Your Therapist is Not Okay

The wait is FINALLY over! Season 3 is here! Jess and Ryan kick things off by diving headfirst into the messy, funny, and sometimes cringeworthy world of dating. From dating app disasters to awkward first dates, they share their own experiences and how being therapists has shifted the way they navigate love. Plus, they drop insider tips on what to watch out for when dating - straight from the thera...

This Pride Month hits different. Between rising political tensions, safety concerns, and the growing weight of being “out” in public, the usual rainbow-filled celebration feels… complicated. In this special bonus episode, Jess and Ryan reflect on the precarity of Pride in 2025 - from the therapy room to the broader cultural moment. We revisit themes like rainbow-washing, being the “quiet gay,” int...

This week, we’re wrapping things up with Part 2 of our season finale - and yes, Denise is once again putting us in the hot seat! As our producer (and resident professional question-asker), she asks the most thought-provoking questions about themes from Episodes 10 to 18. We’re getting into the deep stuff - like whether narcissists can actually develop empathy through therapy, how therapists help c...

This week, we’re switching things up! Denise, our producer (and professional question-asker), steps out from behind the scenes for our special season finale episode to grill Jess and Ryan on everything you’ve been wondering about from Episodes 1 to 8 of this season. We’re diving into how clients have challenged Jess and Ryan's imposter syndrome in-session, what people tend to lie most about in...

In this heartfelt episode, Jess and Ryan get real about the reason behind for our recent break from the podcast - burnout. They open up about what burnout looks like in their lives as therapists, especially as they run a private practice. They also dive into how they navigate the tricky conversations that come up when clients worry they’re the reason for their therapist’s exhaustion, and how they...

In this episode, Jess and Ryan dive deep into the world of personality disorders - what they are, how they’re diagnosed, and how therapy can (or can’t) help. We unpack the key traits of narcissistic personality disorder, borderline personality disorder, histrionic personality disorder, etc., breaking down the DSM-5 criteria and common misconceptions. We also explore how therapists approach working...

In this episode, Jess and Ryan sit down for an honest, heartfelt conversation about internalized homophobia - what it is, where it comes from, and why it can be so tough to untangle. They break down the root causes, share the many ways it can show up in people's lives, and talk about what it looks like to support clients who are working through it in therapy. Whether you’re personally navigati...

Have you seen the morning routine trend videos that are everywhere? 😂 Well, this week we’re talking about the concept of self-actualization. The constant striving to be better, do better and reach what  #DrRickenHale  says is  #TheYouYouAre , but what do therapists really think about it? In this episode, Jess and Ryan dive into the self-help book hype, wellness trends, the origin of the concept o...

After a flood of comments on one of our social posts about lying in therapy, Jess and Ryan dive into a topic that clearly hit a nerve: the fear of being involuntarily committed. In this episode, we unpack why so many people hold back or lie in therapy out of fear of being hospitalized against their will. We read some of the heartbreaking comments we received and talk about how to bring up difficul...

In this episode, Jess and Ryan get into the theory behind why this is such a popular therapy trope and the pressures that come with wanting to have kids while worrying about passing on trauma to the next generation. Plus, they dive into the guilt and pressure clients sometimes feel to portray their parents as perfect, even when that might not be the reality. Tune in as we explore the messy dynamic...

From viral self-help hacks to controversial "miracle cures," there's no shortage of promises for quick mental health fixes. But do therapists actually believe that they work? 🤔 This week, we're joined by EMDR expert Gina Lihou, RP, to explore the reality behind some of these solutions. She lets us in on the truth about Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reproc...

Why do men often avoid therapy? 🤔 In this episode, Jess and Ryan dig deep into the reasons behind men’s struggles with seeking help both in and out of the therapy room. They also discuss ways to make therapy more accessible, relatable, and welcoming for men, breaking down the stigma and encouraging emotional growth for everyone ✨ Click here to book a FREE consult with us: ⁠https://centredself.ca...

