Therapy in a Nutshell - podcast cover

Therapy in a Nutshell

Therapy in a Nutshell -Emma McAdamtinpodcast.podbean.com
I’m Emma McAdam, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and my mission is to make mental health resources more easy to access. I take therapy skills and psychological research and condense them down into bite-sized nuggets of help. I’m here to spread the message that while mental illness is real, it’s common, it’s debilitating, it’s also treatable. There are dozens of research-backed approaches to treating depression, anxiety, and other mental illness. Change, growth, and healing are possible. Please keep courage! Try one little thing every day to improve your life and health and things can get so much better! Therapy in a Nutshell, and the information provided by Emma McAdam, is solely intended for informational and entertainment purposes and is not a substitute for advice, diagnosis, or treatment regarding medical or mental health conditions. Although Emma McAdam is a licensed marriage and family therapist, the views expressed on this site or any related content should not be taken for medical or psychiatric advice. Always consult your physician before making any decisions related to your physical or mental health. Therapy in a Nutshell and it’s logo are Registered Trademarks of Therapy in a Nutshell, LLC
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Episodes

What to Eat to Improve Your Mood

Learn the skills to regulate your emotions, join the membership: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership The most effective diet for mental health appears to be what is called the Mediterranean diet- this is a diet high in vegetables, fruit, legumes, beans, nuts, fish, unsaturated fats like olive oil, and it’s low in processed foods, red meat, and highly processed grains. There have been a lot of studies on this type of diet, an overview of 41 studies involving over 1.5 million health ...

Dec 06, 202411 minEp. 168

How Childhood Trauma Affects the Brain and Body - The ACES Study

Learn how to regulate your nervous system in my FREE online course: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/grounding-skills-for-anxiety-stress-and-ptsd Childhood trauma can have a direct, lasting impact on physical health, mental health, and ability to function in society. But we didn’t have any idea how much impact it had until the late 1990’s, when a curious doctor made a groundbreaking discovery. They found that a huge number of people have experienced at least one Adverse Childhood Experienc...

Nov 18, 202413 minEp. 166

14 Things that Actually Help Severe Anxiety

Learn to Regulate your Nervous System with my FREE online Course: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/grounding-skills-for-anxiety-stress-and-ptsd Defusion Phrases: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/opt-in-8ed048f8-b60f-418b-9d80-cb6374eb68c6 Defusion Phrases Video: https://youtu.be/8Ws8_Y_PQ8E?si=ScD4gA4Nk3tXZuLd Today I talk with my friend, Rachael, about her experience with a severe anxiety disorder. Rachael struggle with anxiety and depression, insomnia and appetite changes for years...

Nov 12, 202426 minEp. 165

Overthinking and Intrusive Thoughts - 6 Phrases to get Unstuck from Overthinking and Uncertainty

Download the free PDF: "6 Phrases to Help with Intrusive Thoughts or Repetitive Worries" https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/pl/2148585686 Do you struggle with intrusive thoughts, worries, or constant "What if?" scenarios? Whether you're imagining catastrophes or obsessing over something you said, these difficult thoughts can quickly spiral out of control. In this podcast, we break down why this happens and how to manage it effectively. Using relatable metaphors and evidence-based techniques ...

Oct 25, 202411 minEp. 163

Feeling Like You're Never Good Enough?

Learn to process your emotions: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Z5-lgnIMqNw I polled my audience and 92% of you said you always or sometimes feel like you are never good enough. This is so crushing. Believing that “you’re never good enough” can contribute to depression and anxiety, so we’re going to break it down in a way that won’t make you feel like a failure for feeling like a failure and explore some ways we can work through t...

Oct 16, 202417 minEp. 164

4 Essential Sleep Routines

When people can’t fall asleep or they struggle with insomnia, they often look for bedtime routines to help them, and while sleep hygiene can be helpful, it’s kinda like waiting until you retire to plan for retirement, it’s kinda too late at bedtime to really create the optimal sleep situation- so in this video I’m going to share 4 essential routines that can actually help you fall asleep quickly and sleep better. Looking for affordable online counseling? My sponsor, BetterHelp, connects you to a...

