In this episode Mariska and I talk about how a therapist handles it when they have physical symptoms that are keeping them from fully focusing during a session. We also talk about clients who may not want to get better and why. Finally we close with saying goodbye to 2025 and our positive hopes for 2026.
In this episode we explore how to give the right amount of F&*$s when little things go wrong in life. We discuss toxic positivity and what can go wrong if you do not acknowledge your feelings. Mariska and I also remind you that it doesn't need to be Giving Tuesday to support Paws for Patrick and any other charity of your choice.
In this episode Mariska and I talk about how to assess the risk when a client who has long term suicidal ideation is talking about acquiring a gun to potentially end their life.
If discussions of suicide are triggering for you it would be best to skip this episode.
In this episode Mariska and I discuss the idea of staying in the moment, but should we do that if this is not a good moment for us?
In this episode Mariska and I explore my failure to effectively interrupt an ignorant view point that was expressed by one of my favorite people, and how you can do it better, by using the PALS strategy.
in this episode Mariska and I discuss conversion therapy and how therapists support clients who have internal conflict over queerness.
In this episode Mariska and I explore the dilemma of patience with the desire for intimacy with a partner that his healing. How long must you wait and how can you support the healing, especially when they are not open to therapy?
Mariska and I learn about religious trauma and how it is treated from Ann Russo. Really a fun conversation.
Her website is: Home - Ann Russo
Her practice website for other clinicians:
In this episode Mariska and I talk about grappling with the dilemma of different world views about when violence could be understood and supported and how those views can impact clients.
In this episode Mariska and I explore battling negative self-talk when people reject you after you share your struggles.
Mariska and I were delighted to welcome on our first guest in quite some time. Dr. Albert Bramante talks about how hypnotherapy works, explains Neuro Liguistic Programing (NLP), and how those concepts fit in with performance coaching.
When the dominos are falling in your brain and you are convinced everything good is going away, how do you slow down and realize this is just catastrophic thinking? Mariksa and I unpack that and how to start to believe in your value if you grew up with trauma in this episode.
In this episode Mariska and I talk about the challenge for therapists when clients talk around their issues and only bring up tough topics right when the session is about to end.
In this episode Mariska and I delve into several thorny ethical dilemmas I faced this week on a single case AND we talk about how I help my friends and family find therapists.
In this episode Mariska and I explore if it is ok for person to have a preference for a partner with a single certain trait, if that prevents them from dating someone who checks all the other boxes. We also explore ways of viewing self esteem more generally.
In this episode Mariska and I break down some client dreams and offer some out of the box methods of journaling for folks (like me) who struggle to journal conventionally.
In this episode Mariska and I explore a term that was new to me , High Functioning Depression, which I learned about on another podcast, A Slight Change of Plans: When Productivity Becomes Pathological | A Slight Change of PlansI observe how in my experience there is often a connection between this type of depression and substance abuse challenges.
In this episode Mariska and I talk about 3 simple (not easy) steps to become more successful in your own estimation. Which ultimately is the only view point that matters.
In this episode Mariska and I evaluate how well mental health challenges are portrayed in several films and tv shows. What did they get right, and wrong?
On this episode Mariska and I discuss how to help clients manage their grief about both the choices of terminating a pregnancy and giving a child up for adoption, as well as how a therapist may decide to disclose if they have been through one of these issues.