The Shrink Think Podcast - podcast cover

The Shrink Think Podcast

Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkinswww.shrinkthink.com
Welcome to the Shrink Think Podcast hosted by Aaron Potratz and Nathan Hawkins, two licensed counselors. With engaging, informative conversations and light-hearted humor, the Shrink Think Podcast aims to normalize and demystify therapy for those beginning or continuing their mental health journey; in short, to bridge the gap between clients and therapists. Episodes are geared toward simplifying complex therapeutic concepts, exploring personal contributions and needs in relation to therapy, and both informing and empowering individuals to know what to expect from the process and their own therapist.
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Episodes

147. Dating 101: Some Do's and Dont's

Many people come to therapy discussing issues with dating. We compiled these into one episode just skimming the surface of how to go about dating to find a good partner, and some things to definitely avoid doing. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and clinical supervisors with over 35 years of experience. They each own a private group therapy practice and co-own a third one together. Aaron is also a business consultant for therapists in private...

Jun 28, 202323 min

146. Be Honest With Yourself

If you want to give yourself a valuable gift, start with being honest with yourself - about yourself. Telling yourself the truth about your thoughts, feelings, and actions is challenging because we often don't want to see ourselves as we really are, but this kind of honesty will bring clarity and a solid place to start if there are things you want to change. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and clinical supervisors with over 35 years of exper...

Jun 21, 202323 min

145. Stop Pretending-Tolerate Your Fear & Accept Reality

Fear is one of the most powerful feelings we experience, which can drive behavior and distort your perception. Learning how to tolerate how fear feels in your body can empower you to see more objectively and make better decisions in life. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and clinical supervisors with over 35 years of experience. They each own a private group therapy practice and co-own a third one together. Aaron is also a business consultant...

Jun 14, 202323 min

144. When You Have Value Differences With Your Therapist

Some people believe you and your therapist must have all the same values in order to work together effectively. There is some merit to this, but you can still have a productive working relationship even when you have values differences. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and clinical supervisors with over 35 years of experience. They each own a private group therapy practice and co-own a third one together. Aaron is also a business consultant f...

Jun 07, 202322 min

143. When Do You Need Family Therapy?

When is family therapy a good idea and how can you know it's not couples counseling or individual therapy that you're needing? Family therapy involves all people of the system, not just a couple (such as parents), and works on the relational dynamic between everyone. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and clinical supervisors with over 35 years of experience. They each own a private group therapy practice and co-own a third one together. Aaron ...

May 31, 202323 min

142. Enneagram: The Body Triad (8s, 9s, 1s)

The Enneagram has 3 triads, each with 3 numbers (9 total numbers or personality types). In this episode, we break down the Body/Gut Triad which includes numbers 8, 9, and 1. People in Body Triad experience the world primarily through the physical body and these numbers' main struggle in life is anger: 8s are angry outwardly, 1s are angry inwardly, and 9s don't know they're angry (until they are!). Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and clinical...

May 24, 202323 min

141. Helping Friends Who Are Suicidal

It can be scary when a friend tells you they're suicidal or having suicidal thoughts. Many people don't know what to do or say, and are afraid of doing the wrong thing-whatever that is. We open up this difficult topic to give you an outline of things to consider as you help a friend in this situation. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and clinical supervisors with over 35 years of experience. They each own a private group therapy practice and ...

May 16, 202325 min

140. Enneagram Triads

This is a follow-up to a previous podcast episode on the Enneagram, outlining the three triads: Body/Gut (8s, 9s, 1s), Heart (2s, 3s, 4s), and Head (5s, 6s, 7s). The Body/Gut triad's biggest struggle is Anger, the Heart's is Shame, and the Head's is Fear. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and clinical supervisors with over 35 years of experience. They each own a private group therapy practice and co-own a third one together. Aaron is also a bu...

May 10, 202325 min

139. When You Outgrow Friendships

What happens when you work on yourself and grow, then realize some of the friendships you've had no longer work for you? They're not bad, just just may not support your growth or meet your needs after you've changed. Is it ever okay to move on from friendships? We discuss why this may have happened and how you can address these situations, and those friends, respectfully. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and clinical supervisors with over 35 ...

May 03, 202323 min

138. Start Doing This To Deepen Connections In Your Relationships

If you're wanting to deepen the connections in your relationships, stop "relating" when the other person is sharing something personal and instead do more listening and understanding. "Relating" is great for everyday conversations but can be a real conversation killer. *Watch this episode: https://youtu.be/eQcU7i66bUY *Now on YouTube: @shrink-think ———————— Sign up for our FREE email course on overcoming fear and insecurity at: https://www.shrinkthink.com/podcast *Member of the PsychCraft Podcas...

