Friends with (therapy) Benefits

What happens when the person who usually knows what to do…doesn’t?In this deeply personal solo episode of Friends with (therapy) benefits, Elizabeth shares the story of an abnormal Pap smear during the height of COVID-19 that led to a diagnosis of Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia Grade 2 (CIN 2), painful testing, multiple procedures, and some of the most frightening moments of her life.But this isn’t really an episode about a cervix.It’s about health anxiety, medical self-advocacy, women’s healthcare, and learning to trust your own voice when everyone around you seems to know more than you do.Elizabeth reflects on being told not to worry when she was terrified, undergoing a painful colposcopy without anesthesia, walking into a hospital alone during COVID, and realizing how difficult it is to advocate for yourself when you’re scared, overwhelmed, and don’t even know which questions you’re supposed to ask.She also explores the belief she carried for years: the doctor knows best, so what do I know?The lesson wasn’t to stop trusting doctors or experts. It was learning that their expertise doesn’t require you to abandon your own.Sometimes advocating for yourself means asking another question. Saying something hurts. Asking for more information. Getting another opinion. Or simply believing yourself when something doesn’t feel right.Because no matter how many experts are in the room, you are still the expert on your own life.🎙️ In this episode: CIN 2 and abnormal Pap smears, health anxiety, women’s health, colposcopy and cervical procedures, medical self-advocacy, trusting yourself, finding your voice, and what it means to become an active participant in your own care. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Some friendships don't just survive change—they grow because of it.In this Therapist Mode episode, Elizabeth is joined by her best friend of 25 years, Greg Wright, for one of the most personal conversations of the season.Together, they look back on two decades of friendship, from high school heartbreaks (and Cherry Garcia ice cream) to adulthood, healing, and the many versions of themselves they've witnessed along the way. They talk about what happens when you stop people-pleasing, why some relationships deepen while others fall away, the importance of conflict and repair, and how personal growth changes the people you keep around you.Greg also shares what it's really like to be friends with a therapist...including his uncanny ability to catch Elizabeth using her "fake therapist voice."This episode is funny, honest, reflective, and a reminder that some of the greatest gifts in life are the people who know every version of you... and keep choosing to stay.In this episode:• The story behind the Therapist Mode series and the name Friends with (therapy) benefits• Why healing changes relationships• What 25 years of friendship can teach us about conflict, repair, and trust• The evolution of identity, boundaries, and choosing yourself• Mental wellness, self-discovery, and the people who help us become who we're meant to beConnect with Elizabeth:📸 Instagram &TikTok: @elizabethmaecarr✍️ Weekly essays: elizabethmaecarr.substack.comIf this episode resonated with you, I'd love if you'd follow the show, leave a review, and share it with someone who's been there through every version of you.About Luna Rose Candle Co.Luna Rose Candle Co. creates hand-poured soy candles, home fragrances, and thoughtfully curated seasonal collections designed to bring a little more intention and coziness into your everyday life. From limited-edition scent releases to beautifully packaged gift sets, every product is crafted to help turn ordinary moments into meaningful rituals.Whether you're treating someone you love, or yourself, you'll find unique, high-quality products that make slowing down feel just a little easier.🕯️ Shop Luna Rose Candle Co.: https://lunarosecandleco.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when a therapist and a life coach sit down together and ask, "So... what's actually the difference?"In this episode of Friends with Therapy Benefits, I sit down with Thomas for an honest conversation about therapy, life coaching, personal growth, and the sometimes blurry lines between them. We talk about what each approach does well, where they overlap, where they don't, and how to know what kind of support might be right for you.If you've ever found yourself wondering, "Do I need therapy, coaching, both, or neither?" this episode is for you.We also get into something bigger: learning to trust yourself when you're in the middle of change. Because sometimes the hardest question isn't what everyone else thinks you should do—it's figuring out what you need right now.In this episode:• Therapy vs. life coaching: what's the difference?