PODCAST · health
Eyewitness to Therapy
by Cort Curtis
I am a Gestalt psychologist and therapist. In this podcast, I conduct real-life therapy sessions with individuals who volunteer to experience a taste of Gestalt therapy. The purpose of Gestalt therapy is to transform your experience of living, helping you to clear up the situations and emotions you are currently dealing with.
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27
You Can Let It Come And Let It Go
Send me a text message to let me know how you feel about this episode.Peace isn’t a vibe. It’s a practice, and sometimes it gets built in the middle of chaos. We sit down with Richard for a one-time, real-life therapy session that starts with a simple present-moment check-in and one clear intention: relief. From there, the story opens into a season packed with pressure, uncertainty, and big emotions, and we stay with what those feelings are actually like rather than rushing to “fix” them.Richard shares what led him to leave a high-stress job tied to the 988 crisis line, the financial anxiety that followed, and an unexpected lesson he learned while dog hiking and walking. A few seconds of reactivity on a trail can flood your body with fear, even when everything is fine most of the time. That metaphor becomes a doorway into practical coping skills, stress management, and the difference between resisting life and adapting to it.We also move into family: parenting a 19-year-old university student through a scary relationship, communicating without turning care into a lecture, and building the kind of trust that makes a hard conversation possible. Then the session turns tender as Richard talks about an unexpected pregnancy, a miscarriage, and what it means to grieve while still showing up for your partner and yourself.If you care about therapy, anxiety, grief processing, resilience, and protecting your peace, this conversation will meet you where you are. Subscribe for more real sessions, share this with someone who needs relief, and leave a review with the phrase that helps you stay grounded when life swings.For tools and techniques on awareness, forgiveness, and movement visit...https://www.wayofawareness.com/
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26
Facing A Parent’s Debt And A Hoarded Home
Send me a text message to let me know how you feel about this episode.A single house becomes a pressure cooker for everything else: grief, money, loyalty, and the old wounds you thought you’d outgrown. I sit down with an anonymous guest for a one-time therapy session and they arrive with one word that says it all: exhaustion. They’re the executor of their mother’s estate, the mortgage is behind, creditors are pushing, and the courts want closure. On top of it, the home is packed with decades of belongings, making cleanup feel impossible and the decision to sell feel like a point of no return.As we slow down, the stress of estate debt and the fear of foreclosure opens into something deeper: a lifetime of craving security. The guest connects today’s panic to growing up poor with an alcoholic parent, learning to read the room for danger, and being forced into caretaker roles long before adulthood. Bitterness makes sense in that context, especially when a parent’s death leaves one more mess to manage.We also name the hidden cost of self-protection. Strong boundaries keep them safe, but the constant expectation of being taken advantage of has narrowed relationships and joy. We explore how intuition can be a gift and how it can be dialed too high, plus what it could look like to judge trust in the present moment instead of living inside a permanent warning signal.If you’ve been carrying family responsibility, financial stress, childhood trauma, or trust issues, listen along and see what lands for you. Subscribe, share this with someone who needs it, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway.For tools and techniques on awareness, forgiveness, and movement visit...https://www.wayofawareness.com/
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25
You Can Plan Without Feeding Worry
Send me a text message to let me know how you feel about this episode.Worry can masquerade as “being prepared,” but what happens when the prep turns into a nonstop mental movie of everything that could go wrong? We sit down with JC for a one-time, real therapy session as she steps into a new missions job building software tools for Bible translation and scripture engagement. The work excites her. The pressure comes from the people side: raising monthly donor support, traveling to an in-person training, and trying to communicate clearly when social cues feel hard to read.JC speaks candidly about being autistic and living with sensory processing challenges. Crowds, loud rooms, strong smells, touch, and unfamiliar environments can overwhelm her focus, and subtle facial expressions can be easy to miss. That uncertainty fuels a deep fear: if she misunderstands someone, she might seem rude, lose trust, or even lose support. We explore how she copes today, including asking for direct verbal feedback, deciding when to educate someone about the autism spectrum, and when a simple smile and a topic change protects the relationship.Then we go straight at the core loop: “I’m worried that I won’t be worried.” Together we separate useful planning from unhelpful anxiety, map the real costs of stress, and test a Gestalt therapy exercise that shifts attention into the body and turns the worry dial down in the moment. If you’ve ever wanted practical anxiety tools that still respect the need to plan, this conversation gives you a clear place to start.Subscribe for more real therapy work, share this with someone who overthinks for a living, and leave a review with one strategy that helps you plan without spiraling.For tools and techniques on awareness, forgiveness, and movement visit...https://www.wayofawareness.com/
