The Gritty Mental Health Therapist: Clinical Confidence + Reassurance, Reframing Imposter Syndrome, Overwhelm and Burnout

Stefanie Armstrong + Cathy Schweitzer: Trauma Trained Mental Health Therapists, Practice Owners, Authors and Clinical Supervisors
  • 5.0 (12)
  • MENTAL HEALTH

As a mental health therapist have you ever been awake at 2am replaying sessions in your head, wondering if you’ve done and said the right thing? Do you ever feel isolated, overwhelmed, or unsure of your confidence as a clinician? Do you ever feel like you must be the only mental health therapist who feels this way? You’re not alone, we've been there too.  We’ve lived the long days, secretly thinking "I'm just not good at this yet. My supervisor would do a better job with this client." We've been through the draining sessions, and the silent car rides home where you just can't help from crying. We know the weight of secondary trauma, burnout, and self-doubt and we also know the power of grit, resilience, and community.  We're Cathy and Stef, two "been there, done that" trauma-trained, EMDR-certified, Somatic Experiencing-trained practice owners, and we created The Gritty Therapist as a safe space for clinicians who are tired of feeling like they’re the only ones struggling with confidence and imposter-syndrome.  Our goal: help you feel less isolated and more confident.    Each episode delivers real-talk, grounded in our own experiences with late-night worries, confusion and how we continue to grow our own grit and confidence. We’ll share the exact tools we’ve used to avoid burnout (and get out of burnout!), rebuild confidence, and stay connected to our purpose and passion. You’ll also hear from guest therapists who’ve walked through the trenches and discovered how to grow their gritty confidence while actually having a life outside the therapy room. Whether you’re holding space for vulnerable children, families, or adults, this podcast will remind you that you’re not alone. Together, we’ll explore strategies to help you become a more confident mental health therapist...all while keeping it real, compassionate, and relatable. 👉 Free resources + downloads: www.thegrittytherapist.com 👉 Follow us on Instagram: @grittytherapist

  1. 1H AGO

    The Grit Kit Explained: Prepared, Not Perfect. Humility, Confidence and Grit in Mental Health Therapy Work

    Ever walked out of supervision thinking, “I should’ve known that”? Yeah. Us too. But first...get on our newsletter list here! In this episode of The Gritty Mental Health Therapist, we’re digging into a powerful quote that stopped us in our tracks: Be humble in preparation, but confident in execution.-Andy Frisella And we’re unpacking what that really means for therapists in the messy middle of their careers. Because here’s the truth:  Humility doesn’t mean weakness.  Confidence doesn’t mean certainty.  And your inner critic? It’s stealing more clinical energy than you think. We talk about: The vulnerability of asking “basic” questions in supervisionHow overthinking emails (yep, we’ve been there) is often fear in disguiseThe hidden cost of self-criticism in sessionWhy humility actually fuels confident executionHow to build real, embodied confidence through reps, not perfectionThe difference between self-reflection and self-attackWhat to do when you are the barrier in session (without shaming yourself)This episode is a masterclass in gritty awareness, the kind that expands the gap between stressor and response. When you notice the sympathetic spike (“I’m messing this up”), engage your vagal brake, and choose curiosity over criticism,  that’s grit. Confidence isn’t controlling the session.  It’s walking in knowing:  “I don’t know everything. And I can handle what unfolds.” That’s nervous system resilience. That’s rapid parasympathetic recovery. That’s the work. Your action steps from this episode: Practice humility in consultation: bring yourself into the case discussion.After supervision, intentionally notice how your confidence shifts in session.And if you want more practical tools like this, our Grit Kit (monthly email) delivers: 3 books that shaped how we think and practice2 podcasts or episodes that shifted our perspective1 carefully chosen quote (never random, always intentional)Real, human reflections from usWe’re not bots. We’re therapists in it with you. Because grit isn’t grinding.  Grit is growing with regulation, reflection, and confidence. Subscribe, leave a review, and share with your gritty bestie. And don’t forget to grab our free resources at thegrittytherapist.com. Now go widen the gap. 💛