Apr 20, 202322 min

137. Yung Pueblo's Observing Beyond Reactions

Yung Pueblo (his real name is Diego Perez) is a poet and philosopher whose writings have inspired millions of people. His instagram (@yung_pueblo) posts are full of wisdom about life and relationships. Recently, he posted about the importance of managing your reactions without suppressing your emotions: https://www.instagram.com/p/CqGCkdquYkZ/. We thought this was an important message to share and expand upon as counselors. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licens...

Apr 11, 202324 min

136. Transferring To A New Therapist

Do you have to start over if you transfer from your current therapist to a new one? How can you make that switch smooth? Two behavioral health experts share their opinions. Whether you're a mental health counselor or a client going to therapy, we guide you in how to talk with your current therapist and what to say to your new one. It can save you time and money to summarize your current therapy treatment goals and progress then share it with your new therapist and ask to pick up where you left o...

Apr 04, 202325 min

135. How The Enneagram Can Help Improve Your Relationships

The Enneagram can be a helpful tool not just for mental health counselors but for anyone interested in improving their relationships at work, with friends or family members, or with a significant other. This episode is an overview of the Enneagram, breaking the types down by triads (gut, heart, head) and struggles (anger, shame, fear). *Watch this episode: https://youtu.be/x4WQHvV_zhU *Now on YouTube: @shrink-think ———————— Sign up for our FREE email course on overcoming fear and insecurity at: ...

Mar 29, 202324 min

134. Your Mental Health Diagnosis Is Not Your Identity

So many people go to therapy unknowingly believing their mental health diagnosis is their identity. They say "I am bipolar" or "I am depressed" instead of "I have anxiety." If this is you, the impact of this might be the reason you're stuck in your progress. Listen (or watch) to find out how you can change and get unstuck. *Watch this episode: https://youtu.be/hreAebT3BjQ *Now on YouTube: @shrink-think ———————— Sign up for our FREE email course on overcoming fear and insecurity at: https://www.s...

Mar 22, 202324 min

133. Is It Narcissism Or A Need To Feel Special?

Based on Dr. Craig Malkin's book "Rethinking Narcissism: The Secret to Recognizing and Coping with Narcissists", we break down the healthy human need to "feel special" which can be healthy or develop into narcissism. We hope this helps you recognize the difference between healthy confidence which can empathize with others and narcissism which tends to lack that ability. *Watch this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lR7KsfBnzLk *Now on YouTube: @shrink-think ———————— Sign up for our FREE e...

Mar 15, 202327 min

132. Guest Pavel Ythjall Found Purpose & Joy From A Tragic Car Accident (Part 2)

Our guest, Pavel Ythjall, is on the show today sharing about a tragic car accident he was in that paralyzed his wife from the neck down and broke his neck. Pavel talks about how being a successful photographer who drove a Range Rover, wore a Rolex, and had a million dollars in his bank left him miserable... but he was able to find a deep purpose and joy for life as a result of his accident. This is the conclusion of a powerful 2-part series with Pavel. - - - - Pavel Ytjall was a man with a succe...

Mar 08, 202325 min

131. Guest Pavel Ythjall Found Purpose & Joy From A Tragic Car Accident (Part 1)

Our guest, Pavel Ythjall, is on the show today sharing about a tragic car accident he was in that paralyzed his wife from the neck down and broke his neck. Pavel talks about how being a successful photographer who drove a Range Rover, wore a Rolex, and had a million dollars in his bank left him miserable... but he was able to find a deep purpose and joy for life as a result of his accident. This is part 1 of a powerful 2-part series with Pavel. - - - - Pavel Ytjall was a man with a successful ca...

Mar 01, 202324 min

130. Walk Yourself Out Of The Prison You're In (Forgive)

In a previous episode (#123, "Forgiveness") we talked about the importance of forgiving. Our listeners asked us to explain "how do you walk out of the prison you're in" where the door is unlocked and wide open, in order to forgive yourself or someone who has wronged you? Listen in for our step-by-step approach to leaving that prison and entering into the freedom that awaits you on the outside. ———————— Sign up for our FREE email course on overcoming fear and insecurity at: https://www.shrinkthin...

Feb 22, 202325 min

129. Don't Be So Attached

You may experience anxiety because you're too attached to outcomes and potentials, which you have no control over. You may also get anxiety because you're unable to tolerate the discomfort of not having some person, thing, or object. In this episode, we talk through how to develop healthy connections so you can be a more grounded and emotionally stable person. ———————— Sign up for our FREE email course on overcoming fear and insecurity at: https://www.shrinkthink.com/podcast *Member of the Psych...

Feb 15, 202324 min

128. All About Extroverts

Much has been written and said about extroverts-they talk a lot, enjoy being with people and in groups, and can't sit still. Extroverts do draw their energy from being with others and can have a hard time being alone (unlike introverts). If you're an extrovert or are close to one, listen to this episode for some practical tips to be a healthier, more well-rounded extrovert! ———————— Sign up for our FREE email course on overcoming fear and insecurity at: https://www.shrinkthink.com/podcast *Membe...

