Therapists Unhinged | Real Talk on Mental Health, Burnout & Therapy Culture

Nella Ciciulla
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Therapists Unhinged explores mental health and personal growth through relatable, light-hearted conversations led by the team at Bella Mental Health. Designed to break the stigma around therapy, each episode dives into topics like anxiety, healing alternatives, and emotional wellbeing, without the clinical jargon. You can expect a balance of professional insight and real-life experience. This show invites you to feel seen, supported, and empowered in your own journey.

  1. May 27

    Real Men Cry: Trauma, Addiction & the Truth About Men’s Mental Health

    Send us Fan Mail In this deeply emotional and powerful episode of Therapists Unhinged, the hosts sit down with special guest Brandon Albrecht — veteran, firefighter, father, husband, and survivor — for an unfiltered conversation about trauma, masculinity, addiction, and healing. What begins as a discussion about “being strong” quickly unfolds into a raw exploration of what happens when boys are forced to grow up too fast and men are taught to suffer in silence.  Brandon shares his story of childhood trauma, parental divorce, emotional neglect, becoming a caretaker for his younger siblings, and carrying adult responsibilities long before he was emotionally prepared. He opens up about using alcohol to numb pain, navigating military life and multiple deployments, surviving emotional darkness, and ultimately reaching a turning point that forced him to confront the unresolved wounds he had spent decades hiding. Together, the hosts unpack the damaging messages many boys receive growing up — “man up,” “boys don’t cry,” “be tough” — and how emotional suppression often turns into anger, addiction, isolation, or self-destruction later in life. They explore how trauma passed through generations can silently shape identity, relationships, parenting, and marriage if left unhealed. This episode also dives into the realities of military culture, masculinity, divorce, fatherhood, and the pressure men feel to carry everyone else’s burdens while ignoring their own emotional needs. Through vulnerability, honesty, and reflection, Brandon shares how therapy, faith, accountability, family support, and sobriety helped transform his life and reconnect him with the person he always was beneath the pain. At its core, this conversation is about breaking cycles, redefining strength, and giving men permission to be human. This is an episode for the men silently struggling, the partners trying to understand them, and the families hoping healing is possible. ⭐️ KEY TAKEAWAYS  Boys who are forced to “grow up fast” often carry invisible emotional burdens into adulthood  Emotional suppression in men can lead to anger, addiction, isolation, and broken relationships  Trauma doesn’t define your identity — it is part of your story, not your future  Vulnerability is not weakness; it is often the beginning of healing  Many men were never taught how to process emotions in healthy ways  Addiction is often an attempt to numb unresolved pain, not a lack of willpower  Therapy, accountability, faith, and connection can radically transform lives  Parents going through divorce must protect children from carrying adult emotional burdens  Healing often begins when pride and ego are replaced with honesty and support  Real strength is choosing growth, even after years of pain Therapists Unhinged is where mental health gets real. Hosted by licensed therapists who tell it like it is, this podcast dives deep into the messy, meaningful, and hilarious parts of being human. From mastering resilience to navigating the chaos of everyday life, we bring raw conversations, expert insights, and unfiltered honesty… no jargon, no BS. New episodes drop weekly. Subscribe, leave a review, and come unhinge with us. Support the show Therapists Unhinged is where mental health gets real. Hosted by licensed therapists who tell it like it is, this podcast dives deep into the messy, meaningful, and hilarious parts of being human. From mastering resilience to navigating the chaos of everyday life, we bring raw conversations, expert insights, and unfiltered honesty...no jargon, no BS. New episodes drop weekly. Subscribe, leave a review, and come unhinge with us. This podcast has been brought to you by APodcastGeek. https://www.apodcastgeek.com

    42 min

  2. Apr 15

    Parental Estrangement Explained: Why Adult Children Walk Away & What Parents Miss

