Edge of the Couch: Recent Episodes
Jordan Pickell and Alison McCleary
Two good friends and experienced therapists explore the topics that were either shied away from or dismissed because they were too big, too nuanced, too risky, or too uncomfortable to address in school or even in supervision. We want to inspire and encourage new therapists to think more deeply, show up more fully, and find humour and self-compassion in navigating the messier parts of being a therapist.
We're currently on tour, but we are so excited to share this conversation with you! In this episode, we discuss all the interesting layers of this instagram reel by Jen Sims from The Redwood Center for Children & Families. As a trauma therapist herself, she decided to terminate therapy with her own therapist after the first session ran significantly over time. This sparked a huge conversation among therapists about what it means to end on time (or extend beyond the scheduled time.) People seem to feel strongly one way or another. We want to know: what do you think?
Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch, share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram, or email us at connect@edgeofthecouch.com.
We have partnered with Janeapp, our favourite all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign-up for a free one-month grace period on your new account.
Alison McCleary
www.woodstovewellness.ca
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
Emotion is the heart of our work as therapists. They can be slippery and elusive, hard to access, scary to tap into and feel fully. There are countless frameworks for understanding emotion, and in this episode we talk about how we personally conceptualize these phenomena.
Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch, share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram, or email us at connect@edgeofthecouch.com.
We have partnered with Janeapp, our favourite all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign-up for a free one-month grace period on your new account.
Alison McCleary
www.woodstovewellness.ca
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
Even though we discussed being a therapist on social media fairly recently, we thought it was important to talk about it again because a therapist with a huge following (therapyjeff) posted things that were objectively harmful, intentionally or not, in recent weeks. It ignited a larger conversation across platforms about best practices for therapists on social media, because it's a good reminder: we can do actual harm, and it's important we take this risk seriously. But how? In this episode, we talk about our own evolving relationships with social media and how we thoughtfully show up to, hopefully, be a net good for the people who listen to our podcast, watch our videos, and read our writing. We'd love to know how you show up on social media as a therapist (or why you specifically avoid it.)
Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch, share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram, or email us at connect@edgeofthecouch.com.
We have partnered with Janeapp, our favourite all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign-up for a free one-month grace period on your new account.
Alison McCleary
www.woodstovewellness.ca
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
You guessed it-- we saw something online this week that got us thinking. This time, it was a reel where a therapist claimed that clients cannot hurt her feelings. But... of course they can...? We're human, after all. But knowing when to process our emotional response directly with clients and when to let it lie and process it elsewhere is worth deeper reflection. Has a client ever hurt your feelings? What did you do about it?
Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch, share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram, or email us at connect@edgeofthecouch.com.
We have partnered with Janeapp, our favourite all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign-up for a free one-month grace period on your new account.
Alison McCleary
www.woodstovewellness.ca
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
This episode is all about confrontation, challenging, 'calling in'. We talk about how gentle confrontation is an essential part of our work as therapists. We believe it is ultimately a disservice to clients to avoid challenging their thoughts, beliefs, or patterns. The tricky question is when and how to confront people in therapy. It's so scary when you're new! What is the hardest part for you when it comes to (gently!) challenging clients?
Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch, share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram, or email us at connect@edgeofthecouch.com.
We have partnered with Janeapp, our favourite all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign-up for a free one-month grace period on your new account.
Alison McCleary
www.woodstovewellness.ca
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
In this episode, we talk about how this phenomenon shows up in the therapy room. Some clients feel their asking for help is burdensome to their friends, so they keep to themselves, even when they want to develop deeper relationships. Some people are discarding friendships for seemingly innocuous mistakes. This idea that we 'don't owe anyone anything' is costing us connection. As therapists, we can support these folks to approach their relationships in alignment with the kind of relationships they want to cultivate, rather than from a place of blame. So what do you think? Have some people taken the recent social messaging about boundary-setting too far?
Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch, share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram, or email us at connect@edgeofthecouch.com.
We have partnered with Janeapp, our favourite all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign-up for a free one-month grace period on your new account.
Alison McCleary
www.woodstovewellness.ca
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
This week, we wanted to give you a peek into what our content on Patreon looks like. Breaking with our usual format, we are a little looser, a little more personal, a little more controversial. So, if you want to join us over there, go to patreon.com/edgeofthecouch. We have over 120 bonus episodes of speaking off-the-cuff, with no notes, no ads, no edits.
We also want to give our deep thanks to our patrons. Without your support, we would not be going on tour, period. Times are tough, so for you to use some of your hard-earned money to help sustain our work means so, so much.
Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch, share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram, or email us at connect@edgeofthecouch.com.
We have partnered with Janeapp, our favourite all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign-up for a free one-month grace period on your new account.
Alison McCleary
www.woodstovewellness.ca
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
In this episode, we talk about how therapists can be humourless, anti-love, bubble-bursters. Not really... but maybe a little bit? We believe being the wet blanket is actually an important part of our jobs as therapists. We see when humour is being used as a defence mechanism. We spot love-bombing and other red flags. Exactly how we bring those observations to the client, that's more delicate work. How do we help clients see the full landscape of a situation rather than one angle of it? And when might we be overusing our power to make clients see 'reality'?
Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch, share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram, or email us at connect@edgeofthecouch.com.
We have partnered with Janeapp, our favourite all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign-up for a free one-month grace period on your new account.
Alison McCleary
www.woodstovewellness.ca
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
You probably heard this in grad school: "Never, ever touch your clients." But you know, for us, things are rarely black-and white. What about high fives? What about comforting touch? Hugs at termination? The conversation about using physical touch in therapy usually centres around liability and the 'slippery slope' to abusing our clients. While those are essential considerations to this topic, we are taking a different focus: the impact on the client and the therapeutic relationship. Our perspective might surprise you...
Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch, share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram, or email us at connect@edgeofthecouch.com.
We have partnered with Janeapp, our favourite all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign-up for a free one-month grace period on your new account.
Alison McCleary
www.woodstovewellness.ca
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
Are you comfortable talking about death with your clients? Not just around their grief and losses, but also about their own future deaths. Some clients will be open about their anxieties, while others unconsciously express their feelings through things seemingly entirely different-- like making big life decisions about romantic partners and whether or not to have children. We also discuss MAID, suic*de, and the prospect of death adding to the meaningfulness of life. Listen to learn about our own relationships with death. It might surprise you...
Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch, share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram, or email us at connect@edgeofthecouch.com.
We have partnered with Janeapp, our favourite all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign-up for a free one-month grace period on your new account.
Alison McCleary
www.woodstovewellness.ca
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
Inspired by the new research article critiquing and perhaps 'debunking' polyvagal theory, we are sitting with the tension between adjusting to emerging neuroscience findings while also offering clients frameworks that genuinely help them make sense of their experiences and feelings. We talk about brain scans and bold claims that researchers sometimes make, what sounds science-y versus what actually shows up in people's psychology and physiology in session. We must translate these complex concepts to clients responsibly. At what point are we oversimplifying? Or just plain wrong? Although neither of us references the vagus nerve specifically in our therapy work, we are a little thrown. Along with the claims the author Lisa Feldman Barrett makes in her recent book, How Emotions Are Made, we wonder what other concepts we hold dear might be next on the neuroscientific chopping block. So, when you find yourself in the place where story meets science, what do you fall back on?
Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch, share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram, or email us at connect@edgeofthecouch.com.
We have partnered with Janeapp, our favourite all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign-up for a free one-month grace period on your new account.
Alison McCleary
www.woodstovewellness.ca
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
Hear us out... we know that so many of our clients are in therapy specifically to work through chronic shame, and we work alongside them to pull back the layers and find self-compassion. To learn more about that process, you can listen to our episode on Working with Shame.
We came of age professionally, so to speak, when Brené Brown's perspectives on shame and guilt were at the forefront of the cultural zeitgeist. According to Brené, shame is 'I'm bad', while guilt is 'I did something bad.' This is something we generally agree with. But in this episode, we're asking the question about whether shame might actually have a place, that maybe we shouldn't banish it. We discuss the connection between accountability and shame, and how that plays out in the therapy, but also in community and collectively. So, what do you think: should we bring back shame?
Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch, share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram, or email us at connect@edgeofthecouch.com.
We have partnered with Janeapp, our favourite all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign-up for a free one-month grace period on your new account.
Alison McCleary
www.woodstovewellness.ca
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
Therapists should not be out here guaranteeing results! That is a big red flag. But false assurances aren't just for those "bad therapists" over there; we, too, can fall into the trap of making promises we can't keep. Have you ever told a client you'll never abandon them? That therapy will save their marriage or "cure" them of anxiety or depression? Listen to learn why it can be harmful to make such strong claims, and what we could be doing instead to create realistic expectations and support the long-term work of alleviating suffering and living a meaningful life.
Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch, share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram, or email us at connect@edgeofthecouch.com.
We have partnered with Janeapp, our favourite all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign-up for a free one-month grace period on your new account.
Alison McCleary
www.woodstovewellness.ca
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
Clients bring in photos, videos, and artwork—and we love it. It helps us see their world more clearly. But what happens when the sheer volume becomes overwhelming, boundaries get blurry, or we take away something they didn't intend to share?
Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch, share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram, or email us at connect@edgeofthecouch.com.
We have partnered with Janeapp, our favourite all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign-up for a free one-month grace period on your new account.
Alison McCleary
www.woodstovewellness.ca
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
It's time for a refresher about why it's harmful when therapists put on a front of "neutrality". Especially during this time in history, people need therapists to be a place to land, to meet a real person, to talk about their completely understandable fears and have those validated and held. Heads up: this conversation is a little messy and unfinished. We're curious about what you think.
Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch, share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram, or email us at connect@edgeofthecouch.com.
We have partnered with Janeapp, our favourite all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign-up for a free one-month grace period on your new account.
Alison McCleary
www.woodstovewellness.ca
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
In the finale of Season 9, we discuss the concepts of acceptance and forgiveness, and how they show up in therapy. Therapists can have strong opinions about these, and we are no exception!
While this is the finale, because we have our tour coming up, we won't be taking a break this time. We'll be back next week for Season 10.
Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch, share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram, or email us at connect@edgeofthecouch.com.
We have partnered with Janeapp, our favourite all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign-up for a free one-month grace period on your new account.
Alison McCleary
www.woodstovewellness.ca
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We started this episode with the working title, 'When You Watch Childhood Trauma Happening in Real Time', but as the conversation unfolded, so much of what we were talking about was a mixed bag of parenting choices that often fall within the cultural norm, even if, as therapists, we understand might have long-term consequences. We talked about screen time and spanking, being strict with teens, and having age-inappropriate expectations of young children. What is a therapist to do in this situation? Especially if the client isn't there to discuss their parenting? As you listen, keep in mind our own standpoints: Jordan is in the thick of it with school-aged kids, and Alison is childfree by choice. Let us know what you think!
Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch, share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram, or email us at connect@edgeofthecouch.com.
We have partnered with Janeapp, our favourite all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign-up for a free one-month grace period on your new account.
Alison McCleary
www.woodstovewellness.ca
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
Inspired by conversations with clients about GLP-1s, today we're talking something particularly tender and nuanced: the cultural shift towards thinness and the myriad ways that is showing up in our work. We talk about our duty to our clients, and balancing that with respecting self-determination and stage of change. We discuss how exactly to bring up disordered eating, and whether and when self-disclosure can be helpful. We also talk about countertransference and how that can add layers to the already complex theme.
Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch, share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram, or email us at connect@edgeofthecouch.com.
We have partnered with Janeapp, our favourite all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign-up for a free one-month grace period on your new account.
Alison McCleary
www.woodstovewellness.ca
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch, share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram, or email us at connect@edgeofthecouch.com.
We have partnered with Janeapp, our favourite all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign-up for a free one-month grace period on your new account.
Alison McCleary
www.woodstovewellness.ca
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
In this episode, we talk about how we can use our shared experience of media to enrich therapeutic work and deepen our relationships with our clients. We mention recent media like Heated Rivalry and the Oprah special on parental estrangement. We also talk about media that stays relevant, like Inside Out. If you enjoyed this episode, join us on patreon, where we often discuss pop culture and current events, in the context of therapeutic work.
Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch, share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram, or email us at connect@edgeofthecouch.com.
We have partnered with Janeapp, our favourite all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign-up for a free one-month grace period on your new account.
Alison McCleary
www.woodstovewellness.ca
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
When despair shows up in session, it can be challenging to know how to respond. It's delicate. You don't want to move too quickly, tip into toxic positivity, and look for the silver lining, nor do you want the client to dive into those feelings only to fall deeper into abject hopelessness. In this episode, we talk about how we work with despair. It requires finely tuned clinical skills, and we hope that this conversation can help you feel less stuck when working with folks struggling with despair.
Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch, share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram, or email us at connect@edgeofthecouch.com.
We have partnered with Janeapp, our favourite all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign-up for a free one-month grace period on your new account.
Alison McCleary
www.woodstovewellness.ca
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch, share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram, or email us at connect@edgeofthecouch.com.
We have partnered with Janeapp, our favourite all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign-up for a free one-month grace period on your new account.
Alison McCleary
www.woodstovewellness.ca
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch, share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram, or email us at connect@edgeofthecouch.com.
We have partnered with Janeapp, our favourite all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign-up for a free one-month grace period on your new account.
Alison McCleary
www.woodstovewellness.ca
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch, share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram, or email us at connect@edgeofthecouch.com.
We have partnered with Janeapp, our favourite all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign-up for a free one-month grace period on your new account.
Alison McCleary
www.woodstovewellness.ca
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
In this episode, we answer a DM about new grads calling themselves 'specialists' right out of school. We share about what we think the standards are (or should be) to consider yourself a specialist in a specific client population, presenting concern, and/or modality.
Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch, share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram, or email us at connect@edgeofthecouch.com.
We have partnered with Janeapp, our favourite all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign-up for a free one-month grace period on your new account.
Alison McCleary
www.woodstovewellness.ca
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch, share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram, or email us at connect@edgeofthecouch.com.
We have partnered with Janeapp, our favourite all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign-up for a free one-month grace period on your new account.
Alison McCleary
www.woodstovewellness.ca
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch, share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram, or email us at connect@edgeofthecouch.com.
We have partnered with Janeapp, our favourite all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign-up for a free one-month grace period on your new account.
Alison McCleary
www.woodstovewellness.ca
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch, share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram, or email us at connect@edgeofthecouch.com.
We have partnered with Janeapp, our favourite all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign-up for a free one-month grace period on your new account.
Alison McCleary
www.woodstovewellness.ca
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
Self-awareness is a gift, right? Until it isn’t. Self-awareness can help us grow, connect, and live more fully. But when it goes too far, it can crystallize into self-criticism, intellectualizing, and anxiety. In this episode, we talk about what happens when clients almost have TOO much self-awareness. Alison opens the conversation with a quote from Girls star, Jemima Kirke, who once told “unconfident young women” that maybe they’re just “thinking about themselves too much.” We discuss how therapists can recognize this pattern in clients, and how to help self-knowledge find a softer place to land.
Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch, share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram, or email us at connect@edgeofthecouch.com.
We have partnered with Janeapp, our favourite all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign-up for a free one-month grace period on your new account.
Alison McCleary
www.woodstovewellness.ca
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
For the first time on Edge of the Couch, we’re bringing you a Part 2! The response on Instagram (@edgeofthecouchpod!) to the topic of oversaturation was so engaging that we knew we had to continue the conversation. In this episode, we take it deeper: Does the field weed out bad therapists? In a sea of therapists, what does a good fit really mean? And how can we push back against the culture of competition in the field, instead rooting ourselves in accountability, consultation, and community? Thanks for coming along with us this season! We'd love to know what you think.
Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch, share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram, or email us at connect@edgeofthecouch.com.
We have partnered with Janeapp, our favourite all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign-up for a free one-month grace period on your new account.
Alison McCleary
www.woodstovewellness.ca
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
Welcome back for Season 9 of Edge of the Couch! And hello to those of you who might be just starting your grad programs and finding us for the first time.
When we were in school, professors kept bringing up their concern that there was oversaturation in the field. So, we discuss this question: Is it true that there are too many therapists? That question feels even more pressing now than when we first started the podcast five years ago, as the landscape of the field has shifted dramatically. In this episode, we explore why the number of therapists and the number of good therapists aren’t the same thing, and why thoughtful gatekeeping plays an essential role in upholding the standards of the profession. This is a spicy one! What do you think?
Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch, share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram, or email us at connect@edgeofthecouch.com.
We have partnered with Janeapp, our favourite all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign-up for a free one-month grace period on your new account.
Alison McCleary
www.woodstovewellness.ca
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
In the final episode of the season, we revisit the topic of imposter syndrome. We talked about imposter syndrome in the very first episode of the podcast way back in 2021. How has our thinking about imposter syndrome evolved since then? In this episode, we explore what it looks like to own your experience as a therapist, even when there is still discomfort and self-doubt. We also share what is bringing each of us imposter-y feelings lately. We discuss how privilege shapes who feels like an imposter and who’s more comfortable taking up space, and the importance of cultivating a supportive therapy community.
Is imposter syndrome inevitable? Does it ever go away?
--
Check out Leading Edge's upcoming free events, in-person events, and over 150 webinars to choose from at LeadingEdgeSeminars.org, and find the training that actually works for you." Use the code EDGE10 to get 10% off select purchases
Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch, share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram, or email us at connect@edgeofthecouch.com.
We have partnered with Janeapp, our favourite all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign-up for a free one-month grace period on your new account.
Alison McCleary
www.woodstovewellness.ca
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
What do therapists mean when they say someone has a "victim mentality"? In this episode, we unpack this flippant term and explore what’s going on underneath it. We recognize that "victim mentality" is applied to several distinct phenomena. We discuss the difference between being an actual victim of harm, using "victimhood" as a protective defense, and unprocessed grief or trauma. We also examine how "victim mentality" is often used to discredit marginalized people and survivors of violence. Finally, we explore how, as therapists, we can respond with more understanding for where the client is coming from and skill to navigate these nuanced situations.
--
Check out Leading Edge's upcoming free events, in-person events, and over 150 webinars to choose from at LeadingEdgeSeminars.org, and find the training that actually works for you." Use the code EDGE10 to get 10% off select purchases.
Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch, share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram, or email us at connect@edgeofthecouch.com.
We have partnered with Janeapp, our favourite all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign-up for a free one-month grace period on your new account.
Alison McCleary
www.woodstovewellness.ca
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
Have you ever found yourself being the villain in someone else’s story? In this episode, we talk about what it’s like to be perceived as "the bad guy." As therapists, we will get cast as the villain at some point. Our clients get cast as the bad guy in their other relationships. In some ways, it's inevitable. And not everyone gets a redemption arc.
How have you been cast as the villain?
--
Check out Leading Edge's upcoming free events, in-person events, and over 150 webinars to choose from at LeadingEdgeSeminars.org, and find the training that actually works for you." Use the code EDGE10 to get 10% off select purchases.
Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch, share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram, or email us at connect@edgeofthecouch.com.
We have partnered with Janeapp, our favourite all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign-up for a free one-month grace period on your new account.
Alison McCleary
www.woodstovewellness.ca
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
Has another therapist ever told you, “You shouldn’t work harder than the client”? In this episode, we talk about what people really mean when they use this phrase. We unpack how privilege, trauma, the relationship, theoretical orientation, and modality all shape what “effort” really looks like in the therapy room.
What do we lose when we expect therapy to be equal effort? What does it mean to "work hard" in therapy anyway?
--
Check out Leading Edge's upcoming free events, in-person events, and over 150 webinars to choose from at LeadingEdgeSeminars.org, and find the training that actually works for you." Use the code EDGE10 to get 10% off select purchases.
Please note: this discount does not apply to the EMDR training.
https://leadingedgeseminars.org/?ref=7078
Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch, share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram, or email us at connect@edgeofthecouch.com.
We have partnered with Janeapp, our favourite all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign-up for a free one-month grace period on your new account.
Alison McCleary
www.woodstovewellness.ca
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
You know those moments in session when something inside says, "Something just shifted", "Pause here", or "Hmm..this is not lining up"? In this episode, we dig into what it means to follow our therapist intuition. We talk about how intuition grows over time, how it shows up in the room, and how we tentatively introduce our impressions. What’s your relationship with intuition in the therapy room... and how do you know when to trust it?
--
Check out Leading Edge's upcoming free events, in-person events, and over 150 webinars to choose from at LeadingEdgeSeminars.org, and find the training that actually works for you." Use the code EDGE10 to get 10% off select purchases.
Please note: this discount does not apply to the EMDR training.
https://leadingedgeseminars.org/?ref=7078
Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch, share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram, or email us at connect@edgeofthecouch.com.
We have partnered with Janeapp, our favourite all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign-up for a free one-month grace period on your new account.
Alison McCleary
www.woodstovewellness.ca
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
In light of the recent mass killing at the Lapu Lapu Day festival in Vancouver, we decided not to publish an episode this week. We're honouring that our bodies need more time to grieve, recalibrate, and rest. We know many of you have also been impacted and we hope you're honouring your needs as well.
Donate directly to families impacted.
Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch, share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram, or email us at connect@edgeofthecouch.com.
We have partnered with Janeapp, our favourite all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign-up for a free one-month grace period on your new account.
Alison McCleary
www.woodstovewellness.ca
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
Are therapists who "call out" their clients more effective? This week, we’re responding to a Reddit post from a therapist who proudly claims to be a "mean therapist". They describe themselves as solution-focused, direct, and not afraid to hold clients accountable. We unpack what might be behind that identity, what types of therapists and settings tend towards mean-ness, and what might be driving someone drawn to that kind of therapist. We also explore our own uneasiness with the term, and why calling yourself a “mean therapist” might reflect something more complicated, like a defense against criticism or discomfort with softness.
Let us know what you think about this episode!
--
Check out Leading Edge's upcoming free events, in-person events, and over 150 webinars to choose from at LeadingEdgeSeminars.org, and find the training that actually works for you." Use the code EDGE10 to get 10% off select purchases.
Please note: this discount does not apply to the EMDR training.
https://leadingedgeseminars.org/?ref=7078
Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch, share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram, or email us at connect@edgeofthecouch.com.
We have partnered with Janeapp, our favourite all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign-up for a free one-month grace period on your new account.
Alison McCleary
www.woodstovewellness.ca
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
All therapists miss essential information-- things like self-harm, abuse, and disordered eating. These can have major consequences.
In this episode, we discuss what gets missed in the therapy room, why it happens, and what we can do about it. From clients showing up drunk in session to disclosures that slip past us, we explore the kinds of clinical information that can go unnoticed, even by experienced therapists.
We also talk about the impact of these misses on clients, the shame therapists can carry, and the learning that’s possible when we slow down and stay curious.
--
Check out Leading Edge's upcoming free events, in-person events and over 150 webinars to choose from at LeadingEdgeSeminars.org, and find the training that actually works for you." Use the code EDGE10 to get 10% off select purchases.
Please note: this discount does not apply to the EMDR training.
https://leadingedgeseminars.org/?ref=7078
Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch, share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram, or email us at connect@edgeofthecouch.com.
We have partnered with Janeapp, our favourite all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign-up for a free one-month grace period on your new account.
Alison McCleary
www.woodstovewellness.ca
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
In this episode, we’re talking about a dynamic that (dare we say) all therapists are familiar with: working with clients who over-intellectualize. We explore why some clients show up to therapy in their heads while disconnected to their bodies and emotions, and how intellectualizing is both foundational and a block to good therapeutic work.
We talk about the common pitfalls therapists fall into, especially when it feels satisfying or productive to stay in the intellectual space. We also discuss how to recognize when intellectualizing is happening (it’s not always obvious!) and how to meet clients where they are, including those who are clear they don't want to feel in their body.
Whether you love working with analytical clients or find yourself in the constant push-pull of trying to get them to actually sit with their feelings, this episode offers practical reflections on how to deepen the work with these folks.
Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch, share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram, or email us at connect@edgeofthecouch.com.
We have partnered with Janeapp, our favourite all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign-up for a free one-month grace period on your new account.
Alison McCleary
www.woodstovewellness.ca
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
Are we "treating" our clients, as in doing something to them, or with them? In this episode, we dig into situations where therapy aligns more closely with a medical model, and how we prefer to work using an open-ended approach. We discuss why therapy isn't always/only about alleviating suffering, but changing their relationship with it. You'll notice we get noticeably fired up because we love this topic!
Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch, share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram, or email us at connect@edgeofthecouch.com.
We have partnered with Janeapp, our favourite all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign-up for a free one-month grace period on your new account.
Alison McCleary
www.woodstovewellness.ca
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
Social media is one of the most impactful frontiers for therapists right now. So many questions are coming up for therapists at this time-- should I have social media at all? Should I market on social media? How much is too much to share? The internet is forever - what does that mean for me putting parts of my life online?