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24
When Your Parents Feel Like Strangers
Send me a text message to let me know how you feel about this episode.When your parents are physically present but emotionally checked out, it can feel like you’re right back in childhood, waiting to be noticed. We talk with Olivia about the heartbreak of wanting engaged grandparents for her toddler, and the exhaustion of feeling like she has to “babysit” her parents instead of getting support. As the story unfolds, a familiar pattern emerges: conversations that revolve around a favored sibling, a relationship that stays polite but distant, and the gnawing sense of being left on the sidelines.From there, we go deeper than family logistics and into the internal belief those patterns can create: “I don’t matter.” We trace it to a vivid childhood memory and name the emotions underneath it: fear, anxiety, confusion. Then we work with something practical and surprisingly immediate: noticing that this belief is a thought happening now, feeling how it lands in the body, and experimenting with letting it go for a moment. You’ll hear what shifts when the nervous system gets even a small break from negative self-talk.We also explore expectations as a major source of stress in family relationships and parenting. “Should” thinking can turn daily life into a constant fight with reality, especially with a two-year-old and complicated parents. We end with a simple, repeatable tool for emotional regulation and self-awareness: a short sequence of questions you can say out loud when you feel triggered, overwhelmed, or ready to snap. If you’ve searched for help with emotionally unavailable parents, family favoritism, low self-esteem, or letting go of expectations, this one will land.Subscribe for more real conversations, share this with someone who feels unseen, and leave a review to help others find the show. What’s one expectation you’re ready to release today?For tools and techniques on awareness, forgiveness, and movement visit...https://www.wayofawareness.com/
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23
"Confronting Shadows: A Personal Narrative of Family and Regret"
Send me a text message to let me know how you feel about this episode.For tools and techniques on awareness, forgiveness, and movement visit...https://www.wayofawareness.com/
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22
"Guarded Hearts: The Desire for Closeness and Independence"
Send me a text message to let me know how you feel about this episode.For tools and techniques on awareness, forgiveness, and movement visit...https://www.wayofawareness.com/
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21
Healing Family Wounds: Navigating Estrangement and Emotional Turmoil
Send me a text message to let me know how you feel about this episode.What are the emotional costs of estrangement, and how do we navigate the murky waters of family dynamics? Join us as Dahlia opens up about her journey through the complex network of sibling relationships and the emotional turmoil that comes with maintaining distance from a volatile family member. With a new job adding to her stress, Dahlia shares the duality of her emotions—cherishing the love within her immediate family while grappling with past traumas and the birth of her nephew stirring up feelings of guilt and a longing for connection. This candid discussion reveals the intricacies of family ties and the difficult choices we often face in pursuit of emotional well-being.In our heartfelt conversation, Dahlia offers her insights on the challenges of interacting with a sister who has a history of impulsive and abusive behavior, further complicated by mental health issues. We explore how she manages the lose-lose situation of wanting a healthier relationship but being met with criticism and unrealistic expectations. Through a recent enlightening meeting, Dahlia gains a fresh perspective on managing anxiety and expectations, learning to embrace the present and move forward with an open mind. Her story is a testament to the power of connection and understanding, and the continual quest for personal growth and peace amidst the complexities of family relationships.For tools and techniques on awareness, forgiveness, and movement visit...https://www.wayofawareness.com/
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From Worry to Wisdom: A Parenting Insight
