Have you ever remembered something so vividly that it fe...

Do you ever feel like no matter how much you explain yourself, your words just get turned against you? In this episode of ...

What happens when the person who usually has the answers finds himself sitting in the unknown? In this deeply personal episode, licensed marriage and family therapist Tony Overbay shares ...

Would you rather be liked—or be true to yourself?It sounds simple, but what happens when staying true to your values could cost you your job, your marriage, your faith community, or your friendships? In today’s episode of The Virtual Couch Presents, Tony Overbay, LMFT, dives into the real difference between character (the traits others see in us) and integrity (the alignment of our actions with our deepest values).Through stories pulled from the legal world, faith communities, workplaces, friendships, and even the messy reality of parenting, Tony explores how external validation can pull us away from who we are—and how emotional maturity, self-determination, and values-based living bring us back home to ourselves.You’ll hear about billion-dollar law firms making impossible choices, parents navigating the tension between community expectations and their child’s authenticity, and why even a heated debate over pizza sauce in a Hot Pocket can reveal where integrity really lives.At the end of the episode, stay tuned for a short guided meditation to help you connect with your own values and discover how to live them out with integrity. And don’t miss the chance to grab a cheat sheet of this episode and Tony’s Values Exercise, a simple but powerful tool to help you start discovering who you truly are.This is not about guilt or shame. It’s about curiosity, growth, and finding the courage to live with integrity—even when it costs you.00:00 Welcome to the Virtual Couch00:50 The Dilemma: Being Liked vs. Being True to Yourself01:36 Exploring Character and Integrity02:58 Upcoming Cruise and Workshops04:04 Character vs. Integrity: Real-Life Examples14:14 The Legal World: Integrity Under Pressure33:21 Self-Determination Theory and Emotional Maturity35:53 Intrinsic Motivation and Self-Determination Theory36:56 Autonomy, Competence, and Relatedness37:42 External Rewards and Burnout38:39 Real-World Examples of Integrity39:42 Sophia's Journey to Integrity42:16 Daniel's Struggle with Values45:12 Integrity in Different Contexts58:06 Faith and Integrity01:06:15 Guided Meditation: Coming Home to Your ValuesContact Tony at contact@tonyoverbay.com to learn more about his Emotional Architects men's group.And visit https://julie-dejesus.com/cruise to learn more about Tony and his friend Julie De Jesus's "I See You Living" cruise, a 5-night Western Caribbean Cruise from January 24-29, 2026 aboard the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line. To learn more about Tony's upcoming re-release of the Magnetic Marriage course, his Pathback Recovery course, and more, sign up for his newsletter through the link at https://linktr.ee/virtualcouchAvailable NOW: Tony's "Magnetic Marriage Mini-Course" is only $25. https://magneticmarriage.mykajabi.com/magnetic-marriage-mini-courseYou can learn more about Tony's pornography recovery program, The Path Back, by visiting http://pathbackrecovery.com

Have you ever tried to change someone’s mind—and watched them dig in even deeper? Or wondered why, even when you want to change your own beliefs, it feels like pushing against an invisible force? In this episode, Tony Overbay, LMFT, takes you on a journey that starts with a teenage quest for the perfect tan and ends with a powerful realization about how we construct our social realities. After sharing a personal story about undergoing a dramatic topical chemotherapy treatment for actinic keratosis, Tony reflects on how his temporarily altered appearance changed the way people interacted with him—and how it altered the way he saw himself.This experience sets the stage for a breakdown of the groundbreaking Dartmouth scar study, which revealed that the belief that you’re being judged can actually create that experience—regardless of reality. From there, Tony dives into the science of confirmation bias: how our brains are wired to seek out information that supports what we already believe, and how this cognitive shortcut influences everything from politics and religion to parenting and marriage. You’ll hear real-life examples, client stories (with details changed for confidentiality), and powerful metaphors that unpack why belief change is so hard—and why it’s also essential for personal growth, emotional maturity, and deeper human connection.00:00 The Quest for the Perfect Tan00:35 A Dermatologist's Warning01:33 The Chemotherapy Cream Experience02:27 Social Reactions to Visible Differences05:20 The Dartmouth Scar Study06:24 The Power of Perception15:25 Confirmation Bias in Action32:47 Interpreting Neutral Events33:04 Religion and Coincidences33:34 Selective Memory in Parenting and Beyond34:58 Confirmation Bias in Action36:23 Client Story: Recognizing Bias40:32 Vaccine Hesitancy and Confirmation Bias44:58 The Scar Study and Confirmation Bias54:56 Evolutionary Roots of Belief Protection57:33 Modern Challenges and Professional Competence01:01:49 Conclusion and Listener EngagementContact Tony at contact@tonyoverbay.com to learn more about his Emotional Architects men's group.And visit https://julie-dejesus.

