Brittany Beninga Shante Whalen

Your Therapist Is My Best Friend

Health EN ↓ 31 episodes

Have you always wondered what your therapist or your psychology professor REALLY thinks about mental health topics or maybe what their life is like as the mental health professions? Well then join us for a thought-provoking podcast where two passionate mental health therapists come together to explore the intricacies of mental well-being. Each week, therapist and practicing clinician, Brittany, teams up with esteemed professor and therapist, Shante, to dive into a range of mental health topics. From the latest research findings to everyday coping strategies, we share insights, personal anecdot...

Author

Brittany Beninga Shante Whalen

Category

Health

Latest episode

Jan 6, 2026

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Episodes

Resolutions & New Growth: Planning Goals Without the Pressure 06.01.2026

Hey friend — we just wrapped up our first year of the podcast and dove into everything from holiday therapy needs to why New Years resolutions usually fail. We chat realistic goal-setting, the cycle of change, meaningful words-of-the-year, and why planning for setbacks is actually smart (not pessimistic). If you're tired of vague resolutions and want doable ways to build habits, this episode is fo...

ADHD Part 2: Unmasked 23.12.2025

Hey friend — we chatted about ADHD’s history, how it shows up (and gets misdiagnosed), and why our overstimulating world might be making things worse — plus practical, down-to-earth tips like body-doubling, task stacking, and simple changes at home that actually help. If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s ADHD, anxiety, or just the chaos of modern life — this episode walks you through the confusion...

ADHD Part 1: Shante’s World 09.12.2025

Hey friend — this episode feels like a cozy chat about exactly what it’s like to live in a brain that never stops buzzing. Shante shares real moments of her life and her experiences with ADHD: family, masking, grad school, the relief of a diagnosis, and how meds and therapy changed parenting and relationships. If you’ve ever wondered whether you (or someone you love) might be navigating ADHD, this...

What Is The Best Part Of Therapy: From The Therapist Viewpoint 25.11.2025

Hey! Welcome friends, in this episode we celebrate the surprising, powerful parts of therapy: the unbiased perspective, the relief of being truly heard, and those tiny metaphors (roller coaster vs. carousel!) that quietly change everything.  If you’ve ever been skeptical or felt stuck, come hear stories of resistance turning into trust, long-term support catching crises early, and therapists who t...

The Hardest Parts of Being a Therapist 11.11.2025

Hey friend — come hang out with Shante and Brittany as they get uncomfortably honest about what makes therapy so dang hard: crisis shifts, insurance headaches, emotional exhaustion, and the weight of mandated reporting. This episode feels like a cozy, no-judgment chat between two people who love this work but are honest about the toll it takes — raw, relatable, and full of empathy.

The Rise of AI In Therapy and Mental Health 28.10.2025

Hey friend! This episode dives into how AI is popping up everywhere: sometimes super helpful, sometimes dangerously misleading. We talk about real risks and pros of its use in the realm of mental health. We discuss why human empathy and co-regulation still matter and cover practical use of AI tools like AI note-taker and its use in times of need for coping skills.  Join us for thought provoking co...

Let's Get Ethical: Therapy, Boundaries, and HIPAA 14.10.2025

Hey friend — we’re Shante and Brittany. We are here to chat about the messy, real-life ethics therapists actually wrestle with: HIPAA and privacy, when records get subpoenaed, gifts, hugs, dual relationships, notes, and even the lines we still find blurry. It’s honest, practical, and a little funny — because ethics doesn’t have to be dry. Listen to feel more informed and a little less worried abou...

Mom, Therapy, and Parenting: Special Guest Star Deb Renando 30.09.2025

Come hang out with Shante, Brittany and Brittany's mom as we get real about parenting, anxiety, and how families change over time. Expect laughs, those stomach-drop honest moments, and simple takeaways about regulation, boundaries, and the messy love that keeps us together. Whether you’re parenting, navigating mental health, or just crave a cozy, human conversation, this episode feels like sitting...

Empathy: What Is It, How To Use It, and How It Connects Us 16.09.2025

Hey friend — want a cozy, real convo about empathy? We dive into what empathy actually is, how to tell if you’re an empath, and the tools therapists use to "step in" and "step out" so you don’t get emotionally hijacked. We chat about childhood roots, career choices, politics, parenting struggles, and practical ways to protect your emotional tank while staying connected. Tune in like you’re listeni...

Season 2: Therapists’ Summer Confessions 02.09.2025

Hey friend! Welcome back to Season 2. We’re are so happy to have you joining us for our next season! We are starting off strong with a recap of what we have been up to all summer and telling you all about the messy truth of burnout, summer expectations, and how therapists (teachers and parents) actually stay afloat. Join Shante and Brittany for raw, comforting conversation, practical self-care ide...

Season 1 Finale: Couples Therapy 09.06.2025

Hey there, friend! Welcome back to the final episode of the season, and we're thrilled you're here. Shante and Brittany, your go-to gals for all things mental health and psychology, are wrapping up their insightful journey with a heartfelt, candid conversation about couples therapy. In this season finale, they're reflecting on their debut 20 episodes, the challenges and joys of side quests, and th...

Discover the Magic of EMDR Therapy 02.06.2025

Hey friend! 🌟 In this episode, we're diving into the world of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy. It's like magic for trauma healing! Shante and Brittany break down what EMDR is all about—think of it as a transformative way to tackle those tough memories and negative self-beliefs through, you guessed it, eye movements! 👀✨ If you’ve ever wondered how EMDR can help with...

