Therapists' Take with Carrie and Josh

In this episode of Therapists' Take, we welcome back polygraph examiner David Otwell to explore a critical aspect of the polygraph process—how to properly prepare for a polygraph and the importance of managing doubt. For many couples navigating betrayal trauma recovery, polygraph exams are often desired and sought after as a tool to aid in creating transparency and rebuilding trust, yet many appro...

Valentine’s Day is often portrayed as the ultimate celebration of love, but for many, it can be a source of stress, disappointment, and even emotional pain. In this episode of Therapists' Take, we explore the dark side of Valentine’s Day, uncovering the hidden pressures, unrealistic expectations, and emotional struggles that often go unspoken. From the loneliness of being single to the strain...

In this episode of Therapists' Take, we dive into Webster’s 2024 Word of the Year – Polarization and explore its impact on both mental and relational health. While polarization is often discussed in political and societal contexts, it also affects our personal lives, shaping the way we think, feel, and connect with others. ________ 00:00 - Intro 00:49 - Hi, Carrie! 01:24 - Words of the Past 04...

In this episode of Therapists' Take, we explore the growing phenomenon of climate anxiety and how therapy can offer hope and healing in the face of environmental uncertainty. Mary Scruggs of Family Solutions Counseling joins us to discuss the emotional toll of climate change and share strategies for managing eco-anxiety. We’ll cover key aspects of this timely issue, including understanding cli...

In this episode of Therapists' Take , we dive back into the polarizing topic of polygraph exams in betrayal trauma couple recovery. If you listened to Episode 44 (links are below), then you’re familiar with Carrie and Josh’s views on the subject—but could their perspectives shift after this conversation? Joining us is polygraph examiner David Otwell, who brings decades of expertise to the tabl...

In this episode, we explore Therapeutic Separations —a carefully structured approach to relational healing, facilitated by a licensed therapist, often used when couples face significant challenges such as infidelity or betrayal trauma. We’ll unpack what therapeutic separations entail, who benefits most from them, how they’re designed, and tips to enhance their success. ______________ Episode Break...

In this episode of Therapists’ Take, we explore the profound role vulnerability plays in building and sustaining healthy relationships. Vulnerability is often misunderstood as a sign of weakness, but in truth, it’s the cornerstone of trust, emotional intimacy, and genuine connection. Join us as we break down what vulnerability truly means and how embracing it can transform relationships for the be...

In this episode of the Therapists' Take Podcast, Carrie and Josh dive into the controversial topic of polygraph exams in betrayal trauma recovery. For years, polygraphs have been used to aid couples navigating infidelity or sex addiction recovery, often as part of therapeutic disclosures. But are they truly effective? Do they truly serve the healing process? Join us as we: 🧐 Unpack how polygraphs...

From Conflict to Connection: Healing Relationships Over the Holidays. In Part 2 of our Thanksgiving series, we’re joined by two incredible returning guests: Dr. Shannon Dial and Whitney Alexander, LMFT , who bring their expertise to the table to help us navigate the emotional complexities of the holiday season. Building on the insights from Part 1, this episode focuses on practical steps to bridge...

The holidays are a time of joy and togetherness, but they can also stir up unexpected feelings of grief, resentment, and emotional conflict. Why do gratitude and grief so often coexist during this season? In this powerful episode, we explore the emotional complexities of the holidays and offer insights to help you navigate them with self-awareness and compassion. We’re thrilled to be joined by Dr....

In this episode of Therapists' Take, we dive into the complex realities of coping with chronic illness as a family. Joined by guest Ceedee Gaddis, LMFT, we’ll explore how a long-term health condition can challenge family bonds, reshape communication, and create new expectations for support and care. Tune in for insights on building a resilient, unified family approach to chronic illness and findin...

In this episode of Therapists' Take, we delve into the complex world of lust, exploring how it impacts our journey toward self-control and personal power. Inspired by insights from Mirror of Intimacy by Alexandra Katehakis, we look at why lust often feels so conflicting and discuss its role in psychological growth. If you’re interested in a fresh perspective on this intense emotion, join us as we...

