What Would Dr. Meyers Do?

What Would Dr. Meyers Do?
  • 4.9 (52)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to WWDMD, the biweekly show where we get into the mind of mental health clinicians. Have you ever wondered what clinicians and social workers are REALLY thinking and feeling as they help others navigate their lives? This podcast is all about learning: about the dynamics of a clinical case; the emotional journey of the clinician; and YOU. Dr. Meyers hosts guests with expertise in various areas of mental health as well as offering her expertise on a series on sibling abuse with some episodes dedicated to survivors stories. Come along for an insightful journey!

  1. 2d ago

    Episode 143: The Two Ways We Lose Ourselves in Relationships - and How We Reclaim Them

    In this episode, Dr. Meyers explores two deeply human patterns that quietly shape our relationships: Conforming to others in order to gain approval, and trying to change the people around us in order to feel more secure.While both strategies can feel like attempts to create stability, they often lead to the opposite - disconnection from ourselves, resentment in relationships, and a loss of clarity about what we actually want.Through clinical reflection and personal insight, this episode examines what it means to take the reins back.

  2. Jul 14

    Episode 142: On Shame

    Connie Palmer, LCSW offers a powerful conversation about shame - what it is, how it differs from guilt, and why it can become such a deeply rooted emotional experience. She distinguishes between the feeling that “I am bad" to "I did something bad,” exploring how shame shapes identity, relationships, self-worth, and mental health. The conversation examines how shame operates beneath the surface, why it can be so difficult to release, and how many people carry toxic shame without even realizing it. Through reflection, insight, and practical perspective shifts, Dr. Meyers and Connie discuss ways to challenge shame-based thinking, cultivate self-compassion, and begin separating behavior from identity. This episode offers an honest and relatable look at one of the most painful, and most human, emotional experiences we face. Whether you struggle with self-criticism, perfectionism, people-pleasing, or feeling “not enough,” this conversation invites you to rethink the stories shame tells us and consider what healing might look like. Connie Palmer, LCSW, is an experienced teacher, presenter, therapist, and school counselor who has spent more than thirty years working with children, youth, and families. She is the owner of Therapeutic Learning Connections which offers social, emotional learning workshops to mental health professionals, community organizations, schools, and workplaces. She is also a Grief Education Consultant for Imagine, a Center for Coping with Loss in Mountainside, NJ which offers grief support groups and grief education. She can be reached at Connie@TLConnections.org.

  3. Jun 30

    Episode 141: From Classroom to Clinical Practice: What They Don't Teach You in Social Work School

    Social work school teaches theory, ethics, and practice skills - but there are some lessons you only learn once you’re actually in the field. In this episode, Dr. Meyers sits down with a former BSW student/MSW graduate for an honest conversation about what they wish they had learned in social work school. From burnout and boundary-setting to imposter syndrome, workplace realities, practicum challenges, and navigating the transition from student to professional, this episode keeps it real about the parts of social work education that often go unspoken. Whether you’re a BSW or MSW student, a new social worker, or someone considering entering the profession, this conversation offers practical insight, validation, and advice we wish we had earlier. Tune in for an authentic, reflective, and empowering discussion about becoming a social worker in the real world. Anthony Gaetani, LMSW, earned his Bachelor of Social Work from Molloy University and his Master of Social Work from Fordham University. He has experience working with diverse populations across inpatient and outpatient settings and currently works as an inpatient psychiatric social worker supporting individuals experiencing acute psychiatric challenges through comprehensive assessment, interdisciplinary collaboration and linkage to community-based resources that promote long-term stability. He approaches social work as both a profession and a calling, grounded in the belief that every individual deserves dignity, respect and the opportunity to thrive beyond hospitalization.

  4. Jun 16

    Episode 140: A New Chapter for What Would Dr. Meyers Do? Reflections on podcasting, writing, and creating something new

    After more than three years of exploring the inner world of therapists, countertransference, and the emotional realities of helping others, What Would Dr. Meyers Do? is entering a new chapter. In this special episode, Dr. Meyers reflects on the evolution of the podcast and introduces Between Practice and Purpose - a new collaborative blog created alongside two former BSW students. Together, they explore the messy, meaningful space between professional roles and personal growth: the wins, the struggles, the uncertainty, and the moments of insight that shape who we are both inside and outside of the work we do.This conversation goes beyond social work and therapy. It’s about reflection, identity, emotional growth, purpose, relationships, and navigating life with honesty and self-awareness. In the episode, Dr. Meyers shares the story behind the blog, why writing felt like the next step, and shares one of the blog posts as an invitation into the conversations to come.Whether you are a therapist, social worker, student, helper, or simply someone trying to better understand yourself and others, this episode offers a thoughtful look at growth, vulnerability, and what happens between practice and purpose. INTRODUCING WWW.BPP3VOICES.COM

