In Session With Clarinda

Ever found yourself thinking, “If my partner would just change, we’d be fine”?You’re not alone.In this episode of In Session with Clarinda, we’re diving into one of the most common - and most damaging - patterns I see in relationships: blame.When conflict arises, it’s easy to point fingers, defend ourselves, and focus on who’s at fault. But blame often keeps couples trapped in the very cycle they’re trying to escape. Instead of creating understanding, it fuels defensiveness, disconnection, and repeated arguments that never seem to get resolved.In this episode, we’ll explore:Why blame shows up so often during conflictWhat blame is actually protecting us fromThe connection between blame, vulnerability, and the nervous systemHow blame leads to defensiveness and emotional distancePractical ways to express your needs without attacking your partnerHow to shift from “you versus me” to “us versus the problem”Whether you’re in a relationship, navigating conflict with a loved one, or simply wanting to improve the way you communicate, this episode offers insight and practical tools to help you move from criticism and defensiveness toward connection and understanding.Because behind blame is often a deeper feeling waiting to be heard.🎙️ In Session with Clarinda is a podcast about relationships, mental health, personal growth, and the conversations that help us better understand ourselves and each other.

In this episode of In Session with Clarinda, we’re unpacking one of the most overused - and misunderstood - relationship terms online: narcissism.We talk about the difference between narcissistic traits, unhealthy relationship patterns, emotional immaturity, attachment wounds, and actual narcissistic personality disorder. Because not every difficult relationship is narcissism… but that doesn’t mean the impact on you isn’t real.If you’ve ever found yourself constantly questioning your reality, walking on eggshells, or wondering why a relationship feels emotionally exhausting, this episode is for you.Most importantly, we explore the question that matters more than “Are they a narcissist?”: “How does this relationship make me feel?”

Do you really need to be fully healed before entering a relationship?In this episode of In Session with Clarinda, Clarinda challenges one of the most common modern dating beliefs: that you must fix every part of yourself before love is possible.She explores the difference between growth and hiding behind self-development, why some wounds only show up inside relationships, and how healing can happen alongside healthy connection. This episode is a reminder that you do not need to be perfect to be loved - and you do not need to be finished to begin.If you’ve been waiting until you feel “ready,” this one is for you.

Motherhood isn’t one story—and it never has been.In this episode of In Session with Clarinda, we explore motherhood in all its forms: the joy, the exhaustion, the longing, and the grief that can exist all at once.Clarinda opens up about the many experiences that shape motherhood—from raising children, to trying to conceive, to navigating loss, and even the impact of losing a parent. This episode gently expands the conversation around what motherhood really looks like, beyond the highlight reel.Whether you’re celebrating, grieving, becoming, or simply reflecting, this episode offers a space to feel seen—without pressure to feel a certain way.✨ In this episode:The different forms of motherhood we don’t always talk aboutWhy Mother’s Day can feel emotionally complexNavigating grief, loss, and longingWhat mothers actually need (and how to ask for it)Gentle ways to care for yourself during emotional seasonsSpecial Offer:Use code MOTHERDAY2026 to download The Motherhood Shift guide for free (valid until May 10).Explore more resources at:https://www.insessionwithclarinda.com/category/all-products

We talk a lot about red flags online, but real life is more complicated than memes and quick judgments.In this episode of Clarinda Brandão In Session with Clarinda, we explore why smart, loving people sometimes ignore warning signs in relationships. From loneliness and chemistry to trauma history, hope, and fear of starting over, there are deeper reasons people stay in unhealthy dynamics.This episode is about compassion, awareness, and learning the difference between potential and reality.Because chemistry is not always compatibility.And love should not cost you yourself.#relationships #dating #redflags #mentalhealth #selfgrowth #podcast

More couples are bringing AI into their arguments, asking chat tools who was right, what their partner meant, or whether their relationship is toxic. But is that actually helping… or making things worse?In this episode of In Session with Clarinda, Clarinda explores the growing role of AI in modern relationships and why instant validation can sometimes deepen conflict instead of creating connection.She breaks down what AI can be helpful for, where it falls short, and why relationships require something technology cannot fully offer: nuance, accountability, emotional presence, and the ability to hold two nervous systems in pain at once.If you’ve ever asked AI for relationship advice - or had a partner use it during conflict - this episode is for you.

