

Therapist Uncensored Podcast
Sue Marriott LCSW, CGP & Ann Kelley PhD
Ranked as one of Apple’s Top 10 Social Science podcasts, Therapist Uncensored delivers trusted, science-backed insights on mental health and secure relationships. With over 11 million downloads worldwide, this female-led, independent podcast puts you right in the therapy room, making powerful psychological insights accessible and actionable. Co-hosts Sue Marriott, LCSW CGP and Ann Kelley, PhD break down complex ideas into practical wisdom you can use immediately. They’re joined by top neuroscientists, world-renown relationship experts and outside-the-box perspectives to share cutting-edge research and strategies for building stronger connections with yourself and others. Shownotes at www.therapistuncensored.com Transform how you understand your mind, your relationships, and yourself.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 10, 2023 • 1h 15min
Whole Brain Living, Psychology + Neuroanatomy + Spirit with Dr. Jill Bolte-Taylor – REPLAY (195)
Contact Bolte-Taylor to find out how her work is being applied and sign up for certification.
Since this podcast first aired, Sue Marriott worked with a very small group of people with Dr. Jill Bolte-Taylor in the first round of Whole Brain Living certification. Contact Jill Bolte-Taylor to find out how to participate.
Learn about 4 major characters (skill sub-sets) in your mind as a way to understand neuroanatomy and how to best use the power of your whole mind.
NOTE: For our private Neuronerd community, don’t forget to check out the deep dive series on Whole Brain Living. Join to access it for as little as $5 a month at www.therapistuncensored.com/join.
Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor is a Harvard-trained neuroanatomist who suffered a stroke that led her on a path to rediscovering her brain. At the end of 2021, we had the privilege of discussing the inner workings of the mind with Dr. Bolte Taylor. We thought this was the perfect episode to kick off the new year, full of eye-opening insights that could help improve the way you live your life.
To check out the original show notes for Jill Bolte-Taylor’s episode, click here!
RESOURCES:
Check out her TED Talk, My Stroke of Insight (join the inspiration of 28 million viewers!)
How to do a Brain Huddle by Jill Bolte-Taylor.
Free Webinar Series and Contact Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor HERE
Hear more psychology and neuroscience in previous episodes:
Episode 93 Polyvagal Theory with Dr. Stephen Porges
Episode 110 Story Follows State (more polyvagal theory) with Deb Dana
Episode 117 Resilience Trauma and the Brain with Dr. Bruce Perry
Please join us today!
By joining as a Patron premium subscriber, you get a dedicated ad-free feed, deeper dives into select content, and very unique study opportunities.
Thanks for stopping by, we hope the podcast (and these show notes) offer quality education and insight into interpersonal relationships. An entirely free way to support us is to simply rate and review the podcast on your favorite podcast player, and/or to simply share this episode with someone you think could use the free resources on the show!

Dec 23, 2022 • 1h 5min
Calling In the Call-Out Culture with Loretta J. Ross – REPLAY (194)
Earlier this year, we had the privilege of speaking with Loretta J. Ross, a world-renowned human-rights activist. In 2022, she was acknowledged by the MacArthur Foundation for her dedication to social justice, human rights, and reproductive justice. As a well-deserving recipient, we couldn’t think of a better episode to close out the year. The holidays can sometimes feel draining and the tension from familial relationships can take a toll. Loretta J. Ross’s words of wisdom and “calling in” are a great extra resource during the season.
View her MacArthur Foundation Award here
Check out our original show notes for this episode, here!
And follow us on our social media pages to get the latest updates and information: Instagram, Youtube, Facebook, & Twitter!
We have pledged 50% of all corporate profits & merch sales to organizations that support mental health access to those traditionally left out of mainstream healthcare. We can only do that with the help of our Patrons. Please join us today! By joining as a Supercast premium subscriber, you get a dedicated ad-free feed, deeper insights into select content, and unique study opportunities.