• Common misconceptions about both professions• When coaching can help—and when therapy may be the better fit• The challenge of making decisions when you're still figuring things out• What growth actually looks like in real lifeAs always, we're not pretending to have it all figured out over here. We're just willing to talk about it honestly.Connect with Elizabeth:Instagram: @elizabethmaecarrTikTok: @elizabethmaecarrSubstack: @friendswiththerapybenefitsIf you enjoyed the episode, please rate, review, and share it with someone who's trying to figure out their next step too. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s been over a year since the last season of Friends with (Therapy) Benefits… and a lot has changed.In this Season 2 opener, I’m not coming back with a polished “here’s what I learned” recap. I’m coming back in the middle of it.If you’ve ever felt stuck between who you used to be and not quite knowing who you’re becoming… this episode is for you.I share what happened after a major life shift, why I stopped recording, and what it’s actually felt like to lose a sense of identity, self-trust, and clarity—even as a therapist. We get into the pressure of being the “strong one,” the oldest daughter dynamic, and what happens when the version of you that always held everything together… stops working.This episode also introduces a new segment, “With Love, an Oldest Daughter,” where I share real-time insights from therapy that are probably not just about me.If you’re navigating burnout, anxiety, overthinking, people-pleasing, or a life transition that doesn’t have a clear answer yet—you’re not alone in it.✨ Stay connected ✨Follow along for more real-time thoughts, overthinking, and the messy middle: Instagram, TikTok & Substack Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the Season 1 finale of Friends with (Therapy) Benefits, we’re getting up close and personal with the fear of being authentic—the messy, vulnerable kind that makes your heart race and your palms sweat. Why is it so hard to be real with people? And why is vulnerability the very thing we need to feel truly connected?Elizabeth reflects on her own journey of unmasking, sharing the raw truth that hit her like a Mack truck: just because she’s a therapist doesn’t mean she’s automatically good at this stuff. From childhood conditioning to generational hustle culture, she unpacks the layers that keep us disconnected from ourselves and others.Plus, Elizabeth opens up about how this podcast started as little love notes to herself, a way to track her growth and, hopefully, help others along the way. You’ll also get practical tips on how to start identifying who you really are, embracing your needs, and letting people actually see you—imperfections and all.And as we say goodbye to Season 1, there’s a heartfelt thank you to everyone who’s listened, reached out, and joined this community.Season 2 is coming summer 2025, with more special guests, banter with Gregory, and—fingers crossed—some of your stories.Follow Elizabeth on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Strength to Stop: Breaking Free from the Superwoman ComplexIn this episode of Friends with (Therapy) Benefits, we’re tackling the cultural expectation to be a “superwoman”—always excelling, always giving, and never pausing. Inspired by Simone Biles’ decision to prioritize her mental health during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, we’ll unpack the damaging effects of the superwoman complex, especially on women of color who face additional layers of societal pressure.We’ll explore the hidden costs of always saying “yes,” the symptoms of burnout, and why rest isn’t the opposite of resilience—it’s part of it. I’ll also share my own struggles with letting go of the “superwoman” mindset, the turning points in my journey, and practical steps to help you prioritize your own mental health.If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stuck in the cycle of doing it all, this episode will remind you that it’s okay to take off the cape and choose yourself.Topics Discussed:What is the superwoman complex, and how does it show up in our lives?Simone Biles’ story: Redefining strength and resilience.Personal insights on recognizing and overcoming the need to “do it all.”Practical steps to help you prioritize your mental health and create balance.🎧 Tune in to rediscover what real strength looks like. Subscribe to The Michigan LPC Supervisor's Blog to gain access to this post and downloadable tipsheet. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Friends with (Therapy) Benefits, Elizabeth and Greg Wright dive into a mental health check-in amidst the emotional turbulence of the 2024 U.S. presidential election (don't worry—no politics, just feelings). They debut two fresh segments:"Am I the Asshole?": A candid look at setting boundaries and asking the tough question—am I in the wrong?"Things Your Therapist Said That Shook You to Your Core": Sharing those jaw-dropping therapist moments that left you changed—and what you did with those insights.Join us for laughter, introspection, and a reminder to check in with yourself.