

Edge of the Couch
Jordan Pickell and Alison McCleary
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 27, 2021 • 44min
Practicing Joy and Play for Collective Liberation - Interview with Ji-Youn Kim
In this episode, Jordan interviews Ji-Youn Kim. Ji-Youn (she/they) is a justice-oriented therapist in the pursuit of collective liberation, located in what is colonially known as Vancouver, Canada. She aims to disrupt oppressive practices of the mental health industry and its complicities, and envision new ways of mental health care rooted in community and collective healing. She also deeply believes in liberatory rage and embodied liberation as a process, co-facilitating workshops on Processing Rage.In the episode, Ji-Youn mentions people she has learned from and learned with:Dr. Jennifer Mullan @DecolonizingTherapyDr. Travis HeathVikki ReynoldsGabes Torres @GabesTorresMaverick LumenEmmett MartyniukSonny Jane @livedexperiencecounsellorPrentis Hemphill @prentishemphilladrienne maree brown @adriennemareebrownYou can email find Ji-Youn at their website, itsjiyounkim.com, or follow her on Instagram @itsjiyounkim.We'd love to hear from you. Send us an email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com to tell us what you think, ask a question or let us know what type of episode you'd love to hear. You can even send us a voice note for us to play in a future episode.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

Oct 20, 2021 • 44min
I passed a client on the street! Should I say 'Hi'?
This week’s episode is all about how we manage the moments when we see a client outside of the therapeutic space-the good, the bad, and the uncomfortable. Big takeaways include inviting you to consider your personal policies, even if you live in a big city and don’t expect to see clients often; how to talk to clients about instances when you do see them out and about; and how to make sure you don’t stop living your life out of fear of a client seeing you!We'd love to hear from you. Send us an email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com to tell us what you think, ask a question or let us know what type of episode you'd love to hear. You can even send us a voice note for us to play in a future episode. 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

Oct 6, 2021 • 40min
Multiple clients owe me money. Now what??
This week’s episode is all about the toughest, most awkward, anxiety-inducing, resentment-building money topics! Probably surprising to no one here, our programs don’t always prepare us for how to best manage these tricky moments and so Alison and Jordan share their tips and tricks for navigating a variety of situations. Littered throughout the episode are also some throwback hilariously mismanaged stories to normalize how sometimes we really have to mess it all up to learn how to do it well.We'd love to hear from you. Send us an email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com to tell us what you think, ask a question or let us know what type of episode you'd love to hear. You can even send us a voice note for us to play in a future episode. You can support us by giving us a review on Apple Podcasts, sharing the show with a friend, or supporting us on Patreon at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouchAlison 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

Sep 29, 2021 • 39min
Talking to Clients about Sex
We may know why a client talks about sex, but we don’t always know how WE will feel when that happens. As sex-positive or sex-neutral as we aspire to be, there can be topics, words, or stories that make us uncomfortable or maybe even giggle. In this episode, Alison and Jordan remind listeners that they, like all therapists, MUST do their own work around sex and sexuality, they share their stories of talking to clients about sex, and they double down on the importance of being open to whatever a client shares, even when it includes descriptive stories about their sex life. 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.We'd love to hear from you. Send us an email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com to tell us what you think, ask a question or let us know what type of episode you'd love to hear. You can even send us a voice note for us to play in a future episode. You can support us by giving us a review on Apple Podcasts, sharing the show with a friend, or supporting us on Patreon at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouchAlison 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

Sep 22, 2021 • 44min
Celebrating Humanness in the Therapy Room and on Social Media - Interview with Taylor Broughton
Alison interviews Taylor Broughton about how she approaches her 100% online practice, building rest into her schedule. Together, they explore the emerging trends in the field, particularly in the UK context. Taylor talks about emphasizing humanness in the therapy room and on social media. You can find Taylor on Instagram @NotBrokenJustHuman.We have a workshop coming up on October 16th called What Now? Transitioning from Student to Therpist. You can find more information and purchase tickets here. We'd love to hear from you. Send us an email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com to tell us what you think, ask a question or let us know what type of episode you'd love to hear. You can even send us a voice note for us to play in a future episode. You can support us by giving us a review on Apple Podcasts, sharing the show with a friend, or supporting us on Patreon at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouchAlison 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

4 snips
Sep 15, 2021 • 36min
What the heck happens in first sessions anyway?
Therapists discuss the daunting first therapy sessions, from seating arrangements to emotional client responses. They emphasize the importance of creating a safe space, acknowledging timing challenges, and developing genuine rapport with clients.

11 snips
Sep 8, 2021 • 40min
Moving Through Client Stuckness
Therapists Jordan and Alison discuss overcoming client stuckness, sharing insights on doubts, worth, and progress in therapy. They offer wisdom on unraveling underlying issues, empathizing with clients, and managing therapy challenges. Strategies include active listening, empathy, and allowing clients to lead the session.

Sep 1, 2021 • 39min
Re-imagining therapy - Interview with Curt Widhalm and Katie Vernoy
This week, Jordan interviews Curt Widhalm and Katie Vernoy of the Modern Therapist Survival Guide podcast about their upcoming conference, Therapy Re-imagined. Listen what they have to say about "rebel therapists", the direction they would like the therapy field to move, and how we can resist the corporatization of therapy. You can save 10% on a conference ticket using the code EDGEOFTHECOUCH10. We are proud to partner 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.We'd love to hear from you. Send us an email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com to tell us what you think, ask a question or let us know what type of episode you'd love to hear. You can even send us a voice note for us to play in a future episode. You can support us by giving us a review on Apple Podcasts, sharing the show with a friend, or supporting us on Patreon at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouchAlison 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

Aug 25, 2021 • 31min
The Myth of Dressing Unprofessionally
In this first episode of the second season of Edge of the Couch, Jordan and Alison break down what it means to dress “professionally” as a therapist. As a student or new therapist, it’s hard to know what to wear to present yourself as trustworthy and competent. Before you put on a therapist costume, listen to this episode!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.We'd love to hear from you. Send us an email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com to tell us what you think, ask a question or let us know what type of episode you'd love to hear. You can even send us a voice note for us to play in a future episode. You can support us by giving us a review on Apple Podcasts, sharing the show with a friend, or supporting us on Patreon at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouchAlison 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

Jun 23, 2021 • 14min
As therapists, do we become desensitized to trauma stories?
In this BONUS episode, we answer a listener question: "As therapists, do we become desensitized to such serious issues (e.g. suicide and self harm)? How do we check in with ourselves around it?”We'd love to hear from you. Send us an email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com to tell us what you think, ask a question or let us know what type of episode you'd love to hear. You can even send us a voice note for us to play in a future episode. You can support us by giving us a review on Apple Podcasts, sharing the show with a friend, or supporting us on Patreon at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouchAlison 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