Collectively Unhinged: Therapy Talk

Melisa DeMahy and Courtnie Vargas-Rodriguez
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  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT

Join therapists Melisa and Courtnie for real, unfiltered conversations about mental health, healing, and the beautifully chaotic mess of everyday life. This is where honesty meets humor, and no topic is off-limits. From professional insights to personal anecdotes, they’ll remind you that you’re not alone—because healing gets a little easier when we do it together.

  1. 4D AGO

    30. What’s It Really Like Being Married to a Therapist?

    What’s it actually like to come home to someone who talks about emotions for a living? In this episode of Collectively Unhinged: Therapy Talk, we sit down with the husband of a therapist Co-Host Courtnie to talk about what happens behind the scenes of a therapist’s relationship. From the expectations people have (“Are you in therapy 24/7?”) to the realities of communication, conflict, boundaries, emotional labor, and love, this conversation is honest, funny, and surprisingly grounding. We talk about: What it’s actually like to be married to a therapistWhether therapists really “analyze” their partnersHow conflict, repair, and boundaries show up at homeThe emotional pros and challenges of loving someone who holds space all dayWhat being married to a therapist has taught him about relationships If you’ve ever wondered what therapists are like in real life, this episode pulls the curtain back. Whether you’re a therapist, dating one, married to one, or just curious about emotional dynamics in relationships, this one’s for you. 🎧 New episodes of Collectively Unhinged: Therapy Talk drop weekly. — 📱 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linktr.ee/strongmindmh⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — 🌐 VISIT OUR WEBSITE:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠strongmindmh.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — 🎵 INTRO MUSIC: “Good Night” by FASSounds — DISCLAIMER: The information provided on this podcast, Collectively Unhinged: Therapy Talk, is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as therapy or a substitute for advice from a qualified professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. Listening to this podcast does not establish a therapist-client relationship between you and the hosts or Strong Mind Mental Health, LLC. If you want to read more, check out our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Media Disclaimer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

    23 min

  2. FEB 14

    29. Date Night in the Chaos: Love Without the Babysitter

    Who says romance has to mean babysitters, big budgets, or perfectly curated evenings out? In this episode of Collectively Unhinged: Therapy Talk, we’re talking about keeping love alive in the middle of chaos—sticky hands, endless laundry, and no childcare in sight. We’ll dive into: Creative, low-cost, and realistic date ideas for parents who can’t (or don’t want to) hire a sitterWhy micro-moments of connection matter way more than grand gesturesHow to balance romance and responsibilities when you’re both exhausted and running on fumes Because sometimes intimacy looks less like candlelit dinners and more like laughing on the couch after bedtime, reconnecting in the car, or finding joy in 10 stolen minutes. Whether you’re new parents, seasoned pros, or just feeling stretched thin, this episode is your reminder that love doesn’t need perfect conditions—it just needs intention. — 📱 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linktr.ee/strongmindmh⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — 🌐 VISIT OUR WEBSITE:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠strongmindmh.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — 🎵 INTRO MUSIC: “Good Night” by FASSounds — DISCLAIMER: The information provided on this podcast, Collectively Unhinged: Therapy Talk, is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as therapy or a substitute for advice from a qualified professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. Listening to this podcast does not establish a therapist-client relationship between you and the hosts or Strong Mind Mental Health, LLC. If you want to read more, check out our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Media Disclaimer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

