In this deeply vulnerable episode of The Therapy Thrift Shop, Winifred Akande opens up about one of her hardest moments—September 15, 2025, the morning she woke up and didn’t want to be here anymore. With compassion and honesty, she walks listeners through the weight of that day: the work stress of an ongoing merger, feelings of disconnection from friends and church, and the painful realization of how overwhelming the world can be.
Winifred shares how she turned a moment of crisis into an act of courage—pouring out the liquor that could have ended her life, texting her therapist, and taking small steps toward safety. She explores the importance of having a mental health safety net, finding strength in therapy, and learning that hope is not a feeling—it’s a practice.
Through reflection on her faith, community, and coping strategies, Winifred reminds listeners that even in chaos, healing begins with one small choice: to stay. She offers encouragement for anyone battling suicidal ideation, reminding us that reaching out for help is not weakness—it’s wisdom.
Connect with Me:
IG - @therapythriftshop
Email - hello@therapythriftshop.org
Disclaimer: The resources and content shared here are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. If you are struggling with your mental health, please seek support from a licensed professional. You are not alone. 💛
Ever rolled your eyes at affirmations? Same. In this episode of Therapy Thrift Shop, Winifred shares how she went from anti-affirmation skeptic to full believer — realizing affirmations are just the opposite of negative self-talk. She breaks down what affirmations really are, how they rewire the brain (yes, science backs this up), and how to make them actually work in real life.
You’ll hear personal stories from studying for the CPA and PMP exams, creative ways to keep affirmations front and center, and why your brain believes what you tell it — good or bad. Winifred also shares how her love for art and therapy inspired her to create a 2026 Affirmation Calendar, available now in her Etsy shop.
If you’re ready to swap “I’m not enough” for “I can do hard things,” this episode will help you start rewriting the story in your own head — one affirmation at a time.
Connect with Me:
IG - @therapythriftshop
Email - hello@therapythriftshop.org
Etsy Shop (discount code: PODCAST)
Disclaimer: The resources and content shared here are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. If you are struggling with your mental health, please seek support from a licensed professional. You are not alone. 💛
In this deeply honest comeback episode, Winifred opens up about being diagnosed with dysthymia (a chronic form of depression), navigating intense suicidal ideation, and finding her way back to hope and stability. She also previews what’s ahead this season: affirmations that actually work, prayers that ground her, navigating friendships, managing social batteries, and surviving the holidays with compassion and grace.
Resources:
Connect with Me:
IG - @therapythriftshop
Email - hello@therapythriftshop.org
Etsy Shop (discount code: PODCAST)
Disclaimer: The resources and content shared here are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. If you are struggling with your mental health, please seek support from a licensed professional. You are not alone. 💛
This week, I’m getting raw and real about what it means to be healing in real time. Inspired by a literal scab on my nose (yep, you read that right), I unpack the emotional weight of unspoken grief, burnout, and the pressure to show up when you’re not okay. I’m hitting pause for the summer—and sharing why sometimes, we need to rest before we’re ready. If you’re in a scabby season too, this one’s for you. 💛
Connect with Me:
IG - @therapythriftshop
Email - hello@therapythriftshop.org
Disclaimer: The resources and content shared here are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. If you are struggling with your mental health, please seek support from a licensed professional. You are not alone. 💛
In this Therapy Thrift Shop Find, host Winifred Akande shares a personal spiral of catastrophic thinking after starting a new job—and walks us through how to recognize and challenge those “what if everything goes wrong?” thoughts. Learn how to spot catastrophizing, reframe fear-based thoughts, and build mental resilience using real-life examples, humor, and heart. Because sometimes, your anxious brain is just a little too creative.
Connect with Me:
IG - @therapythriftshop
Email - hello@therapythriftshop.org
Etsy Shop (discount code: PODCAST)
Disclaimer: The resources and content shared here are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. If you are struggling with your mental health, please seek support from a licensed professional. You are not alone. 💛
Ever finish something amazing and instantly downplay it? You're not alone. In this Therapy Thrift Shop Find, Winifred gets honest about how a lifetime of disqualifying the positives—aka brushing off compliments, minimizing achievements, and never letting the good stuff land—has impacted her mental health. She explores where this pattern comes from, what it’s cost her, and how she’s learning to let the good things count. If you’ve ever struggled to accept praise or feel like nothing you do is enough, this one's for you.
