Hosts Paula D Atkinson and Lisa K Kays do a deep dive into the modern obsession with attention. In this episode, we explore the mental health implications of constant screen engagement and discuss the reality of monogamy in today's world. Topics include the impact of AI on human cognition, changes in the perception of relationships, and the importance of awe in everyday life.
Therapist Horror Stories: When Counseling Goes WrongJoin hosts Paula Atkinson and Lisa K as they dive into an engaging and hilarious episode of 'What, If Nothing Is Wrong With You?' where audience members share their most shocking and hysterical therapist horror stories. From therapists falling asleep mid-session to wildly inappropriate disclosures, this episode sheds light on the importance of choosing the right therapist and recognizing when therapy may be doing more harm than good. Tune in for a blend of humor, insight, and audience participation in this captivating episode!00:00 Introduction and Audience Participation01:16 Chit Chat: Adult Swim Team Adventures05:19 TV Show Recommendations: The Righteous Gemstones08:45 Therapy Update and Reflections12:49 Therapist Horror Stories: Inappropriate Advice24:52 Therapist Horror Stories: Mishandling Coming Out28:52 Therapist Horror Stories: The Power Dynamics29:54 The Perils of Self-Disclosure30:31 Therapist Over-Sharing: When It Gets Personal36:33 Couples Therapy Gone Wrong44:02 Therapists Falling Asleep: A New Low49:14 Unhelpful Advice: Have You Tried...?52:39 Conclusion: Sharing Your Stories
Friendship and Ketamine: Deconstructing Cultural MythsIn this episode of 'What If Nothing's Wrong With You,' Paula and Lisa dive into the overlooked importance of friendships and the therapeutic potential of ketamine. They begin by discussing their reactions to the Netflix remake of 'The Four Seasons,' and how it reflects outdated notions of relationships. The hosts then explore the cultural devaluation of friendships, particularly stressing how systemic issues like capitalism, white supremacy, and patriarchy undermine community bonds. They share personal stories, insights from research, and highlight the importance of being deliberate and effortful in maintaining friendships. The episode wraps up with powerful reflections on prioritizing platonic relationships for better mental health and overall well-being.00:00 Introduction and Today's Topics00:36 TV Show Review: The Four Seasons11:22 Young Sheldon and Intergenerational Themes14:18 Book Recommendation: Educated by Tara Westover16:14 The Emerald Podcast and Media Consumption20:06 Ketamine as a Treatment for Mental Health25:53 The Importance of Friendships28:48 The Devaluation of Friendships in Modern Society30:34 Redefining Romance and Friendship33:57 The Origin Story of a Lifelong Friendship39:56 The Myth of the Core Friend Group50:37 The Importance of Friendships for Parents and Children53:58 Friendship as a Sacred Form of Love55:36 Final Thoughts and Call to Action
In this episode of 'What If Nothing Is Wrong With You?', Paula D. Atkinson and Lisa K. Kays, dive deep into the complexities of the Boomer generation. They explore long-standing requests and discuss the historical, social, and psychological factors that have shaped Boomers into who they are today. Topics include the consequences of post-war trauma, lack of curiosity, over-identification with the country, and the struggles of growing up under Boomer parents. They also address the sensitive issue of going 'no contact' with difficult family members, providing insights into handling these challenging relationships.
SHOW NOTES
In this episode of 'What if Nothing's Wrong with You?', Paula D. Atkinson, Lisa K. Kays, tackle the misuse and overuse of popular therapy terms like 'narcissist,' 'triggered,' and 'boundaries.' They dive into the potential pitfalls of mislabeling behaviors and emotions, emphasizing the importance of context and cultural factors. The discussion also covers the commodification of therapy terms and how they can sometimes do more harm than good. Along the way, they touch on reality TV insights from 'Squid Games' and 'RuPaul's Drag Race,' highlighting how these shows can serve as sociological experiments. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on navigating mental health language in today's world.