What if being the “good partner” is actually hurting your relationship?In this episode of In Session with Clarinda, we explore the hidden trap of being the easy one - the partner who avoids conflict, minimizes their needs, and prides themselves on being low-maintenance.At first, it feels like a strength. You’re understanding, flexible, and easy to be with. But over time, this dynamic can lead to resentment, disconnection, and a relationship that feels one-sided.I break down:Why we learn to become the “easy” partnerHow this pattern quietly impacts connection and intimacyThe moment it starts to backfireAnd how to shift toward a more honest, balanced relationshipBecause real connection isn’t built on being easy… it’s built on being real.

We’ve all said it: “I just need closure.”But what if closure isn’t actually what helps us move on?In this episode, I unpack the uncomfortable truth about closure- why we crave it, what we’re really looking for, and how it can sometimes keep us stuck rather than set us free.From breakups to ghosting, I explore the deeper emotional layers behind the need for answers… and why healing that depends on someone else is often fragile.This episode will challenge the way you think about endings, and help you shift from needing explanations to creating your own sense of closure.Because sometimes… the way someone leaves is the answer.

In this episode of In Session with Clarinda, Clarinda explores a topic that affects far more people than we realize: imposter syndrome.Despite experience, education, and real accomplishments, many people quietly struggle with the feeling that they don’t truly deserve their success. Instead of believing in their abilities, they fear that one day someone will discover they’re “not as capable as they appear.”Clarinda shares both professional insight and personal experience, including how imposter syndrome showed up during the nearly ten-year process of writing her book. She also reflects on how frequently she sees this pattern among professionals, students, and therapists early in their careers.In this episode, Clarinda explores:• What imposter syndrome actually is and why it’s so common• Why high-achieving people often struggle with it the most• How imposter syndrome shows up in careers, relationships, and personal growth• The psychological patterns that feed self-doubt• Practical ways to challenge the internal narrative and move forward with confidenceIf you’ve ever questioned your abilities, felt like you don’t quite belong, or worried that others will “figure you out,” this conversation is for you.Because sometimes the people who feel the most like imposters are actually the ones who care the most about doing meaningful work.

What if the biggest thing standing in the way of better sex… isn’t desire - but pressure?In this episode of In Session with Clarinda, I’m joined by Registered Psychotherapist Victoria Sabo for an honest, grounded conversation about the expectations we carry around sex and how those expectations quietly erode pleasure, connection, and confidence.We explore:What “good sex” actually means (and who decided that standard)How performance pressure and perfectionism show up in the bedroomSexual scripts that limit pleasureWhy sex can start to feel like a chore in long-term relationshipsSpontaneous vs. responsive desireHow resentment, emotional safety, and couple dynamics shape intimacyIf you’ve ever wondered why sex feels harder than it “should,” why desire fluctuates, or why intimacy sometimes feels loaded instead of connecting - this conversation is for you.

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, it’s easy to get caught up in the fantasy of love - the chemistry, the spark, the butterflies, the grand gestures.But what if the love you think you want… isn’t the love you actually need?In this episode of In Session with Clarinda, we explore the difference between intensity and intimacy, chemistry and compatibility, and why so many of us chase what feels familiar instead of what feels safe.We’ll talk about attachment patterns, nervous system responses in relationships, and how to recognize whether you’re drawn to passion - or peace.Because real love isn’t just about being chosen.It’s about feeling safe enough to stay.If you’ve ever questioned your patterns in dating or wondered why “good” can sometimes feel boring - this episode is for you.

What happens when love and work sit at the same table?In this episode of In Session with Clarinda, we explore the emotional and relational impact of mixing business and pleasure - whether you’re dating someone you work with, building a business with your partner, or navigating marriage alongside shared professional goals.Beyond the logistics, this conversation looks at what often goes unspoken: blurred roles, power dynamics, money, attachment styles, nervous system overload, and how intimacy can quietly shift when productivity takes centre stage.This episode isn’t about telling you what not to do. It’s about bringing awareness to the patterns that emerge when love becomes intertwined with responsibility - and how to protect connection, curiosity, and emotional safety along the way.If you’ve ever wondered why things feel harder, heavier, or different when you work together, this episode invites you to pause, reflect, and ask deeper questions about your relationship.🎧 Listen in - and stay curious.

