The Shrink Think Podcast

Couples therapy isn’t about picking sides—it’s about creating balance. In this episode, Aaron and Nathan break down one of the most misunderstood aspects of couples counseling: what real balance actually looks like in the room. They explore why couples therapy is not individual therapy times two, and how effective therapy requires attention to three things at once: Each individual partner The dyna...

A lot of people try therapy, do meaningful work, and then eventually step away—because life stabilizes, the “knot” loosens, and it feels like they can take it from there. And honestly, that’s often a healthy outcome. But then something shifts. A big life event hits (a car accident, a death in the family, a major transition), or something subtler starts repeating—your reactions feel outsized, your...

251. Envisioning Goals As Who I Want To Be by Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins

250. Skill Issue or Personality Difference by Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins

In this episode, Aaron and Nathan continue their two-part conversation on AI and therapy—this time getting practical. Rather than debating whether AI should be used, they start from a clear position: AI cannot replace therapy. But when used wisely, it can support and strengthen the therapeutic process. They explore how AI can function as a supplement to therapy—helping with normalization, psychoed...

AI is everywhere right now—and it’s starting to show up in the therapy room, too. In this episode, Aaron and Nathan zoom out and wrestle with a big question that therapists, clients, and everyday humans are increasingly asking: should you use AI alongside therapy… or instead of it? This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation, focused more on the “big picture” and the philosophical/ethical tension po...

In this follow-up to our episode on empathy, Aaron and Nathan shift the focus to compassion—what it is, how it’s different from empathy, and why it can be a more sustainable way of helping others without burning out. Compassion isn’t about getting swept up in someone else’s emotions or rushing them toward change. It’s about feeling for someone while staying grounded, holding both care and perspect...

Empathy is one of the most powerful tools in relationships—and in therapy. But if you’re not careful, it can also become one of the fastest paths to emotional exhaustion. In this episode, Aaron and Nathan kick off a two-part series on empathy vs. compassion, starting with a deep dive into empathy: what it is, why it works, and where it can quietly go sideways—especially for therapists, helpers, an...

Overthinking isn’t the same thing as “thinking deeply.” In this episode, Aaron and Nathan unpack what overthinking actually is, how it feeds anxiety, and why it often turns small decisions into exhausting, paralyzing spirals. They break down the overthinking loop (thought → anxiety → more thinking to relieve anxiety → more anxiety), and offer practical questions to interrupt it—like identifying wh...

What does it actually mean to be vulnerable? Is it the same as being transparent? And where do emotions fit in? In this episode of The ShrinkThink Podcast, licensed professional counselors Aaron and Nathan break down the often-confused differences between transparency, vulnerability, and sharing emotions—and why misunderstanding them can quietly block intimacy, connection, and growth in your relat...

People often think that being “nice” means you will be “safe” in the world, and others won’t hurt you or take advantage of you. Unfortunately, being nice is often a people-pleasing tendency that seeks to pacify what we believe others want at the expense of our needs, honesty, and healthy relationship. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and clinical s...

You can’t change the world around you but when YOU change, the world around you begins to adjust. As you get healthier, set better boundaries, and become more peaceful, your world will become calmer, safer, and more positive. Bad things will still happen, because that’s a part of life, but the world around you will always be a reflection of what’s in you. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavio...

Going to therapy is about self-exploration and self-understanding. You learn more about yourself as your therapist reflects you back to yourself. If you’re focused on trying to earn your therapist’s approval by being a “good client,” then you’re missing the point and not getting what you need out of therapy. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and cli...

Can psychology and spirituality play nice together? Many people believe they cannot mix but we argue they can - and should. Whether a client wants to involve their spiritual beliefs or not, therapy should make space for it without forcing it upon anyone so this important part of life can be addressed. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and clinical s...

Without advocating for or against medication, we address the importance of understanding how it can play a part in the direction therapy goes. As therapists, we don’t need to know as much as prescribers (Primary Care Docs or Psychiatrists) do, but we should be familiar with medication so therapy can include this critical piece of the puzzle. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health exp...

Saying “I’m fine” to people when asked how you’re doing, may not be the emotionally honest answer. Sure, there are times and places to give a socially acceptable answer. But with people close to you, this answer blocks connection and prevents closeness in relationships. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and clinical supervisors with over 35 years of...

If you’ve ever thought you’re too much, crazy, too boring, or too dumb when you share with your therapist, you might have a specific wound that the therapeutic relationship an help heal. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and clinical supervisors with over 35 years of experience. They each own a private group therapy practice and co-own a third one t...

If there’s something in your life you keep doing that it’s healthy and you know you need to change but can’t seem to get started, this episode is for you. We often cling to unhealthy patterns because they’re familiar and changing means walking into the unknown-which is hard to do! Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and clinical supervisors with over...

Amber Drake is a current graduate student attending UH at Hilo, studying clinical mental health counseling and graduating in May 2025. She’s doing an internship at Aloha House, a partial hospitalization program, volunteers with NAMI Maui, sits on the state board of directors with NAMI Hawaii, is a NAMI Maui affiliate leader, and is certified as a youth mental health first aid instructor. Amber sat...

Many people go to therapy because they struggle to feel emotions. Intellectualizing problems is a common way of coping with overwhelming feelings, but it prevents you from feeling. If this is you, here's what you can do about it. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and clinical supervisors with over 35 years of experience. They each own a private grou...

When you decide to go to therapy, it's usually because you've recognized something has become problematic in your life and it needs to change. Bringing this to a therapist for help is a good start, but assuming the therapist knows what you need can prevent you from taking ownership of your needs and directing sessions to meet your needs best. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health ex...

Going to therapy every week is a great thing, but what makes it effective is when you practice something different between sessions toward meaningful change. We discuss some reasons why you might struggle with doing the work outside the therapy office, and what you can do to address this with your therapist. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and cli...

The purpose of therapy is to learn more about yourself so you can make meaningful changes - to “get better.” Sometimes there are obstacles that can get in the way of that process, from both the therapist or the client. The right combination should be help you make progress, even if it takes some time to get there. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, a...

Some people view therapy as a “product” that can be “consumed” at any location, while others view it as a “service” that requires more of a “specialist.” Neither is right or wrong, but knowing what is being sought in therapy can help the client and therapist get on the same page and work together toward the same goals. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselo...

When you can give yourself compassion and tolerate your own emotional experiences, you can hold space for others and be present with their emotional experiences. This is a great skill that can transform your relationships and move conversations to what the real issues are. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and clinical supervisors with over 35 years...