Workplace Therapy with Dr. Abby Medcalf

Are you constantly saying “sorry” at work even when you haven’t done anything wrong? You apologize for speaking up in meetings, for sending a second email, or for simply existing in someone’s path. What feels like being polite or humble might actually be undermining your authority, confidence, and even career growth. Today, we’re digging into why over-apologizing happens (especially for women and...

Welcome to a special bonus episode of Workplace Therapy . Whether you're listening while roasting a turkey or hiding in the bathroom from your in-laws, I’ve got a short and sweet Thanksgiving pep talk to help you find some peace (and maybe even a little joy) this week. Because even if your job feels like a soul-sucking vortex, there are still good things to hold onto. Let’s get into it. ______...

If I told you there was one skill that could help you get promoted faster, reduce conflict at work, build stronger relationships with your boss, your team, and your clients (and make you look like an absolute rock star in meetings), you’d want in, right? That skill is communication. But here’s the truth: most people think they’re better communicators than they are. Today, I’m giving you my top fiv...

It’s supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year. So why does your office holiday party feel like a social trap wrapped in sparkly paper? One too many drinks, a conversation that goes sideways, or a bad exit strategy, and suddenly you are known as “that person” until the next fiscal year. Today, I am giving you a research-based survival guide to handle your office holiday party like a boss....

Anxiety at work is practically a badge of honor in many high-achieving environments. You’re praised for staying up late to “double check” the deck or constantly monitoring your inbox “just in case.” But here’s the truth: while some anxiety can help you perform better, too much of it will wreck your productivity, your confidence, and your health. So how do you know when your anxiety is helpful and...

If you’re dragging yourself out of bed every morning, fantasizing about quitting your job on the spot, or feeling like you’re failing at work and at life, this episode is for you. Burnout isn’t just about being tired. It’s about the creeping sense that no matter what you do, it’s never enough.   Today, we’re breaking down exactly why you’re so burnt out (not just the symptoms, but the hidden cause...

We’ve all been told to “set better boundaries” like it’s some magical fix for burnout or bad bosses. But here’s the truth: most people think they’re setting boundaries when they’re really just stating wishes or venting frustrations. Saying “I don’t like being interrupted” isn’t a boundary; it’s a feeling. A real boundary has a clear action and consequence: “If I keep getting interrupted, I’ll leav...

Have you ever walked away from a meeting feeling disrespected, but you couldn’t quite explain why? Maybe someone “joked” at your expense, downplayed your concerns, or told you to “relax” when you were being perfectly reasonable. That’s not a personality clash. It might be micro-gaslighting. The research shows that even subtle forms of gaslighting at work can lead to burnout, self-doubt, and a drop...

You’re not imagining it — your coworker is difficult. In this episode, Dr. Abby Medcalf breaks down the psychology behind toxic workplace behavior and shares 5 research-backed steps to protect your peace, hold boundaries, and stay focused (without losing your mind or your job). ____________________________   Full blog and show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/ how-to-deal-with-difficult-people-at-wo...