

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
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

16 snips
Aug 8, 2024 • 16min
Time Blindness - An ADHD or Executive Dysfunction Trait
Time blindness can make keeping track of time a real challenge, especially for those with ADHD. Learn about its symptoms and surprising emotional impacts, including insights from Dr. Russell Barkley's research. Discover ten effective strategies to boost time awareness, like using visual timers and breaking tasks into manageable steps. The last two strategies are particularly creative and might just change how you view time management!

Aug 1, 2024 • 13min
Behavioral Activation: How to Get Motivated to Do Stuff that You Don't Want to Do : Day 30 Break the Anxiety Cycle
Discover how to tackle mental blocks that hinder motivation, especially when facing anxiety and depression. A licensed therapist shares personal stories of perseverance and support from high school running experiences. Learn about behavioral activation, a strategy that encourages small, positive actions to break the cycle of depression, illustrated with a fun ice cream analogy. This insightful discussion empowers listeners to engage in beneficial activities, fostering personal growth and well-being.

4 snips
Jul 26, 2024 • 16min
What is Executive Function - And Why is Executive Dysfunction so bad for Mental Health?
In this podcast, Executive Function Coach Sean McCormick discusses the importance of Executive Function skills in managing thoughts, emotions, and achieving goals. He explains how deficits in these skills can impact mental health and daily functioning, and offers 6 strategies to improve Executive Functioning. The episode highlights the significance of cultivating these skills through tailored support strategies, building systems for better organization, and emphasizes the positive impact on overall well-being.

5 snips
Jul 18, 2024 • 28min
Finding Purpose and Meaning to Overcome Anxiety - Day 29 Break the Anxiety Cycle
Explore the pursuit of happiness in society and the importance of purpose and meaning in life, emphasizing the impact of connection, love, and belonging on well-being. Delve into the power of storytelling, finding transcendence, and purpose in life through sacrifice, service, and genuine relationships.

Jul 15, 2024 • 7min
Guided Meditation - The Container Method - for Processing Trauma, PTSD and Intense Emotions
Explore a transformative guided meditation technique called the container method, designed for managing traumatic emotions and PTSD. Learn how to visualize a mental space to hold overwhelming memories, fostering personal control and emotional safety. Discover the importance of not just avoiding difficult feelings but addressing them with support and grounding skills. This approach is invaluable for anyone looking to process intense emotions in a manageable way.

Jul 12, 2024 • 17min
The Container Method for Processing Trauma, PTSD and Intense Emotions
Explore the container method for processing trauma and intense emotions in therapy. Learn how to gradually work on distressing memories and feelings in a safe way. Discover how trauma therapists use this approach to support individuals dealing with PTSD and trauma.

Jul 4, 2024 • 13min
What Agoraphobia REALLY is, and how to overcome it
Explore the nuances of agoraphobia and confront common misconceptions surrounding it. Discover effective treatment options, including five actionable steps to overcome this condition. Gain insights from a personal success story that illustrates the journey to recovery. Delve into the connection between anxiety, particularly nighttime racing thoughts, and practical strategies for managing these challenges for improved mental clarity and sleep.

13 snips
Jun 27, 2024 • 15min
Boundaries for Anxious Folk - Day 28 Break the Anxiety Cycle
Anxiety often makes setting boundaries difficult, leading to stress and exhaustion. Boundaries are essential for managing anxiety and depression. Learn how to establish and maintain boundaries effectively to improve mental health.

4 snips
Jun 20, 2024 • 13min
Insomnia- How to Fall Asleep When your Brain Won't Shut Up!
Feeling restless when trying to sleep? You're not alone! Discover why your mind races at night and how to break the anxiety cycle. Learn practical strategies like mindful reflection and scheduled worrying to gain control over your thoughts. Uncover techniques to create quiet moments in your day to promote better sleep quality. Say goodbye to those sleepless nights and hello to peaceful slumber with effective methods to manage nighttime anxiety!

May 25, 2024 • 12min
How to do Exposure Therapy for Fears and Anxiety: Day 27 Break the Anxiety Cycle
Learn about the power of exposure therapy in reducing anxiety levels by facing fears head-on. Discover effective strategies like eliminating safety behaviors and creating challenging tasks ladder to overcome anxiety.