Mentally Stronger with Therapist Amy Morin

Do you ever feel stuck in the middle of family drama while trying to make the "right" decision? Maybe you’ve been asked to take sides in a family feud or you want to help someone but you're afraid you might enable their poor choices. These kinds of dilemmas can leave you feeling stressed out and anxious--unless you have a strategy for dealing with family drama. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Bobby Parmar, professor at the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business and author of Radical Doubt. Dr. Parmar is an expert in decision-making, ethics, and navigating uncertainty. Together, we tackle common real-life family dilemmas that I often hear about in my therapy office and explore how to make the best decisions. Some of the things we talk about are: How to reframe family feuds so you’re not stuck choosing sides Why your character doesn’t determine your decisions (and what does) The surprising link between uncertainty and mental strength How to set boundaries without feeling guilty or selfish What to do when you know information you wish you didn’t How to handle family drama, like wedding conflicts or sibling rivalries Why your gut instinct might not always be the best guide (and how to use it wisely) How to make decisions when you’re caught between your values and relationships The key to avoiding regret when making tough choices Why small, actionable steps are the secret to solving big problems Links & Resources Radical Doubt University of Virginia Faculty Page Connect with the Show Buy a copy of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Amy on Instagram — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@AmyMorinAuthor⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit my website — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AmyMorinLCSW.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sponsors Lola Blankets — Get 35% off your entire order at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lolablankets.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ by using code STRONGER at checkout. Experience the world’s #1 blanket with Lola Blankets. HoneyLove — Save 20% Off Honeylove by going to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠honeylove.com/STRONGER⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ #honeylovepod BetterHelp — Give online therapy a try and get 10% off your first month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠betterhelp.com/mentallystrong⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ CocoaVia — Get 20% off with code Amy2025 at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cocoavia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. OneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.oneskin.co/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ZocDoc — Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Zocdoc.com/STRONGER⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today! AirDoctor — Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AirDoctorPro.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use promo code STRONGER to get UP TO $300 off today! Shopify — Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shopify.com/mentallystronger⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Life Kit — Listen to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Life Kit podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ from NPR. Mentally Strong App — Take your mental strength to the next level. Sign up at ⁠⁠⁠mentallystrong.downpat.ai Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you ever feel like having a less than ideal childhood somehow holds you back? Maybe you grew up in a chaotic household or you just weren't taught the skills other kids learned. As an adult, you might find yourself feeling stunted by the adversity you faced. On today's episode, we’re diving into science-backed strategies to overcome a difficult childhood. And don't worry, you don't have to rehash the past to overcome it. Instead, you can use these tools to grow stronger, and create the adulthood you want to have. Some of the things I share are: How childhood adversity impacts mental strength. Why you don’t have to talk about your past to heal from it. The surprising benefits of having a rough start in life(and how to unlock them). 7 actionable strategies to help you move forward. How to develop a growth mindset and learn the skills you didn’t get as a kid. Mentally Strong App Get free mental strength coaching — ⁠⁠Episode 240 Exercise⁠ ⁠Get mental strength coaching via voice (subscribers only) - Episode 240 Voice Exercise Subscribe to the app to unlock all the features — ⁠⁠MentallyStrong.Downpat.Ai⁠⁠ Connect with the Show Buy a copy of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Amy on Instagram — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@AmyMorinAuthor⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit Amy's website — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AmyMorinLCSW.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sponsors Lola Blankets — Get 35% off your entire order at ⁠⁠Lolablankets.com⁠⁠ by using code STRONGER at checkout. Experience the world’s #1 blanket with Lola Blankets. HoneyLove — Save 20% Off Honeylove by going to ⁠⁠⁠honeylove.com/STRONGER⁠⁠⁠ #honeylovepod BetterHelp — Give online therapy a try and get 10% off your first month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠betterhelp.com/mentallystrong⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ CocoaVia — Get 20% off with code Amy2025 at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cocoavia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. OneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.oneskin.co/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ZocDoc — Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Zocdoc.com/STRONGER⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today! AirDoctor — Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AirDoctorPro.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use promo code STRONGER to get UP TO $300 off today! Shopify — Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shopify.com/mentallystronger⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Life Kit — Listen to the ⁠⁠⁠Life Kit podcast⁠⁠⁠ from NPR. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rebecca Lemov, a historian and author with a focus on mind control, dives into the subtle mechanics of brainwashing and its impact on our daily lives. She discusses why people might confess to crimes they didn’t commit and the psychology behind cults. Lemov highlights how social media algorithms can manipulate our emotions and perceptions, revealing the hidden influences shaping our behavior. She offers practical strategies to stay resilient and self-aware, helping listeners guard against manipulation in an increasingly complex world.

Feeling stuck in a routine? Discover how to break free with the concept of DSD—Do Something Different! Learn why our brains cling to comfort zones and the importance of psychological flexibility. Uncover the power of small, intentional changes to rewire your mind and avoid common pitfalls when seeking change. Get practical steps to identify what's holding you back and brainstorm creative solutions. It's time to shake things up and embrace personal growth!

In a lively conversation with Dr. Steven Sultanoff, a psychologist and humor expert, the magic of laughter takes center stage. They discuss how laughter can reduce pain, boost immunity, and ease anxiety, revealing why humor is a top quality sought in relationships. Sultanoff explains how humor rewires the brain for resilience and why we often laugh when nervous. Listeners will learn practical tips on finding joy in everyday moments, even in tough times, showcasing laughter as a powerful tool for mental strength.

