Pink Chair Thairapy

Communicating through triggers. It's hard, especially when it's not an obvious trigger. Feeling like you have to parent your spouse, (or the opposite - feeling like your spouse is parenting you) is a VERY common, and very sneaky emotional trigger that quickly creates a hostile environment that can be nearly impossible to communicate well in. Transactional Analysis is a theory and therapeut...

We often treat anger as the problem itself. But what if anger is actually the solution our minds create when something deeper feels too difficult to experience? Anger often makes us feel strong or intimidating, which in turn makes us feel safe in that moment. Vulnerability typically makes us feel exposed, small, maybe scared... In this episode, we explore why some people unconsciously choose anger...

We often think communication is about choosing the right words, but words are only a small part of the message. In this episode, my husband Jason 🥰 joins us for a conversation about the many layers of communication beyond verbal content—tone, body language, assumptions, intentions, emotions, and the meaning we attach to what we hear. We explore how misunderstandings happen, why people often feel...

In this episode, we break down one of the most misunderstood experiences in the human body: ANXIETY — and why trying to eliminate it may actually be the very process that makes life fulfilling. Dad smacks us with some provocative statements to ponder: ANY change in your life will involve anxiety. Nothing worthwhile happens without it. Without anxiety, life is meaningless. Meaning in life necessita...

Spoiler alert - normal doesn't exist. In the first 10 minutes of this episode, join us for a little pregame if you will, with my dad talking me through IF my own pendulum swings in my personal development journey are healthy or "normal" (going from performer to largely hiding away) as I've become aware of my inner child and family origins. From there we discuss the differences be...

If you’ve ever wondered “Why is this person acting like this?” or “Why did I react that way?” — this is for you. We’ve all heard the term “inner child” — and yes, it is cliché. But behind the kind of cringe label is a very helpful tool to help us understand ourselves and connect with the people around us. In this video, we explore what the inner child actually is, how to spot it in yourself, your...

In this episode, we break down how being a firstborn, middle child, youngest, or only child can shape your personality, relationships, habits, and even your confidence. We cover:- The psychology behind birth order- Classic traits of each birth position- Why siblings can grow up in the same home but become totally different people- How your birth role still affects you as an adultWhether you’re her...

EVERY family has rules that no one talks about — but everyone follows. In this episode, we explore how these unspoken family rules form, why they’re so powerful, and how they continue to guide your behavior long into adulthood. Cycle-breakers, unite!

Family systems shape how we think, feel, and relate to others. In this episode, we begin to break down what the family system is, and the powerful ways it influences your identity, relationships, boundaries, emotional patterns, and stress responses —even long into adulthood. We also discuss the impact that an individual intentionally CHANGING within a family system has on the overall system, and h...

OH MY GOSH YOU GUYS! This episode is so. good. This conversation legitimately changed my life. Looking back, it's so interesting to see how this afternoon with my dad initiated my own awareness, and then influenced years of constantly developing a deeper understanding of my own familial roles and how I've wrestled with them throughout life. Just wow. I know I'm part of this project, bu...

Based on an anonymous appointment, in this episode we'll dig into the effects of "emotional memories" that have no visual memory to give us context (these are typically developed between ages 1-3, or repressed later in life because of trauma).  If you have any lingering questions on this topic, personal/specific situational questions, or comments, feel free to leave them in the comments here, dire...

Wrapping up our series on addiction that was originally started by Lani W's experience of walking through recovery with her husband; in this episode we connect the dots from A and B (Episode 1: Addict and Episode 2: Co-dependent) and discuss what the relationship dynamics look like in recovery. Keeping in mind that now we’re dealing with two addictions; one addiction to a substance or behavior to...

Picking up where we left off in our last episode on addiction; in this episode we tackle the experience of the people around the addict and the relationship cycles that perpetuate and enable addiction. Co-dependence. Where does it come from? Why do we stay in those cycles?  Is codependency actually an addiction? How do we get out? We'll talk about healthy boundaries, "relapsing", and being pr...

Based on an appointment with Lani W., in this episode we tackle the underlying issues of addiction. Addiction cycles, addiction switching, shame vs. guilt, and a whole lot more. We use the example of alcoholism a lot in this episode, but keep in mind that all the concepts we discuss here are applicable to any and all addictions; substance or behavioral.  This is the first of a three-part seri...

"It's a hairstylist! It's an accountant? ..Wait, it's a mailman?" Nah, it's Rebekah and she doesn't fit into any of your boxes. Hairstylist, accountant, outdoor guide, mailwoman, balloon artist, high-end cosmetics girl, swing dancing and rock climbing instructor... at 30 years old she's lived many different lives. Here she gives you a peek at some of the lighter moments in the twists and turns of...

Meet P. Roger Hillerstrom, M.A., L.M.H.C. Psychotherapist, author, professor, speaker, and our resident expert. Here he gives you a rundown on his education, background, experience and professional approach. We also ATTEMPT to give you a digestible definition of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). This is so you'll have a bit more context for Roger's perspective and therapeutic approach as we disc...

Pink Chair Thairapy was born out of the idea that many of us are familiar with; that going to your hairstylist can be like going to a therapist. This is how we [a father/daughter, psychotherapist/hairstylist team] got from that thought to launching the Pink Chair Thairapy Vlogcast.  Background Music: reCreation by airtone (c) copyright 2019 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0)...