The Shrink Think Podcast

Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins
  • 4.9 (95)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to the Shrink Think Podcast hosted by Aaron Potratz and Nathan Hawkins, two licensed counselors. With engaging, informative conversations and light-hearted humor, the Shrink Think Podcast aims to normalize and demystify therapy for those beginning or continuing their mental health journey; in short, to bridge the gap between clients and therapists. Episodes are geared toward simplifying complex therapeutic concepts, exploring personal contributions and needs in relation to therapy, and both informing and empowering individuals to know what to expect from the process and their own therapist.

  1. 247. How Compassion Prevents Burnout

    5D AGO

    247. How Compassion Prevents Burnout

    In this follow-up to our episode on empathy, Aaron and Nathan shift the focus to compassion—what it is, how it’s different from empathy, and why it can be a more sustainable way of helping others without burning out. Compassion isn’t about getting swept up in someone else’s emotions or rushing them toward change. It’s about feeling for someone while staying grounded, holding both care and perspective at the same time. Using clinical examples, metaphors (including quicksand), and real therapy moments, this episode explores how compassion allows you to stay present, patient, and effective—without fusing, pushing, or losing yourself. You’ll hear: The core difference between feeling with someone (empathy) and feeling for someone (compassion) Why compassion includes intention, pacing, and respect for what someone can tolerate How helpers can accidentally rush healing—or want change more than the other person The role of boundaries, groundedness, and patience in real compassion Why compassion is often quieter, steadier, and more sustainable than empathy This episode is especially relevant for therapists, helpers, and caregivers—but it’s just as valuable for anyone who wants to support others well without overfunctioning or burning out. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and clinical supervisors with over 35 years of experience. They each own a private group therapy practice and co-own a third one together. Aaron is also a business consultant for therapists in private practice wanting to start, grow, or expand their business. *Now on YouTube: @shrink-think *Sign up for our FREE email course on overcoming fear and insecurity at: https://www.shrinkthink.com/podcast Member of the PsychCraft Podcast Network https://psychcraftnetwork.com/

    23 min
  2. 246. Empathy Can Be Dangerous

    FEB 17

    246. Empathy Can Be Dangerous

    Empathy is one of the most powerful tools in relationships—and in therapy. But if you’re not careful, it can also become one of the fastest paths to emotional exhaustion. In this episode, Aaron and Nathan kick off a two-part series on empathy vs. compassion, starting with a deep dive into empathy: what it is, why it works, and where it can quietly go sideways—especially for therapists, helpers, and highly attuned people. You’ll learn: -Why empathy can feel like being “swept away” into someone else’s emotions -How empathy reduces loneliness and helps people feel truly seen -The hidden risks: distress contagion, countertransference, and vicarious activation -Why too much empathy (without boundaries) can contribute to burnout over time -How to use empathy intentionally—attune, validate, anchor, and then help movement happen If you care deeply about people but sometimes feel drained, fused, or overwhelmed by others’ pain, this episode will help you stay connected without getting pulled under. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and clinical supervisors with over 35 years of experience. They each own a private group therapy practice and co-own a third one together. Aaron is also a business consultant for therapists in private practice wanting to start, grow, or expand their business. *Watch this episode: https://youtu.be/J22KHvV7WWE *Now on YouTube: @shrink-think *Sign up for our FREE email course on overcoming fear and insecurity at: https://www.shrinkthink.com/podcast Member of the PsychCraft Podcast Network https://psychcraftnetwork.com/

    24 min
  3. 245. The Hidden Reason You Can’t Stop Overthinking

    FEB 12

    245. The Hidden Reason You Can’t Stop Overthinking

    Overthinking isn’t the same thing as “thinking deeply.” In this episode, Aaron and Nathan unpack what overthinking actually is, how it feeds anxiety, and why it often turns small decisions into exhausting, paralyzing spirals. They break down the overthinking loop (thought → anxiety → more thinking to relieve anxiety → more anxiety), and offer practical questions to interrupt it—like identifying what you’re truly worried about, what outcome you’re trying to control, and whether you’re chasing perfection instead of a workable decision. You’ll also hear why action is often the antidote (not more analysis), how learning to tolerate discomfort and disappointment changes everything, and how operating from your values—rather than trying to guarantee outcomes—creates more confidence, freedom, and peace. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and clinical supervisors with over 35 years of experience. They each own a private group therapy practice and co-own a third one together. Aaron is also a business consultant for therapists in private practice wanting to start, grow, or expand their business. *Now on YouTube: @shrink-think *Sign up for our FREE email course on overcoming fear and insecurity at: https://www.shrinkthink.com/podcast -------------- *Member of the PsychCraft Podcast Network* https://psychcraftnetwork.com/

    24 min
  4. 244. Transparency, Vulnerability, and Emotions: What Actually Builds Intimacy

    FEB 10

    244. Transparency, Vulnerability, and Emotions: What Actually Builds Intimacy

    What does it actually mean to be vulnerable? Is it the same as being transparent? And where do emotions fit in? In this episode of The ShrinkThink Podcast, licensed professional counselors Aaron and Nathan break down the often-confused differences between transparency, vulnerability, and sharing emotions—and why misunderstanding them can quietly block intimacy, connection, and growth in your relationships. You’ll learn: -Why being transparent doesn’t automatically create closeness -How vulnerability invites connection (and risk) in a way transparency doesn’t -How you can share emotions without being vulnerable—and be vulnerable without sharing emotions -Why some personality styles (including Enneagram types) default to transparency as protection -Practical ways to practice transparency, vulnerability, and emotional sharing with safe people If you’ve ever felt like you’re “open” but still not truly known—or frustrated that emotional conversations don’t seem to deepen relationships—this episode will give you language, clarity, and next steps. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and clinical supervisors with over 35 years of experience. They each own a private group therapy practice and co-own a third one together. Aaron is also a business consultant for therapists in private practice wanting to start, grow, or expand their business. *Now on YouTube: @shrink-think *Sign up for our FREE email course on overcoming fear and insecurity at: https://www.shrinkthink.com/podcast -------------- *Member of the PsychCraft Podcast Network* https://psychcraftnetwork.com/

    24 min
  5. 243. If I’m Nice I’m Safe (People-Pleasing)

    09/17/2025

    243. If I’m Nice I’m Safe (People-Pleasing)

    People often think that being “nice” means you will be “safe” in the world, and others won’t hurt you or take advantage of you. Unfortunately, being nice is often a people-pleasing tendency that seeks to pacify what we believe others want at the expense of our needs, honesty, and healthy relationship. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and clinical supervisors with over 35 years of experience. They each own a private group therapy practice and co-own a third one together. Aaron is also a business consultant for therapists in private practice wanting to start, grow, or expand their business. *Watch this episode: https://youtu.be/US2LfZpdS0I *Now on YouTube: @shrink-think *Sign up for our FREE email course on overcoming fear and insecurity at: https://www.shrinkthink.com/podcast -------------- *Member of the PsychCraft Podcast Network* https://psychcraftnetwork.com/

    24 min
  6. 242. Your World Is A Reflection Of You

    09/09/2025

    242. Your World Is A Reflection Of You

    You can’t change the world around you but when YOU change, the world around you begins to adjust. As you get healthier, set better boundaries, and become more peaceful, your world will become calmer, safer, and more positive. Bad things will still happen, because that’s a part of life, but the world around you will always be a reflection of what’s in you. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and clinical supervisors with over 35 years of experience. They each own a private group therapy practice and co-own a third one together. Aaron is also a business consultant for therapists in private practice wanting to start, grow, or expand their business. *Watch this episode: https://youtu.be/rfW6A0s1PBQ *Now on YouTube: @shrink-think *Sign up for our FREE email course on overcoming fear and insecurity at: https://www.shrinkthink.com/podcast -------------- *Member of the PsychCraft Podcast Network* https://psychcraftnetwork.com/

    25 min
  7. 241. Stop Trying To Be A "Good Client" In Therapy

    09/03/2025

    241. Stop Trying To Be A "Good Client" In Therapy

    Going to therapy is about self-exploration and self-understanding. You learn more about yourself as your therapist reflects you back to yourself. If you’re focused on trying to earn your therapist’s approval by being a “good client,” then you’re missing the point and not getting what you need out of therapy. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and clinical supervisors with over 35 years of experience. They each own a private group therapy practice and co-own a third one together. Aaron is also a business consultant for therapists in private practice wanting to start, grow, or expand their business. *Now on YouTube: @shrink-think *Sign up for our FREE email course on overcoming fear and insecurity at: https://www.shrinkthink.com/podcast -------------- *Member of the PsychCraft Podcast Network* https://psychcraftnetwork.com/

    25 min
  8. 240. The Role of Spirituality in Therapy

    08/06/2025

    240. The Role of Spirituality in Therapy

    Can psychology and spirituality play nice together? Many people believe they cannot mix but we argue they can - and should. Whether a client wants to involve their spiritual beliefs or not, therapy should make space for it without forcing it upon anyone so this important part of life can be addressed. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and clinical supervisors with over 35 years of experience. They each own a private group therapy practice and co-own a third one together. Aaron is also a business consultant for therapists in private practice wanting to start, grow, or expand their business. *Watch this episode: https://youtu.be/5lHC5hMRxTM *Now on YouTube: @shrink-think *Sign up for our FREE email course on overcoming fear and insecurity at: https://www.shrinkthink.com/podcast -------------- *Member of the PsychCraft Podcast Network* https://psychcraftnetwork.com/

    26 min
See All (247)

4.9
out of 5
95 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Shrink Think Podcast hosted by Aaron Potratz and Nathan Hawkins, two licensed counselors. With engaging, informative conversations and light-hearted humor, the Shrink Think Podcast aims to normalize and demystify therapy for those beginning or continuing their mental health journey; in short, to bridge the gap between clients and therapists. Episodes are geared toward simplifying complex therapeutic concepts, exploring personal contributions and needs in relation to therapy, and both informing and empowering individuals to know what to expect from the process and their own therapist.

Information

  • Creator
    Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    247
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    The Shrink Think Podcast