Could some self-help advice be doing more harm than good? Discover the truth behind fluctuating mental health and the difference between mental health and strength. Therapy is for everyone, not just those in crisis! Explore how technology can affect well-being and why solitude can be just as beneficial as socializing. Get insights on having better conversations about mental health and the importance of self-awareness in personal growth.

Join Laura Huang, a professor at Northeastern University and an expert on intuition, as she unravels the science behind gut feelings. Discover how to train your intuition like a muscle and differentiate it from mere emotions. Gain insights into using intuition for important decisions, from career moves to first impressions. Learn practical exercises, including the toothbrush technique, to recognize your inner voice, and why engaging with your intuition can serve as a powerful tool for mental strength.

Discover the tools you need to build mental strength and live your best life. In Mentally Stronger with Therapist Amy Morin, psychotherapist and bestselling author Amy Morin breaks down science-backed strategies to help you overcome challenges, build better habits, and grow stronger every day. On Mondays, Amy interviews world-class experts—from scientists to athletes—about how they stay mentally strong. And every Friday, she shares actionable strategies straight from her therapy office that you can start using right away. If you’re ready build the mindset you need to reach your greatest potential, hit play and subscribe to Mentally Stronger with Therapist Amy Morin. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever felt like you needed to bounce back fast after something traumatic happened? Or felt pressured to show people that you've actually grown and become better because of what you went through? Post-traumatic growth is real. But the concept is often misunderstood, and it leads to unrealistic expectations and unnecessary guilt. In this episode, I explore what it really means to grow after trauma — and why your growth isn't proof of how mentally strong you are. Some of the things I share are: The biggest misconceptions surrounding post-traumatic growth. What post-traumatic growth actually means. Why we shouldn't jump to look for a silver lining or strive to bounce back overnight. How growth and pain can coexist — and why it’s okay to have ongoing emotional scars. Why resilient people actually experience less growth compared to people who lack resilience. Why you shouldn't pressure yourself (or anyone else) to find meaning in your trauma right away (skip the '"everything happens for a reason" speech). Five areas where growth often occurs after trauma — and why growth looks different in different people. How to work through a traumatic experience and the science-backed strategies that can help you grow and recover. Mentally Strong App Get free mental strength coaching — ⁠Episode 234 Exercise ⁠ Subscribe to the app to unlock all the features — ⁠MentallyStrong.Downpat.Ai⁠ Connect with the Show Buy a copy of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Amy on Instagram — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@AmyMorinAuthor⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit Amy's website — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AmyMorinLCSW.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sponsors Lola Blankets — Get 35% off your entire order at ⁠Lolablankets.com⁠ by using code STRONGER at checkout. Experience the world’s #1 blanket with Lola Blankets. HoneyLove — Save 20% Off Honeylove by going to ⁠⁠honeylove.com/STRONGER⁠⁠ #honeylovepod BetterHelp — Give online therapy a try and get 10% off your first month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠betterhelp.com/mentallystrong⁠⁠⁠⁠ CocoaVia — Get 20% off with code Amy2025 at ⁠⁠⁠⁠cocoavia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠. OneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.oneskin.co/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ZocDoc — Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Zocdoc.com/STRONGER⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today! AirDoctor — Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AirDoctorPro.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use promo code STRONGER to get UP TO $300 off today! Shopify — Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shopify.com/mentallystronger⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Life Kit — Listen to the ⁠⁠Life Kit podcast⁠⁠ from NPR. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you ever wonder if herbal remedies could help you feel calmer, sleep better, or even help you become mentally stronger? What if there was a natural way to manage stress, improve focus, and improve your mental health? Herbs have been used for centuries to support well-being, and modern science is now catching up to their incredible potential. In this episode, we’re breaking it all down to help you understand how herbalism can transform your mental and physical health. I'm talking to Rachelle Robinette, a clinical herbalist, wellness expert, and author of the book Naturally. Rachelle has dedicated her career to blending the wisdom of ancient herbalism with the science of today. Together, we explore how specific herbs can act as powerful allies in boosting mental clarity, reducing stress, and even enhancing resilience. Some of the things we talk about today are: How to start incorporating herbs into your daily routine with simple, accessible steps. The difference between nervines, adaptogens, and nootropics—and how they can help with anxiety, stress, focus, and more. Why herbalism is about more than just medicine—it’s a holistic approach to health and resilience. How to evaluate herbal products and avoid common misconceptions. The surprising ways herbalism can support emotional healing, grief, and mental strength. The exact herbs you should take to help with various issues like sleep, stress, and anxiety. Subscribe to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mentally Stronger Premium⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for exclusive content like bonus episodes, signed books, and 30-day challenges that will keep you growing stronger. Links & Resources Naturally RachelleRobinett.com Follow Rachelle on Instagram — ⁠@RachelleRobinett Connect with the Show Buy a copy of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Amy on Instagram — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@AmyMorinAuthor⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit my website — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AmyMorinLCSW.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sponsors BetterHelp — Give online therapy a try and get 10% off your first month at ⁠⁠⁠betterhelp.com/mentallystrong⁠⁠⁠ CocoaVia — Get 20% off with code Amy2025 at ⁠⁠⁠cocoavia.com⁠⁠⁠. OneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.oneskin.co/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ZocDoc — Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Zocdoc.com/STRONGER⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today! AirDoctor — Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AirDoctorPro.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use promo code STRONGER to get UP TO $300 off today! Shopify — Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shopify.com/mentallystronger⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Life Kit — Listen now to the ⁠Life Kit podcast⁠ from NPR. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices