Your Mental Breakdown

This week, we talk about the connection between knowing it and feeling it and the difference between a human being and a human doing. Doug and Andrew dive deeper into his decision about going to his brother's bachelor party. We explore what can happen when we try out new ways of thinking and create different neural pathways. In the breakdown, this leads to an amazing exchange between Doug and Meredith about whether or not it's okay to ski off the trail out of bounds and into an avalanche! They even manage to bring Plato into the discussion!

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This week, Doug and Meredith talk about what came up in Andrew's recent sessions — Star Wars, jealousy, and male strippers, of course. Andrew shares a bad nightmare that caused a lot of anxiety. Doug and Andrew work on balancing out the "what if" thoughts and discuss how to move forward in life, while also being present and able to appreciate each moment for what it really is. Doug and Meredith break down the session and discuss how symbolism in dreams could be a key for themes in our waking lives.

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Mentioned in this episode:

Stuart Smaley (Daily Affirmations from SNL)

Brene Brown (the Ted Talk)

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In a special Insight Out bonus minisode during this Covid quarantine, Doug and Meredith connect with each other (and you) from their own homes. They share some thoughts about the 'panic' in the middle of this pan-dem-ic. They also reach into the YMB Mailbag to read a listener question about bodily functions in session! The Mailbag is going to be a regular feature on Insight Out where you'll hear Doug and Meredith give their feedback, answers, and thoughts on your comments - so keep them coming! 

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This week, Doug and Meredith tell us about when therapy in their past has sometimes gone wrong (or ineffective). Andrew and Doug dig more into the upcoming wedding of Andrew's brother, and whether it's his choice or obligation to go. Andrew opens up about some relationship anxiety he has been experiencing, and Doug helps him understand steps to take when he feels insecure and triggered. Meredith gives Doug accolades for using some sweet Star Wars analogies, and we all learn ways to turn down that critical voice inside ourselves and add a kinder, more realistic voice.

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Meredith Levy Douglas Friedman Your Mental Breakdown

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Star Wars

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For a bonus mini-sode this week in a series we're calling Insight Out, Doug and Meredith introduce us to some of the more common Cognitive Distortions. These are classic ways of thinking from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) that often lead to our "negative" feelings and emotions (like Meredith says, there are no negative emotions!!). Doug and Meredith help us bring these unconscious, automatic ways of thinking to our awareness so we can check the facts and challenge them, instead of going down a slippery slope of thinking ineffectively and feeling bad. Print out the pretty handout and put it on your fridge!!

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Mentioned in this episode:

Meredith Levy

Douglas Friedman

This week, Doug and Meredith dig deeper into Doug's use of sweet analogies (hello car gears and Harry Potter!) and discuss reframing the difference between choice and obligation. Andrew's session reveals where he is currently with the idea of attending his estranged brother's bachelor party, and he and Doug work on expressing vulnerability and reframing the narrative to work better for him.

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Mentioned in this episode:

The Goonies – Chunk spills his guts scene

The Way of the Peaceful Warrior

Sacred Journey of the Peaceful Warrior

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For a special bonus episode this week, Doug and Meredith are joined by their friends and colleagues; John Sovec and Bonnie Rae, both Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists. They have an open and honest conversation about topics such as disclosing sexual orientation with clients, handling the nerves of the first visit, how to stay supported and connected, and the LGBTQ elements of John and Bonnie's work. The group also talks about if they have ever Googled a client before a first session, how to know when a client/patient relationship isn't a fit, and how they set tighter boundaries to go even deeper in their sessions.

Mentioned in this episode:

Antioch University

The West Wing President seeing a therapist scene

John Sovec

Bonnie Rae

The very adorkable Doug and Meredith return back this week to share how they typically begin their therapy sessions and give a recap of the trust and vulnerability issues that the client Andrew dealt with in his recent three sessions. Andrew and Doug work on organizing fractured thoughts into a clearer picture of reality, dig deeper into Andrew's relationship with his mom and brother and talk about ways Andrew can be more of his own person while still having the support of his parents.

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Meredith Levy Douglas Friedman Your Mental Breakdown

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This week, Doug and MerMer remind us to not "should" all over ourselves and then recap the first two sessions with Andrew (the Client has been given a name for the podcast). Session three includes Andrew opening up about traumatic incidents that contributed to the strained relationships with both his brother and mother. Doug introduces some tools to practice changing our perspective, and in turn, our experience using both real-life examples and analogies.

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Meredith Levy Douglas Friedman Your Mental Breakdown

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This week, Doug and Meredith reminisce about Doug's parachute pants and MerDog's love of Megadeth. They talk about how to know when a session is over, taking notes, and how they prevent burnout. Doug shares his Buddhism dropout story, and then we dive into the client's second therapy session. During the session, Doug and the Client focus on the themes of vulnerability, balance, and how better to control our negative thoughts.

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Meredith Levy Douglas Friedman Your Mental Breakdown

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