

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

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!

Mar 12, 2025 • 1h 6min
30. Millennial Friendship and Parenting with Kate Kennedy
Kate Kennedy, author of One in a Millenial and host of Be There in Five Podcast, is here (!!) for a deep dive into how friendship has fundamentally changed since our own childhoods, and what that means for the next generation. In conversation, we explore:- The lost art of unstructured playtime and being bored- The "no sleepovers" trend - How social media has changed the experience of being left out- What happens when every moment needs to be "enriching"-What its like being a millenial content creator in the age of clickbait And so much more!!WE STARTED A SUBSTACK!! FIND BONUS EPISODES & MORE BEHIND THE SCENES CONTENT ON OUR SUBSTACK! 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!Kate Kennedy is the author of the NYT Bestselling Book, One in a Millennial, now available in paperback. She is also the host of the Be There in Five Podcast!

16 snips
Mar 5, 2025 • 47min
29. The Problem with the 'Let Them' Theory & Why Overly Simplistic Advice Fails Us
This discussion challenges the allure of oversimplified self-help advice, particularly critiquing the 'Let Them' theory. The hosts emphasize the dangers of shallow solutions and the importance of deeper emotional engagement. They explore the complexity of sustaining real change, especially in recovery contexts. Listeners are encouraged to seek professional therapy for meaningful personal development. The conversation navigates the pitfalls of simplistic advice and advocates for a nuanced approach to personal growth.

Feb 27, 2025 • 35min
28. Why People Pleasing Makes You Angry & How to Stop Part 2
Ready to get uncomfortably honest about why being "the nice one" is leaving you feeling resentful? This is part 2 of our people pleasing episode. Go listen to the first episode before diving into this one!In conversation, we tackle:* The exhausting cycle of expecting people to read your mind* How avoiding conflict actually creates MORE conflict* Why assertiveness feels like aggression when you're used to people pleasing* Sam’s experience learning to stop apologizing for existing* How resentment builds when you don't express your needs* Why your passive aggression isn't as subtle as you think* The freedom that comes from letting people be upset with you* Amanda's story of making amends at WawaWant to join the conversation? EMAIL- info@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!Follow us on Instagram or Tiktok- Sam (@Sam.the.therapist) Amanda (@Therapyforwomen) 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.

Feb 26, 2025 • 34min
27. Why People Pleasing Can Be Manipulative Part 1
Buckle up! We get radically candid about our own (very different) journeys with people-pleasing. We share:* How Amanda discovered her "thoughtful gift-giving" was actually manipulation to avoid accountability* Why Sam's role as a childhood caregiver shaped her people-pleasing patterns* How Sam learned to stop apologizing for existing* Their personal struggles with being "the nice one"* Why they both ended up becoming therapists for the "wrong" reasons* The uncomfortable truth about using "niceness" as control* What happens when your whole identity is built on being agreeableUse code NUANCE for 40% off of Cozy Earth. Check out www.cozyearth.comWant to join the conversation? EMAIL- info@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!Follow us on Instagram or Tiktok- Sam (@Sam.the.therapist) Amanda (@Therapyforwomen) 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.

Feb 19, 2025 • 52min
26. Your Fear of Discomfort is Keeping You Stuck
Tired of understanding all your patterns but still feeling stuck? In this episode, we're diving into the uncomfortable truth about why all that self-help content and therapy insight isn't actually changing your life.In conversation, we tackle:Why being "the self-aware friend" might be your newest form of avoidanceHow instant access to information is making us worse at solving our own problemsWhy validation without action is just spicy procrastinationThe uncomfortable truth about why therapy isn't just about feeling seenWhat your endless TikTok scrolling says about your fear of changeHow technology is teaching us to avoid sitting with hard emotionsWhy waiting to feel "ready" means waiting foreverThe difference between productive discomfort and tolerating what needs to changePractical steps for moving from understanding to action Want to join the conversation? EMAIL- info@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!Follow us on Instagram or Tiktok- Sam (@Sam.the.therapist) Amanda (@Therapyforwomen) 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.

Feb 12, 2025 • 52min
25. How to Break Free from Perfectionism & Live Your Values
Is your commitment to being perfect or good actually the enemy of your growth? In this episode we discuss: - The subtle ways perfectionism masquerades as preparation and protection- How perfectionism can become a form of self-harm and procrastination- The connection (and important differences) between perfectionism and people-pleasing- Why letting go of perfectionism can feel like losing your foundation- The role of defensiveness in maintaining perfectionist behaviors- How social media has transformed perfectionism from an internal to an external expectation. Use code NUANCE for 40% off of Cozy Earth. Check out www.cozyearth.comWant to join the conversation? EMAIL- info@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!Follow us on Instagram or Tiktok- Sam (@Sam.the.therapist) Amanda (@Therapyforwomen) 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.

Feb 5, 2025 • 29min
24. How to Prevent Parental Estrangement with Whitney Goodman, LMFT
Want to prevent estrangement in your kids? This is the second part of our conversation with Whitney Goodman, LMFT. For the first part, please listen to the "Calling Home" podcast. In the first part of this conversation, we cover, what social media gets wrong about parental estrangement and what the nuance is that is missing online. In this second part of the conversation, we discuss. - How becoming a parent has impacted how Whitney and Amanda see parental estrangement- The single most important thing you can do to prevent estrangement with your child- How to repair with your child (or anyone), when you make a mistakeWant to join the conversation? EMAIL- info@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. Follow us on Instagram or Tiktok- Sam (@Sam.the.therapist) Amanda (@Therapyforwomen) 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.Whitney Goodman, LMFT is a licensed therapist and the founder of Calling Home, a community for adults who want to have better relationships with their family. To join check out www.callinghome.co or check out Whitney on instagram www.instagram.com/sitwithwhit

Jan 29, 2025 • 45min
23. You Do Owe People Things: The Myth of Zero Obligations
Has "setting boundaries" turned into an excuse for treating people like they're disposable? We're seeing a concerning trend in our therapy rooms: people are using self-care language to justify ghosting, dishonesty, and basic human decency.In conversation, we tackle:The wild disconnect between how we treat strangers IRL vs. potential partners onlineWhy your "I don't owe anyone anything" mindset might be sabotaging your chances at real connectionThe uncomfortable truth about why you're really keeping those dating app matches aroundHow friend groups can enable poor behavior (yes, we're looking at those "slay queen" responses)What evolution and psychology tell us about why we actually DO need each otherTips for how to maintain boundaries while also being a more caring personSPONSORS: Use code NUANCE for 40% off of Cozy Earth. Check out www.cozyearth.comWant to join the conversation? EMAIL- info@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. Follow us on Instagram or Tiktok- Sam (@Sam.the.therapist) Amanda (@Therapyforwomen) 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.

Jan 23, 2025 • 39min
22. BONUS: Post- Inauguration Processing & Pep Talk
In this raw and personal bonus episode, Sam and Amanda process their feelings on Inauguration Day, sharing a candid conversation about:Dealing with political anxiety and finding hope amid uncertaintySam's experiences working in healthcare during COVID-19, including confronting conspiracy theorists and managing the hospital's COVID responseThe importance of local government and understanding political structures that remain in placeHistorical perspectives on social movements and resistancePractical ways to take action while maintaining mental healthThe balance between acknowledging difficult realities and maintaining hopeWant to join the conversation? CALL us at 813-444-8683 or EMAIL info@therapyforwomencenter.com Follow us on Instagram or Tiktok- Sam (@Sam.the.therapist) Amanda (@Therapyforwomen) 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.