    30 min

  3. FEB 7

    28. Soft Life vs Survival Mode: Who Actually Gets to Rest?

    The “soft life” is everywhere — slow mornings, gentle routines, and choosing peace. But what happens when your nervous system is still in survival mode? In this episode of Collectively Unhinged: Therapy Talk, we unpack the complicated truth behind the soft life narrative. We talk about the role of privilege in mental health discourse, why survival mode doesn’t shut off just because your circumstances change, and the quiet shame so many people carry when they’re still struggling even after “the hard part” is over. We explore how trauma, chronic stress, and long-term instability shape the nervous system, why healing isn’t a mindset shift, and what building real softness actually looks like when your body is still protecting you. This episode is for anyone who wants rest, ease, and peace… but feels stuck in hypervigilance, exhaustion, or emotional survival. In this episode, we cover: Soft life culture vs real nervous system healingPrivilege and access in mental health conversationsWhy survival mode lingersThe shame around “not being healed yet”How to build softness slowly and sustainably Because softness isn’t an aesthetic. It’s a sense of safety. And that takes time. — 📱 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linktr.ee/strongmindmh⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — 🌐 VISIT OUR WEBSITE:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠strongmindmh.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — 🎵 INTRO MUSIC: “Good Night” by FASSounds — DISCLAIMER: The information provided on this podcast, Collectively Unhinged: Therapy Talk, is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as therapy or a substitute for advice from a qualified professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. Listening to this podcast does not establish a therapist-client relationship between you and the hosts or Strong Mind Mental Health, LLC. If you want to read more, check out our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Media Disclaimer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

    36 min

  4. JAN 31

    27. Why Resolutions Fail (And What To Do Instead)

    Why do New Year’s resolutions fail so often? In this episode, therapists Courtnie and Melisa break down the psychology behind why resolutions don’t stick, why willpower is overrated, and how real habit change happens through nervous system safety, not shame. We explore: Why resolutions failShame-based goals vs values-based changeThe nervous system and habit formationSmall shifts that actually stickHow to build habits that support mental health Plus, we discuss the Mindful Habit Builder, a therapist-created workbook designed to help you build sustainable habits through reflection, self-compassion, and emotional awareness. — 📱 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linktr.ee/strongmindmh⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — 🌐 VISIT OUR WEBSITE:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠strongmindmh.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — 🎵 INTRO MUSIC: “Good Night” by FASSounds — DISCLAIMER: The information provided on this podcast, Collectively Unhinged: Therapy Talk, is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as therapy or a substitute for advice from a qualified professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. Listening to this podcast does not establish a therapist-client relationship between you and the hosts or Strong Mind Mental Health, LLC. If you want to read more, check out our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Media Disclaimer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

    36 min

  5. JAN 10

    26. ChatGPT Is Not Your Therapist (But Why Are We Using It Like One?)

    More people are turning to ChatGPT and other AI tools for relationship advice, emotional validation, and mental health guidance—but can artificial intelligence actually replace therapy? In this episode of Collectively Unhinged: Therapy Talk, licensed therapists Courtnie and Melisa explore the growing trend of using AI like a therapist and unpack why it feels so appealing. From accessibility and anonymity to the desire for instant answers, we break down what’s driving people to seek emotional support from technology instead of humans. We discuss what AI can be helpful for, where it falls short clinically, and the risks of relying on AI for mental health advice, trauma processing, and relationship decisions. The conversation dives into attachment wounds, emotional avoidance, reassurance-seeking, and the difference between information and true healing. Whether you’ve asked ChatGPT for dating advice, mental health insight, or late-night reassurance, this episode offers a grounded, compassionate perspective on how to use AI as a tool—without replacing real human connection or therapy. Topics include: Using ChatGPT for mental health and relationship advice Why AI feels safer than talking to people The difference between therapy and emotional advice Attachment, anxiety, and reassurance-seeking behaviors Healthy ways to use AI without avoiding healing — 📱 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linktr.ee/strongmindmh⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — 🌐 VISIT OUR WEBSITE:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠strongmindmh.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — 🎵 INTRO MUSIC: “Good Night” by FASSounds — DISCLAIMER: The information provided on this podcast, Collectively Unhinged: Therapy Talk, is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as therapy or a substitute for advice from a qualified professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. Listening to this podcast does not establish a therapist-client relationship between you and the hosts or Strong Mind Mental Health, LLC. If you want to read more, check out our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Media Disclaimer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