Is it possible to overshare in therapy? 🤔 In this episode, Jess and Ryan dive into the so-called ‘taboo’ topics of the therapy room, why therapists rarely see anything as off-limits, and why it’s just as important to share as it is to give yourself grace when you’re not ready. Tune in for an open and honest conversation about vulnerability, TMI, and self-compassion ✨ Click here for our videos on...

In this special rapid-fire Q&A episode, we’re tackling the questions you sent in on Instagram. We tackled questions like: do therapists ever get tired of hearing about other people’s problems? How do therapists handle avoidant attachment clients? Who’s our dream podcast guest? And more! Tune in for honest answers, unexpected insights, and maybe even a little bit of therapist tea! 🍵 Hosted by:...

Social media has brought therapy into the mainstream, making conversations about mental health way more accessible than ever before. But has it also made us too quick to diagnose ourselves and others? In this episode, Jess and Ryan explore how platforms like TikTok and Instagram shape our understanding of mental health — from the popularization of attachment theory to the rise of self-diagnosis. T...

In our seventh episode of the season, Jess & Ryan explore what clients and therapists consider ‘time-wasting’ in therapy, where these beliefs come from, and how the desire to maintain the relationship can lead to ‘performing’ therapy. They break down the hidden pressures both parties may feel, how it impacts the therapeutic alliance, and why no session is ever truly wasted. Tune in for an hone...

We’ve all been there — holding back the full truth in therapy, whether out of fear, shame, or just wanting to avoid discomfort. But what happens when small omissions turn into bigger lies and you somehow just can't stop? In this episode, Jess and Ryan explore why clients lie in therapy, how it impacts the therapeutic process, and what therapists really think when they suspect dishonesty. Tune...

In this episode, Jess and Ryan explore how therapists use humor and playfulness to build trust, strengthen relationships, and create moments of relief for their clients. They discuss how play can be a powerful tool in therapy, helping to establish safety, encourage self-expression, and unlock deeper healing. They also discuss the boundaries of laughter in therapy — when it’s appropriate, when it’s...

In this episode, Jess and Ryan explore the ways major political events like the #MeToo movement, the Scotland referendum, and the recent US elections have influenced the therapy room. They discuss how these moments impacted the number of people seeking therapy, the overall mood and sentiments shared in their sessions, and even their own personal responses to these events. Plus, they offer thoughtf...

Ever wondered what your therapist is jotting down during your sessions? In this episode, Jess and Ryan dive into the world of therapy notes. They explore whether therapists write down potential diagnoses, the strict rules about who can access these notes, and what’s actually included in them. Plus, they discuss whether or not therapists can share their notes with clients. Tune in to get an inside...

Did you know that even the most qualified professionals aren't immune to self-doubt? In this episode, Jess and Ryan explore the complex and often hidden world of imposter syndrome in the mental health field. How do therapists — the very people trained to help others overcome self-doubt — manage their own feelings of inadequacy? Whether you're a therapist, a client, or simply someone who struggles...

Aaaand WE'RE BACK! We're kicking off Season 2 by tackling one of the most common (and daunting) questions: How do I find a good therapist? In this episode, Jess and Ryan explore what “good” means when it comes to therapy, how to navigate directories, and how to identify the right fit for your unique needs. Whether you’re starting therapy for the first time or looking for a better match, this episo...

In this VERY special season finale of Your Therapist is Not Okay, we take a step back and reflect on the last 6 episodes of the season. We are joined by our producer, Denise, as she asks all the questions you’ve been wondering about, diving into key insights and reactions to the themes we've explored so far. Join us as we revisit key moments, share behind-the-scenes thoughts, and answer some of yo...

In this VERY special season finale of Your Therapist is Not Okay, we take a step back and reflect on the first five episodes of the season. We are joined by our producer, Denise, as she asks all the questions you’ve been wondering about, diving into key insights and reactions to the themes we've explored so far. Join us as we revisit key moments, share behind-the-scenes thoughts, and answer some o...

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