Let's Pick This Up Next Week

Conversion therapy is back in the conversation… and yeah, we need to talk about it.In this episode, Dee and Dr. DJ break down what conversion therapy actually is (and isn’t), why it keeps resurfacing in legal and political debates, and what recent Supreme Court developments could mean moving forward. They dig into the research, the real-world harm, and the ethical responsibilities clinicians are navigating in the middle of it all.This isn’t just theory, it’s about practice. What does it actually look like to support clients without imposing beliefs? Where’s the line between values, autonomy, and harm? And what should therapists be doing right now?Whether you’re a clinician, student, or just trying to make sense of the discourse, this episode unpacks the nuance without losing the humanity.If you’re into real conversations about mental health, ethics, and the stuff people argue about online – subscribe and hang with us. New episodes drop regularly.Intro & Outro Music: "Open Road" by Purple Planet MusicAvailable on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

In this episode, Dee and Dr. DJ explore the psychology of identity rupture—what happens when new information challenges who we believe we are.Why does learning something new sometimes feel threatening?Why do conversations across differences feel so emotionally charged?And why does cognitive dissonance make us double down instead of lean in?We unpack:·      How identity is formed (and protected)·      What actually triggers identity threat·      The neuroscience behind cognitive dissonance·      The connection between moral injury and belief systems·      How curiosity and mindfulness increase our capacity for growthIdentity rupture isn’t weakness. It’s often the doorway to expansion.As always, the conversation is thoughtful, real, and occasionally unhinged (also: please excuse Dee’s allergies—apparently pollen chose violence that day, so if you hear mysterious sniffles or see glossy eyes… it’s not tears, it’s trees 🌳).If this episode resonates, share it with someone who loves deep conversations about how we grow, change, and stay connected in divisive times.💬 Drop a comment: What’s a belief you’ve outgrown?

New year, new goals… same pressure? Yeah, we’re not doing that this year.In this episode, Dee and Dr. DJ break down why New Year’s resolutions so often crash and burn, and why that doesn’t mean you failed. We unpack the psychology behind quitting, how shame sneaks into goal-setting, and why the popular “21-day habit” rule is more myth than motivation.Instead of rigid resolutions and productivity guilt, we explore intentional goal-setting, realistic change, and the importance of celebrating small wins (yes, they count). This is a conversation about embracing failure as part of growth, decoupling self-worth from productivity, and choosing goals that actually fit your life — not an idealized version of yourself.If you’ve ever felt discouraged by resolutions, burned out by “SMART goals,” or stuck in an all-or-nothing mindset, this episode is for you.✨ Topics we cover:Why most New Year’s resolutions failThe role of shame and guilt in quittingWhy the 21-day habit myth misses the pointIntentions vs. resolutionsCelebrating progress without tying worth to productivityWhy failure is part of growth, not proof you’re broken🎧 New episodes of Let’s Pick This Up Next Week drop regularly.If this one resonated, like, subscribe, and share it with a friend who’s being way too hard on themselves right now.

Some friendships are built on shared memes. Ours was built on grad school burnout, froyo, and the unspoken agreement that we’d be stuck with each other forever. In this week’s episode, Dee and Dr. DJ peel back the curtain on what it’s really like to work with your best friend—from surviving (and occasionally thriving) in counseling programs to navigating neurodivergent communication quirks with humor and zero judgment. We also dive into twice-exceptionality, why empathy is a skill and not a personality trait, and how understanding autism requires more nuance than the internet gives it credit for.Whether you’re spending this season with chosen family, riding the friendship rollercoaster, or just here for the therapist tea, this conversation is equal parts heartfelt, nerdy, and surprisingly validating. Consider it your gentle reminder that connection is a strength, planning and spontaneity can totally coexist, and the people who “get you” are worth hanging onto.Intro & Outro Music: "Open Road" by Purple Planet MusicAvailable on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