In this episode, we discuss showing up on social media as a therapist, the various ways it can be done (to market, to share information, to allow the public to see behind the mystery), and how we navigate showing up in such public spaces.
Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch, share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram, or email us at connect@edgeofthecouch.com.
We have partnered with Janeapp, our favourite all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign-up for a free one-month grace period on your new account.
Alison McCleary
www.woodstovewellness.ca
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
Every therapist has been there. You’re in session and suddenly something your client says hits a nerve. Maybe it’s a detail in their story that pulls up your own history or something about their client presentation you can't quite put your finger on. In this episode, we dig into what happens when something comes up in session that feels like being poked by a white-hot poker. If you’ve ever had to lay on the floor and cry after a session, this conversation is for you.
Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch, share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram, or email us at connect@edgeofthecouch.com.
We have partnered with Janeapp, our favourite all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign-up for a free one-month grace period on your new account.
Alison McCleary
www.woodstovewellness.ca
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
Supervision and consultation are a core part of being a therapist, whether in practicum, newly graduated, or a decade into practice (and beyond).
In this episode, we discuss how to get the most out of supervision, like bringing a list, not fixating on every misstep, and sharing the messy parts of your work, ensuring that any supervision conversations are intentional, useful, and ultimately helpful for you to become a better clinician.
And yep, we also talk about how some supervisors are just not very good. Some supervisory experiences include a harmful abuse of power. We explore how to survive supervision and jump through the evaluation hoop even when things aren't going well.
We consider supervision a hugely sacred relationship, and we want you to feel safe in supervision and flourish with oversight and help along the way!
What helps you get the most out of supervision? What have your supervision experiences been like? Send us and email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com.
Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch, share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram, or email us at connect@edgeofthecouch.com.
We have partnered with Janeapp, our favourite all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign-up for a free one-month grace period on your new account.
Alison McCleary
www.woodstovewellness.ca
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
Trends in the therapy world come and go. Girl-bossing, therapists-as-content-creators, and now “the cool therapist”. Maybe you’ve seen the same “cool therapist” stuff we have - acting like new therapists are scared of everything, making skits or memes about disregarding ethical considerations, and acting like following thoughtful rules is somehow stuffy! If you’ve listened to the podcast for a while, you know that we think some therapy standards ARE outdated and stuffy. We are very critical of the expectations around professionalism ,but we also have a deep respect for the importance of ethical policies. We’re uncomfortable with the idea of prioritizing being “cool” over being reflective about the impact of our actions on clients.
We don’t think every single interaction has to be analyzed (sometimes accepting a coffee from a client really isn’t a big deal ), but there’s value in nuance that can be missed in the social media space. We also wonder how much this content is mostly about getting views (rage-bait ) and doesn’t show the reality of working with clients.
We are responding to what we’ve noticed and wondering what all of you think! Have you noticed the “cool therapist” content out in the world? What does it bring up for you?
Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch, share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram, or email us at connect@edgeofthecouch.com.
We have partnered with Janeapp, our favourite all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign-up for a free one-month grace period on your new account.
Alison McCleary
www.woodstovewellness.ca
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
This is the most intense political landscape that we’ve ever experienced as therapists. Many of our clients are also hugely impacted by policies being enacted and fear is a common feeling for both therapists and clients alike. The focus of the episode is how to talk to clients about politics when it comes up in session because we know it can feel scary and precarious. We both share how we navigate political conversations in sessions, why it’s important to acknowledge that therapy is political, and what we do when/if clients ask us about our political stances. We additionally share why we think it’s important for therapists to be transparent about politicized topics like abortion, land-back policies, and trans rights so that clients can make informed decisions about who they want to work with. Therapy is a relationship - trust and safety are paramount.
Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch or share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram @edgeofthecouchpod, email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com, or voice note at speakpipe.com/edgeofthecouch.
We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch, share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram, or email us at connect@edgeofthecouch.com.
We have partnered with Janeapp, our favourite all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign-up for a free one-month grace period on your new account.
Alison McCleary
www.woodstovewellness.ca
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
What happens when a client expects therapy to “fix” them or assumes their therapist will always have the wise, perfect answer? In this episode, we explore how to set realistic expectations around the therapy process, the therapist’s role, and how change actually happens. How do we balance validating our clients’ hopes while grounding them in what therapy can (and can’t) do?
Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch or share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram @edgeofthecouchpod, email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com, or voice note at speakpipe.com/edgeofthecouch.
We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch, share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram, or email us at connect@edgeofthecouch.com.
We have partnered with Janeapp, our favourite all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign-up for a free one-month grace period on your new account.
Alison McCleary
www.woodstovewellness.ca
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We’re so happy to be back after our holiday hiatus. We're starting the new season with a highly requested topic-- opening a private practice. Since we graduated, the landscape of the counselling field has changed tremendously. More and more clinicians are opening their own practices right after graduating and we know that can be extremely anxiety-provoking.
While we don’t share specific how-to tips, we hope that by sharing our stories, you can pick up some niblets of helpful information. We both acutely remember the intensity of the transition into private practice. Every decision is now all your own. The scheduling, finances, clinical stuff, it all falls on you and that can feel really big. We also hope that this episode helps you feel even a tiny bit more confident if you are thinking of opening a private practice.
Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch or share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram @edgeofthecouchpod, email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com, or voice note at speakpipe.com/edgeofthecouch.
We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch, share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram, or email us at connect@edgeofthecouch.com.
We have partnered with Janeapp, our favourite all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign-up for a free one-month grace period on your new account.
Alison McCleary
www.woodstovewellness.ca
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
Thank you to everyone who joined us at the Being a Therapist in 2024 conference at the beautiful Jane Headquarters in North Vancouver. In this special episode, we dive into questions from the audience about niching, overcoming imposter syndrome, and working within organizations. We wrap up with messages to our younger selves, reflecting on what we wish we’d known when we were just starting out. We’re so grateful for our listeners and invite you to leave a review, follow us on Patreon to access a catalogue of bonus content, and stay connected as we prepare for our next season. As always, we love to hear from you, so please reach out with your thoughts and questions! See you in the new year!
Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch, share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram, or email us at connect@edgeofthecouch.com.
We have partnered with Janeapp, our favourite all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign-up for a free one-month grace period on your new account.
Alison McCleary
www.woodstovewellness.ca
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
How can we support clients in navigating the big life decisions, including to stay or leave relationships, choose career paths, or family planning? In this episode, we explore the therapeutic role of discernment. Often, people are grappling with the pros and cons of each choice. Some of these conversations are vital and productive, and other times, it feels like we are spinning our wheels. As the therapist, we can find ourselves frustrated or stuck not knowing where to go next. In the context of therapy, discernment isn't about finding the 'right' answer. Instead, it's about slowing down, exploring the layers of a decision, and really getting to the heart of what feels right for them. It’s about creating space for their values, fears, and desires to emerge— without rushing to solve it or decide immediately.
How do you approach discernment in your own practice? Do you find yourself giving your opinions, or do you project a sense of 'neutrality'? What do you do when the client feels stuck in not being able to move forward?
Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch or share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram @edgeofthecouchpod, email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com, or voice note at speakpipe.com/edgeofthecouch.
We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch, share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram, or email us at connect@edgeofthecouch.com.
We have partnered with Janeapp, our favourite all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign-up for a free one-month grace period on your new account.
Alison McCleary
www.woodstovewellness.ca
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
Content note: This episode discusses suicide and abuse.
Are therapists crisis workers? We believe that the role of the therapist and the role of the crisis worker are distinct, yet, in certain situations, we can still find ourselves pulled into that role. In this episode, we break down the crucial differences between emergencies, crises, and general distress, and explore where our responsibilities begin and end in a private practice setting. We discuss why it's essential to connect clients to appropriate crisis resources, the scope of our work as therapists, and what might be driving the urge to step in during critical moments.
Are you clear on your own boundaries when it comes to crisis management, or do you sometimes blur the lines?
Remember, we're speaking from the context of private practice in BC, Canada. Make sure to consult your own licensing body and legal requirements in your jurisdiction. This episode is not a substitute for supervision or legal advice, but rather a list of things to consider when navigating these complex situations.
Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch, share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram, or email us at connect@edgeofthecouch.com.
We have partnered with Janeapp, our favourite all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign-up for a free one-month grace period on your new account.
Alison McCleary
www.woodstovewellness.ca
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
Did you hear the phrase “follow the client” in graduate school and wonder what it really means in practice? In this episode, we dive into the nuances of this concept, exploring how therapists balance the art of staying present with the client’s story while holding the bigger picture in mind. We talk about how goals in therapy can shift over time and how we can support clients by being curious about what’s beneath the surface.
Join us as we reflect on what it looks like to trust the client’s process while still guiding them toward deeper healing. What does "follow the client" look like in your practice?
Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch, share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram, or email us at connect@edgeofthecouch.com.
We have partnered with Janeapp, our favourite all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign-up for a free one-month grace period on your new account.
Alison McCleary
www.woodstovewellness.ca
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
Have you heard the phrase 'The worst person you know has a therapist encouraging and validating their behaviour'? In this episode, we tackle a tricky line in therapy-- when compassion tips into complicity in a client's harmful, toxic, or otherwise unkind behaviour. We talk about the skill and risk involved in calling clients in when they’re not acting in alignment with their own or our shared ethics. We reflect on our own struggles and strategies for working with clients who might be stuck in what some might label as 'arrogance' or 'a victim mentality'— a phrase with terrible, belittling connotations, but it points to something real when clients can’t see the whole picture. We explore when a therapist should be more active versus more passive in holding clients accountable and how we help them orient toward change. Do you tend to confront or hold back too much? How can we support clients to break out of black-and-white thinking for their own benefit and the people around them?
In this special episode, we watch and react to our first recording together, before Edge of the Couch, an unpublished episode of a podcast that would never be: 'Reel Therapy Talk' where we would talk about pop culture from the perspective of therapists. On April 6, 2020, we recorded our first and only episode. Love is Blind was having a cultural moment, and it inspired us to talk about the reality show characters, Jessica and Marc. In 2024, our rewatch brings up tender and surprising feelings. We laugh at ourselves, and compare our lives from then to now. Let us know what you think!
Follow us on Patreon to view this episode in video format. www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch
In this special episode, Bhupie Dulay and Abby Chow come on the podcast to talk about how we can rather than rely on the reductionist approach to working with clients with marginalized identities, radically reimagine what relationality looks like in relationships inside and outside the therapy room. We talk about what it means to practice hope, how our work is essentially about love, and the immense responsibility and power we have as therapists.
To learn more about their upcoming summit, Leaning into Liberatory Practice: Bringing Love + Relationality Back Into Therapy, visit www.reflectingonjustice.com/summit.
In this episode, we talk about the roller coaster of emotions that come with getting "dumped" by clients. We discuss the different ways clients can terminate therapy, how each one hits us differently, and the common mistakes we make that might lead to their departure. We talk about mistakes that we make that have lead to clients terminating. We also explore whether or not it is wise to chase down a client after they've left, why the urge to email them can be so strong, and why, more often than not, it's best to let them go. Have you ever been dumped by a client?
Do all therapists engage in dream work, or is it more of a niche practice? We discuss what might hold newer therapists back from exploring their clients' dreams and share how we integrate dream work into our own practices. Plus, we open up about our experiences in an informal projective dream group and how it has shaped our approach as therapists. How do you incorporate dreams into your therapeutic work, or is it something you’re curious to try?
Sometimes clients will come right out and tell you what they are feeling frustrated, annoyed, or concerned about. Sometimes clients may have a harder time communicating “negative” things and their frustrations may come out in passive aggressive ways. But what do we do when clients are communicating passive aggressively? Do we let the little remakes pass, do we respond to them directly, or do we actively avoid them out of discomfort?
This week’s episode is about navigating the complexities of communication styles and how to know when you address a client’s passive aggressive remarks. We both share what comes up for us when someone is being passive aggressive and what that can mean for the therapeutic work!
In this episode, we dive into a recent trend of clients secretly or openly recording their therapy sessions. We discuss how it might feel as a therapist to discover you're being recorded and wrestle with the ethical implications surrounding this practice. We discuss the different motivations behind recording—whether it’s for memory retention, accountability, or creating content for social media. Does the fear of being recorded reveal deeper concerns about avoiding accountability in our profession? How would YOU feel if you learned you were being recorded?
Join us on October 26th for our 1-day conference in beautiful North Vancouver. For more information, visit EventBrite and search Edge of the Couch. Secure your spot before June 30th for an early bird ticket! See you there!