Send me a text message to let me know how you feel about this episode.What happens when worry becomes an unwelcome lifelong companion? Our guest courageously shares their personal journey of battling worry amidst life's joys and challenges, offering a glimpse into their persistent quest for understanding and effective coping mechanisms. By exploring the intricate dance between stress, control, and worry, this episode promises to unveil strategies that could open new pathways to serenity as we age.We also shine a spotlight on the dynamic world of parental worry. Join us as we explore a mother's constant concern for her college-aged daughter, which starkly contrasts with her husband’s more relaxed demeanor. Through their story, we unravel the compulsive nature of worry and its profound psychological and physical impacts, offering listeners insights into managing these overwhelming emotions.Finally, the power of self-awareness and positive affirmations takes center stage in our conversation. Our guest reflects on their therapeutic journey, highlighting the significance of self-talk and the vital role support systems play in alleviating anxiety. With newfound strategies in hand, they leave the session feeling empowered and hopeful for a future less burdened by worry. Tune in to witness the transformative potential of therapy and find inspiration in the shared insights on this path to mental well-being.For tools and techniques on awareness, forgiveness, and movement visit...https://www.wayofawareness.com/
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Unveiling Anxiety and the Path to Inner Peace
Send me a text message to let me know how you feel about this episode.Have you ever held a mirror to the chaos of your past and seen it reflected in your present? Our latest episode offers just such a journey, as our brave guest opens up about a life tinged with anxiety stemming from a childhood shrouded in turbulence and the rigors of military life. We traverse together through personal chronicles of control struggles and the quest for peace amidst the storms of anxiety. Our guest's voice brings to life the burning sensations of a nervous stomach, the heart's palpitations, and the struggle to emerge from the silence that anxiety often imposes.Brace yourself for a candid look at the repercussions of early exposure to substances and the profound panic that can set in, even years later. Our guest recounts an adolescence punctured by a harrowing encounter with marijuana, casting a long shadow over their adult life's decisions. We unpack these experiences, examining the crippling internal dialogues and the ceaseless anticipation of doom that accompany anxiety. It's a raw, revealing session that peels back the layers of coping mechanisms, from abandoning caffeine to addressing the incessant whispers of self-criticism.The episode culminates with glimmers of hope, epitomized by the strength found in mindset shifts. We probe the possibility of shedding the weight of anxious thoughts to embrace the present moment fully. Our guest's narrative serves as a beacon, encouraging listeners to clear away the obstructions to their inner light. Join us as we extend a heartfelt thank you for the shared insights and the mutual recognition of the complex human journey we all navigate. This is not just an account of confronting anxiety; it's a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of embracing one's true self.For tools and techniques on awareness, forgiveness, and movement visit...https://www.wayofawareness.com/
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18
Transforming Pain into Potential
Send me a text message to let me know how you feel about this episode.Struggling with feelings of inadequacy, Shelby from Albuquerque, New Mexico, opens up about her journey through trauma and the challenges it has imposed on her daily life. As she bravely recounts her battles with ambition, procrastination, and depression, listeners are drawn into a poignant narrative of resilience and hope. Shelby shares how simple joys like her dog's companionship and engaging in small actions have become lifelines in her ongoing pursuit of a healthier, more fulfilling existence.The episode delves into Shelby’s past, shedding light on a childhood scarred by abuse and a mentally ill mother whose harsh words left deep emotional wounds. These experiences have shaped Shelby's self-perception, making it difficult for her to recognize her self-worth despite achievements in her adult life. Through her candid storytelling, we explore how these early life events have reinforced feelings of unworthiness and how they continue to affect her motivation and belief in her own potential.Listeners are invited to reflect on the power of intention and affirmation as tools for overcoming negative self-beliefs and cultivating a joyful life. By encouraging the release of entrenched thoughts that undermine self-worth, the conversation offers a pathway to personal growth and transformation. The episode aims to inspire anyone who has felt trapped by their past to embrace new possibilities for happiness and love, underscoring the message that change is indeed possible, starting with the mind.For tools and techniques on awareness, forgiveness, and movement visit...https://www.wayofawareness.com/
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17
All Things Feelings: What Exactly ARE Feelings?
