With age, comes wisdom...but that's not all. There's also the weight of increased responsibility, unwanted physiological changes, the inevitable loss of older loved ones/heroes, and with that, a heightened awareness of one's own mortality. And for as much as all of that can be to process, therapeutically, there are methods/coping mechanisms which can help. Several of those are examined, here.

Part two/our year end episode, covering the article which inspired the "Therapeutic Expectations" edition of the podcast, examining everything from our tendency to avoid what's damaging us most, being dishonest with yourself, and why the heck Courtney and Brian haven't been in the same room for most of the last week!

A year ago at this time, a sense of relief emerged as we were all preparing to finally put 2020 in the rearview. Hope, on the back of a newly-released vaccine, and a New Year in the offing, sprang eternal -- in spite of the news of a developing variant. As 2021 progressed, things seemed to turn a corner...only to seemingly, and sharply, regress yet again. It's an emotional roller coaster which could potentially prove to be challenging for anyone. Here are some thoughts on how to cope.

The biggest factor which typically scares people away from therapy is invalid/preconceived notions. And those can be all over the map. So, wherein lies the truth? Get the perspective of both therapist, and patient, in this episode.

What is "revenge bedtime procrastination," and how detrimental can it be to overall mental health? How important is sleep, from both a physical and emotional perspective, and what are some of the best ways to ensure that you get it?

What can be the most joyous time of the year for some, can also be one of the most emotionally painful for others. Finding a balance between the two camps (along with everyone else in between), is key -- especially as so many of us come together for the holidays.

Society will tell you that having children has the ability to be among the greatest experiences you'll ever encounter. And while that can be true, new research finds that it can also be terrible for quality of life, making "happiness" complicated at times. How do you prevent this from becoming an issue with your significant other, which could potentially harm your relationship? What adjustments need to be made to help all parents cope? Learn that, and more, here.

On the heels of the tragedy involving young lives lost at the Astroworld Festival featuring Travis Scott, Courtney and Brian explore ways in which coping with grief on that level are best, and typically, approached/processed.

More often than not, pessimism gets a bad rap. But a recent study suggests it's far more ingrained in all of us than most self-proclaimed optimists may be willing to admit. And yet, that's not necessarily a bad thing. How so? Find out here.

The opioid epidemic has long been a problem, which terrifyingly just may be becoming more prevalent than ever. Should you find yourself within the grips of addiction, or if you love someone who is, this edition is an absolute must listen.