In this episode of Therapists’ Take, Carrie and Josh unpack the rapidly evolving intersection of artificial intelligence and mental health counseling. They explore pressing questions: How is AI already being used in the field? What are the risks of introducing it into such a sacred, human-centered space? Could AI ever replace the need for therapists—or does it simply serve as a tool to enhance care?

This conversation is designed to spark curiosity and dialogue, whether you’re a therapist, a client, or simply someone intrigued by the future of mental health.

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00:00 - Hi, Carrie! (Intro)

01:00 - An Intimidating Topic

09:28 - Episode Breakdown

10:29 - The Therapist's Role in an AI Era

18:28 - AI as a Useful Tool for Mental Health

24:50 - The Psychological Impact on Clients

33:07 - The Future of Mental Healthcare and AI

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Resources:

(article) The Reality of Instant AI Therapy | Psychology Today

🙋 Audience Questions

Would you feel comfortable opening up to an AI therapist? Why or why not?

Do you think AI will ever truly replicate human empathy?

💬 Submit your own questions for the podcast here: https://forms.gle/J1Tm1AwVKKw5QTt27

🌐 Explore more content: https://www.linktr.ee/familysolutionsok

👉 If you enjoyed today’s conversation, please like, subscribe, and share for more thoughtful takes on the evolving world of therapy.

In this compelling episode of Therapists’ Take, we sit down with family law attorney and author Brian Putnam to unpack the complex and often misunderstood reality of domestic abuse. Drawing on decades of legal experience and personal insight, Brian shares what it truly takes to break free from abuse—and the critical steps toward safety, justice, and healing.

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00:00 - Hi, Carrie! (Intro)

01:38 - Guest: Brian Putnam

02:50 - The Reason for the Book

06:14 - Who Should Read It

09:15 - Encyclopedia of Domestic Abuse

17:43 - Healing the Wounds

28:30 - Breaking Free & Safety Planning

34:04 - Preventing Domestic Abuse

About Our Guest:

Brian Putnam is an experienced attorney, advocate, and author of Escaping Domestic Abuse: A Step-by-Step Guide to Breaking Free. Through his legal work and writing, Brian provides survivors with clear, compassionate guidance for navigating the legal system and safely leaving abusive situations.

For more information about Brian and/or the legal services his team provides, please visit https://www.PutnamLawOffice.com.

To purchase the book, Escaping Domestic Abuse: A Step-by-Step Guide to Breaking Free, you can do so by clicking the following link - https://amzn.to/47zeFeS

As Amazon Affiliates, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Domestic Abuse Resources

• Escaping Domestic Abuse (book) by Brian Putnam – see link above
• National Domestic Violence Hotline – 1 (800) 799-SAFE(7233)
• YWCA - https://www.ywca.org/

 Oklahoma Specific Domestic Abuse Resources

• OK Domestic Violence Hotline – 1 (800) 522-SAFE (7233)
• YWCA OKC– https://www.ywcaokc.org/
• Palomar - https://palomarokc.org/
• Cardinal Point - https://cardinalpointok.org/
• Latino Community Development - https://www.lcdaok.com/
• Sanctuary Women’s Development - https://www.catholiccharitiesok.org/

Other Resources Mentioned

• The 12 Types of Gaslighting (blog) - Vulnerability Exploitation: Twelve Typologies of Gaslighting Found in Committed Couple Relationships - Family Solutions Counseling
• The 12 Types of Gaslighting (youtube series) - https://youtu.be/6XANUX7K2aU?si=Js5sNwx4IRYNd63R
• Gaslighting (YouTube Playlist) - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmpKQiGv_EQ7Rh-Jc_Asg4Rm5BC-m9v2e&si=Q2h-QUTB_0-65TBN
• EMDR - https://youtu.be/G692ymBkg-4?si=1FBu-h6VCNYMPccG
• EMDR (podcast episode) - Episode 22: On EMDR - What Is … - Therapists' Take with Carrie and Josh - Apple Podcasts
• Scary Relationships - https://www.youtube.com/live/Rs-HIvN--WI?si=oSR6LGcm4YyHzyVj
• Scary Relationships (podcast) - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-01-on-scary-relationships/id1717516278?i=1000635486694

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For more great content, check out our linktree at https://linktr.ee/familysolutionsok

After a two-month pause, we’re back—and this time, we’re leaning into the space of transition. In this reflective return episode, we explore what it means to live in the “in-between”—those seasons where you’ve stepped away from what’s familiar but haven’t yet arrived at what’s next.

