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Your Mental Breakdown

138 EpisodesProduced by Your Mental BreakdownWebsite

A psychotherapy-entertainment podcast featuring licensed therapist, Doug Friedman and a co-host. Episodes include real therapy sessions in sequence with a real client that has agreed to be recorded throughout the process of therapy. After the session, Doug and his co-host break down the session and … read more

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Farewell

February 22nd, 2024

0:39

An important message from RadioPublic

128. Drew #97: The Fire in Your Own Belly

March 14th, 2024

1:14:15

Doug helps Drew focus on himself, not just the baby on the way. Drew admits that he isn’t feeling joy in things the way he’s used to feeling it and that it’s taking him out of the present. Drew realizes that he’s …

127. Sarah #38: Giving Yourself Permission to Feel

March 7th, 2024

1:04:43

Doug helps Sarah move forward along a path toward her emotions. They discuss her learned pattern of being dismissive of herself and her feelings. The pursuit of data and facts that turns Sarah into the “justice …

126. Drew #96: Much Love Because Here Comes the Challenge

February 29th, 2024

1:09:05

Drew is feeling like an adult and living in the world. He acknowledges feeling strength where he used to feel weakness in asking for help. He’s …

125. Sarah #37: I Feel Like I'm Going to Think About It a Lot

February 22nd, 2024

58:37

Sarah is experiencing the difference between being of value at work and being the singular essential piece that also carries with it all the …

124. Drew #95: Digging Up That Old Polaroid

February 15th, 2024

1:05:05

Doug and Kenzie talk about connecting to your inner child. Then in the session, Drew is adulting and creating distance from his parents while …

123. Sarah #36: The Scooby-Doo Effect: Catching Up With Yourself

February 8th, 2024

56:51

Sarah keeps learning and exploring in therapy – and her family is noticing the change in her and the progress she’s made as a result. Doug explains …

122. Drew #94: Big Ol’ Heaping Helping of Avoidance

February 2nd, 2024

1:01:00

Drew’s adulting! He is practicing parenting himself, in preparation for his baby on the way. Drew acknowledges feeling anxious about how his parents …

121. Sarah #35: Therapy is the Rehearsal for Life

January 25th, 2024

1:10:58

Sarah follows up on last session’s “wow moment” about using the concept of natural consequences rather than being judge and jury when giving a …

120. Drew #93: Quarter-life Crisis: I Wanna Laugh, Cry, and Punch a Wall

January 18th, 2024

1:10:14

It’s the return of Drew to the podcast! We check in with his health, and the stress he’s feeling as a 26 year old adult with a baby on the way. Doug …

119. Sarah #34: The Sarah Whisperer: (Re)Parenting With Natural Consequences

January 11th, 2024

1:13:17

Doug introduces the concept of natural consequences to Sarah as opposed to being judge and jury as a parent, even if the punishment fits the crime. Sarah acknowledges that she is not failing as a parent; rather, she is …

118. Sarah #33: Courage is Fear Walking

January 4th, 2024

1:09:13

We’re back! Doug is joined by Kenzie on the breakdown and they pick up right where Sarah left off in her therapy sessions. Sarah has been listening …

117. Sarah #32: Camping In Your Mind

June 1st, 2023

46:16

We discuss the issue of “control” after it came up in our small talk about parties, drugs, and past behavior. Sarah sees clearly how the abuse she …

116. Sarah #31: I’m Gonna Breathe, You Talk

May 25th, 2023

45:51

Sarah was super busy at work, had drama with her ex, and then got Covid! In session, she expresses that it’s hard for her to say no to anyone, especially her children. Doug helps her stay with the emotion and process …

115. Drew #92: Living For Myself

May 11th, 2023

34:25

Drew is feeling “confident alone” rather than “scared alone.” He describes it like being the driver of the car of his own life and holding the …

114. Sarah #30: Re-Personalizing Your Experiences

May 4th, 2023

40:03

Sarah has sense memories in the present that trigger some traumatic experiences from her upbringing in a cult. She depersonalized her trauma in the …

113. Drew #91: The Challenge, Not the Fluff

March 30th, 2023

42:05

Drew went back home to his parent’s house to re-ground himself. He’s been able to practice how to be present with his parents and not take on the …