Like what you’re hearing? A great way to help others find these resources is to rate and review wherever you get your podcasts. This is an easy and effective way for those seeking assistance to be able to find it. Thank you so much for your support.

17 snips
Dec 13, 2022 • 43min
Addiction, Attachment & the Felt Sense Polyvagal Model with Jan Winhall (193)
Many answers to our challenges are already inside of us.
In today’s episode, find new perspectives on how culture and trauma affect our navigation within the world. Using bottom-up approaches, she explains how addictions are regulation strategies and provides tools to deeper connect to our nervous systems and ourselves. Join social workers Sue Marriott and Jan Winhall as they explore Winhall’s “felt sense” model, where she blends neuroception and interoception through a polyvagal lens.
Jan Winhall is a highly experienced therapist and author who has dedicated her life to understanding and challenging dominant structures. From her years of group therapy and studying with figures like Dr. Stephen Porges, she has combined her findings into her recent book Treating Trauma and Addiction with the Felt Sense Plyvagal Model: A Bottom-Up Approach.
“Felt sense is all about the capacity in the body to notice what we’re experiencing and to carry us forward in the direction of healing and growth.” – Jan Winhall
About Jan Winhall
Jan Winhall, MSW, FOT is an author, teacher, and psychotherapist. She is an adjunct lecturer in the Department of Social Work at the University of Toronto. She is the director of Focusing on Borden, a psychotherapy and training center. Jan presents internationally on trauma and addiction.
You can find many resources for both clinicians and clients on her website, including videos, PDFs (see below) and training opportunities.
Time Stamps for the Felt Sense Polyvagal Model
3:47 – Tying the autonomic nervous system to addiction
6:02 – Breaking down bottom-up processing
8:13 – The relationship between interoception and neuroception
14:17 – Rethinking the term “sex addiction”
18:46 – Neuroception temperature example
21:16 – Introducing the intervening variable
27:53 – The six F’s and their branches
36:01 – The learning model of addiction
41:34 – Winhall’s perspective on polyvagal theory
Resources for the Felt Sense Polyvagal Model
Treating Addiction & Trauma Together – Youtube Video
Trauma and Recovery – Book by Judith Herman
Jan Winhall Models 6 F’s client and clinician version
Revolutionizing Addiction Treatment with The Felt Sense Polyvagal Model – Article
International Body Psychotherapy Journal
Jan Winhall Website
The Conspiracy of Silence – Book by Sandra Butler
The Politics of Giving Therapy – Eugene T. Gendlin, Ph.D.
Stephen W. Porges, Ph.D. – Website
Doug Braun-Harvey, Fellowship in Sexual Compulsive Behavior – Website
Focusing on Borden – Jan Winhall
Other Relevant Therapist Uncensored Episodes
https://therapistuncensored.com/episodes/tu18-polyvagal-theory-understanding-irrational-threat-responses-in-relationships/
https://therapistuncensored.com/episodes/tu93-polyvagal-theory-in-action-the-practice-of-body-regulation-with-dr-stephen-porges/
https://therapistuncensored.com/episodes/tu94-the-science-of-self-regulation-breaking-down-polyvagal-theory/
https://therapistuncensored.com/episodes/tu110-story-follows-state-investigating-polyvagal-theory-with-guest-deb-dana/
CLICK here for Jan Winhall Transcripts – Episode 192
We have pledged 50% of all corporate profits & merch sales to organizations that support mental health access to those traditionally left out of mainstream healthcare. We can only do that with the help of our Patrons. Please join us today! By joining as a Patron premium subscriber, you get a dedicated ad-free feed, deeper insights into select content, and unique study opportunities.
Thanks for stopping by, we hope the podcast (and these show notes) offer quality education and insight into interpersonal relationships. An entirely free way to support us is to simply rate and review the podcast on your favorite podcast player, and/or to simply share this episode with someone you think could use the free resources on the show!

18 snips
Nov 29, 2022 • 59min
Relationship-based Parenting: An Integration of Neurobiology, Attachment, Regulation & Discipline (192)
Discipline is about teaching, not punishment.