As therapists, we spend a lot of time with people in this very space: between what was and what will be. Today, we’re sharing our take on how to understand, navigate, and even grow through these pivotal moments of change.

We’re also thrilled to introduce our new producer, Alexander “Zander” Holland. Zander is a licensed therapist with a special focus on betrayal trauma couple recovery, and we couldn’t be more excited to have him join our growing podcast team.

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In this episode, we explore:

The Uncertainty in Disruption

How disruptions—planned or unplanned—create anxiety, reveal unresolved fears, and challenge our sense of control.

The Grief in Growth

Why all growth includes letting go, and how to honor the sorrow that comes with moving forward.

The Opportunity in Reorganizing

How disruption creates space to reflect, refocus, and align life with your values in new ways.

The Gratitude in New Beginnings

Recognizing the beauty in starting again—and how even the hardest resets can hold surprising gifts.

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Book mentioned: The Untethered Soul by Michael Singer - https://amzn.to/3JlsnrR

As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Learn more about Zander at https://www.familysolutionsok.com/alexander-holland

New Podcast just released: Poetry in Layers with Carl Patterson. Check it out wherever you get your podcast!

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For more great content, check out our linktree at https://linktr.ee/familysolutionsok

In this short and sunny episode of Therapists’ Take, we’re talking about the power of pressing pause—yes, even on the things we’re passionate about. As therapists, we get how easy it is to stay stuck in productivity mode, always connected and always “doing the work.” But sometimes, the most meaningful step forward is choosing to stop and just be.

As we head into our own summer break this June and July, we’re reflecting on what it really means to step back with purpose. Taking a break isn’t quitting—it’s an intentional act of self-care and courage.

Here’s what pressing pause can look like:

• Facing the Fear of Loss – Taking a break can feel scary. We talk about how to move through the fear of falling behind or being forgotten.
• Being Still or Slowing Down – Rest isn’t lazy; it’s vital. We share why stillness matters for your mental health.
• Trying Something New – A break can be the space you need to rediscover creativity and explore something life-giving.
• Retreating, Not Escaping – There’s a difference. We explore how to pause with intention, not avoidance.

We’ll be taking a break from the podcast through June and July—but don’t worry, we’ll be back in August with more honest conversations and real talk about mental health, healing, and relationships.

Until then, take good care, slow down when you can, and remember—growth doesn’t always mean moving forward

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00:00 - Intro | Hi, Carrie!

01:10 - We are pressing pause.

03:56 - Episode Breakdown

08:06 - Fear of Facing Loss

13:22 - Being Still or Slowing Down

21:20 - Trying Something New

26:50 - Retreats, not Escapes

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Books Mentioned

• Eckhart Tolle Collection - https://amzn.to/401BCmi
• ScreamFree Parenting - https://amzn.to/4mXbhQj

As Amazon Affiliates, we earn on qualifying purchases.

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Therapists' Take on THE HEALING POWER of NATURE w/ Kelly Roberts - https://www.youtube.com/live/dbDHkJSkZ9Y?si=lPAiM7RvIcxw1eIV

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For more great episodes, please visit our LinkTree - https://www.linktr.ee/familysolutionsok

In this episode of the Therapists’ Take Podcast, we explore some uncomfortable—but essential—truths that emotionally healthy, non-codependent couples have learned to live by. At first glance, these insights might feel counterintuitive or even a little controversial. But rather than chasing the illusion of the perfect relationship, these couples have embraced a more grounded, realistic approach to love—one rooted in clarity, maturity, and genuine connection.

You might feel a little unsettled as we unpack these truths—not because they’re harsh, but because they challenge some deeply held assumptions. If you’ve ever questioned why conventional advice like “always compromise,” “love unconditionally,” or “just meet each other’s needs” often falls flat, this conversation will resonate. Most importantly, we’ll offer a more balanced, self-respecting framework for building meaningful relationships—without losing yourself along the way.