112. Sarah #29: It’s Actually Not Crazy

March 16th, 2023

43:51

Sarah is learning not to take ownership of someone else’s feelings. She is still owning her part in triggering someone, but she is starting to allow others to be not ok without having to fix it. Sarah is no longer …

111. Drew #90: Being the Green Beret

March 9th, 2023

30:39

Doug provides the space to let Drew complain about his job and his boss – something many of us can relate to feeling! Outside of work, Drew is feeling like a grown-up as he individuates from his parents. He is relating …

110. Sarah #28: Tears and Hugs Are Not Enough

March 2nd, 2023

42:04

Sarah shares memories and scenes that are coming up now from her past as a child growing up in the Children of God cult. Since being in therapy, …

109. Drew #89: Trusting the Process

February 23rd, 2023

45:02

Drew is not forcing a change externally to feel better internally, having recently come out of a depressive episode. Doug reflects that he might be feeling better in part because he’s allowing himself to be present in …

108. Sarah #27: Willful Blindness

February 16th, 2023

40:34

Sarah explores how impactful it was to not have someone that at least tried to protect her as a child growing up in a cult. Doug reinforces the …

107. Drew #88: Milemarkers, I Love ‘Em!

February 9th, 2023

36:02

Drew is finding his groove again after a three month depressive episode. We highlight “inter-dependence” in his relationships right now in contrast to the people pleasing and co-dependence that marked most of his …

106. Sarah #26: Curiosity vs. Correction

February 2nd, 2023

40:19

Sometimes feeling misunderstood can lead to self-realization. Ouch, Meredith! Sarah sees herself objectively after hearing Mer’s reaction to her from an earlier session. This leads Sarah to explore her protective …

105. Drew #86-87: Through Turbulence and Safe in the Unknown

November 23rd, 2022

32:10

Doug recaps the lost audio from session #86 with Drew comparing his depressive episode to turbulence on an airplane, and how we can manage our way …

104. Sarah #25: How Does This Hand Turkey Represent You?

November 17th, 2022

40:40

Sarah attends a memorial for her cousin and is triggered at the service by seeing an abuser from her past in the cult. She is able to …

103. Sarah #24: Stop and Breathe

November 3rd, 2022

55:59

Sarah is feeling overwhelmed with a lot of little things stressing her out and one big thing coming up – her cousin’s memorial. Doug helps Sarah stop and breathe, so she can acknowledge and process some of her grief and …

102. Sarah #23: Emotional Data

October 13th, 2022

53:50

Sarah links her current feeling of powerlessness with her past experiences of powerlessness in the cult and in her previous marriage. Doug helps …

101. Drew #85: Don’t Suffer in Silence

September 29th, 2022

1:11:27

***Trigger warning*** This episode contains potentially triggering and sensitive topics including suicide.  If you or someone you know needs help, please call 988 in the United States. The 988 Suicide & Crisis …

100. Sarah #22: I Could Punch a B*tch

September 22nd, 2022

53:33

An incident with her daughter sparks Sarah’s feelings of anger and powerlessness. Doug helps her draw the link to her emotional experience in the …

99. Drew #84: Peace of Pie

September 15th, 2022

55:37

Doug helps Drew use a metaphoric pie chart to understand where his energy goes and where his stress comes from in his life right now. 

Doug Friedman

98. Sarah #21: Forrest Gumping Your Way Through It

September 8th, 2022

59:04

Sarah tells the story of her life as a teenager after escaping the cult she grew up in as a child. Doug helps her see where some patterns started …

97. Drew #83: I'm Doing Great and I'm an Absolute Mess

July 11th, 2022

44:09

From the vantage point of his new job and a regular paycheck, Drew looks back objectively with appreciation at some of the things he was doing for …

96. Drew #82: I Have a Talking Problem

May 12th, 2022

48:33

Drew got a new job and feels like he’s taking a couple steps back mentally but he’s taking ten steps forward emotionally.  Although he's overqualified for this job, he has the perspective of feeling a sense of mastery …

95. Drew #81: Evergreen, Baby!

May 5th, 2022

54:27

Drew is allowing himself to slow down and experience all of the emotions coming up right now rather than just “getting through it” or numbing away …

94. Drew #80: Down in a Ditch

April 14th, 2022

58:23

Drew gets emotional as he copes with a hard week in the midst of a depressive episode. Drew expresses that he needed the safety net of parents this week and didn’t get it. He’s now feeling alone in the world, …