In this episode, we dive into who is responsible for creating a sense of continuity in therapy-- the client or the therapist. We discuss the role of homework, strategic note-taking, and what you might say at the beginning or end of sessions to keep the flow going. How do you ensure each session builds on the last? Share your thoughts with us!
Join us on October 26th for our 1-day conference in beautiful North Vancouver. For more information, visit EventBrite and search Edge of the Couch. Secure your spot before June 30th for an early bird ticket! See you there!
After receiving 4 (FOUR!!!!) emails asking about an erotic transference episode, we finally had a chance to discuss the topic. Erotic transference happens in a lot of therapeutic relationships and some theoretical orientations lean in to its exploration (think psychoanalysis), but many of us were not given any guidance about what to do when it comes up. How should we respond when a client has a crush on us, wants to keep seeing us because of their erotic feelings towards us, or wishes to have sex with us?
Join us on October 26th for our 1-day conference in beautiful North Vancouver. For more information, visit EventBrite and search Edge of the Couch. Secure your spot before June 30th for an early bird ticket! See you there!
In this episode, we tackle the misuse of therapy speak and its impact. We delve into popular buzzwords, how these terms are being used (and misused), and discuss the important role therapists can play in educating clients on their proper use and definitions.
Join us on October 26th for our 1-day conference in beautiful North Vancouver. For more information, visit EventBrite and search Edge of the Couch. Secure your spot before June 30th for an early bird ticket! See you there!
In this episode, we explore what might be happening with clients when there is silence. Sometimes it's an awkward silence, sometimes they are contemplating what to say next or they are dissociated, and sometimes they are waiting for us to take the reigns. We share our perspectives on sitting in the silence versus breaking it, and talk about the different types of silences that show up in therapy. What happens if there are no silences? Join us as we uncover the significance behind these quiet moments.
Join us on October 26th for our 1-day conference in beautiful North Vancouver. For more information, visit EventBrite and search Edge of the Couch. Secure your spot before June 30th for an early bird ticket! See you there!
Unconditional positive regard, a concept introduced by Carl Rogers, emphasizes accepting and supporting clients without judgment regardless of what the client says or does. We have thoughts!
Join us on October 26th for our 1-day conference in beautiful North Vancouver. For more information, visit EventBrite and search Edge of the Couch. Secure your spot before June 30th for an early bird ticket! See you there!
What do you do when a client describes a traumatic experience, but then proceeds to shrug it off? In this episode, we explore what might be going on when clients dismiss what we gather are traumatic experiences. We discuss possible reasons behind this phenomenon, including denial, dissociation, or simply seeing it as common and therefore, normal and not worth discussing. We use examples like Alec Baldwin's 2007 voicemail to his daughter and an anecdote about Gabor Mate. This conversation mostly focuses on developmental or relational trauma, and so, there are a few points where we have trouble finding the words to talk about it! These experiences can be so beyond language. Join us as we wade into the complexities of working with trauma when the client isn't quite naming it as trauma.
Join us on October 26th for our 1-day conference in beautiful North Vancouver. For more information, visit EventBrite and search Edge of the Couch. Secure your spot before June 30th for an early bird ticket! See you there!
Now, we don’t believe that clients can be “too emotional” but many clients come to therapy with narratives around emotion that may make them feel that they are being too much when they are emotional in session - crying is a weakness, anger is a bad emotion, I’m a cry baby, stoicism is best etc. As clinicians we have to sit with the full spectrum of emotionality from clients, but we can sometimes be shocked by our own reactions to client emotional expressions (and many programs don’t specifically train clinicians for sitting with big feelings).
We also have to be aware of our own beliefs about feelings. Do we think that there is such a thing as too much crying? How do we feel when we are sitting with someone who is extremely angry? Is anger a bad thing or a good thing, in our opinion? How can we feel regulated and balanced when clients may be swinging more wildly?
Join us on October 26th for our 1-day conference in beautiful North Vancouver. For more information, visit EventBrite and search Edge of the Couch. Secure your spot before June 30th for an early bird ticket! See you there!
This week, we talk about therapist enmeshment - what it is, how it happens, and what therapists can do to ensure they have appropriate boundaries with clients. For this conversation, we’re placing the context at the feet of the therapists and exploring how some therapy practices and some therapists encourage emotional enmeshment with clients.
We talk about how over-identification with a client (we’ve experienced the same things so we must feel the same way), lack of energetic and relational boundaries, and making clients feel that we are dependent on them getting well all muddy the waters of therapy. We also talk about what happens when clients feel that they owe their therapists something (I have to seem okay or my therapist will feel bad about themselves) or when they feel that have to edit the content of their sessions out of worry of burdening the client.
Even when we share identities with a client, they have had their own experience or life that is fully separate from us and it’s vital that we have a clear sense of where we end and clients begin. We have to be able to be present with clients without inserting ourselves energetically in their personal psychic space.
This is a doozy of a topic but super energizing to discuss. What are your thoughts about therapist enmeshment? Be sure to check out this season 7 opener and let us know what you think!
Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch or share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram @edgeofthecouchpod, email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com, or voice note at speakpipe.com/edgeofthecouch.
We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
Join us on October 26th for our 1-day conference in beautiful North Vancouver. For more information, visit EventBrite and search Edge of the Couch. Secure your spot before June 30th for an early bird ticket! See you there!
We're in between seasons right now, but we feel it is long overdue to talk about Palestine and what therapists are wrestling with when it comes to speaking up about genocide in session and in public. We are taught "do no harm" but at what point is our silence more harmful than speaking out? As always, we ask for openness and curiosity as we engage with the nuance about this "controversial" topic. How do we talk about genocide? How do we bring our feelings and stance into sessions? How do we centre the client in front of us and their experiences? These are questions therapists are confronted with at this historical moment.
In this special episode, we look back at the history of our podcast, our favourite episodes, and the vulnerable things about doing the podcast. We read some recent DMs from Instagram, a one-star review, and we listen to some voice notes sent in by listeners. We recorded this one late at night (for us at least!) so we get a little loopy at the end saying thank you thank you thank you, but truly, thanks for listening and being a part of our Edge of The Couch community. This marks both our 100th episode as well as the finale of Season 6. If you want more, and can't wait until Season 7, join us on patreon, where we are posting weekly episodes breaking our typical format. Maybe we will see you there!
Our penultimate episode this season explores what can happen when the content of the session tugs at all of our own shit! Maybe we’re experiencing something similar to our clients in our own lives or the client says something that reminds us of ourselves. Maybe the client experience is pulling forward memories of something we’ve said or done before. This episode is all about what to do in the moment when we are flooded with our own stuff AND we still need to be present for the client.
We share examples of topics that tend to poke at our personal stuff, times when we were more susceptible to being activated, and how we have managed these moments with as little disruption to the client as possible. We spend a great deal of time weighing the pros and cons of sharing with a client when our own shit is coming up and we land on our personal opinions about whether therapists should share that or not!
Because we believe in being fully present and allowing energy to flow bi-directionally, it is inevitable that work with clients will sometimes stir up our own big feelings. It’s not about ensuring it never happens but instead it’s about how to manage and respond effectively when it does.
How do you respond/act/manage when your shit comes up? Any particular topics that you know poke at your personal stuff? What, if anything, do you share with clients about that?
In this episode, we dive into a common struggle suggested by one of our awesome listeners: the nagging feeling of not "doing enough" in therapy. Join us as we unpack this topic and ask ourselves the question: Do trainings really make you a better therapist? We share our experiences and some controversial opinions. Whether you're a seasoned therapist or just starting out on your journey, this episode is your invitation to explore what's happening behind feeling the need to prove yourself in the therapy room. We do offer ideas about which trainings are worthwhile, and when it's time for you to do some inner work to be a more confident therapist.
Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch or share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram @edgeofthecouchpod, email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com, or voice note at speakpipe.com/edgeofthecouch.
We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
This is a highly requested topic that comes with so much charge and tenderness. This week, we’re talking about being rejected by a client. We explore the myriad of rejections that can happen in the relationship - both micro and macro moments.
We tenderly share what can come up for therapists when a client stops scheduling sessions or tells us they want to stop seeing us. This is an especially vulnerable moment for new therapists and we remember well how crushing it felt in the beginning.
Throughout the episode, we discuss the many reasons that clients reject therapists and we dive into the pieces that the therapist has to own and all of the pieces that have nothing to do with the therapist. We strongly believe that moments of rejection can be learning opportunities for therapists but that shame and “I’m a bad therapist” thoughts are rarely helpful.
This episode is about recognizing that rejection is a normal part of this work but also honouring how painful it can be. We share what has helped us to build our capacities for rejection and what we have learned from being “dumped” by clients.
How are you when a client stops booking sessions? How do you feel if a client tells you they don’t want to keep working together? What have you learned in the process or a client pulling away from the relationship?
Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch or share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram @edgeofthecouchpod, email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com, or voice note at speakpipe.com/edgeofthecouch.
We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
This week we are taking it back to the basics-- how to open and close sessions! We share our favourite opening questions/remarks, talk about why it can be valuable to avoid “how are you” as the opening question, and what to do when clients look to you, the therapist, to lead.
On the flip side, we wrap up the session by talking about the benefits of an intentional closing with clients, why it’s so important to be able to structure sessions, and how to build our interrupting skills.
As clinicians, we often want to explore all the deep, big stuff of therapy, which we absolutely love! AND we know it’s valuable to keep our foundational skills well-polished, doing regular check-ins without ourselves and our clients to see if there is anything we need to tweak or adjust.
Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch or share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram @edgeofthecouchpod, email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com, or voice note at speakpipe.com/edgeofthecouch.
We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
This week, we’re sharing how we respond when clients answer with “I don’t know”s. We talk about why “I don’t know” can feel so discombobulating, how to respond effectively and without panicking, what these responses might mean from clients, and why they can help deepen the therapy work. We explore both when clients who often have robust answers suddenly give us an “I don’t know” and when clients often answer with “I don’t know”s, situations that have to be handled differently.
When we were new therapists, “I don’t know” felt scary and unmanageable so we’re hoping this episode helps you feel more confident in knowing what to do next!
Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch or share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram @edgeofthecouchpod, email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com, or voice note at speakpipe.com/edgeofthecouch.
We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
No-show and cancellation conversations are some of the most charged and controversial among therapists. There are constant debates about whether to charge for cancellations or not, how much notice is reasonable to therapists, and how strict or flexible to be with these policies.
This week we deep dive into the huge importance of having clear policies that have been communicated to clients, building flexibility into policy to centre the therapeutic relationship, and why it’s valuable to charge what you are worth, adhere to your policies, and stand firm in your decisions.
Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch or share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram @edgeofthecouchpod, email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com, or voice note at speakpipe.com/edgeofthecouch.
We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
Many clients come to therapy with a history of charged relationship dynamics. Maybe they’ve been people-pleasing, maybe they shut others out, maybe they have difficulty being vulnerable with friends, maybe they crave closeness but don’t know how to get it, maybe they dance between investing too little in relationships to putting everything into them, maybe they never rock the boat for fear of abandonment…the list is endless. How, as therapists, do we help clients to move from one of these dynamics into a different way of showing up?
This episode explores how we help clients to take relational risks: deepen relationships, practice vulnerability, say “no”, name their internal experience to someone else, tell us when we’ve done something that they did not like…another long list!
These risks can happen in the therapy space when we talk about rupture with clients, do active check-ins about how they feel therapy is going, and prioritize intentional open communication. These risks can also happen outside of therapy. In these moments, we can help clients prepare for tricky conversations, discuss how they might feel following a relational risk, and fortify for any big reactions that could happen.
Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch or share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram @edgeofthecouchpod, email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com, or voice note at speakpipe.com/edgeofthecouch.
We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
If you’re on any therapy forums, part of a therapist group, or even currently becoming a therapist, you’ve undoubtedly seen people talking about therapists leaving the field. One of the most common questions we get from new therapists is how to know if the field is right for them given how much of a hard time they are having.
This week we discuss our theories about why so many new and seasoned therapists alike are leaving the field. We talk about the disillusionment that happens when we transition from student to therapist, how much the field requires of us personally, financially, and emotionally, and the trend of established practices mistreating new therapists to the point of burnout.
We also discuss the impact of our current unstable economy, the demands of capitalism, how little some therapists are being paid and what it means to be a therapist trained through an individual lens but realizing how big the systems are that impact our clients.
Being a therapist is not easy and we’re not surprised that the systems in place are forcing people to choose professions outside of therapy. But we feel a sense of sadness that so many incredibly gifted clinicians are needing to look elsewhere because of low pay, unrealistic work expectations from employers, and ever-increasing demands on the field as a whole.
Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch or share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram @edgeofthecouchpod, email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com, or voice note at speakpipe.com/edgeofthecouch.
We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
The COVID-19 pandemic drastically changed the landscape of therapy. Where before 2020 online therapy was met with a great deal of skepticism and judgment, once in-person sessions were no longer possible, clinicians across the world had to pivot into virtual work. At first, it seemed that the changes may only be temporary (“just until it’s safe to be in-person again”) but here we are almost four years later, and virtual work has become an undeniable part of our field.
In this episode, we dive into the pros and cons, and the debates around virtual versus in-person therapy. We talk about what is unique in each—how clients might get distracted, what interruptions look like, the control we have over the therapy space, how comfortable everyone feels, and the nuances of interacting with our clients. Plus, we discuss all the ways the essential parts of therapy remain the same, regardless of the setting.
Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch or share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram @edgeofthecouchpod, email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com, or voice note at speakpipe.com/edgeofthecouch.
We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
Major major MAJOR caveat: what clients bring to sessions is important regardless of the ‘size’ of it. We used the terminology “small things” as it felt that it explained the situation in the most precise way but we know that nothing is ever really “small” when we consider context, our clients’ lives, and the power of little things in our day-to-day existence.
With that clarified, this week’s episode is about what comes up for us as therapists when clients explore minor/small/seemingly insignificant (ugh, it’s hard to find the most accurate language to use) stories or challenges. As therapists, we may become frustrated that we aren’t getting to the BIG stuff or we may have a hard time understanding how small things seem to feel really huge for clients.
We know that many clients worry that their situations aren’t worthy of therapy - not traumatic enough to meet an invisible threshold. We must know how to talk to clients about the validity of their experiences, that they are all valid for exploration and support. And we need to know how to manage ourselves and the sessions when clients seem to stay in the shallow end of the pool.
Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch or share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram @edgeofthecouchpod, email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com, or voice note at speakpipe.com/edgeofthecouch.
We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
Join us in a candid conversation about policies and power in therapy. We delve into the topic of therapist boundaries, drawing parallels with dynamics with supervisors and bosses. We get real about the challenges of asserting boundaries within complicated power dynamics, whether you're the therapist with your own clients or you're navigating dynamics with your supervisor or boss. We hope you are better able to recognize red flags and take away practical strategies for making the work more sustainable for you long-term. Number 1: Re-assess your policies!
Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch or share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram @edgeofthecouchpod, email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com, or voice note at speakpipe.com/edgeofthecouch.
We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
Let’s imagine that in the course of a session, a client casually mentions something that feels big but the conversation moves beyond it quickly. As the therapist, we may have a sense that we need to go back to that big thing (such as a history of abuse or an upcoming grief anniversary or that they lost their job) but we may not know how or when to do so!
Or let’s imagine that a client hasn’t paid for their last four sessions. It’s become such a big anxiety that it feels impossibly hard to mention but there is a sense that it has to be brought up eventually. It feels both scary and critical!
This episode is all about how to know when to circle back to the elephant that is now in the room. We share how to talk about both the content-related bombs that have been dropped in sessions and the process-related pieces that are impacting the relationship, such as those outlined above.
Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch or share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram @edgeofthecouchpod, email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com, or voice note at speakpipe.com/edgeofthecouch.
We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
Shame is often talked about in pop psych, but what does it mean? In this episode all about this tender emotion, we describe how the different theoretical frameworks understand how shame operates and how to work with it to move the therapy forward. From childhood trauma and abuse to marginalized identities and privilege, we unpack how shame might show up for people and the various ways we can help clients address it. It's a messy dive into this universal emotion, and we're well aware we've just scratched the surface. Share your thoughts, strategies, and maybe some suggestions for a possible Part 2—we'd love to hear from you!
Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch or share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram @edgeofthecouchpod, email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com, or voice note at speakpipe.com/edgeofthecouch.
We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
In our therapeutic work, we think of ourselves as ‘fellow travellers’ who journey alongside our clients in the evolving, changing, learning etc. But recently we were asked by a listener, “what does being a fellow traveller actually mean?” We realized then that we’ve never taken the time to dive into what we really mean when we use this metaphor.
This episode is all about how we conceptualize the role of therapist, how we use ‘fellow traveller’ as a specific way to describe the relational nature of our work, and what we do to embody this practice with clients.
Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch or share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram @edgeofthecouchpod, email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com, or voice note at speakpipe.com/edgeofthecouch.
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.
We’re back and excited for Season 6!! We’re opening the season with a juicy question that we get a lot - what are practicum supervisors looking for? We can’t speak for all supervisors but we had a great time recording this episode explaining what we both look for in student applications.
Applying to a practicum site or a new therapist job is a pretty vulnerable process. Students are often anxious and desperate to find a site and there is a lot riding on whether they secure a practicum or not! In this episode, we share the concrete specifics of what we look for in practicum students.
We discuss how to strengthen your application, how to feel confident even if you don’t have a ton of experience, and how to highlight your specific strengths in a way that makes it clear why you’d be a good fit for the practice/supervisor.
This was a listener-requested topic which happens to be our favourite type of episode to record. If you have an episode idea in mind, be sure to let us know!
Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch or share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram @edgeofthecouchpod, email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com, or voice note at speakpipe.com/edgeofthecouch.
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.
From celebrating clients' milestones and triumphs to helping them navigate the darkest seasons of life, in our final episode of Season 5, we'll share what makes being a therapist especially meaningful. We also discuss what happens when clients have news and we have very different feelings about it than our clients. If you have enjoyed listening along this season, please give us a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Stay tuned for Season 6 coming in the Fall!
For bonus episodes, you can join us on patreon at patreon.com/edgeofthecouch
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.
We’ve often joked that if we were to start a counselling school, the basic skills training would look very different than the program we completed together. In this episode, we share with you the foundational therapy skills that guide our practice and that we think therapy school should focus on instead-- empathy, presence, comfort, attunement, and accuracy.
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.
We met on zoom with listeners for a LIVE Q&A episode where members of our community asked questions in real time. We discuss how to help clients sit with their difficult feelings, how to manage the moments when a client is seeking answers but doesn’t seem satisfied with the tools you’re offering, how to be thoughtful about maintaining privacy during virtual sessions when the client is unbothered by being in public, what self-esteem building therapy looks like, and more!
Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who joined us and everyone who sent us questions!
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.
Grief and loss are inevitable parts of therapeutic work. Clients' pain (or anger or confusion) is sometimes so big and it can feel delicate for new therapists to know how to hold all of the bigness. Many programs don’t prepare new therapists for how to support clients who have experienced a significant loss. We know that new and seasoned therapists alike have moments of "What do I do here??". We discuss the myth of stages of grief, the importance of psychoeducation, how clients can feel devastated by the loss of someone with whom they have a parasocial relationship, and how there are no right or wrong ways to grieve.
Join us! We have an upcoming workshop on May 31st at 5-7pm PT. It's our signature What Now?: Transitioning from Student to Therapist workshop. Search "Eventbrite" "Edge of the Couch", or visit the link in our Instagram bio to register!
There is a welcome discourse about the humanity of therapists. But with this new perspective, we risk losing sight of the reality that some therapists are actively harmful. In this episode, we talk about egregious mistakes therapists make.
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.
Join us! We have an upcoming workshop on May 31st at 5-7pm PT. It's our signature What Now?: Transitioning from Student to Therapist workshop. Search "Eventbrite" "Edge of the Couch", or visit the link in our Instagram bio to register!
The therapeutic hour is such a unique space in which full attention is dedicated to the client. As clinicians, we are all set to really centre the client in the conversations and skill-building. We want to know all about that singular person and we want them to take up the space for their hour. Not only do they pay for that time, but it’s also a sacred practice of singular attention that is unlike many other aspects of our clients lives.
But what happens in the moments when the client isn’t prioritizing themself? How do we intervene if we notice the client is telling lots of stories about other people? When we lose the client in their stories, what do we do next? Is it still therapy if clients are always talking about other people?
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.
Join us! We have an upcoming workshop on May 31st at 5-7pm PT. It's our signature What Now?: Transitioning from Student to Therapist workshop. Search "Eventbrite" "Edge of the Couch", or visit the link in our Instagram bio to register!
The big question this week is about whether clients owe us the truth. We believe that as therapists, we are always working from the foundational assumption that clients are telling us the truth. We listen and believe their stories, offering reactions to whatever is present at any given time. Even if we are getting partial truths, stories without specific details, or we are hearing a fabrication, our empathy and curiosity are unaffected.
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.
Join us! We have an upcoming workshop on May 31st at 5-7pm PT. It's our signature What Now?: Transitioning from Student to Therapist workshop. Search "Eventbrite" "Edge of the Couch", or visit the link in our Instagram bio to register!
At the midway point of our season, we’re talking all about what an ideal client really is. We’re also navigating the controversial topic about whether therapists are permitted to be highly selective about the clients they work with. While these topics tend to come up in marketing conversations (how to ensure your website attracts your ideal client, for example), we want to talk about what they mean when it comes to clinical work.
Recently, the therapy field has been engaging in some charged conversations about whether it’s okay to say “I only work with this population”. We add our opinions and experiences into the mix, exploring the intersecting nature of these types of situations.
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.
SAVE THE DATE! We have an upcoming workshop on May 31st at 5-7pm PT. It's our signature What Now?: Transitioning from Student to Therapist workshop. Be on the lookout for more information coming soon!
As new therapists, we are often exploring what we like, how we want to speak, what our approach really is. And as such, we may adopt an approach that we think fits with our theoretical orientation (“this is probably how an AEDP therapist does therapy”). This week’s episode is all about how to hold our theoretical orientation in mind as a framework while allowing ourselves to develop our own unique styles.
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.
SAVE THE DATE! We have an upcoming workshop on May 31st at 5-7pm PT. It's our signature What Now?: Transitioning from Student to Therapist workshop. Be on the lookout for more information coming soon!
Lots of the conversations about being a therapist are heavy and that’s simply the nature of the work. We know that and we love being in the heaviness. But therapy isn’t all heaviness. As therapists, we share many moments with our clients that are sunny and joy-filled, too. This week’s episode is all about lightness, fun, and silliness being used as intentional tools in the therapy space. We explore how to use humour in sessions to deepen relationship, facilitate “coming up for air”, and because, at the end of the day, therapist and client are two real people in a room sharing an energy and sometimes stuff is just very funny. Laughter can be healing. A shared joke can make a client feel truly seen. Being silly can invite client’s to also lean into their child-like silliness. Laughing when a client makes a zinger can be such a gift!
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.
SAVE THE DATE! We have an upcoming workshop on May 31st at 5-7pm PT. It's our signature What Now?: Transitioning from Student to Therapist workshop. Be on the lookout for more information coming soon!
In this episode, we discuss the various ways metaphor and analogy come up in therapy. We invite you to use these as tools for deepening the therapeutic relationship, deepening client understanding, and creating a shared vocabulary that you can use with each client. And we have a great time swapping stories of times that these tools have been most helpful!
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.
SAVE THE DATE! We have an upcoming workshop on May 31st at 5-7pm PT. It's our signature What Now?: Transitioning from Student to Therapist workshop. Be on the lookout for more information coming soon!
Content note: Mentions of childhood sexual abuse
No matter what your modality, the client goals, or the presenting issue, all clients will mention parenting at some point. This episode explores the complex nature of parents and parenting. We talk about how to do therapy with adult children processing how they were parented. We discuss how to work with parents who want to be more effective. And we share about the very delicate and powerful process of a client choosing to go no or low contact with a parent.
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.
SAVE THE DATE! We have an upcoming workshop on May 31st at 5-7pm PT. It's our signature What Now?: Transitioning from Student to Therapist workshop. Be on the lookout for more information coming soon!
In this listener-requested episode, we define what relationship processing is, why it’s valuable in therapy, and how to have conversations with clients about the therapeutic relationship. We also gently examine if there are moments where relational processing is ill-advised and if there can be too much of a good thing?
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.
SAVE THE DATE! We have an upcoming workshop on May 31st at 5-7pm PT. It's our signature What Now?: Transitioning from Student to Therapist workshop. Be on the lookout for more information coming soon!
This week’s episode is all about navigating the moment when a client can’t (or won’t?) see the impact and/or benefits of therapy. We share all of the ways that we respond in these types of hard moments. We also share how we have learned to reframe these moments as opportunities for deepening the relationship with the client and for understanding them better.
An important takeaway from this episode: there are realistic limitations of therapy. It is an individualistic endeavour in a capitalist, white supremacist, patriarchal society. There are some things that therapy cannot help change for our clients and when they name that therapy isn’t working for them, it’s important that we acknowledge how true that is.