Feb 08, 202324 min

127. All About Introverts

Introverts are often misunderstood as being shy or lacking social skills, but that's not always true. Introverts draw their energy from being alone rather than with people (like extroverts), and have different ways of interacting socially. Listen to this episode if you know someone who's an introvert so you can better understand them and improve your relationship with them! ———————— Sign up for our FREE email course on overcoming fear and insecurity at: https://www.shrinkthink.com/podcast *Membe...

Feb 01, 202323 min

126. Random Therapist Musings

Do you want a behind-the-scenes listen to the conversations between two therapists about their day? This episode is an off-the-cuff dialogue describing what goes on for therapists - which might surprise you and, with Aaron and Nathan, is at least sure to entertain you! ———————— Sign up for our FREE email course on overcoming fear and insecurity at: https://www.shrinkthink.com/podcast *Member of the PsychCraft Podcast Network* https://psychcraftnetwork.com/

Jan 24, 202326 min

125. Panel: On Being Men with Uriah Guilford, Ernesto Segismundo, Connor McClenahan (Part 2 of 2)

We spent a weekend on a men's retreat in Las Vegas, NV at the home of Ernesto Segismundo with Uriah Guilford and Connor McClenahan-all therapists and business owners. Our goal was to connect, help each other with business ideas, and have fun! While we were there we recorded this episode around the table. We talked about how we, as men, take care of ourselves, connect with others, and be vulnerable. It was lively dialogue that we hope gives you insight and encourages you - whether you're a man or...

Jan 18, 202335 min

124. Panel: On Being Men with Uriah Guilford, Ernesto Segismundo, Connor McClenahan (Part 1)

We spent a weekend on a men's retreat in Las Vegas, NV at the home of Ernesto Segismundo with Uriah Guilford and Connor McClenahan-all therapists and business owners. Our goal was to connect, help each other with business ideas, and have fun! While we were there we recorded this episode around the table. We talked about how we, as men, take care of ourselves, connect with others, and be vulnerable. It was lively dialogue that we hope gives you insight and encourages you - whether you're a man or...

Jan 11, 202332 min

123. Forgiveness

Forgiveness is one of those things that people have a hard time with and often misunderstand. What is forgiveness? What is it NOT? What is unforgiveness? Forgiving someone does not mean reconciling with them, and it doesn't even mean forgetting. Forgiveness can sometimes be for the other person but it's mainly for you, to release you from hurt, anger, and bitterness. ———————— Sign up for our FREE email course on overcoming fear and insecurity at: https://www.shrinkthink.com/podcast *Member of th...

Jan 04, 202324 min

122. Why Do I Keep Picking The Same People To Be With?

If you have found yourself repeating the same patterns in relationships and wondering "why do I keep picking the same type of people to be with," this episode will explain why. You are likely recreating patterns from childhood because it's familiar, and all of this is outside of your awareness. The good news is you can learn to spot these patterns and how you're recreating them, then take steps to change. In this episode, we break down a simple 3-step process to help you see these patterns and c...

Dec 28, 202228 min

121. Guest Lisa Mustard Shares Her Passion for Learning in Education and Podcasting

Guest, Lisa Mustard, is a therapist and host of The Therapy Show podcast. She creates continuing education content to share with her audience to learn and grow along with her, whether you're a therapist or client. Lisa has a passion for sharing what she is curious about and the resources she accumulates. She is also offering a free podcourse at https://lisamustard.freshlearn.com/ for you to download. ———————— Sign up for our FREE email course on overcoming fear and insecurity at: https://www.shr...

Dec 20, 202228 min

120. How To Be A Good Friend

Everybody needs a good friend, but many people don’t know what it takes to be a good friend - which will then attract good friends. It’s important to listen as much as you talk (or more), not give advice, be honest with yourself and with them, take initiative, and be there when they need you. We break these down in this episode and hope you will take them to heart and be a good friend to those in your life. ———————— Sign up for our FREE email course on overcoming fear and insecurity at: https://...

Dec 14, 202224 min

119. How To Be Happy No Matter What

How is it that some people seem to be happy no matter what happens? And it's not a fake happiness. They have ups but they also have downs that don't seem to rattle them. What's their secret? How can I have that for myself? This episode will answer all of those questions for you, so listen in! ———————— Sign up for our FREE email course on overcoming fear and insecurity at: https://www.shrinkthink.com/podcast *Member of the PsychCraft Podcast Network* https://psychcraftnetwork.com/

Dec 07, 202223 min

118. How Do Therapists Remember Everything?

Have you ever wondered how in the world therapists remember all the details about their clients or keep the stories straight? With so many people we meet, we are often able to remember you and your life. This is one of those behind-the-scenes conversations you won't want to miss! ———————— Sign up for our FREE email course on overcoming fear and insecurity at: https://www.shrinkthink.com/podcast *Member of the PsychCraft Podcast Network* https://psychcraftnetwork.com/

Dec 01, 202225 min
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