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In this episode, Relative Insights explore the emerging role of AI in mental health support. They delve into the pressing issue of barriers to traditional therapy and explore how systemic factors, such as limited access to mental health services and therapists, are driving individuals to seek AI-based alternatives. They demo a chat session with chat gpt to understand the pull of some clients to access it. Join them as they unpack the complexities of these barriers and consider the implications of turning to AI for mental health support.

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In this episode, the hosts delve into the concept of the 'mother wound,' a term that describes the emotional trauma that can arise from a mother's lack of emotional support. They discuss the signs and symptoms of this wound, its impact on relationships, and the intergenerational trauma that can perpetuate it. Personal experiences of our guests are shared, highlighting the complexities of navigating emotional needs in parenting and the societal pressures that influence these dynamics. The conversation emphasizes the importance of emotional awareness and healing in breaking the cycle of trauma. This conversation delves into the complexities of the mother wound, exploring how familial relationships, cultural influences, and personal experiences shape adult lives. The guests share their struggles with anxiety, self-esteem, and codependency stemming from their relationships with their mothers. They discuss the importance of setting boundaries, the fear of repeating past mistakes in parenting, and the journey towards forgiveness and understanding. Ultimately, the dialogue emphasizes the need for empathy and communication in healing the mother wound and fostering healthier relationships.

Links for healing mother wound:

https://psychcentral.com/health/how-to-heal-your-inner-child

https://www.attachmentproject.com/psychology/mother-wound/

https://www.attachmentproject.com/ (attachment quiz)

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This episode brings closure to the series on infidelity. This conversation delves into the often overlooked effects of infidelity, exploring themes such as the psychological trauma, physical health effects, and the ripple effects on relationships, parenting, and community dynamics. The discussion highlights the concept of 'cheater karma,' the guilt experienced by those who cheat, and the challenges of navigating family and community reactions. It also touches on the complexities of sharing infidelity with others and the emotional rollercoaster that follows such events. This conversation delves into the psychological and health impacts of infidelity, exploring how being cheated on can lead to chronic health issues and emotional distress. The discussion transitions into reflections on midlife, personal growth, and the complexities of love and respect in relationships. The hosts emphasize the importance of understanding the multifaceted nature of love and the need for support in the aftermath of infidelity.

Key takeaways:

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In this episode, we delve into the complex topic of emotional affairs, defining what they are and how they differ from physical infidelity. They explore various signs of emotional infidelity, reasons why individuals may engage in such behavior, and the stages that emotional affairs typically progress through. The conversation emphasizes the importance of communication and connection in relationships, highlighting how emotional needs can lead to infidelity when unmet. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of emotional affairs, exploring how emotional connections can lead to infidelity. They discuss the dynamics of relationships, the impact of social media on cheating behaviors, and the importance of communication and trust rebuilding after an affair. The conversation also touches on societal perceptions of infidelity and the consequences that arise from these actions, emphasizing the need for self-reflection and emotional processing in healing.

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In this conversation, the hosts delve into the concept of micro cheating, exploring its definition, implications, and the role of social media in modern relationships. They discuss how seemingly trivial actions can erode trust and lead to emotional infidelity. The importance of communication and setting boundaries is emphasized, along with recognizing signs of micro cheating and evaluating relationship commitment. The conversation highlights the subjective nature of micro cheating and the need for open dialogue between partners to navigate these complex dynamics.

**please note: there were some studio issues contributing to an echo that was unable to be removed in post production, however if this is listened to via phone you may not hear it. Thank you for your understanding

Takeaways

* Micro cheating refers to seemingly harmless inappropriate behaviors outside a        committed relationship.
* Micro cheating can lead to emotional affairs if not addressed.
* Social media plays a significant role in modern micro cheating dynamics.
* It's essential to set clear boundaries in relationships to avoid misunderstandings.
* Micro cheating can hurt your partner and damage the relationship.
* Open and honest communication is vital for navigating relationship challenges.

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In this engaging conversation, Relative Insights delve into the complex topic of cheating and infidelity, exploring the reasons behind such behaviors, the evolving definitions of cheating in modern relationships, and the impact of emotional support and communication. They share statistics on infidelity, discuss the dynamics of open relationships, and reflect on how age and family background influence cheating behaviors. The conversation is rich with personal anecdotes and insights, making it a thought-provoking exploration of trust and relationships. 

