Mental Health Dumpster Fire

Recorded November 10, 2025CW: substance use, pregnancy, severe mental illnessThis week Taylor Ryan, LCSW joins us to talk about her work in emergency psychiatric services, her experience working with individuals with severe mental illness, and her research on mental health for first-time parents. We go into systems that need to change and the process for getting help for a loved one experiencing a mental health emergency. Check out Taylor’s practice here: nexuscounselingclinic.comFollow us on Instagram (@mental.health.dumpster.fire) and TikTok (@mentalhealthdumpsterfire)Follow Jess on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook (@TheArtsyBrain)Follow Courtney on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook (@LauverListens)https://www.courtneylauvercounseling.com/ This podcast is not a substitution for therapy and we cannot provide you with therapeutic services or advice via this podcast or social media.

Recorded November 3, 2025This week Jenny Townsend, LCSW explains some of the services she offers in her practice, including Induced After Death Communication, Reiki, and Walk-and-Talk Sessions. Check out Jenny’s info below!https://www.jennytownsendlcsw.comhttps://www.instagram.com/jenny_townsend_lcsw?igsh=MTE2ajFyM3V0ejBpaA==https://www.facebook.com/share/1Fpyx8nJvg/?mibextid=wwXIfrFollow us on Instagram (@mental.health.dumpster.fire) and TikTok (@mentalhealthdumpsterfire)Follow Jess on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook (@TheArtsyBrain)Follow Courtney on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook (@LauverListens)https://www.courtneylauvercounseling.com/ This podcast is not a substitution for therapy and we cannot provide you with therapeutic services or advice via this podcast or social media.

Recorded October 20, 2025Before you use the words “gaslighting,” “triggered,” or “OCD” in casual conversation, learn what they actually mean with Jess and Courtney, two actual therapists. What pop psychology “therapy speak” words should we define next? References:@igototherapy on InstagramFollow us on Instagram (@mental.health.dumpster.fire) and TikTok (@mentalhealthdumpsterfire)Follow Jess on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook (@TheArtsyBrain)Follow Courtney on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook (@LauverListens)https://www.courtneylauvercounseling.com/ This podcast is not a substitution for therapy and we cannot provide you with therapeutic services or advice via this podcast or social media.

Our first guest of the season! Thanks so much to Calli Weis, LCSW for joining us to talk about self-diagnosis and TikTok therapy advice. Let us know what you thought of this episode!Follow us on Instagram (@mental.health.dumpster.fire) and TikTok (@mentalhealthdumpsterfire)Follow Jess on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook (@TheArtsyBrain)Follow Courtney on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook (@LauverListens)https://www.courtneylauvercounseling.com/ This podcast is not a substitution for therapy and we cannot provide you with therapeutic services or advice via this podcast or social media.

This week we look at random therapists' online biographies and break down the language used to help you find the right therapist for you. Let us know about your experiences with finding a new therapist!Follow us on Instagram (@mental.health.dumpster.fire) and TikTok (@mentalhealthdumpsterfire)Follow Jess on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook (@TheArtsyBrain)Follow Courtney on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook (@LauverListens)https://www.courtneylauvercounseling.com/ This podcast is not a substitution for therapy and we cannot provide you with therapeutic services or advice via this podcast or social media.

This week, Jess teaches us about the history and process of art therapy! If you have any questions about art therapy, let us know in the comments so Jess can continue to share her knowledge. Follow us on Instagram (@mental.health.dumpster.fire) and TikTok (@mentalhealthdumpsterfire)Follow Jess on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook (@TheArtsyBrain)Follow Courtney on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook (@LauverListens)https://www.courtneylauvercounseling.com/ This podcast is not a substitution for therapy and we cannot provide you with therapeutic services or advice via this podcast or social media.

