In this powerful and heartfelt episode of Lessons from Your Hairstylist, Sarah sits down with licensed clinical therapist Brendan McCarthy, her therapist and the founder of Session Psychology in East Nashville. Brendan shares a deeply insightful look into the transformative nature of therapy, especially for creatives, and how tapping into our authentic selves can change the trajectory of our lives.

In this episode, you will hear about:

• The concept of “unrest” and how recognizing it can be the first step toward meaningful healing.
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• How Brendan uses experiential therapy, getting clients out of the chair and into movement to deepen breakthroughs.
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• The importance of creating safe, relational spaces that feel aligned with a client’s world.
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• A behind-the-scenes look at Brendan’s own healing journey and how it informs his work with clients.
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• The rising interest in alternative therapies, including EMDR and psychedelics, and how they can lower defenses to allow for deeper healing.
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• Brendan’s analogy of therapy as an “emotional gym” and why ongoing mental health care should be normalized and accessible.

Plus, stick around for the “Cut It or Keep It” segment, where Sarah asks Brendan to weigh in on everything from teletherapy to BetterHelp to using therapy lingo with family and friends.

This episode is for anyone who has ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected and is ready to do the work to find their way home to themselves.

Resources:

• Session Psychology – Brendan’s therapy practice in East Nashville
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• Sessions Podcast (hosted by Brendan & team)
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