Therapists IRL

Send us Fan MailWelcome to Therapists IRL, Episode 46, where Steph takes us on a tour of her neighborhood, introducing us to the colorful cast of characters wreaking havoc on her life (and her poor pooches lives too). Where is Mr. Rogers when we need him?If you've ever been harassed, screamed at, threatened, attacked, or just found yourself on the receiving end of some generally appalling behavior by an unhinged neighbor, this episode is for you.  No therapists were harmed in the making of this episode,  but vulnerability hangovers are real.Please note: While our podcast aims to destigmatize and normalize mental health issues, increase awareness, foster understanding,  and offer support with love and laughter, we are not a substitute for professional mental health advice or treatment.  [Read our full disclaimer here.]If you're struggling, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed therapist, counselor, or healthcare provider. If you are in crisis, please contact your local emergency services or a mental health crisis hotline. In the U.S., dial 9-8-8 for immediate services.Remember, your mental health matters, and seeking professional help is a sign of strength. We're here to share stories, insights, and a bit of humor, but your well-being is our top priority.With care,Jen and Steph

Send us Fan MailWhew! We've managed to keep this going for over a year (limping right along). For TBT, we thought we'd welcome some new listeners with our very first, very awkward Episode 1. Whether you're new here, or have been with us from the start...Welcome to the inaugural episode of "Therapists IRL," the podcast where two seasoned therapists dive headfirst into the ties that bind us all...being human.  In this very first episode, Jen and Steph share a little about themselves, their background as therapists, what motivated them to plunge into the podcast pool (spoiler alert:  to destigmatize mental health issues, normalize struggle, and send a message of hope and healing), and then tackle a few therapy myths desperately in need of debunking.If you're ready for a podcast that feels like a heart-to-heart chat with a friend, grab your favorite beverage, settle in, and get ready to laugh, learn, and maybe even find your own path to therapy enlightenment with Steph and Jen on "Therapists IRL." Because believe it or not, your therapist is human too…We may be a little bit nuts but a lot relatable. No therapists were harmed in the making of this episode,  but vulnerability hangovers are real.Please note: While our podcast aims to destigmatize and normalize mental health issues, increase awareness, foster understanding,  and offer support with love and laughter, we are not a substitute for professional mental health advice or treatment.  [Read our full disclaimer here.]If you're struggling, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed therapist, counselor, or healthcare provider. If you are in crisis, please contact your local emergency services or a mental health crisis hotline. In the U.S., dial 9-8-8 for immediate services.Remember, your mental health matters, and seeking professional help is a sign of strength. We're here to share stories, insights, and a bit of humor, but your well-being is our top priority.With care,Jen and Steph

Send us Fan MailHave you ever heard anyone sing on our podcast before??  Today's guest did!  Welcome to another episode of Therapists IRL, where you never know what will happen!  Debbie Merkel knows despair. She also knows intimately how to grasp onto hope, with a tender heart tested in the fires of trauma. Trauma that led her into the clutches of an eating disorder.  Sharing her story of darkness and her determined march towards the glimmers of hope... Debbie's message of healing AND her beautiful voice will leave you feeling like maybe it's possible for you, too. Ted Talk: "The Importance of Hope" https://youtu.be/z2o57MNH_Sw?si=v3eVLPDzCUp2oexi No therapists were harmed in the making of this episode,  but vulnerability hangovers are real.Please note: While our podcast aims to destigmatize and normalize mental health issues, increase awareness, foster understanding,  and offer support with love and laughter, we are not a substitute for professional mental health advice or treatment.  [Read our full disclaimer here.]If you're struggling, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed therapist, counselor, or healthcare provider. If you are in crisis, please contact your local emergency services or a mental health crisis hotline. In the U.S., dial 9-8-8 for immediate services.Remember, your mental health matters, and seeking professional help is a sign of strength. We're here to share stories, insights, and a bit of humor, but your well-being is our top priority.With care,Jen and Steph

Send us Fan MailThis episode originally aired on November 14, 2024, just after the election, but (sadly) we feel it's still relevant.Welcome to Therapists IRL. In the wake of this 2024 Presidential Election, Steph & Jen explore the emotional impact of politics in today's America (without claiming red or blue). This episode takes a compassionate look at the pain, fear, and division rampant in our country today, on both sides of the aisle.  Without getting issue-specific, they candidly discuss the reality of life in a country divided.  Resources:The Center for Nonviolent Communicationwww.cnvc.orgBooks: Nonviolent Communication, A Language of LifeAuthor:  Marshall B Rosenberg, PhD  Nonviolent Communication Companion WorkbookAuthor: Lucy Leu No therapists were harmed in the making of this episode,  but vulnerability hangovers are real.Please note: While our podcast aims to destigmatize and normalize mental health issues, increase awareness, foster understanding,  and offer support with love and laughter, we are not a substitute for professional mental health advice or treatment.  [Read our full disclaimer here.]If you're struggling, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed therapist, counselor, or healthcare provider. If you are in crisis, please contact your local emergency services or a mental health crisis hotline. In the U.S., dial 9-8-8 for immediate services.Remember, your mental health matters, and seeking professional help is a sign of strength. We're here to share stories, insights, and a bit of humor, but your well-being is our top priority.With care,Jen and Steph

Send us Fan MailWelcome to Episode 42 of Therapists IRL, where Jen and Steph are joined by friend and colleague Amy Abel.  One year ago (almost to the day), Amy found herself on an unexpected medical journey after a freak accident that shattered her ankle. The road to her recovery was long, hard, and sometimes dark, but through it Amy found ways to cope and stay hopeful. Anyone who has faced a health crisis, be it an illness or injury, knows the toll it takes mentally, physically, and emotionally. Join us as Amy shares her story and her message of hope for others. No therapists were harmed in the making of this episode,  but vulnerability hangovers are real.Please note: While our podcast aims to destigmatize and normalize mental health issues, increase awareness, foster understanding,  and offer support with love and laughter, we are not a substitute for professional mental health advice or treatment.  [Read our full disclaimer here.]If you're struggling, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed therapist, counselor, or healthcare provider. If you are in crisis, please contact your local emergency services or a mental health crisis hotline. In the U.S., dial 9-8-8 for immediate services.Remember, your mental health matters, and seeking professional help is a sign of strength. We're here to share stories, insights, and a bit of humor, but your well-being is our top priority.With care,Jen and Steph

Send us Fan MailTBT!! We want to RE-introduce you to a man who not only invites other men into healing and wholeness, but also believes women will be safer as a result. Jen & Steph first spoke to Kirk in November 2024, in Episode 8 of Season 2, but we don't think we did enough to share this great man with y'all, so we're putting it back out there in honor of throwback Thursday.Join us as Kirk talks about his passion for seeing men recover from woundedness and emotional stuntedness to achieve the fullness of their potential as men of integrity who enrich and make safer the lives of those around them.  Spanning topics from pornography addiction to childhood abuse and more, please join us as we talk with Kirk about his very unique niche within the mental health world.  And please share with any men in your life who may benefit!Kirk M. Samuels Resources:Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/kirkmsamuels?mibextid=LQQJ4dMen's Group https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1549dNCEkX/?mibextid=K35XfPhttp://www.freeindeed36.com/?Radio Show:  Mad Men Radio https://www.1220kldc.com/show/madmen-of-masculinity-w-jason-b-kendrick-and-kirk-m-samuels/http://madmenradio.com/Books by Kirk M. SamuelsFor Your Eyes Only: The Inside Scoop About Men, Porn, and Marriage( Amazon link : https://a.co/d/64uoR2g )Seven Secrets of Modern Dating: The He Said, She Said Guide for Getting from Single to Spouse ( Amazon link: https://a.co/d/1oY0V3T ) No therapists were harmed in the making of this episode,  but vulnerability hangovers are real.Please note: While our podcast aims to destigmatize and normalize mental health issues, increase awareness, foster understanding,  and offer support with love and laughter, we are not a substitute for professional mental health advice or treatment.  [Read our full disclaimer here.]If you're struggling, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed therapist, counselor, or healthcare provider. If you are in crisis, please contact your local emergency services or a mental health crisis hotline. In the U.S., dial 9-8-8 for immediate services.Remember, your mental health matters, and seeking professional help is a sign of strength. We're here to share stories, insights, and a bit of humor, but your well-being is our top priority.With care,Jen and Steph