    Send us Fan Mail In this powerful and thought-provoking episode of Therapists Unhinged, the hosts welcome back therapist Tiffany for a raw conversation on one of today’s most emotionally charged topics: parental estrangement. As this conversation gains mainstream attention, they cut through the noise to explore what’s really happening when adult children choose distance from their parents. With clinical insight and real-life examples, the conversation dives into the painful and often misunderstood reality of breaking generational cycles. They unpack what it means to be a “cycle breaker” — the one willing to do the hard work of healing — and the difficult crossroads that come when that growth isn’t supported or acknowledged by family. This episode explores the tension between healing and connection: What happens when your personal growth creates distance from the people who raised you? Can you continue evolving while staying in relationships that reinforce old wounds or patterns? The hosts also shine a light on the parent perspective — addressing the confusion, hurt, and defensiveness many parents feel when faced with estrangement. They challenge the belief that providing basic needs equals emotional connection, emphasizing that real relationships are built through attunement, repair, accountability, and emotional safety. At its core, this episode is about responsibility, growth, and humility — on both sides. It offers compassion for adult children navigating guilt and grief, while also holding space for parents willing to reflect, take accountability, and rebuild connection in meaningful ways. This is not a black-and-white conversation. It’s messy, emotional, and deeply human — exactly the kind of real talk Therapists Unhinged is known for. ⭐️ KEY TAKEAWAYS Healing can naturally create distance from relationships that reinforce unhealthy patternsEstrangement is often a result of repeated emotional invalidation — not a single eventProviding for a child’s physical needs is not the same as creating emotional safetyParenting must evolve from control to coaching as children grow into adultsEach child experiences the same household differently — there is no “one version” of childhoodAccountability, repair, and consistent behavioral change are essential for rebuilding trustApologies without change rarely lead to reconnectionParents must be willing to listen without defensiveness — even when they disagreeEmotional safety is what determines whether adult children want a relationship, not obligationTherapists Unhinged is where mental health gets real. Hosted by licensed therapists who tell it like it is, this podcast dives deep into the messy, meaningful, and hilarious parts of being human. From mastering resilience to navigating the chaos of everyday life, we bring raw conversations, expert insights, and unfiltered honesty… no jargon, no BS. New episodes drop weekly. Subscribe, leave a review, and come unhinge with us. Support the show Therapists Unhinged is where mental health gets real. Hosted by licensed therapists who tell it like it is, this podcast dives deep into the messy, meaningful, and hilarious parts of being human. From mastering resilience to navigating the chaos of everyday life, we bring raw conversations, expert insights, and unfiltered honesty...no jargon, no BS. New episodes drop weekly. Subscribe, leave a review, and come unhinge with us. This podcast has been brought to you by APodcastGeek. https://www.apodcastgeek.com

    40 min

  3. 12/05/2025

    When Going Home Doesn’t Feel Like Home

    Send us Fan Mail In this candid and deeply relatable episode, the hosts of Therapists Unhinged step into the emotional maze of the holiday season and the complicated realities of going “home.” With humor, honesty, and lived experience, they explore why returning to family can feel less like comfort and more like stepping back into old patterns, roles, and wounds you thought you’d outgrown. This episode wrestles with the invisible pressures so many people carry during the holidays — the obligation to show up, the fear of judgment if you don’t, and the internal conflict of wanting connection while protecting your own peace. The hosts discuss generational dynamics, family systems, trauma triggers, and how deeply ingrained expectations can override our adult autonomy. They also explore the paradox of longing for the warmth of family while simultaneously bracing for emotional landmines: passive-aggressive remarks, guilt trips, shame, or regression back into the “black sheep,” the “scapegoat,” or the “problem child,” regardless of who you’ve become since leaving home. With vulnerability and humor, they challenge the idea that tradition should trump emotional safety, and offer permission — not just to set boundaries, but to create entirely new traditions that reflect who you are now, not who you were raised to be. They remind listeners that “home” is not automatically synonymous with “family,” and that peace, joy, and belonging can be built with the people you choose. This episode is a compassionate invitation to rethink holiday expectations, question inherited obligations, and choose emotional well-being over performative perfection. It blends therapeutic insight with real talk, encouraging listeners to break cycles rather than repeat them — even if it means disappointing others to protect yourself. ⭐️ KEY TAKEAWAYS Returning home can trigger old emotional roles — even for highly functional adults.Obligation is not love; pressure is a red flag, not a family value.You are allowed to create new traditions that support your well-being.Boundaries protect not just you, but your partner and children.Nostalgia doesn't erase harm — and growth requires honest evaluation.Preparing emotionally for toxic environments may signal it’s time to opt out.You don’t owe anyone access to you just because you share DNA.Joy is not created through performance — but through authenticity, connection, and choice.⭐️ BEST MOMENTS 00:03:40 — “Going home shouldn’t require psychological prep work just to survive it.” 00:06:05 — “Sometimes you change, but your family still sees you as who you used to be.” 00:09:20 — “Home is different than family — and sometimes love happens from a distance.” 00:14:15 — “If you feel pressure to go home, that’s a red flag — not a tradition.” 00:18:45 — “Why are you willing to sacrifice your peace for someone else’s comfort?” 00:22:30 — “People will talk whether you go or not — so choose what protects you.” 00:27:50 — “You don't have to pass chaos down to your kids just because you lived it.” 00:32:10 — “Make choices you can enjoy — not ones you endure to avoid guilt.” Support the show Therapists Unhinged is where mental health gets real. Hosted by licensed therapists who tell it like it is, this podcast dives deep into the messy, meaningful, and hilarious parts of being human. From mastering resilience to navigating the chaos of everyday life, we bring raw conversations, expert insights, and unfiltered honesty...no jargon, no BS. New episodes drop weekly. Subscribe, leave a review, and come unhinge with us. This podcast has been brought to you by APodcastGeek. https://www.apodcastgeek.com