In this episode, Dee and Dr. DJ dig into the cultural response to the death of Charlie Kirk—not to debate him but to unpack why our reactions are so divisive in the first place.Why do algorithms reward outrage? How did social media turn polarizing figures into false prophets? And most importantly, how can we choose to engage (or not engage) in ways that actually protect our peace?We break it down from both a psychological and counseling perspective:• The role of echo chambers and misinformation in shaping “alternate realities.”• Why curiosity is harder (but healthier) than combat.• How to set boundaries when the online noise feels overwhelming.• Practical ways to engage with empathy, intention, and values—without burning out.Because at the end of the day, our attention is the real commodity. And deciding where to put it? That’s where our power lies.

Grief isn’t just about death, and it’s definitely not as neat and tidy as the “five stages” make it sound. In this episode, Dee and Dr. DJ dive into the many faces of grief, from invisible losses (like identity changes or job loss) to the unique challenges of self-chosen grief. We talk about what it really means to hold space for someone, why closure is an inside job, and how tools like radical acceptance and journaling can help you navigate the messy middle.If you’ve ever been told “time heals all wounds” or felt like you should be “over it” by now, this one’s for you. Whether you’re grieving a person, a place, or a version of yourself, we’ve got thoughts and a little myth-busting to guide the way.

Ever feel like you're this close to the life you want? Like if you just got the job… lost the weight… found the person… THEN you'd be okay?This week, we dive into the haunting beauty of “justing” and the emotional hangover of the arrival fallacy. Why are we always living on the edge of enough? And how do we stop chasing almost?🎧 Tune in for real talk, new language, and a fresh take on the life you already have.

Are you anxiously attached? Avoidant? Disorganized? Or wondering what any of that even means?In this episode, Dee and Dr. DJ unpack the world of attachment styles—what they are, where they come from, and how they show up in your relationships. Whether you’re the type to ghost, cling, or shut down emotionally (or a little bit of all three), we explore how understanding your attachment style is the first step toward healing.We cover:• The key traits of anxious, avoidant, and disorganized attachment• How childhood patterns shape adult relationships• What it means to “reparent” yourself and grow more secure• The role of therapy and vulnerability in building better connectionsSpoiler: You are not broken. You are worthy of love.💬 Let us know in the comments—do you know your attachment style?🎧 Subscribe for more therapy talks with a side of sarcasm and heart.Available on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

What if your thoughts aren’t facts—but you’ve been treating them like they are? In this episode, Dee and Dr. DJ unpack the #1 therapy tool everyone should know: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Whether you’re a therapist, a client, or just CBT-curious, they break down how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are deeply connected—and how small shifts in thinking can lead to major changes.They explore the power of core beliefs, challenge the myth that CBT is all about “thinking positive,” and share practical tools like thought records and grounding techniques. With their usual blend of clinical insight and real talk, Dee and Dr. DJ show why CBT still matters—and how it can help you make sense of your inner world, one thought at a time.Available on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

What if the world isn’t as black and white as we think? In this episode, Dr. DJ and Dee explore how rigid thinking limits our understanding, why cognitive dissonance makes us uncomfortable, and how vulnerability is often mistaken for weakness. They break down how societal pressures and media shape division, keeping us stuck in extremes, and why radical acceptance is the key to navigating life’s uncertainties. From challenging long-held beliefs to embracing the discomfort of not having all the answers, this conversation is all about finding the gray areas—and why they matter. Rethinking our perspectives isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of growth. Tune in as they unpack why compassion, both for yourself and others, is the key to real change.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) isn’t just a term – it’s impact. In this episode, Dee and Dr. DJ break down the realities of DEI beyond the buzzwords, discussing cultural humility, accessibility, and the ways bias and assumptions shape our experiences. From personal stories to professional insights, they explore why inclusive practices benefit us all—because, at the end of the day, we could all use more ramps.