Have you ever been excited to make plans… only to cancel when the day arrives?In this episode, The Flaky Friend, I explore a pattern many of us recognize - longing for connection while simultaneously pulling away from it. Whether you’re the friend who often cancels or the one left feeling disappointed, this conversation offers a compassionate, therapeutic lens on why this happens.I share personal reflections on building friendships while living abroad, managing a full life, and navigating nervous system overload. We unpack what “flakiness” often really is - burnout, overstimulation, people-pleasing, and capacity mismatches and how to work with it more honestly.We also talk about:Why desire for connection doesn’t always equal capacityHow to recognize your own patterns without shameWhat to do differently if you tend to overcommitHow to communicate your needs if you’re on the receiving endThis episode is about understanding, repair, and creating connections that are sustainable - not performative.

In couples therapy, we spend a lot of time asking how to make the relationship work.But there’s a quieter, often unspoken question that lives underneath it all:Why are we staying?In this episode, Clarinda explores the deeper layer beneath “making it work” - the hopes, fears, and grief that can quietly keep couples fighting for a relationship without fully understanding what’s holding them there.This isn’t about giving up on relationships, and it’s not about pushing couples toward a specific outcome. It’s about slowing down and getting honest about what keeps us connected, what we’re afraid to lose, and what it may be costing us to stay the same.Clarinda shares clinical insights from her work with couples, real-life relational patterns she sees again and again, and why understanding your “why” can change how you fight, repair, and show up - no matter where the relationship goes.Stay until the end of the episode, where Clarinda offers a reflective exercise for couples who feel stuck between staying, leaving, and everything in between.As always, take what resonates, and leave what doesn’t.

Loneliness isn’t just something we feel when we’re alone - it can show up even in committed relationships, busy homes, and full lives. In this episode, I explore why loneliness happens inside relationships, the emotional and somatic layers underneath it, and how we can begin to reconnect when the distance feels heavy.We’ll talk about emotional bids, self-protection, micro-moments of closeness, and the small shifts that make relationships feel reachable again. Whether you’re in a partnership or navigating your own internal landscape, this episode offers warmth, insight, and practical tools to help you move from lonely to connected.

This week, we’re slowing down.After being knocked out by the flu for over a week, I found myself reflecting on what happens when the body forces a pause we didn’t plan for. As someone who grew up valuing productivity and showing up for everyone else, being unable to function brought up old stories, internal pressure, guilt, and — surprisingly - clarity.In this episode, I share what the pause taught me, why rest is harder than it sounds, the emotional layers of slowing down, and a gentle somatic check-in to help you reconnect with your body.If you’ve been moving fast, pushing through, or ignoring the whispers of fatigue, this one’s for you.

From the series The Midlife Shift: A Mind–Body Series on Perimenopause and MenopausePart Two: Nourishing the Change - Eating for Balance in Perimenopause The Midlife Shift: A Mind–Body Series on Perimenopause and MenopauseWhat we eat plays a powerful role in how we feel - physically, mentally, and emotionally.In this week’s episode of The Midlife Shift, I sit down with Michaele Kruger, a registered nutritionist specializing in women’s health, to talk about how food supports our hormones, mood, and energy during perimenopause.We explore what’s really happening inside the body, why symptoms like fatigue, irritability, and brain fog often appear, and how nutrition can help bring balance back.This conversation is about learning to nourish yourself differently - with understanding, self-compassion, and the foods that truly support your changing body.To learn more about Michaele Kruger:www.michaelekruger.comwww.instagram.com/michaelekruger