    29 min

  4. 11/14/2025

    No-vember: Saying No, Setting Boundaries, and Finding Real Gratitude

    Send us Fan Mail In this heartfelt episode of Therapists Unhinged, we dive into the pressures, expectations, and emotional rollercoaster of the holiday season. With humor, honesty, and a touch of rebellion, they introduce the concept of “No-vember”—a month dedicated to reclaiming peace by saying no to unnecessary stress and unrealistic expectations. Together, they unpack how societal “shoulds” and self-imposed pressure can lead to burnout and disconnection, and how redefining boundaries can bring true joy back to the holidays. Through stories of self-awareness, gratitude, and the occasional burnt turkey, this episode reminds us that connection—not perfection—is what matters most. Blending therapeutic insight with real-life wisdom, the hosts encourage listeners to trade guilt for gratitude, chaos for calm, and “should” for “self.” KEY TAKEAWAYS • “No-vember” is your permission to say no—and protect your peace.  • Burnout often starts with unrealistic expectations, not workload.  • Boundaries aren’t selfish—they’re essential for emotional health.  • Gratitude reduces anxiety and increases happiness year-round.  • True connection comes from authenticity, not perfect hosting.  • Stop “should-ing” on yourself—define what really matters to you. • Equilibrium, not balance, creates sustainable joy. • The holidays don’t need perfection; they need presence. BEST MOMENTS 00:02:10 — “It’s No-vember. Say no to those things you’ve always wanted to say no to.”  00:04:15 — “We grind, grind, grind—and then we have all these expectations until there’s no plate left.”  00:07:30 — “This year, I’m not doing what everyone else expects. I’m doing what I want to do.”  00:09:45 — “I’m not going to put more expectations on myself than I already have.”  00:11:35 — “Don’t ‘should’ on yourself. Should is the blame word.”  00:13:25 — “We’re tired. Everybody’s tired. Why create more stuff to then be tired about?”  00:14:30 — “The most grateful people are the happiest people—it’s all about mindset.”  00:15:40 — “Even if the turkey burns, we’ll figure it out. Eat around the burnt turkey.”  00:16:10 — “Connection is what matters—not who has the biggest spread.”  00:17:40 — “Be kind to people working through the holidays. They’re missing their families too.”  00:18:15 — “Your equilibrium might look different than mine—and that’s okay.” Support the show  Hosted by licensed therapists who tell it like it is, this podcast dives deep into the messy, meaningful, and hilarious parts of being human. From mastering resilience to navigating the chaos of everyday life, we bring raw conversations, expert insights, and unfiltered honesty...no jargon, no BS.  📩 Get in touch or be a guest: Email: therapistsunhingedpodcast@gmail.com New episodes drop weekly. Subscribe, leave a review, and come unhinge with us. This podcast has been brought to you by Podcast Fast Track https://www.podcastfasttrack.com Support the show Therapists Unhinged is where mental health gets real. Hosted by licensed therapists who tell it like it is, this podcast dives deep into the messy, meaningful, and hilarious parts of being human. From mastering resilience to navigating the chaos of everyday life, we bring raw conversations, expert insights, and unfiltered honesty...no jargon, no BS. New episodes drop weekly. Subscribe, leave a review, and come unhinge with us. This podcast has been brought to you by APodcastGeek. https://www.apodcastgeek.com

