🎙️ Episode 33 – Real Therapy Isn’t Comfortable: Why You Need to Face the Pain

What if the true path to healing isn’t found in comfort—but in courage?

In this powerful episode, Mark Odland and Zack Carter unpack what therapy is really about—and why the popularized version of “feel-good therapy” often misses the mark for men. Using imagery from samurai sword-forging and field-tested coaching insights, they challenge men to face emotional pain head-on—not to suffer, but to transform.

Whether you’re skeptical of therapy or already in it, this episode will reframe how you think about emotional growth, masculine strength, and healing that actually sticks.

🔍 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Why real therapy isn’t about comfort—it’s about change
• How emotional pain can be a forge, not a flaw
• The dangers of “therapeutic comfort culture” for men
• How to name your pain so you can face it
• Why pacing matters: avoiding overwhelm in healing
• The difference between sympathy, empathy, and accountability
• Why healing without challenge never lasts
• Biblical and symbolic metaphors for forging strength through pain
• How to find a therapist or coach who respects your values

🎧 Prefer to listen to the audio?
Check out the podcast here: https://lioncounselingpodcast.transistor.fm

👉 Ready for the next step?
SCHEDULE A FREE, 30-MINUTE CONSULT with Mark or Zack at: https://escapethecagenow.com/call/
to see if you’re a good fit to work with them one-on-one. Space is limited.

📚 Explore Mark’s Books:
https://escapethecagenow.com/books/

🛍️ Shop Lion Counseling Merch:
https://ttw5i6-0j.myshopify.com

Click here to watch a video of this episode.’

About the Lion Counseling Podcast
Hosted by Certified EMDR Therapist Mark Odland and Counselor/Coach Zack Carter, The Lion Counseling Podcast helps men break free, heal deep, and become the lions they were created to be. We tackle real issues—masculinity, trauma, addiction, leadership, identity, marriage, and faith—with courage, clarity, and just enough humor to keep it honest. New episodes every Tuesday.