The “soft life” is everywhere — slow mornings, gentle routines, and choosing peace. But what happens when your nervous system is still in survival mode?

In this episode of Collectively Unhinged: Therapy Talk, we unpack the complicated truth behind the soft life narrative. We talk about the role of privilege in mental health discourse, why survival mode doesn’t shut off just because your circumstances change, and the quiet shame so many people carry when they’re still struggling even after “the hard part” is over.

We explore how trauma, chronic stress, and long-term instability shape the nervous system, why healing isn’t a mindset shift, and what building real softness actually looks like when your body is still protecting you.

This episode is for anyone who wants rest, ease, and peace… but feels stuck in hypervigilance, exhaustion, or emotional survival.

In this episode, we cover:

• Soft life culture vs real nervous system healing
• Privilege and access in mental health conversations
• Why survival mode lingers
• The shame around “not being healed yet”
• How to build softness slowly and sustainably

Because softness isn’t an aesthetic.

It’s a sense of safety. And that takes time.

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🎵 INTRO MUSIC:

“Good Night” by FASSounds

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DISCLAIMER:

The information provided on this podcast, Collectively Unhinged: Therapy Talk, is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as therapy or a substitute for advice from a qualified professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. Listening to this podcast does not establish a therapist-client relationship between you and the hosts or Strong Mind Mental Health, LLC. If you want to read more, check out our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Media Disclaimer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Why do New Year’s resolutions fail so often?

In this episode, therapists Courtnie and Melisa break down the psychology behind why resolutions don’t stick, why willpower is overrated, and how real habit change happens through nervous system safety, not shame.

We explore:

• Why resolutions fail
• Shame-based goals vs values-based change
• The nervous system and habit formation
• Small shifts that actually stick
• How to build habits that support mental health

Plus, we discuss the Mindful Habit Builder, a therapist-created workbook designed to help you build sustainable habits through reflection, self-compassion, and emotional awareness.

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—

🎵 INTRO MUSIC:

“Good Night” by FASSounds

—

DISCLAIMER:

The information provided on this podcast, Collectively Unhinged: Therapy Talk, is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as therapy or a substitute for advice from a qualified professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. Listening to this podcast does not establish a therapist-client relationship between you and the hosts or Strong Mind Mental Health, LLC. If you want to read more, check out our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Media Disclaimer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

More people are turning to ChatGPT and other AI tools for relationship advice, emotional validation, and mental health guidance—but can artificial intelligence actually replace therapy?

In this episode of Collectively Unhinged: Therapy Talk, licensed therapists Courtnie and Melisa explore the growing trend of using AI like a therapist and unpack why it feels so appealing. From accessibility and anonymity to the desire for instant answers, we break down what’s driving people to seek emotional support from technology instead of humans.

We discuss what AI can be helpful for, where it falls short clinically, and the risks of relying on AI for mental health advice, trauma processing, and relationship decisions. The conversation dives into attachment wounds, emotional avoidance, reassurance-seeking, and the difference between information and true healing.

Whether you’ve asked ChatGPT for dating advice, mental health insight, or late-night reassurance, this episode offers a grounded, compassionate perspective on how to use AI as a tool—without replacing real human connection or therapy.

Topics include:

• Using ChatGPT for mental health and relationship advice

• Why AI feels safer than talking to people

• The difference between therapy and emotional advice

• Attachment, anxiety, and reassurance-seeking behaviors

• Healthy ways to use AI without avoiding healing

  
  

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—

🎵 INTRO MUSIC:

“Good Night” by FASSounds

—

DISCLAIMER:

The information provided on this podcast, Collectively Unhinged: Therapy Talk, is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as therapy or a substitute for advice from a qualified professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. Listening to this podcast does not establish a therapist-client relationship between you and the hosts or Strong Mind Mental Health, LLC. If you want to read more, check out our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Media Disclaimer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this completely unscripted episode of Collectively Unhinged: Therapy Talk, Courtnie and Melisa say everything therapists usually vent about off the clock.

We’re talking late-cancelation fees (and why clients get pissed), whether people actually consider how canceling impacts their therapist, and if there’s any shock value left in therapy now that everyone’s sharing their deepest secrets on TikTok.

We dive into:

• Why boundaries in therapy matter more than ever
• The unseen emotional labor therapists carry
• How to show up for people struggling with their mental health
• Why therapy isn’t “advice-giving”—and what clients should expect instead
• Whether society has normalized therapy so much that people forget it’s still hard work

From sexual fantasies to relationship issues to chaotic family dynamics—nothing surprises us anymore, and honestly, that’s the beauty of this job.

💬 If you’ve ever wondered what therapists really think behind the scenes… this is the episode.

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—

🎵 INTRO MUSIC:

“Good Night” by FASSounds

—

DISCLAIMER:

The information provided on this podcast, Collectively Unhinged: Therapy Talk, is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as therapy or a substitute for advice from a qualified professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. Listening to this podcast does not establish a therapist-client relationship between you and the hosts or Strong Mind Mental Health, LLC. If you want to read more, check out our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Media Disclaimer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Silent Night? Not even close.

