The Terri Cole Show 753 Create Better Connections with Dr. Jody Carrington
Aug 28, 2025
Dr. Jody Carrington, a clinical psychologist and author passionate about authentic connections, shares her compelling journey navigating trauma and family secrets. She discusses the importance of empathy in understanding others and shifting perspectives from 'what's wrong?' to 'what happened?'. Jody opens up about discovering a sister later in life, the struggles of caregiver burnout, and the impact of technology on relationships. Her insights into personal boundaries and the need for genuine human connection make for a thought-provoking conversation.
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Small-Town Origin And Hidden Family Secret
- Jody grew up in Viking, Alberta and was shaped by a teacher who modeled emotional leadership during tragedy.
- She later discovered at 35 that she had a sister hidden by her parents, which reframed her family identity and caregiving role.
Ask 'What Happened Here?' Not 'What's Wrong?'
- Switch the question from "What's wrong?" to "What happened here?" to unlock empathy and understanding.
- Dr. Jody says empathy becomes the antidote to burnout when you investigate causes, not just symptoms.
Impostor Strain Led To Boundaries Lesson
- Early in her career Jody stayed at the hospital, worried no one could do it better, and cried herself to sleep from impostor feelings.
- That period taught her the importance of boundaries to avoid personal collapse and ineffective caregiving.