Send me a text message to let me know how you feel about this episode.What if your feelings are not just reactions but essential guides to your emotional well-being? Join us on Eyewitness to Therapy, where we unpack the intricate world of emotions and feelings. This episode reveals how our feelings are immediate, fluid, and shaped by our thoughts and contexts. We explore why blaming external circumstances for our emotions might be counterproductive and emphasize the importance of acknowledging and accepting our internal experiences. Learn about the nuanced differences between feeling, expressing, sharing, and processing emotions, and discover how relationships uniquely influence our emotional landscape.Taking responsibility for your emotions is a cornerstone of healing, and we’ll show you how. This chapter guides you through practical steps to identify and accept your current feelings, fostering both personal growth and emotional freedom. We also discuss common avoidance behaviors and the significance of relationships in shaping our emotional experiences. Concluding with a heartfelt message and an invitation to participate in future interviews, this episode equips you with profound insights and actionable tools to navigate your emotional life with greater awareness and responsibility. Tune in for a journey towards emotional well-being and inner peace.For tools and techniques on awareness, forgiveness, and movement visit...https://www.wayofawareness.com/
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Breaking Free from the Grip of Panic
Send me a text message to let me know how you feel about this episode.Ever found yourself trapped in the throes of anxiety, yearning for a moment of peace? Join us as our brave guest opens up about her life, from a tumultuous childhood to the constant battle with anxiety that shaped her adult years. We discuss the unexpected panic attacks that began at 26 and the subsequent changes to her daily routine, as our guest learned to navigate life with chronic anxiety.Imagine being afraid to drive or visit a grocery store due to overwhelming panic attacks. That's the reality our guest faced, leading to significant lifestyle adjustments. We'll explore the physical sensations and emotional toll anxiety took on our guest, including heart palpitations and emotional numbness. Hear firsthand about the struggle with self-expression and the pervasive fear of judgment, impacting even hobbies and creative outlets.Can living in the present moment help alleviate anxiety? Together, we examine the possibility of letting go of anxious thoughts and embracing them as part of one's identity. Our conversation is rich with personal anecdotes and practical strategies, emphasizing self-acceptance and the power of being present. Tune in for an inspiring exploration of managing anxiety and finding peace amidst the chaos.For tools and techniques on awareness, forgiveness, and movement visit...https://www.wayofawareness.com/
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15
Achieving Balance: Navigating Work, Parenting, and Relationships
Send me a text message to let me know how you feel about this episode.Feeling overwhelmed by the constant juggle of work, parenting, and relationship maintenance? You're not alone. Master the essential skills to achieve a balanced life with our latest episode on Eyewitness to Therapy. Join us as our courageous guest shares their heartfelt struggles in managing these overlapping roles and the emotional toll it takes, leading to feelings of failure and eventual shutdown. We'll provide actionable coping strategies to regain control and improve your work-life balance.Ever felt the pressure of meeting your partner's expectations around household tasks? Discover how our guest navigates the emotional impact of these differing standards. We highlight the importance of honoring your own methods while fostering open dialogue to understand each other's perspectives better. This chapter sheds light on the mental fatigue that comes from managing these dynamics, especially with young children, and emphasizes the necessity of taking risks in expressing oneself to foster mutual understanding.Tired of the habitual avoidance that leaves tasks unfinished and overwhelming? Learn how to break free from the cycle of procrastination with mindful action and awareness. Our guest shares insights on addressing tasks one at a time and embracing natural priorities to guide actions. As we close, we encourage a positive outlook, urging listeners to engage in reflective conversations that can offer personal insights and growth. Tune in for a transformative discussion that promises to help you achieve a more fulfilling and organized life.For tools and techniques on awareness, forgiveness, and movement visit...https://www.wayofawareness.com/
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14
"The Heart of Psychotherapy: Purpose, Process, and Outcomes"
