Happy new year to the loves of my LIVES (YOU GUYS!!!!). This fun, solo episode is EVERYTHING I wish I had learned sooner and everything that I learned the hard way in 2023 or through the OPENHOUSE therapists & their mic-drop moments. Today, I’m sharing them with you and whenever you’re streaming this episode, it’s full of things that would have saved me so much time, stress, chaos, grief and heartache if I had learned them a little bit sooner!I jump into: Why our nervous system drives EVERYTHING (including repeated partner choice) Why just because it feels good doesn't mean that it's going to be good Why your inner child isn't able to see right from wrong (& why your adult has to learn to take the reigns) The power of shadow work and asking - what triggers me the most? The magnet theory - how we pull towards or push against the exact types of experiences we have gone through previously Why Love bombing doesn’t feel like love bombing if it’s the type of love we are desperate for Why Red flags don't feel like red flags if they feel like home  Cheating, infidelity & the connection to the inadequacy wound that is never spoken about and How we can find can find a world in our wound (and we need to step outside of it)  You cannot make an avoidantly attached partner love you more by loving them more  Join me on this fun, fresh episode so you can learn everything to have an INCREDIBLE 2024.-----⭐ Want weekly bonus episodes, access to our community room ‘The House’ + access to our ‘Ask A Therapist’ room? Join OPENHOUSE Premium. Plus, enjoy all episodes ad-free! ⭐ -----Join OPENHOUSE PREMIUM now & access our community room ‘The House’ at: https://openhouse.supercast.com/Connect with Louise on Instagram: @iamlouiserumballFollow Louise (The Therapy Girl) on TikTok: @thetherapygirl__Connect with OPENHOUSE: @theopenhousepodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dr. Tari Mack, a clinical psychologist specializing in toxic relationships, joins to unpack the complex dynamics of love gone wrong. She reveals how toxic relationships often disguise themselves as passion and excitement, leading to manipulation. They discuss signs of toxicity that frequently go unnoticed and emphasize the crucial role of setting boundaries early on. Dr. Mack also highlights the emotional toll of accepting disrespect and encourages open dialogue about feelings over accusations, offering insight into healthier communication.

Do you have big emotions or nearly none at all? Do you feel blocked off from others even when you want to connect? Ever wondered why intimacy seems to be so easy for everyone else? If yes, this episode is for you. This one is for the people who had ‘good parents’ and a ‘good childhood’ and objectively ‘not much to complain about’ but still don’t seem to have found the answers, solutions or connections in intimacy that they were hoping for.Today, Louise is joined by Dr. Jonice Webb, leading clinical psychologist in the space of childhood emotional neglect to discuss how a parent’s failure to notice, acknowledge or respond to your emotions and emotional needs can deeply shape the adult that shows up in the dating and friendship world today.The pair discuss how:  Our brain registers what ‘happened’ more than what didn’t happen (& how our childhood can impact our ventral striatum) Having our feelings invalidated (being told they are wrong or excessive) or that emotions are a burden is very damaging for children The concept of ‘walling off’ our feelings (so they happen outside of our awareness) + how this shows up in adulthood The concepts of emotional numbness, emotional suppression and emotional disconnection  How these experiences can impact our self-worth, self-esteem and relational health A lack of emotional attunement and validation in childhood can lead to a lack of self care in adulthood The pair also discuss a journey towards warmth, connection and recovery. They talk about HOW to break down emotional walls and allow oneself to feel, facing neglected emotions, finding meaning and purpose.