Beneath the Surface

Mindset is everything! here is a little pick me up for your day!Please note: While I am an associate marriage and family therapist, Beneath the Surface podcast is not intended to replace therapy or provide professional mental health treatment nor does it establish a patient-therapist or coach-client relationship. The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis or need therapeutic support, please seek assistance from a qualified mental health professional.Beneath the Surface podcast is a space to learn, grow, and explore personal development in a general sense. Always consult a qualified professional for personalized mental health care. Welcome to Beneath the Surface podcast – your space to heal, grow, and evolve.

In this episode, we explore the ideas from Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman and why our obsession with productivity might be missing the point. If life is only about 4,000 weeks long, what does it mean that our to-do lists never end? We talk about rethinking time, accepting our limits, and focusing on what actually matters instead of trying to do it all. ⏳Please note: While I am an associate marriage and family therapist, Beneath the Surface podcast is not intended to replace therapy or provide professional mental health treatment nor does it establish a patient-therapist or coach-client relationship. The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis or need therapeutic support, please seek assistance from a qualified mental health professional.Beneath the Surface podcast is a space to learn, grow, and explore personal development in a general sense. Always consult a qualified professional for personalized mental health care. Welcome to Beneath the Surface podcast – your space to heal, grow, and evolve.

I have seen a lot of my clients going through breakups recently..and just hard things in general. I hope this episode comforts you, offers you a little hope, and makes you feel a little less alone. Sending you ALL love.Please note: While I am an associate marriage and family therapist, Beneath the Surface podcast is not intended to replace therapy or provide professional mental health treatment nor does it establish a patient-therapist or coach-client relationship. The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis or need therapeutic support, please seek assistance from a qualified mental health professional.Beneath the Surface podcast is a space to learn, grow, and explore personal development in a general sense. Always consult a qualified professional for personalized mental health care. Welcome to Beneath the Surface podcast – your space to heal, grow, and evolve.

The new year isn’t about perfection, it’s about pausing and checking in. In this episode, we go over a gentle reset and an honest check-in about progress, expectations, and adjusting goals to fit real life. If you’re feeling behind, stuck, or just needing permission to recalibrate, this episode is for you.Please note: While I am an associate marriage and family therapist, Beneath the Surface podcast is not intended to replace therapy or provide professional mental health treatment nor does it establish a patient-therapist or coach-client relationship. The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis or need therapeutic support, please seek assistance from a qualified mental health professional.Beneath the Surface podcast is a space to learn, grow, and explore personal development in a general sense. Always consult a qualified professional for personalized mental health care. Welcome to Beneath the Surface podcast – your space to heal, grow, and evolve.

In this episode, I share a personal story about the quiet, steady way my husband supports me through anxiety. Not by trying to fix me, rush me, or add to the fear, but by staying calm, present, and safe. I talk about what it feels like to be loved by someone who doesn’t feed anxiety, how co-regulation can change everything, and why having a “calm place” in a person can be just as powerful as any coping skill. If you’ve ever wondered what supportive partnership really looks like when anxiety shows up, this episode is for you.Please note: While I am an associate marriage and family therapist, Beneath the Surface podcast is not intended to replace therapy or provide professional mental health treatment nor does it establish a patient-therapist or coach-client relationship. The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis or need therapeutic support, please seek assistance from a qualified mental health professional.Beneath the Surface podcast is a space to learn, grow, and explore personal development in a general sense. Always consult a qualified professional for personalized mental health care. Welcome to Beneath the Surface podcast – your space to heal, grow, and evolve.

I have had A LOT of dating questions come into my inbox and in my sessions over the years- here i answer 5 of the most common ones, enjoy!!Please note: While I am an associate marriage and family therapist, Beneath the Surface podcast is not intended to replace therapy or provide professional mental health treatment nor does it establish a patient-therapist or coach-client relationship. The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis or need therapeutic support, please seek assistance from a qualified mental health professional.Beneath the Surface podcast is a space to learn, grow, and explore personal development in a general sense. Always consult a qualified professional for personalized mental health care. Welcome to Beneath the Surface podcast – your space to heal, grow, and evolve.