Send us Fan MailHi Listeners!  Meet one of Steph's all-time favorite people, Kristi.  Welcome to Episode 40 of Therapists IRL.  Kristi shares openly about what it is like to be orphaned, having lost her mom as a toddler and her father a few years ago.  She also shares about the impact of Long COVID on her overall health, and the anxiety that comes from living with unexpected and frightening impacts, and her quest for wellness.  (As you listen, you may notice we reference the upcoming holidays a lot... that's because this episode has been sitting in the archives since November.  Oops.  Chalk it up to real life, I guess.)  Follow Us on Instagram and TikTok:  TherapistsIRLEmail:  [email protected] reach out with questions, if you're in a helping profession and would like to come on the podcast, and/or your own mental health stories we can share anonymously.  No therapists were harmed in the making of this episode,  but vulnerability hangovers are real.Please note: While our podcast aims to destigmatize and normalize mental health issues, increase awareness, foster understanding,  and offer support with love and laughter, we are not a substitute for professional mental health advice or treatment.  [Read our full disclaimer here.]If you're struggling, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed therapist, counselor, or healthcare provider. If you are in crisis, please contact your local emergency services or a mental health crisis hotline. In the U.S., dial 9-8-8 for immediate services.Remember, your mental health matters, and seeking professional help is a sign of strength. We're here to share stories, insights, and a bit of humor, but your well-being is our top priority.With care,Jen and Steph

Send us Fan MailWelcome to Therapists IRL... Episode 39? It's been so long, we hardly remember! Yup. We went on a little unplanned hiatus. Please forgive us! We've missed you and we hope you've missed us and come listen to the new episodes we'll be dropping. This episode is a bit of a "catching you up" on where we've been and what we've been up to since November!  No therapists were harmed in the making of this episode,  but vulnerability hangovers are real.Please note: While our podcast aims to destigmatize and normalize mental health issues, increase awareness, foster understanding,  and offer support with love and laughter, we are not a substitute for professional mental health advice or treatment.  [Read our full disclaimer here.]If you're struggling, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed therapist, counselor, or healthcare provider. If you are in crisis, please contact your local emergency services or a mental health crisis hotline. In the U.S., dial 9-8-8 for immediate services.Remember, your mental health matters, and seeking professional help is a sign of strength. We're here to share stories, insights, and a bit of humor, but your well-being is our top priority.With care,Jen and Steph

Send us Fan MailWhen love alone can't heal, comforting words fall short, and hope doesn’t alter reality….Welcome to Therapists IRL, Episode 38. In this episode, Jen and Steph explore the challenges of caregiver compassion fatigue and anticipatory grief. Jen shares her personal experience of supporting her significant other through illness, offering an honest glimpse into the complexities of loving through hardship. No therapists were harmed in the making of this episode,  but vulnerability hangovers are real.Please note: While our podcast aims to destigmatize and normalize mental health issues, increase awareness, foster understanding,  and offer support with love and laughter, we are not a substitute for professional mental health advice or treatment.  [Read our full disclaimer here.]If you're struggling, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed therapist, counselor, or healthcare provider. If you are in crisis, please contact your local emergency services or a mental health crisis hotline. In the U.S., dial 9-8-8 for immediate services.Remember, your mental health matters, and seeking professional help is a sign of strength. We're here to share stories, insights, and a bit of humor, but your well-being is our top priority.With care,Jen and Steph

Send us Fan MailImagine your rock bottom being the moment a neighbor throws a chair through your window and saves your life. Welcome to Episode 37, where Jen & Steph chat with Taylor Newell-Smith about her healing and personal growth within the intersections of her identities - a biracial, pansexual, and spiritual woman growing up in a millenial world.  If you could use some inspiration, Taylor's story is for you. Taylor would like to share reoairces for anyone in need in the Madison, Wisconsin area, USA. Salvation Army Dane County - Women & Family Shelter630 E Washington AvenueMadison, Wisconsin 53703608-250-2200Porchlight - Men’s Emergency Shelter2002 Zeier RoadMadison, Wisconsin 53704608-416-1446The Beacon - Day Shelter615 E Washington AveMadison, Wisconsin 53703608-826-8040OUTREACH LGBTQ+ Community Center2701 International LaneMadison, Wisconsin 53704608-255-8582River Food Pantry2201 Darwin RoadMadison, Wisconsin 53704608-442-8815 No therapists were harmed in the making of this episode,  but vulnerability hangovers are real.Please note: While our podcast aims to destigmatize and normalize mental health issues, increase awareness, foster understanding,  and offer support with love and laughter, we are not a substitute for professional mental health advice or treatment.  [Read our full disclaimer here.]If you're struggling, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed therapist, counselor, or healthcare provider. If you are in crisis, please contact your local emergency services or a mental health crisis hotline. In the U.S., dial 9-8-8 for immediate services.Remember, your mental health matters, and seeking professional help is a sign of strength. We're here to share stories, insights, and a bit of humor, but your well-being is our top priority.With care,Jen and Steph

Send us Fan MailMost people probably don't think about the loss a therapist experiences when one of their clients passes away. Welcome to Episode 36 of Therapists IRL, where Jen & Steph sit down with our dear friend Abby Ward to discuss just that.  On the heels of Suicide Prevention Month last month, Abby tenderly shares her story of living through and recovering from a therapist's worst nightmare - the loss of a beloved client to suicide.  A unique perspective that is not talked about enough, we are so thankful for the sacred space carved out in this episode. Facebook Group for Mental Health Professionals who have lost a client:  Confidential Grief.    No therapists were harmed in the making of this episode,  but vulnerability hangovers are real.Please note: While our podcast aims to destigmatize and normalize mental health issues, increase awareness, foster understanding,  and offer support with love and laughter, we are not a substitute for professional mental health advice or treatment.  [Read our full disclaimer here.]If you're struggling, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed therapist, counselor, or healthcare provider. If you are in crisis, please contact your local emergency services or a mental health crisis hotline. In the U.S., dial 9-8-8 for immediate services.Remember, your mental health matters, and seeking professional help is a sign of strength. We're here to share stories, insights, and a bit of humor, but your well-being is our top priority.With care,Jen and Steph

Send us Fan MailWhen you realize you're still enraged about something that happened a long time ago... or you just can't get it together and clean up those doom piles or pick up the dog toys. Welcome to Episode 35 of Therapists IRL!! Steph & Jen get real about their therapy status - why they're going (Steph) and why they need to (Jen). And we're here to tell you, vulnerability hangovers really are real.  No therapists were harmed in the making of this episode,  but vulnerability hangovers are real.Please note: While our podcast aims to destigmatize and normalize mental health issues, increase awareness, foster understanding,  and offer support with love and laughter, we are not a substitute for professional mental health advice or treatment.  [Read our full disclaimer here.]If you're struggling, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed therapist, counselor, or healthcare provider. If you are in crisis, please contact your local emergency services or a mental health crisis hotline. In the U.S., dial 9-8-8 for immediate services.Remember, your mental health matters, and seeking professional help is a sign of strength. We're here to share stories, insights, and a bit of humor, but your well-being is our top priority.With care,Jen and Steph

Send us Fan MailImagine always being told that being a wife and mother were the ultimate goals in life, then finding yourself single, childless not by choice, and working in the Adoption field...  Welcome to Therapists IRL!  In this week's episode, Jen & Steph talk candidly with Steph's long-time friend Charlotte, who openly shares her story of disappointment and pain in some of her adult years through a lens of faith in a loving God. If you have ever experienced the pain of life not turning out the way you hoped, there is a nugget here for you.  Please join us.  No therapists were harmed in the making of this episode,  but vulnerability hangovers are real.Please note: While our podcast aims to destigmatize and normalize mental health issues, increase awareness, foster understanding,  and offer support with love and laughter, we are not a substitute for professional mental health advice or treatment.  [Read our full disclaimer here.]If you're struggling, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed therapist, counselor, or healthcare provider. If you are in crisis, please contact your local emergency services or a mental health crisis hotline. In the U.S., dial 9-8-8 for immediate services.Remember, your mental health matters, and seeking professional help is a sign of strength. We're here to share stories, insights, and a bit of humor, but your well-being is our top priority.With care,Jen and Steph