Children are sponges. They are constantly soaking up information about themselves, their relationships and their future. And parents are the most powerful influences on these messages, so what we do really matters. Knowing this, sometimes we double down on trying to assert our wisdom, hammer a point home, or stop an unwanted behavior in it’s tracks. After all, we want to raise kids who are kind, responsible, caring, and independent. The trouble is, if we are acting out of fear, being fueled by anger and reactivity, it’s likely we aren’t having the impact we truly desire. For kids to learn, they need to feel emotionally safe and cognitively open. For this to happen, parents need to start by cultivating their own self-awareness and emotion management.
In today’s episode, learn powerful strategies for parenting even during the most difficult moments. Ann Kelley, Kat Scherer and Elizabeth Sylvester discuss ways of integrating attachment and neurobiology into disciplinary styles that work and build balance in our relationships. Throughout the episode, Dr. Scherer and Dr. Sylvester highlight some of their most effective parenting strategies discussed in their recent book, Relationship-Based Treatment of Children & Their Parents: An Integrative Guide to Neurobiology, Attachment, Regulation, and Discipline. Specifically, they dive deep into the “7 Essential Attachment Needs” for children’s optimal development, emphasize the importance of repair in relationships, and discuss the building blocks of secure parenting.
“When limits are set firmly, but kindly, this fuels healing in the attachment relationship.” – Dr. Elizabeth Sylvester
Time Stamps for Relationship-based treatment
1:05 – Breaking down the title of their book, “Relationship-Based Treatment of Children & Their Parents”
4:43 – The integration between attachment and discipline
8:52 – Finding balance with a high-intense child
11:31 – Rethinking the way we view dysregulation
16:38 – The 7 essential attachment needs
24:58 – Recognizing the importance of “the repair”
35:47 – Discipline is learning
39:08 – The effects of “fear-based” discipline
45:08 – The role of “novelty and play”
51:49 – The power in empowered parenting
Resources for Relationship-based treatment
Relationship-Based Treatment – Youtube Channel
Website Link – Relationship-Based Treatment
The Nurtured Heart Institute – Website for the Nurtured Heart Approach
mindGAINS – Website for the Global Association for Interpersonal Neurobiology Studies
Dr. Elizabeth A. Sylvester – Website
Dr. Kathy Scherer – Website
About Dr. Elizabeth Sylvester & Dr. Kat Scherer
Dr. Elizabeth Sylvester is a Psychologist and Educator working with children, parents, and families in Austin Texas for over 30 years. She is a practitioner of the Nurtured Heart Approach ®, and has completed advanced training in this system. Her specialty is providing parent training and child psychotherapy for children and teens who are highly behaviorally and emotionally intense. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Sylvester facilitates training for professionals and the public on parenting, and child and adolescent psychotherapy. She has a particular focus on the interaction of relationships and neurobiological development with mental health and behavior. She has presented in a variety of settings including universities, professional organizations, mental health agencies, and community organizations. In collaboration with Dr. Kathy Scherer (a founder of Austin IN Connection), she created the Heart & Work series of writings, presentations, and workshops. Dr. Sylvester is a co-founder of Austin Child Therapy, an organization whose mission is to support the work of pediatric mental health professionals in Austin.
Kathy (Kat) Scherer, Ph.D., MFT, C-IAYT is a Psychologist, Educator, and Author working in Austin for over 25 years. She is a psychotherapist in private practice and offers presentations on topics such as interpersonal neurobiology, family attachment, social-emotional development, and the application of yoga and meditation for stress management. Her presentations have been offered at a wide variety of settings including universities, professional conferences, community centers, and schools. Dr. Scherer is a co-founder of Austin IN Connection and its Family Matters program, both Austin area multidisciplinary organizations focused on emotional health and positive relational attachments. She co-hosts the Heart & Work Series of writings including two collaborative mental health blogs (with Drs. Holt & Sylvester): Therapy Matters and Heart & Work of Parenting.