Oct 04, 202410 minEp. 160

Complex Feelings and Shame about Childhood Sexual Abuse

Learn to regulate your nervous system with my free course- Grounding Skills for Anxiety, and PTSD: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/grounding-skills-for-anxiety-stress-and-ptsd/?utm_medium=YTDescription&utm_source=YouTube This podcast is for those of you who were sexually abused as children, who perhaps carry some shame because you had mixed and complicated feelings about that abuse. And what I mean by that is you were groomed, and maybe you liked or initiated some aspects of the situa...

Sep 26, 202414 minEp. 162

Why am I Anxious? A Quick Assessment

Download the worksheet and resources here: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/pl/2148572004 Check out my membership, where you can take the online courses "Stop the Anxiety Cycle in 30 Days" or "How to Process Emotions": https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership Anxiety is often caused by micro-habits that we don’t even notice but build up over time. So let’s troubleshoot, today we’re going to explore 7 common reasons why someone might feel anxious without realizing the cause. These ...

Sep 20, 202410 minEp. 161

Diagnosis Creep

You may have noticed that there’s an upswing in people identifying with mental health diagnoses lately. Here’s my take on this, I think there are 4 reasons. The first is what I’m going to call Diagnosis Creep. People are using clinical terms much more broadly than was intended in the past. You’ll see this when people say “I’m so OCD” or “I’m so ADD”. Or when you watch a video that talks about “High Functioning Depression” or “High Functioning Anxiety”. But, for a clinical diagnosis, with PTSD, D...

Sep 12, 20248 minEp. 159

Why You Blame Yourself for Everything

Join our membership here: https://therapyinanutshell.com/member Get the How to Process Emotions course here: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/emotion-processing In this podcast, you’ll learn why you might blame yourself for everything, how this can be a trauma response from your childhood, and how to stop doing it. And we’re going to use Batman as an example. It’s clear to see how taking the mental shortcut of “It’s all my fault” is actually a much easier route than the emotional gymnastic...

Sep 05, 202416 minEp. 158

Stop Struggling with Insomnia with Dr Martin Reed

In this interview, psychotherapist and insomnia coach Martin Reed discusses the common causes and solutions for insomnia. Insomnia often starts with a single night of disrupted sleep and is exacerbated by our responses to it. Reed highlights that insomnia is common and manageable by understanding its mechanics and practicing less effortful responses to wakefulness. His free email series provides further education and strategies for improving sleep without the common pitfalls that many insomnia s...

Aug 22, 202442 minEp. 149

How to Forgive

Ready to transform your mental health today? Get all 8 of Emma’s courses plus live Q&A here: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership Forgiveness can be a really challenging subject. On the one hand, forgiving someone can be a powerful path to emotional freedom, but on the other, the word forgiveness is often used in a way that is hurtful or harmful for victims of abuse. In this podcast, I hope to take a nuanced and thoughtful approach to the ways that forgiveness can be helpful for...

Aug 15, 202421 minEp. 152

Time Blindness - An ADHD or Executive Dysfunction Trait

If you lose track of time, can’t estimate time, or if you struggle to be on time you may be experiencing something called time blindness. So in this video you’ll learn what time blindness is, and 10 strategies to manage it. And if you think you’ve heard them all, the last two are pretty creative. Looking for affordable online counseling? My sponsor, BetterHelp, connects you to a licensed professional from the comfort of your own home. Try it now for 10% off your first month: https://betterhelp.c...

Aug 08, 202416 minEp. 153

Behavioral Activation: How to Get Motivated to Do Stuff that You Don't Want to Do : Day 30 Break the Anxiety Cycle

Break the Anxiety Cycle in 30 Days: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/anxietyskills In this video you’ll learn about the mental block that holds so many people back in anxiety and especially depression, and the essential skill to break that cycle. It's the key to getting motivated. It's called behavioral activation. It’s all about getting yourself to do stuff that’s good for you but you don’t feel like it. So in this video you’ll learn how to break the cycle of depression or immobilization,...

Aug 01, 202413 minEp. 137

What is Executive Function - And Why is Executive Dysfunction so bad for Mental Health?