93. Drew #79: This is the Grey

March 31st, 2022

1:02:22

Drew is feeling depressed. Things are going good, but he’s not feeling good. During this period of time, Drew feels like something internal is missing – he’s not enjoying anything on his own and pushes back whenever …

92. Sarah #20: Feeling the Feelings of Grief and Loss

March 24th, 2022

1:11:21

As a sign of vulnerability, trust, and the safe space of therapy, Sarah allows herself to cry in session and feel the loss of her cousin. She …

91. Drew #78: Going Fishing at Disneyland

March 17th, 2022

1:02:37

Drew is feeling lukewarm, anhedonia, and meh rather than being in the high highs or the low lows. He’s understanding what it’s like being somewhere in the middle and not being at 0 or at 100. Drew recognizes that he …

90. Sarah #19: That’s My Neuroses and My Awesomeness

March 10th, 2022

1:22:09

Doug and his mom open with a discussion about multiple personality disorder and her previous work in therapy with clients coming out of cults. In the …

89. Drew #77: What is a Safety Net?

March 7th, 2022

55:37

Doug helps Drew go deeper to explore the concept of a safety net by processing his all-in, all-out mentality. Drew goes to an emotional place when they talk about feeling abandoned, betrayed, and neglected by the …

88. Drew #76: Mommy and Me

February 24th, 2022

1:20:06

For this episode, we check in with Drew, the client from Season 1. Drew wants to be doing more to do less, as he copes with the stress of his recent heart attack. Drew processes his parents not showing up to support him …

87. Drew #75: Is She Your Girlfriend? Yes But No.

February 21st, 2022

1:03:19

Drew explores the idea of his parents as a safety net without dependence or co-dependence in their relationship. Doug and Drew look at the concept of allowing someone to do something supportive for you, rather than …

86. Drew #74: Processing Anxiety in Real Time

February 14th, 2022

1:02:14

Drew comes in with a high level of anxiety after going to the emergency room for a heart event. Doug helps Drew process the anxiety in the session. Drew is able to bring his level of anxiety down over the course of the …

85. Sarah #18: The Mother of All Triggers

February 10th, 2022

1:03:28

Sarah describes taking herself through worst-case scenarios to prepare herself for a situation, so she can avoid the shock and broken heart that might otherwise overwhelm her. That protective mechanism once served her, …

84. Drew #73: Thank You Period. You're Welcome Period.

February 7th, 2022

43:57

Drew describes what it’s like to go through highs and lows by himself with the support of people around him. Doug and Drew explore what it means to have the validation that comes when we can say "thank you" and "you’re …

83. Drew #72: Down in the Dumps

January 31st, 2022

1:01:53

Doug helps Drew acknowledge and process feeling down in the dumps, for seemingly no reason. They talk about the difference between feeling depressed or being in a depressive episode. Drew explains what an “episode” …

82. Sarah #17: Processing Grief in Real Time

January 27th, 2022

1:04:37

Doug helps Sarah process grief in real time after she just learned of a family member’s failing health while in the hospital. Sarah is able to acknowledge having different feelings spiraling at the same time right now. …

81. Drew #71: The Myth of Meaning

January 20th, 2022

1:05:41

Drew looks at his new 26-year-old life as an adult feeling his independence and confidence growing. He acknowledges that his parents can still be a …

80. Sarah #16: It’s Not Just a Fluke

January 20th, 2022

1:07:47

Doug helps Sarah acknowledge that she is actively creating new neural pathways by doing things differently from her patterned way of being and doing. Sarah gives herself permission to see the changes in her behavior …

79. Drew #70: The Middle Way

January 13th, 2022

57:19

Drew is allowing himself to be who he really wants to be in his relationships with family, friends, and work – as well as with his girlfriend while …

78. Sarah #15: Trauma is a Radioactive Spider That Bites

January 13th, 2022

1:05:38

We explore Sarah’s conditioning from her upbringing in the Children of God cult. “Trauma is a radioactive spider that bites.” It can lead you to …

77. Sarah #14: Systems of Safety

January 6th, 2022

1:11:52

We explore the “systems of safety” that Sarah developed as a child growing up in a cult to protect herself because no one else did. We can thank …

76. Drew #69: Being in the Solo Dolo

December 27th, 2021

56:19

Doug and Drew explore the idea that being solo is not just not about being alone or lonely. Drew is finding his confidence and strength in life …