Unlocking the Secrets of Your Dreams: A Dreamy Dive into Sleep and Mental Health 26.05.2025

Join us on a fascinating journey into the world of dreams where Shante and Brittany, your friendly neighborhood therapists, share their in-depth insights into the mysterious realms of sleep and dreaming. This episode dives into the neurological processes underlying our night-time adventures, the psychology behind our dreams, and even explores the topic of lucid dreaming. Unveil the secrets of REM...

The Power of Sleep: Exploring Consciousness and Rest 19.05.2025

Hey there, welcome to another episode of Your Therapist is My Best Friend! This time, we're diving into a subject that affects us all every single day - sleep! Join us as we chat about how our brains work hard even when we're catching some Z's, and explore the fascinating world of conscious and unconscious minds. In this episode, Shante and Brittany bring in their expertise to unravel the mystery...

Navigating the Sleepover Debate 12.05.2025

Have you ever found yourself at a crossroads about letting your kids have a sleepover? You're not alone! Join us as we dive into the great sleepover debate - exploring the rational fears and the undeniable joys they bring. We share personal stories, professional insights, and some parenting wisdom that might ease your mind or even make you rethink your stance. Whether you are certain of your answe...

Perfectionism Unplugged: The Art of Imperfection 05.05.2025

Hey there! It’s time to dive into the nitty-gritty of perfectionism with us as we unpack how it affects our lives, our minds, and even our self-esteem. Did you know this obsession with doing everything just right might be what’s keeping you from achieving your true potential? 🌟 Join us, Shante and Brittany, as we reveal our personal takes on striving high and why it’s okay not to have everything...

Panic Attacks, Anxiety, and What Do We Do About It? 28.04.2025

Hey there! Join us in this episode as we break down the real differences between anxiety and panic attacks, and why it's totally okay to feel what you're feeling. We dive deep into relatable scenarios with students and clients, shedding light on these overwhelming experiences. From understanding the biological basis of anxiety to differentiating it from panic attacks, we’ve got you covered. Discov...

What is the difference: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Disorder? 21.04.2025

Hey there, friend! 😊 Join us for a cozy chat as Shante and Brittany, two therapists and besties, spill the tea on mental health diagnosis, symptoms, and disorders. Want to know the difference between all of these terms? Let's find out as we dive deep into the quirks and questions you've always had about diagnosis and symptoms. We're keeping it real, sharing insights straight from experience, and...

"Decoding Verbal Processing: Let's Talk It Out" 14.04.2025

Hey there! Have you ever wondered how you best process information and your emotions? Well, welcome to "Your Therapist is My Best Friend," where we, Shante and Brittany, dive into the world of processing, specifically verbal processing. What it is, how it works, and how to make it work for you. We chat about what it means to verbalize your thoughts and emotions, how this impacts therapy, and why i...

The Ultimate Guide to Self-Awareness 07.04.2025

Hey friend! You're in for a candid and fun ride in this episode as Shante and Brittany dive deep into the tricky waters of self-awareness. We unfold the very essence of understanding our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and how they impact our lives. From recognizing those sneaky, automated cycles we fall into, to learning how to wedge a "doorstop" into negative patterns, Brittany and Shante hel...

Energy, Healing, & Therapy with Guest Therapist Elizabeth Mann 31.03.2025

In this episode, we’re shaking things up with our very first interview! Join us as we chat with talented therapist Elizabeth Mann, LICSW, from Winding Path Counseling, whose practice blends therapy with energy work. We dive into how this unique approach helps clients heal on a deeper, soul level. Brittany and Shante get to explore the fascinating world of energy healing and discuss and discover mo...

Making Friends: Adulting and the Quest for BFFs" 24.03.2025

In this fun, lighthearted episode, Brittany and Shante take listeners on a rollercoaster ride through the evolution of friendship — from childhood BFFs to navigating the tricky world of adult connections. With plenty of humor and real talk, they unpack how friendships change as we age and what it’s really like trying to make new friends when you’re juggling work, family, and distance. By the end o...

Bonding Time: Unpacking Attachment Theory 17.03.2025

Join Shante and Brittany as they delve into the fascinating world of attachment theory. In this episode of "Your Therapist is My Best Friend," they explore how the bonds we form in our early years shape our emotional development and relationships throughout life. Discover the significance of different attachment styles and how they impact our interactions with partners, friends, and even ourselves...

"Did You Know: Deja Vu, Perception, And Genetics" 10.03.2025

Hey friend! 🌟 Welcome to an unforgettable episode of Your Therapist is My Best Friend. Join Shante and Brittany as they try to trip each other up with fun and interesting facts about mental health. Get ready to dive deep into the awe-inspiring world of mental health as we unlock mysterious phenomena like deja vu and break down viral debates like the dress that mystified the whole internet! We’re...

Unraveling the Beast Games: Game Show or Psychological Warfare? 03.03.2025

Hey there, curious minds! We just dove into the wild world of reality TV with a show inspired by Mr. Beast’s latest venture, The Beast Games. Imagine 1,000 contestants competing for a whopping $5 million, making nail-biting decisions along the way. We've all laughed over the unpredictability and jaw-dropped at the intense, real-life psychological labyrinth being played out on screen. Join us as we...

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