Episode Transcripts – 192 – Lightly edited for readability

Nov 15, 2022 • 1h 10min
Attachment, Stress & Bootstraps – The Intersection of Poverty & Mental Health with Dr. Sharon Lambert (191)
The intersection of poverty and mental illness – intergenerational patterns that impact one another.
Attachment ‘insecurity” is partly a manifestation of unresolved stress patterns in the child and, by extension, the family. Therapists usually think of stress as interpersonal and dyadic, but you can’t isolate individuals from context. We talk about context a lot when it comes to attachment – the circumstances or setting which helps to understand a process more deeply. As Sharon Lambert says in today’s episode, you can’t “pull yourself up by your bootstraps” if you have no boots. Sue Marriott and Sharon Lambert discuss the unconscious bootstraps communities have that cause blame towards those who are struggling. There is no doubt that poverty impacts physical and emotional health, and thus lifting children out of poverty is a direct intervention in their well-being. Today’s session also explores fascinating research on how people use mental health podcasts – join us!
“We still have these perpetuating cycles – it’s not the cycle of addiction, it’s the cycle of trauma. It’s not the cycle of poverty, it’s the cycle of trauma. We have to start looking at systems and asking ‘how do we break these cycles?'” – Dr. Sharon Lambert
Time Stamps for Poverty & Mental Health
1:05 – Poverty is one of the biggest predictors of depression 9:56 – The privilege of higher education 11:51 – Differing views of drug and alcohol use between the classes 22:06 – Cortisol levels of parenting in poverty 25:43 – Being aware of differing trauma responses 32:12 – Explanation of the “child benefit payment” in Ireland 39:18 – The risk, rewards & research of mental health podcasts 46:44 – Mental health podcast recommendations 1:00:58 – Trans community and mental health
Resources for Poverty & Mental Health
Dr. Sharon Lambert – UCC Research Profile & list of Studies Podcasts as a tool for enhancing mental health literacy: An investigation of mental health-related podcasts PDF of 2022 article cited “Her Dislike of the Words ‘Addict’ & ‘Clean'” – Youtube Video “Where the Light Enters” – Youtube Video The Blindboy Podcast – Episode The Two Norries – Podcast Twitter Profile
About Dr. Sharon Lambert
Dr. Sharon Lambert joined the teaching staff at the School of Applied Psychology in 2014 following a number of years working within community-based settings that provided support to marginalized groups. Sharon’s research interests revolve primarily around the impact of trauma on development, its link with substance dependence and mental health, and consequent considerations for service design and delivery. Sharon conducts research with community-based partners such as addiction, homelessness, criminal justice, and education organizations. The research looks at both primary psychological trauma (Adverse Childhood & Community Experiences) and secondary traumatic stress. The impact of trauma on well-being and outcomes is explored and the application of research and theory to service delivery is of significant interest. Sharon is a member of the Psychological Society of Ireland, Silent Voices Advisory Group and was appointed to the statutory Parole Board by the Minister for Justice.
View the Transcripts Here – Dr. Sharon Lambert
We have pledged 50% of all corporate profits & merch sales to organizations that support mental health access to those traditionally left out of mainstream healthcare. We can only do that with the help of our Patrons. Please join us today! By joining as a Patron premium subscriber, you get a dedicated ad-free feed, deeper dives into select content, and very unique study opportunities.
Thanks for stopping by, we hope the podcast (and these show notes) offer quality education and insight into interpersonal relationships. An entirely free way to support us is to simply rate and review the podcast on your favorite podcast player, and/or to simply share this episode with someone you think could use the free resources on the show!

24 snips
Nov 2, 2022 • 48min
Secure Relating, Not the Same as Secure Attachment with Ann & Sue (190)
Navigate more securely no matter where you start. Learn to deepen interpersonal connections, heal trauma and even add enjoyment through secure relating!
This podcast gives you truly deep dives into attachment and helpful tools to build comfort with intimacy. Is it possible to have unresolved trauma and still be operating securely in various relationships? Absolutely!!