From the series The Midlife Shift: A Mind–Body Series on Perimenopause and MenopausePart One - The Body in Transition: Moving Through PerimenopauseIn this first episode of The Midlife Shift, we explore how movement, breath, and body awareness can help women navigate the physical and emotional changes of perimenopause.Clarinda is joined by Almon, a yoga and holistic health professional specializing in women’s transitions, to discuss the power of reconnecting with the body during this transformative stage. Together, they talk about how hormonal shifts impact energy, mood, and identity - and how mindful movement can restore balance, strength, and calm in the midst of change.Whether you’re in perimenopause, approaching it, or simply wanting to understand this phase more deeply, this conversation offers compassion, insight, and practical ways to support yourself through the journey.To learn more about Almon:Instagram: @almonyogawww.almonyoga.comhttps://tinyurl.com/MenopauseCafeWhatsApp

Ever feel like you’re always the one fixing, while your partner shuts down or pulls away?In this episode of In Session with Clarinda, I explore the dynamic between the Fixer and the Avoider - why they’re drawn to each other, what’s really happening beneath the surface, and how both can begin to heal.You’ll learn where these patterns come from, how to recognize them in yourself, and what it takes to build connection without chasing or running.

In this calming, curiosity-filled conversation, Clarinda sits down with Martina Anguelova - astrologer, Reiki Master, Yoga Nidra guide, EFT (tapping) facilitator, and self-described super-connector of people and ideas.Martina shares how anxiety first led her to yoga and energy work, why she sees healing as a return to wholeness, and how practices like Reiki, tapping, Yoga Nidra, and astrology can gently reconnect us to body, breath, and choice.You’ll hear a grounded breakdown of each modality, what to expect in a Reiki session, why intention matters, and a simple breath practice you can use anytime to settle a buzzing nervous system. We also explore astrology as a tool for self-validation and co-creation - less fortune-telling, more “here’s your map; let’s drive together.”Perfect for anyone feeling anxious, ungrounded, or simply curious about holistic tools that actually feel doable.

Are they really a narcissist or just emotionally unavailable?In this episode of In Session with Clarinda, I unpack one of the most overused and misunderstood labels in modern relationships. We’ll explore what true narcissism looks like, what’s actually emotional immaturity or trauma in disguise, and how to spot the difference.Because not everyone who hurts you is a narcissist, and understanding that can change everything.

Why do relationships end? In this episode, Clarinda explores the deeper reasons couples separate, drift apart, or choose to stay. From the roots of how we connect - through familiarity, attraction, or shared growth - to the moments when love begins to fade, this conversation unpacks the psychology of endings with honesty and compassion.Clarinda also shares what to do when you feel your relationship is at a crossroads: how to rebuild safety, open communication, and decide whether to stay or lovingly let go.Whether you’re in the middle of a breakup, questioning your relationship, or simply reflecting on your patterns in love, this episode offers insight, hope, and clarity.🎙 Mentioned in this episode:Clarinda’s new book , Fight Smarter, Love Stronger — available now at InSessionWithClarinda.com

Anxiety isn’t just in your head - it’s also in your body. In this episode of In Session with Clarinda, I’m joined by Katrin, a body worker, educator, and mentor based in Lisbon who specializes in somatics and nervous system care. Together, we explore how anxiety is deeply tied to the body’s survival system, why physical symptoms like racing heart or dizziness are part of the nervous system’s response, and how patterns of regulation and dysregulation are shaped over a lifetime.We also dive into practical ways to support your nervous system, from movement and breathwork to co-regulation and everyday tools you can use to feel more grounded. Whether you’re a therapist, practitioner, or someone navigating anxiety, this conversation offers insights into how body and mind work together on the path to healing.

Your inner child doesn’t disappear when you grow up - it shows up in your relationships, your reactions, your fears, and the way you connect. In this season opener, I explore what the inner child really is, how the lesser-known inner teenager plays a role, and the powerful ways these parts of us shape our intimate partnerships.We’ll look at signs your inner child is running the show, what happens when those early needs go unmet in your relationship, and how to begin reparenting yourself so you can show up with more compassion and clarity. I also share a guided exercise you can start using today to build a healthier, more connected dynamic - with yourself and with your partner.Whether you’re in a relationship or simply wanting to deepen your self-awareness, this episode is a powerful place to begin.

