

Nuance Needed
Amanda E. White, LPC and Sam Dalton, LCSW
In a world obsessed with quick fixes, licensed therapists Amanda White and Sam Dalton cut through black-and-white thinking to explore the messy reality of mental health. Drawing from both evidence-based practices and personal struggles, we have candid conversations about perfectionism, burnout, relationships, and cultural trends. No oversimplified advice—just honest dialogue about what healing actually looks like in our complicated human lives.
For more information check out therapyforwomencenter.com
For more information check out therapyforwomencenter.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 30, 2025 • 36min
40. Mormon Culture & Utah Life: Sam's Journey of Deconstruction (Pt 1)
In this deeply personal episode, Sam shares her experience growing up Mormon in New York and her eventual move to Utah, where she spent 15 years navigating a much more intense religious culture. In conversation, we explore:- Sam's unique experience as a "non-Utah Mormon" and how her family's more relaxed approach differed from the mainstream- The cultural quirks of Mormonism that most people don't understand (like special undergarments and dating pressure)- How personal choices about substances (coffee, alcohol, cigarettes) are influenced by religious upbringing- The overwhelming pressure to marry young and have children in Mormon culture- What it's like trying to build a social life in Utah when you don't fit the traditional Mormon template- The gradual realization that trying to make it work wasn't serving her anymoreThis candid conversation sheds light on the subtle ways high-demand religious cultures can shape identity and limit personal growth, even when you're trying to carve your own path within them.WE ARE NOW ON SUBSTACK with bonus episodes, pep talks, episodes guides, and so much more! Join us at nuanceneeded.substack.comTo learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area.Want to join the conversation? EMAIL- podcast@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!

Apr 24, 2025 • 18min
39. Finding Hope in History: What Eleanor Roosevelt Taught Sam About Taking Action
In this preview episode of Sam's History Corner, Sam shares why she's launching this special series on Substack and gives us a deep dive into the life of Eleanor Roosevelt.In this episode, Sam explores:Eleanor Roosevelt's tragic childhood marked by parental loss and emotional abuse- Why Eleanor's lifelong insecurities never stopped her from taking meaningful action- How we can apply Eleanor's approach to making change in our own -lives- The importance of starting where you are—whether that's with family or community- Why concrete action matters more than online outrageThis monthly series is where Sam discusses inspiring people from history to use as inspiration, is available on the Nuance Needed Substack, along with weekly videos from Sam, bonus episodes, mental health guides and more. Join us at nuanceneeded.substack.comTo learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area.Want to join the conversation? EMAIL- podcast@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!

5 snips
Apr 23, 2025 • 58min
38. Stop Calling Everyone a Narcissist with Britt Frank
In a thought-provoking conversation, Britt Frank, a clinician and trauma specialist, challenges the overuse of the term 'narcissist.' She explains the difference between narcissism, narcissistic traits, and Narcissistic Personality Disorder. Britt introduces the 'Narcissist Relationship Matrix,' revealing how these individuals categorize people in their lives. She highlights that confusion often signals narcissistic dynamics and emphasizes the importance of self-reflection over blame. Her insights aim to empower listeners to reclaim their narratives and establish healthier boundaries.

Apr 17, 2025 • 31min
37. Your Vacation Won't Fix Your Burnout : FAQ (Pt 2)
When you're completely depleted, even the smallest decisions feel impossible. In Part 2, we tackle your most pressing questions about recognizing, navigating, and recovering from burnout.In Part 2, we discuss:* The crucial difference between "cosmetic" changes and "structural" problems at work* Why adding self-care tasks can feel like poison when you're exhausted (but it's actually medicine)* How to support someone with burnout* The uncomfortable truth about making changes when you have no energy left to make them* Why we need to treat burnout like a physical injury* How setting boundaries with news and social media creates crucial breathing roomWE ARE NOW ON SUBSTACK with bonus episodes, pep talks, episodes guides, and so much more! Join us at nuanceneeded.substack.comTo learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area. Now in Collingswood NJ!Want to join the conversation? EMAIL- podcast@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!

Apr 16, 2025 • 45min
36. Burnout: Stop Stealing From Tomorrow To Fix Today (Pt 1)
Is the world rigged for burnout or are we just not trying hard enough?In this episode, we unpack why we're collectively exhausted and how our connected world has created the perfect conditions for burnout to thrive - in ways our brains simply weren't designed to handle This is a two part episode- second one comes out tomorrow!In Part 1, we explore:* Why our brains aren't wired to process information about billions of people* How constant exposure to others' interpretations (not just facts) is draining our capacity* The vulnerability of living in uncertain times and what that does to our nervous systems* Sam's powerful story of trauma and burnout in hospital emergency settings* Why measuring your worth through productivity makes burnout an identity crisis* What happens when you've been running on empty for too longWE ARE NOW ON SUBSTACK with bonus episodes, pep talks, episodes guides, and so much more! Join us at nuanceneeded.substack.comSkip to minute 11 to get right into burnout content To learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area.Want to join the conversation? EMAIL- podcast@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!