Send us Fan MailAs we wrap up September and Suicide Prevention Month, Jen and Steph are joined by their dear friend, Karen Corona. Please note, this episode comes with a heavy-duty TRIGGER WARNING, as Karen shares her personal experiences with suicidal ideation and previous attempts. Friends, we are here to keep it real, and sadly, suicide is real.  However, there is hope. Karen's inspiring message is one of healing and resiliency. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, there is help available and you are not alone. Below is a list of resources available.Resources:US National text Hotline:  741741Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Dial 9-8-8https://988lifeline.org/Suicide Prevention Lifeline for Deaf and Hard of Hearing: https://988lifeline.org/deaf-hard-of-hearing-hearing-loss/Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255Hold On https://www.holdoncampaign.org/To Write Love On Her Armshttps://twloha.com/Native American Suicide Prevention Hotline: https://988lifeline.org/help-yourself/native-american-indian-indigenous-alaska-natives/Karen Corona: HeART Healing for Radiant Living: BE the Best Version of YOU One Week at a Timeby Karen Coronahttps://www.karencorona.com/artofwellnessfreebiehttps://www.karencorona.com No therapists were harmed in the making of this episode,  but vulnerability hangovers are real.Please note: While our podcast aims to destigmatize and normalize mental health issues, increase awareness, foster understanding,  and offer support with love and laughter, we are not a substitute for professional mental health advice or treatment.  [Read our full disclaimer here.]If you're struggling, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed therapist, counselor, or healthcare provider. If you are in crisis, please contact your local emergency services or a mental health crisis hotline. In the U.S., dial 9-8-8 for immediate services.Remember, your mental health matters, and seeking professional help is a sign of strength. We're here to share stories, insights, and a bit of humor, but your well-being is our top priority.With care,Jen and Steph

Send us Fan MailHey Podcast Family! It's good to be back. We have to put a trigger warning on this episode, because we are talking about a very tender and sometimes triggering topic - suicide. In this episode, Jen & Steph share perspectives from the therapist's couch, and offer information on suicide risk factors, myths, and more.  If you or anyone you know is suffering from suicidal thoughts or feelings, please go to your nearest emergency room or call 988, where trained professionals are ready to help. Resources:US National text Hotline:  741741Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Dial 9-8-8https://988lifeline.org/Suicide Prevention Lifeline for Deaf and Hard of Hearing: https://988lifeline.org/deaf-hard-of-hearing-hearing-loss/Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255To Write Love On Her Armshttps://twloha.com/Native American Suicide Prevention Hotline: https://988lifeline.org/help-yourself/native-american-indian-indigenous-alaska-natives/ No therapists were harmed in the making of this episode,  but vulnerability hangovers are real.Please note: While our podcast aims to destigmatize and normalize mental health issues, increase awareness, foster understanding,  and offer support with love and laughter, we are not a substitute for professional mental health advice or treatment.  [Read our full disclaimer here.]If you're struggling, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed therapist, counselor, or healthcare provider. If you are in crisis, please contact your local emergency services or a mental health crisis hotline. In the U.S., dial 9-8-8 for immediate services.Remember, your mental health matters, and seeking professional help is a sign of strength. We're here to share stories, insights, and a bit of humor, but your well-being is our top priority.With care,Jen and Steph

Send us Fan MailWelcome to Episode 31 of Therapists IRL, where Jen & Steph make some important announcements regarding the future of the podcast.  Tune in, and we will see you soon! No therapists were harmed in the making of this episode,  but vulnerability hangovers are real.Please note: While our podcast aims to destigmatize and normalize mental health issues, increase awareness, foster understanding,  and offer support with love and laughter, we are not a substitute for professional mental health advice or treatment.  [Read our full disclaimer here.]If you're struggling, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed therapist, counselor, or healthcare provider. If you are in crisis, please contact your local emergency services or a mental health crisis hotline. In the U.S., dial 9-8-8 for immediate services.Remember, your mental health matters, and seeking professional help is a sign of strength. We're here to share stories, insights, and a bit of humor, but your well-being is our top priority.With care,Jen and Steph

Send us Fan MailIt's 3am. Do you know where your cheese is?  Welcome to Therapists IRL, Episode 30, where Jen and Steph wax poetic about cheese, change, and challenges based on the classic book, "Who Moved My Cheese?" For many (or maybe most) of us, change can be unsettling, and accepting difficult, unpleasant, or painful experiences is one of our greatest life challenges. What do you do when things aren't as you'd like them to be? How do you cope? In the story Who Moved My Cheese? the characters all respond to a stressful situation in their own way. Which character are you?Resource:Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson No therapists were harmed in the making of this episode,  but vulnerability hangovers are real.Please note: While our podcast aims to destigmatize and normalize mental health issues, increase awareness, foster understanding,  and offer support with love and laughter, we are not a substitute for professional mental health advice or treatment.  [Read our full disclaimer here.]If you're struggling, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed therapist, counselor, or healthcare provider. If you are in crisis, please contact your local emergency services or a mental health crisis hotline. In the U.S., dial 9-8-8 for immediate services.Remember, your mental health matters, and seeking professional help is a sign of strength. We're here to share stories, insights, and a bit of humor, but your well-being is our top priority.With care,Jen and Steph

Send us Fan MailWant to hear us get a little choked up? Welcome to Therapists IRL Episode 29, where Jen & Steph delve into one of the most important (and sometimes painful) parts of being human - unmet needs. Needs drive everything, whether we are talking about basic physical needs, relationship and emotional needs, spiritual needs and everything in between. We invite you to join us in your own exploration as we adapt an experiential group therapy activity to explore our own unmet, difficult, and most secret needs.  No therapists were harmed in the making of this episode,  but vulnerability hangovers are real.Please note: While our podcast aims to destigmatize and normalize mental health issues, increase awareness, foster understanding,  and offer support with love and laughter, we are not a substitute for professional mental health advice or treatment.  [Read our full disclaimer here.]If you're struggling, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed therapist, counselor, or healthcare provider. If you are in crisis, please contact your local emergency services or a mental health crisis hotline. In the U.S., dial 9-8-8 for immediate services.Remember, your mental health matters, and seeking professional help is a sign of strength. We're here to share stories, insights, and a bit of humor, but your well-being is our top priority.With care,Jen and Steph

Send us Fan MailWe start each day early with a daily meditation, a little yoga, and an intentional breakfast, and end each day by winding down gently until we drift off to a restful 8 hours of sleep.  Just kidding.  Welcome to Therapists IRL, Episode 29, where Steph and Jen talk about the importance of a daily routine in self-care and emotional well-being, while simultaneously confessing their mutual rebellion against routine. Per usual, we're keeping it real. Besides forgetting how old we are, we share our own struggles when it comes to self-care and daily routine, talk about a few things we're managing to do well, and set a few intentions around things we'd like to work on.Resources:101 Essays that will Change the Way You Think, The Psychology of Daily Routine, by Brianna WiestSelf-Care Isn't Selfish, blog by Jen No therapists were harmed in the making of this episode,  but vulnerability hangovers are real.Please note: While our podcast aims to destigmatize and normalize mental health issues, increase awareness, foster understanding,  and offer support with love and laughter, we are not a substitute for professional mental health advice or treatment.  [Read our full disclaimer here.]If you're struggling, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed therapist, counselor, or healthcare provider. If you are in crisis, please contact your local emergency services or a mental health crisis hotline. In the U.S., dial 9-8-8 for immediate services.Remember, your mental health matters, and seeking professional help is a sign of strength. We're here to share stories, insights, and a bit of humor, but your well-being is our top priority.With care,Jen and Steph

