed to do with my life? Add in mixed messages about “following your passion” and the illusion that everyone else has it figured out, and it’s easy to feel behind before you’ve even started.We unpack the myth of having one clear passion, and discuss why your first job is better viewed as a stepping stone—not a lifelong commitment. This episode offers practical strategies for making decisions without perfect clarity, and building a career that supports your life—not the other way around.If you’re feeling lost, behind, or overwhelmed about your future, this conversation will help you take the pressure off—and focus on your next step instead of your entire life plan.Have a question? Email us at [email protected], use the link below, or DM us on IG or TikTok at @askatherapist_podSubmit Your Question Here!Find Kenzie at therapy-with-kenzie.com or @therapywithkenzieFind Carli at carlikingtherapy.com or @carlikinglmft

Kicking off season 3, we respond to a listener letter about estrangement from a parent—just in time for Mother’s Day.Our listener shares the painful decision to cut off contact with her mom after years of repeated boundary violations. Now, as Mother’s Day approaches, she’s facing pressure from loved ones who don’t understand her choice—leaving her questioning whether her boundary is valid or if she’s just avoiding.We talk about what it really means to set a boundary after patterns of harm, how to tell the difference between avoidance and self-protection, and why other people’s opinions—especially those who haven’t lived your experience—can create so much doubt. We also explore the emotional complexity of estrangement, including grief, guilt, love, and relief coexisting at the same time.If you’ve ever felt torn between family expectations and your own well-being, this conversation is for you.Have a question? Email us at [email protected], use the link below, or DM us on IG or TikTok at @askatherapist_podSubmit Your Question Here!Find Kenzie at therapy-with-kenzie.com or @therapywithkenzieFind Carli at carlikingtherapy.com or @carlikinglmft

In this episode, we respond to a heartfelt listener question about how to balance self-care with showing up for others while living with your own grief.Our listener shares her struggle with deciding whether to attend baby showers while still trying to conceive—wanting to support her friends, but fearing that the emotional weight of these events may be more than she can carry. Together, we talk through how to make these decisions with honesty and self-compassion, without guilt or obligation.We discuss how support doesn’t have to look one way, how to assess emotional capacity in real time, and why opting out—or leaving early—can be an act of wisdom, not failure.Have a question? Email us at [email protected], use the link below, or DM us on IG or TikTok at @askatherapist_podSubmit Your Question Here!Find Kenzie at therapy-with-kenzie.com or @therapywithkenzieFind Carli at carlikingtherapy.com or @carlikinglmft

In this episode, we help a listener learn the dos and don'ts of apologizing. We unpack why so many apologies fall flat—and what it really takes to repair trust after an offense. Whether it’s in your relationships, at work, or in everyday conflicts, knowing how to offer a proper apology is one of the most powerful communication skills you can develop.We explore the subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways people get it wrong—think “I’m sorry you feel that way,” over-explaining, defensiveness, or rushing to be forgiven. Then we break down the key components of a meaningful apology that actually rebuilds connection.Have a question? Email us at [email protected], use the link below, or DM us on IG or TikTok at @askatherapist_podSubmit Your Question Here!Find Kenzie at therapy-with-kenzie.com or @therapywithkenzieFind Carli at carlikingtherapy.com or @carlikinglmft

High-functioning depression doesn’t always look like sadness. Sometimes it looks like showing up, providing, supporting everyone else—and falling apart quietly behind the scenes.In this episode, we explore what it means to live with high-functioning depression, particularly as a man who’s expected to be strong, steady, and emotionally unshakeable. We talk about the pressure to be “the rock” for others, and how that expectation can make it harder to acknowledge your own pain—or even recognize it.This conversation pulls back the curtain on the hidden exhaustion, isolation, and emotional numbness that so many carry while appearing fine on the outside. It’s about naming what often goes unspoken and creating space for honesty, support, and healing.Have a question? Email us at [email protected], use the link below, or DM us on IG or TikTok at @askatherapist_podSubmit Your Question Here!Find Kenzie at therapy-with-kenzie.com or @therapywithkenzieFind Carli at carlikingtherapy.com or @carlikinglmft

Kids change everything—your schedule, your energy, your relationship. In this episode, we talk honestly about what it takes to stay connected as partners after becoming parents, especially when the mental load, household tasks, and childcare responsibilities feel uneven.Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or just tired of having the same arguments on repeat, this episode offers practical ways to communicate better, reconnect emotionally, and build a more balanced partnership.Have a question? Email us at [email protected], use the link below, or DM us on IG or TikTok at @askatherapist_podSubmit Your Question Here!Find Kenzie at therapy-with-kenzie.com or @therapywithkenzieFind Carli at carlikingtherapy.com or @carlikinglmft