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.
SAVE THE DATE! We have an upcoming workshop on May 31st at 5-7pm PT. It's our signature What Now?: Transitioning from Student to Therapist workshop. Be on the lookout for more information coming soon!
Welcome to Season 5 of Edge of the Couch. For this season, every episode will focus on a topic requested by listeners. In this episode, we discuss something that every therapist will inevitably face at some point in their career: how to show up for sessions when you're not feeling your best. Whether it's due to illness, a family emergency, a breakup, burnout, chronic pain, or depression, we understand the struggle of having to be "on" when you're dealing with personal issues outside of work. Here, we share personal stories, encouragement, and insights we hope will support you in navigating being a therapist through the ups and downs of being a human in this world.
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.
SAVE THE DATE! We have an upcoming workshop on May 31st at 5-7pm PT. It's our signature What Now?: Transitioning from Student to Therapist workshop. Be on the lookout for more information coming soon!
[Content note: Mention of abortion] In the closing episode of Season 4, we break our typical format to talk about the feedback we've received about the podcast, specifically when people have told us they have disagreed with us. We appreciate your questions, feedback, and ideas for the podcast, and please keep them coming!
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.
Sometimes you end the video chat or close the therapy room door at the end of session and there's a feeling of confusion, missed opportunity, or incompletion. The session was a dud. In this episode, we talk about our own experiences with sessions that don't really feel like they go anywhere, the feelings that come up, and our unique self-critical voices around our work.
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.
In this episode, we unpack some of the messages we received in graduate school around the use of questions in session. We share some of our favourite question phrases and encouragement to continue developing your skills (and self-compassion!).
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.
This week, we talk with Jake Ernst, also known as @mswjake on Instagram. He's a social worker, a Clinical Director, and co-host of the This is Not Therapy podcast. Today, we explore what it looks like working with men and boys, trends he's seeing with young people right now, and what it is like being a therapist on social media. Jake is such a warm and brilliant human. This is a fascinating conversation we think you will enjoy.
Jake Ernst
Clinical Director of Straight Up Health
https://www.mswjake.com/
@mswjake on Instagram
This is Not Therapy podcast
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.
Join us for an upcoming workshop, What Now? Transitioning from Student to Therapist on November 17th, 2022. You can grab a ticket through Eventbrite.
Grad school sometimes tries to separate the various parts of our identity into “therapist” and “everything else” but we don’t think therapists need to do that necessarily. In this episode, we talk about the power of integrating all different parts of ourselves into our work as clinicians, whether it’s sharing with clients our love of gardening or doing the deeper work of acknowledging how the intersectional parts of our identities are already in the room with us for every session.
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.
Join us for an upcoming workshop, What Now? Transitioning from Student to Therapist on November 17th, 2022. You can grab a ticket through Eventbrite.
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.
Join us for an upcoming workshop, What Now? Transitioning from Student to Therapist on November 17th, 2022. You can grab a ticket through Eventbrite.
We are joined by Jennifer Hollinshead, the clinical director at @peakresilience, a therapist/supervisor and all around cool person who is going to be talking about what supervisees deserve from their supervisors. She shares her personal (and theory backed) approach to supervision that emphasizes the relationship above all else, how supervisees can make the most out of their supervision time, and how to re-affirm our faith in supervision after we’ve graduated and moved beyond practicum experiences.
Jennifer Hollinshead
www.peak-resilience.com
@peakresilience
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign-up.
Therapy undoubtedly changes our clients! But how exactly are clients changed? This week, we’re exploring what we have noticed are the consequences of therapy. As you’ll hear, it’s hard to call changes either “good” or “bad”. Oftentimes what feels hard for clients is still good in the long run but it can still really suck right now!
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.
We talk about authenticity on our podcast all the time but we haven’t yet slowed down to define what we mean by ‘authenticity’ and what showing up authentically as a therapist really looks like. We share our evolving definitions of authenticity including the characteristics present in an authentic therapist (reciprocity, curiosity, self-reflection) and how those characteristics come alive in the therapy room. We also talk about offering values-driven therapy that helps us feel most aligned with ourselves even when we’re working.
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign-up.
This week’s episode was highly requested from listeners. We are exploring the causes of burnout for therapists and what we can do about it! Listen more to hear Alison get on her "soap box" about the myth of self-care and learn how Jordan can tell she has been impacted by vicarious trauma.
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign-up.
Sometimes we concentrate so much on knowing what to say to clients that we forget that what we don’t say is just as therapeutic. This week’s episode is all about the power and impact of nonverbal communication with our clients. This episode explores nods, smirks, grimaces, hand gestures, eye rolls, body movements and so much more. Even the smallest muscle flex in our face when perfectly timed can communicate some really big things to our clients, especially the longer we have been working with that person. After a while, our clients really do get to know us and before we’ve even said a word, they know what we’re thinking! Beyond what can be communicated silently to clients, we also talk about what a “neutral face” really is. Though we have both fervently reject being neutral in therapy, we are huge advocates for softening our faces during pivotal therapy moments and we share all about that this week.
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign-up.
As therapists, it’s normal to think of clients between sessions and hope that they’re doing alright. But what happens when we worry so much that we can’t stop thinking about them? What happens when we find ourselves wanting to check in to be sure they’re okay? What about when we feel like we want to save our clients from pain? This week, we’re diving right in and exploring these questions.
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign-up.
As therapists, we can anticipate how first sessions are going to go. The informed consent process and intake questionnaires give us a bit of a script. It's usually in the second session that we shift into the rhythm of what ongoing therapy is going to feel like, but that transition can feel clunky! Second sessions can be an opportunity to clarify expectations, build trust, and create norms for relating. We hope this conversation helps you approach second sessions with thoughtfulness and enthusiasm.
With Edge of the couch, we are here to create a space to delve into the topics that were either shied away from or dismissed because they were too big, too nuanced, too risky or too uncomfortable to talk about in school or even supervision. Edge of the Couch is not training or supervision. It is for student therapists, new therapists, and therapists wanting to continue to explore their evolving therapist identities and ways of working. When we are talking about clients, please know that we are committed to protecting client confidentiality. We are two passionate therapists sharing our personal opinions about the therapeutic process.
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign-up.
Do you have moments in session where your mind goes completely blank and you don't know what to say? In the early years of being a therapist, there can be a real fear of freezing mid-conversation. Here, we share our experiences of mind-blank panic moments, how our relationship with the not-knowing has shifted over time, and phrases we keep at the ready for when we don't know quite where to go.
With Edge of the couch, we are here to create a space to delve into the topics that were either shied away from or dismissed because they were too big, too nuanced, too risky or too uncomfortable to talk about in school or even supervision. Edge of the Couch is not training or supervision. It is for student therapists, new therapists, and therapists wanting to continue to explore their evolving therapist identities and ways of working. When we are talking about clients, please know that we are committed to protecting client confidentiality. We are two passionate therapists sharing our personal opinions about the therapeutic process.
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign-up.
In this bonus episode, we went on IG Live to wrap up Season 3 and discuss our thoughts about what therapists are currently facing.
If you would like to support our work, give us a review on Apple podcasts or share the show with a friend. You can also join our Patreon to get full access to our bonus episodes. www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign-up.
For the Season 3 finale, we dive deep into a question we received from a listener: "How do you build trust with a client that has difficulty trusting people?"
Thanks for sending in your questions for this special Q+A episode. Some questions were so juicy, we are saving them for full episode conversations.
Today's questions include:
What do you do when you say the wrong thing at the end of session?
How do you deal with guilt for leaving agency work?
What is the best training for the money?
How do you respond when a client says something inappropriate about your appearance?
How do you manage wildly different perspectives in group therapy?
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign-up.
Some topics are a lot edgier than others and this one feels riiiiiiight at the edge, that’s for sure. This week we are exploring what happens when we notice ourselves judging our clients’ actions, especially when we think they have made a “wrong” decision.
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign-up.
The tenderness of termination sessions can be overwhelming for both client and therapist and so this week’s episode introduces listeners to sitting with all that feels raw, how to build ritual into termination, how to collaboratively prepare clients for the end, how to meaningfully and beautifully and genuinely say a unique goodbye to each client, and how to help clients begin the process of starting with a new therapist. There is so much packed into this session, all stuff we wish we had known when we were starting out in practicum.
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign-up.
This week, we're joined by Tyndal Schreiner to talk about and normalize how messy therapy can be. From post-session headaches to the reality that the middle part of the therapy journey is unpleasant, she is sharing her wisdom about how to sit with what is unpolished about the therapeutic process.
Tyndal Schreiner
www.tyndalelizabeth.com
@tyndalelizabeth on Instagram
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign-up.
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign-up.
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign-up.
We have an upcoming workshop on April 27th, 2022 for new therapists called What Now? Transitioning from Student to Therapist. You can buy tickets through EventBrite at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/what-now-transitioning-from-student-to-therapist-tickets-297445787357. We hope to see you there!
We have an upcoming workshop on April 27th, 2022 for new therapists called What Now? Transitioning from Student to Therapist. You can buy tickets through EventBrite at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/what-now-transitioning-from-student-to-therapist-tickets-297445787357. We hope to see you there!
Theresa Thomas, RCC is our special guest this week. Topics include:
- Her experience as a Black student in graduate school
- How she is not everyone's therapist
- Bias against survivors of violence
- The culture of burnout in a non-profit setting
- Showing up for Black clients by grieving together
- Recovery from burnout
Theresa Thomas
www.inpowercounselling.com
@inpowercounselling on Instagram
Counselling resources on Etsy https://www.etsy.com/shop/inpowertherapytools
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.
We have an upcoming workshop on April 27th, 2022 for new therapists called What Now? Transitioning from Student to Therapist. You can buy tickets through EventBrite at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/what-now-transitioning-from-student-to-therapist-tickets-297445787357. We hope to see you there!
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.
We have an upcoming workshop on April 27th, 2022 for new therapists called What Now? Transitioning from Student to Therapist. You can buy tickets through EventBrite at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/what-now-transitioning-from-student-to-therapist-tickets-297445787357. We hope to see you there!
Alexandra Shewan
www.selkiecounselling.ca
@selkiecounselling on Instagram
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.
"The therapy space is oversaturated. You're going to have to fight for clients" is just one of the messages Alison and Jordan received in grad school. Some therapists brag about how burned out they are, how marginalized their clients are, how many sessions they squeeze into the week. Students are actually pitted against each other when applying for internships. Do you recognize that burning feeling of envy in yourself? Do you ever want to take someone down a peg? In this episode, we talk about the insidious nature of competitiveness and how you can stay above the fray.
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.
We have an upcoming workshop on April 27th, 2022 for new therapists called What Now? Transitioning from Student to Therapist. You can buy tickets through EventBrite at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/what-now-transitioning-from-student-to-therapist-tickets-297445787357. We hope to see you there!
Alison and Jordan talk about the importance of your theoretical orientation-- when it matters, when it doesn't matter so much, and when it straight-up gets in the way. They talk about their own journeys in finding their theoretical orientation and how they make room for it to continue to evolve.
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.
We have an upcoming workshop on April 27th, 2022 for new therapists called What Now? Transitioning from Student to Therapist. You can buy tickets through EventBrite at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/what-now-transitioning-from-student-to-therapist-tickets-297445787357. We hope to see you there!
In this first episode of Season 3, Jordan and Alison discuss when things go sideways in a session (or before a session!) This topic is for counselling students and new therapists who tend to plan their sessions out to the letter. Listen to Jordan and Alison speak about their own experiences, and prepare yourself to stay grounded no matter what happens in the clinical hour!
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, use the code EDGECOUCH1MO at the time of sign-up for a 1 month grace period.
We have an upcoming workshop on April 27th, 2022 for new therapists called What Now? Transitioning from Student to Therapist. You can buy tickets through EventBrite at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/what-now-transitioning-from-student-to-therapist-tickets-297445787357. We hope to see you there!
In this Season 2 finale, Jordan and Alison discuss the ethic of practicing hope, how to support clients through despair, and what happens when we as therapists are disconnected from a sense of hope.
Thank you so much for listening this season! We will be back with new episodes in February. Do you have ideas for next season episode topics? Send us an email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com.
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, use the code EDGECOUCH1MO at the time of sign-up for a 1 month grace period.
We have an upcoming workshop on April 27th, 2022 for new therapists called What Now? Transitioning from Student to Therapist. You can buy tickets through EventBrite at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/what-now-transitioning-from-student-to-therapist-tickets-297445787357. We hope to see you there!
This week's episode comes with a content warning: Mention of abortion, conversion "therapy"
In our very first episode recorded in person, Alison and Jordan speak off the cuff about relating to clients who have very different belief systems than you.