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00:00 - Intro | Hi, Carrie!

03:05 - Episode Breakdown

04:20 - The Shelf Life

06:30 - Prodependence Book

12:58 - Josh's Theory on Codependent Relationships

20:00 - What Is Interdependence?

22:32 - Hard Reality 1: Want vs Need

29:34 - Hard Reality 2: Unconditional vs Conditional

37:29 - Hard Reality 3: Compromise vs Sacrifice

47:00 - Hard Reality 4: Happiness vs Togetherness

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Books:

Prodependence by Rob Weiss - https://amzn.to/3Hbu8GQ

Facing Codependence by Pia Mellody - https://amzn.to/4dLjOBG

Codependent No More by Melody Beattie - https://amzn.to/3FAWc6g

As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases

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Interview w/ Rob Weiss - https://youtu.be/W2Z48giYxR0

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For more great content, please visit or LinkTree - https://linktr.ee/familysolutionsok

In Part 2 of our heartfelt series, The Impact Our Clients Have on Us, we continue the conversation with the insightful Whitney Alexander, LMFT. This episode takes a deeper dive into the personal side of being a therapist—where our professional and human selves inevitably intersect.

We open up about our own vulnerabilities in couple relationships, the tension between being a "helper" and being human, and the sometimes uncomfortable question: Do we actually practice what we preach?

Join us for a candid, unscripted discussion that sheds light on the ways our clients challenge, shape, and humble us—and how, in turn, that makes us better partners, professionals, and people.

🧠 Topics we explore:

• The therapist’s vulnerability in personal relationships

• How working with clients challenges our own emotional growth

• What it really means to be “human” in the therapy room

🎙️ Whether you're a fellow therapist or just curious about the minds behind the mental health work, this episode offers raw insights and relatable truths.

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00:00 - Intro to Part 2

01:11 - Jumping Back In

02:27 - Our Vulnerability

06:44 - Whitney Confronts Josh

10:16 - When Bad Things Happen

13:14- Practicing What we Preach

15:42 - What Our Clients Teach Us

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In this special two-part series, we’re joined once again by our friend and trusted colleague, Whitney Alexander, LMFT, owner of The Warren Alexander Group in Stillwater, OK.

This episode dives into a conversation that’s rarely had publicly—the personal and professional impact our clients have on us as therapists. In Part 1, we explore:

🔹 How our clients’ stories shape who we are as clinicians and people

🔹 The emotional weight that comes with walking alongside others in their pain

🔹 Why it’s vital for therapists to remain aware of their own internal responses

Whether you're a therapist, a client, or someone curious about the behind-the-scenes emotional world of mental health professionals, this episode offers honest insight and reflection.

🧠 About our guest:

Whitney Alexander, LMFT, is a seasoned therapist and one of our most respected colleagues. She’s been featured in two of our most popular episodes:

✔️ Episode 10 – The 3 Channels of Self-Awareness

✔️ Episode 32 – Complex PTSD and the Feeling of Brokenness

👀 Don’t miss Part 2 next week, where we go even deeper into the emotional toll—and rewards—of this work.

👉 Be sure to subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and check the show notes for related resources and links.

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00:00 - Intro to the Episode

01:44 - About Our Guest

02:29 - Start of the Episode

04:28 - Josh Confronts Whitney

06:28 - The Impact on Us

09:45 - Self-of-Therapist

16:30 - Strong Women

17:48 - Brene Brown

19:50 - The Weight We Carry

25:25 - Vicarious Trauma

30:59 - Whitney's Closing Thoughts

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For more information about our guest and the services she offers, you can visit her website at https://www.warrenalexandergroup.com.

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White Horse Phenomenon - Brene Brown - https://youtu.be/0Wu0lp8LH3c?si=CWfHpgsGkEZEs5kU

Vicarious Trauma - https://health.clevelandclinic.org/vicarious-trauma

Compassion Fatigue - https://www.growthtactics.net/what-are-the-5-stages-of-compassion-fatigue

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To learn more about our services or to access more valuable content, please visit our linktree - https://linktr.ee/familysolutionsok

Ever wonder what really catches a therapist’s eye—or ear—during a session? It’s not always the words you’re saying, but how you say them, what your body does, or the deeper patterns you may not even notice. In this episode of Therapists’ Take, we dive into the subtle but powerful signals that guide us as clinicians. From repeated themes to emotional tone to the moment a client says something “small” that’s actually huge—we’ll talk about how we tune into what truly matters.