🎙 Listen to My Podcast:Discover insights and advice tailored for counselors on Friends with (Therapy) Benefits. Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music.📬 Subscribe to Stay Updated:Never miss a new blog post or resource! Subscribe to my newsletter and receive exclusive content straight to your inbox.🔗 Connect on LinkedIn:Join the conversation and follow my business, The Michigan LPC Supervisor, for professional tips and updates. Follow us on LinkedIn. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever felt like you’re just watching life pass by, without really connecting to it? This episode dives into practical steps to take the wheel in your therapy journey! Whether you’re new to therapy or have been on this journey for a while, these tips will help you find the right therapist, show up authentically, and get the most out of every session. From researching therapists to trusting your gut, I’ll guide you through creating a therapy experience that’s truly meaningful. Let’s dig into making therapy work for you—wherever you are on the path to growth and healing.Here are 15 essential questions to ask a potential therapist to ensure a good fit: The Michigan LPC Supervisor's Blog; 15 Essential Questions to Ask a New Therapist. #TherapyTips #GetTheMostOutOfTherapy #FindingATherapist #AuthenticSelf #TherapyJourney #MentalHealthSupport #CounselingAdvice #SelfGrowth #TherapyWorks #HealingJourney Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Friends with (Therapy) Benefits, Elizabeth opens up about what it’s like to be a therapist while managing personal challenges. From the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic to navigating her own health diagnosis, Elizabeth shares personal stories of trying to balance the role of helping others while needing support herself.Tune in as she reflects on the importance of self-care, setting boundaries, and knowing when it’s time for the therapist to seek therapy. Whether you’re a mental health professional or someone balancing work and personal life stress, this episode offers a candid look at the challenges of showing up for others when life feels overwhelming.With a blend of personal insight, humor, and practical advice, Elizabeth reminds us that it's okay to ask for help—even when you're the one people usually turn to for support.Key Takeaways: The Supervisors BlogThe unique challenges of being a therapist during the COVID-19 pandemic.How to recognize when it’s time to prioritize your own self-care.Personal stories about navigating life’s toughest moments as a counselor.Tips for setting boundaries and seeking help as a mental health professional.Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to a new spin-off series of Friends with (Therapy) Benefits—Therapist Mode PART 1! 🎙️ In PART 1 of this 3-part series, I’m joined by my best friend of 25+ years, Gregory Wright, as we get real, personal, and a little bit vulnerable. Part 1 is all about diving into what it’s really like being a therapist and how that shows up in parts of my life that have absolutely nothing to do with therapy.This episode is less about clinical techniques and more about the person behind the therapist—how my experiences, mental health journey, and friendship with Greg have shaped who I am in and out of the therapy room. With a mix of humor, honesty, and a few good roasts from Greg, we dig into how our friendship has helped us grow, how therapy plays a role in both our lives, and how I show up authentically for my clients.Trust me, this is the most relaxed, conversational episode yet, and it’s just the beginning of this series! Tune in for Part 2 next month, where we introduce some fun new segments like "therapist’ing the therapist" and "am I the asshole here?" You won’t want to miss it!🎧 Listen now, and don’t forget to send in your topic suggestions or questions for future episodes! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever feel like you’re playing dress-up in someone else’s therapist role? You’re not alone. In this episode of Friends with (Therapy) Benefits, Elizabeth dives into the messy yet rewarding process of finding your authentic therapist style—one that blends who you are as a person with the techniques you’ve spent so much time mastering. She’ll talk about integrating approaches like DBT, Person-Centered Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing in a way that doesn’t feel forced or scripted, but instead, genuinely you.Whether you’re fresh out of grad school or simply feeling disconnected from your “therapist voice,” this episode offers both encouragement and practical tips to help you move beyond textbook theory and embrace your unique strengths. You’ll leave with prompts to