Today, we answer a dad asking how to talk to his kids about divorce without scaring them or oversharing. Differing ages and a child from a previous relationship only further complicate matters. Kenzie & Carli break down strategies for keeping the conversation age-appropriate, handling tough questions, and helping kids feel safe and heard during a big family change.Have a question? Email us at [email protected], use the link below, or DM us on IG or TikTok at @askatherapist_podSubmit Your Question Here!Find Kenzie at therapy-with-kenzie.com or @therapywithkenzieFind Carli at carlikingtherapy.com or @carlikinglmft

This week's letter is about recognizing relationship patterns and exploring ways to change them.We talk to a listener questioning if their approach to dating is facilitating a pattern they'd like to move away from. We discuss ways to use past experiences to guide present awareness, which can be a game-changer in decision-making.If you've ever questioned if you're somehow getting in your own way, this one's for you. Have a question? Email us at [email protected], use the link below, or DM us on IG or TikTok at @askatherapist_podSubmit Your Question Here!Find Kenzie at therapy-with-kenzie.com or @therapywithkenzieFind Carli at carlikingtherapy.com or @carlikinglmft

In this episode, we hear from a listener who’s struggling with a friend's choice to remain friends with someone they've cut off, wondering if it’s reasonable to expect loyalty in a specific way.We dive into how to clarify your needs, communicate them clearly, and navigate friendship boundaries without the need to control. If you’ve ever questioned whether your expectations in friendship are fair—this episode is for you.Have a question? Email us at [email protected], use the link below, or DM us on IG or TikTok at @askatherapist_podSubmit Your Question Here!Find Kenzie at therapy-with-kenzie.com or @therapywithkenzieFind Carli at carlikingtherapy.com or @carlikinglmft

In this episode, we talk with a listener who’s grappling with losing respect for a mentor while still wanting to keep the relationship intact.We explore why respect can change over time, how to set boundaries without burning bridges, and ways to honor your own growth while navigating shifting dynamics. If you’ve ever felt torn between gratitude and disappointment, this conversation offers guidance, validation, and practical strategies for maintaining integrity in tricky relationships.Have a question? Email us at [email protected], use the link below, or DM us on IG or TikTok at @askatherapist_podSubmit Your Question Here!Find Kenzie at therapy-with-kenzie.com or @therapywithkenzieFind Carli at carlikingtherapy.com or @carlikinglmft

In today's episode, we break down attachment styles, what drives avoidant patterns, and how they show up in adult relationships.We talk to a listener who’s wondering: Can I change my attachment style and become more securely attached? Together, we explore practical steps, mindset shifts, and ways to create deeper, healthier connections—without losing yourself in the process.Have a question? Email us at [email protected], use the link below, or DM us on IG or TikTok at @askatherapist_podSubmit Your Question Here!Find Kenzie at therapy-with-kenzie.com or @therapywithkenzieFind Carli at carlikingtherapy.com or @carlikinglmft

In this episode, we talk about what postpartum anxiety can feel like, why it happens, and simple ways to find calm and take care of yourself while caring for your baby. If you’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or just unsure of yourself, you’re not alone. We keep it honest, share practical tips, and remind you that it’s okay not to have it all figured out—motherhood is a journey, not a checklist.Have a question? Email us at [email protected], use the link below, or DM us on IG or TikTok at @askatherapist_podSubmit Your Question Here!Find Kenzie at therapy-with-kenzie.com or @therapywithkenzieFind Carli at carlikingtherapy.com or @carlikinglmft

In this episode, Kenzie and Carli dive into all things New Year’s resolutions—why they’re so hard to keep and how to approach them differently. A listener writes in about struggling to stay motivated after setting goals, sparking a thoughtful conversation about reframing how to approach them. They share practical tips for creating habits and practices that set you up for success beyond January.Have a question? Email us at [email protected], use the link below, or DM us on IG or TikTok at @askatherapist_podSubmit Your Question Here!Find Kenzie at therapy-with-kenzie.com or @therapywithkenzieFind Carli at carlikingtherapy.com or @carlikinglmft

Today, Kenzie and Carli offer gentle, grounding support for a listener navigating the holidays while grieving the loss of a parent. They explore how to hold space for conflicting emotions—joy, sadness, numbness, and longing—all at once, and discuss ways to adapt or release traditions that no longer feel right. The conversation also centers on communicating your needs to friends and family, setting boundaries with compassion, and allowing yourself to move through the season at your own pace. This episode is a reminder that there’s no “right” way to grieve, especially during the holidays, and that softness and self-trust matter.Have a question? Email us at [email protected], use the link below, or DM us on IG or TikTok at @askatherapist_podSubmit Your Question Here!Find Kenzie at therapy-with-kenzie.com or @therapywithkenzieFind Carli at carlikingtherapy.com or @carlikinglmft

