Collectively Unhinged: Therapy Talk

The “soft life” is everywhere — slow mornings, gentle routines, and choosing peace. But what happens when your nervous system is still in survival mode? In this episode of  Collectively Unhinged: Therapy Talk , we unpack the complicated truth behind the soft life narrative. We talk about the role of privilege in mental health discourse, why survival mode doesn’t shut off just because your circumst...

Why do New Year’s resolutions fail so often? In this episode, therapists Courtnie and Melisa break down the psychology behind why resolutions don’t stick, why willpower is overrated, and how real habit change happens through nervous system safety, not shame. We explore: Why resolutions fail Shame-based goals vs values-based change The nervous system and habit formation Small shifts that actually s...

More people are turning to ChatGPT and other AI tools for relationship advice, emotional validation, and mental health guidance—but can artificial intelligence actually replace therapy? In this episode of  Collectively Unhinged: Therapy Talk , licensed therapists Courtnie and Melisa explore the growing trend of using AI like a therapist and unpack why it feels so appealing. From accessibility and...

In this completely unscripted episode of  Collectively Unhinged: Therapy Talk , Courtnie and Melisa say everything therapists usually vent about  off the clock . We’re talking late-cancelation fees (and why clients get pissed), whether people actually consider how canceling impacts their therapist, and if there’s  any  shock value left in therapy now that everyone’s sharing their deepest secrets o...

Silent Night? Not even close. The holidays are overstimulating AF — packed with sensory overload, emotional pressure, family expectations, and a nervous system that's already exhausted. In this episode, Courtnie and Melisa break down why the holidays feel like so much, why expectations make it worse, and how to take your joy back. We talk about: Holiday overstimulation & emotional triggers...

When the world feels like it’s on fire, how do we keep showing up — as therapists, partners, friends, and humans — without burning out completely? 🔥 In this episode of  Collectively Unhinged: Therapy Talk , Courtnie and Melisa unpack what it means to live in  constant crisis mode  — from compassion fatigue and global trauma to the emotional toll of holding space when you’re barely keeping it toge...

More people are asking:  Is monogamy the only way to love? In this episode, Courtnie and Melisa unpack the truth behind  ethical non-monogamy (ENM)  — what it is, what it isn’t, and how to explore it without chaos, shame, or cheating disguised as “freedom.” They break down the differences between  polyamory, swinging, and open relationships , and discuss what makes ENM  ethical  in the first place...

Hookup culture is everywhere — from dating apps to everyday conversations — but what does it really mean for our mental health and relationships? In this episode, we dive into the rise of hookup culture, how social norms have shifted, and why casual sex can feel both liberating and complicated. We unpack: The hidden benefits people don’t talk about — empowerment, freedom, and reclaiming sexuality...

(The Psychology of Family, Gratitude, and the Holiday Meltdown) Why does Thanksgiving — the holiday that’s supposed to be about gratitude — so often turn into chaos? From family tension and perfectionism to grief, guilt, and emotional flashbacks, Courtnie and Melisa unpack why this holiday can feel like a group therapy session you didn’t sign up for. In this episode, we explore the psychology of T...

Therapy is powerful — but not everything you see on Instagram therapy accounts tells the full story. In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain with some of our unpopular opinions as therapists: ✨ Why the wrong people often show up to therapy (and why the ones causing harm usually don’t) ✨ How over-analyzing every behavior as “trauma” can actually steal nuance from real life ✨ Why therapis...

Why are Millennials always exhausted? It’s not just late nights and too much coffee. From hustle culture to student debt to constantly shifting financial pressures, Millennials were set up to believe rest is lazy and productivity is the only measure of worth. In this episode of Collectively Unhinged: Therapy Talk, Courtnie and Melisa unpack the mental health toll of “always grinding”—chronic burno...

Ever get that gut feeling in a session like… something’s off? Yeah, us too. In this episode of Collectively Unhinged: Therapy Talk, we’re diving into the red flags we see in clients—and the ones we’ve had to own in ourselves. From boundary pushers and therapist-hopping to over-identification and burnout, we’re calling ourselves (and our profession) in—with humor, honesty, and just the right amount...

“You’ll feel better with time.” It’s one of the most common — and most misleading — things we tell people who are grieving. In this episode of  Collectively Unhinged: Therapy Talk,  Courtnie and Melisa sit down with Coraliz Myrtil, LMHC, a grief and trauma specialist, to unpack why  time alone doesn’t heal all wounds  — and what actually helps people move through grief. Together, they explore: Why...

