From fears of being judged to the surprising benefits of shared experiences, this conversation unpacks why group therapy can offer something uniquely powerful that individual therapy can’t always provide. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, grief, addiction, or simply longing for connection, group therapy can help you feel less alone and more understood. Tune in to Discover: Why group therapy feels intimidating (and why that’s normal) How shared vulnerability can foster deep healing The role of s...
Jun 19, 2025•28 min•Ep. 142
Tune in to Discover: What online therapy is and how it became mainstream The biggest benefits of telehealth—flexibility, access, efficiency Why online therapy works (and when it might not) How to prepare for your first session and set yourself up for success Common challenges—privacy, tech, insurance—and how to manage them Whether a hybrid (in-person + virtual) model might be right for you Whether you're considering therapy for the first time or wondering if online sessions could be a better fit...
May 22, 2025•21 min•Ep. 141
Abuse comes in many forms—and it’s not always easy to identify. In this important episode of Everyday Therapy , Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists Brett Cushing and Christa Overson unpack the different types of abuse, including emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. They explore the signs, long-term psychological impacts, and how survivors can begin the healing process. Whether you’ve experienced abuse or want to support someone who has, this episode offers insight, validation, and hope. Tu...
Apr 24, 2025•25 min•Ep. 140
Whether you’re looking to find out how to recognize the signs of a substance use problem or understand the science behind cravings and dependence, this conversation offers hope and actionable steps for those struggling or supporting a loved one through recovery. Tune in to Discover: What defines substance use disorder and how it differs from casual use. The role of tolerance, cravings, and withdrawal in addiction. Why addiction is not about willpower but a medical condition. How genetics and men...
Mar 27, 2025•26 min•Ep. 139
Depression doesn’t always look the way you expect. While some people openly struggle, others mask their symptoms behind a smile. In this episode of Everyday Therapy , Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists Brett Cushing and Christa Overson uncover the different types of depression, how they show up in daily life, and what you can do to manage symptoms. From recognizing the physical and emotional signs to practical strategies for self-care and professional treatment options, this conversation wi...
Feb 27, 2025•26 min•Ep. 138
Anxiety is a shared human experience, but it doesn’t have to control your life. In this episode of Everyday Therapy , Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists Brett Cushing and Christa Overson explore simple yet powerful ways to recognize, manage, and reframe anxiety. From understanding the physical symptoms to using techniques like deep breathing, gratitude, and exercise, Brett and Christa provide practical tools to help you navigate anxiety and build resilience. Tune in to Discover: How to iden...
Jan 30, 2025•22 min•Ep. 137
In this episode, Brett and Christa share a different take on the Fourth Agreement from don Miguel Ruiz’s “The Four Agreements.” They discuss how when we choose to believe that “everyone is doing their best,” life and the holidays get a lot better for us. Do you have feedback or topic requests? Email us at podcast@nystromcounseling.com We'd love to hear from you! Follow along: Instagram Facebook Nystrom & Associates...
Dec 17, 2024•31 min•Ep. 136
Don't make assumptions. In this episode, Brett and Christa get into the Third Agreement from don Miguel Ruiz’s “The Four Agreements.” They discuss how we often make assumptions about others, reality, and ourselves that we believe to be facts but are actually just...assumptions. They also talk about how our assumptions are often negative and lead us to believe the worst in people and ourselves. Listen to learn how to avoid and replace our assumptions and get closer to others this holiday season! ...
Dec 10, 2024•30 min•Ep. 135
"Nothing other people do is because of you.” In this episode, Brett and Christa get into the Second Agreement from don Miguel Ruiz’s “The Four Agreements”: Don’t Take Anything Personally. Learn about the freedom of realizing this agreement and how it can even help you “cope ahead” for seeing family this holiday season. Do you have feedback or topic requests? Email us at podcast@nystromcounseling.com We'd love to hear from you! Follow along: Instagram Facebook Nystrom & Associates...
Dec 03, 2024•34 min•Ep. 134
In this four-part series, Brett and Christa review the popular self-help book, The Four Agreements, by don Miguel Ruiz. This episode covers "Be Impeccable With Your Word," and explains how to empower yourself with the creative force of your words. Do you have feedback or topic requests? Email us at podcast@nystromcounseling.com We'd love to hear from you! Follow along: Instagram Facebook Nystrom & Associates...
