Mentally Stronger with Therapist Amy Morin

What if you could make your hardest habits feel easier—without relying on willpower? There’s a simple, science-backed strategy that pairs what you “should” do with something you “want” to do, so you actually look forward to it. The good news is, you don’t need more motivation. Instead, you can create instant gratification that makes you want to keep engaging in a habit like going to the gym or doi...

Do you feel hopeless—like you’re stuck in a dark place with no way out? If you’ve ever thought your struggles are too big to overcome or that the world is falling apart, this episode is for you. Hope isn't something you either have or don’t—it’s a skill you can build. My guest today is Dr. Julia Garcia, a psychologist and author of The Five Habits of Hope. Some of the things we discuss are: What h...

What if your mind is setting small traps for you that are draining your mental strength without you noticing? Your thoughts don’t just live in your head. They shape your emotions, your choices, and even how your body responds. The good news is anything learned can be unlearned. When you spot these unhealthy thinking patterns, you can apply some simple fixes that will help you put your brain power...

Do you think play is just for kids? When life feels serious and productive, play might be the furthest thing from your mind. But a more playful mindset is a science-backed way to boost resilience, problem-solving, and connection. In this episode, I sit down with toy designer and creativity expert Cas Holman. We explore how to bring more play into everyday life so you can think more flexibly, feel...

Self-awareness can help you understand yourself as well as get a clearer picture of how others see you. It can also close the gap between who you think you are and how you actually show up. Today, I’m sharing science-backed strategies to build real self-awareness —so you can make better decisions, align your behavior with your values, and become the person you mean to be. Some of the things I shar...

Do you ever wonder why some people thrive after a tough childhood while others stay stuck in patterns they can’t break? A difficult childhood can impact how you connect with others, set boundaries, and see yourself—but there are practical ways to heal and build a better life. In this episode, I’m joined by Anna Runkle, known as the Crappy Childhood Fairy, who has helped millions recover from the e...

Do you ever feel like you’ve “tried everything” but still feel stuck? What if the real problem isn’t your plan—it’s your mindset? On today’s episode, we’re diving into how your mindset shapes your reality, why mindset is at the root of most problems, and how to strengthen it—fast. You’ll learn simple, science-backed ways to shift the lens you use to see the world so your thoughts, feelings, and ac...

What if hypnosis could change your life? Hypnosis is one of the oldest forms of psychotherapy, yet it’s often misunderstood and underutilized. Whether you want to overcome anxiety, reduce your pain, or break bad habits, hypnosis is a science-backed strategy that could help you change. Today's guest is Dr. David Spiegel, a clinical psychiatrist and world-renowned expert in hypnosis, joins me to dis...

You've heard people say things like, "Never give up," or "The only way to fail is to quit." But, as a therapist, I see the dangers of adopting these mantras. Blind persistence is an unhealthy mindset. It's often fed by ego and leads to a variety of mental health issues and practical problems. Sometimes, quitting is actually a sign of strength and the key to living your best life. Some of the thing...

Do you spend a lot of time worrying about whether someone is mad at you? Do you avoid sharing your opinion because you don’t want to be disliked? If so, you might be engaging in fawning—a survival response that drives people-pleasing behavior. I'm joined by Meg Josephson, psychotherapist and bestselling author of Are You Mad at Me?. Together, we explore the roots of fawning, how it impacts our liv...

What if letting yourself feel bad could actually make you stronger? There's a lot of pressure to be happy or to improve your mood all the time. But sometimes, feeling terrible isn't just OK, it's actually helpful. Our natural response to feeling bad is to fix the situation or avoid the feeling, which can actually make things worse. Learning to embrace and process uncomfortable emotions is a key pa...

What if your physical health issues actually stem from childhood trauma? Whether you’re struggling with chronic fatigue, digestive issues, or autoimmune conditions, healing from your past might actually heal your body. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Aimie Apigian, physician, trauma expert, and author of The Biology of Trauma. Dr. Aimie explains how trauma doesn’t just affect your emotions—it i...