The holidays are overstimulating AF — packed with sensory overload, emotional pressure, family expectations, and a nervous system that's already exhausted. In this episode, Courtnie and Melisa break down why the holidays feel like so much, why expectations make it worse, and how to take your joy back.

We talk about:

• Holiday overstimulation & emotional triggers
• Why expectations steal joy
• Being a little selfish and choosing what YOU want
• Letting go of perfection & chasing experiences instead of things
• Practical coping tools for overstimulation
• How to actually enjoy the season on your own terms

❄️ If the holidays leave you drained, overwhelmed, or performing instead of enjoying — this one's for you.

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📱 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:

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🌐 VISIT OUR WEBSITE:⁠⁠

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—

🎵 INTRO MUSIC:

“Good Night” by FASSounds

—

DISCLAIMER:

The information provided on this podcast, Collectively Unhinged: Therapy Talk, is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as therapy or a substitute for advice from a qualified professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. Listening to this podcast does not establish a therapist-client relationship between you and the hosts or Strong Mind Mental Health, LLC. If you want to read more, check out our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Media Disclaimer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

When the world feels like it’s on fire, how do we keep showing up — as therapists, partners, friends, and humans — without burning out completely? 🔥

In this episode of Collectively Unhinged: Therapy Talk, Courtnie and Melisa unpack what it means to live in constant crisis mode — from compassion fatigue and global trauma to the emotional toll of holding space when you’re barely keeping it together yourself.

They talk about:

• The psychological impact of today’s political and cultural chaos
• Compassion fatigue and why empathy sometimes hurts
• How global trauma seeps into our personal lives and relationships
• What real rest, boundaries, and community care actually look like

This one’s for anyone who’s tired of pretending they’re fine while the world feels heavy. Because you’re not the only one falling apart — and you don’t have to carry it alone.

🎧 Listen now and remind yourself: you can care deeply and protect your peace.

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📱 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:

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🌐 VISIT OUR WEBSITE:⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠strongmindmh.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

—

🎵 INTRO MUSIC:

“Good Night” by FASSounds

—

DISCLAIMER:

The information provided on this podcast, Collectively Unhinged: Therapy Talk, is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as therapy or a substitute for advice from a qualified professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. Listening to this podcast does not establish a therapist-client relationship between you and the hosts or Strong Mind Mental Health, LLC. If you want to read more, check out our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Media Disclaimer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

More people are asking: Is monogamy the only way to love? In this episode, Courtnie and Melisa unpack the truth behind ethical non-monogamy (ENM) — what it is, what it isn’t, and how to explore it without chaos, shame, or cheating disguised as “freedom.”

They break down the differences between polyamory, swinging, and open relationships, and discuss what makes ENM ethical in the first place: honesty, consent, and clear communication. The therapists also dive into the psychology behind jealousy, attachment styles, and why so many people are craving intentional relationships that feel chosen — not automatic.

💬 Topics include:

• The rise of ethical non-monogamy in modern dating
• What “ethical” really means (and what it doesn’t)
• Common myths and misconceptions
• How to navigate jealousy, boundaries, and communication
• Therapist perspectives on what healthy ENM looks like

Whether you’re ENM-curious, monogamous but open-minded, or just wondering why it’s showing up on your feed lately — this episode invites you to explore love through a lens of curiosity, consent, and conscious connection.

🎧 Tune in, get uncomfortable, and maybe question everything you thought you knew about relationships.

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🌐 VISIT OUR WEBSITE:⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠strongmindmh.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

—

🎵 INTRO MUSIC:

“Good Night” by FASSounds

—

DISCLAIMER:

The information provided on this podcast, Collectively Unhinged: Therapy Talk, is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as therapy or a substitute for advice from a qualified professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. Listening to this podcast does not establish a therapist-client relationship between you and the hosts or Strong Mind Mental Health, LLC. If you want to read more, check out our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Media Disclaimer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Hookup culture is everywhere — from dating apps to everyday conversations — but what does it really mean for our mental health and relationships? In this episode, we dive into the rise of hookup culture, how social norms have shifted, and why casual sex can feel both liberating and complicated.

We unpack:

The hidden benefits people don’t talk about — empowerment, freedom, and reclaiming sexuality

The costs that come with it — ghosting, rejection, and the pressure to be “chill”

The messy middle — situationships, blurred lines, and trauma triggers

Therapist insights on attachment styles, boundaries, and knowing if hookup culture works for you

✨ Whether you’ve embraced hookup culture, been hurt by it, or are just curious, this conversation is about understanding the messy, human side of modern dating.

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📱 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:

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🌐 VISIT OUR WEBSITE:⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠strongmindmh.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

—

🎵 INTRO MUSIC:

“Good Night” by FASSounds

—

DISCLAIMER:

The information provided on this podcast, Collectively Unhinged: Therapy Talk, is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as therapy or a substitute for advice from a qualified professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. Listening to this podcast does not establish a therapist-client relationship between you and the hosts or Strong Mind Mental Health, LLC. If you want to read more, check out our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Media Disclaimer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.