Everyday Therapy

In this episode of Everyday Therapy, hosts Brett Cushing, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and Dr. Karin Ryan, Licensed Psychologist, explore the delicate balance between guiding your teen and giving them space to grow. They share practical insights on modeling healthy behaviors, repairing relationships, teaching responsibility, and navigating tough conversations about everything from social media to substance use.

The discussion highlights both the “big picture” goals of parenting—like preparing teens for adulthood—and the everyday choices that make a lasting difference. You’ll walk away with tangible strategies that are easy to understand (though not always easy to implement!) and reassurance that progress, not perfection, is what matters most.

Tune in to Discover:

• The #1 goal of parenting teens that sets them up for success in adulthood
• Why modeling healthy behaviors—and owning your mistakes—matters more than perfection
• How to repair with your teen when things go wrong
• The balance between protecting your child and giving them independence
• Practical strategies for conversations about substances, social media, and peer pressure
• Why building family identity reduces the power of peer pressure
• How small, daily moments of connection build resilience for your teen

Resources

• Nystrom & Associates Services
• Contact the podcast: [email protected]

Subscribe & Review
If you found this episode helpful, subscribe to Everyday Therapy and leave us a review. It helps others discover the podcast and take the next step toward meaningful mental health support.

Do you have feedback or topic requests? Email us at [email protected]

We'd love to hear from you!

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• Nystrom & Associates

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is everywhere these days—even in the therapy room. But what does that mean for therapists, clients, and the future of mental health care? Is AI here to replace humans, or could it become a valuable partner in the healing process?

In this episode of Everyday Therapy, hosts Brett Cushing, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and Dr. Karin Ryan, Licensed Psychologist, unpack the fascinating and sometimes unsettling rise of AI in therapeutic settings. From chatbots that deliver therapy to mood-tracking tools that give instant feedback, they explore how AI can reinforce therapy, when it might fall short, and what ethical concerns we all need to keep in mind.

They share real-world examples of AI helping clients in between sessions, the potential benefits for accessibility and consistency, and the very human skills, like reading body language and building deep trust, that machines just can’t replicate.

Tune in to Discover:

• What AI therapy looks like and how it works in real life
• How AI can reinforce skills learned in therapy sessions
• The benefits of 24/7 availability and instant feedback
• Limitations of AI in understanding context, tone, and nonverbal cues
• Concerns about over-reliance, social isolation, and cognitive decline
• The ethical questions around privacy, crisis care, and human oversight
• Why a balanced approach is key

Resources

• Nystrom & Associates Counseling & Therapy
• Nystrom & Associates Services
• Contact the podcast: [email protected]

Subscribe & Review
If you found this episode helpful, subscribe to Everyday Therapy and leave us a review. It helps others discover the podcast and take the next step toward meaningful mental health support.

Do you have feedback or topic requests? Email us at [email protected]

We'd love to hear from you!

Follow along:

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• Facebook
• Nystrom & Associates

From fears of being judged to the surprising benefits of shared experiences, this conversation unpacks why group therapy can offer something uniquely powerful that individual therapy can’t always provide.

Whether you’re navigating anxiety, grief, addiction, or simply longing for connection, group therapy can help you feel less alone and more understood.

Tune in to Discover:

• Why group therapy feels intimidating (and why that’s normal)
• How shared vulnerability can foster deep healing
• The role of structure, safety, and facilitation in group dynamics
• Different types of therapy groups and what to expect
  Key emotional and interpersonal skills you can build through group work
• Real stories of community, accountability, and hope

If you’ve ever felt like group therapy might not be for you, this episode may change your mind.

Resources Mentioned:

• Group Therapy
• Group Therapy for Kids
• Contact the podcast: [email protected]

Subscribe & Review:

If you found this episode helpful, subscribe to Everyday Therapy and leave us a review. It helps others discover the podcast and take the first step toward meaningful mental health support.

Do you have feedback or topic requests? Email us at [email protected]

We'd love to hear from you!

Follow along:

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• Facebook
• Nystrom & Associates

Tune in to Discover:

• What online therapy is and how it became mainstream
• The biggest benefits of telehealth—flexibility, access, efficiency
• Why online therapy works (and when it might not)
• How to prepare for your first session and set yourself up for success
• Common challenges—privacy, tech, insurance—and how to manage them
• Whether a hybrid (in-person + virtual) model might be right for you

Whether you're considering therapy for the first time or wondering if online sessions could be a better fit, this episode will help you weigh your options and feel more confident in your care.