What if an entire generation is emotionally stuck in childhood—and doesn't even know it?In this ...

Are you truly being curious—or just trying to win the argument? Tony explores the difference between genuine curiosity and performative questions, sharing real-life examples and tools to help you respond with emotional maturity, not reactivity. Learn how curiosity can transform your relationships.00:00 Introduction and Host Background01:42 Understanding Performative vs. Genuine Curiosity02:04 A Personal Story About Curiosity08:50 The Importance of Genuine Curiosity in Relationships19:10 Self-Regulation and Emotional Maturity24:18 Promoting Genuine Curiosity in Parenting26:17 The Role of Humility in Curiosity29:41 Healthy Ego vs. Defensive Narcissism35:03 The Neuroscience of Decision Making and Emotions37:06 The Power of Slowing Down37:36 Understanding Emotions: Primary, Secondary, and Instrumental41:02 Exploring Anger in Relationships42:48 Trusting Your Gut and Emotional Reasoning45:41 Addressing Men's Emotional Immaturity48:55 Real-Life Examples of Genuine Curiosity53:42 Parenting with Curiosity55:09 Curiosity in Marriage and Workplace59:47 Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Tools01:02:15 Four Pillars of a Connected Conversation01:05:20 Final Thoughts and TakeawaysContact Tony at contact@tonyoverbay.com to learn more about his Emotional Architects men's group.And visit https://julie-dejesus.com/cruise to learn more about Tony and his friend Julie De Jesus's "I See You Living" cruise, a 5-night Western Caribbean Cruise from January 24-29, 2026 aboard the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line. 

How many times have you been told you were too sensitive? Or accused of overreacting? Maybe you’ve heard things like, “It’s not a big deal,” “You need to calm down,” or “It was just a joke—why are you making this such a thing?” And each time, you questioned yourself. Was it really that bad? Were you imagining things? Because on their own, the comments, the criticisms, the passive-aggressive digs might seem small—hardly worth mentioning. But they kept happening. Over and over. Until you stopped trusting your own perception. That’s the nature of death by 1,000 cuts. It’s not the severity of one moment—it’s the slow, relentless erosion of your sense of self, done quietly enough that you begin to doubt whether you’re even bleeding at all.In this ninth edition of the Death by 1,000 Cuts series, Tony Overbay, LMFT, dives even deeper into the subtle ways being in a relationship with the narcissist, or emotionally immature, erodes your sense of self, one dismissive comment, one double standard, one guilt trip at a time. Tony explains how this isn’t just about pain. It’s about power.You’ll hear real stories from real people who’ve endured the emotional whiplash, the rewritten history, and the gaslighting—and who are waking up to their self-worth. He explores what happens when those who were meant to love us chip away at our confidence, and what it means to finally stop apologizing for noticing.And Tony shares how to recognize eventually, and then celebrate the resilience of those who are still standing, not just after 1,000 cuts, but after every life they had to rebuild.If you’ve ever felt like you were the only one keeping score of the damage—or the only one still fighting to heal—this episode is for you.00:00 A True Story Begins00:20 The Number Nine Debate01:28 Mark's Research and Sarah's Reaction03:17 The Argument Escalates05:24 Mark's Apology and Internal Struggle06:11 Mark's Conversation with Jim07:05 Introduction to Death by a Thousand Cuts08:58 Understanding Emotional Abuse11:08 Listener's Email on Validation14:45 Financial Control in Divorce19:21 Emotional Betrayal in Vulnerability22:44 The Car Disagreement32:17 Emotional Immaturity and Self-Sufficiency34:00 The Weaponization of Humor