You don’t have to be totally healed from years of therapy under your belt or a history of secure attachment to develop skills for increased intimacy and secure relating. This is something that anybody, no matter their history, can begin to learn. Channeling your inner awareness to recognize a heightened state of arousal or using visualizations to help stay in a regulated place helps tap into your right brain to connect with yourself and your humanity. Ann and Sue navigate their personal examples, self-regulating tips, breaking out of their defensive “competitive head”, and many more useful strategies to explore the ways we can move in the direction of secure connections.
“Even if you have a history that leads you to trend toward preoccupied, dismissive or avoidant relating, with effort and practice opening up you can learn to relate from a secure base.” – Dr. Ann Kelley
Time Stamps for Secure Relating vs Secure Attachment
3:06 – Introduction to attachment patterns
8:53 – Acknowledging the fluctuation of the attachment spectrum
11:56 – The definition of secure relating
27:09 – Using visualizations as a regulation tactic
29:01 – Abandoning your “competitive head”
34:13 – Utilizing the word “bookmark”
37:36 – The importance of preparing yourself for tough conversations
40:45 – Implementing Gottman’s “soft starts”
42:45 – Navigating the coexistence of complex feelings
Episode Resources for Secure Relating vs Secure Attachment
“How to Fight Smarter: Soften Your Starts” – Gottman Institute Article
Other Relevant Therapist Uncensored Episodes
https://therapistuncensored.com/episodes/whole-brain-living-psychology-neuroanatomy-spirit-with-dr-jill-bolte-taylor-164/
https://therapistuncensored.com/episodes/thrive-during-stress-172/
Secure Relating vs Secure Attachment Transcripts – Lightly edited for readability
We have pledged 50% of all corporate profits & merch sales to organizations that support mental health access to those traditionally left out of mainstream healthcare. We can only do that with the help of our Patrons. Please join us today!
By joining as a Patron premium subscriber, you get a dedicated ad-free feed, deeper dives into select content, extra episodes, and very unique study opportunities
Sponsors who help make these episodes free and available to all – support them to support us!
$75 credit alert for our listeners! Ann and Sue aren’t tech-savvy so they appreciate how easy it is to use and navigate Indeed. It is the hiring platform where you can attract, interview, and hire all in one place. Find top talent fast with Indeed’s suite of powerful hiring tools like Instant Match, Assessments, and Virtual Interviews. Hate waiting? Indeed’s US data shows over 80% of Indeed employers find quality candidates, whose resume on Indeed matches their job description, the MOMENT they sponsor a job. Start hiring now with a seventy-five dollar sponsorship credit to post your job post at Indeed.com/therapistuncensored
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Interested in even more content? Check out our full episodes and other bonus clips from the show on our Youtube Channel. Please like, comment & subscribe!
Thanks for stopping by, we hope the podcast (and these show notes) offer quality education and insight into interpersonal relationships.

Oct 18, 2022 • 56min
Healing Body-Focused Repetitive Behavioral Disorders with Stacy Nakell (189)
Hair-pulling, skin picking, and cheek, lip, & cuticle biting are self-soothing strategies that depending on degree can become body-focused repetitive behavioral disorders. Learn about a new attachment-informed psychodynamic model for treating these painful, shame-associated behaviors.
While we may not be fully aware when we are pulling and picking, these sorts of unconscious behaviors can be an indicator of dysregulation. Outside factors such as our environment, upbringing, and various traumas can all play a role in these self-soothing behaviors. Stacy Nakell has been an active researcher and pioneer in this field, and has dedicated years to understanding and educating others on how to abandon shame and treat these behaviors. By blending attachment theory and neurobiological research, Nakell has helped rewire the ways in which we navigate these behaviors and brought forward new perspectives like viewing BFRBDs on a continuum and how these overlap with body dysmorphic disorders.