Connect with Me:
IG - @therapythriftshop
Email - hello@therapythriftshop.org
Etsy Shop (discount code: PODCAST)
Disclaimer: The resources and content shared here are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. If you are struggling with your mental health, please seek support from a licensed professional. You are not alone. 💛
In this short episode, I share a real moment of mental filtering after co-hosting a baby shower. Even though the event went well, I found myself stuck on the decorations that didn’t meet my expectations. I talk through how this cognitive distortion showed up, what my inner critic was saying, and how I’m learning to reframe those thoughts with self-compassion. If you’ve ever fixated on one small flaw and overlooked everything that went right, this one’s for you.
Connect with Me:
IG - @therapythriftshop
Email - hello@therapythriftshop.org
Etsy Shop (discount code: PODCAST)
Disclaimer: The resources and content shared here are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. If you are struggling with your mental health, please seek support from a licensed professional. You are not alone. 💛
In this Therapy Thrift Shop Find, Winifred unpacks a real-life moment of overgeneralization after oversleeping before work. Join her as she breaks down how our brains turn one off morning into a dramatic narrative ("I'll never get used to this!"), and how to gently challenge that kind of thinking. If your inner monologue is a bit of a drama queen lately, this cozy mental health moment is for you. You're human and hopeful—and that matters.
Connect with Me:
IG - @therapythriftshop
Email - hello@therapythriftshop.org
Etsy Shop (discount code: PODCAST)
Disclaimer: The resources and content shared here are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. If you are struggling with your mental health, please seek support from a licensed professional. You are not alone. 💛
A missing piece of fabric sends Winifred into a spiral—but it’s not just about the fabric. It’s about all-or-nothing thinking, that sneaky mental trap that turns small mistakes into big self-blame. In this 5-minute Therapy Thrift Shop Find, Winifred walks through the distortion in real time, offering a funny, gentle reminder that being human is messy—and that’s okay.
Connect with Me:
IG - @therapythriftshop
Email - hello@therapythriftshop.org
Etsy Shop (discount code: PODCAST)
Disclaimer: The resources and content shared here are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. If you are struggling with your mental health, please seek support from a licensed professional. You are not alone. 💛
I tried Tantra Speed Dating hoping for connection—but left before it even started. In this honest (and hilarious) recap, I share what happened, why I walked out, and what it taught me about intuition, loneliness, and dating in your 30s. Spoiler: It involves beads, breathwork, and one very awkward moment.
Connect with Me:
IG - @therapythriftshop
Email - hello@therapythriftshop.org
Etsy Shop (discount code: PODCAST)
Disclaimer: The resources and content shared here are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. If you are struggling with your mental health, please seek support from a licensed professional. You are not alone. 💛
In this Therapy Thrift Shop episode, host Winifred Akande dives into the world of cognitive distortions—those pesky mental habits that twist our thinking and fuel negativity. Discover eight common distortions, from all-or-nothing thinking to mind reading, and learn practical tips for spotting and challenging them. Whether you're new to the concept or need a refresher, this episode offers valuable tools to improve your mental well-being. Tune in and start thinking more positively today!
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Disclaimer: The resources and content shared here are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. If you are struggling with your mental health, please seek support from a licensed professional. You are not alone. 💛
In this episode, host Winifred Akande opens up about her ongoing struggle with loneliness and how it has shaped recent decisions, including pursuing a new in-person job after years of remote work. She reflects on a recent encounter with her ex-boyfriend "Richard," which reignited old patterns and reminded her of valuable lessons about self-worth, growth, and boundaries. Winifred candidly discusses the challenges of navigating relationships as an "other-centered" person and emphasizes the importance of not sacrificing one’s mental well-being for companionship.
