Two Anxious Girls

Dabeyri Torres-Estevez & Kristina Paolini

Hi! We’re Dabby and Kristina, two psychotherapists who… are very anxious about everything in life, work, kids, fertility… and basically everything else. Each week on Two Anxious Girls, we’ll talk about life, work, motherhood, fertility, relationships, and all the chaos in between, from the perspective of therapists who are very aware of their own dysregulated selves. New episodes every Monday! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 4d ago

    The Lindsay Clancy Case & What We Need to Understand About Postpartum Psychosis

    In this solo episode, Dabby discusses the Lindsay Clancy case and the difficult questions it raises about postpartum psychosis, maternal mental health, and how we recognize when a mother is moving from struggling into crisis. Drawing from reporting on the case, Lucy Jones’ Matrescence, and the realities of postpartum mental health care, Dabby explores psychosis, intrusive thoughts, sleep deprivation, continuity of care, and why mothers need support long before they reach a breaking point. Resources discussed:  • The Daily - episode featuring New York Times reporter Ellen Barry on the Lindsay Clancy trial  • Lucy Jones - Matrescence: On Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Motherhood, particularly Chapter 8, “Sertraline and Sleep Deprivation”  • American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) — perinatal mental health and postpartum psychosis resources Content warning: This episode discusses the deaths of children, suicide, suicidal thoughts, postpartum mental illness, psychosis, and psychiatric hospitalization. If you or someone you know is experiencing hallucinations, delusions, severe confusion, thoughts of suicide, or thoughts of harming a baby or another person, seek emergency medical care immediately. In the U.S., call or text 988. In an immediate emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. Follow the podcast on Instagram @twoanxiousgirlspodcast Tiktok: twoanxiousgirls Have a question for us? Email us at twoanxiousgirlspodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The Lindsay Clancy Case & What We Need to Understand About Postpartum Psychosis
  2. Aug 24

    Money Anxiety & the Scarcity Mindset

    Money anxiety isn’t always about how much money you have. Sometimes, it’s about what money has come to represent: safety, success, freedom, control, or survival. In this episode of Two Anxious Girls, we unpack the complicated relationship between anxiety, money, and the scarcity mindset. We explore why financial anxiety can stick around even when our circumstances improve, how the messages we heard about money growing up can shape our adult behaviors, and why anxiety can push us toward both oversaving and overspending. We also talk about the guilt that can come with spending money on yourself, constantly preparing for the next financial emergency, compulsively checking your bank account, comparing your financial milestones to everyone else’s, and believing that reaching a certain income or savings goal will finally make you feel secure. Because sometimes the question isn’t simply, “Do I have enough?” It’s “Will I ever feel like I have enough?” In this episode: What a scarcity mindset actually looks likeWhy financial anxiety isn’t always about your current financesHow childhood and generational messages shape our relationship with moneyThe connection between money, safety, and the nervous systemOversaving, emotional spending, and financial guiltWhy more money doesn’t automatically create a sense of securitySeparating your financial situation from your self-worthRecognizing when today’s financial decisions are being influenced by yesterday’s fearsBuilding a more intentional and compassionate relationship with moneyIf you’ve ever felt guilty after buying something you wanted, worried about money even when things were okay, or thought, “Once I reach this number, then I’ll finally relax,” this conversation is for you. Follow the podcast on Instagram @twoanxiousgirlspodcast Tiktok: twoanxiousgirls Have a question for us? Email us at twoanxiousgirlspodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Money Anxiety & the Scarcity Mindset
  3. Aug 17

    The Anxiety of Big Life Changes (Even the Good Ones)

    Big life changes are supposed to be exciting… so why can they make us so anxious? In this episode of Two Anxious Girls, we unpack the anxiety that can come with major life transitions, even the ones we’ve wanted, worked for, or prayed for. From moving, getting married, starting a new career, and becoming a parent to milestone birthdays and finally reaching a long-awaited goal, change can bring joy and uncertainty at the exact same time. Sometimes growth feels exciting. Sometimes it feels terrifying. And sometimes, it’s both. In this episode: Why positive life changes can trigger anxietyThe connection between uncertainty and our nervous systemWhy joyful transitions can still involve griefAnxiety around marriage, parenthood, careers, moving, and milestone birthdaysLetting go of the timeline you thought you “should” be onHow to support yourself emotionally during periods of changeLearning to take the next step without having the entire future figured outIf this episode resonates with you, share it with someone navigating a new chapter. And don’t forget to follow Two Anxious Girls and leave us a rating and review. Follow the podcast on Instagram @twoanxiousgirlspodcast Tiktok: twoanxiousgirls Have a question for us? Email us at twoanxiousgirlspodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The Anxiety of Big Life Changes (Even the Good Ones)
  4. Aug 3