Apr 9, 2025 • 54min
35. Why Money Issues Are Mental Health Issues with Chelsea Fagan
Tired of the oversimplified financial advice flooding social media? In this episode, we're diving into the uncomfortable truth about why money management is 10% math and 90% emotional intelligence with Chelsea Fagan, founder of The Financial Diet.In conversation, we tackle:* How growing up in a low-income household surrounded by affluence shaped Chelsea's complicated relationship with money* Why you can't have stable mental health when you're financially unstable* The problem with analysis paralysis around money decisions and practical first steps for those feeling overwhelmed* How social media creates unrealistic timelines for financial milestones, making people feel they should be financially set by their 30s* Why "relatability" online often reinforces bad financial habits, even among high-earning content creators* Why understanding money is less about mathematical skills and more about emotional regulationWE ARE NOW ON SUBSTACK with bonus episodes, pep talks, episodes guides, and so much more! Join us at nuanceneeded.substack.comTo learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area.Want to join the conversation? EMAIL- podcast@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!Guest Bio: Chelsea Fagan is the founder of The Financial Diet, a media company focused on money. She brings nuanced perspectives to personal finance, steering away from the oversimplifications common in financial advice. Find her on social media @faganchelsea and at thefinancialdiet.com.

Apr 4, 2025 • 35min
34. BONUS: Pep Talk About Economic & Political Uncertainty
We are here today with a bit of a last minute casual episode. We recorded this on Thursday April 3rd after watching panic and anxiety on social media and thought it may be helpful to hear Sam give Amanda a pep talk to calm her down about the current state of the country. Skip if you aren't interested in political content. WE ARE NOW ON SUBSTACK with bonus episodes, pep talks, episodes guides, and so much more! Join us at nuanceneeded.substack.comTo learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area.Want to join the conversation? EMAIL- podcast@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!

Apr 2, 2025 • 59min
33. We Need to Talk About SkinnyTok
IDK about you but we have THOUGHTS about SkinnyTok trend on Tiktok and how its infiltrating other social media platforms. In this episode, we're diving into the why this trend is problematic and how it's impacting our relationship with our bodies and food.In conversation, we tackle:- Why glorifying thinness as the ultimate goal is a dangerous path to self-hate- How phrases like "nothing tastes as good as skinny feels" are eating disorder dog whistles- The misrepresentation of body positivity and intuitive eating concepts- Some influencers behind this harmful trend and their tactics- Why basing happiness on appearance creates a foundation that inevitably crumbles- The connection between SkinnyTok and other conservative-rooted trends- Practical ways to approach content that inspires rather than influencesWE ARE NOW ON SUBSTACK with bonus episodes, pep talks, episodes guides, and so much more! Join us at nuanceneeded.substack.comTo learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area.Want to join the conversation? EMAIL- podcast@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!

Mar 26, 2025 • 48min
32. Manifesting, Magical Thinking & Grief: Coping When Things Fall Apart
What happens when the trendy concept of "manifesting" collides with real-life tragedy? In this vulnerable episode, we start discussing manifesting and end up deep in conversation about grief, caregiving, and finding meaning when life doesn't go as planned.In this episode, we explore:- The problem with manifesting coaches who claim "if something negative is happening to you, you're just not manifesting hard enough"- How easily manifesting can slip into harmful magical thinking, especially during crisis moments- Sam's experience with prayer and spirituality from her religious background and how it parallels manifesting concept- Amanda's current struggle with magical thinking as she has navigated her mom’s cancer diagnosis- The complex reality of being a lifelong caregiver for a disabled family member and the emotional toll it takes- Finding moments of joy and meaning even in life's darkest timesWE ARE NOW ON SUBSTACK with bonus episodes, pep talks, episodes guides, and so much more! Join us at nuanceneeded.substack.comTo learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area.Want to join the conversation? EMAIL- podcast@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!

Mar 19, 2025 • 47min
31. Not Everything is "Trauma Dumping"How Therapy Speak is Killing Friendships
Is it 'trauma dumping' or just sharing a tough moment? The hosts dissect the misuse of therapy terms that can obstruct genuine friendships. They explore how social media distorts our understanding of mental health language and emphasize the importance of mutual vulnerability. Finding balance in friendships, especially through life changes, is key. Plus, a refreshing reminder that connection can thrive on simple moments and a little annoyance is part of community life. Tune in for insightful takes on emotional support!