
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

21 snips
Dec 13, 2024 • 42min
Setting Boundaries with Kindness
In this discussion, Jess Miller, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 12 years of experience and creator of the "Mind Your Boundaries" Instagram channel, shares her expertise on setting healthy boundaries. They explore the emotional challenges of boundary-setting, like anxiety and guilt. Jess distinguishes toxic boundaries from healthy ones while emphasizing kindness and clear communication. Listeners gain insights on managing familial and workplace boundaries, navigating guilt, and the importance of self-assertion in fostering trust and respect.

Dec 6, 2024 • 11min
What to Eat to Improve Your Mood
Learn the skills to regulate your emotions, join the membership: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership
The most effective diet for mental health appears to be what is called the Mediterranean diet- this is a diet high in vegetables, fruit, legumes, beans, nuts, fish, unsaturated fats like olive oil, and it’s low in processed foods, red meat, and highly processed grains.
There have been a lot of studies on this type of diet, an overview of 41 studies involving over 1.5 million health adults found that a diet low in sugar, saturated fat and processed foods can reduce the risk of depression by 24%. Decreasing the inflammatory index was found to decrease inflammation in other studies. And people who were very careful to closely follow the mediterranean diet decreased their risk of developing depression by 33%.
A handful of studies show that the Mediterranean Diet can be even helpful for people with bipolar or schizoaffective disorders. Scientists believe there are 4 reasons that eating this way improve your mood.
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

5 snips
Nov 18, 2024 • 13min
How Childhood Trauma Affects the Brain and Body - The ACES Study
Childhood trauma is alarmingly common, impacting over half of the population and leading to serious health issues in adulthood. The groundbreaking discovery linking adverse experiences to chronic diseases reveals a vital need for trauma-informed care. Preventing these experiences through community support and resilience-building is critical. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own experiences and the importance of addressing trauma for healing and growth.

25 snips
Nov 12, 2024 • 26min
14 Things that Actually Help Severe Anxiety
Join Rachael Galvez, a courageous individual who has battled severe anxiety and depression, as she shares her inspiring journey toward recovery. Rachael discusses the various treatments she explored and the effective strategies that transformed her life. From confronting anxiety through movement to the therapeutic power of writing, she highlights practical steps like daily walks and self-acceptance techniques. Rachael emphasizes the importance of embracing emotions and breaking negative thought patterns to find inner peace and joy.

Oct 25, 2024 • 11min
Overthinking and Intrusive Thoughts - 6 Phrases to get Unstuck from Overthinking and Uncertainty
Explore the world of intrusive thoughts and the struggles of overthinking. Discover why suppressing your worries only amplifies them, much like a pesky toddler demanding attention. Learn about cognitive defusion techniques that help you regain control and focus on the present. The conversation emphasizes embracing uncertainty rather than seeking absolute certainty and offers six empowering phrases to break the cycle of repetitive thoughts. Mindfulness and commitment to values are also highlighted as essential skills for emotional well-being.

Oct 16, 2024 • 17min
Feeling Like You're Never Good Enough?
The podcast dives into the all-too-common feeling of inadequacy, using a humorous couch anecdote as a metaphor for our emotional burdens. It tackles the self-defeating belief of never being good enough and offers practical tips for healthier self-perception. Listeners are encouraged to challenge media influences and embrace their imperfections. The discussion emphasizes growth through mistakes and the importance of genuine relationships, inviting a journey toward self-acceptance and emotional relief.

Oct 4, 2024 • 10min
4 Essential Sleep Routines
Struggling with sleepless nights? The discussion dives deep into the pervasive issue of insomnia, critiquing typical bedtime routines. Discover the importance of sleep drive and how consistent wake-up times can improve sleep quality. Four essential routines are revealed, emphasizing the benefits of light exposure, daily exercise, and scheduled worry time. Get ready to transform your nights and tackle anxiety around sleep!

Sep 26, 2024 • 14min
Complex Feelings and Shame about Childhood Sexual Abuse
This discussion uncovers the complex emotions survivors of childhood sexual abuse face, particularly the overwhelming shame that can arise from confusing experiences. It highlights the critical need for therapeutic support to process these feelings and emphasizes that blame lies solely with the abuser. The podcast also explores the healing power of storytelling and the importance of shared experiences in fostering understanding and empathy. Listeners are encouraged to confront their emotions and recognize their worthiness of healing.

Sep 20, 2024 • 10min
Why am I Anxious? A Quick Assessment
Explore the hidden micro-habits that might be fueling your anxiety. Discover seven common triggers and how to identify them using an engaging worksheet. Learn about the powerful connections between anxiety, worry, and physical symptoms. Dive into the impact of lifestyle changes, like nutrition and exercise, on managing anxiety. Uncover how overwhelm, avoidance, and past trauma shape your anxiety patterns. Plus, gain insights into cognitive patterns and practical strategies to make small changes for better mental health.

Sep 12, 2024 • 8min
Diagnosis Creep
The podcast delves into the phenomenon of 'diagnosis creep,' where mental health terms are used too casually, leading to widespread misconceptions. It discusses how labels like ADHD and narcissism are often applied without clinical evidence. The influence of social media on self-diagnosis and the spread of misinformation is explored. Listeners are urged to critically evaluate mental health information and prioritize credible sources over comfort, highlighting the importance of understanding the difference between symptoms and formal clinical diagnoses.