Why do we  pay  to be terrified? From haunted houses and horror movies to our fascination with true crime, fear is one of the strangest thrills of being human. In this Halloween special, Courtnie and Melisa explore the psychology of fear — what happens in your brain when you get scared, why some of us crave the rush, and how fear can actually be  healing. Join us as we unpack the neuroscience behi...

Why does being skinny still get treated like the ultimate achievement? In this episode, we unpack the cultural obsession with thinness and the mental health costs that come with it. From compliment culture (“Wow, you’ve lost weight!”) to weight stigma in healthcare, workplaces, and even dating, we explore how body size shapes self-worth, relationships, and the way we’re treated. We’ll talk about h...

Can a relationship survive cheating—or is betrayal the end of the road? In this episode of  Collectively Unhinged: Therapy Talk , Courtnie and Melisa unpack the complicated reality of infidelity, emotional cheating, and everything in between. Whether you’ve been cheated on, cheated yourself, or are still unsure what even  counts  as cheating—this conversation is for you. We explore: What cheating...

What was supposed to be a polished, Pinterest-perfect photoshoot to celebrate  two years of Strong Mind Mental Health  quickly spiraled into one of the most chaotic (and hilarious) days we’ve had as business owners. From makeup meltdowns, location changes, kids crying in the background, and shooting in the rain — to realizing we hadn’t eaten all day — this “simple” photoshoot turned into pure chao...

What happens when you’re in a committed relationship… but your sexual preferences just don’t line up? In this episode of  Collectively Unhinged: Therapy Talk , we’re diving deep into the awkward, unspoken truth that  loving someone doesn’t automatically mean you like the same kind of sex . We talk kinks, fantasies, mismatched desires, and the emotional landmines that come with trying to bring it a...

Two years ago , we started Strong Mind Mental Health with zero clients, zero income, and nothing but our own drive, vision, and a belief that we could build something different. Today, we’re celebrating two years of growth, grit, and gratitude—with a team of incredible therapists, a community we love, and a mission that keeps evolving. 🎉 In this special anniversary episode, we’re reflecting on: H...

Do you equate self-care with face masks and wine nights? In this episode, we break down the real meaning of self-care—and spoiler alert—it’s not always cute or Instagram-worthy. From setting boundaries and saying "no" without guilt, to recognizing rest as productive, we're diving into the deeper, sustainable habits that actually support your mental health. We explore why glamorized s...

Ever felt like a fraud—even with the degrees, experience, and glowing reviews to back you up? In this episode, we unpack  impostor syndrome —what it is, how it shows up (especially in helping professions), and what it  really  takes to move through it. We’re getting real about: Therapist panic moments (aka: “I have no idea what I’m doing”) The pressure to be  everything  in therapy culture Why soc...

When you’re raising kids, it’s easy to forget you’re also growing a marriage. Between school drop-offs, late-night tantrums, and laundry mountains, quality time as a couple can feel like a luxury — but it’s actually a necessity. In this episode, we unpack how parenthood changes your relationship dynamic, why micro-moments of connection matter, and how to keep your partnership strong without adding...

"Daddy Issues, We All Got 'Em" You’ve heard the phrase. You’ve laughed at the memes. But today, we’re going deeper — way deeper. In this episode of  Collectively Unhinged: Therapy Talk , we’re unpacking “daddy issues” through a clinical lens. Spoiler alert: it’s not just about dating older men or absentee fathers. We’re talking about emotional wounds, attachment patterns, and how ear...

"Why Healthy Habits Are So Hard: Diet Culture, Mental Health, and Sustainable Wellness" Binge cycles, burnout, and the truth about 'lifestyle changes' that don’t work for everyone Do you struggle to stick to a “healthy lifestyle”? Ever start a new diet, workout plan, or morning routine… and feel like a failure when it doesn’t last? You’re not lazy or undisciplined — you’re probab...

🎙️ Welcome back to  Collectively Unhinged: Therapy Talk  — where we embrace the chaos of being mental health professionals and keep it as real as your last 8 a.m. client. In this episode, we're diving into the  awkward gap between what grad school  told  us therapy would be like vs. what it's actually like in the room.  Spoiler alert: textbooks didn’t prepare us for clients ghosting, cryin...