What if three little words could make you mentally stronger? Your language is powerful. Thinking or saying these words can shape your mindset. Your mindset affects how you approach challenges, how you see yourself and how you cope with setbacks. When you start using language that empowers you to be your best, you'll feel better and you'll do better. Some of the things I share are: How language aff...

Do you ever feel trapped by shame, guilt, or the stories you tell yourself about your past? Those are some of the hidden prisons that can keep us stuck in life. In today’s episode, I’m talking to Shaka Senghor. He spent 19 years in prison, including 7 in solitary confinement. But his story isn’t just about survival—it’s about how he transformed his life. And now, he’s a New York Times bestselling...

Whether you feel like you’re walking on eggshells around someone or someone tries to guilt you into things you don't want to do, emotional manipulation can drain you of mental strength. The good news is, once you know how to spot the red flags, you can take back your power and stay mentally strong. Some of the things I talk about today are: The 5 red flags that are signs of emotional manipulation...

What if the life you’ve been living no longer aligns with your values? Would you have the courage to reinvent yourself and start over? Mental strength isn’t just about enduring a painful situation—it’s about knowing when to let go and create a life that truly fulfills you. In this episode of Mentally Stronger, I sit down with Christine Brown Woolley, star of TLC’s Sister Wives and author of the ne...

Whether you struggle to stick to your work out routine or you have a hard time staying motivated to write a book, one small shift in your mindset could make all the difference. Motivation isn't something you either have or you don't. It's something you can create. One of the best ways to maintain motivation involves the way you describe yourself. Instead of looking at what you want to achieve, con...

If you’ve ever sidestepped a tough conversation, ignored a problem, or avoided something that scares you, this episode is for you. Avoidance and anxiety often go hand-on-hand. Avoiding a problem helps you feel better right now, but it leads to long-term problems. It also makes anxiety worse in the long run. Today I’m joined by Dr. Robin Walser, clinical psychologist and expert in acceptance and co...

Do you feel like there just isn't enough time to get things done? Or do you feel guilty for not spending enough time on the things that matter most—whether it’s your health, your relationships, or your personal goals. You’re not alone. Today I'm talking about how to make intentional trade-offs that align with your values so your life feels more in balance. By the end of this episode, you’ll have a...

Do you ever feel stuck in the middle of family drama while trying to make the "right" decision? Maybe you’ve been asked to take sides in a family feud or you want to help someone but you're afraid you might enable their poor choices. These kinds of dilemmas can leave you feeling stressed out and anxious--unless you have a strategy for dealing with family drama. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. B...

Do you ever feel like having a less than ideal childhood somehow holds you back? Maybe you grew up in a chaotic household or you just weren't taught the skills other kids learned. As an adult, you might find yourself feeling stunted by the adversity you faced. On today's episode, we’re diving into science-backed strategies to overcome a difficult childhood. And don't worry, you don't have to rehas...

Why would someone confess to a crime they didn’t commit? Or why would someone join a cult? Most of us think we’re too mentally strong to fall for brainwashing, but subtle forms of persuasion might already be shaping the way we think, feel, and act—without us even realizing it. In this episode, I sit down with historian, professor, and author Rebecca Lemov to explore the psychology of brainwashing...

Do you ever feel stuck in a rut or frustrated that you keep falling back into the same old patterns that aren’t working? If so, this episode is for you. We often go through life on autopilot. We rely on routines that feel comfortable even when they aren't working for us. The good news is, you have the power to break free and the answer is as simple as DSD — "Do Something Different." Some of the th...

How often do you laugh? If it’s been a while, you’re not alone. But laughter isn’t just enjoying a good joke. It is actually a powerful tool for building mental strength. I sit down with Dr. Steven Sultanoff, a psychologist and leading humor expert, to explore the science behind humor and why laughter is good for your health. Some of the things we talk about are: The difference between humor and l...

What if most of the self-help advice you’ve been hearing might actually make things worse? Unfortunately, there's a lot of bad advice being shared on social media and in the news that could be downright destructive to your mental health. So today, I'm busting 10 of the biggest mental health myths and mindset. When you understand the truth about mental health, it's easier to prioritize your mindset...