In this episode of Therapists Unplugged, hosts and therapists Katie Gerwel and Emily McCarty explore what healing actually looks like and why the process can feel harder before it starts to feel better. Through a mental health–centered lens, they normalize why many people feel discouraged when therapy brings up more emotions, memories, or body sensations rather than immediate relief.

Katie and Emily explain the science behind healing in accessible terms, discussing how the brain and nervous system change through neuroplasticity, how trauma recovery expands our window of tolerance, and why healing is about integration rather than erasing painful experiences. They also highlight the nonlinear nature of growth and share subtle but meaningful signs of progress.

If you've ever wondered whether therapy is working or felt discouraged by the ups and downs of personal growth, this episode offers reassurance and a compassionate reminder that healing isn't about becoming someone new—it's about becoming more fully yourself.

The content of the Therapists Unplugged podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for mental health therapy or treatment.

Episode mentions and links:

Healthy Roots Instagram

Healthy Roots Website

In this episode of Therapists Unplugged, therapists Katie Gerwel and Emily McCarty explore why trauma isn't always a single event. They explain that trauma is defined by the nervous system's response to overwhelm, lack of safety, and lack of support—not by how "big" the experience appears from the outside.

Katie and Emily discuss how cumulative stress can build over time and impact the brain and body. They also unpack why people often minimize their experiences and how trauma can show up as anxiety, shutdown, people-pleasing, shame, or feeling stuck.

The content of the Therapists Unplugged podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for mental health therapy or treatment.

Episode mentions and links:

Healthy Roots Counseling Website

Healthy Roots Counseling Instagram

The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk M.D.

In this episode of Therapists Unplugged, hosts and therapists Katie Gerwel and Emily McCarty explore why winter can feel emotionally and physically heavy and how to cope with the season more gently. Through a mental health–centered lens, they normalize seasonal mood shifts, break down the difference between winter blues and Seasonal Affective Disorder, and explain what's happening in the brain and body when sunlight, routines, and energy change.

Katie and Emily share realistic, accessible coping strategies focused on nervous system support, self-compassion, and redefining productivity during the winter months. They also discuss when it may be helpful to seek additional support and remind listeners that slowing down in winter isn't a personal failure—it's a human response to the season.

If winter tends to leave you feeling drained, unmotivated, or disconnected, this episode offers understanding, validation, and practical tools to help you move through the season with more ease.

The content of the Therapists Unplugged podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for mental health therapy or treatment.

Episode mentions and links:

Healthy Roots Counseling Website Healthy Roots Counseling Instagram

In this episode of Therapists Unplugged, hosts and therapists Katie Gerwel and Emily McCarty explore why traditional New Year's resolutions often lead to shame and burnout and what to do instead. Through a mental health–centered lens, they discuss how culture, comparison, and nervous system dysregulation impact goal setting, and share practical ways to set goals rooted in values, capacity, and self-compassion rather than pressure and perfection.

If your goals have ever felt exhausting instead of supportive, this episode offers a kinder, more sustainable approach to growth.

The content of the Therapists Unplugged podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for mental health therapy or treatment.

Episode mentions and links:

Healthy Roots Counseling Website

Healthy Roots Counseling Instagram

Atomic Habits by James Clear

In this episode of Therapists Unplugged, hosts and therapists Katie Gerwel and Emily McCarty explore why the holidays can feel especially heavy. Katie and Emily discuss how memories, traditions, and societal pressure to "be happy" intensify emotions. They normalize all forms of grief, from death to shifting family dynamics. They offer gentle ways to honor loved ones, navigate overwhelming moments, simplify holiday expectations, and care for your emotional capacity. The episode closes with a reminder to listeners that grief and joy can coexist.

The content of the Therapists Unplugged podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for mental health therapy or treatment.

Episode mentions and links:

Healthy Roots Counseling Instagram

Healthy Roots Counseling Website

In this episode of Therapists Unplugged, hosts and therapists Katie Gerwel and Emily McCarty explore why the holidays can feel especially heavy. They discuss how holiday traditions amplify emotions, offer gentle ideas for honoring someone you miss, and validate all forms of grief—from lost loved ones to lost routines or imagined futures. The hosts address the impact of loss and changes, while emphasizing that feeling conflicting emotions this time of year is completely human. They close with practical tools for caring for yourself and a brief reflection inviting listeners to make space for both grief and hope this season.

The content of the Therapists Unplugged podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for mental health therapy or treatment.

Episode mentions and links:

David Kessler information

David Kessler's instagram

Healthy Roots Counseling Website

Healthy Roots Counseling Instagram

In this episode of Therapists Unplugged, hosts and therapists Katie Gerwel and Emily McCarty explore what it really means to protect your energy during the holiday season. They unpack why boundaries feel harder this time of year, common struggles people face with family and expectations, and practical strategies for staying grounded, present, and true to yourself.

The content of the Therapists Unplugged podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for mental health therapy or treatment.

Episode mentions and links:

Healthy Roots Website

Healthy Roots Instagram

In this episode of Therapists Unplugged, hosts and therapists Katie Gerwel and Emily McCarty explore the deeper meaning of gratitude. Not just as a feeling, but as a mindset that can shift perspective, calm the nervous system, and strengthen relationships. They break down what gratitude truly is, the science behind it, and practical ways to bring it into everyday life.

The content of the Therapists Unplugged podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for mental health therapy or treatment.

Episode mentions and links:

Robert Emmons' Research

Martin Seligman's Research

Healthy Roots Counseling Instagram

Healthy Roots Counseling Website

It's a special birthday edition of Therapists Unplugged! This week, therapist and co-host Katie Gerwel turns the mic toward fellow therapist and co-host Emily McCarty to celebrate her birthday and give listeners a chance to get to know the person behind the mic a little better.

From silly icebreakers and random talents to heartfelt reflections on growth and self-compassion, Emily opens up about her mental health journey with humor and heart. Together, Katie and Emily explore the small habits that make a big difference, the truths learned along the way, and the tools that have truly changed the game.

Whether you're here for the laughter, the insights, or a little birthday cheer, this episode is a warm reminder that behind every therapist is a human who is still learning, still growing, and still finding grace in the process.

The content of the Therapists Unplugged podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for mental health therapy or treatment.

Episode mentions and links:

Healthy Roots Counseling Instagram

Healthy Roots Counseling Website

In this episode of Therapists Unplugged, hosts and therapists Katie Gerwel and Emily McCarty explore the power of self-compassion: what it is, why it matters, and how to practice it in everyday life. Drawing on the work of researcher Kristin Neff, they break down the core components of self-compassion and share practical tools to quiet the inner critic, build emotional resilience, and treat yourself with the same kindness you offer others.

Leave perfection behind and start showing up for yourself, one small act of self-compassion at a time.

The content of the Therapists Unplugged podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for mental health therapy or treatment.

Episode mentions and links:

Kristin Neff's website

Healthy Roots Counseling Instagram

Healthy Roots Counseling Website