Send us Fan MailAt age 13, an A- triggered thoughts of ending it all. At 21, a lost friendship led to time in a psychiatric hospital... the first of several psychiatric stays. Welcome to Episode 27 of Therapists IRL, where Jen & Steph talk with colleague Karen Corona, who opens up about her struggle with major depression, complex trauma, and Bipolar Disorder.  Despite the very dark places Karen has sometimes found herself over the years, she found strength, comfort, and resilience in expressive arts, which proved fundamental in her healing journey. As Karen continues to nurture these artistic outlets in her own life, she's helping others find their path to radiant living through expressive arts.Resources:Karen Corona on IGHeART Healing for Radiant Living: Be the Best Version of YOU One Week at a Time, Karen CoronaFree Guide: 7 Creative Wellness Tools for Radiant Living, Karen CoronaPsychology Today: Internal Family Systems TherapyAn Unquiet Mind: A Memoir of Moods and Madness, Kay Redfield JamisonThe Drama of the Gifted Child: The Search for the True Self, Alice Miller No therapists were harmed in the making of this episode,  but vulnerability hangovers are real.Please note: While our podcast aims to destigmatize and normalize mental health issues, increase awareness, foster understanding,  and offer support with love and laughter, we are not a substitute for professional mental health advice or treatment.  [Read our full disclaimer here.]If you're struggling, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed therapist, counselor, or healthcare provider. If you are in crisis, please contact your local emergency services or a mental health crisis hotline. In the U.S., dial 9-8-8 for immediate services.Remember, your mental health matters, and seeking professional help is a sign of strength. We're here to share stories, insights, and a bit of humor, but your well-being is our top priority.With care,Jen and Steph

Send us Fan MailImagine getting a call one afternoon that your firstborn 12 year old child went into cardiac arrest while playing at a friend's house. Welcome to Episode 26 of Therapists IRL, where Jen & Steph talk with colleague Kati Saul.  Kati shares her experience of navigating the scary journey of medical trauma as her son went through the process of receiving and adjusting to a heart transplant. Join us as she shares her emotional and ultimately hopeful story.   Kati's Practice:www.hiddentreasurestherapy.comContact Therapists IRL at:Instagram: [email protected] No therapists were harmed in the making of this episode,  but vulnerability hangovers are real.Please note: While our podcast aims to destigmatize and normalize mental health issues, increase awareness, foster understanding,  and offer support with love and laughter, we are not a substitute for professional mental health advice or treatment.  [Read our full disclaimer here.]If you're struggling, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed therapist, counselor, or healthcare provider. If you are in crisis, please contact your local emergency services or a mental health crisis hotline. In the U.S., dial 9-8-8 for immediate services.Remember, your mental health matters, and seeking professional help is a sign of strength. We're here to share stories, insights, and a bit of humor, but your well-being is our top priority.With care,Jen and Steph

Send us Fan MailEver feel like you're one missed coffee away from a meltdown? Yeah, us too.  Listen, adulting is hard, but there are some things we can do to lighten our load, and they start with an understanding of EQ-- emotional intelligence.In Episode 25 of Therapists IRL, Jen and Steph talk about how to float your own boat, how to resist the urge to throat-punch the guy who cut you off in traffic, and why crying in the shower is actually a sign of emotional strength. Inspired by the very wise words of Brianna Wiest, author of 101 Essays that Will Change the Way You Think, Jen and Steph cover her essay entitled 10 Things Emotionally Intelligent People Do Not Do.  Whether you're an emotional maestro or a hot mess express, this episode is your ticket to calm, cool, and collected.Resources:101 Essays that Will Change the Way You Think, by Brianna WiestEmotional Intelligence Test Psychology TodayPsychology Today  Emotional Intelligence  No therapists were harmed in the making of this episode,  but vulnerability hangovers are real.Please note: While our podcast aims to destigmatize and normalize mental health issues, increase awareness, foster understanding,  and offer support with love and laughter, we are not a substitute for professional mental health advice or treatment.  [Read our full disclaimer here.]If you're struggling, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed therapist, counselor, or healthcare provider. If you are in crisis, please contact your local emergency services or a mental health crisis hotline. In the U.S., dial 9-8-8 for immediate services.Remember, your mental health matters, and seeking professional help is a sign of strength. We're here to share stories, insights, and a bit of humor, but your well-being is our top priority.With care,Jen and Steph

Send us Fan MailAnother one of those potentially hard days just passed (in the US)...Father's Day. Welcome to Episode 24 of Therapists IRL, where Jen and Steph reflect on their relationships with their own dads, and share a few fond memories. We were lucky enough to both have pretty darn good Dads, and we also acknowledge that it may have been a tough day for many of our listeners who didn't.  Whether you have a father, are a father, or want to be a father, this one's for you.  No therapists were harmed in the making of this episode,  but vulnerability hangovers are real.Please note: While our podcast aims to destigmatize and normalize mental health issues, increase awareness, foster understanding,  and offer support with love and laughter, we are not a substitute for professional mental health advice or treatment.  [Read our full disclaimer here.]If you're struggling, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed therapist, counselor, or healthcare provider. If you are in crisis, please contact your local emergency services or a mental health crisis hotline. In the U.S., dial 9-8-8 for immediate services.Remember, your mental health matters, and seeking professional help is a sign of strength. We're here to share stories, insights, and a bit of humor, but your well-being is our top priority.With care,Jen and Steph

Send us Fan MailIt's the fight you pick with your partner after a horrible day at work. It's the 3 hours you spend scrolling social media instead of making the phone call you've been dreading. It's the sugary sweet way you greet that neighbor you simply can't stand.  Welcome to Therapists IRL, Episode 21, where Jen and Steph dive into defense mechanisms. Defense mechanisms serve a purpose. They protect us when we feel emotionally unsafe or too vulnerable. We've all got 'em and we've all used 'em.  Some, however, are less helpful than others. In this episode, Jen and Steph talk about some of the most common defense mechanisms, and as always, get real about our own lives.Resources:A link to the quiz Jen & Steph took in the episode:  https://psychologia.co/defense-mechanisms/Jen's Blog:When Good Becomes Bad: The Truth About Socially Accepted AvoidanceTherapists IRL Contact Info:Email: [email protected]: TherapistsIRL No therapists were harmed in the making of this episode,  but vulnerability hangovers are real.Please note: While our podcast aims to destigmatize and normalize mental health issues, increase awareness, foster understanding,  and offer support with love and laughter, we are not a substitute for professional mental health advice or treatment.  [Read our full disclaimer here.]If you're struggling, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed therapist, counselor, or healthcare provider. If you are in crisis, please contact your local emergency services or a mental health crisis hotline. In the U.S., dial 9-8-8 for immediate services.Remember, your mental health matters, and seeking professional help is a sign of strength. We're here to share stories, insights, and a bit of humor, but your well-being is our top priority.With care,Jen and Steph

Send us Fan MailWhat can you do when your "bestie" of 35 years suddenly decides the friendship isn't cutting it for her anymore and makes a unilateral decision to end it...without ever talking to you beforehand about why???  Welcome to Therapists IRL, Episode 22, where Jen revisit the trajectory of friendships - the good, the bad, and the heartbreaking. This week, Jen and Steph get real about how people-pleasing, avoiding conflict, and not communicating your feelings, wants, and needs in a relationship is not just damaging to you, but also to those you're in a relationship with. No therapists were harmed in the making of this episode,  but vulnerability hangovers are real.Please note: While our podcast aims to destigmatize and normalize mental health issues, increase awareness, foster understanding,  and offer support with love and laughter, we are not a substitute for professional mental health advice or treatment.  [Read our full disclaimer here.]If you're struggling, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed therapist, counselor, or healthcare provider. If you are in crisis, please contact your local emergency services or a mental health crisis hotline. In the U.S., dial 9-8-8 for immediate services.Remember, your mental health matters, and seeking professional help is a sign of strength. We're here to share stories, insights, and a bit of humor, but your well-being is our top priority.With care,Jen and Steph