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, use the code EDGECOUCH1MO at the time of sign-up for a 1 month grace period.
We have an upcoming workshop on April 27th, 2022 for new therapists called What Now? Transitioning from Student to Therapist. You can buy tickets through EventBrite at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/what-now-transitioning-from-student-to-therapist-tickets-297445787357. We hope to see you there!
In this episode, Jordan and Alison help new therapists navigate setting boundaries between work and home life, which is particularly difficult when you work from a space off your bedroom!
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, use the code EDGECOUCH1MO at the time of sign-up for a 1 month grace period.
We have an upcoming workshop on April 27th, 2022 for new therapists called What Now? Transitioning from Student to Therapist. You can buy tickets through EventBrite at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/what-now-transitioning-from-student-to-therapist-tickets-297445787357. We hope to see you there!
In this episode, Alison and Jordan talk about mistakes they have made, how sometimes one person feels a rupture while the other person doesn't, and the need to apologize when we have messed up (but not for being a human.)
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, use the code EDGECOUCH1MO at the time of sign-up for a 1 month grace period.
We have an upcoming workshop on April 27th, 2022 for new therapists called What Now? Transitioning from Student to Therapist. You can buy tickets through EventBrite at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/what-now-transitioning-from-student-to-therapist-tickets-297445787357. We hope to see you there!
We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, use the code EDGECOUCH1MO at the time of sign-up for a 1 month grace period.
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, use the code EDGECOUCH1MO at the time of sign-up for a 1 month grace period.
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We have an upcoming workshop on April 27th, 2022 for new therapists called What Now? Transitioning from Student to Therapist. You can buy tickets through EventBrite at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/what-now-transitioning-from-student-to-therapist-tickets-297445787357. We hope to see you there!
Progress notes are one of the most tiresome and stressful parts of being a therapist! While completing notes can feel like trying to catch the wind in a net, never quite being able to complete them all, a therapists’ notes (even minimal, even incomplete) hold a lot of power. What is in a note can have huge consequences for how we view the client and in the absolute worst case scenarios, notes can be held against clients in horrible ways.
So what should a therapist write in a note? What should therapists avoid writing? When does a client get to see their progress notes? Who might read them one day? How do therapists keep the important details in without slipping into subjective writing? Alison and Jordan will share tips and tricks for how to navigate everything note-keeping.
We'd love to hear from you. Send us an email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com to tell us what you think, ask a question or let us know what type of episode you'd love to hear. You can even send us a voice note for us to play in a future episode.
We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, use the code EDGECOUCH1MO at the time of sign-up for a 1 month grace period.
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We have an upcoming workshop on April 27th, 2022 for new therapists called What Now? Transitioning from Student to Therapist. You can buy tickets through EventBrite at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/what-now-transitioning-from-student-to-therapist-tickets-297445787357. We hope to see you there!
In this episode, Jordan interviews Ji-Youn Kim. Ji-Youn (she/they) is a justice-oriented therapist in the pursuit of collective liberation, located in what is colonially known as Vancouver, Canada. She aims to disrupt oppressive practices of the mental health industry and its complicities, and envision new ways of mental health care rooted in community and collective healing. She also deeply believes in liberatory rage and embodied liberation as a process, co-facilitating workshops on Processing Rage.
In the episode, Ji-Youn mentions people she has learned from and learned with:
- Dr. Jennifer Mullan @DecolonizingTherapy
- Dr. Travis Heath
- Vikki Reynolds
- Gabes Torres @GabesTorres
- Maverick Lumen
- Emmett Martyniuk
- Sonny Jane @livedexperiencecounsellor
- Prentis Hemphill @prentishemphill
- adrienne maree brown @adriennemareebrown
You can email find Ji-Youn at their website, itsjiyounkim.com, or follow her on Instagram @itsjiyounkim.
We'd love to hear from you. Send us an email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com to tell us what you think, ask a question or let us know what type of episode you'd love to hear. You can even send us a voice note for us to play in a future episode.
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, use the code EDGECOUCH1MO at the time of sign-up for a 1 month grace period.
This week’s episode is all about how we manage the moments when we see a client outside of the therapeutic space-the good, the bad, and the uncomfortable. Big takeaways include inviting you to consider your personal policies, even if you live in a big city and don’t expect to see clients often; how to talk to clients about instances when you do see them out and about; and how to make sure you don’t stop living your life out of fear of a client seeing you!
We'd love to hear from you. Send us an email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com to tell us what you think, ask a question or let us know what type of episode you'd love to hear. You can even send us a voice note for us to play in a future episode.
We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, use the code EDGECOUCH1MO at the time of sign-up for a 1 month grace period.
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We have an upcoming workshop on April 27th, 2022 for new therapists called What Now? Transitioning from Student to Therapist. You can buy tickets through EventBrite at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/what-now-transitioning-from-student-to-therapist-tickets-297445787357. We hope to see you there!
This week’s episode is all about the toughest, most awkward, anxiety-inducing, resentment-building money topics! Probably surprising to no one here, our programs don’t always prepare us for how to best manage these tricky moments and so Alison and Jordan share their tips and tricks for navigating a variety of situations. Littered throughout the episode are also some throwback hilariously mismanaged stories to normalize how sometimes we really have to mess it all up to learn how to do it well.
We'd love to hear from you. Send us an email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com to tell us what you think, ask a question or let us know what type of episode you'd love to hear. You can even send us a voice note for us to play in a future episode.
You can support us by giving us a review on Apple Podcasts, sharing the show with a friend, or supporting us on Patreon at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, use the code EDGECOUCH1MO at the time of sign-up for a 1 month grace period.
We have an upcoming workshop on April 27th, 2022 for new therapists called What Now? Transitioning from Student to Therapist. You can buy tickets through EventBrite at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/what-now-transitioning-from-student-to-therapist-tickets-297445787357. We hope to see you there!
We may know why a client talks about sex, but we don’t always know how WE will feel when that happens. As sex-positive or sex-neutral as we aspire to be, there can be topics, words, or stories that make us uncomfortable or maybe even giggle.
In this episode, Alison and Jordan remind listeners that they, like all therapists, MUST do their own work around sex and sexuality, they share their stories of talking to clients about sex, and they double down on the importance of being open to whatever a client shares, even when it includes descriptive stories about their sex life.
We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, use the code EDGECOUCH1MO at the time of sign-up for a 1 month grace period.
We'd love to hear from you. Send us an email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com to tell us what you think, ask a question or let us know what type of episode you'd love to hear. You can even send us a voice note for us to play in a future episode.
You can support us by giving us a review on Apple Podcasts, sharing the show with a friend, or supporting us on Patreon at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We have an upcoming workshop on April 27th, 2022 for new therapists called What Now? Transitioning from Student to Therapist. You can buy tickets through EventBrite at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/what-now-transitioning-from-student-to-therapist-tickets-297445787357. We hope to see you there!
Alison interviews Taylor Broughton about how she approaches her 100% online practice, building rest into her schedule. Together, they explore the emerging trends in the field, particularly in the UK context. Taylor talks about emphasizing humanness in the therapy room and on social media. You can find Taylor on Instagram @NotBrokenJustHuman.
We have a workshop coming up on October 16th called What Now? Transitioning from Student to Therpist. You can find more information and purchase tickets here.
We'd love to hear from you. Send us an email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com to tell us what you think, ask a question or let us know what type of episode you'd love to hear. You can even send us a voice note for us to play in a future episode.
You can support us by giving us a review on Apple Podcasts, sharing the show with a friend, or supporting us on Patreon at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, use the code EDGECOUCH1MO at the time of sign-up for a 1 month grace period.
For brand new therapists, first sessions are DAUNTING! Where do I sit? What if the client is late for the session? What is the first question I ask? What if the client asks me about my experience? What if the client cries? Do I just read this consent form out loud to the client? How do I end a session? In this week’s episode, we hope to give you some encouragement, perspective, and a few tips for those first sessions, as a new therapist and beyond.
We'd love to hear from you. Send us an email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com to tell us what you think, ask a question or let us know what type of episode you'd love to hear. You can even send us a voice note for us to play in a future episode.
You can support us by giving us a review on Apple Podcasts, sharing the show with a friend, or supporting us on Patreon at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We have an upcoming workshop on April 27th, 2022 for new therapists called What Now? Transitioning from Student to Therapist. You can buy tickets through EventBrite at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/what-now-transitioning-from-student-to-therapist-tickets-297445787357. We hope to see you there!
Jordan and Alison talk about what comes up for them when clients feel they aren't making progress in their therapeutic work. It can bring up many layers of thoughts and feelings in us as therapists. Especially for folks new to the field, it can make you doubt your worth as a therapist. Alison and Jordan offer nuggets of wisdom about what might be going on when a client feels stuck, and how to move through it.
We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, use the code EDGECOUCH1MO at the time of sign-up for a 1 month grace period.
We'd love to hear from you. Send us an email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com to tell us what you think, ask a question or let us know what type of episode you'd love to hear. You can even send us a voice note for us to play in a future episode.
You can support us by giving us a review on Apple Podcasts, sharing the show with a friend, or supporting us on Patreon at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We have an upcoming workshop on April 27th, 2022 for new therapists called What Now? Transitioning from Student to Therapist. You can buy tickets through EventBrite at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/what-now-transitioning-from-student-to-therapist-tickets-297445787357. We hope to see you there!
This week, Jordan interviews Curt Widhalm and Katie Vernoy of the Modern Therapist Survival Guide podcast about their upcoming conference, Therapy Re-imagined. Listen what they have to say about "rebel therapists", the direction they would like the therapy field to move, and how we can resist the corporatization of therapy. You can save 10% on a conference ticket using the code EDGEOFTHECOUCH10.
We are proud to partner with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, use the code EDGECOUCH1MO at the time of sign-up for a 1 month grace period.
We'd love to hear from you. Send us an email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com to tell us what you think, ask a question or let us know what type of episode you'd love to hear. You can even send us a voice note for us to play in a future episode.
You can support us by giving us a review on Apple Podcasts, sharing the show with a friend, or supporting us on Patreon at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
In this first episode of the second season of Edge of the Couch, Jordan and Alison break down what it means to dress “professionally” as a therapist. As a student or new therapist, it’s hard to know what to wear to present yourself as trustworthy and competent. Before you put on a therapist costume, listen to this episode!
We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, use the code EDGECOUCH1MO at the time of sign-up for a 1 month grace period.
We'd love to hear from you. Send us an email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com to tell us what you think, ask a question or let us know what type of episode you'd love to hear. You can even send us a voice note for us to play in a future episode.
You can support us by giving us a review on Apple Podcasts, sharing the show with a friend, or supporting us on Patreon at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We have an upcoming workshop on April 27th, 2022 for new therapists called What Now? Transitioning from Student to Therapist. You can buy tickets through EventBrite at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/what-now-transitioning-from-student-to-therapist-tickets-297445787357. We hope to see you there!
In this BONUS episode, we answer a listener question: "As therapists, do we become desensitized to such serious issues (e.g. suicide and self harm)? How do we check in with ourselves around it?”
We'd love to hear from you. Send us an email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com to tell us what you think, ask a question or let us know what type of episode you'd love to hear. You can even send us a voice note for us to play in a future episode.
You can support us by giving us a review on Apple Podcasts, sharing the show with a friend, or supporting us on Patreon at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We have an upcoming workshop on April 27th, 2022 for new therapists called What Now? Transitioning from Student to Therapist. You can buy tickets through EventBrite at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/what-now-transitioning-from-student-to-therapist-tickets-297445787357. We hope to see you there!
In this BONUS episode, we answer a listener question: "Is it okay to tell clients we are proud of them?"
We'd love to hear from you. Send us an email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com to tell us what you think, ask a question or let us know what type of episode you'd love to hear. You can even send us a voice note for us to play in a future episode.
You can support us by giving us a review on Apple Podcasts, sharing the show with a friend, or supporting us on Patreon at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We have an upcoming workshop on April 27th, 2022 for new therapists called What Now? Transitioning from Student to Therapist. You can buy tickets through EventBrite at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/what-now-transitioning-from-student-to-therapist-tickets-297445787357. We hope to see you there!
We answer listener questions. 1) In a recent episode, you spoke about clients that have said they have feelings for you. How do you handle that? Has it ever ruptured the relationship? 2) What to do when clients say racist or sexist things? 3) How does a therapist not think about clients they really care about outside of sessions? 4) I'm worried I still have too much of my own stuff to process, but I'm starting an MFT program soon. 5) How do you navigate when someone doesn't rebook? 6) How do you navigate when a client doesn't do homework?