We’re talking about the balance between showing up, doing the work, and still letting life feel light. This episode is about releasing constant pressure, finding joy in every season, and remembering that fun isn’t a reward—it’s part of the process.Please note: While I am an associate marriage and family therapist, Beneath the Surface podcast is not intended to replace therapy or provide professional mental health treatment nor does it establish a patient-therapist or coach-client relationship. The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis or need therapeutic support, please seek assistance from a qualified mental health professional.Beneath the Surface podcast is a space to learn, grow, and explore personal development in a general sense. Always consult a qualified professional for personalized mental health care. Welcome to Beneath the Surface podcast – your space to heal, grow, and evolve.

Your goals aren’t waiting in the future, they’re waiting on you. In this episode, we talk about embodying your 2026 self and how aligning your daily habits, mindset, and decisions with who you want to be accelerates everything you’re trying to build.Please note: While I am an associate marriage and family therapist, Beneath the Surface podcast is not intended to replace therapy or provide professional mental health treatment nor does it establish a patient-therapist or coach-client relationship. The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis or need therapeutic support, please seek assistance from a qualified mental health professional. Guests appearing on this podcast are sharing their personal perspectives and experiences. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the field of therapy as a whole. This podcast may discuss sensitive topics such as mental health, trauma, and relationships. Please take care of yourself and pause or skip episodes if you find the content triggering. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to a mental health professional. While efforts are made to ensure that the information shared in this podcast is accurate and up-to-date, the host cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or relevance of the content for every listener. Beneath the Surface podcast is a space to learn, grow, and explore personal development in a general sense. Always consult a qualified professional for personalized mental health care. Welcome to Beneath the Surface podcast – your space to heal, grow, and evolve.

- Why I didn't stick to my goal to podcast more in November- Honoring yourself vs. avoidance- How to properly reflect on 2025 goals and resolutions- Creating a S.M.A.R.T. goal system for 2026Please note: While I am an associate marriage and family therapist, Beneath the Surface podcast is not intended to replace therapy or provide professional mental health treatment nor does it establish a patient-therapist or coach-client relationship. The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis or need therapeutic support, please seek assistance from a qualified mental health professional. Guests appearing on this podcast are sharing their personal perspectives and experiences. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the field of therapy as a whole. This podcast may discuss sensitive topics such as mental health, trauma, and relationships. Please take care of yourself and pause or skip episodes if you find the content triggering. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to a mental health professional. While efforts are made to ensure that the information shared in this podcast is accurate and up-to-date, the host cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or relevance of the content for every listener. Beneath the Surface podcast is a space to learn, grow, and explore personal development in a general sense. Always consult a qualified professional for personalized mental health care. Welcome to Beneath the Surface podcast – your space to heal, grow, and evolve.

There are always "more important" or more urgent things to be done, but what ends up going on the back burner? What might be missing in your life and how does that erode your enjoyment of life over time? Let's dive into choosing creativity over productivity (sometimes) and how to make it happen when there are a million other things that need to get done.✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨Wanna travel with me in 2026? ✈️🌍Take 1–2 minutes to fill out the quick survey below and help shape our next international adventure — tell me where you’d love to go, your budget, ideal travel months, and the kind of experiences you’re craving!✨ Note: To be counted as a “qualified response” (per TrovaTrip’s rules), your budget needs to be at least $2,000.This isn’t a commitment — it just means you’ll get first dibs and an email when the trip goes live so you can decide if it’s a fit. I’d love to have you on this next adventure 💫⁠https://my.trovatrip.com/public/l/survey/alyson-mcdonald⁠Please note: While I am an associate marriage and family therapist, Beneath the Surface podcast is not intended to replace therapy or provide professional mental health treatment nor does it establish a patient-therapist or coach-client relationship. The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis or need therapeutic support, please seek assistance from a qualified mental health professional. Guests appearing on this podcast are sharing their personal perspectives and experiences. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the field of therapy as a whole. This podcast may discuss sensitive topics such as mental health, trauma, and relationships. Please take care of yourself and pause or skip episodes if you find the content triggering. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to a mental health professional. While efforts are made to ensure that the information shared in this podcast is accurate and up-to-date, the host cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or relevance of the content for every listener. Beneath the Surface podcast is a space to learn, grow, and explore personal development in a general sense. Always consult a qualified professional for personalized mental health care. Welcome to Beneath the Surface podcast – your space to heal, grow, and evolve.