Send me a text message to let me know how you feel about this episode.Unlock the secrets to living a more joyful and fulfilling life through the transformative power of Gestalt therapy. Imagine being able to fully experience and accept your feelings without resistance, leading to profound self-awareness and personal growth. In this episode of Eyewitness to Therapy, we promise you'll gain invaluable insights into how starting with the simple phrase "I am aware" can uncover pressing issues in your consciousness and foster a safe space for self-expression and exploration.Join us as we guide you through the therapeutic process that allows life to unfold naturally and vibrantly. Hear real-life examples from our guests' journeys, illustrating how therapy can help overcome personal barriers and lead to true transformation. We emphasize the importance of experiencing feelings in their entirety, rather than resisting them, to alleviate pain and enhance life's richness. If you're curious about sharing your own experiences or participating in an interview, reach out to us at [email protected]. Embark on this insightful journey of self-discovery and transformation with us on Eyewitness to Therapy.For tools and techniques on awareness, forgiveness, and movement visit...https://www.wayofawareness.com/
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13
Finding Worthiness and Self-Acceptance
Send me a text message to let me know how you feel about this episode.Have you ever felt like life's relentless pace is a circus performance, with you as the star juggler? Our guest James certainly has, and in a heart-to-heart, he reveals the emotional toll of managing family, work, and personal ambitions. We traverse his quest for serenity through the chaos, as he aims to shed the title of 'human juggler' and seeks a life marked by clarity and focus. James's story echoes the sentiments of many, struggling to find balance in an ever-demanding world, and his earnest desire for personal growth and fulfillment shines a light on the universal challenge of life transitions.Imagine pouring your soul into a craft for over a decade, only to find the limelight and livelihood as elusive as ever. That's the reality for a dedicated artist we sit down with, who has been creating bold, abstract art since 2010. Their journey underscores the harsh truth that, unlike the fast-moving corporate world, artistic recognition and financial stability can be painfully slow to arrive. We grapple with their emotional endurance and the potential of having to choose between passion and practicality, painting a vivid picture of the art world's demanding nature versus the artist's unwavering commitment.Our conversation takes a deeper turn as we explore the profound topic of self-worth beyond societal expectations. We dive into the conflict between the desire to live authentically and the pressure to conform, with stories that navigate the complexities of identity, acceptance, and the power of self-affirmation. Even in the face of career uncertainties or the struggle to meet cultural norms, we underscore the transformative impact of recognizing one's inherent value. This episode is an affirmation in itself, a reminder that our worth is an intrinsic treasure, undiminished by the external forces that surround us.For tools and techniques on awareness, forgiveness, and movement visit...https://www.wayofawareness.com/
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Repairing a Ruptured Relationship
Send me a text message to let me know how you feel about this episode.In this podcast episode, the conversation delves into the complex dynamics between a client and her therapist, highlighting the challenges of communication, understanding, and personal growth within the therapeutic relationship. The client expresses a desire for her therapist to comprehend her actions and the impact on their relationship, emphasizing the importance of effective communication to meet their mutual needs and advance the relationship positively. We discuss the difficulty of balancing when and how to express her feelings and needs, aiming for a constructive outcome without reverting to a less satisfactory dynamic in their relationship.The client shares her fear of potential rejection and the possible end of the therapeutic relationship, pondering over various approaches for an upcoming session. She contemplates whether to avoid confrontation, engage in open dialogue about her feelings and the state of the relationship, or assertively communicate her concerns and feelings, considering a blend of these strategies as the wisest course.The conversation also explores the client's internal struggles with feelings of loss, rejection, and the challenge of confronting uncomfortable emotions. We discuss the importance of processing these feelings within therapy, recognizing the growth she has achieved in her ability to confront and articulate her emotions and concerns. The client reflects on the value of their therapeutic journey, expressing gratitude for the progress made and the special bond formed with her therapist, despite the current uncertainties.As the session concludes, the client is encouraged to honor her growth and the complexity of her emotions, recognizing the coexistence of positive and negative feelings. She is reminded of the therapeutic goal to feel and understand her feelings more deeply, navigating the discomfort to find balance and truth in her emotional responses. The client leaves the session with a sense of curiosity and motivation to explore and understand her situation further, valuing open-mindedness and avoiding premature conclusions.For tools and techniques on awareness, forgiveness, and movement visit...https://www.wayofawareness.com/