75. Drew #68: Smoke & Mirrors

December 16th, 2021

51:29

Drew explores what it means to experience life solo rather than go through his separation feeling lonely or alone. He and Doug talk about learning to …

74. Sarah #13: A Quest For Justice

December 16th, 2021

57:15

Sarah feels righteous anger about a coworker that was let go. Doug helps her see that it’s a trigger for her own traumatic past when people in power abuse that power and wrong others. When it’s on someone else’s behalf, …

73. Drew #67: I Never Heard of a Chocolate Milkshake Being So Deep

December 9th, 2021

54:12

Drew continues the process of individuation. He sees that sharing his life with his mom is now a function of him being proud of himself, not him looking to her for reassurance and self-worth. Drew acknowledges his own …

72. Sarah #12: When You Realize You’re Not 30 Anymore

December 9th, 2021

1:12:42

Sarah felt validated and valued at work this week after a triggering annual review last week. Doug and Sarah explore how what she calls nonsense can …

71. Drew #65-66: One Foot Out the Door

December 2nd, 2021

50:50

Drew got emotionally triggered after a recent funeral for a friend from back home. Then he made a surprise visit to his parents for his mom’s birthday. Doug fills us in on what we missed in both Drew’s last session …

70. Drew #64: Channel Your Inner Millennial and Slow Your Roll

November 18th, 2021

59:05

Drew learns to trust his gut more. He experiences being the son he wants to be for his parents, rather than the son he thinks they want him to be. He feels whelmed, not overwhelmed, but still needs support from people …

69. Sarah #11: Effed Up and Out of My Control

November 18th, 2021

1:08:39

Sarah got triggered by a review at work which leads to an exploration of deeper issues. Doug helps her express anger and frustration about being powerless and misrepresented, especially when someone of authority is in …

68. Drew #63: Little Island of Misfit Toys

November 11th, 2021

46:14

Drew feels his self-confidence grow, but acknowledges that his trust issues are still making him want constant reassurance in relationships. As he recovers from Covid, we explore and break down his relationship to …

67. Sarah #10: I Would Rather Fill in the Blank

November 11th, 2021

1:06:07

Doug redefines work-life balance: it’s a balance of work, rest, and play that are all under the umbrella of life. Sarah examines “play” in her life. She connects the hyper-vigilance of being ‘mama bear’ for everyone …

66. Drew #62: Gangster Granny

November 4th, 2021

56:23

Who doesn't love the smell of bacon? Drew manages Covid confusion and experiences letting go and trusting himself. He is slowing down without slowing down and acknowledges, “As a human being, you can only put up with so …

65. Sarah #9: The Unravelling

November 4th, 2021

1:07:00

Doug is on location in New York discovering the quiet, nature side of the city. Sarah and Doug dissect the associations she’s held in her head with being a trauma survivor and with being a victim. Sarah explores some …

64. Drew #61: Shoebox of Memories

October 28th, 2021

50:52

Drew continues to work on breaking codependence. He is looking at several relationships in his life, right as we're in the thick of the holiday …

63. Sarah #8: Don’t Go to Bed Angry

October 28th, 2021

1:08:04

As Sarah talks about a stressful work relationship, Doug slows her down and helps her process being a trauma survivor. They examine how Sarah’s …

62. Drew #60: Compartmentalize - Nailed It!

October 21st, 2021

45:58

Mer is back with Doug on the breakdowns, and might be a little jelly of the guest co-hosts... Drew is embracing being perfectly imperfect and not getting so caught up in the moment of disappointment, knowing it will be …

61. Sarah #7: Are You a Wildfire or Controlled Burn?

October 21st, 2021

1:01:14

In an emotional session, Sarah vents about an issue she’s having with a coworker. This leads Doug to look deeper inside for what’s really going on with her. As he helps Sarah slow down in the session, she takes a deep …

60. Drew #59: Covid For the Holidays

October 19th, 2021

49:20

Drew is directly affected by Covid hitting his family at Thanksgiving. Doug is joined by his colleague and therapy practice mate, Sasha Brodsky.

Doug …

59. Drew #58: Bake My Sh*t With Love

October 18th, 2021

1:00:36

Drew reflects on his self-worth and thinks about it not coming from what he does for others, but rather truly from himself.