What if the very strategies that saved you as a child are now sabotaging your adult relationships?In Part 2 of Tony's series on emotional immaturity, discover why your most persistent relationship struggles aren't character flaws—they're outdated survival software still running in the background of your life.Through the powerful ACT metaphor of "The Man in the Hole," you'll understand why working harder with familiar emotional tools only digs you deeper into relationship problems. When someone offers you a ladder out of your patterns, why do you keep trying to dig with it instead? This episode reveals how to recognize when it's time to put down the shovel of old coping strategies and climb toward something completely different.Meet the clients who've made this transformation: the chronic fixer who learned to ask "what do you need from me?" instead of immediately solving, the humor-deflector who shocked a room into silence by sharing something real, and the lifelong people-pleaser whose hands shook as she said "no" for the first time—and discovered her marriage actually got stronger.You'll explore Terry Real's revolutionary insight that childhood adaptations become adult roadblocks, learn the art of re-parenting yourself with compassion instead of criticism, and discover why emotional maturity isn't about never falling into old patterns—it's about recognizing when you're there and having new tools to respond.Whether you struggle with hypervigilance, perfectionism, control issues, or people-pleasing tendencies, this episode offers a shame-free framework for honoring your inner child's brilliant survival strategies while empowering your adult self to take the lead. Because growth isn't about eliminating your protective parts—it's about expanding your repertoire of responses and choosing consciously instead of reacting automatically.Ready to stop digging and start climbing? Your ladder awaits.00:00 Introduction and Recap01:23 The Story of Tyler03:53 Tyler's Realization and Therapy09:39 Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Metaphor15:46 Revisiting Emotional Immaturity19:30 Reparenting Yourself25:05 Examples of Reparenting in Action29:00 Exploring Emotional Immaturity Traits40:54 Recognizing and Validating Emotions42:47 Dependence on External Validation48:54 Taking Ownership and Accountability51:49 Mind Reading and Communication

Are you constantly trying to please your mother but never feeling good enough? Do you take responsibility for her emotional well-being? If you've ever found yourself stuck in these patterns, this episode is essential listening — and men, don't skip this one! Host Tony Overbay discovered he might have a little "Good Daughter Syndrome" himself.In this illuminating conversation, psychotherapist Katherine Fabrizio https://daughtersrising.info/ shares her 35 years of experience working with daughters of difficult mothers, including her own journey breaking away from practicing therapy alongside her controlling mother. With refreshing candor and hard-earned wisdom, Katherine reveals:* The four psychological traps that keep "good daughters" stuck: the never good enough trap, the guilt trap, the self-doubt trap, and the mixed message trap* Why setting even small boundaries can provide crucial data about your relationship* How to break free without it being a "zero-sum game" where someone must lose* Why your mother's narcissistic defenses will protect her, even when you start setting boundaries* The paralyzing internal conflict of feeling selfish when you differentiate from mom* With multiple awards, including Gold Medalist for Parenting & Relationships from The Global Book Awards, Katherine's book "The Good Daughter Syndrome" offers hope to those caught in these destructive dynamics.Whether you identify as a "good daughter" or simply want to understand the complex mother-daughter relationship, this conversation provides actionable insights for reclaiming your sovereignty and building a life that truly belongs to you."When you wake up and realize you've been ceding your sovereignty to somebody else... it's incredibly empowering." - Katherine Fabrizio00:00 Introduction and Announcements01:35 Emotional Immaturity Epidemic03:32 The Good Daughter Syndrome08:12 Interview with Catherine Fabrizio11:03 Catherine's Personal Journey17:37 Understanding Narcissistic Dynamics26:40 Setting Boundaries with Narcissistic Mothers27:35 The Never Good Enough Trap28:40 The Guilt Trap29:11 Navigating Divorce and Co-Parenting33:54 The Self-Doubt Trap38:59 The Mixed Message Trap46:23 Empowerment and Differentiation

Ever wondered why your brilliant mind can solve complex problems at work but completely breaks down during relationship conflicts? That's because those emotional reactions that feel so ins...

Have you ever found yourself wondering, How can someone possibly believe that? Or maybe you've questioned your own beliefs after bumping up against someone else's certainty? You're not alo...