Send us Fan MailJune is World Infertility Awareness Month. A gentle trigger warning for our listeners.  If you have dealt with pregnancy loss and/or infertility, take care in listening to this episode.  I (Steph) would not have been able to listen to it at certain points of my story. Welcome to Episode 21 of Therapists IRL, where Steph shares about her painful 6-year journey walking the lonely path of infertility, only to come out on the other side with no little one to hold. Childless Not By Choice, Steph shares some of the details of her process, as well as the hope-filled and hard-won freedom from her years of grief.   We hope that hearing this story  brings you something you need in your own journey. Resources:RESOLVE: The National Infertility AssociationHomepage | RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association Not So Mommy - A Blog for the Childless Not by ChoiceNot So Mommy - Living this imperfectly perfect lifeThere are many Facebook Support groups.  Childless Not by ChoiceChildless Not by Choice: Embracing LifeThe Childless LifeFind us:Instagram:  TherapistsIRLEmail:  [email protected] No therapists were harmed in the making of this episode,  but vulnerability hangovers are real.Please note: While our podcast aims to destigmatize and normalize mental health issues, increase awareness, foster understanding,  and offer support with love and laughter, we are not a substitute for professional mental health advice or treatment.  [Read our full disclaimer here.]If you're struggling, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed therapist, counselor, or healthcare provider. If you are in crisis, please contact your local emergency services or a mental health crisis hotline. In the U.S., dial 9-8-8 for immediate services.Remember, your mental health matters, and seeking professional help is a sign of strength. We're here to share stories, insights, and a bit of humor, but your well-being is our top priority.With care,Jen and Steph

Send us Fan MailHave you ever felt impending doom? Gone to the ER thinking you might be dying? Obsessively pictured terrible outcomes to normal every day scenarios?   Welcome to Episode 20, where Jen & Steph chat with fellow therapist Nikki Blakesley about her battle with lifelong anxiety.  Anxiety is tricky. Sometimes it just feels normal to imagine the worst possible outcome of a situation so that you feel prepared in case it happens. Join us as we chat with Nikki about how she discovered that she had been anxious her whole life. And her secrets to recovery and peace. Nikki's Website: https://www.artfullyyoutherapy.com/ No therapists were harmed in the making of this episode,  but vulnerability hangovers are real.Please note: While our podcast aims to destigmatize and normalize mental health issues, increase awareness, foster understanding,  and offer support with love and laughter, we are not a substitute for professional mental health advice or treatment.  [Read our full disclaimer here.]If you're struggling, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed therapist, counselor, or healthcare provider. If you are in crisis, please contact your local emergency services or a mental health crisis hotline. In the U.S., dial 9-8-8 for immediate services.Remember, your mental health matters, and seeking professional help is a sign of strength. We're here to share stories, insights, and a bit of humor, but your well-being is our top priority.With care,Jen and Steph

Send us Fan MailYou walk into the house on your 18th birthday and hear "Surprise!" Your friends are all there, there's pizza, cake, and presents. Why do you feel like you're about to burst into tears? Welcome to Therapists IRL Episode 19, where Jen and Steph tackle the topic of depression, and Jen shares her personal journey living with low-level depression and S.A.D.,  hiding pain behind a smile.  Major Depressive Disorder, Persistent Depressive Disorder, and Seasonal Affective Disorder are fancy names for feeling like crap. In this episode, we chat about these diagnoses and talk a lot about what it feels like to experience them firsthand. Resources:Psychology Today  Basics of Depression  National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255Just for fun:Tom Holland's "Umbrella" No therapists were harmed in the making of this episode,  but vulnerability hangovers are real.Please note: While our podcast aims to destigmatize and normalize mental health issues, increase awareness, foster understanding,  and offer support with love and laughter, we are not a substitute for professional mental health advice or treatment.  [Read our full disclaimer here.]If you're struggling, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed therapist, counselor, or healthcare provider. If you are in crisis, please contact your local emergency services or a mental health crisis hotline. In the U.S., dial 9-8-8 for immediate services.Remember, your mental health matters, and seeking professional help is a sign of strength. We're here to share stories, insights, and a bit of humor, but your well-being is our top priority.With care,Jen and Steph

Send us Fan MailYou're standing in the card aisle desperately searching for just the right one.  The one that says something like "Happy Mother's Day. Thank you for birthing me. The end."  Welcome to Episode 18 of Therapists IRL, where Jen & Steph talk all things Mothering on the cusp of Mother's Day in the US.  Join us for real talk about our moms, the ways we relate to mothering (and don't), and the pressure put on moms (and their kids) on this often difficult day. Contact us:Email: [email protected]:  TherapistsIRL  No therapists were harmed in the making of this episode,  but vulnerability hangovers are real.Please note: While our podcast aims to destigmatize and normalize mental health issues, increase awareness, foster understanding,  and offer support with love and laughter, we are not a substitute for professional mental health advice or treatment.  [Read our full disclaimer here.]If you're struggling, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed therapist, counselor, or healthcare provider. If you are in crisis, please contact your local emergency services or a mental health crisis hotline. In the U.S., dial 9-8-8 for immediate services.Remember, your mental health matters, and seeking professional help is a sign of strength. We're here to share stories, insights, and a bit of humor, but your well-being is our top priority.With care,Jen and Steph

Send us Fan MailPOV: You're home for the holidays with your new husband, and your mom barges in your room at an ungodly early hour running the vacuum.  Oh, you haven't experienced that?  Congratulations!  You didn't grow up in an enmeshed family system. Welcome to Therapists IRL Episode 17, where Jen & Steph unpack the foundations laid by family dynamics in our boundary systems and relational patterns as adults.  Weaving personal anecdotes with some research-based educational info, join us as we examine the ways our families impact us - the good, the bad, and the ugly.  Message us on Instagram or via email with any questions, anecdotes, or stories of your own about relationships that you'd like us to share on the [email protected]/therapistsirl No therapists were harmed in the making of this episode,  but vulnerability hangovers are real.Please note: While our podcast aims to destigmatize and normalize mental health issues, increase awareness, foster understanding,  and offer support with love and laughter, we are not a substitute for professional mental health advice or treatment.  [Read our full disclaimer here.]If you're struggling, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed therapist, counselor, or healthcare provider. If you are in crisis, please contact your local emergency services or a mental health crisis hotline. In the U.S., dial 9-8-8 for immediate services.Remember, your mental health matters, and seeking professional help is a sign of strength. We're here to share stories, insights, and a bit of humor, but your well-being is our top priority.With care,Jen and Steph

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when you finally have the language to understand yourself, understand your experiences, and understand you're not alone? You become a badass human. Welcome to Episode 16 of Therapists IRL, where Jen & Steph chat with Jesie Steffes about living life as a Highly Sensitive Person in a larger body. Join us as Jesie shares her own soul journey as an HSP and the intersection of anxiety and body image in her life. Jesie is a badass therapist with a voice as soothing as a hot cup of tea, and a self-proclaimed "brickhouse" who has done the soul work necessary to be able to walk alongside clients on their own journeys of self-acceptance and healing.Please check out Jesie's Instagram accounts and podcasts!www.instagram.com/sheswellfedwww.instagram.com/riverbendtherapyBook Resource:"Intuitive Eating: A Revolutionary Anti-Diet Approach," by Evelyn Tribole & Elyse ReschTherapists IRL would like to invite our listeners to write in with stories about relationships!  Any fun, funny, strange, frightening, crazy stories you have about relationships you've experienced, and/or questions you have for us that you'd like answered on the podcast.  Please email us at [email protected] us at www.instagram.com/therapistsirl No therapists were harmed in the making of this episode,  but vulnerability hangovers are real.Please note: While our podcast aims to destigmatize and normalize mental health issues, increase awareness, foster understanding,  and offer support with love and laughter, we are not a substitute for professional mental health advice or treatment.  [Read our full disclaimer here.]If you're struggling, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed therapist, counselor, or healthcare provider. If you are in crisis, please contact your local emergency services or a mental health crisis hotline. In the U.S., dial 9-8-8 for immediate services.Remember, your mental health matters, and seeking professional help is a sign of strength. We're here to share stories, insights, and a bit of humor, but your well-being is our top priority.With care,Jen and Steph

