Through a Therapist's Eyes Podcast

Episod

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  Who's Afraid of ICE? Deportation Anxiety & the Mental Health Impact of Immigration - Ep372 22.09.2026 1j 9min

  In Episode 372 of Through a Therapist's Eyes, we take an unvarnished look at the psychological toll of deportation anxiety in an era of surging interior ICE enforcement. When the threat of detention is a grounded reality rather than an irrational catastrophization, traditional advice like "stop worrying" falls completely flat. Bridging hard policy data with clinical wisdom, this episode explores how chronic hypervigilance reshapes daily life—from children carrying hidden attachment fears to families shrinking their worlds to stay safe. Join our panel of therapists as we unpack the delicate balance between realistic preparation and emotional regulation, offering practical insight on how to navigate high-stakes uncertainty, distinguish risk management from life-altering avoidance, and continue living when the fear is very real. Tune in to see Deportation Anxiety Through a Therapist's Eyes.
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  Lindsay Clancy: Postpartum Psychosis, Mental Illness & Criminal Responsibility - Ep371 15.09.2026 1j 13min

  In Episode 371 of Through a Therapist's Eyes, we examine the tragic case of Lindsay Clancy following the September 2026 mistrial declaration—where a jury split 11–1 over whether the Massachusetts mother was criminally responsible for the deaths of her three children during what her defense argued was an acute break from reality. We break down the vital clinical distinction between common postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis—a severe, highly unpredictable psychiatric emergency marked by delusions, hallucinations, and severely compromised reality testing. Merging legal and psychological frameworks, the panel explores how a diagnosis alone doesn't resolve criminal responsibility, tackling the complex question of whether deliberate planning refutes the presence of psychosis. Finally, we speak directly to listeners about recognizing early warning signs, overcoming the shame surrounding frightening post-birth thoughts, and balancing empathy for devastating psychiatric illness with the difficult demands of justice. Tune in to see Criminal Responsibility Through a Therapist's Eyes.
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  Let's Talk About Weed: Cannabis Myths Busted & the Risks Nobody Talks About - Ep370 08.09.2026 1j 13min

  Has our cultural normalization of marijuana moved faster than our actual understanding of its health risks? In this provocative episode of Through a Therapist's Eyes, the panel tackles the shifting landscape of cannabis use—starting with surprising CDC data on Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome, a condition linked to frequent use that causes severe vomiting and has sent nearly 200,000 people to the emergency room. From busting common myths about driving, addiction, and anxiety to debating whether "legal" actually means "safe," the hosts bypass the tired "good vs. bad" debate to offer a compassionate, clinical lens on your relationship with weed. Whether you are a casual user, using it medically, or relying on it to manage daily stress, tune in for a nuanced, eye-opening conversation designed to help you reflect on whether cannabis is truly serving your health or subtly driving your life. Tune in to see Weed Through a Therapist's Eyes.
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  August 2026 Month in Review - Ep369 01.09.2026 1j 8min

  In Episode 369 of Through a Therapist's Eyes, we look back at August 2026 to tackle complex intersections of mental health, physical well-being, and human resilience. We break down the heavy legal and clinical questions surrounding the Lindsay Clancy case—examining where severe mental illness meets legal responsibility—and explore the troubling rise of Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome alongside the nuanced debate over Kratom and harm reduction. Finally, we pull key insights from our recent conversations with music producer Hunter Davidsohn on finding hope while living with chronic pain, paired with the science of post-traumatic growth, to offer actionable guidance on building genuine emotional resilience through life's hardest seasons. Tune in to see the August Month in Review Through a Therapist's Eyes.
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  Hunter Davidsohn: Success Didn't End the Pain: Living with Chronic Pain and Choosing Hope - Ep368 25.08.2026 1j 8min

  In Episode 368 of Through a Therapist's Eyes, host Chris Gazdik sits down with acclaimed music producer and engineer Hunter Davidsohn - the creative mind behind releases for Frankie Cosmos, Porches, and Sheer Mag - to explore a poignant, often overlooked reality: professional success cannot insulate us from severe physical suffering. Despite reaching career milestones many only dream of, Hunter opens up about his daily fight with debilitating chronic back pain and how it has reshaped his relationship with his craft, identity, and independence. Together, they dive deep into the psychology of persistent pain, separating the myth of instant healing from the nuanced work of genuine emotional resilience, attachment, and acceptance. This grounded, deeply honest conversation reframes hope not as a guarantee that everything will be fixed, but as a deliberate daily choice to pursue meaning, connection, and creation alongside life's greatest hard struggles. Tune in to see Living with Chronic Pain and Choosing Hope Through a Therapist's Eyes.  
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  Why Some People Break... and Others Grow: The Science of Emotional Resilience - Ep367 18.08.2026 1j 10min