Have you ever found yourself behaving in ways you never thought possible—slamming doors, raising your voice, or saying hurtful things—after months or years of emotional manipulation? In today's powerful episode of "Waking Up to Narcissism," we explore the crucial distinction between true abuse and what's often mislabeled as "reactive abuse." Through compelling real-life scenarios and expert analysis, you'll discover why these reactions don't make you "just as bad" and how pathologically kind people often find themselves paired with emotionally immature partners in breakup-resistant relationships.What if the shame you feel about your reactions is actually keeping you trapped in harmful dynamics? Join us as we unpack how to recognize the difference between healthy kindness and self-erasure, identify patterns of emotional immaturity, and reclaim your narrative from those who benefit from your self-doubt. This episode offers not just understanding, but a transformative path forward for anyone who's ever looked in the mirror and wondered, "Have I become the very thing I feared?"00:00 Introduction and Current Events00:14 Emotional Immaturity in Everyday Life03:07 Defining Emotional Maturity04:46 The Persistence of Emotional Immaturity07:28 Breaking the Cycle of Emotional Immaturity09:38 A Real-Life Scenario: Sarah and Mike13:58 Understanding Reactive Response26:25 Pathological Kindness vs. Emotional Immaturity35:42 Understanding Emotionally Immature Behaviors36:22 The Human Magnet Syndrome37:21 Codependency and Reactive Responses38:51 Examples of Reactive Responses46:10 The Cycle Leading to Reactive Responses54:24 Differentiation and Balance58:56 Reframing Reactive Responses01:03:38 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsIf you are interested in joining Tony's private Facebook group for women in narcissistic or emotionally immature relationships of any type, please reach out to him at contact@tonyoverbay.com or through the form on the website, HTTP://www.tonyoverbay.comIf you are a man interested in joining Tony's "Emotional Architects" group to learn how to better navigate your relationship with a narcissistic or emotionally immature partner or learn how to become more emotionally mature yourself, please reach out to Tony at contact@tonyoverbay.com or through the form on the website, HTTP:www.tonyoverbay.com

In this episode of The Virtual Couch Presents: Waking Up to Narcissism, host Tony Overbay explores the transformative journey of healing from relationships with emotionally immature or narcissistic partners. With the popularity of the 'Death by a Thousand Cuts' series, Tony introduces a new perspective—'Growth by a Thousand Stitches.' The episode features real stories from listeners who have found strength and self-worth through small, impactful victories. Tony delves into various categories such as reclaiming simple joys, embracing self-care, setting healthy boundaries, and rediscovering personal identity. This episode is filled with hope, tangible steps towards healing, and inspiring testimonials that underscore the power of self-love and personal growth. Subscribe, share, and join Tony and his community on this journey of healing and transformation.00:00 Introduction and Welcome01:21 The Impact of 'Death by a Thousand Cuts'05:08 Understanding Switzerland Friends09:15 The Healing Journey Begins14:51 Reclaiming Simple Joys16:57 Physical and Emotional Self-Care18:52 Creating Safe Spaces20:44 Building New Relationships21:55 The Power of Boundaries23:31 Rediscovering Identity24:19 Finding Joy in Forbidden Activities26:12 Embracing Imperfection27:14 Processing Emotions28:57 Creating New Traditions29:30 Building Self-Trust32:32 Learning to Take Up Space33:26 Embracing Spiritual and Personal Growth33:55 Finding Strength in Community35:27 Creating New Measures of Success36:17 Embracing Self-Care Without Guilt38:57 Setting Healthy Boundaries40:01 Finding Joy in the Present40:27 Conclusion: The Journey of HealingIf you are interested in joining Tony's private Facebook group for women in narcissistic or emotionally immature relationships of any type, please reach out to him at contact@tonyoverbay.com or through the form on the website, HTTP://www.tonyoverbay.comIf you are a man interested in joining Tony's "Emotional Architects" group to learn how to better navigate your relationship with a narcissistic or emotionally immature partner or learn how to become more emotionally mature yourself, please reach out to Tony at contact@tonyoverbay.com or through the form on the website, HTTP:www.tonyoverbay.com