This week we talk about the dangers of using AI as a substitute for therapy.Follow us on Instagram (@mental.health.dumpster.fire) and TikTok (@mentalhealthdumpsterfire)Follow Jess on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook (@TheArtsyBrain)Follow Courtney on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook (@LauverListens)https://www.courtneylauvercounseling.com/ This podcast is not a substitution for therapy and we cannot provide you with therapeutic services or advice via this podcast or social media.Sources for todays episode:https://youtu.be/lfEJ4DbjZYg?si=hhub7_x-4Kz2hOvohttps://hai.stanford.edu/news/exploring-the-dangers-of-ai-in-mental-health-care\https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-ai-therapy-can-be-so-dangerous/https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/04/07/nx-s1-5351312/artificial-intelligence-mental-health-therapyhttps://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/urban-survival/202507/the-emerging-problem-of-ai-psychosishttps://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/what-to-know-about-ai-psychosis-and-the-effect-of-ai-chatbots-on-mental-healthhttps://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/study-says-chatgpt-giving-teens-dangerous-advice-on-drugs-alcohol-and-suicidehttps://theconversation.com/in-a-lonely-world-widespread-ai-chatbots-and-companions-pose-unique-psychological-risks-263615#:~:text=%E2%80%9CAI%20psychosis%E2%80%9D%20There's%20also%20been%20a%20rise,fantasies%2C%20or%20even%20delusions%20of%20being%20superpowered.https://time.com/7291048/ai-chatbot-therapy-kids/

CW: SA, narcissism, human traffickingIn part 2 of our deep dive on toxic masculinity, Courtney reviews Andrew Tate's trip to "therapy." Here is Dr. Kirk Honda's first video covering this topic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nA1DsHKkIy4Follow us on Instagram (@mental.health.dumpster.fire) and TikTok (@mentalhealthdumpsterfire)Follow Jess on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook (@TheArtsyBrain)Follow Courtney on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook (@LauverListens)https://www.courtneylauvercounseling.com/ This podcast is not a substitution for therapy and we cannot provide you with therapeutic services or advice via this podcast or social media.

This week Jess teaches Courtney about Dungeons & Dragons and how to create a character to represent your strengths and personality. More D&D content in 2 weeks!Follow us on Instagram (@mental.health.dumpster.fire) and TikTok (@mentalhealthdumpsterfire)Follow Jess on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook (@TheArtsyBrain)Follow Courtney on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook (@LauverListens)https://www.courtneylauvercounseling.com/ This podcast is not a substitution for therapy and we cannot provide you with therapeutic services or advice via this podcast or social media.

Content Warning: This episode discusses misogyny, incels, racism, and transphobiaWe're back for season 2!!! We kick off our new season with a new format. Courtney talks about the psychology of toxic masculinity and incel culture. Then Jess reads reddit stories for today's theme.Let us know what you think of the new format and what we should cover this season!Follow us on Instagram (@mental.health.dumpster.fire) and TikTok (@mentalhealthdumpsterfire)Follow Jess on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook (@TheArtsyBrain)Follow Courtney on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook (@LauverListens)https://www.courtneylauvercounseling.com/ This podcast is not a substitution for therapy and we cannot provide you with therapeutic services or advice via this podcast or social media.

Recorded November 18, 2024This week we check out the Ask a Therapist subreddit and give our professional take. Then we dive into a discussion about hot people and how they are ruining our mental health (kidding, kind of).Tara Mooknee’s Video: https://youtu.be/-Vs3R-FhPUg?si=huwIfN5glD6DJD7EDazed Article: https://www.dazeddigital.com/beauty/article/65066/1/too-much-exposure-to-hot-people-is-warping-our-dating-standards Goblin Tools: https://goblin.tools/ Follow us on Instagram (@mental.health.dumpster.fire) and TikTok (@mentalhealthdumpsterfire)Follow Jess on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook (@TheArtsyBrain)Follow Courtney on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook (@LauverListens)https://www.courtneylauvercounseling.com/ This podcast is not a substitution for therapy and we cannot provide you with therapeutic services or advice via this podcast or social media.

