Therapists Unplugged

In this episode of Therapists Unplugged , hosts and therapists Katie Gerwel and Emily McCarty discuss the complex relationship between social media and mental health. They explore current research on how social media use can contribute to anxiety, depression, loneliness, body image concerns, and emotional distress. Katie and Emily also examine why social media platforms are so difficult to put dow...

In this episode of Therapists Unplugged, hosts and therapists Katie Gerwel and Emily McCarty discuss self-compassion and why it can be so difficult to extend kindness and understanding to ourselves. They explore the core components of self-compassion while addressing common misconceptions. Katie and Emily discuss the barriers that often keep people stuck in self-criticism. They also examine the im...

In this episode of Therapists Unplugged, hosts and therapists Katie Gerwel and Emily McCarty discuss compassion fatigue and the emotional exhaustion that can come from caring deeply for others. They explore how compassion fatigue differs from burnout, the signs and symptoms people may experience, and how it can impact emotional well-being, relationships, and daily life. Katie and Emily also share...

It's a birthday celebration on Therapists Unplugged ! In this special episode, Emily McCarty interviews and celebrates co-host and fellow therapist Katie Gerwel for her birthday.  With a mix of playful questions and thoughtful moments, Katie shares stories, perspectives, and pieces of her journey that listeners don't always get to hear. The conversation weaves between lighthearted fun and deeper r...

In this episode of Therapists Unplugged , hosts and therapists Katie Gerwel and Emily McCarty simplify the often confusing world of therapy modalities, breaking down what acronyms like CBT, EMDR, and IFS actually mean. They explain what a modality is and emphasize that there's no one-size-fits-all method. The content of the Therapists Unplugged podcast is for informational purposes only and is not...

In this episode of Therapists Unplugged , hosts and therapists Katie Gerwel and Emily McCarty reflect on a full year of conversations about mental health, self-care, and personal growth. They share why they started the podcast, what surprised them along the way, and revisit meaningful moments from past episodes. Katie and Emily also discuss what podcasting has taught them, both personally and prof...

In this episode of Therapists Unplugged , hosts and therapists Katie Gerwel and Emily McCarty explore what healing actually looks like and why the process can feel harder before it starts to feel better. Through a mental health–centered lens, they normalize why many people feel discouraged when therapy brings up more emotions, memories, or body sensations rather than immediate relief. Katie and Em...

In this episode of Therapists Unplugged , therapists Katie Gerwel and Emily McCarty explore why trauma isn't always a single event. They explain that trauma is defined by the nervous system's response to overwhelm, lack of safety, and lack of support—not by how "big" the experience appears from the outside. Katie and Emily discuss how cumulative stress can build over time and impact the brain and...

In this episode of Therapists Unplugged , hosts and therapists Katie Gerwel and Emily McCarty explore why winter can feel emotionally and physically heavy and how to cope with the season more gently. Through a mental health–centered lens, they normalize seasonal mood shifts, break down the difference between winter blues and Seasonal Affective Disorder, and explain what's happening in the brain an...

In this episode of Therapists Unplugged , hosts and therapists Katie Gerwel and Emily McCarty explore why traditional New Year's resolutions often lead to shame and burnout and what to do instead. Through a mental health–centered lens, they discuss how culture, comparison, and nervous system dysregulation impact goal setting, and share practical ways to set goals rooted in values, capacity, and se...

In this episode of Therapists Unplugged, hosts and therapists Katie Gerwel and Emily McCarty explore why the holidays can feel especially heavy. Katie and Emily discuss how memories, traditions, and societal pressure to "be happy" intensify emotions. They normalize all forms of grief, from death to shifting family dynamics. They offer gentle ways to honor loved ones, navigate overwhelming moments,...

In this episode of Therapists Unplugged , hosts and therapists Katie Gerwel and Emily McCarty explore what it really means to protect your energy during the holiday season. They unpack why boundaries feel harder this time of year, common struggles people face with family and expectations, and practical strategies for staying grounded, present, and true to yourself.   The content of the Therapists...