Executive Function Coach Sean McCormick's Website: https://www.efspecialists.com/ OK, here’s the thing, you (or someone you know) might have been diagnosed with ADHD, Depression, PTSD, or Anxiety, (because like 30% of the US has had a diagnosis like this). Or even more likely, you might struggle with impulse control, or procrastination, or getting stuff done. Maybe you feel overwhelmed or you’re not reaching your goals. And both the internet and professionals are quick to give you a big diagnosi...

Jul 26, 202416 minEp. 154

Finding Purpose and Meaning to Overcome Anxiety - Day 29 Break the Anxiety Cycle

Break the Anxiety Cycle in 30 Days: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/anxietyskills Do you want to learn How to Process Emotions and improve your Mental Health? Sign up for a Therapy in a Nutshell Membership, you'll get access to all of Emma’s courses, workbooks, and a Live Q and A with 100’s of exclusive videos: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership If you were to ask most people what they want from life, the average answer you would get is “I just want to be happy.” If you wou...

Jul 18, 202428 minEp. 140

Guided Meditation - The Container Method - for Processing Trauma, PTSD and Intense Emotions

Do you want to learn How to Process Emotions and improve your Mental Health? Sign up for a Therapy in a Nutshell Membership, you'll get access to all of Emma’s courses, workbooks, and a Live Q and A with 100’s of exclusive videos: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership Check out my FREE course Grounding Skills for Anxiety and Trauma: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/grounding-skills-for-anxiety-stress-and-ptsd/ Do you tend to avoid thinking about difficult emotions or memories? ...

Jul 15, 20247 minEp. 156

The Container Method for Processing Trauma, PTSD and Intense Emotions

Do you want to learn How to Process Emotions and improve your Mental Health? Sign up for a Therapy in a Nutshell Membership, you'll get access to all of Emma’s courses, workbooks, and a Live Q and A with 100’s of exclusive videos: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership Check out my FREE course Grounding Skills for Anxiety and Trauma: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/grounding-skills-for-anxiety-stress-and-ptsd/ Do you tend to avoid thinking about difficult emotions or memories? ...

Jul 12, 202417 minEp. 157

What Agoraphobia REALLY is, and how to overcome it

In this video we’re going to talk about agoraphobia, some common misconceptions, and what kind of treatment works. By the end of the video you’ll learn 5 steps to overcoming agoraphobia, and you’ll hear from someone who did it. Looking for affordable online counseling? My sponsor, BetterHelp, connects you to a licensed professional from the comfort of your own home. Try it now for 10% off your first month: https://betterhelp.com/therapyinanutshell Learn more in one of my in-depth mental health c...

Jul 04, 202413 minEp. 151

Boundaries for Anxious Folk - Day 28 Break the Anxiety Cycle

Do you want to learn how to process emotions and improve your mental health? Sign up for a Therapy in a Nutshell Membership. You'll get access to all of Emma’s courses, workbooks, and a live Q and A with 100’s of exclusive videos: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership People with anxiety often struggle with boundaries, and that’s partly because setting a boundary makes them anxious and not holding a boundary makes them anxious. And because many people with anxiety are sensitive and e...

Jun 27, 202415 minSeason 4Ep. 29

Insomnia- How to Fall Asleep When your Brain Won't Shut Up!

Do you want to learn How to Process Emotions and improve your Mental Health? Sign up for a Therapy in a Nutshell Membership, you'll get access to all of Emma’s courses, workbooks, and a Live Q and A with 100’s of exclusive videos: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership If you are lying in bed trying to go to sleep, and find your mind racing, feeling anxious, what's the next best step to stop the anxiety cycle? You all know that feeling. I’ve been there, You’ve got a big day ahead, or ...

Jun 20, 202413 minEp. 155

How to do Exposure Therapy for Fears and Anxiety: Day 27 Break the Anxiety Cycle

In this video I’m not going to teach you an anxiety hack or trick, I’m going to teach you the #1 most powerful way to decrease anxiety as backed by research. I’m going to teach the 6 steps to kicking fear’s butt by using exposure therapy. Looking for affordable online counseling? My sponsor, BetterHelp, connects you to a licensed professional from the comfort of your own home. Try it now for 10% off your first month: https://betterhelp.com/therapyinanutshell Learn more in one of my in-depth ment...

