Episodes

  • Obsessively Compulsively Guilty: Complex Trauma And OCD

    Obsessively Compulsively Guilty: Complex Trauma And OCD
    Dec 8 2025
    Summary In this conversation, Grace Bithell delves into the intricate relationship between PTSD and OCD, exploring their comorbidity, treatment challenges, and the importance of understanding how trauma influences OCD symptoms. She emphasizes the need for a dual approach in therapy, addressing both conditions simultaneously while navigating the complexities of treatment modalities. The discussion highlights the significance of finding the right therapist and the hope for healing through changing one's narrative and perspective on life. Takeaways OCD and PTSD often coexist, with a 25% comorbidity rate. Treatment for OCD and PTSD can contradict each other. Trauma can exacerbate OCD symptoms and vice versa. Finding safety is crucial in trauma treatment, while tolerating discomfort is key in OCD treatment. Nightmares can be a symptom of both PTSD and OCD. Therapists need to be trained in both areas for effective treatment. The narrative of feeling wrong can hinder recovery. Clients should be open to trying different therapeutic approaches. Healing is possible, and clients can feel differently in life. Therapy is both an art and a science, requiring flexibility. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    41 mins
  • A Psych Eval Of Celaena Sardothien From Throne Of Glass

    A Psych Eval Of Celaena Sardothien From Throne Of Glass
    Dec 3 2025
    Have you ever wondered what a therapist would think of throne of glass? In this episode race Bithell explores the mental health aspects of the character Selena Sardotian from the book Throne of Glass. She discusses the importance of a biopsychosocial assessment in understanding a person's holistic health, particularly in the context of trauma. The conversation delves into various themes including physical health, emotional regulation, social dynamics, spirituality, and therapeutic approaches, emphasizing the complexity of trauma and the need for tailored therapeutic strategies. takeaways Celaena likely has CPTSD Arrobyn is a predator Throne of Glass is praised for its accurate portrayal of mental health issues. A biopsychosocial assessment is crucial for understanding a person's holistic health. Physical health, including nutrition, is foundational for mental well-being. Trauma can significantly impact emotional regulation and self-esteem. Social relationships and support systems are vital for recovery from trauma. Education and employment can provide stability and resources for healing. Spiritual beliefs and moral injuries can affect a person's sense of purpose. Therapeutic approaches must be tailored to the individual's unique experiences and needs. Building rapport and trust is essential in therapy, especially for trauma survivors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    27 mins
  • Here's How You Learn To Belong

    Here's How You Learn To Belong
    Dec 1 2025
    In this conversation, explores the theme of belonging, reflecting on her personal journey from high school to adulthood. She discusses the challenges of finding connection during her formative years, the importance of self-acceptance, and the proactive steps she took to create meaningful relationships. She shared how belonging is the opposite of shame and shame keeps you from belonging. Grace emphasizes that belonging is not just about fitting in with others but also about accepting oneself and deciding who you want to be. Through her experiences, she highlights the significance of loving others and the impact of social dynamics on our sense of belonging. Takeaways Belonging is a core value that guides life decisions. High school experiences can shape our understanding of belonging. College can provide a wider range of social opportunities but can still be challenging. True belonging often comes from unexpected relationships. Self-acceptance is crucial for feeling a sense of belonging. Creating connections requires proactive effort and vulnerability. Deciding who you want to be is more important than searching for identity. Loving others can enhance your ability to love yourself. Navigating relationships can be complicated, especially after trauma. Belonging can be found in professional spaces, even among those perceived as more successful. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    36 mins
  • Scars, Like Diamonds, Are Apparently Forever: Shame Around Suicide And Self Harm

    Scars, Like Diamonds, Are Apparently Forever: Shame Around Suicide And Self Harm
    Nov 26 2025
    In this episode, Grace Bithell delves into the complex emotions surrounding suicide and self-harm, addressing the guilt and shame often associated with these experiences. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the underlying purposes of suicidal thoughts and self-harm, exploring the neurobiological factors that contribute to these feelings. Grace advocates for a compassionate approach to mental health, encouraging listeners to redefine their identities beyond their struggles and to recognize the resilience within themselves. takeaways Guilt and shame around suicide are common but unhelpful. Suicidal ideation often serves as a means of escape. Self-harm can be a way to manifest inner pain. Understanding the neurobiology of suicidal thoughts is crucial. Blame can provide a false sense of control after a suicide. We should not define ourselves by our worst moments. Mental illness is not a choice; it happens to us. Compassion towards oneself is essential in healing. Everyone has their own coping mechanisms, which may not be healthy. Redefining identity beyond mental health struggles is empowering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    38 mins
  • Momtok Does EMDR And You Should Too With Therapist Joy Bouchard From The Secret Lives Of Mormon Wives