-----⭐ Want more bonus episodes, Home Truths, Voice Notes from Lu and access to our community area The House? Join OPENHOUSE PREMIUM for all of this + exclusive access to our 'Ask A Therapist' room with guaranteed therapist responses. Plus, enjoy all episodes ad-free! Join OPENHOUSE Premium here: https://openhouse.supercast.com/ ⭐ -----Join OPENHOUSE PREMIUM now at: https://openhouse.supercast.com/Connect with Louise on Instagram: @iamlouiserumballFollow Louise (The Therapy Girl) on TikTok: @thetherapygirl__Connect with OPENHOUSE: @theopenhousepodcastConnect with Dr Jonice Webb: Dr Jonice Webb Resources Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to *THE* episode we all need this Holiday Season - a step-by-step therapy guide on how to navigate and survive the holiday season when we go home and get reunited with the family. This week, just in time for the holidays, Louise is joined by psychotherapist and attachment expert, Stephanie Therapy, and the pair discuss WHY the holidays can be so damn triggering (and how you can do this holiday season differently).Louise & Stephanie jump into:  How to process the strain of the holiday season on our nervous system (particularly crowded, over stimulating spaces and a lack of escape)  How to address holiday triggers and navigate them (particularly those uncomfortable questions and conversations) Exploring unresolved family issues (and why they resurface over the holidays) Delving into the impact of ‘labels’ within the family unit and how to handle these when we are no longer the person our family thinks we are How to better understand the ‘stressed-out overworked Mother’ and the ‘absent father’ or the ‘drunk sibling’ How to manage suppressing emotions and instead calmly balance our emotional regulation to avoid conflict Coping with changing family dynamics - how to adapt to new individuals joining the family unit Coping with missing loved ones during the holiday (and how to handle loss and grief) Louise & Stephanie also discuss practical coping and active strategies on how to set limits on sensitive topics, establishing boundaries with family members and how to navigate triggering or uncomfortable conversations during the holidays. They discuss safe spaces, setting limits, evening self-care, routine, balance and more. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– ⠀  Connect with Louise on Instagram: @iamlouiserumball⠀  Follow Louise (The Therapy Girl) on TikTok: @thetherapygirl__⠀  Connect with OPENHOUSE: @theopenhousepodcast⠀  Connect with Stephanie on Instagram: @stephanietherapy⠀  Connect with Stephanie on TikTok: @loveandtherapy––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Music Sources⠀ Vibe With Me by Joakim Karud http://soundcloud.com/joakimkarud⠀ Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/-7YDBIGCXsY Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

⭐ BRINGING BACK REAL DATING: DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE TRIAL OF FIRST ROUNDS ON ME HERE: ⭐Ready to meet your person? Hate apps? Not sure why it’s not working for you? Keep getting lost in the abyss of multiple matches & never ending conversation? Finding faults with people before the first date even happens? If yes, this episode is for you. Louise & Joe Feminella, founder of new dating app “First Round’s On Me” (also known as FROME) dive into why dating apps today are often keeping us stuck and disconnected from finding that special person (and how we can navigate them differently to use them to our advantage!).Coming to you from Spotify LA, Louise & Joe get right into: The importance of intentional dating: clarity, embodiment and communication Proudly owning what you want from the app Overcoming the "rejection mindset" in dating How 'dating app filters' might block meeting your soulmate Why not to deep dive into Instagram stalking before the first date  The value of reducing number of dating app conversations Danger of 'false intimacy' and 'text bonds' Why a confident woman attracts a healthy man Reviewing your dating profile for improvement Joe's experience meeting his wife on a dating app and lessons learned for those still searching -----Connect with Louise on Instagram: @iamlouiserumballFollow Louise (The Therapy Girl) on TikTok: @thetherapygirl__Connect with FROME on Instagram: @firstroundsonmeConnect with Joe Feminella on Instagram: @firstroundsonjoeConnect with OPENHOUSE: @theopenhousepodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The holiday season can be both exhilarating and chaotic, both inside and outside of the bedroom.  