    19 min

  2. FEB 15

    The Missing Piece in Therapist Training: The story behind Where Rookie Meets Ready

    What does it actually mean to be a “gritty” therapist? In this episode of The Gritty Mental Health Therapist, we pull back the curtain on the class we created for new clinicians: Where Rookie Meets Ready: Grit School for the Real World. Because let’s be honest, grad school teaches you interventions… but it doesn’t teach you how to handle the messy middle of being a therapist: uncertainty, imposter syndrome, self-doubt, overthinking after sessions, and the slow burn of burnout. We’re redefining grit in a way that protects your nervous system and your career. In this conversation, we talk about: Why grinding it out is NOT the same as grit (and how it leads to therapist burnout)The difference between self-reflection vs. self-criticismHow to build therapist confidence without pretending you “know it all”Why uncertainty is a normal part of therapy work (and how to tolerate it)How humility and self-awareness make you a stronger clinicianThe simple weekly ritual we love: the Sunday Scaries Reset (and how it helps therapists stay grounded)If you’re a new therapist, provisional therapist, early-career clinician, or even a seasoned therapist feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or burned out, this episode will help you feel less alone and more equipped. Because therapy takes more than knowledge. It takes grit. ✨ Check out our freebies and our NEW Grit School:  Therapist AF: Grit School for the Real World, practical skills, nervous system grounding, and the reps grad school skippedThe Gritty Therapist freebies, tools, and support: thegrittytherapist.comThe Cord Where Science Meets Connection attachment/trauma-focused therapy. Follow along on Instagram @grittytherapist and go get your gritty on. 💛

    18 min

  3. FEB 8

    How the Primal Question Fuels Imposter Syndrome: 3 Steps to Regulate in Session

    Ever found yourself mid-session thinking, “Oh no… what do I say next?” Or felt that sudden spiral of self-doubt that whispers, “Maybe I’m not cut out for this…” You’re not alone. In this episode of The Gritty Mental Health Therapist, we unpack what’s really happening underneath those scramble moments in the therapy room...AND we've created a PDF download that explains the 3 steps!  This conversation dives into the powerful connection between imposter syndrome in therapists and something even deeper: your Primal Question. Based on The Seven Primal Questions by Mike Foster, we explore how therapists’ nervous systems get activated in session and how unconscious primal needs like: Am I safe?Am I secure?Am I loved?Am I good enough?…can fuel imposter syndrome, overwhelm, and that familiar “I don’t know what I’m doing” panic. But here’s the good news: this isn’t something you need to “fix.” It’s something you can notice, name, and work with...with grit. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: ✅ Why imposter syndrome often starts with nervous system dysregulation ✅ How your personal Primal Question gets triggered in clinical work ✅ What “the scramble” feels like and why it pulls therapists out of presence ✅ A simple framework to interrupt the spiral: Awareness → Connection → Take Action ✅ How to stay grounded, regulated, and confident, even when you feel unsure ✅ Why building therapist grit is about truth, not perfection We also share how these tools are foundational to our training for early-career clinicians, including our class Where Rookie Meets Ready, designed to help therapists build confidence, regulate self-doubt, and show up with steadiness in session. If you’ve ever struggled with therapist anxiety, imposter syndrome, or feeling thrown off by a client moment, this episode will help you feel more resourced, more aware, and a whole lot less alone. You’re not an imposter...you’re a human doing hard work. And that takes grit. ✨ Check out our freebies and our NEW Grit School:  Therapist AF: Grit School for the Real World, practical skills, nervous system grounding, and the reps grad school skippedThe Gritty Therapist freebies, tools, and support: thegrittytherapist.comThe Cord Where Science Meets Connection attachment/trauma-focused therapy. Follow along on Instagram @grittytherapist and go get your gritty on. 💛