    20 min

  5. 10/31/2025

    Killing the Myth of Work-Life Balance: Building Equilibrium, Systems, and Sustainable Growth

    Send us Fan Mail In this empowering episode of Therapists Unhinged, we welcome Dr. Kathryn Rudloff Executive Director of weVENTURE Women’s Business Center, to explore the realities of entrepreneurship, burnout, and the myth of work-life balance. Dr. Rudloff brings her experience in supporting women business owners to discuss how boundaries, systems, and accountability create the foundation for sustainable success. Together, they dismantle the illusion of “balance” and replace it with equilibrium—a more compassionate and practical approach to navigating life’s demands. This conversation blends business insight with therapeutic wisdom, offering real strategies for entrepreneurs and professionals striving to grow without losing themselves in the process. KEY TAKEAWAYS • Work-life “balance” is a myth—focus instead on equilibrium, minimizing conflict through systems and boundaries. • Burnout, not finances, is the leading reason most businesses fail. • Managing expectations—both your own and your clients’—is crucial to reducing stress. • Accountability and structure are essential for both therapy and business growth. • Flexibility and the ability to pivot are signs of strength, not failure. • Entrepreneurs must learn to ask for help and accept mentorship. • Real relationships are built through authenticity, not perfection. • Sustainable success means defining what “enough” looks like for you. • Mentorship and collaboration create confidence and community. • There is enough pie for everyone—collaboration beats competition. BEST MOMENTS 00:00:00 — “Take the pressure off yourself. We put far more pressure on ourselves to be always available.”  00:04:33 — “The number one reason that most businesses fail isn’t finances—it’s burnout.”  00:10:15 — “We need to kill the myth of work-life balance. It’s unattainable.”  00:11:20 — “Equilibrium is about reducing conflict through systems and organization.”  00:12:00 — “Set expectations and boundaries—automate what you can and take the pressure off.”  00:18:10 — “Life and business are rarely straight lines; pivoting is part of growth.”  00:19:30 — “Some clients just want to vent—real growth requires accountability.”  00:23:15 — “Therapy and business coaching share the same truth: you must do the work.”  00:28:05 — “Most entrepreneurs underestimate how much capital they need to sustain growth.”  00:30:50 — “Sometimes the best advice is to get a job while building your dream.”  00:34:20 — “Confidence grows when you have a safe place to talk through challenges.”  00:39:00 — “Don’t reinvent the wheel—someone’s solved your problem before.”  00:40:25 — “Growth comes from being relatable and repeatable.”  00:41:40 — “There’s enough pie for everyone—collaboration helps us all thrive.”  00:42:45 — “Authenticity is being real enough to say ‘I’m not fine.’”  00:44:00 — “Leadership is about defining how you want to show up and living your values.” Support the show Therapists Unhinged is where mental health gets real. Hosted by licensed therapists who tell it like it is, this podcast dives deep into the messy, meaningful, and hilarious parts of being human. From mastering resilience to navigating the chaos of everyday life, we bring raw conversations, expert insights, and unfiltered honesty...no jargon, no BS. New episodes drop weekly. Subscribe, leave a review, and come unhinge with us. This podcast has been brought to you by APodcastGeek. https://www.apodcastgeek.com Support the show Therapists Unhinged is where mental health gets real. Hosted by licensed therapists who tell it like it is, this podcast dives deep into the messy, meaningful, and hilarious parts of being human. From mastering resilience to navigating the chaos of everyday life, we bring raw conversations, expert insights, and unfiltered honesty...no jargon, no BS. New episodes drop weekly. Subscribe, leave a review, and come unhinge with us. This podcast has been brought to you by APodcastGeek. https://www.apodcastgeek.com

