Let's Pick This Up Next Week

Everybody's ex is a "narcissist." Everybody's been "gaslit." Everyone's "so OCD." …are they, though? 🤔 Two licensed therapists put the internet's favorite therapy-speak on trial. Every term gets a verdict — misused, sometimes fair, or a full-on hard NO. 🚫 Dee (she/her) and Dr. DJ (they/them) — your new best friends who happen to be licensed counselor...

Conversion therapy is back in the conversation… and yeah, we need to talk about it. In this episode, Dee and Dr. DJ break down what conversion therapy actually is (and isn’t), why it keeps resurfacing in legal and political debates, and what recent Supreme Court developments could mean moving forward. They dig into the research, the real-world harm, and the ethical responsibilities clinicians are...

In this episode, Dee and Dr. DJ explore the psychology of  identity rupture —what happens when new information challenges who we believe we are. Why does learning something new sometimes feel threatening? Why do conversations across differences feel so emotionally charged? And why does cognitive dissonance make us double down instead of lean in? We unpack: ·      How identity is formed (and protec...

New year, new goals… same pressure? Yeah, we’re not doing that this year. In this episode, Dee and Dr. DJ break down why New Year’s resolutions so often crash and burn, and why that doesn’t mean you failed. We unpack the psychology behind quitting, how shame sneaks into goal-setting, and why the popular “21-day habit” rule is more myth than motivation. Instead of rigid resolutions and productivity...

Some friendships are built on shared memes. Ours was built on grad school burnout, froyo, and the unspoken agreement that we’d be stuck with each other forever. In this week’s episode, Dee and Dr. DJ peel back the curtain on what it’s really like to work with your best friend—from surviving (and occasionally thriving) in counseling programs to navigating neurodivergent communication quirks with hu...

In this episode, Dee and Dr. DJ dig into the cultural response to the death of Charlie Kirk—not to debate him but to unpack why our reactions are so divisive in the first place. Why do algorithms reward outrage? How did social media turn polarizing figures into false prophets? And most importantly, how can we choose to engage (or not engage) in ways that actually protect our peace? We break it dow...

Grief isn’t just about death, and it’s definitely not as neat and tidy as the “five stages” make it sound. In this episode, Dee and Dr. DJ dive into the many faces of grief, from invisible losses (like identity changes or job loss) to the unique challenges of self-chosen grief. We talk about what it really means to hold space for someone, why closure is an inside job, and how tools like radical ac...

Ever feel like you're this close to the life you want? Like if you just got the job… lost the weight… found the person… THEN you'd be okay? This week, we dive into the haunting beauty of “justing” and the emotional hangover of the arrival fallacy. Why are we always living on the edge of enough? And how do we stop chasing almost? 🎧 Tune in for real talk, new language, and a fresh take on the life...

Are you anxiously attached? Avoidant? Disorganized? Or wondering what any of that even means? In this episode, Dee and Dr. DJ unpack the world of attachment styles—what they are, where they come from, and how they show up in your relationships. Whether you’re the type to ghost, cling, or shut down emotionally (or a little bit of all three), we explore how understanding your attachment style is the...

What if your thoughts aren’t facts—but you’ve been treating them like they are? In this episode, Dee and Dr. DJ unpack the #1 therapy tool everyone should know: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Whether you’re a therapist, a client, or just CBT-curious, they break down how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are deeply connected—and how small shifts in thinking can lead to major changes. They expl...

What if the world isn’t as black and white as we think? In this episode, Dr. DJ and Dee explore how rigid thinking limits our understanding, why cognitive dissonance makes us uncomfortable, and how vulnerability is often mistaken for weakness. They break down how societal pressures and media shape division, keeping us stuck in extremes, and why radical acceptance is the key to navigating life’s un...

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) isn’t just a term – it’s impact. In this episode, Dee and Dr. DJ break down the realities of DEI beyond the buzzwords, discussing cultural humility, accessibility, and the ways bias and assumptions shape our experiences. From personal stories to professional insights, they explore why inclusive practices benefit us all—because, at the end of the day, we could...

