

Therapy in a Nutshell
Therapy in a Nutshell -Emma McAdam
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
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 2, 2025 • 12min
Super Duper Gentle Exposure Therapy
Discover the transformative power of exposure therapy to conquer fear and anxiety. Learn the six-step process that guides you through gradual exposure, helping build confidence and resilience. Embrace personal growth as you confront your fears and track your progress. This approach not only reduces anxiety but also promotes self-efficacy, paving the way for a more meaningful life. Gain insights into managing trauma and developing emotional regulation strategies!

11 snips
May 26, 2025 • 12min
Micro Habits that Fuel Depression
Discover how unnoticed micro habits can silently contribute to feelings of depression, even when life seems fine. Explore the brain’s mechanisms of giving up and how tiny issues can lead to overwhelming hopelessness. Learn about the dangers of self-criticism and avoidance, and the importance of acknowledging emotions. Take proactive steps to challenge negative thoughts and build emotional resilience, paving the way for healing and a more fulfilling life.

7 snips
May 19, 2025 • 15min
How to Stop Fighting Intrusive or Negative Thoughts-Passengers on a Bus Exercise from ACT
Dive into the world of intrusive thoughts and learn to manage them with a powerful metaphor. Picture your mind as a bus, where negative thoughts are merely passengers—not the drivers. Discover how focusing on your core values can help you regain control and navigate life's challenges. This enlightening discussion emphasizes that you are not your thoughts and provides practical tips on how to keep your mental peace while steering your life in the right direction.

11 snips
May 12, 2025 • 10min
My 7 Favorite Free Apps to Improve Mental Health
Smartphones can be allies in mental wellness when used wisely. Explore impactful apps that help manage stress and build positive habits, like journaling and mindfulness tools. Learn how technology can enhance emotional health by tracking goals and fostering self-awareness. Discover strategies for a healthier digital environment and hear about a new app offering free courses for anxiety management. Embrace the potential of these tools to enrich your mental well-being!

24 snips
May 2, 2025 • 25min
How to Heal from Shame, Guilt and Regret
Dive into the emotional landscape of shame, guilt, and regret, and discover how they shape our self-esteem. Learn the transformative difference between feeling guilty about a mistake and succumbing to shame that distorts our sense of self. Explore practical exercises that emphasize honesty and connection in overcoming toxic feelings. Embrace accountability as a path to healing and hope, and find inspiration in metaphors of gradual recovery. It's all about fostering self-compassion and turning mistakes into opportunities for growth.

6 snips
Apr 24, 2025 • 11min
The Sneaky Mental Rule that Lets your Emotions Control You
Explore the societal pressures that shape emotional expression, particularly the struggle men face in revealing their feelings. Discover how the urge to control emotions can actually limit experiences and connections in life. Embracing emotions instead of avoiding them is presented as a healthier path to fulfillment. Personal stories add depth to the conversation, reminding us that vulnerability can lead to richer, more meaningful relationships.

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

9 snips
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


