Head Shrink Inc.

Doc David
  • 5.0 (7)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Semiweekly

Welcome to your dose of advice about relationships and how they work. We talk about mental health, pop culture and all things relationship. Have a question? We will answer it. We guarantee you will come away with facts from our opinions.When you get a chance you can follow Doc David in a variety of ways.Instagram: DrdavidsimonsenTwitter: HeadshrinkincTikTok : The_doc_davidHave a question? Send an email to :HeadShrinkInc@gmail.comI look forward to connecting!

  1. 22h ago

    The Subtle Signs Of Toxic Relationships And What To Do Next

    Send me a question or comment We break down what “toxic” looks like in real relationships and why it can feel subtle until you notice the pattern. We lay out the behaviours that keep conflict unresolved and explain how we protect ourselves with clearer boundaries and lower expectations.  • defining toxicity as patterns that vary by relationship context  • why toxicity can blend with gaslighting and leave you second guessing  • threats of cutting off the relationship and the martyr swing  • ignoring valid issues while spotlighting your mistakes  • refusing to apologise and deflecting with “well you do this”  • passive aggressive shutdowns when confronted with facts  • absolutist language like “you always” and “you never” as a red flag  • choosing boundaries, limiting information, and managing contact  If you have any questions, drop me a line at headshrinkinc in c at gmail.com.  Doc David

    The Subtle Signs Of Toxic Relationships And What To Do Next

  2. 2d ago

    A Custody Evaluator Explains Why Reunification Can Go Wrong

    Send me a question or comment Family court can turn your private life into a public argument, and the people asked to “sort it out” are often working inside messy rules and even messier incentives. We sit down with clinical social worker Erin Hillesso to unpack what custody evaluations and parenting evaluations actually do, how they differ from a guardian ad litem, and why neutrality is a skill you have to build on purpose, not a vibe you claim. If you’ve ever wondered how judges make decisions in high conflict divorce, this conversation gives you a clear map of the process and the pressure points.  We also go straight at reunification therapy and the explosion of private pay reunification programs, including controversial reunification camps. Aaron explains how rigid “everything is alienation” thinking can erase real abuse, how coercive control and post-separation abuse can hide in plain sight, and why ethical reunification work starts with evaluation and safety screening before anyone pushes contact. Along the way, we talk about why psychometric testing is often overused in family court, how reports get weaponized, and what it’s like to testify when attorneys are trying to discredit you.  The behind-the-scenes reality matters too: state oversight can range from strict rosters to the wild west, licensing complaints can be used as retaliation, and interstate licensing can complicate cases where parents live across state lines. Aaron also shares perspective on estrangement, culture, and why one-size explanations rarely fit real families. If you care about child welfare, family systems, and the ethics of court-involved therapy, you’ll leave with sharper questions and more practical insight. Subscribe, share this with someone navigating family court, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway. Doc David

  3. 6d ago

    What If “Being Nice” Is Hurting Your Child?

    Send me a question or comment Your kid argues about rules, ignores chores, and acts like boundaries are the enemy, but what if the real problem is that the boundaries keep moving? We dig into one of the biggest parenting issues I see across family therapy: inconsistency. When expectations change from day to day, kids get confused, behaviour gets louder, and the parent-child relationship takes a hit even if everyone has good intentions.  We talk through why children actually crave consistency, not “more punishment,” and how reliable follow-through can feel like care. I break down the balancing act between being firm and being flexible, and why emotions like guilt, fear, and anxiety can push parents into doing the wrong thing even when they are trying to protect the bond. This matters in every household, but it shows up sharply in blended families and co-parenting after divorce, where limited time together can make consequences feel risky.  We also unpack the single-parent side of this problem, where overwhelm and guilt can slowly erase expectations and turn basic responsibilities into constant negotiations. You’ll leave with a clearer sense of how consistent boundaries support kids, reduce conflict, and protect relationships with co-parents and step-parents.  Follow along on Instagram at Dr. David Simonson, and if you have questions, reach out at headshrinkink at gmail.com. If this helped, subscribe, share it with a parent who needs it, and leave a review with your biggest consistency challenge. Doc David

  4. Sep 29

    Stop Waiting For A Better Relationship

    Send me a question or comment You can be in a relationship that looks stable from the outside and still feel quietly stuck on the inside. That limbo is the focus here: you’ve been together a long time, you’re not particularly happy, but you’re not miserable enough to leave. So what tells you it’s time to fix your relationship, and what tells you it’s time to finish it? I walk through how I think about that question in real life, especially when there’s no abuse and the problem is the slow drift that happens in long-term marriage. We talk about why unhappy couples stay together, even when they feel lonely in the same house. Financial dependence can trap people who stepped out of the workforce to support a family. Kids can keep parents in place because divorce changes everything for children. And guilt is real too: church upbringing, family pressure, and the fear of being judged can push people to tolerate years of emotional distance. Naming the real reason you’re staying is often the first step toward any honest decision. Then we get practical. “Fell out of love” usually isn’t sudden, it’s what happens when small acts of care disappear and complacency takes over. I share simple relationship advice you can use immediately: act on the hug, the kiss, the kind thought, the moment of service. From there, I lay out key questions for clarity: is there mutual respect, are you willing to change, is this incompatibility or unresolved conflict, what happens if nothing changes for five years, and are you staying because you love them or because you’re afraid to leave? If fear and avoided emotions are running the show, therapy and honest conversations can help you build a healthier path forward. Subscribe for more relationship and marriage counseling insights, share this with someone who needs a clear next step, and leave a review with the question you want me to answer next. Doc David