Short and sweet tips for setting healthy boundaries with family. How to take things less personally and feel more in control of your mental and emotional state..no matter what they say/do :)Please note: While I am an associate marriage and family therapist, Beneath the Surface podcast is not intended to replace therapy or provide professional mental health treatment nor does it establish a patient-therapist or coach-client relationship. The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis or need therapeutic support, please seek assistance from a qualified mental health professional. Guests appearing on this podcast are sharing their personal perspectives and experiences. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the field of therapy as a whole. This podcast may discuss sensitive topics such as mental health, trauma, and relationships. Please take care of yourself and pause or skip episodes if you find the content triggering. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to a mental health professional. While efforts are made to ensure that the information shared in this podcast is accurate and up-to-date, the host cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or relevance of the content for every listener. Beneath the Surface podcast is a space to learn, grow, and explore personal development in a general sense. Always consult a qualified professional for personalized mental health care. Welcome to Beneath the Surface podcast – your space to heal, grow, and evolve.

Delaying goals or happiness = recipe for regret, anxiety, depression, insecurity, self doubt, and comparison. Life is what happens while we are busy making other plans. ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨Wanna travel with me in 2026? ✈️🌍Take 1–2 minutes to fill out the quick survey below and help shape our next international adventure — tell me where you’d love to go, your budget, ideal travel months, and the kind of experiences you’re craving!✨ Note: To be counted as a “qualified response” (per TrovaTrip’s rules), your budget needs to be at least $2,000.This isn’t a commitment — it just means you’ll get first dibs and an email when the trip goes live so you can decide if it’s a fit. I’d love to have you on this next adventure 💫https://my.trovatrip.com/public/l/survey/alyson-mcdonaldPlease note: While I am an associate marriage and family therapist, Beneath the Surface podcast is not intended to replace therapy or provide professional mental health treatment nor does it establish a patient-therapist or coach-client relationship. The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis or need therapeutic support, please seek assistance from a qualified mental health professional. Guests appearing on this podcast are sharing their personal perspectives and experiences. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the field of therapy as a whole. This podcast may discuss sensitive topics such as mental health, trauma, and relationships. Please take care of yourself and pause or skip episodes if you find the content triggering. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to a mental health professional. While efforts are made to ensure that the information shared in this podcast is accurate and up-to-date, the host cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or relevance of the content for every listener. Beneath the Surface podcast is a space to learn, grow, and explore personal development in a general sense. Always consult a qualified professional for personalized mental health care. Welcome to Beneath the Surface podcast – your space to heal, grow, and evolve.

A little chaotic, but a little relatable. Here’s a peek inside what my mind sounds like on my highest 'ADHD days' — and how you can take what I’ve learned about my relationship with time to reflect on your own, and start making the shifts we all need.Please note: While I am an associate marriage and family therapist, Beneath the Surface podcast is not intended to replace therapy or provide professional mental health treatment nor does it establish a patient-therapist or coach-client relationship. The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis or need therapeutic support, please seek assistance from a qualified mental health professional. Guests appearing on this podcast are sharing their personal perspectives and experiences. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the field of therapy as a whole. This podcast may discuss sensitive topics such as mental health, trauma, and relationships. Please take care of yourself and pause or skip episodes if you find the content triggering. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to a mental health professional. While efforts are made to ensure that the information shared in this podcast is accurate and up-to-date, the host cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or relevance of the content for every listener. Beneath the Surface podcast is a space to learn, grow, and explore personal development in a general sense. Always consult a qualified professional for personalized mental health care. Welcome to Beneath the Surface podcast – your space to heal, grow, and evolve.