00:00 Introduction and Wild Ride Since 2025
01:03 Squid Games Discussion
02:39 Sociological Insights from Reality TV
08:39 RuPaul's Drag Race and Gen X Parenting
12:37 Chapel Rone's Controversial Comments
19:31 Therapy Terms and Their Misuse
34:31 Finding Calm and Setting Boundaries
34:49 Facing Relationship Truths
36:08 Energetic Boundaries and Self-Regulation
37:57 Pathologizing Everyday Behaviors
39:09 Narcissism and Cultural Context
40:57 Dependence and Pathologizing Needs
46:22 Misuse of Psychological Terms
50:29 Depression vs. Heartbreak
54:03 Capitalism and Human Suffering
54:31 Trauma Bonding and Pathologizing Venting
58:10 Ridiculous Diagnoses and Pathological Ambivalence
01:07:38 Concluding Thoughts and Listener Engagement
In this episode of 'What If Nothing's Wrong With You?', hosts Paula D. Atkinson and Lisa K. Kays, dive into the complexities and chaos of online dating. They discuss their clients' experiences, Paula's memories of online dating, and how it can be approached in a relatively sane manner. They explore the impact of societal norms on relationships and the importance of individual preferences, freedom, and self-awareness. The hosts provide practical advice for managing online dating, including treating it as an experiment or skills-building lab. They also emphasize the significance of listening to one's body and give tips on how to gracefully say no to unsuitable matches.
00:00 Introduction and Podcast Hosts
00:10 Diving into Online Dating
00:52 Lady Gaga's New Album and SNL Performance
04:15 Mental Health and Celebrity Struggles
06:25 Community Building and Conflict Management
11:55 Heteronormativity and Relationship Freedom
19:42 Online Dating Experiences and Challenges
23:04 Dating and Speech Therapy: A Hilarious Connection
23:53 The Serial Killer Factor in Dating
24:20 Navigating Chemistry and Safety in Dating
25:58 The Absurdity of Online Dating
28:33 Setting Boundaries and Knowing What You Want
33:17 Listening to Your Body's Signals
37:26 Using Dating as a Skills-Building Lab
39:52 Infinite Permission to Say No
43:57 Final Thoughts and Listener Engagement
Welcome to another episode of 'What If Nothing's Wrong with You?' Join Paula D Atkinson and Lisa K Kays as they dive deep into the topics of heteronormativity, monogamy, and allonormativity. In this enlightening and thought-provoking episode, they explore various cultural norms and societal pressures that shape our relationships and identities. They discuss ethical non-monogamy, relationship agreements, and the impact of societal expectations on our mental health. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review!
00:00 Introduction and Podcast Theme
01:08 Discussing Heteronormativity and Monogamy
01:31 Lady Gaga and Generational Music Tastes
04:49 Queer Art and Performances
07:57 TV Show Recommendations and Therapy
12:55 Patriarchy and Gender Norms
22:38 Ethical Non-Monogamy Explained
31:22 Challenging Monogamy and Traditional Love
32:36 Queer Identity and Relationships
33:19 The Problem with Heteronormativity
35:13 Redefining Gender and Sexuality
38:04 Relationship Agreements and Consent
41:01 Amatonormativity and Its Impact
45:48 Allonormativity and Sexual Liberation
58:35 The Industrial Revolution's Influence on Family Structures
01:04:16 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In this episode of 'What if Nothing's Wrong with You?' Paula Atkinson and Lisa Kays dive deep into the concept of autonomy and the importance of setting boundaries even if it means disappointing others. They address a listener's question about overcoming anxiety and discuss the pitfalls of bad therapy practices. The hosts also reflect on their personal experiences of stepping away from obligatory engagements, the societal expectations placed on women, and the crucial distinction between autonomy and selfishness.
Join us as we delve into discussions about intuition, community service, and the importance of staying connected in an increasingly fragmented world. From touching on the magic of Trader Joe's to the role of libraries and touching trees, we explore ways to stay sane and connected in tumultuous times. Plus, hear our thoughts on the powerful shifts with Pluto entering Aquarius and find out our updates on personal intuition and community gossip. As always, we aim to serve therapists and individuals looking for community and healing. Give us a review on Youtube, iTunes, follow us on Instagram, and join the conversation!
In this episode of 'What If Nothing's Wrong with You?', hosts Paula D. Atkinson and Lisa K. Kays discuss the pervasive issue of over-functioning, particularly among women. They explore the cultural grooming that perpetuates this behavior, the resentment it breeds in relationships, and the importance of being honest with oneself and others. From pop culture influences to personal anecdotes, Paula and Lisa delve into the dynamics that keep many trapped in cycles of over-functioning and under-functioning. They offer insights and practical advice on how to break free from these harmful patterns, advocating for authenticity, self-compassion, and genuine connection.
Navigating Tough Times: Laughter, Grief, and Community
Paula D. Atkinson and Lisa K. Kays discuss coping mechanisms for challenging times in the latest episode of 'What If Nothing's Wrong With You.' Recorded on February 12th, they touch on the importance of humor and playfulness in resistance, the necessity of allowing oneself to grieve, and the benefits of crying. Highlights include a thorough breakdown of Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl Halftime Show, the portrayal of covert narcissism in 'Bad Sisters,' and a review of 'Young Sheldon.' The episode also discusses strategies for better mental health and sustaining a joyful resistance, including changing relationships with social media. Join Paula and Lisa for an improv painting workshop on March 8th to engage in mindful and creative healing.
