
Therapy in a Nutshell
I’m Emma McAdam, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and my mission is to make mental health resources more easy to access. I take therapy skills and psychological research and condense them down into bite-sized nuggets of help.
I’m here to spread the message that while mental illness is real, it’s common, it’s debilitating, it’s also treatable. There are dozens of research-backed approaches to treating depression, anxiety, and other mental illness. Change, growth, and healing are possible. Please keep courage! Try one little thing every day to improve your life and health and things can get so much better!
Therapy in a Nutshell, and the information provided by Emma McAdam, is solely intended for informational and entertainment purposes and is 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.
Therapy in a Nutshell and it’s logo are Registered Trademarks of Therapy in a Nutshell, LLC
Latest episodes

Apr 21, 2025 • 37min
How to Stop Nightmares in Adults w/ PTSD - Rescripting Nightmares with CBT for Nightmares Protocol
Learn the skills to Regulate your Emotions, join the membership: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership
Nightmares are a common symptom of PTSD and can impact sleep, mood, energy, and contribute to more PTSD symptoms.
Today I'm speaking with Dr. Joanne Davis, Clinical Psychologist on how to treat nightmares in adults with or without PTSD.
You can find her nightmare training for clinicians here: https://cbtnightmares.org
And her book on nightmare treatment here: https://a.co/d/9FLv4C9
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

Apr 10, 2025 • 21min
How to Build an Internal Locus of Control
Explore the powerful concept of an internal locus of control, which encourages belief in personal influence over life outcomes. Discover how adopting this mindset can combat feelings of helplessness, anxiety, and self-doubt. Learn from the inspiring journey of a brain surgeon who emphasizes the importance of focusing on what you can control. Gain practical strategies to take responsibility for your actions, leading to improved well-being and success. Empower yourself and shift your thinking patterns for a more fulfilling life.

Apr 4, 2025 • 11min
How to Create a Crisis Safety Plan for Suicidal Thoughts
Get the Free Safety Plan Worksheet here: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/safety-plan
Learn the skills to Regulate your Emotions, join the membership: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership
My wish for the world is that everyone who is in crisis can have someone in person to talk with them and help them create a safety plan- but I understand that isn’t reality. So in this podcast I’m going to walk you through the steps for creating a safety plan. We’re going to figure out some resources you can use if you’re having a crisis. And this is important because when we’re super emotional, we don’t think very clearly. It’s really hard to remember the people who love us or the things that make us feel better. So we’re going to write this down so that you can remember it if you need it.
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

Mar 22, 2025 • 22min
Talking about Trauma won't heal you
Learn the skills to Regulate your Emotions, join the membership: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership
Talking about trauma doesn’t heal trauma.
For a lot of people, it makes them feel much worse especially if you have PTSD.
This is one thing that sets human brains apart from animals. When we visualize something, whether it’s a past trauma or a worry about the future, we perceive danger. And our brain triggers the same physiological reaction to perceived danger as it does to real danger. It triggers that cascade of stress chemicals that kick off the fight/flight/freeze response.
Instead, I'm going to teach you an approach from narrative therapy, where you heal from trauma and PTSD by writing a new story, exploring how you trauma narratives impact you in the present moment and how to replace them with a practical visualization exercise.
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

Mar 17, 2025 • 48min
The Hidden Root Cause of Anxiety and Depression- Codependency With Dr. Sarah Michaud
Dr. Sarah Michaud, a clinical psychologist and addiction expert, sheds light on the hidden roots of anxiety and depression tied to codependency. She explores how anxiety often masks suppressed anger and caretaking behaviors. The conversation emphasizes the significance of setting boundaries and being assertive to enhance personal well-being. Dr. Michaud also discusses the emotional complexities of communication in relationships and encourages listeners to prioritize their emotional needs for healthier connections.

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

6 snips
Mar 10, 2025 • 17min
THIS Mental Habit Fuels Depression - The Cognitive Distortion of Discounting the Positive
Explore how the cognitive distortion of discounting the positive can rob you of joy and excitement. Discover why even good news can feel meaningless and learn practical strategies to make sense of your thoughts. This discussion sheds light on how to recognize these negative patterns and reshape them for better emotional health. With relatable examples, you'll find ways to combat this habit and enhance your self-esteem, ultimately paving the way for a happier mindset.

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

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.

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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