Clarinda shares her personal story of moving back to Portugal after a lifetime in Canada - and the surprising emotional toll that came with it. From identity shifts and culture clashes to the quiet loneliness of starting over, this raw and relatable conversation explores how moving abroad can impact your mental health. Whether you’ve made a big move yourself or are simply curious about what it’s like behind the Instagram-perfect scenes, you’ll walk away feeling seen, and with practical tools to help you ground yourself, wherever you are.

What happens when the spark fades? In this episode, we dive into the emotional and physical disconnection many couples face and how to gently find your way back. From the power of quiet intimacy to navigating desire differences, we explore real, practical ways to reconnect. I walk you through the five-week Sensate Focus journey, talk openly about what intimacy really means, and hold space for diverse relationship dynamics, including asexual and non-traditional partnerships. This isn’t about performance - it’s about presence, curiosity, and choosing each other again and again.

Why do people cheat - even in loving relationships? In this episode, Clarinda gets real about infidelity: what drives it, how it impacts both partners, and whether repair is truly possible. With a direct yet compassionate lens, she explores emotional disconnection, unmet needs, and the myth of “once a cheater, always a cheater.” Whether you’re healing from betrayal or trying to understand the “why” behind it, this episode offers clarity, empathy, and a path forward.

In this deeply personal episode, Clarinda opens up about the often-unseen emotional world of men. From fatherhood to friendship, from silent suffering to the quiet ways men disconnect from their own mental health, this conversation explores why so many men struggle to express what they’re feeling. Clarinda reflects on her experience as a therapist working with male clients - and shares a powerful and vulnerable story about her own father.This episode is an invitation to look beyond the surface, to listen differently, and to begin talking more openly about men’s mental health - before silence takes hold.

What happens when the people who were supposed to love and protect us instead used us to meet their own needs?In this powerful episode, we explore the deep impact of narcissistic parenting, the hidden patterns of covert narcissists, and how childhood emotional wounds can silently shape our adult lives.You’ll learn how to recognize the signs, understand the survival strategies you developed, and begin the journey of healing.If you’ve ever struggled with people-pleasing, low self-worth, emotional hypervigilance, or feeling invisible, this episode is for you.It’s never too late to reclaim your voice, your worth, and your joy.

Motherhood changes everything - including how we see ourselves.In this special Mother’s Day episode, we explore the invisible shifts that happen when we become moms, the parts of us that get quiet, and how to begin finding ourselves again.We’ll honor all forms of motherhood, share real experiences, and leave you with a gentle journal prompt to reconnect with who you are - and who you are becoming.

Are you dealing with a narcissist - at work, in love, or somewhere in between?In this episode, we’re diving deep into what real narcissism looks like (and what it doesn’t), how to spot the red flags, and how to protect yourself when you can’t just walk away.We’ll explore what it’s like to date a narcissist, work alongside one, and - most importantly - how to heal after the damage is done.If you’ve ever questioned your reality, felt like you were walking on eggshells, or wondered why a relationship left you drained and confused… this episode is for you.Knowledge is power - and healing is possible. Let’s talk about it.

Resentment is quiet… until it isn’t. In this episode, Clarinda dives deep into how resentment builds in relationships - often without us even realizing it - and what we can do to repair before it turns into distance, disconnection, or contempt. With her signature relational lens and gentle curiosity, she explores the roots of resentment, how it shows up in our day-to-day dynamics, and the powerful steps couples can take to heal. Whether you’re in the thick of it or sensing something is “off,” this is an episode every couple should listen to.Includes practical tools, reflective questions, and insights from Clarinda’s work with couples.Want more? Visit or explore the tools mentioned in this episode at www.insessionwithclarinda.com

In this episode of In Session with Clarinda, we explore one of the most tender - and often unspoken - realities in relationships: how to reconnect sexually after a period of disconnection. Whether the distance has been caused by stress, parenting, illness, or emotional strain, this conversation offers a grounded, compassionate path forward.Clarinda shares why intimacy naturally ebbs and flows, how to rebuild trust through micro-connections, and introduces her signature “no-pressure touch challenge” to help couples ease back into physical closeness, without pressure or expectation. She also opens up about the myths we carry about desire and how to redefine intimacy in ways that feel authentic and safe.This episode is for anyone who’s ever felt more like roommates than lovers and who wants to gently, honestly find their way back to each other.