In this Halloween-themed episode of the Therapists' Take Podcast, we dive into the concept of metaphorical monsters in our relationships—those individuals who drain us, manipulate us, and leave a trail of negativity in their wake. Join us as we explore four personality types to steer clear of: Vampires, Werewolves, Witches, and Ghosts. Each figure symbolizes a different toxic relationship pattern,...

In this episode of the Therapists’ Take Podcast, we dive into the controversial topic of "Fat Culture." Is the word "fat" inherently fat-shaming, or does it reflect a cultural reality? We’ll explore the psychology of disgust, how societal standards perpetuate a thin vs. fat divide, and whether acceptance of different body types means ignoring health concerns altogether. Join us for an honest conve...

In this episode of the Therapists' Take Podcast , we explore the complex relationship between sexual addiction and the brain's functioning. Join us as we discuss how compulsive behaviors are driven by the brain's reward system and how the brain gets hi-jacked when addiction forms. We also dive into practical approaches for recovery and how trauma and emotional wounds contribute to the cycle of add...

In this episode of the Therapists' Take Podcast, we dive deep into the valuable relational purpose of difficult emotions. Anger, resentment, guilt, and feelings of defeat are often seen as negative, but they hold important messages about our relationships. Join us as we explore how these emotions can act as signals for unmet needs, boundary issues, and personal growth. We discuss how to better und...

In this episode of the Therapists' Take Podcast, we dive into the complex world of love addiction and limerence—two often misunderstood concepts that can deeply affect personal relationships. We’ll explore how childhood trauma plays a pivotal role in forming these patterns and, most importantly, offer hope and practical steps toward recovery. Whether you’re experiencing these struggles or supporti...

In this special bonus episode of the Therapists' Take Podcast, couples expert Donnie Van Curen delves into the heart-wrenching experience of a broken heart. Together, we'll explore some of the toughest questions that come with this deep emotional pain: Why does it hurt so much? Will the pain ever fade? Does this signal the end of a relationship or marriage? And perhaps most importantly, is...

In this episode of the Therapists' Take Podcast, hosts Carrie and Josh dive into the world of critical thinking and logical fallacies, drawing inspiration from Adam Grant's work on the Hierarchy of Critical Thinking. Critical thinking is the ability to objectively analyze and evaluate an issue in order to form a judgment. It’s a crucial skill in our increasingly complex world, helping us t...

In this episode, Carrie and Josh take you all the way back to the very first Therapists' Take episode, before it was a podcast. Here they tackle the "Karen" phenomenon—a topic that has sparked countless debates, memes, and YouTube channels. Join us as we explore: The origins of the "Karen" phenomenon and its evolution over time. What "Karen" really means and the s...

In this episode of Therapists' Take, we dive into the emotional turmoil faithful partners experience after infidelity, particularly the pervasive feeling of foolishness. We'll explore why so many partners blame themselves and break down the three most common ways this feeling manifests: "I feel foolish for letting it happen," "I feel foolish for letting it happen again,&quot...

In this episode of the Therapists' Take Podcast, we are joined by Whitney Alexander, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, EMDR therapist and consultant, and founder of the Warren Alexander Group. Whitney brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in trauma therapy, particularly in addressing the complexities of PTSD. Today, we’ll explore the profound impact of Complex PTSD and delve into...

I think it is safe to say that the challenges parents face in the twenty-first century are far more complex than the challenges parents faced even one or two generations ago. What do we tend to blame? Technology! In reality, technology has always been the bane of parental existence. The world has always been going to hell in a hand basket. How many generations of parents can relate to that feeling...

Everybody has heard of sexual infidelity, but what is financial infidelity? If fidelity is the “quality or state of being faithful,” according to Merriam-Webster.com, then “infidelity” would be the opposite of that, which might be why “unfaithful” has become synonymous with sexual infidelity. So, we can safely assume that financial infidelity is some kind of egregious relational violation involvin...

Have you ever done something truly courageous? If so, what was it? What made it an act of courage for you? If you haven’t, then why not? What has held you back? Is it possible you were brave at times, yet your brain doesn’t conceptualize it as courage? Courage is a complicated concept and phenomenon. Most human beings over the age of three have displayed acts of courage. So how come we often don’t...