
Edge of the Couch
Two good friends and experienced therapists explore the topics that were either shied away from or dismissed because they were too big, too nuanced, too risky, or too uncomfortable to address in school or even in supervision. We want to inspire and encourage therapists to think more deeply, show up more fully, and find humour and self-compassion in navigating the messier parts of being a therapist.
Latest episodes

Mar 2, 2022 • 36min
The Insidious Nature of Competitiveness
"The therapy space is oversaturated. You're going to have to fight for clients" is just one of the messages Alison and Jordan received in grad school. Some therapists brag about how burned out they are, how marginalized their clients are, how many sessions they squeeze into the week. Students are actually pitted against each other when applying for internships. Do you recognize that burning feeling of envy in yourself? Do you ever want to take someone down a peg? In this episode, we talk about the insidious nature of competitiveness and how you can stay above the fray.Alison McClearywww.alpenglowcounselling.com@alpenglow_counselling on InstagramJordan Pickellwww.jordanpickellcounselling.ca@jordanpickellcounselling on InstagramEdge of the Couchwww.edgeofthecouch.com@edgeofthecouchpod on InstagramWe 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.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

Feb 23, 2022 • 40min
Finding Your Theoretical Orientation
Alison and Jordan talk about the importance of your theoretical orientation-- when it matters, when it doesn't matter so much, and when it straight-up gets in the way. They talk about their own journeys in finding their theoretical orientation and how they make room for it to continue to evolve. Alison McClearywww.alpenglowcounselling.com@alpenglow_counselling on InstagramJordan Pickellwww.jordanpickellcounselling.ca@jordanpickellcounselling on InstagramEdge of the Couchwww.edgeofthecouch.com@edgeofthecouchpod on InstagramWe 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.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

Feb 16, 2022 • 43min
When Things Go Sideways
In this first episode of Season 3, Jordan and Alison discuss when things go sideways in a session (or before a session!) This topic is for counselling students and new therapists who tend to plan their sessions out to the letter. Listen to Jordan and Alison speak about their own experiences, and prepare yourself to stay grounded no matter what happens in the clinical hour!Alison McClearywww.alpenglowcounselling.com@alpenglow_counselling on InstagramJordan Pickellwww.jordanpickellcounselling.ca@jordanpickellcounselling on InstagramEdge of the Couchwww.edgeofthecouch.com@edgeofthecouchpod on InstagramWe 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, use the code EDGECOUCH1MO at the time of sign-up for a 1 month grace period.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

Jan 12, 2022 • 45min
Holding onto Hope
In this Season 2 finale, Jordan and Alison discuss the ethic of practicing hope, how to support clients through despair, and what happens when we as therapists are disconnected from a sense of hope.Thank you so much for listening this season! We will be back with new episodes in February. Do you have ideas for next season episode topics? Send us an email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com.Alison McClearywww.alpenglowcounselling.com@alpenglow_counselling on InstagramJordan Pickellwww.jordanpickellcounselling.ca@jordanpickellcounselling on InstagramEdge of the Couchwww.edgeofthecouch.com@edgeofthecouchpod on InstagramWe 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, use the code EDGECOUCH1MO at the time of sign-up for a 1 month grace period.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

Dec 8, 2021 • 48min
Religion, Spirituality, and Ghosts
This week's episode comes with a content warning: Mention of abortion, conversion "therapy"In our very first episode recorded in person, Alison and Jordan speak off the cuff about relating to clients who have very different belief systems than you. Alison McClearywww.alpenglowcounselling.com@alpenglow_counselling on InstagramJordan Pickellwww.jordanpickellcounselling.ca@jordanpickellcounselling on InstagramEdge of the Couchwww.edgeofthecouch.com@edgeofthecouchpod on InstagramWe 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, use the code EDGECOUCH1MO at the time of sign-up for a 1 month grace period.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

9 snips
Dec 1, 2021 • 46min
How to Leave Work at Work
Therapist Alison McCleary discusses setting boundaries between work and home life, especially challenging when working from home. Topics include maintaining work-life balance, taking vacations, navigating empathy in therapy, recognizing personal boundaries and triggers, managing physical discomfort in virtual therapy, and strategies for disconnecting when working from home.

Nov 24, 2021 • 43min
Rupture and Repair
In this episode, Alison and Jordan talk about mistakes they have made, how sometimes one person feels a rupture while the other person doesn't, and the need to apologize when we have messed up (but not for being a human.)Alison McClearywww.alpenglowcounselling.com@alpenglow_counselling on InstagramJordan Pickellwww.jordanpickellcounselling.ca@jordanpickellcounselling on InstagramEdge of the Couchwww.edgeofthecouch.com@edgeofthecouchpod on InstagramWe 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, use the code EDGECOUCH1MO at the time of sign-up for a 1 month grace period.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

Nov 17, 2021 • 34min
Reframing Our Fear of Failure and Embracing Mistake Making - Interview with Kat DeFatta
In this engaging discussion, Kat DeFatta, a licensed therapist and host of the "You Need Therapy Podcast," dives into the world of therapy and personal growth. She shares insights on how early challenges shape therapists, emphasizes the importance of embracing mistakes for growth, and encourages open dialogue around sensitive topics. DeFatta also highlights how accountability can foster deeper connections in therapy, making room for healing and vulnerability. Her passion for blending therapy with podcasting shines through as she connects with listeners.

Nov 10, 2021 • 48min
The Beautiful, Powerful Art of Self-Disclosure
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, use the code EDGECOUCH1MO at the time of sign-up for a 1 month grace period.Alison McClearywww.alpenglowcounselling.com@alpenglow_counselling on InstagramJordan Pickellwww.jordanpickellcounselling.ca@jordanpickellcounselling on InstagramEdge of the Couchwww.edgeofthecouch.com@edgeofthecouchpod on InstagramJoin 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

5 snips
Nov 3, 2021 • 27min
Progress Notes: Often Stressful, Sometimes Dangerous
Therapists discuss the stress of progress notes, their power and potential consequences. Tips on what to include, what to avoid, and client access. Insights on the emotional aspects of note-taking, navigating workplace values, language, subjectivity, and ethical considerations. Importance of accurate representation, detailing observations, and maintaining client trust.