We'd love to hear from you. Send us an email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com to tell us what you think, ask a question or let us know what type of episode you'd love to hear. You can even send us a voice note for us to play in a future episode.
You can support us by giving us a review on Apple Podcasts, sharing the show with a friend, or supporting us on Patreon at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We have an upcoming workshop on April 27th, 2022 for new therapists called What Now? Transitioning from Student to Therapist. You can buy tickets through EventBrite at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/what-now-transitioning-from-student-to-therapist-tickets-297445787357. We hope to see you there!
We answer listener questions. 1) Do either of you offer supervision? Yes, book or contact us through our practice websites. 2) Tips for therapists in therapy. Notice when you are doing "split brain". Notice when you are holding back. You can shop around. You can try out different modalities. 3) Are you both psychologists or another type of therapist? We are both Master-level therapists, Registered Clinical Counsellor is the designation where we live, British Columbia, Canada. Alison will be a registered psychologist after receiving her doctorate. 4) How to break up with a supervisor? You can have the difficult conversation, or you can disappear into the bushes. 5) What have been some of your mannerisms or therapeutic phrases that you had to try to be aware of, especially when you were training? Jargon, nodding, tapping my foot, moving too much, "totally". 6) How do you respond when a client comments on your looks- "you're really pretty", for example. Depending on context, you might just say "thanks" and move on. If there is energy around it, you might have to have a conversation about it. We plan to put together a full episode on this in the future.
We'd love to hear from you. Send us an email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com to tell us what you think, ask a question or let us know what type of episode you'd love to hear. You can even send us a voice note for us to play in a future episode.
You can support us by giving us a review on Apple Podcasts, sharing the show with a friend, or supporting us on Patreon at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We have an upcoming workshop on April 27th, 2022 for new therapists called What Now? Transitioning from Student to Therapist. You can buy tickets through EventBrite at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/what-now-transitioning-from-student-to-therapist-tickets-297445787357. We hope to see you there!
In this special episode, Alison interviews her co-host, Jordan. We talk about how she shows up in therapy, how being a therapist has changed her, and her fear of clients seeing her on the street in a difficult parenting moment.
We'd love to hear from you. Send us an email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com to tell us what you think, ask a question or let us know what type of episode you'd love to hear. You can even send us a voice note for us to play in a future episode.
You can support us by giving us a review on Apple Podcasts, sharing the show with a friend, or supporting us on Patreon at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We have an upcoming workshop on April 27th, 2022 for new therapists called What Now? Transitioning from Student to Therapist. You can buy tickets through EventBrite at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/what-now-transitioning-from-student-to-therapist-tickets-297445787357. We hope to see you there!
In this special episode, Jordan interviews her co-host Alison. We talk about how she shows up in therapy, what she has learned from her clients, and the powerful metaphors she uses regularly and other Alison-isms.
We'd love to hear from you. Send us an email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com to tell us what you think, ask a question or let us know what type of episode you'd love to hear. You can even send us a voice note for us to play in a future episode.
You can support us by giving us a review on Apple Podcasts, sharing the show with a friend, or supporting us on Patreon at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We have an upcoming workshop on April 27th, 2022 for new therapists called What Now? Transitioning from Student to Therapist. You can buy tickets through EventBrite at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/what-now-transitioning-from-student-to-therapist-tickets-297445787357. We hope to see you there!
Finding yourself attracted to a client is a thing that happens! Even talking about it in hypotheticals is taboo. If you can’t acknowledge what is happening, even to yourself, it will absolutely impact the work and you are so much more likely to do harm. How do you know you are attracted to a client?
In this episode, Jordan and Alison break down this taboo and talk about how they navigate this delicate dynamic.
We'd love to hear from you. Send us an email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com to tell us what you think, ask a question or let us know what type of episode you'd love to hear. You can even send us a voice note for us to play in a future episode.
You can support us by giving us a review on Apple Podcasts, sharing the show with a friend, or supporting us on Patreon at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We have an upcoming workshop on April 27th, 2022 for new therapists called What Now? Transitioning from Student to Therapist. You can buy tickets through EventBrite at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/what-now-transitioning-from-student-to-therapist-tickets-297445787357. We hope to see you there!
Whether you speak back or just say it to yourself, sometimes you will disagree with your school. Sometimes you will disagree with your supervisor. Even though you are learning new concepts and skills, you come into the work with life experiences and values. How do you hold onto yourself through the process of learning?
In this episode, Alison and Jordan delve into the biases and limitations of our training. We talk about how you might respond when one of your values contradicts with something that is said or asked of you in your training process. Let us know what you think!
We'd love to hear from you. Send us an email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com to tell us what you think, ask a question or let us know what type of episode you'd love to hear. You can even send us a voice note for us to play in a future episode.
You can support us by giving us a review on Apple Podcasts, sharing the show with a friend, or supporting us on Patreon at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We have an upcoming workshop on April 27th, 2022 for new therapists called What Now? Transitioning from Student to Therapist. You can buy tickets through EventBrite at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/what-now-transitioning-from-student-to-therapist-tickets-297445787357. We hope to see you there!
In this episode, Jordan and Alison explore what our training teaches us about how to respond when a client expresses suicidal intent, how problematic our training can be, and the understandable apprehension that exists in new therapists (maybe all therapists?) when tasked with holding space for conversations about suicide.
We'd love to hear from you. Send us an email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com to tell us what you think, ask a question or let us know what type of episode you'd love to hear. You can even send us a voice note for us to play in a future episode.
You can support us by giving us a review on Apple Podcasts, sharing the show with a friend, or supporting us on Patreon.
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We have an upcoming workshop on April 27th, 2022 for new therapists called What Now? Transitioning from Student to Therapist. You can buy tickets through EventBrite at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/what-now-transitioning-from-student-to-therapist-tickets-297445787357. We hope to see you there!
Alison and Jordan discuss when therapists have friendship-y feelings about a client. What do you do when a client says that they want to be friends, that you are friends, or that you are their best friend?
We'd love to hear from you. Send us an email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com to tell us what you think, ask a question or let us know what type of episode you'd love to hear. You can even send us a voice note for us to play in a future episode.
You can support us by giving us a review on Apple Podcasts, sharing the show with a friend, or supporting us on Patreon.
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We have an upcoming workshop on April 27th, 2022 for new therapists called What Now? Transitioning from Student to Therapist. You can buy tickets through EventBrite at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/what-now-transitioning-from-student-to-therapist-tickets-297445787357. We hope to see you there!
In an interview, Jordan talks with Mimi Cole, student therapist and educator and writer on OCD and eating disorders, about her experience in school and online with self-disclosure, and the implications for her future work with clients.
We'd love to hear from you. Send us an email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com to tell us what you think, ask a question or let us know what type of episode you'd love to hear. You can even send us a voice note for us to play in a future episode.
You can support us by giving us a review on Apple Podcasts, sharing the show with a friend, or supporting us on Patreon.
You can find our guest Mimi Cole on Instagram @the.lovelybecoming or at her website www.mimi-cole.com
Mimi Cole cites her learning from:
On the recovered clinician: Carolyn Costin https://www.carolyn-costin.com/recovered-eating-disorderprofession
On being put on a pedestal: Dr. Maria Paredes https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/maria-paredes-greensboro-nc/297520
On being human first, therapist second: Lisa Olivera https://www.instagram.com/_lisaolivera/?hl=en
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We have an upcoming workshop on April 27th, 2022 for new therapists called What Now? Transitioning from Student to Therapist. You can buy tickets through EventBrite at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/what-now-transitioning-from-student-to-therapist-tickets-297445787357. We hope to see you there!
In this episode, Jordan and Alison explore the intimacy that can deepen when we, therapists, share tears with our clients, crying with or for them during session. There’s an exploration about why our field teaches us to swallow our tears and the ways in which Alison and Jordan have worked to reclaim the connection of crying.
The episode switches gears to then talk about the times in which Jordan and Alison have found themselves laughing during sessions! There’s silliness, humour, and authenticity in the conversation, and once again, permission to show up wholly.
Both hosts share personal stories of crying and laughing during sessions, sometimes at inopportune times. It’s not an episode to miss.
We'd love to hear from you. Send us an email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com to tell us what you think, ask a question or let us know what type of episode you'd love to hear. You can even send us a voice note for us to play in a future episode.
You can support us by giving us a review on Apple Podcasts, sharing the show with a friend, or supporting us on Patreon.
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We have an upcoming workshop on April 27th, 2022 for new therapists called What Now? Transitioning from Student to Therapist. You can buy tickets through EventBrite at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/what-now-transitioning-from-student-to-therapist-tickets-297445787357. We hope to see you there!
Alison and Jordan talk about their experiences with clients that they have disliked or had moments of dislike, and what questions you might want to ask yourself when you recognize your own frustration, irritation, anger, or disgust come up.
We'd love to hear from you. Send us an email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com to tell us what you think, ask a question or let us know what type of episode you'd love to hear. You can even send us a voice note for us to play in a future episode.
You can support us by giving us a review on Apple Podcasts, sharing the show with a friend, or supporting us on Patreon.
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We have an upcoming workshop on April 27th, 2022 for new therapists called What Now? Transitioning from Student to Therapist. You can buy tickets through EventBrite at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/what-now-transitioning-from-student-to-therapist-tickets-297445787357. We hope to see you there!
Alison and Jordan talk about considerations for therapists with chronic illness. They share their own experiences with illness.
We'd love to hear from you. Send us an email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com to tell us what you think, ask a question or let us know what type of episode you'd love to hear. You can even send us a voice note for us to play in a future episode.
You can support us by giving us a review on Apple Podcasts, sharing the show with a friend, or supporting us on Patreon.
Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We have an upcoming workshop on April 27th, 2022 for new therapists called What Now? Transitioning from Student to Therapist. You can buy tickets through EventBrite at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/what-now-transitioning-from-student-to-therapist-tickets-297445787357. We hope to see you there!
In this episode, Alison speaks with her academic peer and dear friend, Chloe Powell. They talk about her journey to graduate school and what it's been like for her as a student therapist in the pandemic.
We'd love to hear from you. Send us an email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com to tell us what you think, ask a question or let us know what type of episode you'd love to hear. You can even send us a voice note for us to play in a future episode.
You can support us by giving us a review on Apple Podcasts, sharing the show with a friend, or supporting us on Patreon.
Chloe Powell @bepsychminded on InstagramAlison McCleary www.alpenglowcounselling.com @alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca @jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch www.edgeofthecouch.com @edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We have an upcoming workshop on April 27th, 2022 for new therapists called What Now? Transitioning from Student to Therapist. You can buy tickets through EventBrite at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/what-now-transitioning-from-student-to-therapist-tickets-297445787357. We hope to see you there!
In this episode, Alison and Jordan talked about being a therapist in the time of COVID. This was recorded in December 2020, nine months into the global pandemic.
We'd love to hear from you. Send us an email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com to tell us what you think, ask a question or let us know what type of episode you'd love to hear. You can even send us a voice note for us to play in a future episode.
You can support us by giving us a review on Apple Podcasts, sharing the show with a friend, or supporting us on Patreon.Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We have an upcoming workshop on April 27th, 2022 for new therapists called What Now? Transitioning from Student to Therapist. You can buy tickets through EventBrite at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/what-now-transitioning-from-student-to-therapist-tickets-297445787357. We hope to see you there!
In this episode, Alison and Jordan talk about
-how crying shows up in different ways for clients
-questions to ask clients around their relationship to crying
-how they work with clients in moments they are on the verge of tears
-anger's place in therapy
-their own relationships to crying
Send us an email to tell us what you think at connect@edgeofthecouch.com.
Follow us on Instagram @edgeofthecouchpod
We have an upcoming workshop on April 27th, 2022 for new therapists called What Now? Transitioning from Student to Therapist. You can buy tickets through EventBrite at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/what-now-transitioning-from-student-to-therapist-tickets-297445787357. We hope to see you there!
In the first episode, Alison and Jordan talk about how new therapists can resist imposter syndrome.
We'd love to hear from you. Send us an email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com to tell us what you think, ask a question or let us know what type of episode you'd love to hear. You can even send us a voice note for us to play in a future episode.
You can support us by giving us a review on Apple Podcasts, sharing the show with a friend, or supporting us on Patreon.
Here are some links to learn more about what was mentioned on the podcast:
Scott D Miller, What works in therapy?
Esther Perel, Where should we begin podcast
More on Jungian concept of bright shadowAlison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
We have an upcoming workshop on April 27th, 2022 for new therapists called What Now? Transitioning from Student to Therapist. You can buy tickets through EventBrite at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/what-now-transitioning-from-student-to-therapist-tickets-297445787357. We hope to see you there!