Not everyone is worth being excited about- not everyone is worth thinking about all day or sitting by your phone waiting for a text for hours on end (I know because I used to do this with some of the wrongggg people).Please note: While I am an associate marriage and family therapist, Beneath the Surface podcast is not intended to replace therapy or provide professional mental health treatment nor does it establish a patient-therapist or coach-client relationship. The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis or need therapeutic support, please seek assistance from a qualified mental health professional. Guests appearing on this podcast are sharing their personal perspectives and experiences. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the field of therapy as a whole. This podcast may discuss sensitive topics such as mental health, trauma, and relationships. Please take care of yourself and pause or skip episodes if you find the content triggering. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to a mental health professional. While efforts are made to ensure that the information shared in this podcast is accurate and up-to-date, the host cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or relevance of the content for every listener. Beneath the Surface podcast is a space to learn, grow, and explore personal development in a general sense. Always consult a qualified professional for personalized mental health care. Welcome to Beneath the Surface podcast – your space to heal, grow, and evolve.

In this episode, we explore why putting your dream on a pedestal might be the very thing keeping it out of reach. You'll learn how to shift your mindset, treat your goals as normal, and make manifestation a natural part of your daily life—not some mystical event. The key? Making it boring enough that it feels inevitable.Please note: While I am an associate marriage and family therapist, Beneath the Surface podcast is not intended to replace therapy or provide professional mental health treatment nor does it establish a patient-therapist or coach-client relationship. The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis or need therapeutic support, please seek assistance from a qualified mental health professional. Guests appearing on this podcast are sharing their personal perspectives and experiences. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the field of therapy as a whole. This podcast may discuss sensitive topics such as mental health, trauma, and relationships. Please take care of yourself and pause or skip episodes if you find the content triggering. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to a mental health professional. While efforts are made to ensure that the information shared in this podcast is accurate and up-to-date, the host cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or relevance of the content for every listener. Beneath the Surface podcast is a space to learn, grow, and explore personal development in a general sense. Always consult a qualified professional for personalized mental health care. Welcome to Beneath the Surface podcast – your space to heal, grow, and evolve.

In this episode, we explore what it really means to romanticize your life — not in a fake-it-for-Instagram kind of way, but in a grounded, grateful, and intentional way. From savoring the small moments to finding beauty in your daily routine, we talk about how gratitude can shift your perspective and help you fall in love with the life you’re already living.Please note: While I am an associate marriage and family therapist, Beneath the Surface podcast is not intended to replace therapy or provide professional mental health treatment nor does it establish a patient-therapist or coach-client relationship. The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis or need therapeutic support, please seek assistance from a qualified mental health professional. Guests appearing on this podcast are sharing their personal perspectives and experiences. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the field of therapy as a whole. This podcast may discuss sensitive topics such as mental health, trauma, and relationships. Please take care of yourself and pause or skip episodes if you find the content triggering. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to a mental health professional. While efforts are made to ensure that the information shared in this podcast is accurate and up-to-date, the host cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or relevance of the content for every listener. Beneath the Surface podcast is a space to learn, grow, and explore personal development in a general sense. Always consult a qualified professional for personalized mental health care. Welcome to Beneath the Surface podcast – your space to heal, grow, and evolve.Follow Aly on Instagram or TikTok: @datingwithaly

If you’ve ever been told you’re “too much”—too emotional, too ambitious, too intense—this episode is your reminder that you were never the problem. Aly dives into the deeper reasons why we shrink ourselves in relationships and how to reclaim the parts of us we’ve learned to hide. It’s time to stop apologizing for your fullness and start honoring the version of you that takes up space with love, power, and truth.Please note: While I am an associate marriage and family therapist, Beneath the Surface podcast is not intended to replace therapy or provide professional mental health treatment nor does it establish a patient-therapist or coach-client relationship. The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis or need therapeutic support, please seek assistance from a qualified mental health professional. Guests appearing on this podcast are sharing their personal perspectives and experiences. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the field of therapy as a whole. This podcast may discuss sensitive topics such as mental health, trauma, and relationships. Please take care of yourself and pause or skip episodes if you find the content triggering. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to a mental health professional. While efforts are made to ensure that the information shared in this podcast is accurate and up-to-date, the host cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or relevance of the content for every listener. Beneath the Surface podcast is a space to learn, grow, and explore personal development in a general sense. Always consult a qualified professional for personalized mental health care. Welcome to Beneath the Surface podcast – your space to heal, grow, and evolve.Follow Aly on Instagram or TikTok: @datingwithaly