Have you ever been told you're 'too sensitive' or that you need to ‘get over it,’ or ‘don’t worry about it,’ but that only causes you to worry more, or feel less connected to others, or even yourself? Or have you been told that your sensitivity must mean you're on the autism spectrum? Or are you on the autisim spectrum and can you also identify with many of the characteristics of Highly Sensitive People? With over 2.2 million views and hundreds of comments on recent viral videos about Highly Sensitive People (HSPs), it's clear this topic strikes a nerve. Drawing from his experience working with both HSPs and individuals with ASD, Tony dives deep into why these distinct experiences are often confused - and why understanding the difference isn't just interesting, it's essential for creating a more empathetic world.Through viral video statistics, personal anecdotes, and real-world examples, he breaks down how HSPs (representing 15-20% of the population) and individuals with ASD navigate life differently. From sensory processing to social dynamics, discover why that deep emotional processing might actually be an evolutionary advantage rather than a disorder. Along the way, the discussion explores how ADHD and NPD (Narcissistic Personality Disorder) intersect with these experiences.This episode provides crucial insights into recognizing, understanding, and supporting both HSPs and individuals with ASD. Whether questioning your own experiences or trying to better understand someone else's, listeners will find the clarity and validation they've been seeking. Perfect for anyone who's ever felt misunderstood about their sensitivity or confused about where they fit in the neurodiversity spectrum. Join Tony for an eye-opening discussion that might just change how you see yourself - or someone you love."00:00 Welcome and Introduction00:30 The Viral Video on Highly Sensitive People01:04 Behind the Scenes: Social Media Stats02:05 Addressing Misconceptions and Personal Insights03:26 A Personal Anecdote: The Butterfly Bandage04:12 Responding to Drive-By Comments04:29 Understanding Highly Sensitive People (HSP) vs Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)07:27 Story Time: Sarah and Michael's Interaction18:57 The Evolutionary Purpose of High Sensitivity21:39 Traits and Characteristics of Highly Sensitive People29:17 Challenges Faced by Highly Sensitive People33:59 The Importance of Curiosity and Understanding35:30 Understanding Human Uniqueness36:22 Fascinating Facts About Human Preferences37:22 The Complexity of Sensitivity

Have you ever tried selling a grand piano on Facebook Marketplace? Our latest episode of the Q&A Files kicks off with some personal tales of downsizing and the hilarious adventures that come with it. Join us as Trisha Jamison, a board-certified functional nutritionist, and Tony Overbay, a licensed marriage and family therapist and seasoned podcaster from The Virtual Couch, and Waking Up To Narcissism, discuss these issues for Tony's podcast, The Virtual Couch. Trisha and Tony discuss emotional immaturity and narcissistic traits and offer a path to healthier relationships. We share our own journeys of growth and healing to show how. This episode delves into the challenges of navigating emotionally complex relationships and the power of validation. Whether dealing with resistance from a partner or unlocking the transformative potential of self-awareness, our candid discussions aim to provide fresh perspectives and practical strategies for listeners who might be walking similar paths.Join us next time as we discuss how to keep your relationships fresh by talking to a newlywed couple who are just as cute as can be! Follow the Q&A Files Podcast on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1k2Oh4rY9VCp1tVeu14dxk?si=a39537613900475b (https://open.spotify.com/show/1k2Oh4rY9VCp1tVeu14dxk?si=a39537613900475b) Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-q-a-files/id1730736061 or wherever you listen to podcasts. 

Tony welcomes Ashlynn Allen to the podcast. Ashlynn shares her journey from fitness influencer to betrayal trauma survivor to empowerment coach and highlights the strength of facing life’s...

Tony explores the complex dynamics of narcissism and emotional immaturity in a special “Holiday Edition” of the “Death By a Thousand Cuts” series. Through stories shared by listeners, Tony delves into how such behaviors can overshadow festive occasions, creating a lingering emotional toll. He also highlights the importance of awareness and growth, encouraging listeners to participate in healthier, more fulfilling holiday traditions. Featuring a unique narrative inspired by 'Twas the Night Before Christmas,' written by Claude AI, this episode sheds light on the subtleties of narcissistic manipulation and control during what are typically hoped to be seen as celebratory times.00:00 A Twisted Christmas Tale02:36 Introduction and Welcome02:52 Announcements and Updates04:19 Listener Stories: Holiday Struggles06:39 Story 1: Control and Manipulation12:12 Story 2: The Christmas Face16:34 Story 3: The Dream Trip Conflict20:35 Story 4: Missing Milestones27:17 Story 5: Passive Aggressive Holidays34:22 Story 6: Inappropriate Gifts36:21 Reflections and Closing ThoughtsFind more from Tony Overbay:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/virtualcouchTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@virtualcouch Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/virtual.couch/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tonyoverbaylmft/Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-virtual-couch/id1275153998Website: https://www.tonyoverbay.com/  Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/virtualcouchIf you are interested in joining Tony's private Facebook group for women in narcissistic or emotionally immature relationships of any type, please reach out to him at contact@tonyoverbay.com or through the form on the website, HTTP://www.tonyoverbay.comIf you are a man interested in joining Tony's "Emotional Architects" group to learn how to better navigate your relationship with a narcissistic or emotionally immature partner or learn how to become more emotionally mature yourself, please reach out to Tony at contact@tonyoverbay.com or through the form on the website, HTTP:www.tonyoverbay.com