Recorded November 11, 2024 It's been a minute but we're still here! Today we wanted to prioritize laughter. We talked about funny things that have happened in therapy, our favorite memes, and answered some random hypothetical questions. Follow us on Instagram (@mental.health.dumpster.fire) and TikTok (@mentalhealthdumpsterfire)Follow Jess on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook (@TheArtsyBrain)Follow Courtney on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook (@LauverListens)https://www.courtneylauvercounseling.com/

Episode recorded November 4, 2024Today we discuss how to talk about politics with family members (and complain about the state of politics today). Then we read some Reddit stories about terrible boyfriends and step-moms. Article Jess Referenced: https://time.com/6958086/thanksgiving-election-2024-family-conflict/ Follow us on Instagram (@mental.health.dumpster.fire) and TikTok (@mentalhealthdumpsterfire)Follow Jess on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook (@TheArtsyBrain)Follow Courtney on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook (@LauverListens)https://www.courtneylauvercounseling.com/

We're back for 2025!Thank you so much to Dr. Rachel Buehner for joining us to talk about her role as a psychologist, how insurance can affect accessibility to therapy, Autism services, and some parenting advice. Check out Dr. Buehner on TikTok and YouTube! @bringlightpsychology1923  FEAT of Louisville: https://www.facebook.com/FEATofLouisville/Follow us on Instagram (@mental.health.dumpster.fire) and TikTok (@mentalhealthdumpsterfire)Follow Jess on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook (@TheArtsyBrain)Follow Courtney on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook (@LauverListens)https://www.courtneylauvercounseling.com/

Content Warning: PoliticsToday, your therapists discuss studies from r/Science: The psychology of the election & politics, senses of direction, gossip, and whether superhero movies make us better peopleThen we read AITA stories about being rude to service workers, HR getting involved in game night, and inviting an ex to your weddingRecommendations: The Art of Thriving Online by Amelia Knott - https://a.co/d/cx7YrpV How to Stop Losing Your Sh*t with Your Kids by Carla Naumburg, PhD - https://a.co/d/cAUx4RD Links are not affiliate links. Recorded October 21, 2024Follow us on Instagram (@mental.health.dumpster.fire) and TikTok (@mentalhealthdumpsterfire)Follow Jess on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook (@TheArtsyBrain)Follow Courtney on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook (@LauverListens)https://www.courtneylauvercounseling.com/

This week, Jess and Courtney commiserate about our daily ADHD struggles. Then we talk about Halloween etiquette: How old is too old to trick or treat? Should we out disabled children? Is Coraline too scary for toddlers? Episode was recorded October 14, 2024 Check out our recommendations this week! Life is Good: https://www.lifeisgood.com/ Happyish Brand: https://www.happyishbrand.com/ Follow us on Instagram (@mental.health.dumpster.fire) and TikTok (@mentalhealthdumpsterfire) Follow Jess on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook (@TheArtsyBrain) Follow Courtney on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook (@LauverListens) https://www.courtneylauvercounseling.com/

This week, the therapists talk about the right and wrong ways to set and maintain boundaries. Our recommendations this week are: How to Not Be a Doormat: https://www.reddit.com/r/TheGirlSurvivalGuide/comments/y94zui/how_to_not_be_a_doormat_a_guide_to_defining_your/ Values Sort: https://www.think2perform.com/values/ Dustin Poynter: https://www.instagram.com/dustinpoynter/?hl=en Follow us on Instagram (@mental.health.dumpster.fire) and TikTok (@mentalhealthdumpsterfire) Follow Jess on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook (@TheArtsyBrain) Follow Courtney on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook (@LauverListens) https://www.courtneylauvercounseling.com/

This week we welcome Molly Fitz King to chat about neurodivergence, addiction, and advocating for our clients and ourselves. Check out Molly's website here: https://www.fitzkingtherapy.com/ Get information about People Advocating Recovery: https://peopleadvocatingrecovery.org/ Follow us on Instagram (@mental.health.dumpster.fire) and TikTok (@mentalhealthdumpsterfire) Follow Jess on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook (@TheArtsyBrain) Follow Courtney on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook (@LauverListens) https://www.courtneylauvercounseling.com/

