Podcast Therapy with Dr. Z
by Living Lchaim
"Podcast Therapy with Dr. Z" isn't just another podcast. It's where the Orthodox community opens up about the things we usually keep to ourselves. Hosted by Dr. Shloimie (Steven) Zimmerman, a respected figure and therapist, this call-in show offers a rare space to discuss personal struggles and seek professional advice. No topic is too taboo. Whether you're dealing with something big or small, Dr. Z is here to listen and help. Tune in to be part of a conversation that's all about understanding, healing, and connecting.Podcast Therapy with Dr. Z on the Living Lchaim Network:PODCAST HEALTHCARE DISCLAIMERThis podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not provide healthcare advice. I, Dr. Shloimie [Steven] Zimmerman, Psy.D. and the Living Lchaim make every effort to ensure that information given in the podcast is complete and accurate. Please understand though, that mental health care is a constantly changing science and art. Further, one psychotherapist may
Episodes
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I Look Like a Regular Frum Guy But Inside I'm Falling Apart
In this very honest conversation, Danny looks like a regular Torah guy living a normal life. But underneath, he struggles with anger, harsh self-criticism, and a cycle of shame that leads him to pornography and sexually acting out in search of connection. Dr. Z helps Danny recognize that…
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What Happens When You Stop Saying “If Only”?
In this very relatable episode, we meet Shmuly, a man carrying the weight of beliefs shaped by childhood, financial struggles, and years of comparing himself to others. Growing up with limited means and feeling the pressure to measure up, he came to believe that if only he had more money, more...
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Why Am I Turning to Unhealthy Escapes?
In this very relatable episode, we meet Rachel, a young woman struggling with feeling unseen, misunderstood, and disconnected at home. With a painful relationship with her mother and a deep sense of loneliness, she turns to unhealthy escapes like talking to boys and engaging in inappropriate...
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My Porn Addiction Is Destroying My Marriage. Can I Change?
Trigger Warning: This episode discusses pornography addiction and sexual content. In this very honest conversation, Yaakov opens up about his chronic struggle with pornography addiction and the pain it has caused in every part of his life. Coming from a difficult childhood and becoming a baal...
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My Sister Tried to Kill Herself
In this raw and deeply vulnerable episode of Podcast Therapy, Miriam opens up about the impact of her sibling’s suicide attempt and the quiet pain that followed. While her sibling was hospitalized, Miriam found herself spiraling, feeling unseen, overwhelmed, and pushed to the edge emotionally.…
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An Unfiltered Jewish Conversation We’ve Been Avoiding (with Rabbi YY Jacobson)
Rabbi YY Jacobson and Dr. Shloime Zimmerman sit down for a deep, emotional conversation about mental health, Jewish spirituality, authenticity, and trauma in modern life. Together, they explore how disconnection from the self, emotional pain, and spiritual concealment shape the challenges of...
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One of my kids watched inappropriate content. How do I prevent the others from doing the same?
In this very honest episode, we meet Chaya, a mother trying to navigate the overwhelming challenge of raising teenage boys in a world filled with inappropriate content. After discovering that one of her sons had been exposed to pornography, she opens up about the fear and uncertainty surrounding...
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How Can I Live a More Authentic Life ?
In this powerful episode, we meet Chaya, a young woman navigating deep inner conflict. On the outside, she appears to be a devoted religious girl, but privately, she struggles to observe the Torah and mitzvos. Haunted by the trauma of childhood abuse and the grip of an addiction she has worked to...
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I’m Too Hard On Myself. How Can I Stop Being So Self Critical?
In this moving episode, we meet Sarah, who grew up in a complex family environment that deeply influenced her self-perception. Burdened by feelings of toxic shame, Sarah has long grappled with self-criticism and perfectionism, impacting her relationships and sense of self-worth. With Dr....
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SPECIAL EPISODE: In Times of War You Are Not Alone. A conversation with Dr. Z and Rabbi Efrem Goldberg.
In this special episode, presented in partnership with Amudim and moderated by Andy Lauber, Rav Efrem Goldberg joins Dr. Zimmerman for a powerful conversation about the emotional and spiritual toll of the ongoing war in Israel. As fear and anxiety weigh heavily on so many, especially those with...
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What Happens When I Finally Confront the Parts of Me I’ve Been Hiding?
In this moving episode, we meet Esty, who grew up in a turbulent home marked by conflict and a painful family secret that shaped her sense of self. Carrying deep feelings of toxic shame, Esty has long struggled to be vulnerable, especially within her marriage. Opening up felt unsafe, not just…
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I Never Feel Good Enough - How Do I Fix That?