Stacy Nakell’s book Treatment for Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors is the first to establish the theory and practice of a psychodynamic approach to treating body-focused repetitive behavior disorders. Follow along as Sue and Stacy discuss the misconceptions, treatments, and science to better manage these behavioral patterns.
Stacy Nakell wants to help us talk about these shame-filled experiences
“It’s important to look from an in-depth perspective… to really get into the roots and understand what’s driving the behavior” – Stacy Nakell
Time Stamps for Healing BFRBDs
2:02 – Introduction to trichotillomania
7:26 – When these behaviors are considered a “disorder”
9:36 – The role of shame in repetitive behavioral patterns
11:56 – Are BFRBD’s considered self-harm?
13:33 – The overlap with body dysmorphic disorders
17:36 – Correlation between grooming and BFRBDs
21:08 – Perfectionism’s influence on BFRBDS
22:54 – The role of aggression in BFRBDs
31:14 – Metaphor of the stress cup
41:28 – Analysis of “psychic skin”
Resources for Healing BFRBDs
Click here to purchase Treatment for Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors
Stacy Nakell’s Website
Stacy Nakell’s Blog
Pop Culture Storyline Reference
The TLC Foundation
Zoobiguity – Barbara Natterson-Horowitz
About Stacy Nakell
Stacy Nakell is a psychotherapist in private practice in Austin, TX. For the past 20 years, she has worked with people who struggle with body-focused repetitive behaviors. Nakell is a Certified Group Psychotherapist and provides workshops and institutes locally with the Austin Group Psychotherapy Society and nationally with the American Group Psychotherapy Association.
We have pledged 50% of all corporate profits & merch sales to organizations that support mental health access to those traditionally left out of mainstream healthcare. We can only do that with the help of our Patrons. Please join us today! By joining as a Patron premium subscriber, you get a dedicated ad-free feed, deeper dives into select content, and very unique study opportunities.
Sponsors who help make these episodes free and available to all – support them to support us!
$75 credit alert for our listeners! Ann and Sue aren’t tech-savvy so they appreciate how easy it is to use and navigate Indeed. It is the hiring platform where you can attract, interview, and hire all in one place. Find top talent fast with Indeed’s suite of powerful hiring tools like Instant Match, Assessments, and Virtual Interviews. Hate waiting? Indeed’s US data shows over 80% of Indeed employers find quality candidates, whose resume on Indeed matches their job description, the MOMENT they sponsor a job. Start hiring now with a seventy-five dollar sponsorship credit to post your job post at Indeed.com/therapistuncensored
Dipsea is an app that brings you socially responsible sexy stories made by and for those who identify as women. Women often have sexual trauma on top of hurtful cultural messaging around sexuality, so finding a new product that can safely reconnect you to an important essence of yourself is very positive. Dipsea promotes sexual and sensual health via imagination in a way that is safe, discreet, and respectful. Reconnect to parts of you that might have been neglected, find things you didn’t know you were into, or just gain more confidence in the bedroom, whether you have someone with you or not. Check it out totally free using our link – this gives you a full 30 days to explore what they are all about dipseastories.com/tu or just click HERE.
Thanks for stopping by, we hope the podcast (and these show notes) offer quality education and insight into interpersonal relationships. An entirely free way to support us is to simply rate and review the podcast on your favorite podcast player, and/or to simply share this episode with someone you think could use the free resources on the show!

Oct 4, 2022 • 29min
Mistaken Assumptions to Re-Examine for Relational Connection w Ann and Sue (188)
Do you have intimacy hiccups? Let’s find out.
Ann and Sue were on a role w disarming defenses so while this one isn’t technically in that 5 part series, let’s call it a hanger-on.
OK, an important question: how you make a tuna sandwich. We are sure your way is awesome but…
Unless we think about it contextually, we believe our tuna technique is simply the “right” way. This is true relationally, so how do we recognize interpersonal assumptions that we’ve never examined when they just seem like they are true and right? When we make assumptions we literally don’t know we are doing it because it just seems true. While having assumptions can sometimes be considered a way to keep us safe, they also can be a strong influence on our “intimacy hiccups”.