Today, Kenzie and Carli talk with a listener who’s having a hard time accepting that a family member wants to change a holiday tradition — because the shift is being driven by that family member’s new partner.Whether you’re clinging to a familiar tradition or trying to adapt to change, this episode offers insight, empathy, and ideas for navigating family dynamics around holidays.Have a question? Email us at [email protected], use the link below, or DM us on IG or TikTok at @askatherapist_podSubmit Your Question Here!Find Kenzie at therapy-with-kenzie.com or @therapywithkenzieFind Carli at carlikingtherapy.com or @carlikinglmft

In today’s episode, Kenzie and Carli help a listener who’s feeling overwhelmed by hosting duties for unpredictable in-laws—and a partner who doesn’t understand why it’s stressful. They unpack the importance of honest communication with your spouse, the value of setting clear boundaries, and why it’s completely okay to make changes even when long-standing expectations are in place.Have a question? Email us at [email protected], use the link below, or DM us on IG or TikTok at @askatherapist_podSubmit Your Question Here!Find Kenzie at therapy-with-kenzie.com or @therapywithkenzieFind Carli at carlikingtherapy.com or @carlikinglmft

This week, Kenzie and Carli talk to a listener who's hoping to help a close friend get back to their "old self" after surviving cancer. They want things to feel like they used to—but aren't sure how to support the version of their friend who’s still healing, changing, and figuring things out.It’s a warm, honest talk about friendship, patience, and learning to show up for people in ways that actually match where they are right now—not where we wish they still were.Have a question? Email us at [email protected], use the link below, or DM us on IG or TikTok at @askatherapist_podSubmit Your Question Here!Find Kenzie at therapy-with-kenzie.com or @therapywithkenzieFind Carli at carlikingtherapy.com or @carlikinglmft

In this episode, Kenzie & Carli dig into practical ways to approach political conversations with family—especially when the topic is charged and personal. If you’re looking for tools to communicate with clarity, empathy, and healthy awareness of your boundaries, this episode offers a simple, grounded guide for navigating tough topics at home.Have a question? Email us at [email protected], use the link below, or DM us on IG or TikTok at @askatherapist_podSubmit Your Question Here!Find Kenzie at therapy-with-kenzie.com or @therapywithkenzieFind Carli at carlikingtherapy.com or @carlikinglmft

In this episode, Kenzie and Carli talk with a listener about navigating a marriage that’s lost its spark. They share simple, heartfelt tips on reconnecting with yourself, finding inner peace, and creating your own happiness even when your relationship feels flat.They also cover how to communicate your needs, ask for support without conflict, and pursue your dreams in a way that still honors your marriage.An honest and encouraging conversation for anyone craving more joy and clarity in their relationship.Have a question? Email us at [email protected], use the link below, or DM us on IG or TikTok at @askatherapist_podSubmit Your Question Here!Find Kenzie at therapy-with-kenzie.com or @therapywithkenzieFind Carli at carlikingtherapy.com or @carlikinglmft

Today, Kenzie and Carli dive into a listener question about how to handle a friend who treats you well but not others. They explore what it means to be a supportive friend while also setting healthy boundaries when needed.Have a question? Email us at [email protected], use the link below, or DM us on IG or TikTok at @askatherapist_podSubmit Your Question Here!Find Kenzie at therapy-with-kenzie.com or @therapywithkenzieFind Carli at carlikingtherapy.com or @carlikinglmft

Kenzie and Carli break down how to know when a therapist is (or isn’t) the right match — plus, they share what therapists are thinking during the process, too.Have a question? Email us at [email protected], use the link below, or DM us on IG or TikTok at @askatherapist_podSubmit Your Question Here!Find Kenzie at therapy-with-kenzie.com or @therapywithkenzieFind Carli at carlikingtherapy.com or @carlikinglmft

In this episode, Kenzie and Carli talk to a listener about how taking risks and embracing challenges can help build confidence, strengthen self-esteem, and foster resilience.Have a question? Email us at [email protected], use the link below, or DM us on IG or TikTok at @askatherapist_podSubmit Your Question Here!Find Kenzie at therapy-with-kenzie.com or @therapywithkenzieFind Carli at carlikingtherapy.com or @carlikinglmft

Meet the hosts, Kenzie Williams, LPC, and Carli King, LMFT. Learn why we started this podcast and the types of topics we hope to cover. Have a question? Email us at [email protected], use the link below, or DM us on IG or TikTok at @askatherapist_podSubmit Your Question Here!Find Kenzie at therapy-with-kenzie.com or @therapywithkenzieFind Carli at carlikingtherapy.com or @carlikinglmft