In this episode of Therapists Unplugged , hosts and therapists Katie Gerwel and Emily McCarty explore the deeper meaning of gratitude. Not just as a feeling, but as a mindset that can shift perspective, calm the nervous system, and strengthen relationships. They break down what gratitude truly is, the science behind it, and practical ways to bring it into everyday life. The content of the Therapis...

It's a special birthday edition of Therapists Unplugged ! This week, therapist and co-host Katie Gerwel turns the mic toward fellow therapist and co-host Emily McCarty to celebrate her birthday and give listeners a chance to get to know the person behind the mic a little better. From silly icebreakers and random talents to heartfelt reflections on growth and self-compassion, Emily opens up about h...

In this episode of Therapists Unplugged , hosts and therapists Katie Gerwel and Emily McCarty explore the power of self-compassion: what it is, why it matters, and how to practice it in everyday life. Drawing on the work of researcher Kristin Neff, they break down the core components of self-compassion and share practical tools to quiet the inner critic, build emotional resilience, and treat yours...

In this episode of Therapists Unplugged, hosts and therapists Katie Gerwel and Emily McCarty dive into Michael Easter's book The Comfort Crisis to explore how modern convenience, while helpful, may be quietly eroding our mental health. From food delivery and climate control to avoiding emotional discomfort, today's lifestyle removes many natural challenges that once shaped human resilience.   The...

In this episode of Therapists Unplugged , hosts and therapists Katie Gerwel and Emily McCarty explore the common struggles faced by those in the 18–25+ age range, including anxiety, identity confusion, lack of life skills, social pressures, and financial stress. They dive into how parenting styles can impact independence and why many young adults feel stuck or unmotivated. You'll hear insights on...

In this back-to-school follow-up episode of  Therapists Unplugged , hosts and therapists Katie Gerwel and Emily McCarty unpack the often confused concepts of school anxiety and school refusal. What they are, how they differ, and why the distinction matters. They're joined by compassionate and experienced elementary school counselor Janell Jones, who shares practical tips for spotting early signs,...

In this timely Back to School episode of Therapists Unplugged , hosts and therapists Katie Gerwel and Emily McCarty explore the emotional ups and downs of starting a new school year. Whether you're a parent, student, educator, or college student, they share practical strategies and personal stories to ease transitions, build sustainable routines, and manage anxiety. With therapist insights and rea...

In this episode of Therapists Unplugged, hosts and therapists Katie Gerwel and Emily McCarty explore one of the most essential, yet often overlooked, human needs: connection to others. They dive into why we're biologically wired to connect, how early attachment shapes adult relationships, and the profound impact of isolation on mental health. Listeners will learn how shame, social anxiety, and tra...

In this episode of Therapists Unplugged, hosts and therapists Katie Gerwel and Emily McCarty are joined by Mel Shrimplin, owner and head coach of Relentless Nutrition and co-host of The Unbroken Podcast, to explore how nutrition and movement can powerfully support mental well-being. They discuss the overall impact of nutrition and mindset, the gut-brain connection, and how diet culture has influen...

In this episode of Therapists Unplugged, hosts and therapists Katie Gerwel and Emily McCarty explore the essential role of sleep in mental health as part of their "Meeting Your Basic Needs" series. They break down the science behind sleep cycles, the effects of sleep deprivation on mood and memory, and how stress and trauma can disrupt rest. The hosts tackle common sleep struggles like insomnia an...

In this episode of Therapists Unplugged, hosts and therapists Katie Gerwel and Emily McCarty explore the topic of anxiety —what it is, why we experience it, and how to manage it. They break down the difference between normal and disordered anxiety, explain its roots in our brain and body, and offer practical tools. Tune in for compassionate insights, helpful strategies, and a reminder that you're...

In this episode of Therapists Unplugged, therapists Katie and Emily dive into the topic of burnout—a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion from prolonged stress. They differentiate it from regular stress and explore common causes. Listeners will learn how to recognize the emotional, physical and behavioral signs of burnout. The hosts then offer practical strategies for recovery and s...

In this episode of Therapists Unplugged, Katie and Emily dive into the stigma surrounding mental health, how it affects individuals and communities, and what we can do to break down those barriers. From misconceptions to media portrayals and systemic challenges, we'll explore how stigma forms—and how we can combat it through education, empathy, and advocacy.   The content of the Therapists Unplugg...