Through a Therapist's Eyes Podcast

In this November Month in Review, we look back at three big topics that shape how we think and feel every day: politics, technology, and the balance between our head and our heart. First, we talk about how politics can fill us with fear, stress, and "us vs. them" thinking - and how taking breaks from the news can actually help us feel calmer and think more clearly. Then, with guest Lisa Danahy, we...

In this episode of Through a Therapist's Eyes, we explore the fascinating tension between your intellectual and emotional levels of function—and why stress, anxiety, and modern life so often knock these systems out of balance. Building on insights from Episode 27 ("Trust Your Gut or Use Your Head"), we ask how clearly you can think when your emotions are dysregulated, whether your head or heart le...

In this episode of Through a Therapist's Eyes, we explore whether technology has become humanity's biggest emotional challenge as we welcome special guest Lisa Danahy from Create Calm. Together, we look at how growing up digital is reshaping patience, empathy, and connection in ways no generation has ever experienced. We break down the tension between our slow, human emotional systems and the fast...

In Politics, Community, and Mental Health (Ep334), Chris takes a thoughtful look at how political fear shapes not just our beliefs—but our brains, our relationships, and our sense of belonging. From understanding fear as the dominant political tool to exploring how it fractures community and fuels chronic stress, this episode connects emotional regulation to civic awareness in powerful ways. Liste...

In this special "333" episode, Chris reflects on the personal and symbolic meaning of the number 333—creativity, growth, and encouragement—and revisits a month full of powerful insights. Episode 329 explored Formal and Informal Power in Relationships, where the team discovered that true strength comes from vulnerability, not control. Episode 330 took on Willpower, revealing how pairing determinati...

In Episode 332: Elderly Dating, Through a Therapist's Eyes explores what dating looks like later in life-whether it's about companionship, romance, or new beginnings. The hosts discuss the emotional and social benefits of connecting again, as well as the challenges of grief, health changes, and online dating. They also highlight growing concerns around romance scams targeting older adults and shar...

In Episode 331 of Through a Therapist's Eyes, we tackle one of the hardest truths in recovery and wellness: how much control do we really have over our mental health and substance use? Building on Episodes 327 (The Value of Vulnerability), 328 (The Information Age Issues), and 330 (Willpower), this conversation digs into the neuroscience of control - how brain chemistry, stress, and trauma reshape...

In this episode of Through a Therapist's Eyes, we take a deep dive into willpower - what it really is, how it works, and why it so often fails us. From the neuroscience of self-control to the myths surrounding "mental strength," we explore whether willpower is a reliable path to lasting change or just a short-term burst of motivation. You'll hear how it shows up in mental health, relationships, an...

In this episode of Through a Therapist's Eyes, we dig into how power shows up in our closest relationships — sometimes loud and obvious, sometimes quiet and emotional. Using insights from Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), we explore how control, influence, and vulnerability all play a role in love and connection. You'll hear how formal power (like money or decision-making) and informal power (lik...

In this episode of Through a Therapist's Eyes, Chris and Neil discuss the impact of social media on mental health, the importance of vulnerability in relationships, and the distinctions between OCD and OCD personality disorder. They explore how technology influences human interaction, the dangers of echo chambers, and the sensationalism of news media. The conversation emphasizes the need for inten...

In this episode of Through a Therapist's Eyes, we explore The Value of Vulnerability - a theme made even more urgent in light of recent tragedies, from a fatal stabbing in Charlotte to school and public shootings. Vulnerability is often mistaken for weakness, but as research and real-life experience show, it's the foundation of trust, empathy, and authentic connection in relationships, therapy, an...

In this episode of Through a Therapist's Eyes, we unpack the often-misunderstood world of Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD) and explore how it differs from both everyday perfectionism and OCD. From the importance of accurate differential diagnosis to the ego-syntonic traits that make OCPD so challenging to recognize, we highlight how this disorder impacts relationships, marriages, a...

In this August 2025 Month in Review, we revisit three powerful conversations that dig deep into the human experience. First, we look at the raw reality of loss in Grief Sucks (Ep322), exploring how grief shapes daily life, the concept of "pre-grieving," and practices like routine, rituals, and self-care that help us carry the weight of loss. Next, in How to Handle Life's Transitions (Ep323), we un...