In this episode, Dee and Dr. DJ tackle decision fatigue—the sneaky culprit behind why we’re so drained. With an average of 35,000 decisions a day, it’s no wonder our brains feel fried! They break down how emotional vs. rational thinking affects daily life and offer practical tips on managing mental exhaustion.From understanding biases to aligning decisions with your core values, they explore how these small but constant choices can build up and affect our well-being. Spoiler alert: Self-care matters, compartmentalizing everything forever isn’t the solution, and it’s okay to not have the capacity for all the things every day.Tune in for relatable insights and some much-needed validation that it’s totally normal to feel worn out.

Lately, it seems like everyone’s an expert on narcissism. But how much of what we hear online is accurate? In this episode, Dee and Dr. DJ break down the myths, misconceptions, and realities of narcissism and Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). They explore the difference between narcissistic traits and full-blown NPD, the role of trauma and attachment wounds in shaping narcissism, and why narcissism is so prevalent in leadership and politics. They also tackle the dark triad of personality traits (narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy) and discuss the impact of over-labeling people as narcissists—especially in relationships. Are we really surrounded by narcissists, or has the term lost its meaning? And what does our obsession with narcissism say about us as a society? Let’s talk about it.

This week on Let’s Pick This Up Next Week, Dee and Dr. DJ dive into the topic of nonbinary erasure, sparked by recent comments from the new administration declaring the existence of only two genders. They unpack the harmful impact of this rhetoric on nonbinary individuals and the broader LGBTQ+ community and discuss why language matters in shaping societal attitudes. The duo breaks down how sex is assigned, and why something as simple as flying can be cumbersome for nonbinary people who are required to fit into a two-gender system. Tune in for an insightful and empowering conversation about why representation is needed, and how to cope with the stress if you are feeling overwhelmed by current politics.

Ever felt like you need a PhD just to say “no” to people? In this episode, Dee and Dr. DJ tackle the tricky topic of boundaries—those oh-so-essential lines that keep us sane. They explore how to navigate family drama, relationship pressures, and workplace demands without losing your peace (or your mind). Tune in to learn why boundaries are crucial for personal well-being, how to set them effectively, and get real-life strategies for staying strong in those tough situations—especially during the holiday season. 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on new episodes! Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

Feeling burned out? Yeah, us too. You’re not alone. In this episode, Dee and Dr. DJ talk candidly about their personal experiences with burnout, especially within the therapy field. They break down the impact of hustle culture, share strategies for managing burnout, and stress the importance of building confidence when setting boundaries. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more unfiltered conversations on mental health and beyond! 📢 Available on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

“And how does that make you feel?” Dee and Dr. DJ tackle common therapy myths this week including the role of the therapist, the process of therapy, and who the expert REALLY is in the room. Unfortunately there are no participation trophies for therapy, and ultimately it’s the client who puts in the work. But if every good therapist has a therapist, that begs the question – who is the grand master therapist? Hmm…

This week, Dee & DJ break down overdose awareness and how substance use impacts our lives and communities. Overdose doesn’t discriminate – so be educated! The duo talks narcan, detox risks, signs of an overdose, harm reduction, and everything in between. Share to help save a life! For more information on: International Overdose Awareness Day: https://www.overdoseday.com/ Project DAWN & Harm Reduction in Ohio: https://odh.ohio.gov/know-our-programs/project-dawn/project-dawn-programs/dashboard Free Narcan: https://www.cdc.gov/stop-overdose/caring/naloxone.html?s_cid=DOP_Naloxone_Search_Paid_001_age2&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwq_G1BhCSARIsACc7Nxrqd6PMqW_UBEKcz162pVQKW0cAOhS5V-T92rXJ_0ptkweeUHQhtFUaAg-jEALw_wcB

How many political text messages will Dee have to report as junk before they stop sending them? In this episode of LPTUNW, Dee and DJ explore the intersection of politics, mental health, and sports. With athletes like Simone Biles and politicians like Kamala Harris, how is the discussion around mental health changing? Tune in to hear their insights on these important topics and how staying informed and engaged can make a difference. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more thought-provoking discussions! Resources for finding mental health care in your area include: SAMHSA Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator (https://findtreatment.gov/), NAMI (https://www.nami.org/findsupport/), Mental Health America (https://www.mhanational.org/finding-help), and the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988, or visit https://988lifeline.org/).