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This is the 2nd part in a 2 part series about pornography (porn). In this episode we turn things over to the public and get the views of men and women on porn and how it affects them, their relationships and their view on sex. 

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This is part 1 of a 2 part series on pornography (porn). In this episode we discuss some stats on porn use, the differences btw porn use and porn addiction, etc. And we also have 2 female guests who discuss their personal views on porn. Without giving too much away, give it a listen!

Every Second:

• 28,258 users are watching pornography on the internet.
• $3,075.64 is being spent on pornography on the internet.
• 372 people are typing the word "adult" into a search engine.

Every Day:

• 37 pornographic videos are created in the United States.
• 2.5 billion emails containing porn are sent or received.
• 68 million search queries related to pornography- 25% of total searches- are generated. 
• 116,000 queries related to child pornography are received.

How Online Pornography Affects Americans

• About 200,000 Americans are classified as “porn addicts.”
• 40 million American people regularly visit porn sites.
• 35% of all internet downloads are related to pornography.
• 34% of internet users have experienced unwanted exposure to pornographic content through ads, pop up ads, misdirected links or emails.
• One-third of porn viewers are women.

(https://www.webroot.com/us/en/resources/tips-articles/internet-pornography-by-the-numbers#:~:text=40%20million%20American%20people%20regularly,of%20porn%20viewers%20are%20women.)

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It’s suicide prevention month… we explore the importance of discussing this topic in your own household and reiterate as well as expound on what we discussed last year in our suicide episode.

Resources:

https://www.nami.org/Get-Involved/Awareness-Events/Suicide-Prevention-Month

https://www.projectsemicolon.com/

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In this episode we talk about the necessity for self care among mental health professionals and why it is important for us to take care of ourselves. We also discuss the stigma behind mental health professionals seeking therapy and sharing their own mental health issues, while also touching on compassion fatigue and burnout.
Here are some of the most common signs of compassion fatigue:

• Diminished feelings of empathy
• Inability to stop thinking about work
• Dreading going to work
• Difficulty sleeping
• Low mood, anger, or irritability
• Social isolation
• Lack of motivation

Self-Care Strategies and Techniques (from positivepsychology.com)

Physical

1. Maintain a healthy and nutritious diet. Ideally with the help of a nutritionist, planning your diet can be vital.
2. Drink plenty of water. Therapists often forget how much energy is being spent listening and talking to patients. Therapists have water set aside for patients; why not for themselves as well?
3. Get enough sleep. Without proper sleep, fatigue may make therapists less able to exert the needed concentration in sessions with patients.

Cognitive

1. Read for leisure. Taking thoughts away from sessions and redirecting them toward things to relax with and enjoy, such as books, can help.
2. Being aware of self-talk, inner thoughts, judgments, and feelings can reduce stress and burnout (Lomas et al., 2019).
3. Participate in personal therapy. It is important to have a separate space for therapists to discuss stressful thoughts and behaviors brought on by delivering therapy.

Emotional

1. Find things that oppose the negative emotions experienced during a session. For example, if a session was particularly sad, watch a funny movie.
2. Practice using positive affirmations, such as praising yourself. As a therapist, you may not feel as if positive praise is warranted for your work, but what you do is important. Positive affirmations can benefit emotional wellbeing, lowering stress and rumination (Koole et al., 1999; Wiesenfeld et al., 2001).
3. Allow yourself to cry. All therapists can feel overwhelmed by emotions; a need to cry can be prevalent. Crying in personal therapy, as well as on your own time and in your own home, can be appropriate.

Spiritual

1. Make time for self-reflection at home, in nature, in a journal, or with a therapist.
2. Be open to not knowing. Therapists ground themselves in research and evidence-based work, but that does not mean therapists always have the answer. Not knowing can be stressful, but accepting that you don’t know everything and releasing yourself from this pressure are important parts of self-care.
3. Spend time in nature. The commute to the office, interactions with many people, and day-to-day administrative tasks can feel like too much at times. Escaping to nature is a key aspect of a self-care break.

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