This week we gush about our new favorite movie, Inside Out 2! We tell you all about how accurate the movie is to real psychology and what we can learn about our own mental health through the film. Let us know what you thought of the movie and send us your creative creations! Follow us on Instagram (@mental.health.dumpster.fire) and TikTok (@mentalhealthdumpsterfire) Follow Jess on Instagram and Facebook (@TheArtsyBrain) Follow Courtney on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook (@LauverListens)

This week, Jess and Courtney talk about people pleasing, parenting one-liners, and celebrating birthdays as a child of divorce. Check out our recommendations for this week!https://coffeeandcarpool.com/https://www.screenzen.co/https://www.mrsspeechiep.com/Follow us on Instagram (@mental.health.dumpster.fire) and TikTok (@mentalhealthdumpsterfire)Follow Jess on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook (@TheArtsyBrain)Follow Courtney on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook (@LauverListens)https://www.courtneylauvercounseling.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Jess and Courtney read wild Reddit stories about violated boundaries and stay-at-home parents. Then they discuss Chappell Roan and how she deserves everything she ever wants. Our recommendation this week is:Your Child's Point of View by Kelsey Olds: https://a.co/d/8XulCxWFollow us on Instagram (@mental.health.dumpster.fire) and TikTok (@mentalhealthdumpsterfire)Follow Jess on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook (@TheArtsyBrain)Follow Courtney on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook (@LauverListens) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's our first guest episode! Thank you so much to Courtney Morgan, LPCC for joining us this week to talk about her method for helping clients with anxiety and self-worth. Check out Courtney's practice and social media, Counseling Unconditionally! www.counselingunconditionally.comhttps://www.instagram.com/counselingunconditionally/?g=5Follow us on Instagram (@mental.health.dumpster.fire) and TikTok (@mentalhealthdumpsterfire)Follow Jess on Instagram and Facebook (@TheArtsyBrain)Follow Courtney on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook (@LauverListens) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Jess shares about a new program for young adults interested in a mental health career. Then, your hosts dish about misogyny and why we don't offer individual therapy to adult men.Check out the Youth Mental Health Corps here: https://www.youthmentalhealthcorps.org/Our recommendations are How to ADHD on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HowtoADHDAnd @art_therapy_irl on InstagramFollow us on Instagram (@mental.health.dumpster.fire) and TikTok (@mentalhealthdumpsterfire)Follow Jess on Instagram and Facebook (@TheArtsyBrain)Follow Courtney on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook (@LauverListens) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Double digits, baby!!! On this episode, Jess and Courtney discuss *real* gentle parenting, not the made up gentle parenting you see on TikTok. They also pet a cute dog. Our recommendations this week are the Child Mind Institute: https://childmind.org/and @theconsideratemomma on TikTokFollow us on Instagram (@mental.health.dumpster.fire) and TikTok (@mentalhealthdumpsterfire)Follow Jess on Instagram and Facebook (@TheArtsyBrain)Follow Courtney on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook (@LauverListens) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jess and Courtney are back to finish discussing teachers' opinions on parenting. Check out the article we read here: https://www.buzzfeed.com/alanavalko/modern-parenting-trends-teachers-opinionsOur recommendations this week are Bark (although take with a grain of salt because we learned about it as we were recording) https://www.bark.us/& Crazy Aaron's Thinking Putty https://crazyaarons.com/Follow us on Instagram (@mental.health.dumpster.fire) and TikTok (@mentalhealthdumpsterfire)Follow Jess on Instagram and Facebook (@TheArtsyBrain)Follow Courtney on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook (@LauverListens) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jess and Courtney discuss parenting trends that frustrate educators and provide their own education on how parents can step it up.Our recommendations this week are:@samacdonald on TikTok A Slob Comes Clean Podcast: https://www.aslobcomesclean.com/podcasts/ Check out the article we read here: https://www.buzzfeed.com/alanavalko/modern-parenting-trends-teachers-opinionsFollow