Assumptions block our view of seeing the whole perspective and equip us with a bias that can make our relationships difficult to navigate. Receiving feedback could become an assumption that you’re under attack or not worthy, and can heighten our defenses. Whether your “moral compass” may get in the way, your assumptions form from cultural influence, or you even feel avoidant of those tougher conversations and just assume the other person is on the same page – no matter which defense resonates with you, this episode will probably hit on something relevant for you. Ann and Sue challenge you to just reconsider so you can relate in the most mindful way possible and not accidentally project your way as the “right” way.
“When you apologize… you’re not actually above or below the other person – you’re equal to the person. That’s what being truly empowered is, and that’s the assumption that we’re busting.” – Ann Kelley
Time Stamps for Busting Assumptions – Episode 188
3:30 – Navigating “intimacy hiccups”
9:03 – The importance of dropping ego during feedback
10:10 – Healthy relating example in parenting
16:36 – Softening your front to allow uncertainty
19:34 – Roles of cultural differences in assumptions
25:42 – The power in knowing how & when to apologize
CLICK HERE FOR BUSTING ASSUMPTIONS TRANSCRIPTS – Episode 188 – Lightly edited for readability
We have pledged 50% of all corporate profits & merch sales to organizations that support mental health access to those traditionally left out of mainstream healthcare. We can only do that with the help of our Patrons. Please join us today!
By joining as a Patron premium subscriber, you get a dedicated ad-free feed, deeper dives into select content, extra episodes, and very unique study opportunities
Good sleep is related to so many good health and mental health outcomes, but we don’t all have it easy when we try to fall asleep or stay asleep. Nighttime rituals are important, try a cup of hot cocoa before bed that tastes good and is full of wellness ingredients that will help you sleep. Beam includes 3rd party tested hemp free of THC, l-theanine, melatonin, and natural adaptogens to help your immunity. Get up to 40% off when you go to shopbeam.com/TU and use code TU at checkout.
Interested in more content? Check out our full episodes and other bonus clips from the show on our Youtube Channel. Please like, comment & subscribe!
Thanks for stopping by, we hope the podcast (and these show notes) offer quality education and insight about interpersonal relating.

7 snips
Sep 27, 2022 • 1h 1min
Connecting with Your Unconscious to Understand Your Defenses Session 5 of 5 – (187)
From navigating power dynamics to utilizing healthy aggression – this series covered many layers of our our natural defense systems. But how do we navigate something we don’t know is there? Ann and Sue are back with one final session to help shift our perspectives and disarm our defenses.
This is the 5th episode in a series of 5. You can start anywhere but if you prefer to start at the beginning of the series click here for Session 1.
Throughout this five-session series, we’ve explored different defenses, self-reflection, and navigation our own often unconscious internal protection systems. But how do we navigate something we aren’t aware of in the first place? In this episode, Ann and Sue recap the material we’ve learned and take a dive into suppression versus repression. Organizing defenses on a continuum can help us tap into our own emotions, and better regulate our responses to the triggers of the world. However, it is also important to detach the narrative of being “good and bad,” when it comes to our defenses, and recognize they are little parts of who we are that are constantly evolving. Whether it’s projection, appearing to be a “know it all”, power dynamics, ceding, or even being forgetful – we express our unconscious and conscious defenses in multiple ways. Join in exploring your own personal arsenal with curiosity and recognition of the care that drives it.
“Some of these defenses are biological. Some are related to religion, culture – you name it. The stew that makes us human come to play in what we’re able to tolerate, take in, and allow ourselves to struggle with. When we can see it, we can then begin to reckon with it.” – Sue Marriott
Time Stamps for Connecting with Your Subconscious – Episode 187
7:44 – Understanding the hierarchy of defense
8:22 – Reviewing the primitive defenses
8:49 – Suppression vs repression
14:55 – The role of “splitting” in our self-image
16:47 – Why healthy denial is essential
20:44 – Recognizing defenses are not black and white
28:24 – “Forgetting” as a defense
43:42 – The issue with compliance
48:35 – Definition of “ceding” in defenses
CLICK HERE FOR THE DEFENSE SERIES, SESSION 5 TRANSCRIPTS – Episode 187 – Lightly edited for readability
We have pledged 50% of all corporate profits & merch sales to organizations that support mental health access to those traditionally left out of mainstream healthcare. We can only do that with the help of our Patrons. Please join us today!
