A breakup doesn’t just end a relationship. It can shatter your present, your past, and the future you thought you were building.

In this episode of Shrinks on Tap, Dr. Lauren Fisher and Dr. Eleni Boosalis are joined by special guest Andrada Florescu, LPC, to explore what really happens after a breakup you didn’t choose — and why so many of us find ourselves dating the “same person” in a different body.

Over coffee from Junction Bakery & Bistro, they unpack:

• Why breakups can feel like withdrawal

• The grief process and nervous system impact

• Social media checking as “relapse behavior”

• Anxious, avoidant, and disorganized attachment patterns

• How childhood templates for love shape adult relationships

• What it actually takes to move from “we” back to “me”

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why does this keep happening to me?” — this conversation offers insight, compassion, and practical reflection.

This episode is sponsored by Studio One Printing.
From premium print to custom apparel, they help brands show up with clarity and confidence.
Learn more at https://studiooneprinting.com/

Are you genuinely laidback — or are you avoiding the discomfort required for real change?

In this episode of Shrinks on Tap, Dr. Lauren Fischer and Eleni Boosalis explore the often-overlooked difference between emotional ease and emotional avoidance. With trauma-informed insight, real clinical examples, and relatable metaphors, they unpack why growth almost always involves discomfort — and why so many people unconsciously resist it.

The conversation examines how avoidance can shape relationships, identity, career choices, and emotional patterns, especially when the nervous system has learned that chaos feels familiar. They also discuss why peace can feel uncomfortable after long periods of stress, and how intuition plays a critical role in meaningful change.

This episode is for anyone who feels stuck, conflicted, or unsure whether their current life is aligned — or simply familiar.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The difference between being laidback and emotionally avoidant

• Why discomfort is often a necessary part of growth

• How trauma and nervous system patterns influence behavior

• Why peace can feel unfamiliar after chaos

• How intuition helps guide real change

What really happens when you meditate for 30 hours in a single week?

In this episode of Shrinks on Tap, Dr. Lauren Fisher and Dr. Eleni Boosalis share their experience attending an intensive, week-long meditation retreat inspired by the work of Dr. Joe Dispenza. They explore what surprised them, what challenged them, and how extended meditation impacted their nervous systems, habits, and daily lives after returning home.

This week’s episode is paired with Live-a-Little / Live-a-Lot wines from Stellar Organics — organic, fair-trade wines chosen to complement reflective conversations and intentional living.

This conversation weaves together psychology, neuroscience, mindfulness, and real-world application. We talk about stress, subconscious patterns, brain states, heart-brain coherence, and why lasting change often requires more than insight alone.

Whether you’re curious about meditation, skeptical of transformational claims, or simply looking for new ways to regulate stress and reconnect with yourself, this episode offers an honest, grounded perspective on what change can actually look like.

Why do we keep repeating the same patterns, even when we know better?

In this episode of Shrinks on Tap, Dr. Eleni Boosalis sits down with transformational therapist Andrada Florescu to explore how we unconsciously give away our power — and how to take it back.

We talk about autopilot living, repetition compulsion, cognitive dissonance, and why the nervous system resists change. You’ll learn why familiar discomfort can feel safer than growth, how subconscious beliefs shape your choices, and why real change doesn’t require a crisis.

This episode offers practical insights and grounded tools to help you become more aware, aligned, and empowered — one choice at a time.

If you’ve been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from yourself, this conversation will help you understand why — and what to do next.

Ever feel like you’re “not yourself” when you’re anxious, angry, perfectionistic, or stuck in self-criticism? In this episode of Shrinks on Tap, Dr. Lauren Fisher and Dr. Eleni Boosalis break down the “parts” inside all of us using the Internal Family Systems (IFS) framework.

We talk about why these parts show up, how to spot when you’re operating from a part (instead of your calm, grounded self), and why even the parts you hate are often trying to protect you. You’ll learn a simple way to pause when triggered, get curious instead of judgmental, and start building a healthier relationship with the parts running the show.

If you’ve ever said “I’m just an anxious person” or “I’m just angry,” this conversation will help you reframe what’s happening and give you a practical way to respond differently.

How do you actually know if your relationship is working?

In this episode of Shrinks on Tap, therapists Deborah Grodzicki,and Amy Begnal, LPC unpack the real signs of success in relationships — the ones most couples completely overlook because they’re so focused on what’s wrong.

They explore:

• Why your relationship is probably not doomed, even if it feels stuck

• How negativity bias and Gottman’s “negative sentiment override” keep you from seeing what’s going well

• The 3 C’s of trust — care, consistency, and capacity — and why all three matter

• The difference between emotional trust and just trusting someone not to be unfaithful

• Rituals of connection, touch, and the small moments that quietly hold relationships together

• A simple one-word “before and after” check-in that often shifts couples from anxious and resentful to hopeful and understood in just one session

• Why assuming good intent can change how you show up with your partner

This is a hopeful, grounding conversation for anyone who’s wondering, “Are we okay?” or “Is this worth the work?”

🎧 Listen in, then ask yourself:
What’s going well in my relationship this week — with myself, my partner, and my people?

The holidays can bring joy — but also stress, overstimulation, and emotional overwhelm. In this Shrinks on Tap holiday special, Lauren and Eleni share grounding practices and after-care rituals to help you stay centered, calm, and intentional through the season.

✨ Going with intention✨ Releasing perfection✨ Listening to your body✨ Regulating your nervous system✨ Creating “after the gathering” decompression time

This episode is brought to you by Arterra Wines and Hawkmoth Arts — a husband-and-wife collaboration rooted in natural elements, craftsmanship, and creativity.

Jason Murray produces “True Terroir” Virginia wines using native yeast, neutral oak, no chemical additives, and ultra-low sulfites — resulting in exceptionally clean, expressive wines. Their Petit Verdot is rich, bold, and beautifully smooth.

Visit their tasting room in Delaplane, VA or order online at ArterraWines.com.

🍷 Sponsored by Arterra Wines + Hawkmoth Arts

Why is love so hard? And why do we fight so fiercely to stay connected, even when relationships feel overwhelming?

In this special guest-hosted episode of Shrinks On Tap, therapists Amy Begnal, LPC, CRC and Deborah Grodzicki, PhD, MS sit down for a warm, honest, and science-based conversation about why relationships matter, why they challenge us, and how understanding attachment theory, temperament, and the biology of connection can transform the way we love.

Together, they explore:
• Why humans are wired for connection
• Why couples fight so hard to stay together
• How attachment styles shape adult relationships
• The role of temperament, personality, and early caregiving
• Why hope, awareness, and willingness are the foundation of change
• What really makes love so difficult — and so worth it

Whether you’re single, partnered, or navigating the complexities of love, this episode helps normalize the struggle and illuminate the science behind our deepest emotional bonds.

New to Shrinks On Tap?
We’re holistic psychologists talking real life, real relationships, and real moments of growth — all around the metaphorical table with a warm drink in hand.

Listen, reflect, and join us for the next episode where we explore the green flags & red flags that predict long-term relationship success.

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health, medical, or therapeutic advice. Listening does not establish a therapist–client relationship. If you are experiencing a mental health concern or crisis, please seek support from a licensed professional or contact your local crisis hotline or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.