Nov 26, 2024•32 min•Ep. 133
It may sound simple, but practicing gratitude can be difficult, especially when we're anxious and depressed. For some of us, our personalities seem more negative, and gratitude seems silly or superficial. Today's episode will demonstrate how challenging gratitude can be for all of us and how to overcome obstacles and truly live a life of regular commitments to gratitude. Do you have feedback or topic requests? Email us at podcast@nystromcounseling.com We'd love to hear from you! Follow along: In...
Nov 19, 2024•30 min•Ep. 132
We hear the phrase "Its a game changer" suggesting that something can truly alter your life and today's episode not only suggests this, but we show the neurology, biology and psychology which supports this. The scientific knowledge behind the practice of gratitude is compelling and will encourage listeners to tune in for our next episode on how to practice gratitude. Do you have feedback or topic requests? Email us at podcast@nystromcounseling.com We'd love to hear from you! Follow along: Instag...
Nov 12, 2024•25 min•Ep. 131
Following last week's podcast, we now point to positive steps to take to ensure your new goals will become new habits. There is hope and you can change. Listen, be encouraged, believe and share with others what you are learning and accomplishing for yourself. Do you have feedback or topic requests? Email us at podcast@nystromcounseling.com We'd love to hear from you! Follow along: Instagram Facebook Nystrom & Associates...
Oct 29, 2024•24 min•Ep. 130
Have you ever embarked with renewed determination and belief to make changes in your life, telling yourself that "This time things will be different", only to eventually fall back to old habits and feeling more defeated than ever? Why does this inevitably happen? Today's podcast addresses why this occurs and points to a new approach to building new habits that will last. Do you have feedback or topic requests? Email us at podcast@nystromcounseling.com We'd love to hear from you! Follow along: In...
Oct 22, 2024•31 min•Ep. 129
In part two of our deep dive into women’s sleep health, Dr. Richard Blackburn and Christa Overson turn their focus to the unique sleep challenges that come with pregnancy. From hormonal shifts to physical discomfort, many women notice a decrease in sleep quality during pregnancy. Tune in to understand the science behind pregnancy’s impact on sleep and discover strategies for improving sleep while pregnant. Do you have feedback or topic requests? Email us at podcast@nystromcounseling.com We'd lov...
Oct 15, 2024•48 min•Ep. 128
Listen in as Dr. Blackburn breaks down the science behind hormonal fluctuations and their impact on sleep. From understanding the role of estrogen and progesterone during the menstrual cycle and menopause, this episode is packed with valuable advice for any woman struggling to get a good night's rest. Do you have feedback or topic requests? Email us at podcast@nystromcounseling.com We'd love to hear from you! Follow along: Instagram Facebook Nystrom & Associates...
Oct 08, 2024•37 min•Ep. 127
In this episode, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) Michelle Iversen discusses Cannabis and Marijuana along with special guest Cheyenne Fendrich, LADC . Cheyenne has worked in the recovery community for 5 years, was a treatment technician at a women's substance use treatment facility, and is a licensed alcohol and drug counselor at Nystrom's Substance Use Disorder Program. Listen as Cheyenne and Michelle talk about cannabis and marijuana, including how it affects those with substance ...
Sep 24, 2024•24 min•Ep. 18
The word addiction conjures up many thoughts and emotions which we find ourselves averse, and thus may avoid the topic rather than embrace it for genuine hope and healing. Today's podcast helps the listener better understand what addiction really is, and how normative it can be to being human. Also, listeners will come away empowered with better understanding as to why overcoming addiction is hard, but also with hope for a truly free and sober life worth living. Do you have feedback or topic req...
Sep 17, 2024•32 min•Ep. 126
Anger is a signal of possible danger or threat, and this can imply that a change needs to occur. Often times we see our attempts to respond to anger by being destructive, and today's podcast helps us learn how to be constructive in the wake of anger's wake up calls to us. Do you have feedback or topic requests? Email us at podcast@nystromcounseling.com We'd love to hear from you! Follow along: Instagram Facebook Nystrom & Associates...
Sep 10, 2024•37 min•Ep. 125
Anger is an internal issue, which we ascribe as an external problem. This allows us to avoid the empowerment that comes from embracing out anger. Today's podcast takes a deeper look at the benefits of anger, the emotions that hide behind anger and what it means to "be angry." Do you have feedback or topic requests? Email us at podcast@nystromcounseling.com We'd love to hear from you! Follow along: Instagram Facebook Nystrom & Associates...