    45 min
  6. HOW To Respond To Suicide Disclosures | Therapists Unhinged Ep. 20

    09/26/2025

    HOW To Respond To Suicide Disclosures | Therapists Unhinged Ep. 20

    Send us Fan Mail How To Respond When Someone Discloses Suicidal Thoughts In this deeply resonant episode of Therapists Unhinged, Tiffanie Trudeau, LMHC from Connected Thriving Counseling and Wellness joins the show during Suicide Prevention Month to discuss one of the most misunderstood and important topics in mental health. Tiffanie shares her expertise and lived experience around how to hold space when someone discloses suicidal thoughts. This is not about fixing or saving. It’s about listening with compassion, dropping the performance, and showing up in truth. Raw, wise, and totally unfiltered, this conversation is for anyone who wants to be a safe place for someone in pain. KEY TAKEAWAYS • Silence is not neutrality, it’s danger • People disclosing suicidal thoughts do not expect you to fix it • Listening and presence are more powerful than solutions • Nonverbal empathy is a core part of holding space • Not all signs of suicidality look like the checklist • “I’m tired” or “I wish I could sleep forever” are often flags • Asking directly about suicidal thoughts does not plant the idea • Loved ones must resist the urge to personalize or panic • Faith communities can sometimes shut down emotional honesty • Safe spaces are built through consistent, authentic connection BEST MOMENTS 00:00:03. “They’re not coming to you for a solution.” 00:00:58. “Silence is the real killer here and we need to talk about it.” 00:05:11. “I’m just so tired. I’m tired of doing this.” 00:09:31. “Thank you for trusting me with that part of your heart.” 00:14:47. “Secrets keep you sick. So we don’t keep anybody’s secrets.” 00:21:36. “Emotions are messengers. And even though they’re messy, they’re coming with a message.” 00:26:48. “Your siblings had a different experience in the same family.” 00:35:11. “They don’t feel like the world can withstand the messy wall behind the mask.” 00:40:05. “Silence increases the chances it will happen, not talking about it.” 00:50:14. “We don’t fear it so much that we push it away. We welcome it into the room.” Support the show Therapists Unhinged is where mental health gets real. Hosted by licensed therapists who tell it like it is, this podcast dives deep into the messy, meaningful, and hilarious parts of being human. From mastering resilience to navigating the chaos of everyday life, we bring raw conversations, expert insights, and unfiltered honesty...no jargon, no BS. New episodes drop weekly. Subscribe, leave a review, and come unhinge with us. This podcast has been brought to you by APodcastGeek. https://www.apodcastgeek.com

    51 min
  7. How To STOP Repeating TOXIC Relationship Cycles | #Therapists Unhinged Ep. 19