Send us Fan MailRom-coms have ruined us. We've spent so much time watching the "happily ever after" version of relationships that most of us aren't really ready for the reality...which may look a lot less like "The Notebook" and a lot more like "10 Things I Hate About You." Welcome to Therapists IRL, Episode 15, where Jen and Steph talk red flags (as in RUN!) and green flags (as in "Yes, you too deserve to have your needs met in a healthy, loving relationship"  and "No, Steph's not smoking crack.")  The truth is, relationships are HARD, and our real life experiences can be exhausting. But knowing what to look for in a healthy relationship (and what to avoid in a toxic one), is key. Resources:Hotlines for Domestic ViolenceUnited States: National Domestic Violence HotlineEurope: WAVE (Women Against Violence Europe)  A list of hotlines in 46 European countries.Canada: Family Violence Resources and Services in Your AreaArticles and InfoCycle of Abuse  Power and Control Wheel The Equality Wheel BooksThe Five Love Languages, by Gary ChapmanThe Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work: A Practical Guide from the Country's Foremost Relationship Expert,  and other great books by John Gottman on Relationships  Getting the Love You Want, and other resources by Harville HendrixHold Me Tight, by Dr. Sue JohnsonWhy Does He Do That? Inside the Minds of Angry and Controlling Men, by Lundy BancroftWill I Ever Be Free of You? How to Navigate a High-Conflict Divorce from a Narcissist, and Heal Your Family, by Dr. Karyl McBride, Ph.D.Psychopath Free: Recovering From Emotionally Abusive Relationships with Narcissists, Sociopaths, and Other Toxic People, by Jackson MacKenzieTherapists IRL Contact Info:[email protected] Www.instagram.co No therapists were harmed in the making of this episode,  but vulnerability hangovers are real.Please note: While our podcast aims to destigmatize and normalize mental health issues, increase awareness, foster understanding,  and offer support with love and laughter, we are not a substitute for professional mental health advice or treatment.  [Read our full disclaimer here.]If you're struggling, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed therapist, counselor, or healthcare provider. If you are in crisis, please contact your local emergency services or a mental health crisis hotline. In the U.S., dial 9-8-8 for immediate services.Remember, your mental health matters, and seeking professional help is a sign of strength. We're here to share stories, insights, and a bit of humor, but your well-being is our top priority.With care,Jen and Steph

Send us Fan MailYou know you're in a bad relationship when... you come home from vacation to find family heirlooms missing because your significant other took a trip to the pawn shop while you were out of town. Welcome to Episode 14 of Therapists IRL, where Steph and Jen talk the talk after walking the walk in bad, toxic, and sometimes abusive relationships. That's right. We've been there. The truth is, anyone can find themselves in an abusive relationship. In part one of our Relationship Series, Steph shares her experience of meeting the epically wrong man at a vulnerable time and the hell that followed. Resources:Hotlines for Domestic ViolenceUnited States: National Domestic Violence Hotline Europe: WAVE (Women Against Violence Europe)  A list of hotlines in 46 European countries.Canada: Family Violence Resources and Services in Your AreaArticles and InfoPsychology Today "Emotional Abuse"Canada: Fact Sheet- Intimate Partner ViolenceVery Well Health "Signs of Emotional Abuse"Psychology Today "The Narcissistic Cycle of Abuse""Are you in a relationship with a narcissist?" - Dr. Karyl McBride, Ph.D.Books Why Does He Do That? Inside the Minds of Angry and Controlling Men, by Lundy BancroftWill I Ever Be Free of You? How to Navigate a High-Conflict Divorce from a Narcissist, and Heal Your Family, by Dr. Karyl McBride, Ph.D. Psychopath Free: Recovering From Emotionally Abusive Relationships with Narcissists, Sociopaths, and Other Toxic People, by Jackson MacKenzieMedium Top 35 Most Impactful Books to Overcome Emotional Abuse by Stacy Brookman, Resilience Leadership CoachTherapists IRL Contact Info:[email protected] Www.instagram.com/TherapistsIRL No therapists were harmed in the making of this episode,  but vulnerability hangovers are real.Please note: While our podcast aims to destigmatize and normalize mental health issues, increase awareness, foster understanding,  and offer support with love and laughter, we are not a substitute for professional mental health advice or treatment.  [Read our full disclaimer here.]If you're struggling, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed therapist, counselor, or healthcare provider. If you are in crisis, please contact your local emergency services or a mental health crisis hotline. In the U.S., dial 9-8-8 for immediate services.Remember, your mental health matters, and seeking professional help is a sign of strength. We're here to share stories, insights, and a bit of humor, but your well-being is our top priority.With care,Jen and Steph

Send us Fan MailPOV: A 16 year girl plants a "purity flag" with her dad under the shadow of The Washington Monument, proclaiming her dedication to chastity alongside hundreds of other teenage girls, under the watchful eye of the Evangelical Christian Nation.  Welcome to Episode 13 of Therapists IRL, where Jen and Steph discuss the impact of religion on mental health. Join us as Steph shares a little more of her story growing up in the 90s US Purity Culture, her brush with involvement in a pseudo-cult in college, and reclamation of her identity apart from internalized shame-based messages and the impact of toxic religion.Resources:(This is by no means an exhaustive list. Please reach out if you would like other resources for recovery from religious trauma.)90s Fundamentalist Christian Church Survivor Comedian: Www.instagram.com/kevinjamesthorntonBook: "When Religion Hurts You" by Laura Anderson, PhDFilm: "1946: The Mistranslation that Shifted a Culture." "Unraveling the Source of our Sexual Shame: Jay Stringer Deconstructs Purity Culture" Podcast with Jen Hatmakerhttps://jenhatmaker.com/podcasts/series-45/unraveling-the-source-of-our-sexual-shame-jay-stringer-deconstructs-purity-culture/Book:  "Unwanted: How our Sexual brokenness Reveals our Way to Healing" by Jay Stringer"Pure" - Linda Kay Klein (autobiography)"The Cross in the Closet" - Timothy KurekTherapists IRL Contact info:Please reach out with comments, questions, feedback, and/or to be featured on the show!www.instagram.com/[email protected] No therapists were harmed in the making of this episode,  but vulnerability hangovers are real.Please note: While our podcast aims to destigmatize and normalize mental health issues, increase awareness, foster understanding,  and offer support with love and laughter, we are not a substitute for professional mental health advice or treatment.  [Read our full disclaimer here.]If you're struggling, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed therapist, counselor, or healthcare provider. If you are in crisis, please contact your local emergency services or a mental health crisis hotline. In the U.S., dial 9-8-8 for immediate services.Remember, your mental health matters, and seeking professional help is a sign of strength. We're here to share stories, insights, and a bit of humor, but your well-being is our top priority.With care,Jen and Steph

Send us Fan MailIt's the Goldilocks of emotions, with the sweet spot being not too much, not too little, but juuuussssst the right amount.  Welcome to Therapists IRL, Episode 12, where Steph and Jen share their personal and professional experiences with the often  misunderstood emotion of anger. It gets a bad rap, but anger is actually a pretty important emotion, and it's one that women, in particular, often struggle with. Whether you find yourself wanting to throat-punch people on the regular, or you're more of the sweet, silent, never-get-angry type, this episode is for you.  We definitely have some fun in this episode. Join us to discover why Steph gets spicy at four-way stops.  No therapists were harmed in the making of this episode,  but vulnerability hangovers are real.Please note: While our podcast aims to destigmatize and normalize mental health issues, increase awareness, foster understanding,  and offer support with love and laughter, we are not a substitute for professional mental health advice or treatment.  [Read our full disclaimer here.]If you're struggling, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed therapist, counselor, or healthcare provider. If you are in crisis, please contact your local emergency services or a mental health crisis hotline. In the U.S., dial 9-8-8 for immediate services.Remember, your mental health matters, and seeking professional help is a sign of strength. We're here to share stories, insights, and a bit of humor, but your well-being is our top priority.With care,Jen and Steph

Send us Fan MailImagine sitting on the potty as a toddler, congratulating yourself on mastering the anal developmental phase. Yeah, I know, right? Welcome to Therapists IRL, Episode 11, where our special guest, Inga Larson--psychotherapist, life coach, and licensed massage therapist--shares her experiences being raised by her "shrink," aka psychiatrist father, who also happened to be a narcissist. With humor and grace, Inga opens up about all the complexities of living in a world where her dad seemed unable to take off his doctor's cap.  Never mind that he was a well-loved and respected professional...sometimes a girl just wants her dad to be a dad. With over 25 years of experience in the field (in addition to her exposure to mental health from day one through her father), Inga has a wealth of knowledge and experience. For more information on Inga's business, LifeCrafting, please check out her beautiful website here:  https://www.ingalarson.com/ Book resource to check out: "Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents" by Lindsey C. GibsonTherapists IRL Links:(Please feel free to message/email us with questions, stories, and/or to be considered for a guest spot in our Wounded Healers Episodes!)www.Instagram.com/TherapistsIRLEmail: [email protected] No therapists were harmed in the making of this episode,  but vulnerability hangovers are real.Please note: While our podcast aims to destigmatize and normalize mental health issues, increase awareness, foster understanding,  and offer support with love and laughter, we are not a substitute for professional mental health advice or treatment.  [Read our full disclaimer here.]If you're struggling, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed therapist, counselor, or healthcare provider. If you are in crisis, please contact your local emergency services or a mental health crisis hotline. In the U.S., dial 9-8-8 for immediate services.Remember, your mental health matters, and seeking professional help is a sign of strength. We're here to share stories, insights, and a bit of humor, but your well-being is our top priority.With care,Jen and Steph