    19 min

  4. FEB 1

    Three Attachment-Based Family Therapy Interventions You Can Use Tomorrow

    Ever find yourself mid-session thinking, “Okay… what do I do next?” In this episode of The Gritty Mental Health Therapist, we kick off a “tomorrow-ready” series, complete with a FREE PDF download (grab yours HERE) just for you!  As mental health therapists we know you want more confidence, more grit, and less imposter syndrome with practical interventions you can use right away. Because well, that's what we need too!  This month’s focus is attachment-based, relational work, because when clients are wounded in relationship, they often need to heal in relationship. Drawing from years of clinical experience and the Integrative Attachment Trauma Protocol (developed alongside Deb Wesselmann), we share three simple-but-powerful interventions that strengthen connection between kids, teens, and caregivers (and can be adapted for adult work too). In this episode, you’ll learn 3 relational/attachment interventions you can use tomorrow: Start every session with “What went well this week?” A consistent opener that helps rewire the brain for glimmers, shifts the parent-child dynamic, and builds safety before tackling the hard stuff.The “Magical Cord of Love” (or Caring) exercise A visual, somatic-friendly attachment tool that supports connection through separation anxiety, travel, bedtime struggles, and relationship ruptures—while staying clinically mindful about safety and stability.The “Old Photos” intervention Invite families to bring in pictures from early connection points (or early memories) and narrate positive relational meaning, an often emotional, bonding practice that strengthens attachment and softens conflict cycles.If you’re a therapist who wants concrete therapy interventions, attachment-informed tools, and a more grounded way to support families in session (without overcomplicating it), this episode is for you. Mentioned in the episode: Integrative Attachment Treatment Protocol (and related parenting resources)Deb Dana’s concept of “glimmers” (as a cue for safety and connection)Training and consistency: why these tools work best when repeated session-to-session. Don't forget to grab your FREE PDF download of the interventions covered in this episode. Want to feel more confident using interventions like these? We also share how therapists can build “gritty confidence” so tools don’t fall flat when it’s time to actually use them in the room. ✨ Check out our freebies and our NEW Grit School:  Therapist AF: Grit School for the Real World, practical skills, nervous system grounding, and the reps grad school skippedThe Gritty Therapist freebies, tools, and support: thegrittytherapist.comThe Cord Where Science Meets Connection attachment/trauma-focused therapy. Follow along on Instagram @grittytherapist and go get your gritty on. 💛

    28 min

  5. JAN 25

    Authentic Therapist Identity: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome, Setting Therapist Boundaries, and Preventing Burnout with Taylor Dibble-Townsend

    What does it actually look like to build a sustainable therapy career while raising babies, surviving burnout seasons, and learning how to leave work at work? In this episode of The Gritty Mental Health Therapist, we sit down with special guest Taylor Dibble-Townsend, a licensed therapist, former intern at The Cord, and now a Gritty Academy Mentor, to talk about what it really takes to grow into yourself as a clinician, especially in the messy middle of your career. Taylor shares her powerful journey from child welfare caseworker to private practice therapist, including the gritty reality of doing internship life while pregnant, exhausted, and raising a toddler and how she learned to balance being a therapist, mom, wife, and human without losing herself in the process. You’ll hear honest reflections on burnout prevention, emotional boundaries, therapist identity development, and the confidence shift that happens when you stop trying to be your supervisor and start becoming you. If you’re an early- to mid-career therapist navigating overwhelm, imposter syndrome, compassion fatigue, or the constant pressure to “do it all,” this episode is full of gritty nuggets you’ll want to take with you into your next workday. ✨ In This Episode, We Talk About: How Taylor built grit through child welfare case management and foster care workThe importance of separating work life vs. home life as a therapistRituals and boundaries that protect your nervous system (and your evenings)Why “I’m not good enough” shows up and how to quiet that voiceTherapist identity: learning to stop trying to be someone else and start being yourselfThe “different hats” mindset: therapist hat vs. mom hat vs. human hatWhat helps therapists avoid burnout: movement, structure, and non-negotiablesA hilarious (and relatable) supervision moment: “Wait… am I arguing with my teen client?”How humility and confidence can coexist in your clinical growth🔥 This Episode Is For You If You’re: ✅ A new therapist feeling overwhelmed or emotionally flooded ✅ Struggling with boundaries, burnout, or taking work home mentally ✅ Navigating imposter syndrome in private practice ✅ A therapist who’s also a parent trying to stay regulated and present ✅ Learning how to build confidence without becoming rigid or arrogant 💛 Gritty Takeaway You don’t have to know everything to be a great therapist. You just have to stay open, humble, and willing to grow and learn how to protect your energy so you can actually sustain this work. ✨ Check out our freebies and our NEW Grit School:  Therapist AF: Grit School for the Real World, practical skills, nervous system grounding, and the reps grad school skippedThe Gritty Therapist freebies, tools, and support: thegrittytherapist.comThe Cord Where Science Meets Connection attachment/trauma-focused therapy. Follow along on Instagram @grittytherapist and go get your gritty on. 💛