  In Episode 367 of Through a Therapist's Eyes, explore the fascinating science of emotional resilience to uncover why some people shatter under life's heaviest storms while others manage to transform pain into post-traumatic growth. Demystifying common misconceptions, this episode reveals that true resilience isn't about hiding vulnerability or being "emotionally tough," but rather a practiced, dynamic skill rooted in connection, mental flexibility, radical acceptance, and finding deep-seated purpose. Drawing from foundational psychological research—including Ann Masten's "ordinary magic" and Tedeschi and Calhoun's growth frameworks—you will learn practical strategies to stop fighting reality, lean into supportive relationships, and intentionally navigate adversity so that life's greatest challenges refine rather than define you.  Tune in to see the Science of Emotional Resilience Through a Therapist's Eyes.
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  July 2026 Month in Review - Ep366 04.08.2026 1j 8min

  Welcome to the July 2026 month-in-review for Through a Therapist's Eyes, where host Chris, along with co-hosts Neil and Kyle, recap a powerful month of episodes navigating the overwhelming crossroads of marital crisis, separation, and divorce with intentionality rather than impulse. In this concise review—featuring expert legal insights from Sodoma Law attorneys Chelsea Gajewski and Caroline Strauss—the team breaks down the crucial distinctions between a wounded relationship and an unsalvageable one, the structure of a therapeutic separation, and how to protect your family's emotional well-being if ending the marriage is the healthiest path forward. From uncovering the true meaning behind "I'm done" to recognizing critical warning signs, this episode equips couples with the practical, courage-tested questions needed to replace overwhelming pain with clarity, honesty, and lasting peace. Tune in to see July Through a Therapist's Eyes
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  Before You File for Divorce: Is Your Marriage Really Over? What Every Couple Should Know Continued… - Ep365 28.07.2026 1j 7min

  In Episode 365 of Through a Therapist's Eyes, the panel dives into a candid discussion on one of life's heaviest decisions: determining whether a marriage is truly over or simply deeply wounded. Exploring critical warning signs like abuse and addiction alongside the transformative lens of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), this episode helps couples untangle whether their true enemy is their partner or a negative interaction cycle. Through powerful reflection questions and practical guidance on emotional safety, listeners are encouraged to slow down and evaluate their relationship intentionally—ensuring that whether the path leads to reconciliation or letting go with dignity, the outcome is rooted in clarity, healing, and peace. Tune in to see if your Marriage is Really Over Through a Therapist's Eyes.
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  When Divorce Is the Right Decision: How to End a Marriage Without Destroying a Family - Ep364 21.07.2026 55min

  In Episode 364 of Through a Therapist's Eyes, we confront a difficult but necessary truth: sometimes, ending a marriage is the healthiest choice for everyone involved. Joined by family lawyer Caroline, we bridge the legal and therapeutic worlds to explore how couples can navigate separation without destroying their family's well-being. From managing anger during legal proceedings and protecting children from loyalty conflicts to reframing divorce as a path toward individual recovery and collaborative co-parenting, this episode provides a compassionate blueprint for a "healthy divorce." Tune in to discover practical ways to separate emotion from decision-making, shield your kids from adult conflict, and ultimately move past survival toward true healing and growth. Tune in to see How to End a Marriage Without Destroying a Family Through a Therapist's Eyes.  
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  Before You Separate: Can a Trial Separation Save Your Marriage? - Ep363 15.07.2026 1j 4min

  In Episode 363 of Through a Therapist's Eyes, we tackle a critical question many couples face when their marriage hits a breaking point: Before You Separate: Can a Trial Separation Save Your Marriage? Joined by family law specialist Chelsea Gajewski, Managing Attorney at Sodoma Law, we bridge the gap between emotional survival and legal reality to explore how a separation can be a purposeful crossroads rather than a fast track to divorce. Rather than treating physical separation as a chaotic escape hatch, Chelsea and Chris break down the vital distinctions between an aimless "break," a highly structured "therapeutic separation," and practical interim arrangements like "bird-nesting" to protect the kids. Listeners will walk away with actionable advice on how to establish clear boundaries, avoid catastrophic legal mistakes born of high-emotion decisions, and set intentional goals to ensure the separation yields clarity—whether that means ultimately saving the marriage or transitioning apart with peace and dignity. Tune in to see a Trial Separation Through a Therapist's Eyes.
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  Before You File for Divorce: Is Your Marriage Really Over? What Every Couple Should Know - Ep362 07.07.2026 1j 12min