In this deeply personal episode, we meet Noach, who grew up feeling like an outsider- never getting into the top classes and struggling with a sense of not being good enough. His journey took on a new layer when his son, a bright and capable student, was denied entry into the top Gemara classes…
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I Was Sexually Abused as a Child, How Can I Be a Healthy Adult?
In this powerful episode, we meet Rachel, a woman whose early life was marked by the deep scars of sexual abuse inflicted by her brother. Initially drawn to therapy by memories and emerging triggers, it was the collapse of a serious relationship that finally pushed her to confront the wounds of…
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I Felt Unloved as a Child. How Can I Experience Love & Connection Now?
In this powerful episode, we meet Mimi, a woman whose childhood was shaped by the challenges of growing up with a mother who had borderline personality disorder. Mimi shares the profound impact of her upbringing, including feelings of toxic shame, never feeling “enough,” and an inability to...
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My Family Member Is Mentally Ill and “Off The Derech”. How Can I Be Healthy?
In this deeply personal episode, our guest shares her journey of navigating life with a brother who has left the path of religious observance (OTD) and struggles with mental health challenges. She reflects on how his journey impacted her own—shaping her values, her relationships, and ultimately…
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How Do I Break The Cycle of Trauma?
This episode reflects on the Ten Days of Repentance, featuring Yanky’s journey of healing and repentance. He shares how his trauma led him to behaviors he was deeply ashamed of. Ultimately, Yanky embraced internal work, change, and forgiveness. As Yom Kippur nears, Dr. Z offers insights into...
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I’ve Been Profoundly Hurt by My Parents, Should I Let Them Back Into My Life?
Trigger Warning: This episode deals with emotional, physical, and sexual abuse and suicide. We delve into a harrowing story of abuse and survival. Our guest, who endured physical and emotional abuse from his parents and was molested by a community member, shares his painful journey. Having cut…
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Why Do I Have Such a Hard Time Taking Care of Myself?
Leah, a busy mother, wife, and full-time employee, calls in to discuss her struggles with self-care. As the conversation unfolds, it becomes clear that Leah's challenges are deeply rooted in her childhood experiences and the immense pressure she places on herself. Doctor Z helps Leah explore the...
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I’ve Been Betrayed and Traumatized. How Do I Heal?
This episode provides inspiration and insights for anyone facing life's hurdles. Join us for an empowering session of "Therapy" where Chaya (alias and AI-masked voice) shares her journey with Dr. Z. From battling addiction to facing infidelity and ultimately finding strength as a single mom,...
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How Do I Process The Shocking Tragedy in Lakewood? (SPECIAL EPISODE)
Trigger warning: this episode deals with death and mental illness. Lakewood and the wider Jewish community are reeling from an unthinkable tragedy: a mother had a psychotic break and tragically drowned two of her children. In the face of such profound shock and grief, we are all grappling with…
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My Kids Are Struggling with ADHD. Do I Have it Too?
Atara (alias name and Ai masked voice) and 2 of her kids struggle with ADHD. She asks Dr. Z how to navigate it. This episode also explores how we can cope with mental health challenges and help educate our children. To be a future guest (yes, we can distort your voice): Please visit...
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I’m Addicted to My Phone and It's Out of Control
In each episode, Dr. Shloimie Zimmerman will sit down with a real person to discuss their real challenges. In this episode, the caller brings up his unhealthy technology habits. We explore the source of his issue and possible solutions to help mitigate the issue. To be a future guest (yes, we can...
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What Is Podcast Therapy?
In each episode, Dr. Shloimie (Steven) Zimmerman will sit down with a real person to discuss their real challenges. This is like no other show in the Jewish world and we're excited you can enjoy and learn from it. To be a future guest (yes, we can distort your voice): Please visit...
About this show
"Podcast Therapy with Dr. Z" isn't just another podcast. It's where the Orthodox community opens up about the things we usually keep to ourselves. Hosted by Dr. Shloimie (Steven) Zimmerman, a respected figure and therapist, this call-in show offers a rare space to discuss personal struggles and seek professional advice. No topic is too taboo. Whether you're dealing with something big or small, Dr. Z is here to listen and help. Tune in to be part of a conversation that's all about understanding, healing, and connecting.Podcast Therapy with Dr. Z on the Living Lchaim Network:PODCAST HEALTHCARE DISCLAIMERThis podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not provide healthcare advice. I, Dr. Shloimie [Steven] Zimmerman, Psy.D. and the Living Lchaim make every effort to ensure that information given in the podcast is complete and accurate. Please understand though, that mental health care is a constantly changing science and art. Further, one psychotherapist may
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Living Lchaim
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