Collectively Unhinged: Therapy Talk

Have we turned healing into another impossible standard? In this episode of  Collectively Unhinged: Therapy Talk , we explore the growing pressure to "heal the right way" and why so many people feel like they're failing at therapy when they still experience anxiety, triggers, setbacks, or emotional reactions. We discuss how social media has unintentionally turned healing into somethi...

Are you missing red flags in dating, or are you explaining them away? In this episode of  Collectively Unhinged: Therapy Talk , we explore the dating red flags people often ignore, rationalize, or mistake for chemistry. We discuss the difference between a true red flag and a normal human flaw, why attraction can cloud judgment, and the warning signs therapists believe deserve more attention. We al...

What if the very qualities that make you an incredible partner are also the ones putting you at risk? In this episode of Collectively Unhinged: Therapy Talk , we explore how some of the most admired relationship traits, including empathy, loyalty, forgiveness, commitment, and resilience, can sometimes become vulnerabilities when they aren't balanced with healthy boundaries. We discuss why good...

In this episode of  Collectively Unhinged: Therapy Talk , we're ditching the outline and having a real conversation about what's been living rent-free in our minds lately. From health and fitness goals to parenting struggles, chronic anxiety, self-care, work responsibilities, and the challenge of finding balance in everyday life, we're talking about the things many people think about b...

In this episode of  Collectively Unhinged: Therapy Talk , we explore why so many people feel overwhelmed trying to keep up with everyday life — especially when even taking care of yourself starts to feel like another task on an endless to-do list. We break down the mental load of modern life, including work responsibilities, parenting, relationships, kids’ activities, schedules, meals, health goal...

Trying to “get out of trouble” with your partner? You might be making things worse. In this episode of Collectively Unhinged: Therapy Talk , we unpack why most people say the wrong things during conflict—and how those responses actually escalate arguments instead of resolving them. We talk about the difference between defending yourself and repairing the relationship, and share specific phrases th...

Making friends as an adult shouldn’t feel this hard… but for a lot of people, it does. In this episode of Collectively Unhinged: Therapy Talk , we break down why building and maintaining friendships gets more complicated as we get older—and why so many people feel lonely even when they want connection. We explore friendship anxiety, social discomfort, and the pressure of intentional connection, as...

Therapy isn’t always calm. Healing isn’t always peaceful. And your therapist? Definitely not always neutral. In this episode of Collectively Unhinged: Therapy Talk , licensed therapists Courtnie and Melissa share unpopular therapy opinions that challenge what people think therapy should look like. From small talk in sessions to crying with clients, from the pressure to always be “regulated” to the...

“We all have the same 24 hours.” Sounds motivating… but for a lot of people, it feels exhausting, invalidating, and honestly untrue. In this episode of  Collectively Unhinged: Therapy Talk , we break down why the idea that everyone has the same 24 hours is not only inaccurate, but harmful to mental health. We explore how trauma, anxiety, depression, nervous system regulation, privilege, and life c...

What happens when co-parenting peacefully just isn’t possible? In this episode of  Collectively Unhinged: Therapy Talk , we break down the real-life challenges of co-parenting after a breakup — especially when communication is difficult, conflict is high, or trust is low. We explore the difference between co-parenting and parallel parenting, when each approach is appropriate, and why forcing coope...

Co-parenting after a breakup can be emotionally complicated, especially when unresolved relationship wounds are still present. In this episode of  Collectively Unhinged: Therapy Talk , we explore the emotional reality of co-parenting, why communication with an ex can trigger old relationship conflicts, and how parental tension impacts children. We discuss common co-parenting challenges, emotional...

Why do anxious and avoidant people keep ending up together — and why does it feel so intense but exhausting? In this episode of  Collectively Unhinged: Therapy Talk , we break down the anxious–avoidant attachment dynamic and why it creates powerful chemistry, push-pull cycles, and chronic emotional burnout. We explore how nervous systems recognize familiarity, why intensity gets mistaken for conne...

Is monkey branching really cheating — or is it fear disguised as comfort? In this episode of  Collectively Unhinged: Therapy Talk , we break down the viral dating term  monkey branching  and explore the deeper psychology behind overlapping relationships, avoided endings, and emotional avoidance. We unpack the critical difference between emotional comfort and emotional safety, why comfort can feel...

Feeling too old? Too young? Or like you’re behind in life? In this episode of  Collectively Unhinged: Therapy Talk , we unpack ageism, timeline anxiety, and the pressure to feel a certain way at a certain age. We explore what people really mean when they say  “I feel old,”  why internalized ageism affects mental health at every stage of life, and how burnout, trauma, and comparison culture distort...

The “24-hour rule” has taken over relationship TikTok. You’ve probably heard it: couples should resolve conflict within 24 hours… or let it go. It sounds healthy. Clean. Emotionally mature. But is it actually supportive… or is it quietly teaching people to rush their nervous systems, suppress feelings, and call it “communication”? In this episode of Collectively Unhinged: Therapy Talk , licensed t...

Soft life. Sleepmaxxing. Magnesium culture. Cozymaxxing. Self-diagnosis TikTok. Digital detoxes.  In this episode of  Collectively Unhinged: Therapy Talk , we’re unpacking the mental health TikTok trends that dominated 2025 and what they actually reveal about burnout, anxiety, trauma, and nervous system regulation. We explore: Why “soft life” content exploded The psychology behind sleepmaxxing and...

What’s it actually like to come home to someone who talks about emotions for a living? In this episode of  Collectively Unhinged: Therapy Talk , we sit down with the husband of a therapist Co-Host Courtnie to talk about what happens  behind the scenes  of a therapist’s relationship. From the expectations people have (“Are you in therapy 24/7?”) to the realities of communication, conflict, boundari...

Who says romance has to mean babysitters, big budgets, or perfectly curated evenings out? In this episode of Collectively Unhinged: Therapy Talk , we’re talking about keeping love alive in the middle of chaos—sticky hands, endless laundry, and no childcare in sight. We’ll dive into: Creative, low-cost, and realistic date ideas for parents who can’t (or don’t want to) hire a sitter Why micro-moment...

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...