"Jaxon and the Pharmacist"

Much has been made in regard to Dave Chappelle's latest Netflix comedy special, along with the uproar it has caused within the LGBTQ+ community. In a world where outrage, divsion, and polarization all only seem to continue to be on the rise, how can each and every one of us do better to try and find some semblance of middle ground, civility, and understanding?

The Gabby Petito and Brian Laundrie story has captivated the nation, but what lessons can be learned? From victims of domestic violence, to their abusers, to concerned loved ones at a loss as to how or what they can do to help, therapy can ideally play a role for all involved in the hopes of presenting both assistance, and solutions.

When it comes to your career, how do you feel when the time comes to negotiate money? Do you relish the opportunity, or instead dread it like nobody's business? If it's the latter, what does that say in regard to how you feel about yourself? And what are some ways in which you can potentially work on improving that, along with your self-confidence, overall?

The hype surrounding Tom Brady's Foxborough return to do battle wth the Patriots is at a fever pitch. So too can sports fandom be, in general. When does an obsession with sports become unhealthy? Gambling addiction serves as one example, but there can be much more to it than that.

Solid romantic partnerships can work wonders for the mental and emotional well-being of both parties. Yet unhealthy relationships can potentially do more harm than good. What are the keys to maintaining a healthy relationship? And over an extended period of time, what does it take to keep that romantic spark alive? 

Grief can have so many layers, and come in so many forms, that even when the belief is it has fully been processed, unexpected triggers may prove otherwise. How is Brian dealing with his mom's death, 1-year later? All of these elements are in play, and discussed, in this week's episode.

Ben DeCastro is in for a vacationing Brian this week, as he and Courtney discuss a very common problem in these complicated times: feeling overwhelmed. How has the pandemic heightened, and further complicated issues which may have been far more manageable otherwise, and what are some of the best approaches to work around all of this?

Nothing can alleviate tension, or provide at least temporary relief from any mental health issue like a good laugh. It can also have a very effective place in the therapeutic process. But as with all things, there are both limits, and potential pitfalls in play. Learn the "hows," "whens," and "whys," in those regards, here.

"A good life doesn't have to be happy, or even meaningful." That's the claim of a recent article which is up for discussion in this week's episode. If that is indeed the case, of what does a good life consist in the absence of happiness, or meaning? Listen here for potential alternatives.

When asked, Courtney says the issue most presented to her from the therapy couch is how much "drama" is impacting a client's health and well-being. And while drama can indeed come both unpredictably, and from most anyplace, to what degree could it possibly be coming from within oneself?

This week, it's a different type of podcast. Courtney and Brian simulate what it's like to sit in on an actual therapy session. Using a previously untreated aspect of Brian's mental health, you get the unique oppotunity to eavesdrop as the two of them take an unrehearsed approach at reducing therapy-related anxiety, while also hoping to eliminate any stigmas associated with it.

How can failure be a good thing? In what ways is it your friend, as opposed to your foe? And how can success become much more complicated, and difficult to navigate, without it?

Many would say it's been a good week for mental health, given the awareness raised by the Simone Biles situation in Tokyo. But in what areas could that message possibly (and unintentionally) become blurred, distorted, or misread? And how should that all be addressed?

Negative connotations are often associated with both envy and jealousy, but that isn't necessarily the case in every instance. Where and when can they actually be productive? And how can they be either "malicious," or "benign?" That can apply at the workplace, within initimate relationships, as well as among family, and friends. Learn how, here.

In a world of Instagram models, filters and Photoshop, unrealistic expectations as to how we "should" look are most certainly on the rise. The younger you are, the more likely it is to be what you've always known. While the older among us may be going to unhealthy extremes in an attempt to fight the aging process. Where is the line between acceptability, and counterproductivity? Find out here.

Ben DeCastro fills in for the vacationing Brian this week, and let's just say the timing couldn't be better, as this discussion is right in his wheelhouse! Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorders are both common, and manageable. As with many personality issues, it can be used in productive, and not so productive ways. When should medication be introduced (if at all), and what role can therap...

Anger, like any emotion, isn't always bad or unproductive. But there is a line which can make it so. Where does that lie? What needs to be done to get a handle on it? And how should it be addressed if you find yourself on the receiving end of it? Courtney and Brian explore all of that, and more.

Just as depression can be debilitating, anxiety may very well be the straw stirring that unhealthy cocktail. Eliminate either one or both, and the sky is suddenly the limit on the path to well-being. What are the steps? How much work will it take? Where do those solutions lie? 40 million Americans need these answers. If you're one of them, please be sure to listen.

What is a narcissist? How many different forms of them are there? Who in your life could be one? Are you exhibiting any of those tendencies? And in what ways can it be treated, or managed? Find out here.

While most often associated with career pursuits, burnout can come in many forms. Pandemic-induced lockdowns represent one example, but it can also apply to relationships, and many other daily routines. How can its symptoms be best idenitified, and what are the most effective solutions?

Whether it's conciously or subconsciously done, some people just can't seem to get out of their own way -- be it in the form of poor relationship decisions, an underlying fear of career success, or one's overall happiness and well-being. What are some of the signs and behavior patterns, and how can each be addressed through therapy?

Social anxiety is essentially Brian's Kryptonite. He and Courtney examine not only its symptoms, warning signs and origins, but also how it can be treated and managed, along with what friends/loved ones can also do to help.

How often do relationships survive infidelity? What warning signs require attention in advance? Can preemptive steps be taken to reduce the risk? And how effective can couples therapy be in the aftermath, regarding issues of trust, guilt, shame, anger, blame and grief?

"You have to love yourself before you can love someone else." Maybe yes, maybe no. But one approach is undoubtedly far healthier than the other. How does one identify low self-esteem, and once it has been, what's the most effective way to tackle the problem?

Perhaps the only thing worse than the profound sense of loneliness gripping 2/3rds of Americans ever since the pandemic began, is the reluctance of more than half of them to talk about it. Courtney and Brian discuss all of that (and more), here.