We’ve all heard the story: when you find “the one,” everything falls into place. But what if that story is holding us back from real, grounded love?In this episode, I unpack the myth of the perfect partner - and why chasing perfection in love often leads to disconnection. With insight and a little reality TV wisdom, I explore what we get wrong about compatibility, why discomfort doesn’t mean you’re with the wrong person, and how difference isn’t the problem - it’s the invitation.If you’ve ever caught yourself thinking, “Why can’t they just get me?” or “Shouldn’t love be easier than this?” - this one’s for you.Tune in for truth, reflection, and a powerful reminder that love isn’t about finding the perfect person… it’s about growing with the one who’s real.

In this episode, Clarinda gets personal - from cozy reality TV nights with her partner to deeper truths about intimacy in relationships.Join her as she explores the subtle but powerful difference between emotional and physical intimacy, why both matter, and how a lack in one can silently unravel connection. She invites you to reflect on your own patterns, ask meaningful questions, and start noticing the quiet ways disconnection shows up - like nitpicking, silence, or pulling away.With her signature warmth and realness, Clarinda walks you through how to rebuild intimacy from the inside out - with gentle insights, powerful reflection, and a few reality TV confessions along the way.Stay until the end for a special tool you can use with your partner to deepen your connection, right from the comfort of your couch.

Ever wonder why you react the way you do in relationships? Why some people crave closeness while others pull away? It all comes down to attachment styles—the unconscious patterns that shape how we connect, love, and handle conflict.In this episode, we’ll break down:The four main attachment styles and how they show up in relationshipsWhy you may feel anxious, avoidant, or stuck in push-pull dynamicsPractical steps to build healthier, more secure connectionsWhether you’re looking to better understand yourself, improve your relationship, or break old patterns, this episode will give you the insight and tools to love with more confidence and connection.Tune in now to learn how your attachment style shapes your love life—and how you can change the script!

Do you and your partner feel like you’re on opposing teams instead of the same one? Power struggles can turn love into competition, leaving both partners feeling unseen.In this episode, I’ll break down why these struggles happen and how to shift from fighting to be right to working together. You’ll learn simple yet powerful tools to foster teamwork, curiosity, and deeper connection in your relationship.Tune in and start building a relationship that feels like a partnership and not a battlefield!

Have you ever found yourself avoiding something you know would be good for you? Maybe you procrastinate on an important project, push people away when they get too close, or downplay your own achievements. That’s self-sabotage, and it’s more common than you think.In this episode, we explore why we get in our own way, the fears that drive self-sabotaging behaviours, and how to start breaking the cycle. I’ll share some personal experiences - including how I’ve minimized my own accomplishments - and offer practical tools to help you step out of your own way.If you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt or hesitation, this one’s for you. Tune in now!

The way we talk to ourselves matters. The stories we carry about who we are, what we deserve, and what we’re capable of - shape our experiences in profound ways. But what if those stories aren’t true? What if they’re holding us back?In this episode, we explore the power of our internal narratives, where they come from, and how to begin rewriting them. I’ll share a personal story, guiding questions to help you challenge your own limiting beliefs, and a simple but powerful exercise to shift your perspective.Join me as we uncover the hidden scripts running in the background of our lives and start rewriting them in a way that serves us.Don’t forget to subscribe and tune in next time, where we’ll talk about self-sabotage - why we sometimes get in our own way and how to break free from repeating harmful patterns.

Welcome to the very first episode of In Session with Clarinda! In this episode, I introduce myself, share why I created this podcast, and give you a glimpse of what to expect in future episodes. We’ll explore the importance of self-reflection, meaningful conversations, and mental well-being. Plus, I’ll leave you with one simple but powerful question: When was the last time you truly checked in with yourself?Join me as we embark on this journey of self-discovery, connection, and growth. Don’t forget to subscribe and tune in next time, where we’ll dive into The Stories We Tell Ourselves—and how they shape our lives.