Toxicity is defined as being poisonous, harmful or unpleasant in insidious ways. In therapy, clients explore situations, people and actions that may have toxic natures, and look at how those things benefit them, and how toxicity ultimately costs them. Today we talk about a particular type of toxicity: toxic masculinity. We look at how it harms everyone, men included. We’ll also be talking about one of television’s well-known problem children, all the way from South Park, Eric Cartman. For context, this recording took place on April 1st. Also, trigger warning, we are covering a hard topic today. So sit back. Relax. This is Sh!t Your Therapist Says!

There are several different types of diagnoses used in the mental health profession. They allow us to come up with treatment plans, and give us a visual for how to help clients. Unfortunately, a diagnosis can be seen as a negative label, and individuals with a mental health diagnosis often find themselves ostracized or made fun of. Today we’ll clarify the use of diagnoses in therapy, and we’ll also start a new segment where we talk about treating fictional characters. Today we tackle Batman and the Joker. So sit back. Relax. This is Sh!t Your Therapist Says!

Everyone has thinking patterns. Some are helpful, others—not so much. Today we’re going to focus on the not-so-helpful thinking patterns called cognitive distortions. We’ll talk about their purpose and how to challenge them. We’ll also talk about other interesting things, such as which members of congress we’d rather not do therapy with. So sit back. Relax. This is Sh!t Your Therapist Says.

Relationships are one of the many building blocks of human civilization. They’re living things with ebbs and flows, ups and downs. And just like all living things, relationships can be healthy or unhealthy. Today we talk about relationships and breakups. We also talk about attachment, Erickson’s 8 crises, and a few other things. So sit back. Relax. This is Sh!t Your Therapist Says!

Innocent or guilty. Woke or a sheep. Smart or stupid. Everyone makes judgments. Everyone fears judgment. And if you think you don’t, you do. Today we’ll be talking about fear of judgment, where it comes from, how to manage it. As well as other interesting topics such as my dog’s anxiety. So sit back. Relax. This is Sh!t Your Therapist Says!

Everyone has their own way of relating to the world. They have their personal point of view, and an inner belief about how the world works, as well as their place in the world. I'm referring to schema, one of many concepts of cognitive science and cognitive behavioral therapy. Today we're going to break down schemas, as well as self-talk and self-sabotage. We'll also talk about tips for new therapists and psychology students, with a few quips from therapy bros. This episode is a long one, so sit back. Relax. This  is Sh!t Your Therapist Says!

Advocacy is defined by Webster's as public support for or recommendation of a particular cause or policy. In the field of therapy, we push client's to advocate for themselves, and we as therapists are moved to advocate for others. Today we'll talk a bit about advocacy on a bigger stage, as well as social outrage and a need for change. So sit back. Relax. This is Sh!t Your Therapist Says.

In therapy, one of the things we emphasize, is the validity of emotions. Emotions can be fickle, and at times even deceitful. Managing emotions is one of the aims of therapy, and today we'll be talking about how emotional intelligence works. We'll also be talking about Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT), and anger management. We'll also be making a history reference or two. So sit back. Relax. This is Sh!t Your Therapist Says.

So what's it like to be a therapist? This is an interesting question, simply because there are so many different therapists. All these therapists carry their own personal experiences. Today, we'll be answering this question from our own perspective. We'll also be talking about emotions, anxiety, and maybe a little bit about video games. So sit back. Relax. This is Sh!t Your Therapist Says.

Thanksgiving is an American holiday full of food, football and family. It’s also a time where we sort of trample each other’s boundaries, whether it’s through pointless political arguments, or uncomfortable personal questions. Today, we’ll be talking about boundaries, not just with family, but within several relationships. We’ll also be talking about the seasonal changes and how it affects our emotional state, as well as other topics. So sit back. Relax. This is Sh!t Your Therapist Says!