May 25, 202412 minSeason 4Ep. 28

Solving Actual Problems (Instead of Just Coping Skills) - Day 26 Break the Anxiety Cycle

Break the Anxiety Cycle in 30 Days- Online Course: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/anxietyskills Here's why stress management techniques often fail- they focus all their energy on changing the emotion, instead of changing the environment- when we really solve problems, we face them and resolve them instead of just learning to cope with them. In this video you'll learn how to resolve stress by geting to the root of the problem and problem solving like a therapist does. We're going to clear...

May 24, 202417 minSeason 4Ep. 27

How to Deal with Uncertainty - Without Self-Sabotage

Most people don’t like uncertainty, but the people who can’t tolerate uncertainty the most are more likely to experience anxiety or depressive disorders, they’re more likely to struggle in relationships or not reach their potential in work or school. But here’s the thing. It’s not actually the uncertainty that’s the problem, it’s our attempts to avoid uncertainty that usually interfere with our lives. We love certainty. To such an extreme degree that we often self-sabotage instead of tolerating ...

May 17, 202416 minEp. 147

Exploring a Sensory Diet for Emotional Regulation - Sensory Processing Disorders

If you struggle with emotional regulation, you desperately need to know about sensory regulation- but A lot of people have no idea what sensory needs are and most people don’t know how to manage their sensory diet to help with emotional regulation. This is super important with children, and with the neurodiverse community -ADHD and Autism Spectrum folk- but anyone that doesn’t understand their sensory regulation needs often struggles with emotional regulation. You can learn to build a healthy se...

May 16, 202416 minEp. 148

Menopause and Mental Health with Dr. Mary Claire Haver

Learn more about Menopause, and Dr. Haver's book and other treatments at https://thepauselife.com/ Menopause can really impact mental health, but there are effective treatments, you don’t just have to grit your way through it, so let’s talk about it, and I’m excited to have menopause expert Dr. Mary-Claire Haver here to share the medical aspect of it. Looking for affordable online counseling? My sponsor, BetterHelp, connects you to a licensed professional from the comfort of your own home. Try i...

May 03, 202446 minEp. 141

Breathing Exercises for Anxiety: Day 25 Break the Anxiety Cycle

Take the online course Break the Anxiety Cycle in 30 Days: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/anxietyskills In this video, you'll explore effective breathing exercises and a deep breathing technique to combat anxiety. We will talk about deep breathing, 4-7-8 breathing, box breathing and belly breathing. By focusing on deep breathing and other techniques, it empowers you to regain control over anxiety symptoms, enhancing your mental well-being for daily life. Looking for affordable online cou...

Apr 29, 202419 minSeason 4Ep. 26

Sensory Needs Quiz- Your Sensory Needs Assessment

Download the assessment here: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/pl/2148296708 Have you ever found yourself feeling overwhelmed, irritable, or simply drained by your surroundings? It's not uncommon to experience these emotions, especially in a world that's constantly buzzing with activity and stimuli. But what many people don’t realize is that these feelings could be closely tied to our sensory needs. Understanding and acknowledging our unique sensory preferences is like discovering the secr...

Apr 19, 202434 minEp. 146

My New Favorite Vagus Nerve Exercise for Anxiety or Trauma Recovery - The Voo Breath or Foghorn

Break the Anxiety Cycle in 30 Days - Online Course: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/anxietyskills I’d like to share with you my new favorite vagus nerve exercise for turning on the parasympathetic response. This is an exercise Peter Levine teaches to help people who are struggling with Chronic Overwhelm, burnout, or high levels of stress. Looking for affordable online counseling? My sponsor, BetterHelp, connects you to a licensed professional from the comfort of your own home. Try it now ...

Apr 08, 20245 minEp. 145

What to do with Anxiety in Your Body - Day 24 Break the Anxiety Cycle

Break the Anxiety Cycle in 30 Days: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/anxietyskills It’s common that when you feel anxiety, you have uncomfortable sensations in your body. An upset stomach, tight muscles, cold or sweaty palms, a headache, or fast breathing or heart rate. Our natural tendency is to try to make these feelings go away. To run from our body’s messages, to distract ourselves, to stay busy, to avoid these feelings in any way we can or to try to force them to change. And while thi...

Mar 28, 20248 minSeason 4Ep. 25
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