Send us Fan MailPeople go to therapy for all sorts of reasons, but mainly to figure out if their childhood trauma is the reason  they can't stand the sound of someone chewing popcorn. Welcome to Therapists IRL Episode 10, where Jen & Steph explore their own reasons for going to therapy, and talk about some of the most common reasons people do, too. And no, the sound of popcorn is not usually the main issue...*Disclaimer: We are aware of the sound quality issues and apologize for some of the weird sound moments.*Resources:What Happened to You?  by Bruce D. Perry, M.D. PhD, with Oprah WinfreyThe Dance of Anger, by Harriet LernerDr. Arielle Schwartz, PhD  https://drarielleschwartz.com/therapeutic-yoga-classes-in-boulder/Follow us!Www.instagram.com/TherapistsIRLEmail: [email protected]  No therapists were harmed in the making of this episode,  but vulnerability hangovers are real.Please note: While our podcast aims to destigmatize and normalize mental health issues, increase awareness, foster understanding,  and offer support with love and laughter, we are not a substitute for professional mental health advice or treatment.  [Read our full disclaimer here.]If you're struggling, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed therapist, counselor, or healthcare provider. If you are in crisis, please contact your local emergency services or a mental health crisis hotline. In the U.S., dial 9-8-8 for immediate services.Remember, your mental health matters, and seeking professional help is a sign of strength. We're here to share stories, insights, and a bit of humor, but your well-being is our top priority.With care,Jen and Steph

Send us Fan MailWho else has been through their fair share of pain in this life?  Welcome to Therapists IRL, Episode 9, where Steph shares a little about her journey out of trauma and grief around the loss of relationship, infertility, abusive relationships, and more. Don't worry,  there was a light at the end of the tunnel!  And it wasn't an oncoming train. Resources:Man's Search for Meaning, a book by Viktor Franklwww.instagram.com/TherapistsIRLEmail: [email protected] No therapists were harmed in the making of this episode,  but vulnerability hangovers are real.Please note: While our podcast aims to destigmatize and normalize mental health issues, increase awareness, foster understanding,  and offer support with love and laughter, we are not a substitute for professional mental health advice or treatment.  [Read our full disclaimer here.]If you're struggling, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed therapist, counselor, or healthcare provider. If you are in crisis, please contact your local emergency services or a mental health crisis hotline. In the U.S., dial 9-8-8 for immediate services.Remember, your mental health matters, and seeking professional help is a sign of strength. We're here to share stories, insights, and a bit of humor, but your well-being is our top priority.With care,Jen and Steph

Send us Fan MailWelcome to Therapists IRL, Episode 8, where Jen opens up the family vault of generational trauma and addiction. There aren’t many families who haven’t been touched by addiction in one way or another… It’s a devastating disease for the addicted individual and for the friends and family around them. Jen lovingly shares her experiences growing up in a family with addiction, and shares the haunting story of the loved one most afflicted.Trigger warning for sexual violence and sexual assault.Recommended resources:Alcoholics AnonymousNarcotics AnonymousAlanon (for loved ones of addicts and alcoholics)Adult  Children of Alcoholics and Dysfunctional Familieshttps://adultchildren.org/Smart Recovery https://smartrecovery.org/(Alternative recovery program to 12-step programs)The Phoenix https://thephoenix.org/movement(Sober community with both physical locations and virtual sober activity options  focusing on connection.)Www.instagram.com/TherapistsIRL No therapists were harmed in the making of this episode,  but vulnerability hangovers are real.Please note: While our podcast aims to destigmatize and normalize mental health issues, increase awareness, foster understanding,  and offer support with love and laughter, we are not a substitute for professional mental health advice or treatment.  [Read our full disclaimer here.]If you're struggling, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed therapist, counselor, or healthcare provider. If you are in crisis, please contact your local emergency services or a mental health crisis hotline. In the U.S., dial 9-8-8 for immediate services.Remember, your mental health matters, and seeking professional help is a sign of strength. We're here to share stories, insights, and a bit of humor, but your well-being is our top priority.With care,Jen and Steph

Send us Fan MailWelcome to Therapists IRL, Episode 7, where Jen and Steph get personal about personality! Why are we the way we are? What parts of our personality are hard-wired? And why does it matter?Today we’re tackling two popular personality tests, the Myers-Briggs and the  Enneagram. Do these tests really tell us anything? How accurate are they? Join us to find out!And, oh yeah, we also kind of blew it by not explaining the Enneagram more clearly in the episode, so A.I. Audrey makes an appearance to direct you here (our show notes).  Sorry about that!Resources:The Enneagram Institute: https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/The Myers-Briggs/MBTI: https://www.myersbriggs.org/Dr. Kristin Neff (self-compassion expert):https://self-compassion.org/ No therapists were harmed in the making of this episode,  but vulnerability hangovers are real.Please note: While our podcast aims to destigmatize and normalize mental health issues, increase awareness, foster understanding,  and offer support with love and laughter, we are not a substitute for professional mental health advice or treatment.  [Read our full disclaimer here.]If you're struggling, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed therapist, counselor, or healthcare provider. If you are in crisis, please contact your local emergency services or a mental health crisis hotline. In the U.S., dial 9-8-8 for immediate services.Remember, your mental health matters, and seeking professional help is a sign of strength. We're here to share stories, insights, and a bit of humor, but your well-being is our top priority.With care,Jen and Steph

Send us Fan MailWelcome to Therapists IRL, Episode 6, when Jen and Steph have the privilege of interviewing their first guest, Dr. Tricia Rampersad.  Dr. Trish, as she's affectionately known, shares her experience of being a therapist during the dumpster fire that was 2020, navigating her own losses while showing up for her clients. No one was prepared for a global pandemic, and therapists as a whole were hit hard as mental health needs across the country skyrocketed. Join us as Dr. Trish takes us on her own healing journey, offering her insights about grief and loss with authenticity and humor (because, yes, we still have to laugh).  A tough topic but ultimately an uplifting episode you won't want to miss.Check out the TherapistsIRL Instagram account for pictures of Dr Trish in her real  life!  Www.instagram.com/TherapistsIRLResources:  Dr. Trish's Insta:Www.instagram.com/core.behavioral.therapistThe Core Behavioral Therapist podcast:https://open.spotify.com/show/0VJBeqIbABdQRXfAvdBKqN "Being the CEO of Your Life" Workbook by Dr. Tricia Rampersad:https://a.co/d/i2nf3K7 No therapists were harmed in the making of this episode,  but vulnerability hangovers are real.Please note: While our podcast aims to destigmatize and normalize mental health issues, increase awareness, foster understanding,  and offer support with love and laughter, we are not a substitute for professional mental health advice or treatment.  [Read our full disclaimer here.]If you're struggling, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed therapist, counselor, or healthcare provider. If you are in crisis, please contact your local emergency services or a mental health crisis hotline. In the U.S., dial 9-8-8 for immediate services.Remember, your mental health matters, and seeking professional help is a sign of strength. We're here to share stories, insights, and a bit of humor, but your well-being is our top priority.With care,Jen and Steph