Don’t put away your rainbow flags just yet, in this week’s episode, Dee and DJ dive in to the colorful world of Pride 2024! Join our two favorite therapists as they navigate pride celebrations, corporate rainbow washing, changing norms, and what in the world streaming services have to do with any of this. DJ says it best, “"Instead of banging your head against the wall trying to fit in with a bunch of people that aren't your people, go find your people."

We let AI write the show for us this week… Just kidding, technical difficulties ensured we kept things vintage.   Let's Pick This Up Next Week dives into the future of therapy in our latest episode!  Join Dee & DJ as they explore the revolutionary role of AI in the mental health profession, from AI-driven therapy sessions to streamlined progress notes. We tackle the big questions: Can AI make a good therapist? What ethical boundaries should we be aware of?   Listen in as we discuss how AI is reshaping curriculum development, the importance of human gatekeepers in assessing readiness for licensure, and the evolving responsibilities of supervisors. Get ready for an engaging conversation about the promises and pitfalls of AI in therapy. Don't miss out on this thought-provoking episode that could change the way you think about mental health care!

Is DEI a bad word now? Who knows, but either way – we are probably doing it wrong. What’s the difference between culture and performative culture changes? Who the hell is this football player and his vocation as a one-and-done commencement speaker? And is the EEOC going to require inclusivity? Do you want to hear why Dee hates the term ‘safe space,’ and what dated reference is DJ going to make this week? Find out all this and more on this week’s episode of Let’s Pick This Up Next week.

It’s graduation season on LPTUNW! Dee and DJ share their experience of starting out in their careers, and reflect on the pivotal book The Gift of Therapy: An Open Letter to a New Generation of Therapists and Their Patience. The book by Yalom from over 20 years ago gives salient career advice and insights in to therapy… but what about the worst advice? Dee and DJ conducted very scientific science in asking fellow counselors what their best and worst career advice they’ve ever received. So, is self-care all bubble baths? Do we follow money or passion? And is it really actually all about you? Find out this week, on Let’s Pick This Up Next Week!

Join us on Let's Pick This Up Next Week for a candid chat on neurodiversity. In this episode, Dee and DJ dive into their personal journeys with autism.   DJ shares their self-discovery of being on the autism spectrum, sparking a discussion on the challenges of diagnosis and the importance of self-identification. Dee & DJ debunk misconceptions around autism traits like stimming and echolalia, stressing the need for respectful language.   From empathy in therapy to the history of autism diagnosis, they explore diverse aspects of acceptance. Personal anecdotes shed light on sensory sensitivities and the controversial ABA therapy.   Tune in for insightful conversations that illuminate the need for acceptance, understanding, and support within the autistic community.

Welcome back to Let's Pick This Up Next Week! 🎙️ Today, Dee and DJ dive into some cool stuff – literally, with the recent solar eclipse! 🌑 They swap stories about their experiences and somehow DJ found it “meh”?! Plus, they ponder the balance between living in the moment and snapping pics for the 'gram.   Then, it's all about the power of music and those spine-tingling chills some tracks give you. They link awe to kindness, eco-awareness, and bonding with others. And of course, they sprinkle in some personal stories about awe's impact on their own lives.   In this chat, Dee and DJ dish out tips on how to amp up the awe factor in your day-to-day. From mundane stuff like paper towels vs. napkins (yep, we went there) to how awe boosts kindness and why gratitude matters, they cover it all. Plus, they brainstorm ways to sprinkle more awe into your life.   Wrapping it up, Dee and DJ spill the beans on their own awe-boosting plans. Get ready for some serious inspiration! 🌟

