Therapist Uncensored Podcast

"It's because they're getting the light bulbs". Sue nailed it with that (slightly under)statement. This podcast has given me so much valuable knowledge that has led to deepening my understanding of the world. And that is my life's work: to understand the experiences of all different people as well as untangle myself. Shared humanity is my aim. When we grow to understand humans and their interconnectedness, we expand in such an important way. And with every episode I listen to there is some degree of growth. Sometimes big, lifechanging learnings. Sometimes tiny light bulbs. But there is always some level of advancement with every episode. My personality is similar to Sue's. When I learn new information (along this therapy vein), I bounce off the walls with my enthusiasm, and I bubble over to my family and friends with this enchanted wellspring of AWE of the universe. And an encompassing gratitude for our incredible existence and voracity for knowledge. On a final note, I have been unexpectedly dazzled so many times at Sue's use of metaphor and language- it's so unique and enchanting. She has this way of illustrating concepts in this precious way using first person language. Her gentle explanations tend to give me a little boost out of nowhere and it's like I'm learning something while feeling a tender emotion, and that has been really effective for my retention of the information. One of my favorites from Sue was her explaining that healing begins with facing the aversive feeling and, we'll, feeling it. But it's not a big, bold move of getting large and imposing -staring the fear right in the face with this intense surge of determination. She says it's just a gentle, momentary willingness to feel it lightly with acceptance - not aggressive resistance. She says when you just turn and glance at the feeling, acknowledging it, it's not scary or a big deal. "It's amazingly calming. So it's a pause. A visual I have with it is like we see a feeling go by and imagine it's like a little kid, and then we put our hands on its cheeks. It's like, it's okay. Like this is what it is, and it's just like a touch. And then we let go." I mean who compares feeling fear to a little child and you stop and put your hands on their cheeks and then off they go? So adorable and crystal clear.

I’m rather skeptical of the “expert”’s opinions in the episode about weight. While I agree that “fat-shaming” is cruel and unproductive, there are several seeming problems with her ideas. While it’s hard to lose weight, that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be done! It’s no wonder it’s hard with processed foods and sedentary lifestyles (which she never mentions). Also, she says that people who are overweight but “healthy” live longer, but how is “health” defined? Diet? Exercise? Lastly, it’s not like doctors made up this idea that being overweight is unhealthy; we know that diabetes, high blood pressure, and being sedentary causes many bad health outcomes. And, wow!, losing weight helps with all 3 of those factors!!

This podcast is a wonderful resource for both clinicians and anyone interested in understanding the mind and relationships. Ann and Sue have a gift for making complex psychological concepts accessible, engaging, and practical. Their insightful discussions and expert guests inspire my learning, and I often share episodes with clients because they explain big ideas in a way that truly resonates. I’m grateful for the work they do!

I’ve read a lot about attachment but in just two episodes of this podcast I’ve learned new information that has helped me understand myself and others. Thank you so much- can’t wait to hear more!