    Can ChatGPT Replace Your Therapist? Our Truth About AI & Mental Health

    AI is changing the way we work, communicate, and even care for our mental health, but can it replace the human connection at the heart of therapy? In this episode of Two Anxious Girls, we explore the growing role of AI in mental health. We discuss why so many people are turning to tools like ChatGPT for emotional support, journaling, psychoeducation, and organizing their thoughts, and where we believe AI can be helpful. We also delve into the significant limitations of AI, including why empathy, attunement, nervous system regulation, and the therapeutic relationship cannot be replicated by technology.  Whether you are AI-curious, skeptical, or already asking ChatGPT for everything from dinner ideas to emotional insight, this conversation offers a balanced, thoughtful look at one of the biggest questions facing mental health today. In this episode, we discuss: Why more people are using AI for mental health supportWhere AI can be a powerful therapeutic toolThe parts of therapy technology can't replaceSycophancy bias and why being challenged can foster growthHow therapists are using AI behind the scenesWhy healing happens through human relationshipsIf this episode resonates with you, we'd love to hear your thoughts. Have you ever used AI to process your emotions or prepare for therapy? Share your experience, leave us a review, and don't forget to follow Two Anxious Girls so you never miss an episode. Follow the podcast on Instagram @twoanxiousgirlspodcast Tiktok: twoanxiousgirls Have a question for us? Email us at twoanxiousgirlspodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Can ChatGPT Replace Your Therapist? Our Truth About AI & Mental Health
  5. Jul 27

    When does hope help us heal... and when does it become something we feel trapped by?

    In this episode of Two Anxious Girls, we are discussing a deeply moving story about one woman's pursuit of IVF after age 45 and the difficult questions it raises about hope, grief, expectations, and knowing when enough is enough. As therapists, we explore the emotional side of infertility that often goes unseen. We talk about why our brains cling to success stories, how anxiety convinces us that "one more try" might change everything, and why making informed decisions can coexist with holding onto hope. This conversation isn't about judging anyone's fertility journey or telling anyone when to stop trying. It's about creating space for the complicated emotions that come with infertility, pregnancy loss, IVF, and the uncertainty so many people carry in silence. Whether you're navigating fertility treatment yourself, supporting someone you love, or simply curious about the emotional impact of reproductive medicine, we hope this episode reminds you that your worth has never depended on an outcome. Follow the podcast on Instagram @twoanxiousgirlspodcast Tiktok: twoanxiousgirls Have a question for us? Email us at twoanxiousgirlspodcast@gmail.com https://www.thecut.com/article/pregnancy-ivf-after-45.html?isNewSocialUser=false&providerId=apple.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    When does hope help us heal... and when does it become something we feel trapped by?
  6. Jul 13

    The Game Is Rigged! Why Women Are Burned Out Before They Even Begin

    This week, we are discussing Burnout by Emily Nagoski and Amelia Nagoski, and explore one of the book's most eye-opening concepts: The Game Is Rigged. Together, we unpack how women are often expected to succeed while navigating impossible, contradictory standards, and why anxiety so often convinces us that these systemic pressures are personal failures. In this episode, we discuss: Why so many women feel like they're never doing enoughHow anxiety turns unrealistic expectations into self-criticismThe hidden emotional labor that contributes to chronic burnoutWhy productivity hacks can't fix impossible standardsThe difference between taking responsibility and taking the blameHow to begin letting go of expectations that were never yours to carry As always, we share therapist insights, relatable anxious spirals, and our favorite Anxiety Wins of the week, including lowering our own expectations, practicing self-compassion, and discovering that sometimes healing isn't about doing more, it's about putting something down. Because not everything you're struggling with is a personal failure. Sometimes, the game really is rigged. If this episode resonated with you, we would love for you to rate, review, and follow Two Anxious Girls. Share it with someone who's been carrying impossible expectations; we have a feeling they could use this reminder, too. Follow the podcast on Instagram @twoanxiousgirlspodcast Tiktok: twoanxiousgirls Have a question for us? Email us at twoanxiousgirlspodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The Game Is Rigged! Why Women Are Burned Out Before They Even Begin
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About

Hi! We’re Dabby and Kristina, two psychotherapists who… are very anxious about everything in life, work, kids, fertility… and basically everything else. Each week on Two Anxious Girls, we’ll talk about life, work, motherhood, fertility, relationships, and all the chaos in between, from the perspective of therapists who are very aware of their own dysregulated selves. New episodes every Monday! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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