    Momtok Does EMDR And You Should Too With Therapist Joy Bouchard From The Secret Lives Of Mormon Wives
    Nov 24 2025
    In this episode, Grace Bithell welcomes Joy Bouchard to discuss her experience as a therapist featured on the reality show 'Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' and the intricacies of EMDR therapy. They explore the phases of EMDR, its effectiveness in treating trauma, particularly sexual trauma, and the importance of support systems in therapy. Joy shares insights on the misconceptions surrounding EMDR and emphasizes the empowerment it brings to clients in their healing journey. The conversation also touches on the role of shame and guilt in therapy, the necessity of referrals for couples therapy, and lighthearted moments from Joy's filming experience. Takeaways Joy discusses how she was approached to be on the reality show. The filming process for EMDR sessions was respectful and focused on healing. EMDR consists of eight phases, each crucial for effective therapy. Shame and guilt are significant issues that EMDR can help address. Support from partners is essential in trauma recovery. EMDR empowers clients to reclaim their narrative and control. Therapists must be trauma-informed to effectively support clients. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding EMDR's process. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    38 mins
  • Well You Really Screwed Up This Time: This Is Why You Can't Forgive Yourself

    Well You Really Screwed Up This Time: This Is Why You Can't Forgive Yourself
    Nov 17 2025

    Summary

    In this episode, Grace explores the theme of making mistakes and struggling with balancing accountability and self compassion when you've messed up in big ways. She discusses the complexities of parenting, the nature of self forgiveness and accountability versus shame, and the importance of recognizing that life can be messy. Grace emphasizes that everyone is supposed to mess up and that it's never too late to make changes. She encourages listeners to find joy in the little things and to understand the function of their feelings of guilt and shame.

    Takeaways

    • You are supposed to mess up in life.
    • Messy lives do not define your worth.
    • Accountability is different from shame.
    • It's never too late to make positive changes.
    • Self-forgiveness is a journey, not a destination.
    • Understanding the function of guilt can aid healing.
    • Life is allowed to be messy and complicated.
    • Finding joy in small moments is essential.
    • Everyone has the capacity for growth and change.


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    28 mins
  • Therapist Reacts Season To 2 Of Nobody Wants This

    Therapist Reacts Season To 2 Of Nobody Wants This
    Nov 12 2025
    summary In this bonus episode, Grace reacts to Season 2 of 'Nobody Wants This,' exploring themes of relationships, love, and the ethical dilemmas faced by therapists. She discusses the realistic portrayal of relationships in the show, the complexities of love and marriage, and the importance of communication and agreement on fundamental issues. She also calls out Dr. Andy for being the worst, and emphasizes the significance of support in friendships, especially in the context of emotional abuse. The episode concludes with reflections on the little things in life that contribute to happiness and fulfillment. takeaways Love alone is not enough to make a marriage work. Healthy relationships require good communication. Marriage involves practical agreements beyond love. Ethics in therapy are crucial for client safety. Dr. Andy is the worst Morgan is super hot Sasha is hotter than Noah Supportive friendships are vital during tough times. Life is defined by everyday moments, not just milestones. Divorce can be necessary for personal happiness. Therapists should maintain ethical boundaries with clients. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    26 mins
  • Even Sophie Makes Better Choices Than You: How To Stop People Pleasing In Decision Making

    Even Sophie Makes Better Choices Than You: How To Stop People Pleasing In Decision Making
    Nov 10 2025

    summary

    In this episode, Grace Bithell discusses the complexities of decision-making, particularly in relation to people pleasing and the guilt that often accompanies choices. She emphasizes the importance of separating choices from their consequences and advocates for values-guided decision-making as a way to alleviate guilt. Grace also highlights the necessity of disappointment in life and relationships, encouraging listeners to embrace their values and make choices that align with them, even if it means disappointing others.

    takeaways

    • People pleasing can lead to guilt and indecision.
    • Making choices often involves balancing personal desires with others' expectations.
    • Disappointment is a natural part of relationships and decision-making.
    • It's important to separate choices from their consequences to reduce guilt.
    • Values should guide decision-making rather than fear of disappointing others.
    • Understanding that not all hard consequences are bad can help in decision-making.
    • Radical acceptance of the imperfection in choices can lead to greater peace.
    • Identifying personal values can clarify decision-making processes.
    • Disappointing others can sometimes be necessary for personal growth.
    • It's essential to trust that loved ones will support you even when you disappoint them.

    keywordspeople pleasing, decision making, consequences, values, self-sacrifice, relationships, choices, guilt, acceptance, commitment therapy
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    32 mins