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Therapy in a Nutshell

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Mar 13, 2025 • 24min

9 Life Changing Treatments for Treatment Resistant Depression

Intensive treatments for Treatment Resistant Depression, Anxiety or PTSD When you’ve tried two or three or six treatments for your depression, anxiety, or PTSD and nothing helps, you might feel even more hopeless, like a fulfilling life is not possible for you. But I have good news for you. There are literally 500–five hundred treatments for depression. We’re talking treatments for severe forms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD. And most of them are surprisingly effective. So let’s explore 9 interventions that science has shown to improve treatment resistant mental health conditions–and at the end I’ll share what hasn’t been proven to work. Some of these might be considered last-ditch efforts to treat treatment-resistant mental health conditions, but if you’ve been there, you know how desperate you feel and why it might be worth talking with your psychiatrist about these. Looking for affordable online counseling? My sponsor, BetterHelp, connects you to a licensed professional from the comfort of your own home. Try it now for 10% off your first month: https://betterhelp.com/therapyinanutshell Learn more in one of my in-depth mental health courses: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com Support my mission on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/therapyinanutshell Sign up for my newsletter: https://www.therapyinanutshell.com Check out my favorite self-help books: https://kit.co/TherapyinaNutshell/best-self-help-books  Therapy in a Nutshell and the information provided by Emma McAdam are solely intended for informational and entertainment purposes and are not a substitute for advice, diagnosis, or treatment regarding medical or mental health conditions. Although Emma McAdam is a licensed marriage and family therapist, the views expressed on this site or any related content should not be taken for medical or psychiatric advice. Always consult your physician before making any decisions related to your physical or mental health. In therapy I use a combination of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Systems Theory, positive psychology, and a bio-psycho-social approach to treating mental illness and other challenges we all face in life. The ideas from my videos are frequently adapted from multiple sources. Many of them come from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, especially the work of Steven Hayes, Jason Luoma, and Russ Harris. The sections on stress and the mind-body connection derive from the work of Stephen Porges (the Polyvagal theory), Peter Levine (Somatic Experiencing) Francine Shapiro (EMDR), and Bessel Van Der Kolk. I also rely heavily on the work of the Arbinger Institute for my overall understanding of our ability to choose our life's direction. And deeper than all of that, the Gospel of Jesus Christ orients my personal worldview and sense of security, peace, hope, and love https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist/believe If you are in crisis, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or your local emergency services. Copyright Therapy in a Nutshell, LLC
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4 snips
Mar 10, 2025 • 17min

THIS Mental Habit Fuels Depression - The Cognitive Distortion of Discounting the Positive

Learn the skills to Regulate your Emotions, join the membership: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership Depression isn’t just feeling sad, it’s actually not being able to feel much happiness. Good things happen and you feel nothing. Nothing excites you anymore, food doesn’t taste good, someone tells you they love you and you think, “Yeah, but you probably just said that because you’re family”. It’s hard to care about anything. Where does this come from? Today you’re going to learn about a cognitive distortion that makes it super hard for you to feel happy. And of course, what to do about it. Nutshell- What are cognitive distortions? Our brains are always interpreting the world around us, trying to make sense of it all. Sometimes our brain takes shortcuts, especially when we’re emotional, and researchers have found that there are some common ways that these thoughts get distorted. Sometimes we jump to the worst possible conclusion “This mole is cancer!” and other times we blame ourselves for things that aren’t our fault “If I hadn’t made him mad, he wouldn't have hit me” When we learn to noticing these thoughts, we can replace them with something healthier, this is a core piece of CBT, cognitive behavioral therapy, and it’s been shown to be really helpful for people with depression or anxiety. And today I’m going to teach you one way to do it on your own. Looking for affordable online counseling? My sponsor, BetterHelp, connects you to a licensed professional from the comfort of your own home. Try it now for 10% off your first month: https://betterhelp.com/therapyinanutshell Learn more in one of my in-depth mental health courses: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com Support my mission on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/therapyinanutshell Sign up for my newsletter: https://www.therapyinanutshell.com Check out my favorite self-help books: https://kit.co/TherapyinaNutshell/best-self-help-books  Therapy in a Nutshell and the information provided by Emma McAdam are solely intended for informational and entertainment purposes and are not a substitute for advice, diagnosis, or treatment regarding medical or mental health conditions. Although Emma McAdam is a licensed marriage and family therapist, the views expressed on this site or any related content should not be taken for medical or psychiatric advice. Always consult your physician before making any decisions related to your physical or mental health. In therapy I use a combination of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Systems Theory, positive psychology, and a bio-psycho-social approach to treating mental illness and other challenges we all face in life. The ideas from my videos are frequently adapted from multiple sources. Many of them come from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, especially the work of Steven Hayes, Jason Luoma, and Russ Harris. The sections on stress and the mind-body connection derive from the work of Stephen Porges (the Polyvagal theory), Peter Levine (Somatic Experiencing) Francine Shapiro (EMDR), and Bessel Van Der Kolk. I also rely heavily on the work of the Arbinger Institute for my overall understanding of our ability to choose our life's direction. And deeper than all of that, the Gospel of Jesus Christ orients my personal worldview and sense of security, peace, hope, and love https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist/believe If you are in crisis, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or your local emergency services. Copyright Therapy in a Nutshell, LLC
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Mar 7, 2025 • 33min