  Before making one of life's most permanent decisions, couples standing on the brink of separation owe it to themselves to pause and unpack a crucial question: are you trying to end your marriage, or are you simply trying to end the pain? In this episode of Through a Therapist's Eyes, our panel explores the deep emotional landscapes of marital distress, helping listeners differentiate between chronic exhaustion and true incompatibility. Utilizing the lens of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), we discuss how the enemy is often not your partner, but rather the negative interaction cycle you've trapped yourselves in. While acknowledging that divorce is sometimes necessary and healthy—particularly in cases of abuse, unaddressed addiction, or repeated infidelity—this episode provides practical reflection questions to help you evaluate your relationship with dignity and intent. Whether the ultimate path forward is intentional reconciliation or letting go with grace, this conversation offers the clarity needed to make a thoughtful, deliberate decision rather than an impulsive one. Tune in to see if your Marriage is Really Over Through a Therapist's Eyes.
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  May & June Month in Review - Ep361 30.06.2026 1j 10min

  Welcome to our May & June Month in Review! In this recap episode of Through a Therapist's Eyes, we look back at a powerful stretch of conversations covering everything from how our canine companions support human grief (Ep. 356) to the bittersweet anxiety parents face during graduation season (Ep. 358). We dive deep into the internet's self-diagnosis boom (Ep. 357) to untangle the line between normal human struggles and clinical neurodivergence, exploring how to use online mental health content for healthy self-reflection rather than rigid labeling. Finally, we explore the architecture of our relationships by breaking down primary vs. secondary emotions—examining why we weaponize anger when we are actually hurting (Ep. 359)—and outline how to cultivate genuine emotional safety by replacing defensive "horsemen" with validation, repair, and a commitment to handling hard things together (Ep. 360).  Tune in to see the May and June Review Through a Therapist's Eyes.
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  Emotional Safety: How Trust, Vulnerability & Connection Change Relationships - Ep360 23.06.2026 1j 14min

  Ever wonder why we swap vulnerability for anger, or why a simple disagreement can feel like a threat to your entire relationship? In Episode 360 of Through a Therapist's Eyes, we unlock the invisible force that determines whether your relationships thrive or fracture: emotional safety. We dive into why humans swap "I'm hurt" for "You never listen," how subtle relationship killers like invalidation quietly erode trust, and how the core principles of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) can completely rewrite your connection with partners and children alike. Tune in for a raw look at what it truly takes to dismantle your defenses and build a bond safe enough for reality. Tune in to see Emotional Safety Through a Therapist's Eyes.
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  Why Do We Get Angry When We're Actually Hurt? The Emotion Behind the Emotion - Ep359 16.06.2026 1j 9min

  Ever wonder why a minor argument over unwashed dishes can spiral into a major blowup? In Episode 359 of Through a Therapist's Eyes, we pull back the layers on why we so often react with anger when we are actually feeling deeply hurt. Drawing on the principles of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), this episode breaks down the crucial difference between our immediate, vulnerable primary emotions—like fear, loneliness, and rejection—and the protective secondary emotions like anger and defensiveness that act as emotional bodyguards. We explore how intellectualizing our feelings can trap us in cycles of criticism, and how learning to voice the true experience underneath can transform our relationships and build genuine emotional safety. Tune in to challenge yourself with practical reflection questions and discover how replacing "you're impossible" with "I'm hurt" can radically change how you connect with those you love. Tune in to see When We're Actually Hurting Through a Therapist's Eyes.
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  They Graduated…Why Am I So Anxious? The Parent Side of Letting Go - Ep358 09.06.2026 1j 3min