    30 min

  6. JAN 11

    Being a Mental Health Therapist in the Wild: Why Everyone is Curious and Sometimes a Little Afraid

    In this episode of The Gritty Therapist Podcast, we share hilarious, awkward, and deeply relatable stories about the moment we say “I’m a therapist," and how people react next. From being ignored at holiday parties, to becoming the “therapist at the table,” to being bombarded with deeply personal questions in public spaces, this episode captures the reality every clinician knows too well. We explore: The three most common reactions therapists get when sharing their professionWhy people are fascinated, intimidated, or unsure around therapistsHow imposter syndrome can creep in during everyday social interactionsThe invisible emotional labor therapists carry outside the therapy roomWhy the work we do is valuable, sacred, and deeply impactfulThis episode is a reminder that being a therapist isn’t just a job, it’s a role that holds stories, secrets, resilience, and humanity. If you’ve ever wished you had a better answer when someone asks what you do, or needed a reminder of your gritty gift, this one’s for you. ✨ Check out our freebies and our NEW Grit School:  Therapist AF: Grit School for the Real World, practical skills, nervous system grounding, and the reps grad school skippedThe Gritty Therapist freebies, tools, and support: thegrittytherapist.comThe Cord Where Science Meets Connection attachment/trauma-focused therapy. Follow along on Instagram @grittytherapist and go get your gritty on. 💛

    18 min

  7. JAN 4

    Reported to the Board: A Real Story About Therapist Fear, Imposter Syndrome, and Confidence

    What if what you’ve been calling imposter syndrome isn’t a syndrome at all? In this episode of The Gritty Mental Health Therapist, we dig into a powerful reframe that many early- and mid-career therapists desperately need. We’re talking about grit, boundaries, imposter syndrome, and the hard lessons that actually make you a better clinician, even when they feel terrifying in the moment. Cathy shares a deeply personal story about being reported to the licensing board early in her career, the panic that followed, and the surprising insight that changed her entire approach to therapy. Spoiler: the grit wasn’t doing more, responding faster, or over-functioning for clients. The grit was learning to do less. Together, we unpack: The true origins of imposter syndrome and why the word “syndrome” may be doing more harm than goodWhy many therapists mistake over-responsiveness and hustle for gritHow boundaries, restraint, and self-trust are actually core clinical skillsThe difference between being an imposter and being newWhy pathologizing self-doubt can strip therapists of their powerHow gritty growth often comes from mistakes, discomfort, and hard feedback, not perfectionIf you’re a therapist who: Feels like you’re “faking it” despite your trainingStruggles with boundaries or over-responsivenessIs afraid of making mistakes or being “found out”Wants confidence without burnout…this episode will meet you right where you are. We also discuss The Grit Shift, our training designed to help therapists move from imposter thinking to a gritty growth mindset, Where Rookie Meets Ready is our first class and it's out now.  ✨ Check out our freebies and our NEW Grit School:  Therapist AF: Grit School for the Real World, practical skills, nervous system grounding, and the reps grad school skippedThe Gritty Therapist freebies, tools, and support: thegrittytherapist.comThe Cord Where Science Meets Connection attachment/trauma-focused therapy. Follow along on Instagram @grittytherapist and go get your gritty on. 💛

