Podcast Therapy with Dr. Z

In this very relatable episode, we meet Shmuly, a man carrying the weight of beliefs shaped by childhood, financial struggles, and years of comparing himself to others. Growing up with limited means and feeling the pressure to measure up, he came to believe that if only he had more money, more success, or a different life, he would finally be happy. Like so many of us, those stories quietly became...

In this very relatable episode, we meet Rachel, a young woman struggling with feeling unseen, misunderstood, and disconnected at home. With a painful relationship with her mother and a deep sense of loneliness, she turns to unhealthy escapes like talking to boys and engaging in inappropriate behaviors, searching for comfort, validation, and a sense of being wanted. Beneath the acting out is someon...

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses pornography addiction and sexual content. In this very honest conversation, Yaakov opens up about his chronic struggle with pornography addiction and the pain it has caused in every part of his life. Coming from a difficult childhood and becoming a baal teshuva, he shares how the lying, the shame, and the addiction led to separation from his wife and left hi...

In this raw and deeply vulnerable episode of Podcast Therapy, Miriam opens up about the impact of her sibling’s suicide attempt and the quiet pain that followed. While her sibling was hospitalized, Miriam found herself spiraling, feeling unseen, overwhelmed, and pushed to the edge emotionally. Dr. Z helps Miriam explore why vulnerability feels so difficult and what it means to find one safe person...

Rabbi YY Jacobson and Dr. Shloime Zimmerman sit down for a deep, emotional conversation about mental health, Jewish spirituality, authenticity, and trauma in modern life. Together, they explore how disconnection from the self, emotional pain, and spiritual concealment shape the challenges of today’s generation. They discuss how AI (artificial intelligence) is forcing humanity to rediscover what ma...

In this very honest episode, we meet Chaya, a mother trying to navigate the overwhelming challenge of raising teenage boys in a world filled with inappropriate content. After discovering that one of her sons had been exposed to pornography, she opens up about the fear and uncertainty surrounding how to support him, while also worrying about her younger son following a similar path. With different...

In this powerful episode, we meet Chaya, a young woman navigating deep inner conflict. On the outside, she appears to be a devoted religious girl, but privately, she struggles to observe the Torah and mitzvos. Haunted by the trauma of childhood abuse and the grip of an addiction she has worked to overcome, Chaya feels trapped in a double life, torn between how she looks and how she lives. With Dr....

In this moving episode, we meet Sarah, who grew up in a complex family environment that deeply influenced her self-perception. Burdened by feelings of toxic shame, Sarah has long grappled with self-criticism and perfectionism, impacting her relationships and sense of self-worth. With Dr. Zimmerman's guidance, Sarah begins to unravel the roots of her inner critic and the fear of embracing her i...

In this special episode, presented in partnership with Amudim and moderated by Andy Lauber, Rav Efrem Goldberg joins Dr. Zimmerman for a powerful conversation about the emotional and spiritual toll of the ongoing war in Israel. As fear and anxiety weigh heavily on so many, especially those with children or loved ones in Israel, they explore how we can stay grounded without dismissing our very real...

In this moving episode, we meet Esty, who grew up in a turbulent home marked by conflict and a painful family secret that shaped her sense of self. Carrying deep feelings of toxic shame, Esty has long struggled to be vulnerable, especially within her marriage. Opening up felt unsafe, not just with others, but even with herself. With Dr. Zimmerman’s guidance, Esty begins to uncover the root of her...

In this deeply personal episode, we meet Noach, who grew up feeling like an outsider- never getting into the top classes and struggling with a sense of not being good enough. His journey took on a new layer when his son, a bright and capable student, was denied entry into the top Gemara classes due to learning challenges. This experience reignited feelings of exclusion and self-doubt, leading Noac...

In this powerful episode, we meet Rachel, a woman whose early life was marked by the deep scars of sexual abuse inflicted by her brother. Initially drawn to therapy by memories and emerging triggers, it was the collapse of a serious relationship that finally pushed her to confront the wounds of her past. Under the guidance of Dr. Z, Rachel embarks on a transformative journey to acknowledge and con...

In this powerful episode, we meet Mimi, a woman whose childhood was shaped by the challenges of growing up with a mother who had borderline personality disorder. Mimi shares the profound impact of her upbringing, including feelings of toxic shame, never feeling “enough,” and an inability to experience true love.   Dr. Z helps Mimi navigate her pain, leading to a remarkable breakthrough through lig...

In this deeply personal episode, our guest shares her journey of navigating life with a brother who has left the path of religious observance (OTD) and struggles with mental health challenges. She reflects on how his journey impacted her own—shaping her values, her relationships, and ultimately her approach to life and G-d. Dr. Z addresses the guest’s confusion at G-d, offers insights on resilienc...

This episode reflects on the Ten Days of Repentance, featuring Yanky’s journey of healing and repentance. He shares how his trauma led him to behaviors he was deeply ashamed of. Ultimately, Yanky embraced internal work, change, and forgiveness. As Yom Kippur nears, Dr. Z offers insights into healing, moving past our past, and transformation thereby reminding us of our power to break negative cycle...

Trigger Warning: This episode deals with emotional, physical, and sexual abuse and suicide.   We delve into a harrowing story of abuse and survival. Our guest, who endured physical and emotional abuse from his parents and was molested by a community member, shares his painful journey. Having cut off communication with his parents, he struggles with anger and questions whether confronting them coul...

Leah, a busy mother, wife, and full-time employee, calls in to discuss her struggles with self-care. As the conversation unfolds, it becomes clear that Leah's challenges are deeply rooted in her childhood experiences and the immense pressure she places on herself.   Doctor Z helps Leah explore the emotional and psychological barriers preventing her from prioritizing self-care, revealing a complex...

This episode provides inspiration and insights for anyone facing life's hurdles. Join us for an empowering session of "Therapy" where Chaya (alias and AI-masked voice) shares her journey with Dr. Z. From battling addiction to facing infidelity and ultimately finding strength as a single mom, Chaya's story is one of resilience and growth. Listen as Dr. Z offers advice and guidance, helping Chaya na...

Trigger warning: this episode deals with death and mental illness.   Lakewood and the wider Jewish community are reeling from an unthinkable tragedy: a mother had a psychotic break and tragically drowned two of her children. In the face of such profound shock and grief, we are all grappling with how to move forward. Dr. Z addresses the pressing questions we have about this heartbreaking incident a...

Atara (alias name and Ai masked voice) and 2 of her kids struggle with ADHD. She asks Dr. Z how to navigate it. This episode also explores how we can cope with mental health challenges and help educate our children.    To be a future guest (yes, we can distort your voice): Please visit LivingLchaim.com/podcasttherapy     You can explore the world of mental health with our other show "That's An Iss...

In each episode, Dr. Shloimie Zimmerman will sit down with a real person to discuss their real challenges.   In this episode, the caller brings up his unhealthy technology habits.   We explore the source of his issue and possible solutions to help mitigate the issue.   To be a future guest (yes, we can distort your voice): Please visit LivingLchaim.com/podcasttherapy   You can explore the world of...

In each episode, Dr. Shloimie (Steven) Zimmerman will sit down with a real person to discuss their real challenges.   This is like no other show in the Jewish world and we're excited you can enjoy and learn from it.   To be a future guest (yes, we can distort your voice): Please visit LivingLchaim.com/podcasttherapy   You can explore the world of mental health with our other show "That's An Issue"...