

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

Jan 22, 2025 • 50min
21. Stop Flaking On Your Friends!
In this candid episode, therapists Sam and Amanda discuss Sam's recent experience with a TikTok going viral. After posting about friendship and flaking culture, Sam faced unexpected backlash leading to a broader conversation about social media, nuance, and connection in today's world. The hosts explore:How legitimate concerns about accessibility and mental health can sometimes be weaponized to avoid discomfortThe erosion of our collective ability to say "this doesn't apply to me" and keep scrollingThe importance of maintaining friendships despite busy lives and different life stagesPractical ways to maintain connections when you have limited capacityThe difference between genuine barriers to connection and avoidanceHow social media has complicated our expectations for socializingThe long-term investment of friendship and why it matters. Want 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 15, 2025 • 39min
20. Mental Health Advice That Changed Our Lives Part 2
In this episode of the Nuance Needed podcast, Amanda and Sam delve into their favorite mental health advice and life lessons. They explore the concept of numbing emotions, the importance of yoga and mindfulness in personal growth, and the significance of understanding one's emotions through interoception. The conversation emphasizes the need for self-advocacy, embracing both good and bad experiences, and living intentionally by considering how one's future self would respond to challenges. In this conversation, Amanda and Sam explore the importance of morning routines, self-care, and finding stability amidst chaos. 0:40-13:40 You cannot selectively numb.13:47-35:50 How would future me want to respond to this?SPONSORS: 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 8, 2025 • 44min
19. Mental Health Advice That Changed Our Lives Part 1
In this episode of the Nuance Needed podcast, Amanda and Sam share their best mental health tips, focusing on the importance of understanding emotions, accountability, and self-reflection. They discuss how current feelings can distort perceptions of the past and future, and emphasize the need for personal responsibility in navigating life's challenges. The conversation highlights the significance of recognizing one's role in various dynamics and the power of reframing thoughts to foster personal growth and emotional well-being. 1:10-8:09 How you feel right now, is not how you will feel in the future.10:50-21:35 How do you contribute to the dynamics you are in?21:36-28:07 You can commit to make things right once you know better.28:30-42:02 You don't eat the fruit the day you plant the seed.Want to join the conversation? Call us 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. EMAIL US- podcast@therapyforwomencenter.com

Jan 1, 2025 • 38min
18: Why We Hate Resolutions: What to do Instead
We hate resolutions, but we love setting realistic goals. In this episode, we discuss their thoughts on the New Year, resolutions, and explore the difference between resolutions and goals, emphasizing the need for planning and the impact of shame on personal progress. The conversation also touches on the significance of specificity in goal setting and building a healthy relationship with food. We explore the distinction between resolutions and goals, emphasizing the importance of setting realistic and relevant objectives that align with personal values. We also discuss the significance of celebrating progress, understanding the motivations behind goals, and the necessity of meeting oneself where they are in their journey of self-improvement.Want 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.

Dec 25, 2024 • 8min
17. Holiday Pep Talk!
In this holiday episode of the Nuance Needed podcast, Amanda and Sam discuss the emotional complexities of the holiday season, offering insights on how to navigate feelings of pressure and sadness. They emphasize the importance of self-care, finding comfort in traditions, and the freedom to enjoy the holidays in a way that feels right for each individual. The conversation also touches on the New Year, encouraging listeners to embrace the present without the burden of resolutions. Want to join the conversation? Call us 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 43 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area.

Dec 18, 2024 • 46min
16. Taylor Swift Therapy: The End of The Eras Tour
How are we feeling post Eras Tour? Amanda and Sam delve into the aftermath of Taylor Swift's Eras Tour, discussing the mixed reactions from fans, the overwhelming conspiracy theories, and the pressures of celebrity culture. We explore the expectations set by Taylor's performances, the marketing strategies surrounding her music releases, and the need for more nuanced discussions within the fandom. We delve into the multifaceted world of Taylor Swift, exploring her artistry, the complexities of her lyrics, and the intense dynamics of her fandom. We use this as a jumping off point to discsuss how to break out of black and white thinking, and add more naunce into our lives. We hope you enjoy this lighter episode during an often stressful time of year! Want to join the conversation? Call us 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.