Sep 03, 2024•30 min•Ep. 124
"You make me so angry!" While this is a common expression and belief in our culture, people do not necessarily "make" us angry. So what is anger? Why are we so afraid of it and believe it is wrong? Can anger become my ally rather than my enemy? These questions and more will be addressed to help us better embrace and express our anger. Do you have feedback or topic requests? Email us at podcast@nystromcounseling.com We'd love to hear from you! Follow along: Instagram Facebook Nystrom & Associ...
Aug 27, 2024•30 min•Ep. 123
Humor is the best medicine because it is so effective towards healing and tastes much better than normal medicine. This episode with Dr. Mork helps us understand how to apply humor effectively in our lives to alleviate pain, build resilience and positively progress through the darkest of times. We've all experienced the joys and benefits of humor as well as the invalidation of ineffective humor. This podcast will help us know when, why and how to apply humor effectively with ourselves and others...
Aug 20, 2024•37 min•Ep. 122
Humor is essential to being a healthy human. Today's guest, Dr. Melissa Mork, is a Professor of Psychology and a Certified Humor Professional. Some may say, "She is certifiable." Dr. Mork not only brings much humor to this episode, but helps us understand how humor is indispensable to every area of life and especially when dealing with mental health issues and in the wake of woeful events and serious losses. She shares compellingly from personal experiences as well as from rich and relevant rese...
Aug 13, 2024•32 min•Ep. 121
Today's episode concludes Lindsay's story from sexual trauma to a restored life that is new, joyful and whole. Lindsay shares how therapy has impacted her life. She shares her perspective on her abusers and the emotion of joy and contentment she now experiences. She shares how, through therapy, she has empowered herself to become the best version of herself, live a life worth living and is helping others who have experienced sexual trauma. Do you have feedback or topic requests? Email us at podc...
Aug 06, 2024•29 min•Ep. 120
Today's episode continues to address sexual trauma as Lindsay shares more of her story and how specific therapies have helped her find newness of life. She shares the symptoms from sexual trauma that pervaded her life and how therapy has helped her move past shame, anxiety and isolation. Do you have feedback or topic requests? Email us at podcast@nystromcounseling.com We'd love to hear from you! Follow along: Instagram Facebook Nystrom & Associates...
Jul 30, 2024•30 min•Ep. 119
Sexual trauma is much more prevalent and impactful than we may think. Sexual trauma is truly life altering and can lead people to despair, hopeless and feeling as though they have lost their very soul. And there is hope, newness of life, healing and strength which people never knew they had until they engage in therapy. Today's episode is part one of three, with our special guest, Lindsay, who has survived sexual trauma, and tells of her journey towards healing, wholeness and greater purpose. He...
Jul 23, 2024•31 min•Ep. 118
We often hear of people being "triggered" by events and what does this really mean? It implies that people have had trauma in the past and current behaviors/events are "triggering" past trauma experiences. But come on! Really? Are people really triggered or are we being tricked by an over used term? Today's episode will answer these questions and more as we begin to shed light on truths about trauma and how it is treated. Do you have feedback or topic requests? Email us at podcast@nystromcounsel...
Jul 09, 2024•30 min•Ep. 117
Are you finding yourself increasingly impatient and intolerant for how slow everything is? Do you ever feel nobody listens to you and is instead distracted and unable to pay attention to you? The reasons could be our remarkably diminishing attention span! Our attention spans are becoming smaller and smaller, but so what? What's the big deal? Today's episode addresses the how and why our attention spans are diminishing as well as why it is a big deal and what we can do about it. Do you have feedb...
Jul 02, 2024•34 min•Ep. 116
Therapy can genuinely be life-changing, and yet sometimes it does not work. How can you ensure that your investment in therapy pays off? In this episode, Brett and Christa identify what makes therapy effective and provide practical tips for empowering yourself to ensure that therapy is the empowering, life-changing experience you are desiring. Do you have feedback or topic requests? Email us at podcast@nystromcounseling.com We'd love to hear from you! Follow along: Instagram Facebook Nystrom &am...
Jun 25, 2024•31 min•Ep. 115
Are you struggling to separate fact from fiction when it comes to addiction? In today's episode of the Everyday Therapy Podcast, Brett and Christa tackle some of the most common myths about addiction. They'll debunk common misconceptions, providing you with accurate information and practical insights. Tune in to learn the truth about addiction and how it impacts individuals and their loved ones. Do you have feedback or topic requests? Email us at podcast@nystromcounseling.com We'd love to hear f...
Jun 18, 2024•34 min•Ep. 114