Are you tired of the endless pursuit of perfection? Do you question why your self-esteem seems more tied to others' opinions than your own self-worth? In this transformative episode, Tony explores the crucial difference between self-esteem and self-compassion, drawing from Dr. Kristin Neff's groundbreaking research. Through personal experiences and scientific insights, Tony challenges our cultural obsession with self-esteem, revealing why the constant pressure to be "above average" creates an impossible and unhealthy standard for well-being.Learn how self-compassion offers a more sustainable path to genuine self-acceptance through its three core components: self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness. Tony delves into the fascinating neuroscience behind mindfulness practices, explaining how they physically rewire our brains for greater emotional regulation and self-awareness. Drawing from Viktor Frankl's profound insights as a Holocaust survivor and author of "Man's Search for Meaning," Tony illustrates how finding meaning in our struggles can transform our relationship with ourselves and others.This episode provides both the scientific framework and practical tools needed to develop self-compassion in daily life. Whether you struggle with perfectionism, find yourself caught in comparison traps, or simply want to develop a more stable sense of self-worth, you'll discover why self-compassion offers all the benefits of high self-esteem without its potential downsides. Join Tony as he shares actionable strategies for transforming your relationship with yourself and finding peace in the simple truth that you're not broken - you're human.00:00 Introduction and Personal Story01:46 The Therapist's Dilemma: Hope vs. Reality04:33 Exploring Self-Esteem and Self-Compassion07:01 The Impact of Comparison and External Validation11:02 Value-Based Goal Setting and Radical Acceptance13:08 Parental Support and Secure Attachment15:25 Listener Insights on Self-Esteem16:32 Embracing Self-Compassion23:22 Seeking Validation and Self-Compassion24:16 Confessions of an Ultramarathoner26:18 Accepting Mediocrity in Running29:19 The Power of Self-Compassion33:25 Mindfulness and Self-Kindness35:19 A Personal Podcasting Challenge39:21 Viktor Frankl's Wisdom on Meaning45:23 The Journey of Self-Compassion

Tony Overbay, LMFT, explores how seemingly minor slights and manipulations in relationships can accumulate to cause significant emotional harm. Welcome to the 8th installment of Waking Up to Narcissism’s “Death by 1,000 Cuts” series. In this episode, Tony delves deep into the subtle yet severe world of emotional abuse. Whether you're dealing with a narcissistic partner, emotionally immature family members, or challenging work colleagues, this episode is full of relatable stories and practical advice to help you understand and navigate these treacherous waters. Tony shares listener-submitted poems and limericks that perfectly capture the pain and frustration of enduring countless small but stinging slights. He also shares personal anecdotes and listener stories to illustrate how these seemingly minor offenses can pile up, causing significant emotional damage over time. Discover invaluable strategies for maintaining your emotional health, such as self-compassion, differentiating yourself emotionally, and setting healthy boundaries. You'll also learn the importance of documenting behavior patterns and trusting your gut feelings to reclaim your reality and foster your healing journey.Find more from Tony Overbay:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@virtualcouchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/virtual.couch/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tonyoverbaylmft/Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-virtual-couch/id1275153998Website: https://www.tonyoverbay.com/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/virtualcouchStream Riley Hope's song 'Not My Job' and follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musicbyrileyhope/ 00:00 Deathbycuts807:13 Introduction and Acknowledgements08:06 Listener Contributions: Poems and Limericks09:13 Understanding Emotional Cuts in Relationships09:33 Host Introduction and Podcast Overview11:36 The Free Throw Analogy: Preparation vs. Real Life16:44 Applying Relationship Skills in Real Life24:30 Listener Stories: Death by a Thousand Cuts31:21 Roommate Frustrations31:46 Financial Manipulation32:21 Co-Parenting Conflicts32:55 Family Event Disruptions33:43 Emotional Immaturity in Relationships42:03 Professional Sabotage45:00 Phone Surveillance47:08 Achievement Diminishment48:07 Weaponized Routines48:45 Financial Manipulation Revisited50:30 Co-Parenting Undermining51:09 Recognizing Patterns of Control54:16 The Importance of Self-Compassion