On this episode of Art Therapy in Process, Ann Hines and Matt Brooks get real about the emotional weight of parenting, motherhood, masking, and trying to raise emotionally healthy kids while managing their own mental health. From overstimulation and mom guilt to emotional regulation, burnout, and the pressure to “do it right,” they unpack the invisible labor parents carry every day.

They talk honestly about how therapists aren’t immune to overwhelm, why so many parents feel like they’re constantly performing stability, and how healing ourselves impacts the way we show up for our children. The conversation is validating, funny, chaotic, and deeply human . A reminder that perfect parenting doesn’t exist, but connection, repair, and self awareness matter more than perfection ever could.

In this episode of Art Therapy in Process, Ann and Matt dive into the nuanced experience of dating as therapists. From managing professional identity outside the therapy room to balancing openness with healthy boundaries, they unpack the real-life dynamics that come with forming relationships in this field. The conversation also highlights the importance of feeling supported by peers, community, and partners and how that support can foster authenticity, connection, and growth. Expect honest reflections, a little humor, and the kind of insight that reminds you you’re not alone in the process.

Ann & Matt are joined by special guest Ben Earnest LMHC for a real, honest conversation about why it matters for therapists to show up authentically on social media as actual humans, not just highlight reels. They dive into the importance of male therapists in the field, breaking stigma, and creating space for more voices in mental health.

Of course… it wouldn’t be this podcast without a little ADHD chaos, life tangents, and some laughs along the way

This week, Ann and Matt are joined by Julia Toal for a real, grounded conversation about the weight of life, current events, the emotional load we all carry, and how it shows up for both therapists and clients. Together, they explore the creative tools they lean on in sessions and in their own lives to process, regulate, and stay connected when things feel overwhelming.

And because no conversation is complete without a little unexpected turn… they somehow find themselves diving into The NeverEnding Story and Disney princess psychology....

It’s thoughtful, honest, a little nostalgic, and very much real life as therapists navigating a heavy world while still finding space for creativity, humor, and meaning.

Ann & Matt take a real life, unfiltered dive into what it actually looks like to be therapists navigating the same chaos as everyone else. From AI and how it’s shaping expectations, to parenting, divorce, and the very human need for control, this episode weaves through it all. Along the way, they explore how art becomes a powerful tool for grounding, expression, and shared connection even when life feels all over the place. Honest, relatable, and a little scattered in the best way, this one captures the heart of being a therapist and a human.

In this episode Ann and Matt share the artwork and artists that inspire them, how being parents shapes the way they see creativity, and why superheroes resonate so deeply from a psychological lens. From identity and resilience to the stories we carry, it’s a mix of art, real life, and the meaning we find in both

In this episode, Ann and Matt unpack the gap between client expectations and the real, often messy process of therapy especially in a world shaped by AI and social media. From “quick fix” mindsets to curated online narratives, we explore how these influences show up in the therapy room and what it means for both clients and clinicians. Also… it’s been a long day. So you’ll get plenty of unfiltered thoughts, tired brain tangents, and the kind of honest, slightly chaotic conversation that happens when therapists are very real humans at the end of it all.

We’re diving into all things community in this episode how it’s supported us, inspired us, and helped bring Moon Magic to life. We share our appreciation for the art therapy world and get real about building a private practice that feels authentic and sustainable. Tune in for ideas on networking, local partnerships, and creative ways to connect with the people you’re meant to serve.