  Watching your child walk across the graduation stage brings a flood of pride—but it can also trigger a surprising amount of anxiety, grief, and fear about what comes next. In Episode 358 of Through a Therapist's Eyes, "They Graduated…Why Am I So Anxious? The Parent Side of Letting Go," we dive into the emotional rollercoaster parents face whether their teen is leaving high school or their young adult is finishing college. We explore the painful but necessary shift from being your child's everyday "manager" to becoming their "consultant," addressing modern hurdles like student debt and the slow launch back home. If you are wrestling with how to stay connected without staying in control, this episode offers practical guidance on how to handle your own anxiety, trust your child through their mistakes, and embrace a rewarding new season of parenthood rooted in less control and more trust. Tune in to see what You are so Anxious when They Graduate Through a Therapist's Eyes.
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  Neurodivergent or Just Human? ADHD, Autism & the Internet Self-Diagnosis Boom - Ep357 19.05.2026 1j 11min

  In this episode of Through a Therapist's Eyes, we explore the growing online conversation around ADHD, autism, and the rise of self-diagnosis culture. As social media platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Reddit flood our feeds with relatable mental health content, many people are beginning to ask: "Am I neurodivergent—or just human?" We unpack the difference between normal human struggles and clinical diagnoses, why labels can feel validating, and how internet mental health culture can both help and mislead. This episode examines ADHD symptoms, autism awareness, neurodivergence, burnout, anxiety, trauma, and digital overstimulation while encouraging listeners to approach self-understanding with curiosity, reflection, and professional guidance rather than reducing themselves to a diagnosis alone. Tune in to see if we're Neurodivergent or Just Human Through a Therapist's Eyes.
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  Dogs and Human Grief: How They Sense Emotions and Support Healing - Ep356 12.05.2026 1j 13min

  In this episode of Through a Therapist's Eyes, we explore the powerful connection between dogs and human grief, and how animals often sense emotions long before words are spoken. Through Kyle's personal story of losing his father, the conversation examines how dogs respond to sadness, stress, and emotional pain through quiet presence, comfort, and companionship. We also discuss the role of service dogs in mental health support, the difference between emotional support animals and trained service dogs, and why healing during grief is often less about fixing pain and more about feeling supported and grounded. This episode offers insight into emotional healing, human-animal connection, grief support, and the mental health lessons dogs can teach us about presence, comfort, and resilience. Tune in to see Dogs and Human Grief Through a Therapist's Eyes.
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  April 2026 Month in Review - Ep355 05.05.2026 1j 14min

  In this April 2026 Month in Review episode of Through a Therapist's Eyes, we revisit four key conversations on stress, grief, parenting, and dating. We explore how chronic stress and hypervigilance keep the body stuck in survival mode—and why movement is essential for regulation. We also challenge the idea of "moving on" from grief, reframing resilience as small, everyday acts of self-compassion. In parenting, we question whether modern trends are helping or adding pressure, and return to core principles like empathy and trusting your instincts. Finally, we look at dating—from pandemic teens to midlife singles—highlighting shared struggles like fear of rejection and the importance of approaching relationships with authenticity and curiosity. Tune in to see the April Month in Review Through a Therapist's Eyes.
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  New to Dating: From Pandemic Teens to Midlife Singles — Skills for Building Connection - Ep354 28.04.2026 1j 13min

  In this episode of Through a Therapist's Eyes, we explore dating skills for beginners—whether you're a post-pandemic teen or a midlife adult re-entering the dating world. We break down how COVID disrupted social development, leaving many people struggling with communication, confidence, and fear of rejection, and why these challenges show up across generations. This episode highlights the importance of friendship as the foundation of healthy dating, along with practical insights on building connection, improving social skills, and navigating modern dating with authenticity instead of pressure. Tune in to see Skills for Building Connections Through a Therapist's Eyes.
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  Millennial Parents Are Ditching These 11 Parenting Trends — Are They Right? - Ep353 21.04.2026 1j 11min

  In this episode of Through a Therapist's Eyes, we take a closer look at 11 parenting trends millennials are ditching in 2026 and explore what that shift means for families today. From stepping back on helicopter parenting and over-the-top birthday expectations to reintroducing boundaries like saying "no" and allowing kids to experience consequences, the panel breaks down each trend through a clinical lens—asking whether these approaches actually support emotional health or unintentionally increase stress for both parents and children. Along the way, we examine the growing tension between expert-driven parenting advice and trusting your own instincts, highlighting how simplicity, consistency, and authenticity often matter more than perfection. Grounded in the Love & Logic framework, this conversation emphasizes empathy, responsibility, and real-world learning, offering practical questions to help parents reflect on what truly works for their family—and what might be worth letting go. Tune in to see the 11 parenting trends that are being ditched Through a Therapist's Eyes.