Welcome back to Let's Pick This Up Next Week! Today, we've got Lianna, a stellar school counselor, giving us the lowdown on what it means to support students' mental health in schools.   Lianna breaks it down for us: school counselors are like mental health superheroes, juggling academics, social-emotional development, and the importance of teaching life skills and mental health in schools. She highlights the evolving conversation around disability and education, shedding light on the importance of inclusivity. The crew wraps up by tackling the stigma around seeking help, discussing how counselors like Lianna are working to break it down.   So, grab your favorite drink, settle in, and join us as we chat it up and tell it like it is. Don't forget to hit like and subscribe for more engaging content. Let's pick this up next week!

👉Counselors celebrating counselors on this week’s Let’s Pick This Up Next Week👈   April is Counselor Awareness Month… who knew? Dive in to the world of what a counselor actually means, and what separates it from other helping professions. From practicum horror stories to challenging the stereotypes of who a counselor is, this episode offers a candid look into the challenges counselors face both personally and professionally. But the conversation doesn't stop there! Tune in as Dee and DJ share their own experiences navigating the delicate balance of emotional investment and self-care.   Don't miss out on this heartfelt discussion that sheds light on the underappreciated yet invaluable work of counselors!

😒 Counselors Dee and DJ reject rejection on this week’s Let’s Pick This Up Next Week 😒   Dive deep in to the psyche of therapists as they unpack the unspoken truth behind rejection. Delve into the nuanced exploration of reframing rejection, shifting the narrative from a blow to self-worth to a personal choice.   Is ghosting on dating apps a form of rejection? Why does science say folks with ADHD tend to struggle with rejection more? Also, why does the expression ‘everything happens for a reason’ ever need to be uttered?

🤓 The duo talks ethics in this week’s episode of Let’s Pick This Up Next Week! 🤓   Join Dee and DJ for a candid discussion on the ethical aspects of therapy, and delve into the gray areas of ethical decision-making, focusing on intimacy and boundaries in therapist-client relationships.   From touch, friendships, self-disclosure, and intimacy – where can and should boundaries with therapists and clients fall? Do gender and generation make a difference? Comment and let us know what you think – did Dee and DJ get it right?

🎙️We are back with another episode of Let's Pick This Up Next Week! 🎙️ Dee and DJ tackle politics and it’s impact on the therapy profession. From the political undercurrents in counseling to mastering cultural competence and licensure hurdles, they unpack the multifaceted challenges therapists confront. Discover how therapists empower clients and navigate personal biases while promoting autonomy. From the politics of diversity and inclusion to the importance of cultural considerations, Dee and DJ explore it all. Whether you're a seasoned therapist or simply curious about the evolving world of mental health, this episode offers invaluable insights into the evolving landscape of counseling while boosting your mental health game.

🔥 Welcome back to Let's Pick This Up Next Week! 🔥   What is the media’s role in mental health? Is it better to engage and educate, or find a circle of support in your online community? How does language shape the impact of mental health? Dees hares the difficulty in treating clients who over-intellectualize feelings, and DJ gives great insight in to our spheres of influence.   Join these Mind Ninjas for an insightful conversation on mental health stigmas, pop culture portrayals, and the power of emotional processing.

🎙️ Welcome to Let's Pick This Up Next Week! 🎙️ On this episode, Dee & DJ delve into the world of mental health therapist lingo, decoding phrases like “how’s that working for you?” Authenticity, gripes about the DSM and diagnoses, and myths around common terms used by therapists and in therapy. Join these Mood Mentors as they debunk myths surrounding mental health, challenge harmful terminology, and advocate for understanding... and get side tracked, in true neurodivergent counselor style.

Ever wonder what your therapist is really thinking about? Join seasoned therapists and hosts, Dee and DJ, as they dive into the world of therapy on 'Let’s Pick This Up Next Week.' Gain an uncensored look into therapists' minds as they discuss common therapy themes. Keep up with your new best friends, who happen to be licensed counselors, with new episode drops each week!