    35 min

  6. JAN 3

    25. Unfiltered Therapy Talk: Boundaries, Burnout, and Showing Up for Each Other

    In this completely unscripted episode of Collectively Unhinged: Therapy Talk, Courtnie and Melisa say everything therapists usually vent about off the clock. We’re talking late-cancelation fees (and why clients get pissed), whether people actually consider how canceling impacts their therapist, and if there’s any shock value left in therapy now that everyone’s sharing their deepest secrets on TikTok. We dive into: Why boundaries in therapy matter more than everThe unseen emotional labor therapists carryHow to show up for people struggling with their mental healthWhy therapy isn’t “advice-giving”—and what clients should expect insteadWhether society has normalized therapy so much that people forget it’s still hard work From sexual fantasies to relationship issues to chaotic family dynamics—nothing surprises us anymore, and honestly, that’s the beauty of this job. 💬 If you’ve ever wondered what therapists really think behind the scenes… this is the episode. — 📱 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linktr.ee/strongmindmh⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — 🌐 VISIT OUR WEBSITE:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠strongmindmh.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — 🎵 INTRO MUSIC: “Good Night” by FASSounds — DISCLAIMER: The information provided on this podcast, Collectively Unhinged: Therapy Talk, is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as therapy or a substitute for advice from a qualified professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. Listening to this podcast does not establish a therapist-client relationship between you and the hosts or Strong Mind Mental Health, LLC. If you want to read more, check out our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Media Disclaimer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

    38 min

  7. 12/24/2025

    24. Silent Night? Absolutely Not. Navigating Holiday Overstimulation & Taking Your Joy Back.

    Silent Night? Not even close. The holidays are overstimulating AF — packed with sensory overload, emotional pressure, family expectations, and a nervous system that's already exhausted. In this episode, Courtnie and Melisa break down why the holidays feel like so much, why expectations make it worse, and how to take your joy back. We talk about: Holiday overstimulation & emotional triggersWhy expectations steal joyBeing a little selfish and choosing what YOU wantLetting go of perfection & chasing experiences instead of thingsPractical coping tools for overstimulationHow to actually enjoy the season on your own terms ❄️ If the holidays leave you drained, overwhelmed, or performing instead of enjoying — this one's for you. — 📱 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linktr.ee/strongmindmh⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — 🌐 VISIT OUR WEBSITE:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠strongmindmh.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — 🎵 INTRO MUSIC: “Good Night” by FASSounds — DISCLAIMER: The information provided on this podcast, Collectively Unhinged: Therapy Talk, is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as therapy or a substitute for advice from a qualified professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. Listening to this podcast does not establish a therapist-client relationship between you and the hosts or Strong Mind Mental Health, LLC. If you want to read more, check out our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Media Disclaimer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

    23 min

  8. 12/20/2025

    23. Crisis Mode — When Everyone’s Falling Apart (and So Are We)

    When the world feels like it’s on fire, how do we keep showing up — as therapists, partners, friends, and humans — without burning out completely? 🔥 In this episode of Collectively Unhinged: Therapy Talk, Courtnie and Melisa unpack what it means to live in constant crisis mode — from compassion fatigue and global trauma to the emotional toll of holding space when you’re barely keeping it together yourself. They talk about:  The psychological impact of today’s political and cultural chaosCompassion fatigue and why empathy sometimes hurtsHow global trauma seeps into our personal lives and relationshipsWhat real rest, boundaries, and community care actually look like This one’s for anyone who’s tired of pretending they’re fine while the world feels heavy. Because you’re not the only one falling apart — and you don’t have to carry it alone. 🎧 Listen now and remind yourself: you can care deeply and protect your peace. — 📱 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linktr.ee/strongmindmh⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — 🌐 VISIT OUR WEBSITE:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠strongmindmh.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — 🎵 INTRO MUSIC: “Good Night” by FASSounds — DISCLAIMER: The information provided on this podcast, Collectively Unhinged: Therapy Talk, is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as therapy or a substitute for advice from a qualified professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. Listening to this podcast does not establish a therapist-client relationship between you and the hosts or Strong Mind Mental Health, LLC. If you want to read more, check out our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Media Disclaimer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

    36 min
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About

Join therapists Melisa and Courtnie for real, unfiltered conversations about mental health, healing, and the beautifully chaotic mess of everyday life. This is where honesty meets humor, and no topic is off-limits. From professional insights to personal anecdotes, they’ll remind you that you’re not alone—because healing gets a little easier when we do it together.

Information

  • Creator
    Melisa DeMahy and Courtnie Vargas-Rodriguez
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    30
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Melisa DeMahy and Courtnie Vargas-Rodriguez
  • Show Website
    Collectively Unhinged: Therapy Talk