Edge of the Couch

What do you do when a client describes a traumatic experience, but then proceeds to shrug it off? In this episode, we explore what might be going on when clients dismiss what we gather are traumatic experiences. We discuss possible reasons behind this phenomenon, including denial, dissociation, or simply seeing it as common and therefore, normal and not worth discussing. We use examples like Alec Baldwin's 2007 voicemail to his daughter and an anecdote about Gabor Mate. This conversation mostly focuses on developmental or relational trauma, and so, there are a few points where we have trouble finding the words to talk about it! These experiences can be so beyond language. Join us as we wade into the complexities of working with trauma when the client isn't quite naming it as trauma.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

Now, we don’t believe that clients can be “too emotional” but many clients come to therapy with narratives around emotion that may make them feel that they are being too much when they are emotional in session - crying is a weakness, anger is a bad emotion, I’m a cry baby, stoicism is best etc. As clinicians we have to sit with the full spectrum of emotionality from clients, but we can sometimes be shocked by our own reactions to client emotional expressions (and many programs don’t specifically train clinicians for sitting with big feelings).We also have to be aware of our own beliefs about feelings. Do we think that there is such a thing as too much crying? How do we feel when we are sitting with someone who is extremely angry? Is anger a bad thing or a good thing, in our opinion? How can we feel regulated and balanced when clients may be swinging more wildly?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

This discussion dives into therapist enmeshment, exploring how blurred boundaries can affect client relationships. The hosts examine the challenges of over-identification and emotional sharing between therapists and clients. They highlight the importance of maintaining professionalism while still being empathetic, especially during shared life experiences. Concerns about clients feeling indebted to their therapists also come into play. Overall, a thought-provoking conversation on the delicate balance needed in the therapeutic space.

We're in between seasons right now, but we feel it is long overdue to talk about Palestine and what therapists are wrestling with when it comes to speaking up about genocide in session and in public. We are taught "do no harm" but at what point is our silence more harmful than speaking out? As always, we ask for openness and curiosity as we engage with the nuance about this "controversial" topic. How do we talk about genocide? How do we bring our feelings and stance into sessions? How do we centre the client in front of us and their experiences? These are questions therapists are confronted with at this historical moment. 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 special episode, we look back at the history of our podcast, our favourite episodes, and the vulnerable things about doing the podcast. We read some recent DMs from Instagram, a one-star review, and we listen to some voice notes sent in by listeners. We recorded this one late at night (for us at least!) so we get a little loopy at the end saying thank you thank you thank you, but truly, thanks for listening and being a part of our Edge of The Couch community. This marks both our 100th episode as well as the finale of Season 6. If you want more, and can't wait until Season 7, join us on patreon, where we are posting weekly episodes breaking our typical format. Maybe we will see you there!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

Therapists discuss managing personal triggers and self-disclosure in therapy sessions. They reflect on handling personal challenges while staying professional and supporting clients. The chapter explores self-disclosure, projection, personal bias, and activating moments in therapy sessions. They emphasize the importance of self-awareness and peer supervision in managing emotions during client sessions.

Exploring the struggles therapists face with feeling the need to prove themselves, the impact of trainings on authenticity, the value of deep listening in therapy, and the importance of relevant training for therapists.

Rejection in therapy is a deeply emotional experience, especially for new therapists. The hosts delve into the complexities of client disengagement, exploring feelings of loss and confusion. They stress the importance of understanding the reasons behind a client's decision and the growth that can come from these moments. Authentic communication is key, as well as recognizing when a client might not be a good fit. Emphasis is placed on community support and self-reflection as vital tools for managing the emotional toll of rejection.

This podcast delves into the importance of effective beginnings and endings in therapy sessions. They discuss personalized approaches, intentional closings, and the benefits of structuring sessions. The episode explores client-centered therapy sessions, navigating client agendas, and mastering the art of ending sessions with meaningful conclusions.

Therapists discuss handling clients' 'I don't know' responses, exploring deeper therapy work, guiding conversations effectively, and boosting confidence in managing uncertainties in therapy sessions.