Social media is one of the most impactful frontiers for therapists right now. So many questions are coming up for therapists at this time-- should I have social media at all? Should I market on social media? How much is too much to share? The internet is forever - what does that mean for me putting parts of my life online?

In this episode, we discuss showing up on social media as a therapist, the various ways it can be done (to market, to share information, to allow the public to see behind the mystery), and how we navigate showing up in such public spaces.

Join us on April 26, 2025 in North Vancouver for a day of Immersive Group Clinical Consultation. This is a chance for us to get into the details of clinical work and talk about actual therapy with clients. There are only 10 spaces available, so if you are interested, send us an email at [email protected] before space runs out!

Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch or share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram @edgeofthecouchpod, email at [email protected], or voice note at speakpipe.com/edgeofthecouch.

We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.

Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram

Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram

Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram

Every therapist has been there. You’re in session and suddenly something your client says hits a nerve. Maybe it’s a detail in their story that pulls up your own history or something about their client presentation you can't quite put your finger on. In this episode, we dig into what happens when something comes up in session that feels like being poked by a white-hot poker. If you’ve ever had to lay on the floor and cry after a session, this conversation is for you.

Join us on April 26, 2025 in North Vancouver for a day of Immersive Group Clinical Consultation. This is a chance for us to get into the details of clinical work and talk about actual therapy with clients. There are only 10 spaces available, so if you are interested, send us an email at [email protected] before space runs out!

Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch or share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram @edgeofthecouchpod, email at [email protected], or voice note at speakpipe.com/edgeofthecouch.

We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.

Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram

Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram

Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram

Supervision and consultation are a core part of being a therapist, whether in practicum, newly graduated, or a decade into practice (and beyond).

In this episode, we discuss how to get the most out of supervision, like bringing a list, not fixating on every misstep, and sharing the messy parts of your work, ensuring that any supervision conversations are intentional, useful, and ultimately helpful for you to become a better clinician.

And yep, we also talk about how some supervisors are just not very good. Some supervisory experiences include a harmful abuse of power. We explore how to survive supervision and jump through the evaluation hoop even when things aren't going well.

We consider supervision a hugely sacred relationship, and we want you to feel safe in supervision and flourish with oversight and help along the way!

What helps you get the most out of supervision? What have your supervision experiences been like? Send us and email at [email protected].

Join us on April 26, 2025 in North Vancouver for a day of Immersive Group Clinical Consultation. This is a chance for us to get into the details of clinical work and talk about actual therapy with clients. There are only 10 spaces available, so if you are interested, send us an email at [email protected] before space runs out!

Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch or share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram @edgeofthecouchpod, email at [email protected], or voice note at speakpipe.com/edgeofthecouch.

We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.

Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram

Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram

Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram

Trends in the therapy world come and go. Girl-bossing, therapists-as-content-creators, and now “the cool therapist”. Maybe you’ve seen the same “cool therapist” stuff we have - acting like new therapists are scared of everything, making skits or memes about disregarding ethical considerations, and acting like following thoughtful rules is somehow stuffy! If you’ve listened to the podcast for a while, you know that we think some therapy standards ARE outdated and stuffy. We are very critical of the expectations around professionalism ,but we also have a deep respect for the importance of ethical policies. We’re uncomfortable with the idea of prioritizing being “cool” over being reflective about the impact of our actions on clients.

We don’t think every single interaction has to be analyzed (sometimes accepting a coffee from a client really isn’t a big deal ), but there’s value in nuance that can be missed in the social media space. We also wonder how much this content is mostly about getting views (rage-bait ) and doesn’t show the reality of working with clients.

We are responding to what we’ve noticed and wondering what all of you think! Have you noticed the “cool therapist” content out in the world? What does it bring up for you?

Join us on April 26, 2025 in North Vancouver for a day of Immersive Group Clinical Consultation. This is a chance for us to get into the details of clinical work and talk about actual therapy with clients. There are only 10 spaces available, so if you are interested, send us an email at [email protected] before space runs out!

Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch or share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram @edgeofthecouchpod, email at [email protected], or voice note at speakpipe.com/edgeofthecouch.

We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.

Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram

Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram

Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram

This is the most intense political landscape that we’ve ever experienced as therapists. Many of our clients are also hugely impacted by policies being enacted and fear is a common feeling for both therapists and clients alike. The focus of the episode is how to talk to clients about politics when it comes up in session because we know it can feel scary and precarious. We both share how we navigate political conversations in sessions, why it’s important to acknowledge that therapy is political, and what we do when/if clients ask us about our political stances. We additionally share why we think it’s important for therapists to be transparent about politicized topics like abortion, land-back policies, and trans rights so that clients can make informed decisions about who they want to work with. Therapy is a relationship - trust and safety are paramount.

Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch or share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram @edgeofthecouchpod, email at [email protected], or voice note at speakpipe.com/edgeofthecouch.

We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.

Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram

Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram

Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram

Join us on April 26, 2025 in North Vancouver for a day of Immersive Group Clinical Consultation. This is a chance for us to get into the details of clinical work and talk about actual therapy with clients. There are only 10 spaces available, so if you are interested, send us an email at [email protected] before space runs out!

Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch or share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram @edgeofthecouchpod, email at [email protected], or voice note at speakpipe.com/edgeofthecouch.

We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.

Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram

Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram

Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram

What happens when a client expects therapy to “fix” them or assumes their therapist will always have the wise, perfect answer? In this episode, we explore how to set realistic expectations around the therapy process, the therapist’s role, and how change actually happens. How do we balance validating our clients’ hopes while grounding them in what therapy can (and can’t) do?

Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch or share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram @edgeofthecouchpod, email at [email protected], or voice note at speakpipe.com/edgeofthecouch.

We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.

Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram

Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram

Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram

Join us on April 26, 2025 in North Vancouver for a day of Immersive Group Clinical Consultation. This is a chance for us to get into the details of clinical work and talk about actual therapy with clients. There are only 10 spaces available, so if you are interested, send us an email at [email protected] before space runs out!

Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch or share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram @edgeofthecouchpod, email at [email protected], or voice note at speakpipe.com/edgeofthecouch.

We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.

Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram

Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram

Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram

We’re so happy to be back after our holiday hiatus. We're starting the new season with a highly requested topic-- opening a private practice. Since we graduated, the landscape of the counselling field has changed tremendously. More and more clinicians are opening their own practices right after graduating and we know that can be extremely anxiety-provoking.

While we don’t share specific how-to tips, we hope that by sharing our stories, you can pick up some niblets of helpful information. We both acutely remember the intensity of the transition into private practice. Every decision is now all your own. The scheduling, finances, clinical stuff, it all falls on you and that can feel really big. We also hope that this episode helps you feel even a tiny bit more confident if you are thinking of opening a private practice.

Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch or share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram @edgeofthecouchpod, email at [email protected], or voice note at speakpipe.com/edgeofthecouch.

We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.

Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram

Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram

Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram

Join us on April 26, 2025 in North Vancouver for a day of Immersive Group Clinical Consultation. This is a chance for us to get into the details of clinical work and talk about actual therapy with clients. There are only 10 spaces available, so if you are interested, send us an email at [email protected] before space runs out!

Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch or share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram @edgeofthecouchpod, email at [email protected], or voice note at speakpipe.com/edgeofthecouch.

We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.

Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram

Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram

Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram

Thank you to everyone who joined us at the Being a Therapist in 2024 conference at the beautiful Jane Headquarters in North Vancouver. In this special episode, we dive into questions from the audience about niching, overcoming imposter syndrome, and working within organizations. We wrap up with messages to our younger selves, reflecting on what we wish we’d known when we were just starting out. We’re so grateful for our listeners and invite you to leave a review, follow us on Patreon to access a catalogue of bonus content, and stay connected as we prepare for our next season. As always, we love to hear from you, so please reach out with your thoughts and questions! See you in the new year!

Join us on April 26, 2025 in North Vancouver for a day of Immersive Group Clinical Consultation. This is a chance for us to get into the details of clinical work and talk about actual therapy with clients. There are only 10 spaces available, so if you are interested, send us an email at [email protected] before space runs out!

Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch or share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram @edgeofthecouchpod, email at [email protected], or voice note at speakpipe.com/edgeofthecouch.

We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.

Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram

Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram

Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram

How can we support clients in navigating the big life decisions, including to stay or leave relationships, choose career paths, or family planning? In this episode, we explore the therapeutic role of discernment. Often, people are grappling with the pros and cons of each choice. Some of these conversations are vital and productive, and other times, it feels like we are spinning our wheels. As the therapist, we can find ourselves frustrated or stuck not knowing where to go next. In the context of therapy, discernment isn't about finding the 'right' answer. Instead, it's about slowing down, exploring the layers of a decision, and really getting to the heart of what feels right for them. It’s about creating space for their values, fears, and desires to emerge— without rushing to solve it or decide immediately. 

How do you approach discernment in your own practice? Do you find yourself giving your opinions, or do you project a sense of 'neutrality'? What do you do when the client feels stuck in not being able to move forward?

Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch or share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram @edgeofthecouchpod, email at [email protected], or voice note at speakpipe.com/edgeofthecouch.

We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.

Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram

Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram

Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram

Join us on April 26, 2025 in North Vancouver for a day of Immersive Group Clinical Consultation. This is a chance for us to get into the details of clinical work and talk about actual therapy with clients. There are only 10 spaces available, so if you are interested, send us an email at [email protected] before space runs out!

Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch or share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram @edgeofthecouchpod, email at [email protected], or voice note at speakpipe.com/edgeofthecouch.

We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.

Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram

Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram

Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram

Content note: This episode discusses suicide and abuse. 

Are therapists crisis workers? We believe that the role of the therapist and the role of the crisis worker are distinct, yet, in certain situations, we can still find ourselves pulled into that role. In this episode, we break down the crucial differences between emergencies, crises, and general distress, and explore where our responsibilities begin and end in a private practice setting. We discuss why it's essential to connect clients to appropriate crisis resources, the scope of our work as therapists, and what might be driving the urge to step in during critical moments. 

Are you clear on your own boundaries when it comes to crisis management, or do you sometimes blur the lines? 

Remember, we're speaking from the context of private practice in BC, Canada. Make sure to consult your own licensing body and legal requirements in your jurisdiction. This episode is not a substitute for supervision or legal advice, but rather a list of things to consider when navigating these complex situations. 

Join us on April 26, 2025 in North Vancouver for a day of Immersive Group Clinical Consultation. This is a chance for us to get into the details of clinical work and talk about actual therapy with clients. There are only 10 spaces available, so if you are interested, send us an email at [email protected] before space runs out!

Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch or share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram @edgeofthecouchpod, email at [email protected], or voice note at speakpipe.com/edgeofthecouch.

We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.

Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram

Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram

Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram