Edge of the Couch

Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch or share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram @edgeofthecouchpod, email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com, or voice note at speakpipe.com/edgeofthecouch.We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.Alison McClearywww.alpenglowcounselling.com@alpenglow_counselling on InstagramJordan Pickellwww.jordanpickellcounselling.ca@jordanpickellcounselling on InstagramEdge of the Couchwww.edgeofthecouch.com@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram

Join the hosts as they explore the intriguing dynamics of wanting others to seek therapy. They discuss the tendency of clients to internalize blame and the complexity of relationships where partners act as each other's therapist. The conversation delves into how caregiving can become infantilizing, alongside the challenges therapists face in navigating their own emotions. A fascinating examination of trauma's intergenerational impact leads to discussions on empathy versus accountability. Plus, a sneak peek into their upcoming Canadian tour!

Explore the complex concept of 'fit' in therapy, where scheduling and financial considerations play a crucial role. Dive into the significance of therapist and client approaches, personalities, and the importance of direct communication. Learn how relational dynamics can indicate whether a therapeutic relationship is truly beneficial. The hosts stress the need for ongoing fit checks and empower listeners to seek out the right therapist for their unique needs, emphasizing that finding the right match is essential for progress.

A listener's question sparks a lively discussion about what it truly means to be a specialist in therapy. The hosts delve into the importance of experience, training, and mastery in defining specialization. They tackle the differences across regions regarding claims of expertise and share insights on niching, highlighting both its benefits and risks. The conversation also emphasizes the value of being a generalist early in one’s career while offering practical tips for new therapists to communicate their skills confidently without overpromising.

Explore the intriguing world of clients who thrive on drama. Discover how these individuals often use storytelling and other people's narratives to sidestep their own issues. Learn to distinguish between genuine crises and patterned drama that creates emotional chaos. Dive into the gendered dynamics of gossip and how they fuel connections. Gain practical skills like delaying reactions to emotional texts and recognizing patterns across relationships. Finally, challenge misconceptions about passionate relationships and the role of healthy boundaries.

Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch or share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram @edgeofthecouchpod, email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com, or voice note at speakpipe.com/edgeofthecouch.We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.Alison McClearywww.alpenglowcounselling.com@alpenglow_counselling on InstagramJordan Pickellwww.jordanpickellcounselling.ca@jordanpickellcounselling on InstagramEdge of the Couchwww.edgeofthecouch.com@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram

Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch or share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram @edgeofthecouchpod, email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com, or voice note at speakpipe.com/edgeofthecouch.We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.Alison McClearywww.alpenglowcounselling.com@alpenglow_counselling on InstagramJordan Pickellwww.jordanpickellcounselling.ca@jordanpickellcounselling on InstagramEdge of the Couchwww.edgeofthecouch.com@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram

Self-awareness is a gift, right? Until it isn’t. Self-awareness can help us grow, connect, and live more fully. But when it goes too far, it can crystallize into self-criticism, intellectualizing, and anxiety. In this episode, we talk about what happens when clients almost have TOO much self-awareness. Alison opens the conversation with a quote from Girls star, Jemima Kirke, who once told “unconfident young women” that maybe they’re just “thinking about themselves too much.” We discuss how therapists can recognize this pattern in clients, and how to help self-knowledge find a softer place to land.Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch or share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram @edgeofthecouchpod, email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com, or voice note at speakpipe.com/edgeofthecouch.We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.Alison McClearywww.alpenglowcounselling.com@alpenglow_counselling on InstagramJordan Pickellwww.jordanpickellcounselling.ca@jordanpickellcounselling on InstagramEdge of the Couchwww.edgeofthecouch.com@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram

The discussion dives deep into how the mental health field addresses quality versus quantity among therapists. The hosts challenge the misconception that bad therapists naturally get pushed out, highlighting how reputation and marketing can distort referrals. They also explore what 'fit' truly means in therapy, factoring in diversity and identity. The conversation critiques therapists entering the field as a backup plan and examines the risks posed by unregulated life coaches. Ultimately, they advocate for community and peer consultation to foster accountability and improve quality.

The hosts delve into the pressing issue of therapist oversaturation and distinguish between quantity and quality in the field. They tackle the failures in training programs and emphasize the critical role of meaningful supervision. Concerns about surface-level oversight and the need for ongoing professional development are discussed. The conversation also highlights the public's perception of a shortage of qualified therapists, while exploring the need for gatekeeping that ensures both accessibility and high standards. Their candid commentary challenges the readiness of some graduates to practice.