For many of us, we don’t talk about sex until it happens and when it’s the holiday season things can escalate. especially during the holiday season when alcohol or even drugs are part of the equation. The lack of open conversation about sex can lead to uncomfortable, stressful, or even distressing experiences, adding unnecessary strain to an already busy time of year.This week, Louise and clinical sexologist Dr. Massimo Fontana, clinical psychologist and sexologist, jump into the importance of the RDBSMA conversation and the pair talk about how this conversation could lead to the best holiday sex yet.Louise & Dr. Massimo dive into the 6 things you need to think about before having sex: The ‘R' part of the conversation: getting the person you’re into to spill the beans on their *RELATIONSHIP* status Next, 'D' - identify and talk about what YOU *DESIRE* and ask the other person about their desires too  Then the 'B' - discussing *BOUNDARIES* setting those much-needed limits for a smooth, safe ride  The ‘S’ SEXUAL STATUS- the importance of sexual health discussions before having sex The ‘M’ part of the conversation takes us through the importance of the *MEANING* of the encounter before heading into 'A’ - the importance of aftercare, what it is, what it means for you and how to implement this after the act, while agreeing it beforehand. Please note, this episode may be sensitive to anyone who has gone through sexual assault or sexual trauma.Love, Louise & Dr. MassimoRecommended listening: ➤ Episode 66 - why casual s*x is traumatizing as f**k ft. Dr Massimo FontanaLink to Spotify and Apple Podcast---⭐ Want weekly bonus episodes, access to our community room ‘The House’ + access to our ‘Ask A Therapist’ room? Join OPENHOUSE Premium. Plus, enjoy all episodes ad-free! ⭐ -----Connect with Louise on Instagram: @iamlouiserumballConnect with Louise on TikTok: @thetherapygirl__Connect with OPENHOUSE: @theopenhousepodcastConnect with Dr Massimo Fontana: @drmassimofontanaSign up to join the OPENHOUSE mailing list to receive first access to all workshops, courses and live events: www.thisisopenhouse.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Considering replacing wild nights out, h-angxiety, some bad decisions and horrendous hangovers with sobriety, safety, different types of fun and slightly earlier bedtimes? This episode is for you. This week, Louise & Steph Elswood discuss some of their wildest night outs that were stepping stones to them both shifting towards sobriety. The pair talk about:  How you don’t have to have a ‘problem’ to explore sobriety or being sober curious Why you don’t have to make excuses about why you’re ‘not drinking’ (+ what to say instead) How you can stop wasting your time in the dating world when you drink less Feeling safer and ‘more in control’ as a sober women in today’s world  How debilitating h-angxiety can be (+ the savage hangover) How so many people use it as a confidence crutch (and how powerful it can be to learn to remove this) How to navigate the ‘just have one’, ‘don’t be boring’ or ‘that’s weird you don’t drink’ conversations Why some people get triggered when you ‘don’t drink’ The dynamics of ‘changing friendships’ and how important supportive friends are as you shift towards sobriety The pair also discuss guilt and shame from the past as well as asking whether they ever feel like they are ‘missing out’ or whether either of them would start drinking again. The pair also discuss Steph’s new alcohol-free brand Carouse, how this can help you live your best sober-free life - as well as sharing all of their top tips and tricks around how to navigate the party world and friendship groups ‘sober’. -----⭐ Want weekly bonus episodes, access to our community room ‘The House’ + access to our ‘Ask A Therapist’ room? Join OPENHOUSE Premium. Plus, enjoy all episodes ad-free! ⭐ -----Join OPENHOUSE PREMIUM now at: https://openhouse.supercast.com/Connect with Louise on Instagram: @iamlouiserumballFollow Louise (The Therapy Girl) on TikTok: @thetherapygirl__Connect with OPENHOUSE: @theopenhousepodcastConnect with Steph Elswood on Instagram: @stephelswoodCheck out Carouse: Carouse WebsiteConnect with Carouse on Instagram: @drinkcarouse Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Do you DREAD winter? Fearful of the winter blues? Want to jet off somewhere for some sunshine or considering medication but hesitant? If yes, this episode is for you. Louise discusses Seasonal Affective Disorder with Integrative Health Practitioner, Sarah Murphy. Discover what it is, why it manifests, and learn prevention methods so you can thrive, not just survive, this season.