    25 min

  8. 12/28/2025

    From Provisional to Fully Licensed: What Really Grows Therapist Confidence, Failing Forward and Becoming a New Mom with Aubre Powers

    If you’ve ever failed an exam by one point, questioned whether you learned “anything” in internship, or wondered if “grit” just means seeing 35 clients a week… this episode is for you. We sit down with Aubre, one of our own clinicians, who went from provisional therapist to fully licensed while navigating a major life curveball: pregnancy, a traumatic early birth/NICU experience, and the messy middle of building confidence as a new clinician. Aubre shares what it actually felt like to fail the licensure exam, how she rebuilt her self-talk, and why that test is not the thing that qualifies you to be a good therapist. Together, we unpack what “grit” really means in early-career therapy work: self-trust, boundaries, values-based scheduling, and learning the kind of self-care and self-exploration that goes way beyond bubble baths. In this episode, you’ll learn: What it’s like transitioning from internship to provisional practice (and why it can feel weirdly unsettling, even when it’s good)How to recover after failing the licensing exam (without spiraling into shame)Why “work-life balance” is harder than the internet makes it sound and how to actually protect your timeThe difference between burnout-grit (hustle, over-functioning) and healthy grit (aligned boundaries + real self-care)A “gritty nugget” you’ll want to steal: how to choose hobbies that restore you based on how you work all dayA hilarious story about finding out you’re pregnant at your internship… and still having to see a client afterward 😅If you’re a new therapist, associate/provisional counselor, or you’re in the licensure process and feeling like you’re behind, not cut out, or one mistake away from failing, this conversation will help you breathe again and keep going. Check out Aubre's podcast Probably Bad Advice (by two licensed therapists) and her faith-based counseling resources @aubrepowerscounseling ✨ Check out our freebies and our NEW Grit School:  Therapist AF: Grit School for the Real World, practical skills, nervous system grounding, and the reps grad school skippedThe Gritty Therapist freebies, tools, and support: thegrittytherapist.comThe Cord Where Science Meets Connection attachment/trauma-focused therapy. Follow along on Instagram @grittytherapist and go get your gritty on. 💛

    26 min
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About

As a mental health therapist have you ever been awake at 2am replaying sessions in your head, wondering if you’ve done and said the right thing? Do you ever feel isolated, overwhelmed, or unsure of your confidence as a clinician? Do you ever feel like you must be the only mental health therapist who feels this way? You’re not alone, we've been there too.  We’ve lived the long days, secretly thinking "I'm just not good at this yet. My supervisor would do a better job with this client." We've been through the draining sessions, and the silent car rides home where you just can't help from crying. We know the weight of secondary trauma, burnout, and self-doubt and we also know the power of grit, resilience, and community.  We're Cathy and Stef, two "been there, done that" trauma-trained, EMDR-certified, Somatic Experiencing-trained practice owners, and we created The Gritty Therapist as a safe space for clinicians who are tired of feeling like they’re the only ones struggling with confidence and imposter-syndrome.  Our goal: help you feel less isolated and more confident.    Each episode delivers real-talk, grounded in our own experiences with late-night worries, confusion and how we continue to grow our own grit and confidence. We’ll share the exact tools we’ve used to avoid burnout (and get out of burnout!), rebuild confidence, and stay connected to our purpose and passion. You’ll also hear from guest therapists who’ve walked through the trenches and discovered how to grow their gritty confidence while actually having a life outside the therapy room. Whether you’re holding space for vulnerable children, families, or adults, this podcast will remind you that you’re not alone. Together, we’ll explore strategies to help you become a more confident mental health therapist...all while keeping it real, compassionate, and relatable. 👉 Free resources + downloads: www.thegrittytherapist.com 👉 Follow us on Instagram: @grittytherapist

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