Edge of the Couch

They tour Canada and share why acceptance and forgiveness are central yet complex in therapy. They unpack radical acceptance versus surface letting-go and how acknowledgement beats neutral platitudes. They explore naming abuse, boundaries around refusing to forgive, and when forgiveness is or is not appropriate. They also discuss self-forgiveness, accountability, and how acceptance can feel harder before it heals.

The conversation dives into the complexities of modern parenting choices and their long-term effects. The hosts dissect the cultural persistence of spanking despite research against it, and how misinterpretations of child behavior can lead to harmful parenting practices. They reflect on the helplessness therapists feel when witnessing issues like excessive screen time and outdated sleep methods. Differentiating between permissive and authoritative styles, they advocate for clear boundaries and embrace the value of setting limits for children's development.

They explore the cultural swing back to thinness and how it shows up in clinical work. Conversations cover GLP-1s, visible weight loss, and when appearance signals medical or therapeutic concern. They discuss how to ask about eating and exercise without shaming, clinician countertransference, and using gentle naming, curiosity, and referral when needed.

We're taking the couch on the road! Join us between May 9th and May 24th, we'll be heading to 8 Canadian cities for a LIVE episode recording and a chance to connect with other therapists in your area. Space is limited, so snag your ticket before it's too late! For more information, visit us on Instagram @edgeofthecouchpod. We hope to see you there! Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch, share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram, or email us at connect@edgeofthecouch.com.We have partnered with Janeapp, our favourite all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign-up for a free one-month grace period on your new account.Alison McClearywww.woodstovewellness.caJordan Pickellwww.jordanpickellcounselling.ca@jordanpickellcounselling on InstagramEdge of the Couchwww.edgeofthecouch.com@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram

In this episode, we talk about how we can use our shared experience of media to enrich therapeutic work and deepen our relationships with our clients. We mention recent media like Heated Rivalry and the Oprah special on parental estrangement. We also talk about media that stays relevant, like Inside Out. If you enjoyed this episode, join us on patreon, where we often discuss pop culture and current events, in the context of therapeutic work.We're taking the couch on the road! Join us between May 9th and May 24th, we'll be heading to 8 Canadian cities for a LIVE episode recording and a chance to connect with other therapists in your area. Space is limited, so snag your ticket before it's too late! For more information, visit us on Instagram @edgeofthecouchpod. We hope to see you there! Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch, share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram, or email us at connect@edgeofthecouch.com.We have partnered with Janeapp, our favourite all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign-up for a free one-month grace period on your new account.Alison McClearywww.woodstovewellness.caJordan Pickellwww.jordanpickellcounselling.ca@jordanpickellcounselling on InstagramEdge of the Couchwww.edgeofthecouch.com@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram

When despair shows up in session, it can be challenging to know how to respond. It's delicate. You don't want to move too quickly, tip into toxic positivity, and look for the silver lining, nor do you want the client to dive into those feelings only to fall deeper into abject hopelessness. In this episode, we talk about how we work with despair. It requires finely tuned clinical skills, and we hope that this conversation can help you feel less stuck when working with folks struggling with despair. We're taking the couch on the road! Join us between May 9th and May 24th, we'll be heading to 8 Canadian cities for a LIVE episode recording and a chance to connect with other therapists in your area. Space is limited, so snag your ticket before it's too late! For more information, visit us on Instagram @edgeofthecouchpod. We hope to see you there! Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch, share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram, or email us at connect@edgeofthecouch.com.We have partnered with Janeapp, our favourite all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign-up for a free one-month grace period on your new account.Alison McClearywww.woodstovewellness.caJordan Pickellwww.jordanpickellcounselling.ca@jordanpickellcounselling on InstagramEdge of the Couchwww.edgeofthecouch.com@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram

The hosts embark on a cross-Canada tour, connecting with therapists along the way. They delve into the nuances of treating clients differently—exploring the significance of intentional acts versus memory slips. Topics include how client requests shape closure rituals, the impact of shared experiences on therapy, and the importance of micro-adjustments in communication. They also tackle complex client dynamics such as boundaries, challenges, and the emotional weight of cancellations, all while emphasizing the need for open discussions about unequal client needs.

Join the hosts as they explore the intriguing dynamics of wanting others to seek therapy. They discuss the tendency of clients to internalize blame and the complexity of relationships where partners act as each other's therapist. The conversation delves into how caregiving can become infantilizing, alongside the challenges therapists face in navigating their own emotions. A fascinating examination of trauma's intergenerational impact leads to discussions on empathy versus accountability. Plus, a sneak peek into their upcoming Canadian tour!

Explore the complex concept of 'fit' in therapy, where scheduling and financial considerations play a crucial role. Dive into the significance of therapist and client approaches, personalities, and the importance of direct communication. Learn how relational dynamics can indicate whether a therapeutic relationship is truly beneficial. The hosts stress the need for ongoing fit checks and empower listeners to seek out the right therapist for their unique needs, emphasizing that finding the right match is essential for progress.

A listener's question sparks a lively discussion about what it truly means to be a specialist in therapy. The hosts delve into the importance of experience, training, and mastery in defining specialization. They tackle the differences across regions regarding claims of expertise and share insights on niching, highlighting both its benefits and risks. The conversation also emphasizes the value of being a generalist early in one’s career while offering practical tips for new therapists to communicate their skills confidently without overpromising.