us on Instagram (@mental.health.dumpster.fire) and TikTok (@mentalhealthdumpsterfire)Follow Jess on Instagram and Facebook (@TheArtsyBrain)Follow Courtney on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook (@LauverListens) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CW: Child ExploitationThis week, Courtney and Jess discuss new legislation to help prevent child exploitation on social media. They also talk about helping teens make friends and how technology makes it harder to socialize IRL. Our recommendations include @birchwoodarttherapy on Instagram!Check out Courtney's blog post on making friends as an adult here: https://www.courtneylauvercounseling.com/post/how-to-make-friends-as-an-adultFollow us on Instagram (@mental.health.dumpster.fire) and TikTok (@mentalhealthdumpsterfire)Follow Jess on Instagram and Facebook (@TheArtsyBrain)Follow Courtney on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook (@LauverListens) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Content warnings for this episode: brief mentions of conversion therapy, child neglect, weight loss, sexual assault, religious traumaOn this episode of MHDF, Jess and Courtney discuss the worst and best things people have heard from their therapists.This week's recommendations: Dr. Chelsey Hauge (@drchelsey_parenting on Instagram and TikTok) & Devon Rodriguez (@devonrodriguezart on Instagram and TikTok)Follow us on Instagram (@mental.health.dumpster.fire) and TikTok (@mentalhealthdumpsterfire). Follow Courtney on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok (@lauverlistens) and follow Jess on Instagram and TikTok (@theartsybrain) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How are we doin?! Welcome to episode 4 of Mental Health Dumpster Fire! Today we talk about gender identity for school-aged kids, queer community spaces, how to play with kids when you yourself are an adult, and our love for Chappell Roan. Our recommendations for this week are @maistorybooklibrary and @redwoodcenterforchildren. Follow the show on Instagram (@mental.health.dumpster.fire) and TikTok (@mentalhealthdumpsterfire)! Follow Jess on Instagram and Facebook @TheArtsyBrain and Courtney on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook @LauverListens. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jess and Courtney discuss quitting therapy, getting an accurate mental health diagnosis, using therapy language in casual conversation, what to put in a depression care package, and finding a balance between letting kids be kids and giving them responsibility. Our recommendations today are Dr. Josh Mirmelli, PsyD, @therapywithdrjosh on Instagram, and the book Mom's House, Dad's House by Dr. Isolina Ricci, Ph.D. Follow the show on Instagram (@mental.health.dumpster.fire) and TikTok (@mentalhealthdumpsterfire)! Follow Jess on Instagram and Facebook @TheArtsyBrain and Courtney on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook @LauverListens Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CW: brief mentions of depression, suicide/suicidal ideation, homicide, abuse, and neglect. Hey there, it's Episode 2 of Mental Health Dumpster Fire! Today we chat about teens who won't get out of bed in the morning, maintaining a united front for parents with toddlers, and we answer some FAQs about what to expect when starting therapy for the first time. We also introduce a new segment: Recommendation Corner! Got any ideas for topics we should discuss? Give us a holler on our social media: Instagram @mentalhealthdumpsterfire - TikTok @mentalhealthdumpsterfire - YouTube Mental Health Dumpster Fire - Email [email protected]. You can find Courtney via @lauverlistens on Instagram and Facebook and you can find Jess via @theartsybrain on Instagram and Facebook. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CW: Brief mention of child abuse and suicidal ideationWelcome to the first episode of Mental Health Dumpster Fire! Today we introduce ourselves and give you an idea of what to expect from future episodes. If you have any suggestions for topics for future episodes, message us on Instagram.Social Links:Jess' Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theartsybrain/?igsh=MWQybGR0Zm04ZzRsaQ%3D%3DJess' Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558101075660&mibextid=LQQJ4dCourtney's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauverlistens/?igsh=ajhzYW8yaGNpMTZ5&ut-m_source=qrCourtney's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/ZBTm8LyjKkAS3v4e/?mibextid=LQQJ4d Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.