Therapy Level Midnight

Join Trever and Jesie in their perpetual pursuit of making The Office just a little bigger than it really is. In this episode, we explore the complex creature of Phyllis Vance. Exploring the nuances of the matronly archetype, and how well Phyllis shows us the vibrance and sensuality that can exist long into life. We discuss the security that exists in healthy committed relationships and how transformative to us (and our growth) they can be. 

On March 19th, 2021, Jesie Steffes and Trever Shirin will be hosting a Facebook Live conversation about The Office from the perspective of two counselors! Also, go follow the Therapy Level Midnight Facebook Page to reach out to us!

https://www.facebook.com/TheOfficeCounselors

In this episode, Jesie and Trever unpack the mysterious treasure that is Dwight Schrute. We argue, effectively, that perhaps the entire Office series really was Dwight's hero story. We discuss the idea that perhaps as humans we are a result of the experiences and environments around us, rather than our own inherent flaws. Asking the question "what happened to someone?" instead of "what's wrong with them?" We discuss the Hierarchy of Needs and how Dwight can offer a beautiful picture of what a person in survival may look like interpersonally until their needs are met sufficiently enough for them to focus on connection and belonging. In the midst of it all, Dwight is ever the fantasizer and models for us how adults can utilize play and fantasy as a way to find relief from suffering in life's difficult times. 

See the deleted cold open matrix prank video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Rf9-Ej2xPw&feature=emb_logo

Toby Flenderson is the luke-warm HR rep we all love to hate. But, is there more to this boring man than just his infatuation and unrequited love for Pam? Join Trever and Jesie as we deep dive into the role rejection can play in a person's ability to connect authentically. Here, we explore concepts around being "a part of" or "apart from" and how this can impact overall human functioning. 

Is Toby the Scranton Strangler, or just a khaki-personality-having-boring-HR rep? Check out some compelling evidence here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I009w8nDOkE

Jesie and Trever dive right into the complexity that is Angela Martin! Arguably one of the most rigid and uptight members of our favorite mid-size paper company,  Angela sparks a discussion about how faith, legalism, and living in congruence with values can look different for us all. Join us as we explore the concepts of values and spirituality in action, and what they've meant to us! 

'Tis the Season! Join Trever and Jesie as they navigate their favorite cringe-worthy and heart-warming moments of The Office Christmas episodes. Here, we explore how family systems dynamics play out in our favorite mid-level paper company family. Join us as we muse on how focusing on helping the "outsider" in the system find belonging in the midst of darkness can be a source of light.  Listen in as we highlight how generosity, grace, and compromise allow our favorite characters to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year together. 

Join Jesie and Trever as they navigate the personality enigma that is Andy Bernard! In this episode, we talk about the impact of parenting and attachment on identity formation, and how having healthful environments can lead to a positive redefinition of self. Moving through the world with the weight of others' expectations can be immobilizing. The constant pursuit to impress and garner approval from those in our world can leave one feeling like an empty shell of ourselves. No wonder Andy collects so many nicknames! Follow along as we highlight the surprising way Nard Dog finally meets his truest self!

Of course, we started with Michael! Would we rather be feared or loved? Easy. Both. We want people to be afraid of how much they love this podcast! Join Jesie and Trever as they discuss the World's Best Boss-Michael Scott. Exploring ideas around how we use language to express our internal feelings- and the model Michael Scott can be for us in living in the full range of emotional expression. Trever and Jesie talk about attachment styles and love, emotional maturity, and the reparative nature of Michael and Holly's relationship. Come along as we dissect everyone's favorite Dundie Award-Worthy Boss. 

Welcome to Therapy Level Midnight

We're so excited to debut this podcast, we might just burn the whole place down. In this episode, Trever Shirin and Jesie Steffes talk about how The Office served as the securing base for their professional relationship, and how they see that "nothing in life happens that isn't mirrored in The Office." From relationship goals to how to engage in wellness, and even how to fight stigma around mental health issues, Jesie and Trever speak frankly about the examples they see in The Office and how we can all benefit from watching it through the eyes of two counselors.