In this episode of Once Upon a Session, Vanessa and Nareesa explore the psychology behind sibling relationships in fantasy and fiction. From fierce loyalty to painful rivalry, siblings often shape the emotional core of the stories we love. Through a therapeutic lens, the hosts unpack how sibling bonds influence identity, trauma, protection, and growth—and why these relationships resonate so deeply with readers.

Disclaimer: We’re licensed therapists, but we’re not your therapists. Everything shared here is for conversation, reflection, and entertainment.

✨ Follow Once Upon a Session for new episodes exploring stories, psychology, and healing.

Welcome back to Once Upon a Session — where stories meet healing.

Let’s be honest: fantasy men have been setting the bar way too high… or maybe exactly where it should be.

In this session, Vanessa and Nareesa unpack why we fall for fictional archetypes — and what those crushes actually reveal about our real-world desires and emotional needs.

We’re talking attraction, projection, and the psychology behind our favorite literary love interests. Consider this a guided conversation on attachment styles, fantasy fulfillment, and why we deserve soft love off the page, too.

Because it’s not that our standards are unrealistic — it’s that real men could stand to read more fiction.

Disclaimer: We’re licensed therapists, but we’re not your therapists. Everything shared here is for conversation, reflection, and entertainment.

✨ Follow Once Upon a Session for new episodes exploring stories, psychology, and healing.

Welcome back to Once Upon a Session — where stories meet healing.

You know that moment when someone’s energy starts to feel… expensive? That’s the emotional cover charge.

In this episode, Vanessa and Nareesa unpack what it means to protect your peace without guilt, how to recognize when emotional labor becomes transactional, and why boundaries aren’t walls — they’re invitations for healthy access.

From therapy rooms to friendships to fantasy worlds, we explore self-worth, emotional reciprocity, and the art of saying, “You can’t afford admission right now” — with clarity, compassion, and a little humor.

Disclaimer: We’re licensed therapists, but not your therapists. This podcast is for conversation, reflection, and inspiration.

Follow Once Upon a Session for new exploring stories, psychology, and healing.

Welcome back to Once Upon a Session — where stories meet healing.

Some villains just needed a session — or ten.

In this episode, Nareesa and Vanessa unpack the psychology of literary and fantasy antagonists: the misunderstood, the morally gray, and the ones who were one good therapist away from redemption.

From trauma responses to origin stories, we explore what makes a “villain,” why context matters, and how storytelling shapes who gets labeled the bad guy.

Insightful, funny, and just a little unhinged — because even villains deserve reflection.

Disclaimer: We're licensed therapists, but not your therapists. This podcast is for education, reflection, and inspiration.

Follow Once Upon a Session for new episodes exploring stories, psychology, and healing.

Welcome back to Once Upon a Session — where stories meet healing.

We’re pulling back the curtain on life inside a psych ward — not the movie version, but the human one.

Vanessa and Nareesa talk about the realities of inpatient care, the stigma around psychiatric treatment, and how fiction gets mental health right (and wrong).

Disclaimer: We're licensed therapists, but not your therapists. This podcast is for education, reflection, and inspiration.

Welcome to Once Upon a Session.

In our intake episode, we’re introducing ourselves—two therapists who love a good book, a messy main character, and meaningful conversations about healing, burnout, boundaries, and growth.

This episode is part origin story, part vibe check, and a little oversharing (because of course).

Settle in—this is where the story begins.

Disclaimer: We’re licensed therapists, but not your therapists. This podcast is for education, reflection, and inspiration.