This week, we talk about the connection between knowing it and feeling it and the difference between a human being and a human doing. Doug and Andrew dive deeper into his decision about going to his brother’s bachelor party. We explore what can happen when we try out new ways of thinking and create different neural pathways. In the breakdown, this leads to an amazing exchange between Doug and Meredith about whether or not it’s okay to ski off the trail out of bounds and into an avalanche! They e...
Mar 26, 2020•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 8
This week, Doug and Meredith talk about what came up in Andrew’s recent sessions — Star Wars, jealousy, and male strippers, of course. Andrew shares a bad nightmare that caused a lot of anxiety. Doug and Andrew work on balancing out the “what if” thoughts and discuss how to move forward in life, while also being present and able to appreciate each moment for what it really is. Doug and Meredith break down the session and discuss how symbolism in dreams could be a key for themes in our waking liv...
Mar 19, 2020•57 min•Season 1Ep. 7
This week, Doug and Meredith tell us about when therapy in their past has sometimes gone wrong (or ineffective). Andrew and Doug dig more into the upcoming wedding of Andrew’s brother, and whether it’s his choice or obligation to go. Andrew opens up about some relationship anxiety he has been experiencing, and Doug helps him understand steps to take when he feels insecure and triggered. Meredith gives Doug accolades for using some sweet Star Wars analogies, and we all learn ways to turn down tha...
Mar 12, 2020•1 hr 8 min•Season 1Ep. 6
For a bonus mini-sode this week in a series we’re calling Insight Out, Doug and Meredith introduce us to some of the more common Cognitive Distortions. These are classic ways of thinking from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) that often lead to our “negative” feelings and emotions (like Meredith says, there are no negative emotions!!). Doug and Meredith help us bring these unconscious, automatic ways of thinking to our awareness so we can check the facts and challenge them, instead of going dow...
Mar 09, 2020•18 min
This week, Doug and Meredith dig deeper into Doug’s use of sweet analogies (hello car gears and Harry Potter!) and discuss reframing the difference between choice and obligation. Andrew’s session reveals where he is currently with the idea of attending his estranged brother’s bachelor party, and he and Doug work on expressing vulnerability and reframing the narrative to work better for him. Episode Webpage Contact Us: Meredith Levy Douglas Friedman Your Mental Breakdown Mentioned in this episode...
Mar 05, 2020•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 5
For a special bonus episode this week, Doug and Meredith are joined by their friends and colleagues; John Sovec and Bonnie Rae, both Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists. They have an open and honest conversation about topics such as disclosing sexual orientation with clients, handling the nerves of the first visit, how to stay supported and connected, and the LGBTQ elements of John and Bonnie’s work. The group also talks about if they have ever Googled a client before a first session, how to...
Mar 02, 2020•1 hr 18 min
The very adorkable Doug and Meredith return back this week to share how they typically begin their therapy sessions and give a recap of the trust and vulnerability issues that the client Andrew dealt with in his recent three sessions. Andrew and Doug work on organizing fractured thoughts into a clearer picture of reality, dig deeper into Andrew’s relationship with his mom and brother and talk about ways Andrew can be more of his own person while still having the support of his parents. Episode W...
Feb 27, 2020•1 hr 6 min•Season 1Ep. 4
This week, Doug and MerMer remind us to not “should” all over ourselves and then recap the first two sessions with Andrew (the Client has been given a name for the podcast). Session three includes Andrew opening up about traumatic incidents that contributed to the strained relationships with both his brother and mother. Doug introduces some tools to practice changing our perspective, and in turn, our experience using both real-life examples and analogies. Episode Webpage Contact Us: Meredith Lev...
Feb 20, 2020•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 3
This week, Doug and Meredith reminisce about Doug’s parachute pants and MerDog’s love of Megadeth. They talk about how to know when a session is over, taking notes, and how they prevent burnout. Doug shares his Buddhism dropout story, and then we dive into the client’s second therapy session. During the session, Doug and the Client focus on the themes of vulnerability, balance, and how better to control our negative thoughts. Episode Webpage Contact Us: Meredith Levy Douglas Friedman Your Mental...
Feb 20, 2020•1 hr 12 min•Season 1Ep. 2
Welcome to Your Mental Breakdown, hosted by Doug Friedman and Meredith Levy. YMB is a psychotherapy entertainment podcast featuring two licensed therapists. They are real people outside the office, and real therapists in sessions inside the office, who follow a client along the process of personal growth and healing in therapy. Doug and Meredith kick off the show by introducing who they are, how they met, why they are doing this, and what you can expect in the episodes to come. They talk about w...
Feb 20, 2020•1 hr 13 min•Season 1Ep. 1
Welcome to Your Mental Breakdown. Introducing Doug Friedman and Meredith Levy, both licensed psychotherapists, longtime friends, and the co-hosts of this podcast. These episodes will feature one of their client’s actual therapy session, so you can follow along with their progress as it’s happening, in real time. In each episode, Doug and Meredith will break down the session afterwards. You will hear their insights and be able to apply some of it to your own life. This podcast is for everyone. It...
Feb 18, 2020•2 min