Dec 11, 2024 • 44min
15. How to Actually Change: The Messy Truth No One Talks About
How exactly do people change? In this episode we dive deep into the messy reality of personal change, sharing Sam's recent cross-country move from Utah to Florida as a launching point to explore how real transformation happens. We discuss our professional and personal experiences with change, challenging the common misconception that change should feel good or comfortable. From Sam's enlightening moment in Kensington Gardens to our collective understanding of the five stages of change, we unpack why the "storm" of emotions - including anxiety, grief, and uncertainty - isn't a sign you're making the wrong choice, but rather evidence that you're doing the necessary work.We explore why people get stuck in the contemplation phase, constantly gathering data and waiting to feel "ready." Through personal stories and professional insights, we emphasize how change requires sitting with discomfort and learning to trust yourself, even when it feels counterintuitive. The conversation weaves between practical advice and deeper reflections on how societal expectations, especially for women, can keep us from honoring our true needs.Want to join the conversation? Call us 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 43 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area.

Dec 4, 2024 • 40min
14. How to Break free from All-or-Nothing Thinking & Find Joy Online
In this episode, licensed therapists Amanda White and Sam Dalton, we explore the pervasive impact of all-or-nothing thinking in our digital world and how to find balance amidst the extremes. Through personal stories (including Sam's endearing confession about her fear of whales), we dive into how social media algorithms reward black-and-white thinking and extreme takes, making it challenging to maintain nuanced perspectives. We share our own struggles with content consumption - from Amanda's climate change spirals to Sam's political doom-scrolling - while acknowledging that even as therapists trained in recognizing cognitive distortions, we're not immune to these patterns. The conversation takes several amusing turns as we discuss our different ways of finding joy online, from Broadway content to Taylor Swift videos, while exploring deeper themes about hope, activism, and meaningful engagement. We examine how to shift from passive content consumption to active, intentional engagement with social media, and share practical strategies for maintaining mental well-being in our digital world. Along the way, we explore the importance of knowing your values and recognizing when you need to step back from overwhelming content. We wrap up with actionable homework for listeners about values exploration and challenging rigid thinking patterns. Have questions or topics you'd like us to discuss? Call our podcast hotline 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 43 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area.

Nov 27, 2024 • 43min
13. How to Decide If You Want To Have Kids & Why It's Okay to Question It
In this conversation, Amanda and Sam discuss the topic of whether or not to have children. They explore their own experiences and Amanda shares her perspective on being someone who was not sure if she wanted children and how she decided she wanted one. Now she shares her experience form the other side-- specifically the challenges and joys that come with it. We also touch on the importance of individual choice and the need to prioritize personal values and well-being when making decisions about having children. The conversation explores the challenges and decisions surrounding parenthood. It highlights the importance of having support, flexibility, and financial stability as a parent. We discuss the need for self-reflection and self-acceptance when making decisions about parenthood and emphasize that there is no right or wrong choice. We encourage listeners to give themselves breathing room and make choices that align with their values and desires. If you would like more on this topic, find Amanda's substack "Fence Sitter". https://amandaewhite.substack.com/. If you would like us to answer your question call us at 813-444-8683. Follow us on Instagram or Tiktok- Sam (@Sam.the.therapist) Amanda (@Therapyforwomen) To learn more about therapy and get on one of our waitlists, reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 43 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area.

Nov 20, 2024 • 56min
12. How to Be Happy Being Single (Even If You Want a Partner)
In this episode of the Nuance Needed podcast, Amanda White, LPC and Sam Dalton, LCSW delve into the complexities of being single in today's society. We discuss the cultural shift towards women choosing to remain single, the empowerment that comes with financial independence, and the challenges of navigating relationships while maintaining personal ambition. As some may know, Sam has been single for a long time, while Amanda is married, so this conversation is a really great balance of sharing Sam's best tips on how to enjoy your life being single (even if you want a partner), while also sharing with Amanda what she wishes her partnered friends knew. Our conversation highlights the importance of self-discovery, finding fulfillment in one's own life, and embracing vulnerability. We touch on societal expectations and the loneliness that can accompany being single, ultimately encouraging listeners to focus on their own desires and aspirations. We also discuss the complexities of navigating different seasons of life, the importance of embracing the present moment, and the challenges of loneliness and societal pressures. They discuss how to build a fulfilling life, maintain friendships through changes, and the reality of negative emotions that persist regardless of life circumstances. As always, we embrace this topic with a whole lot of nuance and really think this episode will benefit whether you are single or partnered!