In this episode, Dee and Dr. DJ tackle decision fatigue—the sneaky culprit behind why we’re so drained. With an average of 35,000 decisions a day, it’s no wonder our brains feel fried! They break down how emotional vs. rational thinking affects daily life and offer practical tips on managing mental exhaustion. From understanding biases to aligning decisions with your core values, they explore how...

Lately, it seems like everyone’s an expert on narcissism. But how much of what we hear online is accurate? In this episode, Dee and Dr. DJ break down the myths, misconceptions, and realities of narcissism and Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). They explore the difference between narcissistic traits and full-blown NPD, the role of trauma and attachment wounds in shaping narcissism, and why na...

This week on Let’s Pick This Up Next Week, Dee and Dr. DJ dive into the topic of nonbinary erasure, sparked by recent comments from the new administration declaring the existence of only two genders. They unpack the harmful impact of this rhetoric on nonbinary individuals and the broader LGBTQ+ community and discuss why language matters in shaping societal attitudes. The duo breaks down how sex is...

Ever felt like you need a PhD just to say “no” to people? In this episode, Dee and Dr. DJ tackle the tricky topic of boundaries—those oh-so-essential lines that keep us sane. They explore how to navigate family drama, relationship pressures, and workplace demands without losing your peace (or your mind). Tune in to learn why boundaries are crucial for personal well-being, how to set them effective...

Feeling burned out? Yeah, us too. You’re not alone. In this episode, Dee and Dr. DJ talk candidly about their personal experiences with burnout, especially within the therapy field. They break down the impact of hustle culture, share strategies for managing burnout, and stress the importance of building confidence when setting boundaries. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more unfil...

“And how does that make you feel?” Dee and Dr. DJ tackle common therapy myths this week including the role of the therapist, the process of therapy, and who the expert REALLY is in the room. Unfortunately there are no participation trophies for therapy, and ultimately it’s the client who puts in the work. But if every good therapist has a therapist, that begs the question – who is the grand master...

This week, Dee & DJ break down overdose awareness and how substance use impacts our lives and communities. Overdose doesn’t discriminate – so be educated! The duo talks narcan, detox risks, signs of an overdose, harm reduction, and everything in between. Share to help save a life! For more information on: International Overdose Awareness Day: https://www.overdoseday.com/ Project DAWN & Har...

How many political text messages will Dee have to report as junk before they stop sending them? In this episode of LPTUNW, Dee and DJ explore the intersection of politics, mental health, and sports. With athletes like Simone Biles and politicians like Kamala Harris, how is the discussion around mental health changing? Tune in to hear their insights on these important topics and how staying informe...

Don’t put away your rainbow flags just yet, in this week’s episode, Dee and DJ dive in to the colorful world of Pride 2024! Join our two favorite therapists as they navigate pride celebrations, corporate rainbow washing, changing norms, and what in the world streaming services have to do with any of this. DJ says it best, “"Instead of banging your head against the wall trying to fit in with a...

We let AI write the show for us this week… Just kidding, technical difficulties ensured we kept things vintage.   Let's Pick This Up Next Week dives into the future of therapy in our latest episode!  Join Dee & DJ as they explore the revolutionary role of AI in the mental health profession, from AI-driven therapy sessions to streamlined progress notes. We tackle the big questions: Can AI m...

Is DEI a bad word now? Who knows, but either way – we are probably doing it wrong. What’s the difference between culture and performative culture changes? Who the hell is this football player and his vocation as a one-and-done commencement speaker? And is the EEOC going to require inclusivity? Do you want to hear why Dee hates the term ‘safe space,’ and what dated reference is DJ going to make thi...

It’s graduation season on LPTUNW! Dee and DJ share their experience of starting out in their careers, and reflect on the pivotal book The Gift of Therapy: An Open Letter to a New Generation of Therapists and Their Patience. The book by Yalom from over 20 years ago gives salient career advice and insights in to therapy… but what about the worst advice? Dee and DJ conducted very scientific science i...

Join us on Let's Pick This Up Next Week for a candid chat on neurodiversity. In this episode, Dee and DJ dive into their personal journeys with autism.   DJ shares their self-discovery of being on the autism spectrum, sparking a discussion on the challenges of diagnosis and the importance of self-identification. Dee & DJ debunk misconceptions around autism traits like stimming and echolali...