"Every action you take is a vote for the person you want to become" - James Clear. Potential guests appearing on this podcast are sharing their personal perspectives and experiences. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the field of therapy as a whole. This podcast may discuss sensitive topics such as mental health, trauma, and relationships. Please take care of yourself and pause or skip episodes if you find the content triggering. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to a mental health professional. While efforts are made to ensure that the information shared in this podcast is accurate and up-to-date, the host cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or relevance of the content for every listener. Beneath the Surface podcast is a space to learn, grow, and explore personal development in a general sense. Always consult a qualified professional for personalized mental health care. Welcome to Beneath the Surface podcast – your space to heal, grow, and evolve.Follow Aly on Instagram or TikTok: @datingwithaly

In this episode, I take a deep dive into my Thailand retreat and the lessons I brought back with me. The trip was so transformative that it gave me a wake-up call when I returned to work the following week. Ahhh. Enjoy!Wanna travel with me in 2026? Fill out this 2 minute survey and telling me where you wanna go! --> Travel Survey!Any guests appearing on this podcast are sharing their personal perspectives and experiences. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the field of therapy as a whole. This podcast may discuss sensitive topics such as mental health, trauma, and relationships. Please take care of yourself and pause or skip episodes if you find the content triggering. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to a mental health professional. While efforts are made to ensure that the information shared in this podcast is accurate and up-to-date, the host cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or relevance of the content for every listener. Beneath the Surface podcast is a space to learn, grow, and explore personal development in a general sense. Always consult a qualified professional for personalized mental health care. Welcome to Beneath the Surface podcast – your space to heal, grow, and evolve.Follow Aly on Instagram or TikTok: @datingwithaly

In this episode, I dive into the surprising way I was manifesting my desires long before I even knew what "manifesting" was. From attracting unexpected opportunities to unknowingly shaping my life through my thoughts, I share how the power of intention—whether conscious or not—played a huge role in my journey.I’ll explore the idea of unconscious manifesting, the subtle ways our thoughts influence reality, and why it’s important to become more aware of our mental patterns. Tune in to learn how I unintentionally called in what I needed and how you can start paying attention to your own thoughts to unlock the hidden potential of your life. Please note: While I am an associate marriage and family therapist, Beneath the Surface podcast is not intended to replace therapy or provide professional mental health treatment nor does it establish a patient-therapist or coach-client relationship. The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis or need therapeutic support, please seek assistance from a qualified mental health professional. Guests appearing on this podcast are sharing their personal perspectives and experiences. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the field of therapy as a whole. This podcast may discuss sensitive topics such as mental health, trauma, and relationships. Please take care of yourself and pause or skip episodes if you find the content triggering. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to a mental health professional. While efforts are made to ensure that the information shared in this podcast is accurate and up-to-date, the host cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or relevance of the content for every listener. Beneath the Surface podcast is a space to learn, grow, and explore personal development in a general sense. Always consult a qualified professional for personalized mental health care. Welcome to Beneath the Surface podcast – your space to heal, grow, and evolve.Follow Aly on Instagram or TikTok: @datingwithaly

In this episode, I share my story of healing after a 5-year codependent relationship. At 25, I had to face my mental health struggles, including PTSD and depression, and learn to be on my own. This journey ultimately led me to become a dating coach and relationship therapist. If you’ve ever felt stuck or overwhelmed, this episode is for you—let’s talk about how tough moments can lead to powerful breakthroughs Please note: While I am an associate marriage and family therapist, Beneath the Surface podcast is not intended to replace therapy or provide professional mental health treatment nor does it establish a patient-therapist or coach-client relationship. The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis or need therapeutic support, please seek assistance from a qualified mental health professional.Guests appearing on this podcast are sharing their personal perspectives and experiences. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the field of therapy as a whole. This podcast may discuss sensitive topics such as mental health, trauma, and relationships. Please take care of yourself and pause or skip episodes if you find the content triggering. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to a mental health professional. While efforts are made to ensure that the information shared in this podcast is accurate and up-to-date, the host cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or relevance of the content for every listener. Beneath the Surface podcast is a space to learn, grow, and explore personal development in a general sense. Always consult a qualified professional for personalized mental health care. Welcome to Beneath the Surface podcast – your space to heal, grow, and evolve.Follow Aly on Instagram or TikTok: @datingwithaly