Edge of the Couch

Jordan Pickell and Alison McCleary
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Oct 29, 2025 • 34min

Is Therapy a Cult?

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
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Oct 22, 2025 • 56min

Therapy Beyond Individual Work

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
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Oct 15, 2025 • 36min

Self-Awareness Can Become Its Own Problem

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
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Oct 8, 2025 • 53min

Oversaturation Part 2: Fit and Rejecting Competition

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.
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Oct 1, 2025 • 39min

Oversaturation: Graduate Programs and the Importance of Gatekeeping

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.
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Jun 4, 2025 • 49min

Imposter Syndrome Revisited

The conversation revisits the ever-relevant topic of imposter syndrome, discussing how feelings of self-doubt can persist even in skilled professionals. The hosts share personal experiences and the evolving nature of these emotions as they tackle new challenges. They highlight the importance of community support in therapy and examine the role of privilege in shaping one’s sense of belonging. The episode culminates with reflections on their podcasting journey and future plans, emphasizing the ongoing dialogue surrounding mental health and professional growth.
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May 28, 2025 • 47min

Examining the "Victim Mentality"

The hosts delve into the complexities of 'victim mentality,' highlighting its misuse to undermine marginalized voices. They differentiate between genuine victimhood and defensive behaviors stemming from unprocessed trauma. Listeners learn how subtle triggers can unleash profound reactions tied to grief. The conversation emphasizes empathy in therapy while cautioning against mislabeling clients. Finally, they discuss the responsibilities of therapists in recognizing biases and ensuring a supportive, reflective approach to client care.
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May 21, 2025 • 48min

Who is The Villain?

Ever wondered what it’s like to be the villain in someone else’s story? The podcast dives into the tricky dynamics between therapists and clients, exploring how therapists can be seen as villains. It discusses the complexities of accountability, self-reflection, and the emotional responses that arise in therapy. Listeners will discover the importance of empathy and communication while navigating vulnerabilities. The conversation encourages a nuanced understanding of human relationships, highlighting how labeling someone a villain oversimplifies their story.
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5 snips
May 14, 2025 • 46min

Working "Harder" Than Your Client

The podcast dives into the belief that therapists shouldn't work harder than their clients. The hosts challenge this notion, discussing how privilege and trauma shape effort in therapy. They also explore the complexities of client engagement and the often misunderstood dynamics of therapeutic relationships. Silence's role in fostering deeper conversations is highlighted, alongside the need for therapists to adapt their approaches. Ultimately, the discussion emphasizes the importance of meeting clients where they are emotionally while redefining the therapist-client dynamic.
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May 7, 2025 • 43min

Honing Your Therapist Intuition

You know those moments in session when something inside says, "Something just shifted", "Pause here", or "Hmm..this is not lining up"? In this episode, we dig into what it means to follow our therapist intuition. We talk about how intuition grows over time, how it shows up in the room, and how we tentatively introduce our impressions. What’s your relationship with intuition in the therapy room... and how do you know when to trust it?--Check out Leading Edge's upcoming free events, in-person events, and over 150 webinars to choose from at LeadingEdgeSeminars.org, and find the training that actually works for you." Use the code EDGE10 to get 10% off select purchases.Please note: this discount does not apply to the EMDR training.https://leadingedgeseminars.org/?ref=7078Join 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

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