  5. Sep 27

    What If People Pleasing Is Fear In Disguise

    Send me a question or comment People pleasing can sound harmless, even admirable, until you notice the cost: constant pressure to perform, fear of disappointing anyone, and a calendar full of commitments you secretly dread. I’m Doc David from Head Shrink Inc., and I’m unpacking the people pleaser pattern in a blunt, practical way. If you’ve ever called yourself a people pleaser, or you’ve been accused of it, this conversation helps you separate true kindness from approval seeking that leads to burnout.  We dig into the traits that commonly show up, like chasing new friends because they feel low-stakes, obsessing over what others think, and working overtime to look cool or “together,” especially on social media. I also talk about why confrontation feels so threatening for people pleasers, and how conflict avoidance can trap relationships at a shallow level. When being liked becomes the priority, honesty gets replaced by polished words and inconsistent actions, and that gap creates confusion for everyone involved.  From a mental health angle, we connect the dots to anxiety, discontentment, and the way these patterns can strain family relationships over time. I close with concrete next steps: start with one brave conversation with someone you trust, name the habits you want to change, and consider therapy if you need steady guidance and accountability. If this resonates, share it with a friend, subscribe for more straight talk on psychology and relationships, and leave a review with the trait you’re working on most. Doc David

  6. Sep 24

    Five Practical Ways To Ease Into Fall

    Send me a question or comment Fall arrives fast, so we walk through five concrete ways we make the seasonal transition feel calmer and more intentional. We focus on routines, daylight, connection, and the hard but freeing practice of letting one thing end.  • Resetting routines after summer to create predictability without overdoing it  • Setting boundaries for weekends so fall events do not cause burnout  • Using September as a second New Year with realistic, simple commitments  • Partnering with someone for accountability on health and habit changes  • Preparing for less daylight by getting outside and staying active  • Reconnecting intentionally with family and friends through predictable plans  • Letting something end, especially resentment or unused clutter that weighs you down  You can leave comments on Spotify, you can leave comments on Buzz Sprout, which is where this podcast is hosted, or you can email me directly at headshrinkinc at gmail.com. Doc David

    Five Practical Ways To Ease Into Fall

  7. Sep 21

    Twelve Dating Tips For Healthier Relationships Part Two

    Send me a question or comment We finish part two of Doc David’s dating tips by naming the warning signs that quietly turn into painful marriage problems later. We focus on safety, honesty, attraction, and long term choices so you can date with clear boundaries and real confidence.  • recognising possessiveness, extreme jealousy, and control as serious red flags  • understanding why marriage rarely fixes dating problems  • challenging unhealthy “love for sex” and “sex for love” dynamics  • keeping older, competent adults in your life as trusted sounding boards  • protecting friendships and personal space while dating someone  • balancing attraction with character, integrity, and compassion  • refusing to settle out of fear of being alone  If you want more clarification about, feel free to email me at headshrinkinc at gmail.com. That's head shrink with a K INC at gmail.com, or you can message me on Facebook at docdavid. Or you can look up, look me up online, docdavid.net.  Doc David

  8. Sep 18

    Six Practical Dating Tips That Prevent Regret

    Send me a question or comment We share six dating tips that help you spot problems early and make choices with clear eyes instead of pure emotion. We talk about friends, family patterns, outside perspective, and why self-respect is the backbone of lasting self-esteem.  • noticing what a partner’s friend group reveals  • understanding how hidden issues surface over time  • paying attention to family of origin and red flags  • asking trusted parents and close family for fit  • refusing to let emotions override logic  • holding your principles instead of performing  • building self-esteem through self-respect  If you disagree with me, please email me and let me know, or comment and let me know. Headshrink Inc., that's headshrinkinc at gmail.com, or you can find me on Facebook at Doc David, and we can connect there. Doc David

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Welcome to your dose of advice about relationships and how they work. We talk about mental health, pop culture and all things relationship. Have a question? We will answer it. We guarantee you will come away with facts from our opinions.When you get a chance you can follow Doc David in a variety of ways.Instagram: DrdavidsimonsenTwitter: HeadshrinkincTikTok : The_doc_davidHave a question? Send an email to :HeadShrinkInc@gmail.comI look forward to connecting!

Information

  • Creator
    Doc David
  • Years Active
    2016 - 2026
  • Episodes
    105
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Head Shrink Inc.
  • Show Website
    Head Shrink Inc.