⭐ THE ULTIMATE 17 STEP GUIDE TO BATTLING WINTER DEPRESSION + ALL PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS: HERE ⭐The pair jump into:  What seasonal depression actually is  The importance of the circadian rhythm and how light exposure can send our whole system out of whack (+ how to fix this) How seasonal depression is connected to under or over production of dopamine, serotonin and melatonin (+ tips and tricks) The ‘inflammatory model of depression’ and how chemical imbalances are not the only origin of depression  The connection between Vitamin D, sugar and the ‘winter immune system’ (+ how to fuel your body this Winter) Plus, top tips and tricks to feel AMAZING this winter rather than average. The pair dive into morning routines, evening routines, hydration, diet, blood sugar regulation, and more.  -----⭐ Want more bonus episodes, Home Truths, Voice Notes from Lu and access to our community area The House? Join OPENHOUSE PREMIUM for all of this + exclusive access to our 'Ask A Therapist' room with guaranteed therapist responses. Plus, enjoy all episodes ad-free! Join OPENHOUSE Premium here: https://openhouse.supercast.com/ ⭐ -----Join OPENHOUSE PREMIUM now at: https://openhouse.supercast.com/Connect with Louise on Instagram: @iamlouiserumballFollow Louise (The Therapy Girl) on TikTok: @thetherapygirl__Connect with OPENHOUSE: @theopenhousepodcastConnect with Sarah Murphy on Instagram: @thepotentplantMusic Sources⠀ Vibe With Me by Joakim Karud http://soundcloud.com/joakimkarud⠀ Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/-7YDBIGCXsY Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From billboards, wild nights, hangovers, blackmail and bankruptcy through to fitness, businesses and helping to heal the world just by being him, today, Louise is joined by great friend Calum Best as they dig into the truth about the well-mannered, well-moraled and well-tempered ‘man behind the screen’. The pair discuss:  Letting people see the ‘real you’ (and how everything changes when you step into this space) The rock bottom moments when you realize ‘somethings gotta change’ Thriving in the struggle vs. finding solace in peace, calm & quiet  How our coping mechanisms change and shift as we grow older (and wiser!) The importance of having purpose intricately weaved into life, and a career Calum’s deep-rooted fears from past abandonment, particularly linked to being the child of an alcoholic - and how he has been deeply shaped by both of his parents The pair also discuss whether Calum might be ready to find ‘the one’ and they query whether he is using being ‘too busy’, ‘building businesses’ and ‘wanting to be able to provide’ as a blockage for intimacy.-----⭐ Want weekly bonus episodes, access to our community room ‘The House’ + access to our ‘Ask A Therapist’ room? Join OPENHOUSE Premium. Plus, enjoy all episodes ad-free! ⭐ -----Join OPENHOUSE PREMIUM now at: https://openhouse.supercast.com/Connect with Louise on Instagram: @iamlouiserumballFollow Louise (The Therapy Girl) on TikTok: @thetherapygirl__Connect with OPENHOUSE: @theopenhousepodcastConnect with Calum Best on Instagram: @mrcalumbest Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alix Earle is avoidantly attached! Today, Louise sits down with clinical psychologist and celebrity relationship expert Dr. Tari Mack to dissect all things Alix Earle & Braxton Berrios. The pair discuss recent soundbites from Alix Earle discussing her romantic life and use these to get inside the mind of the Avoidantly Attached so we can better understand those who relate to Aix. Louise & Dr. Tari discuss: The roots of avoidant attachment to childhood  How unconscious attraction keeps us replicating our past patterns How her Father’s infidelity shaped her and developed a ‘trust wound’ The impact of family communication styles on adult attachment ‘Independence vs. Hyper Independence’ and how an emphasis on independence can lead to distancing behaviors Viewing relationships as ‘hard work’ requiring ‘lots of time, attention and investment’ The pair also discuss ‘The Trust Wound’ and the impact of its ability to trust others around us, particularly in dating.-----⭐ Want weekly bonus episodes, access to our community room ‘The House’ + access to our ‘Ask A Therapist’ room? Join OPENHOUSE Premium. Plus, enjoy all episodes ad-free! ⭐ -----Join OPENHOUSE PREMIUM now at: https://openhouse.supercast.com/Connect with Louise on Instagram: @iamlouiserumballFollow Louise (The Therapy Girl) on TikTok: @thetherapygirl__Connect with OPENHOUSE: @theopenhousepodcastConnect with Dr. Tari Mack on Instagram: @drtarimack Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices