This description and the show notes are brought to you directly from AI, Sydney, and I truly wouldn't sound so silly! This dialogue-based presentation dives deep into the complexities of mental health and interpersonal relationships. With therapy experiences, personal observations, and explored topics ranging from narcissism, ADHD, and addiction to marriage and parenting, Tony and his co-host Sydney guide the audience through poignant discussions. Key concerns include asserting oneself in relationships, dealing with alcoholics, recognizing psychopathic traits, and handling personal issues such as adult ADHD and depression. The conversation also delves into the potent combination of medicine and therapy while exploring the nuances of 'emotional baseline' and its elevation through the usage of medication.00:04 Introduction and Welcome00:44 Live Relationship Q&A: Narcissism, Marriage, Parenting, ADHD, Addiction01:17 The Awkward Start of the Live Session01:28 Casual Conversation: Therapy, Parenting, and Narcissism02:02 Deep Dive into Narcissism and Relationships02:41 Exploring the Human Magnet Syndrome03:10 The Complexity of Narcissistic Relationships03:25 Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder04:26 Transition to Reading Reddit Stories04:51 Interactive Q&A with Live Audience05:11 Humorous Interactions and Casual Banter05:20 Discussion on ADHD and Rejection Sensitivity06:35 Reading and Discussing Reddit Stories07:17 Deeper Conversation on Narcissism and Relationships08:45 Understanding Differentiation in Relationships11:55 Continuation of Reddit Story Discussion12:33 Exploring ADHD and Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria15:36 Interactive Q&A with Live Audience: Part 217:18 Continuation of Reddit Story Discussion: Part 219:12 Understanding the Dynamics of Narcissistic Relationships20:51 Interactive Q&A with Live Audience: Part 322:58 Continuation of Reddit Story Discussion: Part 325:22 Interactive Q&A with Live Audience: Part 427:14 Continuation of Reddit Story Discussion: Part 428:52 Interactive Q&A with Live Audience: Part 530:53 Continuation of Reddit Story Discussion: Part 531:37 Interactive Q&A with Live Audience: Part 633:20 Continuation of Reddit Story Discussion: Part 635:17 Interactive Q&A with Live Audience: Part 737:10 Continuation of Reddit Story Discussion: Part 737:53 Interactive Q&A with Live Audience: Part 840:42 Continuation of Reddit Story Discussion: Part 842:52 Interactive Q&A with Live Audience: Part 936:55 Discussing Alcoholism and Addiction37:24 Understanding Addictive Behaviors38:20 The Role of Therapy in Addiction42:18 Exploring the Concept of Micro Cheating43:16 The Impact of Micro Cheating on Relationships43:29 The Role of Authenticity in Relationships45:08 Understanding Narcissism and Emotional Immaturity47:01 The Connection Between Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms and Emotional Baseline48:59 The Importance of Emotional Connection in Relationships01:07:37 The Role of Medication in Mental Health01:10:08 Closing Thoughts and ReflectionsAvailable NOW: Tony's "Magnetic Marriage Mini-Course" is only $20. https://magneticmarriage.mykajabi.com/magnetic-marriage-mini-courseTo learn more about Tony's upcoming re-release of the Magnetic Marriage course, his Pathback Recovery course, and more, sign up for his newsletter through the link at https://linktr.ee/virtualcouchPlease follow Tony’s newest Instagram account for the Waking Up to Narcissism podcast https://www.instagram.com/wutnpod/ as well as Tony’s account https://www.instagram.com/tonyoverbay_lmft/ Subscribe to Tony's latest podcast, "Waking Up to Narcissism Q&A - Premium Podcast," on the Apple Podcast App. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/waking-up-to-narcissism-q-a/id1667287384Go to http://tonyoverbay.com/workshop to sign up for Tony's "Magnetize Your Marriage" virtual workshop. The cost is only $19, and you'll learn the top 3 things you can do NOW to create a Magnetic Marriage. You can learn more about Tony's pornography recovery program, The Path Back, by visiting http://pathbackrecovery.com And visit Tony mentioned a product that he used to take out all of the "uh's" and "um's" that, in his words, "must be created by wizards and magic!" because it's that good! To learn more about Descript, click here https://descript.com?lmref=bSWcEQ

Tony Overbay, LMFT, dives into an article by Dr. Richard Friedman titled 'Plenty of People Could Quit Therapy Right Now.' Tony reads the article and comments in real-time, talking about the many different reasons people come to therapy, the importance of the therapist/client relationship, and what to do if you don’t feel a connection with your therapist. He discusses why talk therapy works and provides additional personal insights, bringing in his background in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). He shares some of the challenges he has with the more popular CBT or cognitive behavioral therapy modality. The discussion revolves around concepts like the potentially harmful effects of prolonged therapy when to consider ending therapy, and the possibility of 'therapy vacations'. Lastly, Tony underlines the importance of having a clear treatment plan, addressing the client’s goals, and reinforcing the idea that progress is made when clients implement what they’ve learned in their day-to-day lives.00:00 Introduction: The Clickbait Phenomenon01:13 Welcome to the Virtual Couch: Episode 41301:36 The Power of Numerology: Understanding 41302:40 The Magnetic Marriage: A Valentine's Special03:55 The Art of Clickbait: A Deep Dive04:55 The Case for Quitting Therapy: A Discussion08:14 The Role of a Therapist: A Personal Perspective09:43 Understanding Different Types of Therapists12:01 The Case for Quitting Therapy: An Article Review16:07 The Role of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy19:50 The End Goal of Therapy: Thriving on Your Own20:48 Understanding Emotions and Interactions21:27 The Role of Therapy in Emotional Processing21:36 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: An Overview22:00 The Power of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy23:05 Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Its Impact25:39 The Importance of Trust in Therapy26:28 The Role of Therapy in Dealing with Trauma28:01 The Long-Term Benefits of Therapy28:09 The Challenges of Accessing Therapy28:20 The Potential Risks of Over-Reliance on Therapy29:51 The Role of Therapy in Personal Growth31:16 The Importance of Finding the Right Therapist38:23 The Role of Medication in Therapy38:52 The Importance of Self-Reflection in Therapy41:37 The Benefits of Taking a Break from Therapy42:35 Final Thoughts on the Role and Impact of TherapyAvailable NOW: Tony's "Magnetic Marriage Mini-Course" is only $20. https://magneticmarriage.mykajabi.com/magnetic-marriage-mini-courseTo learn more about Tony's upcoming re-release of the Magnetic Marriage course, his Pathback Recovery course, and more, sign up for his newsletter through the link at https://linktr.ee/virtualcouchPlease follow Tony’s newest Instagram account for the Waking Up to Narcissism podcast https://www.instagram.com/wutnpod/ as well as Tony’s account https://www.instagram.com/tonyoverbay_lmft/ Subscribe to Tony's latest podcast, "Waking Up to Narcissism Q&A - Premium Podcast," on the Apple Podcast App. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/waking-up-to-narcissism-q-a/id1667287384Go to http://tonyoverbay.com/workshop to sign up for Tony's "Magnetize Your Marriage" virtual workshop. The cost is only $19, and you'll learn the top 3 things you can do NOW to create a Magnetic Marriage. You can learn more about Tony's pornography recovery program, The Path Back, by visiting http://pathbackrecovery.com And visit Tony mentioned a product that he used to take out all of the "uh's" and "um's" that, in his words, "must be created by wizards and magic!" because it's that good! To learn more about Descript, click here https://descript.com?lmref=bSWcEQ

Tony Overbay, LMFT, tackles the timeless question, "Why do we care so much about what others think?" Offering insights on halting the cycle of worrying over others' opinions, Tony emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself (and ponders, "Who am I, really?"). He explores finding that sweet spot between valuing the world's input and heeding our inner voice—the one who truly knows us best. Tony illustrates that while the opinions of others can offer some worth, there's a limit to their significance. Ultimately, we have the fantastic opportunity to be captains of our ships, navigating through rough seas and basking in sunny skies alike.Available NOW Tony's "Magnetic Marriage Mini-Course" only $20. https://magneticmarriage.mykajabi.com/magnetic-marriage-mini-courseTo learn more about Tony's upcoming re-release of the Magnetic Marriage course, his Pathback Recovery course, and more, sign up for his newsletter through the link at https://linktr.ee/virtualcouchPlease follow Tony’s newest Instagram account for the Waking Up to Narcissism podcast https://www.instagram.com/wutnpod/ as well as Tony’s account https://www.instagram.com/tonyoverbay_lmft/ Subscribe to Tony's latest podcast, "Waking Up to Narcissism Q&A - Premium Podcast," on the Apple Podcast App. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/waking-up-to-narcissism-q-a/id1667287384Go to http://tonyoverbay.com/workshop to sign up for Tony's "Magnetize Your Marriage" virtual workshop. The cost is only $19, and you'll learn the top 3 things you can do NOW to create a Magnetic Marriage. You can learn more about Tony's pornography recovery program, The Path Back, by visiting http://pathbackrecovery.com And visit Tony mentioned a product that he used to take out all of the "uh's" and "um's" that, in his words, "must be created by wizards and magic!" because it's that good! To learn more about Descript, click here https://descript.com?lmref=bSWcEQ00:00 Introduction: The Big Question00:46 Welcome to the Virtual Couch00:57 Therapeutic Tools: Four Pillars of a Connected Conversation01:48 Valentine's Day Special: Mini Course and Game02:53 Why Do We Care So Much About What Others Think?11:20 The Power of Projection and Shadow Self17:06 Understanding and Accepting Your Shadow Self20:18 Setting Healthy Boundaries21:40 You Are Not the Center of the Universe22:16 Understanding Our Place in the Universe23:04 Exploring the Concept of Solipsism24:27 The Reality of Other People's Existence25:45 The Impact of Caring Too Much About Others' Opinions26:59 The Importance of Authenticity and Individuality28:48 The Consequences of Worrying About Others' Opinions30:11 Trusting Your Instincts and Navigating Life32:56 Balancing External Advice with Internal Compass35:55 Understanding the Persona and Authenticity42:38 Embracing Your Whole Self and Authentic Connections43:34 Conclusion: The Value of Self-Understanding and Authenticity

(Description provided by AI, i.e., we’re really not this stuffy) On this TikTok live session, a father-daughter duo - Tony, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and his daughter, Sydney- discuss complicated familial relationships, drawing from a real-life scenario. They elaborate on the perspective of a 15-year-old girl attempting to navigate difficult relationships with her father and his new girlfriend after the death of her mother. The pair extract valuable lessons and give insightful advice about seeking validation, getting emotional support, and making the necessary decisions for one's emotional well-being. They also discuss inherent human behaviors and the importance of emotional maturity and curiosity in handling fraught relationships. The conversation also includes light-hearted banter and comical exchanges that reveal their own relationship dynamics.Watch the latest Relationship QA's with Sydney and Tony on The Virtual Couch YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/@TheVirtualCouchPodcastTony references his daughter Mackie Overbay's Podcast, "The Mind, The Mirror and Me," Please follow/subscribe to the Mind, the Mirror, and Me podcast wherever you listen to podcasts. You can find it on Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/episode/7d4zmbpTEuKqabIjgXFq9N?si=6133f8620d4a41d1 or Apple Podcasts at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mind-the-mirror-me/id1701226687?i=100063957581500:02 Introduction and Setting the Stage00:16 Diving into Relationship Advice01:02 Discussing the Role of a Therapist01:10 Analyzing a Real-Life Relationship Scenario01:51 Understanding Emotional Discomfort and Communication04:27 Exploring the Concept of Emotional Immaturity06:01 Exploring the Concept of Control in Relationships06:35 Unpacking the Impact of Assumptions in Relationships07:22 Discussing the Importance of Curiosity and Non-Judgment09:44 Analyzing a Case of Parent-Child Conflict15:08 Discussing the Importance of Trust and Authenticity18:55 Understanding the Role of Friends in Relationship Issues21:10 Dad's New Girlfriend Drama21:38 Learning New Slangs21:57 Eavesdropping on Dad's Call22:16 Feeling Betrayed and Disrespected22:42 The Struggle of Communication23:15 Light-Hearted Banter23:33 Revisiting the Painful Conversation24:02 Contemplating Leaving Home24:20 The Role of Parents in Maintaining Relationships26:26 The Struggle of Being Misunderstood27:48 Moving to Grandparents' House28:39 Dealing with Dad's Silence30:12 Understanding Anxiety and Stress32:11 The Power of Self-Validation42:51 Wrapping Up and Saying Goodbye

Tony shares the story of Hudson and Bailey, a couple working towards improving their marriage, particularly around communication patterns and how they deal with conflict. The episode focuses on the couple's struggle with common relationship issues that have resulted in miscommunication and misunderstandings. Tony outlines key behavioral models and strategies such as his Four Pillars of a Connected Conversation, his “pre-pillar” based on the concepts of Marshall Rosenberg’s “Non-violent communication” techniques, he talks about boundaries vs. ultimatums, differentiation (ultimately it’s a “me thing,”) and goes over his way to “hold the assertive frame.” Tony also addresses handling post-argument anxiety and practicing emotional maturity. The episode aims to provide viewers with practical solutions to commonplace marital challenges and ways to navigate through them. This episode is sponsored by Tony’s updated “Magnetic Marriage” course. Sign up for his newsletter at http://tonyoverbay.com for more information. 00:00 Introduction and Background of Hudson and Bailey00:26 The Importance of Effective Communication in Relationships00:45 Understanding the Dynamics of Hudson and Bailey's Relationship01:56 A Pivotal Argument: Unpacking the Communication Breakdown05:54 The Aftermath: Dealing with Post-Argument Anxiety08:03 The Four Pillars of a Connected Conversation08:45 Addressing Hudson and Bailey's Specific Concerns12:03 Strategies for Resolving Arguments and Managing Anxiety23:06 The Role of Mindfulness in Navigating Relationship Challenges24:51 The Power of Mindfulness and Meditation25:34 Understanding the Concept of Differentiation26:12 The Role of Emotions in Communication27:52 The Importance of Objective Observations in Communication33:40 The Concept of Holding the Assertive Frame34:45 Understanding and Managing Communication Breakdowns38:01 The Role of Emotional Maturity in Relationships43:23 The Importance of Self-Reflection and Growth48:18 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsTo learn more about Tony's upcoming re-release of the Magnetic Marriage course, his Pathback Recovery course, and more, sign up for his newsletter through the link at https://linktr.ee/virtualcouchPlease follow Tony’s newest Instagram account for the Waking Up to Narcissism podcast https://www.instagram.com/wutnpod/ as well as Tony’s account https://www.instagram.com/tonyoverbay_lmft/ Subscribe to Tony's latest podcast, "Waking Up to Narcissism Q&A - Premium Podcast," on the Apple Podcast App. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/waking-up-to-narcissism-q-a/id1667287384Go to http://tonyoverbay.com/workshop to sign up for Tony's "Magnetize Your Marriage" virtual workshop. The cost is only $19, and you'll learn the top 3 things you can do NOW to create a Magnetic Marriage. You can learn more about Tony's pornography recovery program, The Path Back, by visiting http://pathbackrecovery.com And visit Tony mentioned a product that he used to take out all of the "uh's" and "um's" that, in his words, "must be created by wizards and magic!" because it's that good! To learn more about Descript, click here https://descript.com?lmref=bSWcEQ

Tony takes inspiration from Carolyn Steber's article, "Is Everyone Out Here Lying To Their Therapist," https://www.bustle.com/wellness/lying-to-therapist using it as a muse (and explaining what a muse is) to explore the benefits and challenges of therapy from both the client's and therapist's viewpoints. He delves into primary and secondary emotions, highlighting how humor and anger often serve as secondary emotions. Tony also unpacks the origin of the "what's wrong with me" mindset, explaining how children internalize emotions, leading to a reliance on external validation in adulthood. The episode concludes with insightful discussions on neuroplasticity, implicit memory, and the significant benefits of being honest with your therapist.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:41 Engaging with the Audience: Social Media and Live Q&A01:58 The Power of Muse and Self-Reflection03:45 Exploring the Article: Is Everyone Lying to Their Therapist?04:07 Understanding the Role of a Therapist06:12 The Science Behind Talk Therapy14:18 The Role of Humor in Therapy17:47 Understanding Primary and Secondary Emotions24:32 Understanding Secondary Emotions24:52 Exploring Anger and Humor as Secondary Emotions25:31 The Role of Childhood Experiences in Shaping Emotions26:38 The Impact of Humor as a Coping Mechanism28:27 The Power of Neuroplasticity and Implicit Memory29:23 The Influence of Environment on Emotional Tendencies30:04 The Role of Humor in Therapy Sessions30:31 The Importance of Honesty in Therapy32:02 Understanding the Role of Validation in Therapy37:54 The Power of Neuroplasticity in Changing Emotional Responses39:57 The Role of Therapists and Coaches in Emotional Growth40:08 Understanding the Importance of Comfort and Trust in Therapy44:04 The Journey of Self-Discovery and GrowthTo learn more about Tony's upcoming re-release of the Magnetic Marriage course, his Pathback Recovery course, and more, sign up for his newsletter through the link at https://linktr.ee/virtualcouchPlease follow Tony’s newest Instagram account for the Waking Up to Narcissism podcast https://www.instagram.com/wutnpod/ as well as Tony’s account https://www.instagram.com/tonyoverbay_lmft/ Subscribe to Tony's latest podcast, "Waking Up to Narcissism Q&A - Premium Podcast," on the Apple Podcast App. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/waking-up-to-narcissism-q-a/id1667287384Go to http://tonyoverbay.com/workshop to sign up for Tony's "Magnetize Your Marriage" virtual workshop. The cost is only $19, and you'll learn the top 3 things you can do NOW to create a Magnetic Marriage. You can learn more about Tony's pornography recovery program, The Path Back, by visiting http://pathbackrecovery.com And visit Tony mentioned a product that he used to take out all of the "uh's" and "um's" that, in his words, "must be created by wizards and magic!" because it's that good! To learn more about Descript, click here https://descript.com?lmref=bSWcEQ

Did you know there are several different types of rest beyond just sleeping? Coming from a 'we don’t know what we don’t know' standpoint, today’s episode has the potential to be both a game-changer and life-changing as we unveil how identifying and fulfilling these diverse types of rest can revolutionize your health, happiness, and productivity. Tony Overbay, LMFT, interviews Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith about her book 'Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity' (https://amzn.to/3TFp6GZ). They discuss the critical distinction between sleep and rest, amplified through Dr. Saundra’s 'Seven Types of Rest' framework. Dr. Saundra shares the seven types of rest she has found lacking in the lives of those she encounters in her clinical practice and research - physical, mental, spiritual, emotional, sensory, social, and creative - and explains why a deficiency in any one of these types of rest can have unfavorable effects on your health, happiness, relationships, creativity, and productivity. This episode highlights the importance of self-care and the need to become a personal health advocate. Dr. Saundra shares her experiences with burnout, which led to an emphasis on rest in her life. They discuss issues related to work-life balance and the over-reliance on screens and identify areas for enhancing rest that most people aren’t aware of. Then, Tony took Dr. Saundra’s 'rest quiz' and reviewed the results. You can find the Rest Quiz at https://www.restquiz.com/quiz/rest-quiz-test/00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflections on Sleep01:31 Historical Figures and Their Sleep Patterns02:25 The Misconceptions and Judgments Around Sleep04:11 Personal Struggles with Sleep and Introduction of Guest05:21 Taking the Rest Quiz and Discussing the Results06:29 Introduction to Dr. Saundra Dalton and Her Work06:36 Debunking Common Myths About Sleep09:10 The Importance of Different Types of Rest11:14 The Impact of Sensory Overload on Rest12:49 The Role of Spiritual Rest in Overall Wellbeing14:14 The Importance of Emotional and Social Rest36:21 The Personal Journey Towards Understanding Rest37:17 Sharing the Secret to Happiness at Work37:22 Identifying Your Rest Deficit37:46 Taking the Rest Quiz38:44 Personal Journey and Motivation40:17 Navigating the Healthcare System40:43 Taking Control of Your Health42:39 Unexpected End of Interview43:06 Bonus: Taking the Rest Quiz Live01:08:38 Interpreting the Rest Quiz Results01:12:57 Conclusion and RecommendationsPlease follow Tony’s newest Instagram account for the Waking Up to Narcissism podcast https://www.instagram.com/wutnpod/ as well as Tony’s account https://www.instagram.com/tonyoverbay_lmft/ To learn more about Tony's upcoming re-release of the Magnetic Marriage course, his Pathback Recovery course, and more, sign up for his newsletter through the link at https://linktr.ee/virtualcouchSubscribe to Tony's latest podcast, "Waking Up to Narcissism Q&A - Premium Podcast," on the Apple Podcast App. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/waking-up-to-narcissism-q-a/id1667287384Go to http://tonyoverbay.com/workshop to sign up for Tony's "Magnetize Your Marriage" virtual workshop. The cost is only $19, and you'll learn the top 3 things you can do NOW to create a Magnetic Marriage. You can learn more about Tony's pornography recovery program, The Path Back, by visiting http://pathbackrecovery.com And visit Tony mentioned a product that he used to take out all of the "uh's" and "um's" that, in his words, "must be created by wizards and magic!" because it's that good! To learn more about Descript, click here https://descript.com?lmref=bSWcEQ

Tony addresses why so many New Year’s resolutions don’t last and explores the concept of value-based goals and the importance of aligning them with personal values for the sake of authenticity and lasting change. He discusses the shortcomings of the SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) goal-setting method. He plays clips from an interview with his friend Neal Hooper about their discoveries on incorporating Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) into the goal-setting process. Neal introduces the elements necessary for genuine progress and fulfillment - the 'why' and 'how' of making SMARTER goals. Drawing from the principles of ACT and illustrating through the story of the client “Jason’s” transformational journey, he emphasizes the significance of acceptance, committed action, and psychological flexibility. The episode also points out the need to view setbacks as opportunities for growth, not pitfalls, and illustrates the importance of flexibility in goal setting.00:00 Introduction: The Struggle with Traditional Goal-Setting01:27 Meet the Host: Tony Overbay and His Podcasts03:11 The Problem with New Year's Resolutions06:48 The SMART Goals Method: An Overview08:21 Jason's Story: A Case Study in Goal Setting09:27 The Limitations of SMART Goals: Jason's Experience14:26 The Shift to Values-Driven Goals15:00 Jason's Transformation: Embracing a Holistic Approach22:27 Conclusion: The Power of Mindfulness and Acceptance in Goal Setting23:01 Challenges and Old Habits23:24 Acceptance and Compassion in Change24:10 The Power of Small Victories24:42 Aligning Goals with Personal Values25:13 The Pitfalls of Yo-Yo Dieting25:42 The Pushup Challenge: A Personal Journey26:25 Embracing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy27:27 The Power of Daily Commitment29:56 The Importance of Why and How in Goal Setting30:22 The Role of Shame in Goal Setting30:56 The Problem with Traditional Goal Setting31:19 The Importance of Perceived Value and Capability in Goals34:36 The Power of Smarter Goals41:58 The Misconception of Committed Action43:25 The Role of Setbacks in Growth44:14 Embracing Discomfort and Doubt44:42 Conclusion: The Power of ACT PrinciplesFind all the latest links to podcasts, courses, Tony's newsletter, and more at https://linktr.ee/virtualcouchPlease follow Tony’s new Waking Up to Narcissism Instagram account here https://www.instagram.com/wutnpod/Subscribe to Tony's latest podcast, "Waking Up to Narcissism Q&A - Premium Podcast," on the Apple Podcast App. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/waking-up-to-narcissism-q-a/id1667287384Go to http://tonyoverbay.com/workshop to sign up for Tony's "Magnetize Your Marriage" virtual workshop. The cost is only $19, and you'll learn the top 3 things you can do NOW to create a Magnetic Marriage. You can learn more about Tony's pornography recovery program, The Path Back, by visiting http://pathbackrecovery.com And visit http://tonyoverbay.com and sign up to receive updates on upcoming programs and podcasts.Tony mentioned a product that he used to take out all of the "uh's" and "um's" that, in his words, "must be created by wizards and magic!" because it's that good! To learn more about Descript, click here https://descript.com?lmref=bSWcEQ

