Therapists Unhinged | Real Talk on Mental Health, Burnout & Therapy Culture

No-vember: Saying No, Setting Boundaries, and Finding Real Gratitude


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In this heartfelt episode of Therapists Unhinged, we dive into the pressures, expectations, and emotional rollercoaster of the holiday season. With humor, honesty, and a touch of rebellion, they introduce the concept of “No-vember”—a month dedicated to reclaiming peace by saying no to unnecessary stress and unrealistic expectations.

Together, they unpack how societal “shoulds” and self-imposed pressure can lead to burnout and disconnection, and how redefining boundaries can bring true joy back to the holidays. Through stories of self-awareness, gratitude, and the occasional burnt turkey, this episode reminds us that connection—not perfection—is what matters most.

Blending therapeutic insight with real-life wisdom, the hosts encourage listeners to trade guilt for gratitude, chaos for calm, and “should” for “self.”

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• “No-vember” is your permission to say no—and protect your peace.
 • Burnout often starts with unrealistic expectations, not workload.
 • Boundaries aren’t selfish—they’re essential for emotional health.
 • Gratitude reduces anxiety and increases happiness year-round.
 • True connection comes from authenticity, not perfect hosting.
 • Stop “should-ing” on yourself—define what really matters to you.
• Equilibrium, not balance, creates sustainable joy.
• The holidays don’t need perfection; they need presence.

BEST MOMENTS

00:02:10 — “It’s No-vember. Say no to those things you’ve always wanted to say no to.”
 00:04:15 — “We grind, grind, grind—and then we have all these expectations until there’s no plate left.”
 00:07:30 — “This year, I’m not doing what everyone else expects. I’m doing what I want to do.”
 00:09:45 — “I’m not going to put more expectations on myself than I already have.”
 00:11:35 — “Don’t ‘should’ on yourself. Should is the blame word.”
 00:13:25 — “We’re tired. Everybody’s tired. Why create more stuff to then be tired about?”
 00:14:30 — “The most grateful people are the happiest people—it’s all about mindset.”
 00:15:40 — “Even if the turkey burns, we’ll figure it out. Eat around the burnt turkey.”
 00:16:10 — “Connection is what matters—not who has the biggest spread.”
 00:17:40 — “Be kind to people working through the holidays. They’re missing their families too.”
 00:18:15 — “Your equilibrium might look different than mine—and that’s okay.”


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 Hosted by licensed therapists who tell it like it is, this podcast dives deep into the messy, meaningful, and hilarious parts of being human. From mastering resilience to navigating the chaos of everyday life, we bring raw conversations, expert insights, and unfiltered honesty...no jargon, no BS.

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Support the show

Therapists Unhinged is where mental health gets real. Hosted by licensed therapists who tell it like it is, this podcast dives deep into the messy, meaningful, and hilarious parts of being human. From mastering resilience to navigating the chaos of everyday life, we bring raw conversations, expert insights, and unfiltered honesty...no jargon, no BS.

New episodes drop weekly. Subscribe, leave a review, and come unhinge with us.

This podcast has been brought to you by APodcastGeek. https://www.apodcastgeek.com

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Therapists Unhinged | Real Talk on Mental Health, Burnout & Therapy CultureBy Nella Ciciulla