Doug is joined in the …

58. Drew #54-57: Trial and Erroring

October 17th, 2021

1:00:39

Drew is unlearning codependency by building confidence in himself. From this strength he is finding community and feeling a sense of belonging that doesn't rely on other people's well being for his own.

"I was ok when …

57. Sarah #6: Recompense

October 14th, 2021

1:02:49

Doug and Mer talk comets and cults while Doug corrects an earlier comment that the cult leader in Sarah’s case was caught - he wasn’t! He lived in …

56. Sarah #5: Just One Junk Drawer

October 7th, 2021

1:04:05

Mer acknowledges Doug for his emotional and personal music album coming out in a few weeks; and then she gives him guff for not getting the podcast’s Patreon launched yet!  It’s coming soon with ongoing Drew episodes …

55. Sarah #4: Baby Steps

September 30th, 2021

1:05:27

Meredith imparts some knowledge to Doug (and us!) about invalidation trauma after a recent training. We get to know more about Sarah in her session …

54. Sarah #3: A Little Bit Robocop

September 23rd, 2021

51:42

Meredith updates us on the intruder in her backyard - who came back again! We continue the new season with Sarah, in spite of a few audio hiccups in the session. Doug and Sarah talk about feeling frustrated, annoyed, …

53. Sarah #2: Growing Up in a Cult

September 15th, 2021

1:04:31

***Trigger warning*** This episode contains potentially triggering and sensitive topics including child abuse. If you suspect or know that a child is being abused or neglected, call or text 800-4-A-CHILD (800-422-4453). …

52. Sarah #1: I Don’t Have a Handle On It

September 8th, 2021

1:05:16

We’re baa-ack! In this new season kick-off, Doug and Meredith are “a step up from sweatpants” and ready to dive back into it with us. We hear the first session with Doug and Sarah, the new client we’ll get to know and …

Roundtable #4: Cultural Awareness in Mental Health with Ashley McGirt and Sahaj Kohli

July 12th, 2021

1:04:35

In this Roundtable episode, Doug and Meredith are joined by fellow therapist Ashley McGirt and therapist in training Sahaj Kohli for a conversation …

Roundtable #3: Psychedelics and Therapy with Dr. Craig Heacock and José Mata

June 17th, 2021

54:00

In this Roundtable episode, Doug and Meredith are joined by fellow therapist José Mata and psychiatrist Dr. Craig Heacock, both of whom work with the intersection of psychedelics and therapy. They look at current …

51. Drew #53: Goodbye Little Red Van

May 13th, 2021

53:49

Mer Mer launches herself into another dimension with Oculus, and this reminds Doug of a time when he was immersed in a virtual reality Star Wars …

50. Drew #52: I Love Homework

May 6th, 2021

1:00:52

Mer Mer keeps her mind fresh and young by doing Sudoku. She and Doug give the update that they still have yet to shut down their computers at the end of each work day. Then, a very packed session with Drew uncovers a …

49. Drew #51: Rock Star Attire

April 29th, 2021

58:53

At the top of the show this week, Doug busts himself and Meredith for not following through AGAIN on shutting down their computers at night! They …

48. Drew #50: Even Pillars Feel the Weight

April 22nd, 2021

56:46

This week, Drew is realizing that sooner than later, his parents will no longer be financially supporting him. Not only is he nervous about being able to pay for everything, but he’s also worried that once his parents …

47. Drew #49: A Serious Situation

April 15th, 2021

1:05:54

*** Warning - this episode contains potentially triggering and sensitive topics, including sexual assault. If you or someone you know needs help, …

46. Drew #47-48: Can I Just Get Some Damn Toilet Paper

April 8th, 2021

1:04:36

While we all start to come out of the pandemic lockdown, Drew and his girlfriend are starting to come out of the honeymoon phase. In their …

45. Drew #46: I Had to Take a Nap

April 1st, 2021

36:50

Doug and Meredith finally saw each other in person again! They break down what an “episode” means to Drew and what it can mean when a therapist hears that word. In the session, Drew is feeling down and out because of …

44. Drew #45: Even Superman Has a Crappy Day Job

March 25th, 2021

57:52

Meredith swims a mile then she and Doug talk about Justice League. And the superhero talk continues with Drew taking to a Superman analogy - balancing the daily grind of a day job with using his own time to focus on his …