By joining as a Patron premium subscriber, you get a dedicated ad-free feed, deeper dives into select content, extra episodes, and very unique study opportunities
Dipsea is an app that brings you socially responsible sexy stories made by and for those who identify as women. Women often have sexual trauma on top of hurtful cultural messaging around sexuality, so finding a new product that can safely reconnect you to an important essence of yourself is very positive. Dipsea promotes sexual and sensual health via imagination in a way that is safe, discreet, and respectful. Reconnect to parts of you that might have been neglected, find things you didn’t know you were into, or just gain more confidence in the bedroom, whether you have someone with you or not. Check it out totally free using our link – this gives you a full 30 days to explore what they are all about dipseastories.com/tu or just click HERE.
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Interested in more content? Check out our full episodes and other bonus clips from the show on our Youtube Channel. Please like, comment & subscribe!
Thanks for stopping by, we hope the podcast (and these show notes) offer quality education and insight about interpersonal relating.

Sep 20, 2022 • 50min
Harnessing Healthy Aggression with Jeanne Bunker, Session 4 of 5 (186)
Aggression can be a good thing.
It seems backward, right? Aggression is not a feeling – it is a behavior that is frequently associated with feelings such as anger, fear and even hunger. It is a vital energy that propels us forward with an intention. Aggression can be both a positive or negative resource to help us navigate our personal goals, increase intimacy within our relationships, and to act as a catalyst for change when paired with desire.
Follow along as Jeanne Bunker and Sue Marriott break down the negative connotations and provide perspective to harness this resource and help reclaim healthy aggression.
We’re going to figure out how to use that aggressive energy – that life giving energy – to propel us forward. – Jeanne Bunker
Aggression is a potentially healthy life force
Jeanne Bunker – internationally-respected group therapist and bad-ass martial artist
Jeanne Bunker , LCSW, CGP, FAGPA, has had a psychotherapy practice in Austin, TX, working with groups, individuals, and couples since 1993. Passionate about teaching and mentoring, Jeanne is a faculty member at the Center for Group Studies in NYC, a frequent presenter for the American Group Psychotherapy Association, has taught internationally (Russia, Romania, Spain), and conducts various ongoing training groups for clinicians. She writes about gender, women’s concerns, oppression, and Modern Analysis. To support her own growth and balance, Jeanne studies and teaches Tai Chi and Kung Fu within the Shaolin-Do tradition.
Time Stamps for Healthy Aggression – Ep 186
2:47 – The definition of aggression
8:41 – Distinguishing between aggression and anger and other emotions
15:21 – Connection between aggression and desire
25:30 – The role of aggression in intimacy
30:25 – Creative and constructive versus destructive expression of aggression
37:51 – Example scenario: practicing healthy aggression
50:26 – How “call out culture” can be a defense
Resources for Healthy Aggression, Ep 186
Jeanne Bunker’s Website
The Center for Group Studies – NYC
American Group Psychotherapy Assn – excellent resource for training in group therapy
JLBunker@prodigy.net – Contact email – she’d love to hear from you
Podcast on the science behind aggression – Huberman Labs
CLICK HERE FOR DISARMING HUMAN DEFENSES WITH JEANNE BUNKER TRANSCRIPT – Episode 186 – Lightly edited for readability
Other related Therapist Uncensored Episodes – or use the search button on our website to find your topics of interest
Episode 156: What actually heals in therapy with Dr. Nancy McWilliams
Episode 168: Calling in the Call Out Culture with Loretta Ross
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