10 Quick Questions about OCD with Nathan Peterson

Learn the skills to Regulate your Emotions, join the membership: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership In this video I talk with Nathan Peterson, a licensed clinician and OCD specialist about various aspects of OCD. The host asks 10 quick-fire questions, covering topics such as how the neurotypical brain differs from the brain of someone with OCD, whether everyone has a bit of OCD, and the best treatments for the disorder. Peterson explains the role of genetics and life experiences, illustrates the difference between intrusive thoughts and unwanted thoughts, and dives into the cycle of OCD. He talks extensively about exposure and response prevention (ERP) as the gold standard for treatment and discusses medication as a helpful tool for some patients. Peterson also shares strategies for family members to support loved ones with OCD and touches on various subtypes of OCD, concluding with information on his resources and where to find more information. Looking for affordable online counseling? My sponsor, BetterHelp, connects you to a licensed professional from the comfort of your own home. Try it now for 10% off your first month: https://betterhelp.com/therapyinanutshell Learn more in one of my in-depth mental health courses: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com Support my mission on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/therapyinanutshell Sign up for my newsletter: https://www.therapyinanutshell.com Check out my favorite self-help books: https://kit.co/TherapyinaNutshell/best-self-help-books  Therapy in a Nutshell and the information provided by Emma McAdam are solely intended for informational and entertainment purposes and are not a substitute for advice, diagnosis, or treatment regarding medical or mental health conditions. Although Emma McAdam is a licensed marriage and family therapist, the views expressed on this site or any related content should not be taken for medical or psychiatric advice. Always consult your physician before making any decisions related to your physical or mental health. In therapy I use a combination of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Systems Theory, positive psychology, and a bio-psycho-social approach to treating mental illness and other challenges we all face in life. The ideas from my videos are frequently adapted from multiple sources. Many of them come from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, especially the work of Steven Hayes, Jason Luoma, and Russ Harris. The sections on stress and the mind-body connection derive from the work of Stephen Porges (the Polyvagal theory), Peter Levine (Somatic Experiencing) Francine Shapiro (EMDR), and Bessel Van Der Kolk. I also rely heavily on the work of the Arbinger Institute for my overall understanding of our ability to choose our life's direction. And deeper than all of that, the Gospel of Jesus Christ orients my personal worldview and sense of security, peace, hope, and love https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist/believe If you are in crisis, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or your local emergency services. Copyright Therapy in a Nutshell, LLC
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9 snips
Feb 20, 2025 • 16min

Lasting Treatments for Anxiety vs. Coping Skills - Is THIS why Therapy isn't working?

Many people struggle with anxiety despite trying various methods. Short-term coping skills may provide temporary relief but fail to address the root causes. Through Gwen's story, the importance of long-term strategies is highlighted, emphasizing the need to repair the 'leaking boat' of mental health. This podcast delves into cognitive treatments and therapy that can change your relationship with anxiety over time, although they might initially feel uncomfortable. Discover how lasting solutions can help you move beyond crisis mode.
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5 snips
Feb 14, 2025 • 10min

5 Lies Depression Tells You - Depression Motivation, it gets better

Discover the five deceptive lies that depression tells, distorting reality and fueling feelings of hopelessness. Learn how to recognize that you're not alone in your struggles and that seeking help is essential. Realize the importance of confronting shame and worthlessness while taking action to improve your mental health. Explore practical steps for overcoming the emotional pain, including small tasks to boost motivation. This journey reminds you that healing is possible and that support is always within reach.
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Feb 7, 2025 • 20min

Depression in the Nervous System

Discover how depression affects not just the mind, but the entire nervous system. Explore how trauma, especially from childhood, can lead to feelings of emotional numbness and lack of motivation. Learn about hypoarousal and its effects on emotional well-being. The discussion reveals practical strategies and body-based techniques to help move from states of shutdown to feelings of safety and connection. Reconnect with your body to foster healing and overcome chronic exhaustion and despair.
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Jan 30, 2025 • 13min

Setting a Boundary vs. Trying to Control Someone

Discover the vital difference between setting personal boundaries and trying to control others. Real-life scenarios illustrate how to assert boundaries without being aggressive. Learn about empowering personal growth through mental health skills and the importance of acceptance and courage. Resources for improving emotional well-being and relationships are also introduced, making it clear that boundaries are essential for healthy interactions.
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Jan 23, 2025 • 18min

Hate Affirmations? How to Improve your Self-Esteem Anyway

Discover how to improve self-esteem without relying on positive affirmations. The discussion emphasizes questioning negative self-talk and adopting neutral language instead. Learn the importance of defining the person you want to be and celebrating even the smallest wins. Explore self-compassion as a crucial element in mental health and personal relationships, encouraging kindness over self-judgment. These practical strategies aim to foster genuine growth and enhance your self-esteem!
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5 snips
Jan 13, 2025 • 39min

The Body Keeps the Score - Book Summary by a Therapist w/o the Triggering Bits

Dive into the complexities of trauma and its effects on the brain and body. Learn how different responses can shape emotional health and lead to PTSD. Discover body-centric healing methods, including neurofeedback therapy, that empower survivors. Explore the importance of community and diverse healing approaches in recovery. Lastly, gain insights into mental health resources that support emotional processing, equipping you with the tools for a better understanding of trauma.
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9 snips
Jan 3, 2025 • 12min

The Keto Cure? Groundbreaking Research into Metabolic Treatments for Mental Health Conditions

Discover how the ketogenic diet may transform mental health treatments. Research reveals its potential in improving conditions like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Personal stories, like one woman who found relief and stopped her medications, highlight the diet's impact. Experts theorize that mental illnesses may stem from metabolic dysfunction, suggesting dietary changes and exercise could be key. While promising, challenges such as adherence and long-term health effects remain, prompting a deeper exploration into this innovative approach.

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