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Eyewitness to Therapy Episode 6: Intimacy and Vulnerability
Send me a text message to let me know how you feel about this episode.My guest presented for therapy with a self-reported struggle with intimacy and vulnerability, particularly in therapeutic contexts, which often leads to prematurely discontinuing therapy. She expressed a disconnect between self-perception and others' perception of her, with a negative self-view especially related to her role as a mother. While cognitive-behavioral therapy has been utilized in the past, she reports it was not effective due to a perceived inability to alter her self-perception despite evidence of successes. My guest engaged in reflection exercises during the session and focused on increasing self-awareness. She began to recognize a pattern of negative self-talk, particularly in labeling herself as a "horrible mother". In contrast, she expressed a deep-seated knowing that she is not a "horrible mother" and maintains a healthy relationship with her child. By the end of the session, she appeared more open to exploration of these patterns and potentially continuing therapy, describing feeling safe and unjudged. She acknowledged the significance of her self-criticism and the importance of self-awareness in making more empowered choices in how she sees herself. She agreed to review the session material and complete a post-session questionnaire.For tools and techniques on awareness, forgiveness, and movement visit...https://www.wayofawareness.com/
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Eyewitness to Therapy Episode 5: The Need for Approval
Send me a text message to let me know how you feel about this episode.This psychotherapy session focused on the client's self-discovery and growth. The main themes the client is working on include:Developing a sense of self-worth and self-acceptance: The client recognizes an increase in self-esteem and self-understanding, suggesting he's making progress in his personal development.Preparing for a couples therapy session: The client intends to prepare for a joint session with his partner, facilitated by another therapist. He hopes to learn and apply healthier interaction strategies.Understanding the concept of 'giving space': The client grapples with understanding the concept of giving his partner space. He is exploring what it means in the context of his relationship and how it might affect his behavior.Changing communication and interaction habits: The client has realized that his typical way of showing love and care, through constant attention and connection, might not be the most effective or appreciated method. He equates his behavior to that of a puppy dog, persistently seeking approval and affirmation.Reflecting on the roots of behavior: The client recognizes a connection between his current relationship behavior and his childhood interaction patterns with his mother. This realization helps him understand why he has developed the habit of 'pleasing' others as a form of validation.Working towards authenticity and self-trust: The client is trying to trust that he will receive love and approval for simply being himself, rather than performing or acting in a certain way to earn it. He acknowledges the need to let go of his 'puppy dog' persona, and to present a more authentic version of himself.Insights and realizations:The client realized that his habitual pattern of seeking constant attention and approval from his partner, which he likens to the behavior of a "puppy dog," is unattractive and doesn't actually demonstrate care or love effectively. He recognized that this behavior stems from his childhood and his relationship with his mother.The client acknowledged that his past actions, such as overeating or constant seeking of validation, are detrimental to his self-worth and self-love. He identified these behaviors as "addictive" in nature, leading to a cycle of self-berating and self-deprecation.A significant breakthrough came when the client understood the importance of forgiveness, both for himself and others. He learned that holding on to past mistakes and guilt undermines his ability to love himself, thus leading to negative behaviors.He realized that he does not need to constantly seek love and approval to feel loved or lovable. This understanding is expected to transform his behavior naturally and help him navigate his relationship more healthily.The client realized that his attempts to cover his past mistakes often result in repeating the same mistakes and potentially amplifying them, hindering his progress.Towards the end of the session, the client expressed feeling empowered to forgive himself for past actions and not let the lack of forgiveness justify future negative actions.Overall, the client came to better understand the impact of his behaviors and the root causes, realizing the importance of self-love, forgiveness, and avoiding self-judgement. These insights are a significant step towards self-improvement and healthier relationships.For tools and techniques on awareness, forgiveness, and movement visit...https://www.wayofawareness.com/
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Eyewitness to Therapy Episode 4: Managing Stress
Send me a text message to let me know how you feel about this episode.Presenting Problem: My guest, Tom, reports high levels of stress and is seeking to manage it effectively.Mood and Affect: Tom’s mood appeared to be tense and distressed as evidenced by his one-word description of his current experience: stress.Summary of Session: Tom identified his current emotional state as being under significant stress. He expressed a desire to gain practical tools from our session to help manage this stress. Specifically, he is interested in tools that can be easily implemented and form part of a sustainable daily practice, lasting around five to ten minutes. We explored his stress to understand its origin and impact more fully.Conclusion of Session:Tom provided positive feedback at the end of the session indicating that he found the session helpful in identifying key aspects contributing to his stress, particularly related to future anticipation. Tom appreciated the introduction to the idea of observing emotions through meditation and using affirmations as an anchoring tool. He felt that the session was efficient, not taking up an excessive amount of time, which was in alignment with his initial expectations and desires. Tom expressed a sense of relief and indicated that he felt better equipped to manage his stress going forward.Suggestions Going Forward: Tom is encouraged to apply the tools and techniques discussed during the session, such as meditation and using affirmations on a daily basis. He could also continue to reflect on any anticipation-related stressors and how these can be managed or reframed more productively.Therapist Impressions: Tom demonstrated a keen understanding of the therapeutic process and tools suggested during the session. He showed an ability to introspect and identify his stressors, which is promising for future therapeutic outcomes.Recommendations: I recommend Tom continue self-reflection on the nature and source of his stress. Additionally, he may benefit from beginning simple mindfulness techniques as a preliminary tool for stress management.For tools and techniques on awareness, forgiveness, and movement visit...https://www.wayofawareness.com/
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Eyewitness to Therapy Episode 3: Letting Go of I Don't Matter
Send me a text message to let me know how you feel about this episode.In this therapy session, I failed to push the record button immediately and so we pick up on Olivia expressing her frustration with her parents a couple of minutes into the interview, primarily surrounding their lack of engagement with her and her child… She feels they are not interested in being grandparents and wish they would engage more with her son… Olivia describes her relationship with her parents as surface-level and distant, a pattern that she stated has been longstanding.Her relationship with her parents is further complicated by her perception of her sister as the 'golden child,' who receives more attention and interest from their parents. Olivia wishes for more normalcy in her relationship with her parents and hopes they would express more interest in her life, akin to the interest they show in her sister's life.The therapy session concluded with the therapist encouraging Olivia to continue exploring these feelings in her daily life and to work on the realization that she matters and deserves attention. The therapist also suggested an easy technique to help Ariel cope: asking herself if she could let go of these negative feelings; if she would let them go; and deciding when she could do this.For tools and techniques on awareness, forgiveness, and movement visit...https://www.wayofawareness.com/
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Eyewitness to Therapy Episode 2: Anger, Sadness, and Anxiety
Send me a text message to let me know how you feel about this episode.During the therapy session, our guest expressed feelings of depression and inadequacy as the provider for his family, primarily due to consistent job loss and recent firing from a cab company. His self-esteem has taken a hit, leading to a negative self-image where he identifies himself as a "fuck up". He also grapples with honesty in his relationship due to fear of conflict and disappointment.Our guest experienced a range of emotions, including anger, sadness, and anxiety, largely tied to his struggles with employment and relationship. He is hard on himself for not meeting expectations and portrays a negative bias toward his own attributes and contributions.Key insights from the session reveal that the client's self-perception is heavily influenced by societal expectations and self-judgment. His relationship issues stem from a lack of openness, exacerbating stress. However, there's potential for growth, as towards the end of the session, he showed openness and comfort in discussing his struggles and a willingness to be honest with his girlfriend about his job loss. This suggests readiness for positive change and confronting his negative self-image.For tools and techniques on awareness, forgiveness, and movement visit...https://www.wayofawareness.com/