    09/12/2025

    How To STOP Repeating TOXIC Relationship Cycles | #Therapists Unhinged Ep. 19

    Send us Fan Mail An Apology Without Change is Manipulation In this raw and relatable episode, the Therapists Unhinged hosts, Robin and Nella, get real about relationships and emotional intelligence (or the lack thereof). They share personal stories and professional insights on navigating the complexities of modern dating, divorce, and the patterns we often repeat. From the dysregulated nervous system that mistakes attachment for love to the importance of self-awareness, they offer a candid conversation that’s more conversational than clinical and packed with wit and wisdom. KEY TAKEAWAYS: • An apology without change is manipulation. • A lot of people are confused about what is actually real in dating and relationships. • People who get divorced and jump right back into the dating game are looking for something to fill a void instead of sitting in the loneliness. • It is not my job to babysit your emotions. • You can use the three C's from Al-Anon classes (I did not create it, I cannot change it, and I cannot control it) to help in a relationship. • A person who is constantly talking about themselves is a red flag in a relationship. • A red flag can be a person who wants to get serious very quickly. • There's a difference between lust and love. • If you have a lot of red flags, you're going to get a circus. BEST MOMENTS: 00:00:28. "We are at episode 1919."  00:02:31. "It was tough because what we have to deal with and how people present themselves in the beginning are not always who they are."  00:05:09. "And the catfishing stuff too, you know, people oh my gosh, I'm catfishing now."  00:08:40. "This is the way I am. Yeah. There are certain things about you and about everybody as an adult that may not change."  00:13:43. "But now it's me pouring into, you know, people who are starting off relationships, no matter if they're young, middle age or old."  00:17:24. "And it won't find you in the broken spaces that the other relationship left you in."  00:21:26. "Yeah, absolutely. Because you do have to know who you are."  00:25:27. "They go through that cycle and and it's sad to hear and to listen, but to understand it, to allow them to understand and dissect where that comes from, a lot of that is, you know, comes from like their childhood and experiences and stuff."  00:32:05. "You're going to sit there and eat it till it's done. Yeah. See, that's traumatizing."  00:37:49. "I had no right then here when you come back, they're telling you exactly who they are 100%." Support the show Therapists Unhinged is where mental health gets real. Hosted by licensed therapists who tell it like it is, this podcast dives deep into the messy, meaningful, and hilarious parts of being human. From mastering resilience to navigating the chaos of everyday life, we bring raw conversations, expert insights, and unfiltered honesty...no jargon, no BS. New episodes drop weekly. Subscribe, leave a review, and come unhinge with us. This podcast has been brought to you by APodcastGeek. https://www.apodcastgeek.com

    40 min
  8. Why Self-Care ISN'T Optional, It’s NECESSARY | Therapists Unhinged Ep. 18

    09/05/2025

    Why Self-Care ISN'T Optional, It’s NECESSARY | Therapists Unhinged Ep. 18

    Send us Fan Mail Why Self-Care ISN'T Optional, It’s NECESSARY In this honest and unfiltered episode of Therapists Unhinged, co-hosts Nella and TJ take the mic without Dr. Robin and dive deep into what self-care actually means. They call out how society has glamorized and twisted self-care into wine nights and massages while ignoring the deeper emotional, mental, and spiritual work it takes to truly show up for yourself. From burnout and boundaries to parenting guilt and season-of-life shifts, they keep it all the way real. If you’ve ever said “I don’t have time,” this episode is for you. KEY TAKEAWAYS • Self-care is not a checklist • Culture often turns self-care into a toxic cycle • Saying “no” is one of the most powerful self-care tools • Everyone’s self-care package looks different • Comparison creates unnecessary pressure • Burnout happens when you don’t refill your own cup • Spiritual self-care is just as critical as physical and emotional • It’s okay to shift your self-care with each life season • Moms especially need to stop sacrificing themselves • You don’t need permission to prioritize yourself BEST MOMENTS 00:01:12. “We’re actually kind of debunking some of the myths and things that society has really taught us to do.” 00:02:15. “For me, self-care is a lifestyle. It's not checking boxes.” 00:03:11. “Self-care starts in the mind first, and then it manifests in other ways.” 00:04:23. “You have to kind of look at all four of those layers and incorporate what you want your self-care to look like.” 00:06:05. “Sometimes I have to be like, you know what? I need my time.” 00:10:07. “I’m so big on taking little mini vacations because I have to check out of work mode.” 00:12:14. “Part of self-care is saying no to.” 00:15:19. “Creating that self-care package for you, designed just for you.” 00:25:00. “You may be doing really good with your mind and body, but what about your spirit?” Support the show Therapists Unhinged is where mental health gets real. Hosted by licensed therapists who tell it like it is, this podcast dives deep into the messy, meaningful, and hilarious parts of being human. From mastering resilience to navigating the chaos of everyday life, we bring raw conversations, expert insights, and unfiltered honesty...no jargon, no BS. New episodes drop weekly. Subscribe, leave a review, and come unhinge with us. This podcast has been brought to you by APodcastGeek. https://www.apodcastgeek.com

    27 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Therapists Unhinged explores mental health and personal growth through relatable, light-hearted conversations led by the team at Bella Mental Health. Designed to break the stigma around therapy, each episode dives into topics like anxiety, healing alternatives, and emotional wellbeing, without the clinical jargon. You can expect a balance of professional insight and real-life experience. This show invites you to feel seen, supported, and empowered in your own journey.

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