  5. Jun 2 ·  Bonus

    Episode 139: Encore Episode 80: Sibling Abuse: A Story of Recovery

    This conversation on sibling abuse remains one of the most important topics discussed on What Would Dr. Meyers Do? As awareness of sibling abuse continues to grow, this episode continues to resonate deeply with listeners and remains an essential conversation for survivors, families and mental health professionals. In this episode, Rachael shares her story of survival after enduring emotional and physical abuse from a sibling. She reflects on her journey toward self-care, self-preservation and healing, including the difficult decision to cut off contact with her abusive brother. Rachael also shares her path toward reunification and repair, offering a powerful perspective on recovery from sibling abuse, restoration and finding inner peace.

  6. May 19

    Episode 138: What I learned from being a caregiver to aging parents

    In this deeply personal solo episode, Dr. Meyers reflects on what she has learned from being a caregiver to aging parents and the emotional complexity that comes with caregiving, grief and role reversal. She explores the realities of caring for parents experiencing cognitive decline, including the guilt, frustration, resentment and sadness that many adult children quietly carry. The episode also examines how unresolved family dynamics and childhood experiences can resurface during caregiving, shaping the way we respond to aging parents. A thoughtful conversation about caregiver stress, dementia, empathy, family relationships and finding compassion for both ourselves and our parents during one of life’s most difficult transitions.

  7. May 5

    Episode 137: Challenges with Adulting: The Cost of Overprotective Parenting

    Young adults are struggling. Many aren’t adept at handling life challenges: communication, managing frustration, the need for immediate gratification, and navigating conflict. There’s a growing conversation about whether kids today are being “coddled”—shielded from discomfort, failure, and struggle—and how that may impact resilience and independence. In this episode, I’m joined by returning guest Ruthie Kalai, LCSW, to unpack the shift in parenting from previous generations—where independence was often prioritized—to today’s culture of high involvement, protection, and emotional attunement. Together, we explore when support becomes overprotective parenting and how well-intentioned efforts can sometimes interfere with the development of problem-solving skills, emotional regulation, and self-reliance. This conversation isn’t about blaming parents or criticizing a generation. It’s about understanding the balance between care and growth—and how we can better prepare young people for the realities of life. Because sometimes, the most supportive thing we can do is step back. Ruthie Kalai, LCSW, has over 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. She has a particular interest in working with people in their 20s and 30s. You can learn more about her at ruthiekalai.com.

  8. Apr 21

    Episode 136: Understanding Codependency: Trauma, Attachment Styles, Healing & Recovery

    Connie Palmer, LCSW, offers a thoughtful and clinically grounded conversation on codependency, exploring what it is, where it comes from, and how healing is possible. Drawing from both personal and professional experience, she helps us better understand codependent behavior and how it shows up in everyday life. Together, we unpack the societal shame often associated with codependency and reframe these patterns as adaptive survival responses rooted in trauma. Connie explains how codependency develops over time and how it appears across relationships—with partners, friends, and within broader attachment styles and relational dynamics. This episode also explores how anxious attachment and avoidant attachment can shape relationship patterns, along with the emotional impact of prioritizing others’ needs over your own. Connie shares practical insight into recognizing these patterns, setting healthy boundaries, and beginning the process of healing from codependency with greater self-awareness and compassion. Connie Palmer, a licensed clinical social worker, is an experienced teacher, presenter, therapist, and school counselor who has spent more than thirty years working with children, youth, and families. She is the owner of Therapeutic Learning Connections which offers social, emotional learning workshops to mental health professionals, community organizations, schools, and workplaces. She is also a Grief Education Consultant for Imagine, a Center for Coping with Loss in Mountainside, NJ which offers grief support groups and grief education. She can be reached at Connie@TLConnections.org.

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4.9
out of 5
52 Ratings

About

Welcome to WWDMD, the biweekly show where we get into the mind of mental health clinicians. Have you ever wondered what clinicians and social workers are REALLY thinking and feeling as they help others navigate their lives? This podcast is all about learning: about the dynamics of a clinical case; the emotional journey of the clinician; and YOU. Dr. Meyers hosts guests with expertise in various areas of mental health as well as offering her expertise on a series on sibling abuse with some episodes dedicated to survivors stories. Come along for an insightful journey!

Information

  • Creator
    What Would Dr. Meyers Do?
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    144
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © What Would Dr. Meyers Do?
  • Show Website
    What Would Dr. Meyers Do?