Hosts Paula D Atkinson and Lisa K Kays dive into the topic of self-diagnosis, particularly with mental health conditions. Responding to a listener's request, they explore why many young people are turning to TikTok for information on mental health, and the mixed reactions from clinicians. The hosts share personal stories and insights, emphasizing the importance of allowing self-diagnosis as a tool for understanding and empowerment. They discuss the societal resistance to acknowledging neurodivergence and the potential harm caused by treating neurodivergent individuals as neurotypical. They also touch on the inadequacies of the current educational and healthcare systems in accommodating diverse mental health needs. The episode concludes with a call to embrace self-diagnosis and support the younger generation's quest for mental health awareness.
Paula D Atkinson and Lisa K Kays discuss various easy-to-implement activities to improve mental health without the need for extensive therapy. They address topics like blocking negative people, planning trips, spending time outdoors, trusting intuition, the importance of sleep, and finding joy in frivolous activities. The episode also touches on serious issues, such as the recent allegations against P. Diddy and the problematic nature of group therapy sessions.
Therapists Paula D Atkinson and Lisa discuss the dark roots and current issues within modern psychotherapy, focusing on its links to white supremacy, colonialism, and patriarchal systems. They explore the historical context of psychotherapy, its evolution, and how these deep-seated prejudices continue to affect the profession today. The episode also covers the significance of critical self-awareness, liberation psychology, and the importance of confronting one's own biases for personal and societal healing.
In this episode of 'What If Nothing Is Wrong with You,' Paula D Atkinson and Lisa K Kays tackle the topic of intuition. They share anecdotal experiences, discuss the difference between intuition and anxiety, and offer practical tips on how to trust your inner voice. They also touch on popular culture references like the TV show 'Shrinking,' the movie 'The Substance,' and a concert experience with boomer attitudes. The episode wraps up with a fun exercise to help listeners practice listening to their intuition.
Navigating Post-Election Anxiety: A Psychotherapy Perspective
On November 6th, 2024, seasoned psychotherapists Lisa and Paula offer a candid and heartfelt discussion following the recent election. They share personal and professional reflections on living through multiple Trump elections and the profound impact on mental health. They stress the importance of staying in the present, processing emotions, and fighting dehumanization in daily life. Through anecdotes and insights, Lisa and Paula emphasize the need for compassion, self-awareness, and local action to navigate these turbulent times.
In this episode, hosts Lisa Kays and Paula D. Atkinson discuss their personal journeys to sobriety, their complex relationships with the 12-step programs, and the cultural issues surrounding addiction recovery. They highlight how sobriety and recovery can be nuanced, personal experiences rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. The episode also examines the impact of toxic relationships on mental health and well-being, drawing from real-life examples and professional insights. Additionally, they touch on the various financial burdens faced by therapists and critique systemic issues within the medical and social work fields.
In this episode, hosts Paula D. Atkinson and Lisa Kays delve into the intricacies of female friendships, the physical and mental challenges of menopause, and the importance of companionship in combating loneliness. They share personal stories and trips, emphasize the need for maintaining a sense of self beyond societal and familial roles, and provide humorous anecdotes about introducing classic TV shows to younger generations. This episode also highlights discussions on gender roles, the undervaluation of friendships, and the health impacts of over-functioning. Referencing Jane Fonda's advocacy and statistical data, the conversation advocates for supportive relationships and the critical role they play in women's well-being, especially during hormonal transitions.
In this episode, hosts Lisa Kays and Paula D. Atkinson discuss the influence of Oprah Winfrey on mental health and culture. They highlight Oprah's positive contributions by promoting therapy, mental health awareness, and trauma-informed care through her show and books. They also critique the negative impact of her endorsement of dietary practices and figures like Dr. Phil and Dr. Oz. Additionally, the hosts share personal reflections on concerts and experiences, including a humorous story about Nicki Minaj tickets.
In this episode, hosts Paula D. Atkinson and Lisa Kays dive into various topics including their recent TV show binges and the representation of fat characters in media. They also discuss the importance of play in healing trauma and share personal experiences around rediscovering creativity in adulthood, like taking up painting and violin lessons. The main segment focuses on understanding when therapy feels stuck and what to consider if you feel it's time to see your therapist less or leave altogether. They offer insights on recognizing the need for change, respecting one's own intuition, and understanding the dynamics of the doctor-patient relationship. The episode concludes with reflections on the necessity and value of letting relationships and activities die when they've served their purpose.