guide your self-reflection, ideas to experiment with, and the reminder that finding your style is a journey, not a destination. Tune in and start crafting a version of therapy that feels right—for both you and your clients.Link to the journaling prompt and blog post with key takeaways from this episode can be found HERE#TherapistStyle #AuthenticTherapy #NewTherapistTips #TherapistGrowth #TherapyJourney #TherapistIdentity #MentalHealthPodcast #FindYourVoice #TherapistLife #TherapyForTherapists #TherapistImposterSyndrome #MichiganLPC #MichiganLPCClinicalSupervision Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Friends with (therapy) benefits, we dive into the essential steps for finding the right therapist for your unique needs. We explore the different types of counseling and mental health licenses in Michigan — LLC, LPC, LLMSW, LMSW, LLP, and LP—explaining what they mean and why they’re important when choosing a therapist. You’ll also learn how to use online tools like psychologytoday.com to filter your search and find a counselor who’s the best fit for you. Finally, we discuss key interview questions to ask potential therapists before starting therapy, ensuring you feel confident and comfortable in your choice.Plus, Elizabeth shares a personal story about her own experience with therapy and how it shaped her understanding of finding the right counselor. For a detailed take away list from this podcast, please visit elizabethcarrlpc.comRemember, finding the right therapist is a journey, and it’s all about the fit. Don’t forget to subscribe, and share this episode with someone who might find it helpful!#FindYourTherapist #MichiganTherapy #MichiganTherapistSearchTips #CounselingJourney #MentalHealthSupport #LicensedCounselors #TherapistInterviewQuestions #ChoosingATherapist #MentalHealthCare #TherapyTakeaways#SelfCareGuide Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode of Friends with (therapy) benefits, we dive into the essential steps for new counselors transitioning from student life to the professional world. We cover everything from applying for licensure and finding a job, to setting up a support system with a clinical supervisor. Along the way, we also tackle imposter syndrome, share practical self-care tips, and discuss the importance of balancing your personal well-being while navigating the demands of the profession.For all the resources mentioned in this episode, including Michelle Merritt’s LinkedIn profile, the LLC application process, and other helpful blog posts for new counselors, check out the comprehensive checklist here: Becoming a Limited Licensed Counselor Checklist.This episode serves as a guide to ensure new counselors focus on their own self-care while navigating the logistics of starting their career.Don’t forget to subscribe, and if you found this helpful, share it with a friend who might need it!#mentalhealthmatters #therapyjourney #newcounselor #selfcaretips #MichiganLPC #worklifebalance #clinicalsupervision Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Friends with (therapy) Benefits, we’re diving into the tricky balance of being both a therapist and a friend. Ever wondered what it’s like when your friends expect therapist-level advice, or when you’re the one trying to be both supportive and set boundaries? Elizabeth Carr, Michigan Licensed Professional Counselor and Approved Clinical Supervisor, shares her personal experiences as the "therapist friend" in her group, how she navigates the complications, and why it’s important to recognize when you need support too.We’ll talk about the difference between being a good friend and knowing when it’s time to encourage professional help—and when you, as the "therapist friend," need your own space to vent. Plus, if you're feeling overwhelmed or stuck and want to explore therapy for yourself, Elizabeth’s Michigan-based private practice has openings for new clients. To learn more, visit elizabethcarrlpc.com.Tune in and let’s learn, laugh, and grow together!#mentalhealthmatters #therapyjourney #newcounselor #selfcaretips #MichiganLPC #mentalhealthsupport #therapistlife #mentalhealthcommunity #counselingmatters #worklifebalance Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Elizabeth Carr, a licensed professional counselor with over 10 years of experience, as she shares real talk, relatable advice, and plenty of laughs about all things mental health. Whether you're a new counselor navigating licensure or just curious about therapy, this podcast is for you. Tune in to our first episode and learn, laugh, and grow together—because mental health is a journey we’re all on.If you're looking for a Michigan Therapist my private practice is currently accepting new clients. First episode drops September 2024! #mentalhealthpodcast #therapyjourney #newcounselor #selfcaretips #MichiganLPC #mentalhealthmattersHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.