43. Drew #44: I'll Put Your Sh*tty Drawings on My Fridge

March 18th, 2021

57:21

Meredith loves daylight saving time! Restaurants and movie theatres are opening up in LA now, but Doug is still trying to hide out like a mountain man. In Drew’s therapy session he talks about feeling burnt out and …

42. Drew #43: The Ghetto Birds Were Flying

March 11th, 2021

59:34

Meredith and Doug discuss their take on working with clients that have different political views and ideologies than their own. It’s a great …

41. Drew #42: It’s All About the Sprite & Pomegranate

March 4th, 2021

50:50

Doug is back in LA and missing the mountains. Meredith realizes it may be time for all of us to get a car wash (especially Doug!). In the session, Drew and Doug get into a heavy conversation as Drew details how a party …

40. Drew #40-41: I Couldn’t Make it Without a TV

February 25th, 2021

40:24

The podcast hits the one-year mark this week… and it’s a twofer! Two sessions in one episode as life in the podcast timeline is starting to go virtual in the very beginning of the pandemic. Doug and Drew pack a lot into …

39. Drew #39: The Grief Ball in the Box

February 18th, 2021

1:05:30

Before Drew’s session this week, Meredith and Doug give a wrap-up of their Valentine's Day experiences, Drew talks about going home for his friend’s funeral; and he walks through both the horror movie version and Disney …

38. Drew #38: The Boy With the Bubble

February 11th, 2021

1:02:31

Doug took Meredith’s pillow washing challenge and he took her movie recommendation! They figure out why we call a podcast a podcast. The session begins with Drew dealing with emotions that are stirred up as he prepares …

37. Drew #37: Can I Get a Witness?

February 4th, 2021

58:35

It’s a busy and eventful show this week, kicking off with Doug’s second mountain lion sighting - this time it’s a baby! Meredith gives her thoughts …

36. Drew #36: Don’t Pet a Mountain Lion

January 28th, 2021

59:54

Doug and Meredith roar into this week with a recount of Doug’s mountain lion visitor while Mer has been washing her dishes and feeling soooo good and accomplished. Drew’s session comes at the one year anniversary of …

35. Drew #35: I’m a Gangster Chick

January 21st, 2021

50:55

Drew picks up where he left off last week, back from the holidays and feeling somewhat unmotivated and withdrawn. In the session, Drew and Doug …

34. Drew #34: Just Make Your Bed

January 14th, 2021

1:11:04

Living in LA during a pandemic almost feels like a zombie movie. Doug and Mer touch on how lack of good sleep can affect us. In the session, Drew talks about the loss of his friend and questions how he can better cope …

33. Drew #33: I’m Annoyed That I’m Annoyed

January 7th, 2021

1:02:28

Broken toes, wind chimes, and a discussion about maintaining confidentiality even when a client shares a crime they committed. Drew is back from his brother’s wedding and preparing to head home for a visit. Drew is …

32. Drew #32: The Wedding Episode

December 17th, 2020

1:05:35

This week was already going to be special with the wedding, but the fact that it’s Meredith’s birthday makes it even more fun! Meredith talks running …

31. Drew #31: You Can’t Spell Smother Without Mother

December 10th, 2020

56:50

Cute cows, amaaaaazing smelling wreaths, and giant Christmas trees! The session begins with Drew’s literal worst fear coming true - his mother relapsing. He and Doug talk about how he is coping and making big strides in …

30. Drew #30: Dogs In Boots

December 3rd, 2020

1:03:00

Mer loves dogs wearing boots and Doug has been keeping busy with audiobooks on the Colorado trails. Drew focuses on getting ready for his brother’s …

29. Drew #29: Wild Turkeys and Rats

November 26th, 2020

55:51

This Thanksgiving episode has a new spin on gratitude - Doug and Mer name some things they are both Grateful and Hateful for right now. One thing …

28. Drew #28: Hot Toddy in the Lodge

November 19th, 2020

1:02:01

This week, Doug shares an update on his Colorado trip and names his top three pet peeves about snowy weather. Meredith gears up for a ski trip and …

27. Drew #27: Bolo Ties and Boots

November 12th, 2020

1:00:55

This week, Doug and Meredith are back at it to kick off Season 2 with Andrew. Doug talks about his road trip into the mountains of Colorado while …

This is Us: Our Hosts Get Personal

October 15th, 2020

34:34

In this special bonus episode, Doug and Meredith share their personal stories with grief over the past two years. It’s been almost two years to the date since the sudden death of Doug’s wife and the death of Meredith’s …

Wyatt's Story: Everything Else Goes On Pause

September 24th, 2020

1:10:15

Wyatt is a previous client of Doug’s that has experienced severe trauma. He had a sudden brain aneurysm and cancer. This is his story of endurance, awareness, and healing.  

