Eyewitness to Therapy

Cort Curtis

I am a Gestalt psychologist and therapist. In this podcast, I conduct real-life therapy sessions with individuals who volunteer to experience a taste of Gestalt therapy. The purpose of Gestalt therapy is to transform your experience of living, helping you to clear up the situations and emotions you are currently dealing with.

  1. 12/27/2024

    Healing Family Wounds: Navigating Estrangement and Emotional Turmoil

    Send me a text message to let me know how you feel about this episode. What are the emotional costs of estrangement, and how do we navigate the murky waters of family dynamics? Join us as Dahlia opens up about her journey through the complex network of sibling relationships and the emotional turmoil that comes with maintaining distance from a volatile family member. With a new job adding to her stress, Dahlia shares the duality of her emotions—cherishing the love within her immediate family while grappling with past traumas and the birth of her nephew stirring up feelings of guilt and a longing for connection. This candid discussion reveals the intricacies of family ties and the difficult choices we often face in pursuit of emotional well-being. In our heartfelt conversation, Dahlia offers her insights on the challenges of interacting with a sister who has a history of impulsive and abusive behavior, further complicated by mental health issues. We explore how she manages the lose-lose situation of wanting a healthier relationship but being met with criticism and unrealistic expectations. Through a recent enlightening meeting, Dahlia gains a fresh perspective on managing anxiety and expectations, learning to embrace the present and move forward with an open mind. Her story is a testament to the power of connection and understanding, and the continual quest for personal growth and peace amidst the complexities of family relationships.

    23 min
  2. 12/13/2024

    Unveiling Anxiety and the Path to Inner Peace

    Send me a text message to let me know how you feel about this episode. Have you ever held a mirror to the chaos of your past and seen it reflected in your present? Our latest episode offers just such a journey, as our brave guest opens up about a life tinged with anxiety stemming from a childhood shrouded in turbulence and the rigors of military life. We traverse together through personal chronicles of control struggles and the quest for peace amidst the storms of anxiety. Our guest's voice brings to life the burning sensations of a nervous stomach, the heart's palpitations, and the struggle to emerge from the silence that anxiety often imposes. Brace yourself for a candid look at the repercussions of early exposure to substances and the profound panic that can set in, even years later. Our guest recounts an adolescence punctured by a harrowing encounter with marijuana, casting a long shadow over their adult life's decisions. We unpack these experiences, examining the crippling internal dialogues and the ceaseless anticipation of doom that accompany anxiety. It's a raw, revealing session that peels back the layers of coping mechanisms, from abandoning caffeine to addressing the incessant whispers of self-criticism. The episode culminates with glimmers of hope, epitomized by the strength found in mindset shifts. We probe the possibility of shedding the weight of anxious thoughts to embrace the present moment fully. Our guest's narrative serves as a beacon, encouraging listeners to clear away the obstructions to their inner light. Join us as we extend a heartfelt thank you for the shared insights and the mutual recognition of the complex human journey we all navigate. This is not just an account of confronting anxiety; it's a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of embracing one's true self.

    1h 6m
  3. 12/13/2024

    Transforming Pain into Potential

    Send me a text message to let me know how you feel about this episode. Struggling with feelings of inadequacy, Shelby from Albuquerque, New Mexico, opens up about her journey through trauma and the challenges it has imposed on her daily life. As she bravely recounts her battles with ambition, procrastination, and depression, listeners are drawn into a poignant narrative of resilience and hope. Shelby shares how simple joys like her dog's companionship and engaging in small actions have become lifelines in her ongoing pursuit of a healthier, more fulfilling existence. The episode delves into Shelby’s past, shedding light on a childhood scarred by abuse and a mentally ill mother whose harsh words left deep emotional wounds. These experiences have shaped Shelby's self-perception, making it difficult for her to recognize her self-worth despite achievements in her adult life. Through her candid storytelling, we explore how these early life events have reinforced feelings of unworthiness and how they continue to affect her motivation and belief in her own potential. Listeners are invited to reflect on the power of intention and affirmation as tools for overcoming negative self-beliefs and cultivating a joyful life. By encouraging the release of entrenched thoughts that undermine self-worth, the conversation offers a pathway to personal growth and transformation. The episode aims to inspire anyone who has felt trapped by their past to embrace new possibilities for happiness and love, underscoring the message that change is indeed possible, starting with the mind.

    51 min
  4. 08/02/2024

    Achieving Balance: Navigating Work, Parenting, and Relationships

    Send me a text message to let me know how you feel about this episode. Feeling overwhelmed by the constant juggle of work, parenting, and relationship maintenance? You're not alone. Master the essential skills to achieve a balanced life with our latest episode on Eyewitness to Therapy. Join us as our courageous guest shares their heartfelt struggles in managing these overlapping roles and the emotional toll it takes, leading to feelings of failure and eventual shutdown. We'll provide actionable coping strategies to regain control and improve your work-life balance. Ever felt the pressure of meeting your partner's expectations around household tasks? Discover how our guest navigates the emotional impact of these differing standards. We highlight the importance of honoring your own methods while fostering open dialogue to understand each other's perspectives better. This chapter sheds light on the mental fatigue that comes from managing these dynamics, especially with young children, and emphasizes the necessity of taking risks in expressing oneself to foster mutual understanding. Tired of the habitual avoidance that leaves tasks unfinished and overwhelming? Learn how to break free from the cycle of procrastination with mindful action and awareness. Our guest shares insights on addressing tasks one at a time and embracing natural priorities to guide actions. As we close, we encourage a positive outlook, urging listeners to engage in reflective conversations that can offer personal insights and growth. Tune in for a transformative discussion that promises to help you achieve a more fulfilling and organized life.

    39 min

About

I am a Gestalt psychologist and therapist. In this podcast, I conduct real-life therapy sessions with individuals who volunteer to experience a taste of Gestalt therapy. The purpose of Gestalt therapy is to transform your experience of living, helping you to clear up the situations and emotions you are currently dealing with.