The Shrink Think Podcast

There are three triads to the Enneagram: Body, Heart, and Head. Numbers 2, 3, and 4 comprise the Heart triad, which is a fundamental feeling orientation to the world - they process it through emotions. The Heart triad's main struggle is shame, a feeling of unworthiness or not good enough. Twos may seek appreciation for helping, threes may seek admiration for achievements, and fours may seek affirm...

There are three triads to the Enneagram: Body, Heart, and Head. Numbers 5, 6, and 7 comprise the Head triad, which is a fundamental thinking orientation to the world - they process it through their mind. The Head triad's main struggle is fear, a feeling of insecurity and uncertainty. Fives may seek security in accumulating knowledge, sixes may seek it in solutions, and sevens may seek it in fun or...

Often in relationships, we project what we think the other person's intent is and then perceive them to be "attacking" us. The reality, though, is that they are usually defending themselves. The same is true for us when the roles are reversed: we are protecting ourselves and not intentionally trying to hurt the other person. Learning and discerning this can be a game-changer for your relationships...

The world needs more peace. One of the ways we can spread it is to stop being offended about things that don't concern us or that we simply don't need to take offense about. It will make you happier as an individual, it will improve your relationships, and it will make for more peaceful environments. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and clinical su...

People say they're "triggered" left and right these days, but what does that word even mean? Does it mean what they think it means? Probably not. They might be feeling overwhelmed rather than experiencing something "trigger" a past memory or trauma (little "t" or big "T" trauma). If you use that word often, you might want to listen to this episode and make sure you're using it correctly. Aaron Pot...

You may be asking questions with an agenda that leave others feeling defensive or like you're looking for something specific. This may be keeping you stuck in communication and limiting your connection in the relationship. Leading with curiosity can create safety and openness, but it might land you somewhere you don't expect. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed c...

Many people come to therapy discussing issues with dating. We compiled these into one episode just skimming the surface of how to go about dating to find a good partner, and some things to definitely avoid doing. 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 practic...

If you want to give yourself a valuable gift, start with being honest with yourself - about yourself. Telling yourself the truth about your thoughts, feelings, and actions is challenging because we often don't want to see ourselves as we really are, but this kind of honesty will bring clarity and a solid place to start if there are things you want to change. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are beha...

Fear is one of the most powerful feelings we experience, which can drive behavior and distort your perception. Learning how to tolerate how fear feels in your body can empower you to see more objectively and make better decisions in life. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and clinical supervisors with over 35 years of experience. They each own a pri...

Some people believe you and your therapist must have all the same values in order to work together effectively. There is some merit to this, but you can still have a productive working relationship even when you have values differences. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and clinical supervisors with over 35 years of experience. They each own a priva...

When is family therapy a good idea and how can you know it's not couples counseling or individual therapy that you're needing? Family therapy involves all people of the system, not just a couple (such as parents), and works on the relational dynamic between everyone. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and clinical supervisors with over 35 years of ex...

The Enneagram has 3 triads, each with 3 numbers (9 total numbers or personality types). In this episode, we break down the Body/Gut Triad which includes numbers 8, 9, and 1. People in Body Triad experience the world primarily through the physical body and these numbers' main struggle in life is anger: 8s are angry outwardly, 1s are angry inwardly, and 9s don't know they're angry (until they are!)....

It can be scary when a friend tells you they're suicidal or having suicidal thoughts. Many people don't know what to do or say, and are afraid of doing the wrong thing-whatever that is. We open up this difficult topic to give you an outline of things to consider as you help a friend in this situation. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and clinical s...

This is a follow-up to a previous podcast episode on the Enneagram, outlining the three triads: Body/Gut (8s, 9s, 1s), Heart (2s, 3s, 4s), and Head (5s, 6s, 7s). The Body/Gut triad's biggest struggle is Anger, the Heart's is Shame, and the Head's is Fear. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and clinical supervisors with over 35 years of experience. Th...

What happens when you work on yourself and grow, then realize some of the friendships you've had no longer work for you? They're not bad, just just may not support your growth or meet your needs after you've changed. Is it ever okay to move on from friendships? We discuss why this may have happened and how you can address these situations, and those friends, respectfully. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Ha...

If you're wanting to deepen the connections in your relationships, stop "relating" when the other person is sharing something personal and instead do more listening and understanding. "Relating" is great for everyday conversations but can be a real conversation killer. *Watch this episode: https://youtu.be/eQcU7i66bUY *Now on YouTube: @shrink-think ———————— Sign up for our FREE email course on ove...

Yung Pueblo (his real name is Diego Perez) is a poet and philosopher whose writings have inspired millions of people. His instagram (@yung_pueblo) posts are full of wisdom about life and relationships. Recently, he posted about the importance of managing your reactions without suppressing your emotions: https://www.instagram.com/p/CqGCkdquYkZ/. We thought this was an important message to share and...

Do you have to start over if you transfer from your current therapist to a new one? How can you make that switch smooth? Two behavioral health experts share their opinions. Whether you're a mental health counselor or a client going to therapy, we guide you in how to talk with your current therapist and what to say to your new one. It can save you time and money to summarize your current therapy tr...

The Enneagram can be a helpful tool not just for mental health counselors but for anyone interested in improving their relationships at work, with friends or family members, or with a significant other. This episode is an overview of the Enneagram, breaking the types down by triads (gut, heart, head) and struggles (anger, shame, fear). *Watch this episode: https://youtu.be/x4WQHvV_zhU *Now on YouT...

So many people go to therapy unknowingly believing their mental health diagnosis is their identity. They say "I am bipolar" or "I am depressed" instead of "I have anxiety." If this is you, the impact of this might be the reason you're stuck in your progress. Listen (or watch) to find out how you can change and get unstuck. *Watch this episode: https://youtu.be/hreAebT3BjQ *Now on YouTube: @shrink-...

Based on Dr. Craig Malkin's book "Rethinking Narcissism: The Secret to Recognizing and Coping with Narcissists", we break down the healthy human need to "feel special" which can be healthy or develop into narcissism. We hope this helps you recognize the difference between healthy confidence which can empathize with others and narcissism which tends to lack that ability. *Watch this episode: https:...

Our guest, Pavel Ythjall, is on the show today sharing about a tragic car accident he was in that paralyzed his wife from the neck down and broke his neck. Pavel talks about how being a successful photographer who drove a Range Rover, wore a Rolex, and had a million dollars in his bank left him miserable... but he was able to find a deep purpose and joy for life as a result of his accident. This i...

Our guest, Pavel Ythjall, is on the show today sharing about a tragic car accident he was in that paralyzed his wife from the neck down and broke his neck. Pavel talks about how being a successful photographer who drove a Range Rover, wore a Rolex, and had a million dollars in his bank left him miserable... but he was able to find a deep purpose and joy for life as a result of his accident. This i...

In a previous episode (#123, "Forgiveness") we talked about the importance of forgiving. Our listeners asked us to explain "how do you walk out of the prison you're in" where the door is unlocked and wide open, in order to forgive yourself or someone who has wronged you? Listen in for our step-by-step approach to leaving that prison and entering into the freedom that awaits you on the outside. ———...

You may experience anxiety because you're too attached to outcomes and potentials, which you have no control over. You may also get anxiety because you're unable to tolerate the discomfort of not having some person, thing, or object. In this episode, we talk through how to develop healthy connections so you can be a more grounded and emotionally stable person. ———————— Sign up for our FREE email c...