Resources Mentioned:

• Nystrom & Associates – Online Therapy Options
• The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
• Contact the podcast: [email protected]

Do you have feedback or topic requests? Email us at [email protected]

We'd love to hear from you!

Follow along:

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• Facebook
• Nystrom & Associates

Abuse comes in many forms—and it’s not always easy to identify. 

In this important episode of Everyday Therapy, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists Brett Cushing and Christa Overson unpack the different types of abuse, including emotional, physical, and sexual abuse.

They explore the signs, long-term psychological impacts, and how survivors can begin the healing process. Whether you’ve experienced abuse or want to support someone who has, this episode offers insight, validation, and hope.

Tune in to Discover: 

• What emotional, physical, and sexual abuse look like in real life
• How abuse affects survivors’ beliefs, self-worth, and development
• Why abuse is never the victim’s fault—and why it can be so hard to recognize
• The lasting impact of abuse on mental and physical health
• Resources for healing, including EMDR therapy, support groups, and self-compassion practices

Resources:

• The Verbally Abusive Relationship by Patricia Evans
• Controlling People by Patricia Evans
• The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
• National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-4673
• Contact the podcast: [email protected]

Subscribe & Review:

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to  Everyday Therapy and leave a review! Your support helps others discover the podcast and apply therapy concepts daily.

Do you have feedback or topic requests? Email us at [email protected]

We'd love to hear from you!

Follow along:

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• Nystrom & Associates

Whether you’re looking to find out how to recognize the signs of a substance use problem or understand the science behind cravings and dependence, this conversation offers hope and actionable steps for those struggling or supporting a loved one through recovery.

Tune in to Discover:

• What defines substance use disorder and how it differs from casual use.
• The role of tolerance, cravings, and withdrawal in addiction.
• Why addiction is not about willpower but a medical condition.
• How genetics and mental health impact substance use.
• Effective treatment options—including therapy, support groups, and medication-assisted treatment.
• How to support a loved one struggling with addiction.

Subscribe & Review:

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Everyday Therapy and leave a review! Your support helps others discover the podcast and apply therapy concepts to their daily lives.

Do you have feedback or topic requests? Email us at [email protected]

We'd love to hear from you!

Follow along:

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• Facebook
• Nystrom & Associates

Depression doesn’t always look the way you expect. 

While some people openly struggle, others mask their symptoms behind a smile. 

In this episode of Everyday Therapy, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists Brett Cushing and Christa Overson uncover the different types of depression, how they show up in daily life, and what you can do to manage symptoms.

From recognizing the physical and emotional signs to practical strategies for self-care and professional treatment options, this conversation will help you understand depression in all its forms and take steps toward healing.

Tune in to Discover:

• The different types of depression—including major depressive disorder, bipolar depression, seasonal affective disorder, and more.
• How depression affects sleep, appetite, and motivation.
• Common myths about depression and why it’s not just sadness.
• Proven strategies for managing depression, from lifestyle habits to therapy options.
• When to seek professional help and how treatment, including medication and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), can make a difference.

If you or someone you love is struggling with depression, know that help is available. You are not alone.

Do you have feedback or topic requests? Email us at [email protected]

We'd love to hear from you!

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• Nystrom & Associates

Anxiety is a shared human experience, but it doesn’t have to control your life. 

In this episode of Everyday Therapy, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists Brett Cushing and Christa Overson explore simple yet powerful ways to recognize, manage, and reframe anxiety. 

From understanding the physical symptoms to using techniques like deep breathing, gratitude, and exercise, Brett and Christa provide practical tools to help you navigate anxiety and build resilience.

Tune in to Discover:

• How to identify anxiety and its physical manifestations
• The benefits of box breathing and other relaxation techniques
• The importance of reframing anxiety and viewing it as an opportunity
• Tips for creating a personalized self-care toolkit
• When to consider professional help for managing anxiety

Whether you’re dealing with everyday stress or intense feelings, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you feel more grounded quickly.

Resources Mentioned:

• Nystrom Counseling Anxiety Quiz
• Contact the podcast: [email protected]

Subscribe & Review:

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Everyday Therapy and leave a review! Your support helps others discover the podcast and apply therapy concepts to their daily lives.

Do you have feedback or topic requests? Email us at [email protected]

We'd love to hear from you!

Follow along:

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• Nystrom & Associates

In this episode, Brett and Christa share a different take on the Fourth Agreement from don Miguel Ruiz’s “The Four Agreements.” They discuss how when we choose to believe that “everyone is doing their best,” life and the holidays get a lot better for us.

Do you have feedback or topic requests? Email us at [email protected]

We'd love to hear from you!

Follow along:

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• Nystrom & Associates