 

Mentioned in this episode

Your Mental …

Roundtable #2: Trauma Talk: The Soft Pillow and Warm Tea with Jessica Kramer and Mona Valeriano

September 10th, 2020

56:30

In this bonus Roundtable episode, Meredith and Doug are joined by fellow therapists Mona Valeriano and Jessica Kramer. They look at different ways of approaching trauma and therapy from their training and experience. …

26. Drew #26: Quiet the Noise - The First Six Months

July 30th, 2020

42:32

This week, Doug and Meredith reflect on the first six months of the podcast as we reach the end of season one with Drew.  In the session, you’ll hear clips from a few recent sessions with Doug and Drew hitting the …

25. Drew #25: Past and Future Tripping

July 23rd, 2020

1:00:59

Talking about the sensationalism of Bambi and how seeing traumatic events can be very impactful. In the session, Drew says he’s been future tripping …

24. Drew #24: What? You’re in Therapy?

July 16th, 2020

48:19

Fireworks, dad jokes, and great movies from our days as younguns. Drew acknowledges his growth in treatment, and with a little self-reflection, he admits he is not very motivated right now. In the breakdown, Meredith …

23. Drew #23: F.I.N.E.* F#cked up, Insecure, Neurotic, and Emotional

July 9th, 2020

59:55

This week, Doug showered with his dog and Meredith shared her excitement about tennis lessons, her bird feeder, and getting ready to watch The Matrix. In the session, Drew feels excitement about the unknown in front of …

22. Drew #22: Your Mom’s a Firetruck

July 2nd, 2020

1:00:22

This week, Doug and Meredith talk about the highs and lows of watching their dogs on webcams, as well as the joys of home repair, toilet hygiene, and tushie cushies. In the session, Drew connects a long-standing fear of …

21. Drew #21: It’s Been a Crazy Week

June 25th, 2020

59:43

This week, Doug and Meredith talk about how our relationship with time can create pressure and affect our level of stress. They also talk about hiking, napping, and glamping to get away from it all! In the session, Drew …

20. Drew#20: Mr. Wilson Eats Apples?!

June 18th, 2020

57:23

This week, Meredith retreats to Lake Tahoe and Doug is entertaining his dog at home. In the session, Drew moves around different stages of grief and loss after his breakup. He acknowledges there’s baggage he’s been …

19. Drew #19: Waking Up Alone

June 11th, 2020

56:02

This week, Doug and Meredith ‘monkee’ around a bit and reference a handful of classic movies from their youth - showing how old and adorbs they are! …

18. Drew #18: Rolling With the Butterfly

June 4th, 2020

55:21

This week, Doug and Meredith discuss the routine and comfort of going to a therapist’s office as a physical space, not just a virtual room. Meredith updates us on her US geography skills. In the session, Drew’s issues …

17. Drew #17: Be My Cherry on Top, Not My Ice Cream

May 28th, 2020

45:48

This week, Mer and Doug are coping with quarantine and testing their geography skills with a US map quiz. In the session, Drew’s last day at work is coming up and he has nothing going on, which makes him feel anxious. …

16. Drew #16: Fixing You to Fix Me

May 21st, 2020

52:22

This week, Mer and Doug are doing ‘fair’ and ‘corona good’ in spite of a burnt tongue and a kitschy therapist pillow. In the session, Drew feels good having put in his two-week notice. He can feel himself slowing down …

15. Drew #15: You Can’t Control Vegas

May 14th, 2020

1:00:12

This week, Meredith goes down the rabbit hole of tequila and zoom filters. She joins Doug for a walk down the memory lane of their worst old …

14. Drew #14: A Leap of Faith and Trust

May 7th, 2020

49:22

This week, Doug and Meredith remind us about getting out of our comfort zone and experiencing the cool things there are to do - regardless of …

13. Drew #13: What’s Black and White, and Red All Over

April 30th, 2020

55:54

This week, Doug and Meredith talk about adjustments they’ve been making during this pandemic time. The client, Andrew, feels the benefits of putting in the hard work and letting raw emotions come up and out. He is …

12. Drew #12: That Tito’s Bottle of Vodka

April 23rd, 2020

1:05:37

Doug and Meredith acknowledge passing the month mark of quarantine and note some good things that have come out of this experience. In the client session, we see how important it is to have trust between a therapist and …

11. Drew #11: My Dad is a Combo of Rambo and Adam Sandler

April 16th, 2020

1:06:55

This week, Doug and Meredith talk about how the “thing” itself is usually not that bad, it’s the lead up to it that creates fear and anxiety. They highlight this with a story of Doug trying not to get wet on a hike then …

Insight Out #6: The ABCs of CBT and DBT

April 13th, 2020

20:07

In this Insight Out bonus minisode, Doug and Meredith give us a brief look at the basics of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT). They break down some key aspects of these types of …

10. Drew #10: You Can’t Take a Bullet for Anybody Without Getting Shot

April 9th, 2020

59:28

In this episode, Doug and Meredith talk about finding self-confidence, compassion for self, and having a support system - while also being okay with being alone. Doug and his client, Andrew, explore Andrew’s challenges …

09. Drew #9: The Burning Cockles of Your Heart

April 2nd, 2020

1:02:21

In this pre-Corona virus episode, Doug and Meredith talk about fires, mountains, Coachella and bubble gum. Doug’s client Andrew checks in about the guilt he is feeling towards not having a conversation yet with his …

08. Drew #8: Ski Trails in Your Head

March 26th, 2020

1:04:50

This week, we talk about the connection between knowing it and feeling it and the difference between a human being and a human doing. Doug and Andrew dive deeper into his decision about going to his brother’s bachelor …

07. Drew #7: Star Wars and Male Strippers

March 19th, 2020

57:27

This week, Doug and Meredith talk about what came up in Andrew’s recent sessions — Star Wars, jealousy, and male strippers, of course. Andrew shares a bad nightmare that caused a lot of anxiety. Doug and Andrew work on …

06. Drew #6: Less Vader, More Yoda

March 12th, 2020

1:08:18

This week, Doug and Meredith tell us about when therapy in their past has sometimes gone wrong (or ineffective). Andrew and Doug dig more into the upcoming wedding of Andrew’s brother, and whether it’s his choice or

Insight Out #1 - 10 Unhelpful Ways of Thinking

March 9th, 2020

18:13

For a bonus mini-sode this week in a series we’re calling Insight Out, Doug and Meredith introduce us to some of the more common Cognitive Distortions. These are classic ways of thinking from Cognitive Behavioral …

05. Drew #5: You Mean I Have a Choice?

March 5th, 2020

1:04:58

This week, Doug and Meredith dig deeper into Doug’s use of sweet analogies (hello car gears and Harry Potter!) and discuss reframing the difference between choice and obligation. Andrew’s session reveals where he is …

Roundtable #1 with Bonnie Rae and John Sovec

March 2nd, 2020

1:18:20

For a special bonus episode this week, Doug and Meredith are joined by their friends and colleagues; John Sovec and Bonnie Rae, both Licensed …

04: Drew #4: You Have Issues, I Have Issues

February 27th, 2020

1:05:35

The very adorkable Doug and Meredith return back this week to share how they typically begin their therapy sessions and give a recap of the trust and …

03. Drew #3: The Good, The Bad, and The Plaid

February 20th, 2020

1:01:23

This week, Doug and MerMer remind us to not “should” all over ourselves and then recap the first two sessions with Andrew (the Client has been given …

02. Drew #2: Please Don't Should All Over Yourself

February 20th, 2020

1:11:38

This week, Doug and Meredith reminisce about Doug’s parachute pants and MerDog’s love of Megadeth. They talk about how to know when a session is over, taking notes, and how they prevent burnout. Doug shares his Buddhism …

01. Drew #1: Therapy is Not Just For When You Are Crazy

February 20th, 2020

1:12:42

Welcome to Your Mental Breakdown, hosted by Doug Friedman and Meredith Levy. YMB is a psychotherapy entertainment podcast featuring two licensed therapists. They are real people outside the office, and real therapists …

Welcome to Your Mental Breakdown

February 18th, 2020

2:11

Welcome to Your Mental Breakdown. Introducing Doug Friedman and Meredith Levy, both licensed psychotherapists, longtime friends, and the co-hosts of this podcast. These episodes will feature one of their client’s actual …

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