Today we welcome Whitney Goodman, the radically honest psychotherapist behind the hugely popular Instagram account Sit With Whit. She is the owner of The Collaborative Counseling Center, a private therapy practice in Miami. Whitney has her own column in Psychology Today and has been featured in The New York Times, Teen Vogue, NY Magazine, Instyle, Good Morning America, and other publications. Her most recent book is called Toxic Positivity: Keeping It Real in a World Obsessed with Being Happy.In this episode, I talk to Whitney Goodman about toxic positivity. A happy outlook in life is a strength; but when taken too far, it can backfire and work against us. Positivity stops becoming helpful when we deny the realities of hardship and trauma. Whitney believes positivity is not the panacea to our problems—it needs to be applied in the right time, place, and purpose. She shares with us ways on how to be supportive without being dismissive of our own well-being and of others. We also touch on the topics of authenticity, gratitude, hope, relationships, and work.Website: sitwithwhit.comInstagram: @SitWithWhit Topics03:14 When positivity becomes toxic 04:36 Pretending to be happy08:20 Do positive people always succeed?11:53 Changing toxic positivity15:33 Well-being > positive thinking21:31 Stop shaming yourself23:19 Realistic affirmations and organic gratitude 27:11 How to complain effectively29:15 Ingredients of communication31:28 Discrimination with a smile35:10 A value-driven life40:20 It’s okay to just be41:18 Positive fantasy can be helpfulSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whitney Goodman, a psychotherapist specializing in family-of-origin relationships, dives into the complexities adults with ADHD face within their families. The discussion covers the critical role of communication and the impact of generational differences in emotional health awareness. Whitney emphasizes the need for supportive responses from parents and personal growth as a pathway to healing. She highlights the struggles of setting boundaries with toxic parents and the emotional toll of estrangement, advocating for empathy and understanding throughout these challenging journeys.

Whitney Goodman, a licensed therapist, discusses going 'no contact' with family, exploring reasons beyond abuse such as boundary violations and emotional immaturity. The episode delves into setting boundaries, navigating parental shame, and complexities of familial relationships.

Whitney Goodman, a licensed marriage and family therapist and host of the "Calling Home" podcast, dives into the increasingly common phenomenon of adult children going no contact with their parents. She discusses the cultural shifts around family dynamics, emphasizing emotional immaturity and neglect as key reasons for estrangement. The conversation explores how personal freedom and self-discovery can arise from these difficult decisions, particularly in the context of changing expectations and social media's role in shaping modern family relationships.

Whitney Goodman, thought-provoking therapist and author, challenges the conventional wisdom of positive thinking. She discusses the pitfall of forced optimism and the importance of embracing all emotions for true growth. The conversation explores the impact of toxic positivity on individuals and society, including its harm to those with disabilities and chronic illnesses. It also touches on navigating personal relationships, setting realistic goals, and avoiding the pitfalls of self-help material.