In this episode of Through a Therapist's Eyes, we dive into the challenge of acceptance—what it really means, why it matters, and how it can transform your mental health and relationships. Too often, acceptance is mistaken for giving up or being passive, but in truth, it's about acknowledging reality as it is so you can respond with clarity and strength. We explore how acceptance differs from resi...

In this episode of Through a Therapist's Eyes, we dive into the ups and downs of life's transitions, with a special focus on the emotional rollercoaster parents face when all the kids head off to college. Change - whether expected or unexpected - can stir up excitement, fear, and uncertainty, and we explore William Bridges' three phases of transition to make sense of the process: letting go, navig...

In this heartfelt episode of Through a Therapist's Eyes, we dive deep into why grief truly sucks - and why it's still a vital part of healing. From the brain's trauma-like response to loss, to the layers and patterns of grief that don't always follow a neat timeline, we explore how it affects not just emotions, but sleep, appetite, cognition, and even your immune system. We unpack concepts like "p...

In the July 2025 Month in Review episode of Through a Therapist's Eyes, we revisit three thought-provoking conversations that blend philosophy, technology, and emotional connection. First, we explore the timeless appeal and modern misuses of Stoicism, highlighting its powerful virtues - like courage and wisdom - alongside the risks of emotional detachment or over-rationality. Then, we dive into th...

In Episode 320 of Through a Therapist's Eyes , we explore the powerful pairing of acceptance and cheerleading - two emotional forces that, when balanced, can foster deep healing and growth. How do we fully acknowledge someone's pain without jumping to fix it? And when is the right moment to offer encouragement without sounding dismissive? This episode dives into the therapeutic wisdom of DBT's "ra...

At first this episode was going to be about Acceptance, but once the conversation started talking about the current event of Grok 4 coming out, we pulled an audible and shifted topic to Artificial Intelligence's Effects with Humanity. We look at how AI can shift human behavior as more and more people use that technology. Will humans be capable of thinking and processing what is happening in our wo...

In Episode 318 of Through a Therapist's Eyes, we explore the enduring appeal - and potential pitfalls - of Stoicism in today's world. While its core virtues of courage, temperance, wisdom, and justice offer a resilient framework for navigating life's challenges, misapplying Stoic techniques can lead to emotional suppression, social withdrawal, or an unhealthy reliance on self-control. Join us as w...

In the June Month in Review, Through a Therapist's Eyes revisits three powerful episodes that challenge how we love, connect, and grow in relationships. From strategies to stop taking things personally in your marriage (Ep314), to exploring the deep emotional and psychological healing power of relationships (Ep315), and finally asking the age-old question - what is love: a fleeting feeling or a la...

Is love just a feeling, or is it something you choose and commit to? In this episode of Through a Therapist's Eyes, we dive into the big question: What really is love? From fiery passion to quiet commitment, we explore how love shows up in our lives—romantic, platonic, self-love, and more. Using stories, psychology, and even a little humor (yes, we mention Fiddler on the Roof), we look at what mak...

In Episode 315 of Through a Therapist's Eyes, we uncover the transformative power of relationships - how the right connections can literally rewire your brain and heal your body. With special guest Alicia, the producer's wife, we take a heartfelt and science-backed look at why emotional closeness, trust, and empathy aren't just comforting - they're essential to our mental and physical health. From...

In Episode 314 of Through a Therapist's Eyes, we tackle the common but often overlooked habit of taking things personally in marriage. This conversation explores the psychological concept of personalization—interpreting your partner's words or actions as direct reflections on you—and how it can lead to unnecessary conflict and emotional distance. Through thoughtful reflection questions, practical...

In Episode 313 of Through a Therapist's Eyes, we wrap up May 2025 with a powerful Month in Review covering men's health, fraud awareness, and habit change. We revisit our conversation with Jacob Hoyle, a certified personal trainer and health coach, who challenges men to redefine success in their health journey and introduces an impactful upcoming Men's Health Seminar focused on holistic wellness—m...