Send us Fan MailWelcome to Therapists IRL, Episode 5, where Steph and Jen swap stories about living life as empaths (absorbing emotions all over the place), and look into the nature of HSP's--highly sensitive persons.  Are they one and the same? What's the difference?Whether you're an empath who can't help but feel everyone's feelings, an HSP who's just trying to survive in a world full of bright lights and loud noises, or simply a bystander confused about both, we invite you to listen, laugh, and learn. Interested in learning whether you are an empath, an HSP, or both? Check out the quiz Steph and Jen completed from the website of Dr. Elaine Aron (we don't know her and are not affiliated with her, but she seems to know a lot)...  https://hsperson.com/test/highly-sensitive-test/ ......  and/or this resource from Psych Central about empaths... https://psychcentral.com/quizzes/empath-test.  No therapists were harmed in the making of this episode,  but vulnerability hangovers are real.Please note: While our podcast aims to destigmatize and normalize mental health issues, increase awareness, foster understanding,  and offer support with love and laughter, we are not a substitute for professional mental health advice or treatment.  [Read our full disclaimer here.]If you're struggling, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed therapist, counselor, or healthcare provider. If you are in crisis, please contact your local emergency services or a mental health crisis hotline. In the U.S., dial 9-8-8 for immediate services.Remember, your mental health matters, and seeking professional help is a sign of strength. We're here to share stories, insights, and a bit of humor, but your well-being is our top priority.With care,Jen and Steph

Send us Fan MailWelcome to Therapists IRL Episode 4, where Jen and Steph dive into the complicated world of friendships.  Prompted by some recent experiences in their own friendship (podcast production ain't always pretty), Jen and Steph keep it real, sharing personal stories about friendships in their lives.  From misunderstandings and miscommunications to the unavoidable conflicts that arise, they offer expert insights and practical tips on how to navigate the inevitable bumps in the road.  Whether you've experienced a falling out or are just struggling to maintain connections, this episode provides a candid and comforting space to reflect on the difficulties of friendship and find solace in the shared experiences of others. No therapists were harmed in the making of this episode,  but vulnerability hangovers are real.Please note: While our podcast aims to destigmatize and normalize mental health issues, increase awareness, foster understanding,  and offer support with love and laughter, we are not a substitute for professional mental health advice or treatment.  [Read our full disclaimer here.]If you're struggling, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed therapist, counselor, or healthcare provider. If you are in crisis, please contact your local emergency services or a mental health crisis hotline. In the U.S., dial 9-8-8 for immediate services.Remember, your mental health matters, and seeking professional help is a sign of strength. We're here to share stories, insights, and a bit of humor, but your well-being is our top priority.With care,Jen and Steph

Send us Fan MailWelcome to Therapists IRL Episode 3 where Steph shares a bit of her own story. Our backgrounds influence and shape who we are and who we become, and Steph dives into parts of her journey that have gotten her to where she is today...a well-balanced badass of a woman! No therapists were harmed in the making of this episode,  but vulnerability hangovers are real.Please note: While our podcast aims to destigmatize and normalize mental health issues, increase awareness, foster understanding,  and offer support with love and laughter, we are not a substitute for professional mental health advice or treatment.  [Read our full disclaimer here.]If you're struggling, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed therapist, counselor, or healthcare provider. If you are in crisis, please contact your local emergency services or a mental health crisis hotline. In the U.S., dial 9-8-8 for immediate services.Remember, your mental health matters, and seeking professional help is a sign of strength. We're here to share stories, insights, and a bit of humor, but your well-being is our top priority.With care,Jen and Steph

Send us Fan MailFull Disclosure: After publishing the original recording of Episode 2 (Jen’s Journey- Diet Culture Sucks and Pizza is Delicious), we realized a lot of Steph's awesome contributions got cut out due to poor connection or who knows what (we're not techy, remember?), and it didn't feel like the quality we want to be putting out. So...we RE-recorded the episode (which is out now as Episode 2-Take 2: Jen's Journey- Diet Culture Still Sucks and Pizza is Still Delicious.  If you haven't listened already, go check it out. Jen shares a bit of her personal history. Fun times.)But since we are not scripted, there were still a few things from this original recording that we missed in the second one, and we just didn't want to deprive you! So we decided to clean up the original recording and turn it into a Bonus Episode.In this BONUS episode, you'll meet A.I. Audrey, who weighs in on our original recording of Jen's Journey,  and you'll hear parts of the original recording that didn't make it into the re-record, including the parts where Steph's audio didn't suck.Note: If you or a loved one is struggling with an eating disorder or you are concerned about eating-disordered thoughts, below is a list of available resources:In the United States:NEDA (National Eating Disorder Association) https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/help-support/ ANAD Helpline: 1 (888) 375-7767  Monday-Friday, 9am-9pm CTNational Alliance for Eating Disorders Helpline: 1 (866) 662-1235Monday-Friday, 9am-7pm ETF.E.A.S.T provides support and education resources to parents and caregivers of loved ones impacted by eating disorders.In Europe:Eat.org https://www.eat.org/ No therapists were harmed in the making of this episode,  but vulnerability hangovers are real.Please note: While our podcast aims to destigmatize and normalize mental health issues, increase awareness, foster understanding,  and offer support with love and laughter, we are not a substitute for professional mental health advice or treatment.  [Read our full disclaimer here.]If you're struggling, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed therapist, counselor, or healthcare provider. If you are in crisis, please contact your local emergency services or a mental health crisis hotline. In the U.S., dial 9-8-8 for immediate services.Remember, your mental health matters, and seeking professional help is a sign of strength. We're here to share stories, insights, and a bit of humor, but your well-being is our top priority.With care,Jen and Steph

Send us Fan MailWelcome to Therapists IRL Episode 2 (Take 2)  where Jen shares more about her eating disorder history (fortunately, long ago history), and Steph and Jen mutually agree that diet culture is the worst and that pizza is delicious. Eat more pizza!Note: If you or a loved one is struggling with an eating disorder or you are concerned about eating-disordered thoughts, below is a list of available resources:Podcasts: Food Psych Podcast with Christy Harrison’sIn the United States:NEDA (National Eating Disorder Association) https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/help-support/ ANAD Helpline: 1 (888) 375-7767  Monday-Friday, 9am-9pm CTNational Alliance for Eating Disorders Helpline: 1 (866) 662-1235Monday-Friday, 9am-7pm ETF.E.A.S.T provides support and education resources to parents and caregivers of loved ones impacted by eating disorders.In Europe:Eat.org https://www.eat.org/ No therapists were harmed in the making of this episode,  but vulnerability hangovers are real.Please note: While our podcast aims to destigmatize and normalize mental health issues, increase awareness, foster understanding,  and offer support with love and laughter, we are not a substitute for professional mental health advice or treatment.  [Read our full disclaimer here.]If you're struggling, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed therapist, counselor, or healthcare provider. If you are in crisis, please contact your local emergency services or a mental health crisis hotline. In the U.S., dial 9-8-8 for immediate services.Remember, your mental health matters, and seeking professional help is a sign of strength. We're here to share stories, insights, and a bit of humor, but your well-being is our top priority.With care,Jen and Steph

Send us Fan MailWelcome to the inaugural episode of "Therapists IRL," the podcast where two seasoned therapists dive headfirst into the ties that bind us all...being human.  In this very first episode, Jen and Steph share a little about themselves, their background as therapists, what motivated them to plunge into the podcast pool (spoiler alert:  to destigmatize mental health issues, normalize struggle, and send a message of hope and healing), and then tackle a few therapy myths desperately in need of debunking.If you're ready for a podcast that feels like a heart-to-heart chat with a friend, grab your favorite beverage, settle in, and get ready to laugh, learn, and maybe even find your own path to therapy enlightenment with Steph and Jen on "Therapists IRL." Because believe it or not, your therapist is human too…We may be a little bit nuts but a lot relatable. No therapists were harmed in the making of this episode,  but vulnerability hangovers are real.Please note: While our podcast aims to destigmatize and normalize mental health issues, increase awareness, foster understanding,  and offer support with love and laughter, we are not a substitute for professional mental health advice or treatment.  [Read our full disclaimer here.]If you're struggling, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed therapist, counselor, or healthcare provider. If you are in crisis, please contact your local emergency services or a mental health crisis hotline. In the U.S., dial 9-8-8 for immediate services.Remember, your mental health matters, and seeking professional help is a sign of strength. We're here to share stories, insights, and a bit of humor, but your well-being is our top priority.With care,Jen and Steph