As a psychologist, I have a sacred opportunity to both teach and learn from my clients. It is my mission to bring honest, real life stories to the light in hopes that the listeners might grow from them and be as inspired by them as I am, because there is no better way to struggle than “together. As a psychologist, I am driven by curiosity to gain greater understanding of others, as we navigate our way through this “never perfect” life.
All content for Never Perfect is the property of Dr. Beth and is served directly from their servers
with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
As a psychologist, I have a sacred opportunity to both teach and learn from my clients. It is my mission to bring honest, real life stories to the light in hopes that the listeners might grow from them and be as inspired by them as I am, because there is no better way to struggle than “together. As a psychologist, I am driven by curiosity to gain greater understanding of others, as we navigate our way through this “never perfect” life.
How and When to Talk Diagnosis with Reluctant Clients
Never Perfect
31 minutes
1 month ago
How and When to Talk Diagnosis with Reluctant Clients
In this episode, Dr. Beth sits down with her friends Amanda (a business owner) and Stephanie (a therapist) to tackle a tough, real-world question: How do you talk about a diagnosis with someone who doesn’t want one—especially when daily weed, anger outbursts, or past substance use are in the mix? Through the story of a 30-something creative with possible bipolar disorder, they unpack self-medication (the classic “upper, downer, mood-stabilizer” pattern), why partners and employers draw hard lines (“it’s legal” ≠ “it’s okay at work”), and how shame keeps talented people from becoming their best selves.
You’ll hear practical, compassionate ways to:
Frame diagnosis as information, not identity
Explain the bipolar spectrum (including agitated/hypomanic presentations)
Explore roots vs. band-aids: trauma, lifestyle, and biology
Talk with spouses about the real costs of daily use and rage cycles
Use simple next steps (e.g., the MDQ screen, treatment options, boundaries)
Honest, stigma-cutting, and immediately useful—for therapists, leaders managing teams, partners who are worried, and anyone wondering whether a label might actually unlock a path forward.
Note: This conversation is educational and not medical advice. If you have concerns about mood or substance use, please consult a licensed professional.
💛 We need your help! This podcast is funded by Dr. Beth, and we are looking for donations from listeners and potential sponsors. If you’re interested in contributing, you can send donations via Venmo (https://account.venmo.com/u/NeverPerfectPodcast) or email neverperfecteya@gmail.com to find out other ways to donate.
🎧 Listen to this episode and more: neverperfect.org📲 Follow us on Instagram: @neverperfectpodcast
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Never Perfect
As a psychologist, I have a sacred opportunity to both teach and learn from my clients. It is my mission to bring honest, real life stories to the light in hopes that the listeners might grow from them and be as inspired by them as I am, because there is no better way to struggle than “together. As a psychologist, I am driven by curiosity to gain greater understanding of others, as we navigate our way through this “never perfect” life.