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Eyewitness to Therapy Episode 1: Finding Self-Compassion
Send me a text message to let me know how you feel about this episode.Our guest, Katie, presents a heightened state of curiosity and nervousness about the therapeutic process and its potential outcomes. She describes a general desire to explore her thoughts and emotions but lacks specificity in her goals, possibly indicating uncertainty or difficulty in self-reflection. Katie identified a key challenge she faces: a tendency to dissociate from certain experiences, which she tends to avoid discussing. This avoidance response seems to manifest as freezing up when similar situations or topics arise in conversation.Throughout the session, Katie exhibited a range of emotions. She began the session feeling nervous and curious, and as the conversation progressed, she began to open up more about her inner experiences. Upon being told not to blame herself for past occurrences, Katie reported difficulty believing this, yet expressed feeling a sense of increased self-love and kindness. She described her overall experience of the session as "interesting," indicating a positive emotional response, despite it not being a "relaxing" experience.Several significant insights were gleaned from this therapy session. Katie recognized her tendency to dissociate from certain experiences and showed a willingness to explore this further. She also identified a need to learn to talk about herself more openly, indicating a willingness to engage in self-exploration and build self-reflective skills.Moreover, Katie started to develop an understanding that she has more control over her life and emotional responses than she initially thought. This awareness may empower her to feel more confident in her ability to manage difficult experiences and emotions.Lastly, Katie expressed the notion that she could be kinder to herself, suggesting the emergence of self-compassion. She appeared to gain a taste of this self-love during the session, which is a significant step towards improved mental well-being. In future sessions, it would be beneficial to further develop this self-compassion, alongside exploring the areas she tends to dissociate from.For tools and techniques on awareness, forgiveness, and movement visit...https://www.wayofawareness.com/
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Podcast Introduction
Send me a text message to let me know how you feel about this episode.Introductory music and remarks.For tools and techniques on awareness, forgiveness, and movement visit...https://www.wayofawareness.com/
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4
Abortion: A Pro-Life Perspective Realizes Pro-Choice is Inalienable.
Send me a text message to let me know how you feel about this episode.A psychologist interviews an individual who holds a "pro-life" perspective on the issue of abortion. Although "pro-lifers" maintain that "life begins at conception" there is no disputing that a woman is "at choice" when it comes to her body. A woman's body is nobody's business but hers. Stay until the end of the episode to listen to Alan Watts on the subject of "choice."For tools and techniques on awareness, forgiveness, and movement visit...https://www.wayofawareness.com/
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Abortion: Looking At This Issue From Both Sides Now
Send me a text message to let me know how you feel about this episode.Pro-Choice or Anti-Abortion? Are these two sides of the abortion issue mutually exclusive or is there a way to include both sides in the conversation? Jamie Thomas shares her journey with abortion and how she came to realize the validity of both sides. For tools and techniques on awareness, forgiveness, and movement visit...https://www.wayofawareness.com/
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Interview With A Never Trumper
Send me a text message to let me know how you feel about this episode.A libertarian shares his views on Donald TrumpFor tools and techniques on awareness, forgiveness, and movement visit...https://www.wayofawareness.com/
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A Psychologist Interviews A Trump Supporter
Send me a text message to let me know how you feel about this episode.This is my pilot podcast with Bobby Riegert who identifies himself as a Trump supporter. This is his perspective, point of view, and feelings about Donald Trump and the conservative right.For tools and techniques on awareness, forgiveness, and movement visit...https://www.wayofawareness.com/
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
I am a Gestalt psychologist and therapist. In this podcast, I conduct real-life therapy sessions with individuals who volunteer to experience a taste of Gestalt therapy. The purpose of Gestalt therapy is to transform your experience of living, helping you to clear up the situations and emotions you are currently dealing with.
HOSTED BY
Cort Curtis
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