If you’ve been curious about what therapists notice and why it sometimes feels like we’re reading between the lines, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at how therapy actually works.

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00:00 - Hi, Carrie! (Intro)

03:03 - Processes & Patterns

06:32 - Body Language

11:00 - Incongruencies

15:56 - Resistance

20:32 - Buzz Words (BW)

21:38 - BW1: Governing Rules

23:25 - BW2: Dichotomous Thinking

24:22 - BW3: Winning/Losing

28:26 - BW4: Hierarchical Language

30:58 - BW5: The Point

35:19 - In Closing

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Books from this Episode:

Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl - https://amzn.to/3RShtLi

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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🎧 Want more? Check out all our resources and links at: https://www.linktr.ee/faimlysolutionsok

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Fair Use Disclaimer:

This podcast episode includes a very brief audio clip (1–2 seconds) from the film Friday (1995), directed by F. Gary Gray and written by Ice Cube and DJ Pooh. The clip is used in a comedic and transformative context as a cultural reference and not for commercial exploitation.

We believe this usage qualifies as Fair Use under Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Act, which allows limited use of copyrighted material for purposes such as parody, comment, and transformative expression.

No copyright infringement is intended. All rights to the original film and its content remain with their respective copyright holders.

🔗 Friday (1995) on IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0113118/

🎬 Directed by: F. Gary Gray

✍️ Written by: Ice Cube and DJ Pooh

🎥 Distributed by: New Line Cinema

Ever wonder what’s really going through a therapist’s mind during a session? In this listener-inspired episode of Therapists’ Take, we invite you behind the scenes to explore the internal world of the therapist. When a client begins to speak, the work starts—not just in listening, but in engaging a complex, intentional process rooted in empathy, observation, and analysis.

Therapists are constantly tuning into body language, emotional tone, and story patterns while forming and revising working hypotheses on the fly. We’ll talk about how we make sense of what’s being said—and what’s not—as well as how our own emotional reactions play a crucial role in the therapeutic process. If you’ve ever been curious about the quiet mental mechanics of a therapy session, you won’t want to miss this episode.

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00:00 - Hi, Carrie! (Intro)

02:46 - Thing 1: Hypothesizing

09:17 - Thing 2: Compassion & Curiosity

13:45 - Thing 3: Body Language

22:29 - Thing 4: Differences that Make a Difference

28:27 - Thing 5: Therapist Emotion

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Check out the following episodes mentioned:

- The 3 Channels of Self-Awareness - https://youtube.com/live/n_psQU9kcgg?feature=share

- Five Things Therapists Wished You Knew - https://youtube.com/live/_zRx19AA4AA?feature=share

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For more great content, please visit our linktree at https://linktr.ee/familysolutionsok

Ever wonder what therapists are actually like when we’re not in session? In this fun and more personal episode of Therapists’ Take, we’re giving you a peek behind the scenes—sharing five things we wish more people knew about us outside the therapy chair.

We’re talking about everything from the myth that we’re constantly analyzing everyone (promise, we’re not… usually) to the reality that many of us are regulars in the client seat too. Expect laughter, a little vulnerability, and some unexpected truths—like our love for Netflix, moments when the "therapist voice" creeps into casual conversations, and why we definitely don’t have it all figured out.

Whether you're a fellow mental health professional, a curious client, or just someone interested in the human side of therapy, this episode is full of humor, heart, and real talk from the other side of the couch.

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00:16 - Hi, Carrie!

01:55 - "Do we talk slow?"

02:54 - Thing 1

06:22 - Thing 2

11:40 - Thing 3

15:08 - Thing 4

18:10 - Thing 5

24:40 - Fun w/ Words

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Great Book

Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb - https://amzn.to/4jAerXM

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For more great content or to find services we offer, please visit our LinkTree at https://www.linktr.ee/familysolutionsok