The episode concludes with a powerful liturgy from the Instagram account "Every Moment Holy," which resonates with those feeling left behind as friends move into new life stages. Winifred shares her reflections on loneliness, healing, and embracing personal growth while maintaining faith and community.
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Disclaimer: The resources and content shared here are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. If you are struggling with your mental health, please seek support from a licensed professional. You are not alone. 💛
In this episode of Therapy Thrift Shop, I dive into the unexpected life lessons I learned from sewing my very first quilt. From battling perfectionism and embracing progress to learning patience and finding joy in the process, each stitch taught me something valuable. Tune in to hear how quilting became a metaphor for navigating life’s bumps and why sometimes ripping out mistakes is just part of the journey. Whether you're a crafter or just working through your own life challenges, this episode is for you!
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Disclaimer: The resources and content shared here are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. If you are struggling with your mental health, please seek support from a licensed professional. You are not alone. 💛
Feeling the Sunday Scaries creeping in? You're not alone. In this Therapy Thrift Shop Find, Winifred Akande shares simple mindset shifts and calming rituals that helped her ease anxiety before the workweek. Tune in for a quick, cozy pep talk on how to make Sunday feel less like a countdown and more like a soft landing.
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Disclaimer: The resources and content shared here are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. If you are struggling with your mental health, please seek support from a licensed professional. You are not alone. 💛
In this deeply personal (and totally unscripted) episode, I sit down and do a live self check-in—no filter, no prep, just honest reflection. I walk through how I’m feeling emotionally, what my body’s telling me, what’s been taking up mental space, and what I actually need right now. If you’ve been meaning to pause and check in with yourself too, this is your gentle invitation to do just that. Real life, real feelings, real time. Let’s go there—together.
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Disclaimer: The resources and content shared here are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. If you are struggling with your mental health, please seek support from a licensed professional. You are not alone. 💛
In this Therapy Thrift Shop Find, Winifred dusts off a vintage mental health tool: the Holmes and Rahe Stress Scale. Learn how this 1967 "stress thermometer" can help you understand the impact of life’s major events on your well-being today. Winifred also shares her personal experience with the scale and invites you to download a free version designed just for the Therapy Thrift Shop community. It’s time to check in with yourself—you might be carrying more than you realize.
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Disclaimer: The resources and content shared here are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. If you are struggling with your mental health, please seek support from a licensed professional. You are not alone. 💛
In this bite-sized episode, Winifred shares a personal favorite—The Prayer of St. Francis. Introduced through a meditation app and now a quiet presence on her desk, this timeless piece offers a beautiful reflection on giving, understanding, and being a source of peace. Whether you're spiritual, curious, or just in need of a grounding moment, take what resonates and leave the rest.
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Disclaimer: The resources and content shared here are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. If you are struggling with your mental health, please seek support from a licensed professional. You are not alone. 💛
In this cozy mini-episode, Winifred shares a scrappy little gem she found online that flipped the script on imposter syndrome. Instead of trying to banish it, what if we just… leaned in? Enter: brilliant con man syndrome. It’s cheeky, it’s empowering, and it might just help you own your magic—doubts and all.
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Disclaimer: The resources and content shared here are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. If you are struggling with your mental health, please seek support from a licensed professional. You are not alone. 💛
In this episode, Winifred Akande discusses the importance of self-patience in the journey of mental health and personal growth. She explores the cultural pressures for quick fixes, the impact of social media on self-comparison, and the unrealistic expectations we often set for ourselves. Winifred shares practical tools and strategies to cultivate self-compassion and patience, emphasizing that healing is a unique journey for everyone. The episode concludes with a reminder to be gentle with oneself and to recognize that progress may not always be visible.
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Disclaimer: The resources and content shared here are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. If you are struggling with your mental health, please seek support from a licensed professional. You are not alone. 💛
In this Therapy Thrift Shop Find, Winifred shares the simple power of adding "yet" to your self-doubt. “I can’t do this” becomes “I can’t do this yet”—a small shift that makes a big difference.
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Disclaimer:
The resources and content shared here are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. If you are struggling with your mental health, please seek support from a licensed professional. You are not alone. 💛