In this special bonus episode of The Virtual Couch, Tony shares the latest episode of  “The Mind, The Mirror and Me,” a podcast he co-hosts with his daughter Mackie Overbay. Mackie shares 24 life lessons she's learned in her 24 years of life in honor of her birthday (today! Wish her a happy birthday at @beautybymackie on Instagram). From discussing the importance of setting boundaries to embracing change and adaptability, she discusses different emotional growth and well-being aspects. The episode encourages listeners to introspect on their lessons and take things in stride, emphasizing that no one has life entirely figured out, and that's alright. Please follow/subscribe to the Mind, the Mirror, and Me podcast wherever you listen to podcasts. You can find it on Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/episode/7d4zmbpTEuKqabIjgXFq9N?si=6133f8620d4a41d1 or Apple Podcasts at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mind-the-mirror-me/id1701226687?i=100063957581500:00 Introduction and Studio Banter00:24 The Reality of Therapy and Emotional Heavy Lifting01:29 The Irony of Therapy Sessions01:42 The Unusual Side of Therapy02:08 The Struggles of Starting a Therapy Session02:43 The Unexpected Moments in Therapy02:55 Celebrating Birthdays and Reflecting on Life04:01 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Growth06:07 The Importance of Quality Friendships06:27 The Power of Setting Boundaries06:31 The Dangers of Comparison07:28 The Value of Small Victories08:48 Learning from Failures09:41 Trusting Your Gut11:45 Being Present in the Moment14:22 The Role of Mindfulness in Life19:46 Embracing the Present Moment19:59 Outgrowing People and Situations20:43 Trusting in Destiny22:39 The Power of Privacy24:41 Letting Go of Unhealthy Relationships27:04 The Importance of Self-Validation27:34 The Struggles of Being Single29:40 The Power of Writing Things Down31:05 Accepting Imperfections34:47 Finding a Fulfilling Career35:41 The Futility of Holding Grudges36:15 Adapting to Change37:51 The Reality of Human Perception

What happens when an optimist and a pessimist are in a long-term relationship? According to new research from the article “Can an Unhappy Partner Erode Your Happiness Over Time?”https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/close-encounters/202312/can-an-unhappy-partner-erode-your-happiness-over-time by Gwendolyn Seidman Ph.D.they eventually align somewhat in their outlooks, but does this lean toward optimism or pessimism? In this episode, Tony engages in a thorough discussion about emotional contagion in relationships, emphasizing how negative emotions tend to spread more rapidly than positive ones. He draws on various research studies to shed light on 'emotional vampires' - individuals who consistently dampen the mood and thus impact the overall happiness in relationships. Additionally, Tony shares a story from one of his clients, illustrating the significance of self-awareness in fostering a positive approach in relationships. Concluding the episode, he offers practical advice on being aware of your emotional impact and implementing changes for healthier and more positive interactions.00:00 Introduction and Personal Anecdote02:01 The Influence of Partners on Each Other's Happiness02:14 Welcome to the Virtual Couch Podcast02:36 The Concept of Influence in Relationships03:44 Upcoming Topics and Magnetic Marriage Course04:08 The Impact of an Unhappy Partner on Your Happiness07:06 The Power of Negative Emotions09:51 The Story of Emily: A Case Study14:44 The Influence of Happiness and Unhappiness in Relationships20:03 The Role of Emotional Contagion in Relationships26:40 Takeaways and Final ThoughtsFind all the latest links to podcasts, courses, Tony's newsletter, and more at https://linktr.ee/virtualcouchTony mentioned the Instagram account https://www.instagram.com/thesecurerelationship/Please follow Tony’s new Waking Up to Narcissism Instagram account here https://www.instagram.com/wutnpod/Subscribe to Tony's latest podcast, "Waking Up to Narcissism Q&A - Premium Podcast," on the Apple Podcast App. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/waking-up-to-narcissism-q-a/id1667287384Go to http://tonyoverbay.com/workshop to sign up for Tony's "Magnetize Your Marriage" virtual workshop. The cost is only $19, and you'll learn the top 3 things you can do NOW to create a Magnetic Marriage. You can learn more about Tony's pornography recovery program, The Path Back, by visiting http://pathbackrecovery.com And visit http://tonyoverbay.com and sign up to receive updates on upcoming programs and podcasts.Tony mentioned a product that he used to take out all of the "uh's" and "um's" that, in his words, "must be created by wizards and magic!" because it's that good! To learn more about Descript, click here https://descript.com?lmref=bSWcEQ