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The SelfWork Podcast

The SelfWork Podcast

By: Margaret Robinson Rutherford PhD
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About this listen

I'm Dr. Margaret, a psychologist for over 30 years, TEDx speaker, and the author of Perfectly Hidden Depression. I created The SelfWork Podcast in 2016 to explain mental health treatment and to give you the chance to consider therapy without thinking it's weird or that it somehow suggests you can't fix your own problems. My team is very honored that nine years later, SelfWork has earned nearly 5 million downloads! Each episode features the popular listener question as well as interviews with outstanding guests, authors, and experts, adding to the wide diversity of topics listeners so appreciate. Regularly rated as one of the top mental health/depression podcasts out there (ranked as a top .5% internationally) I keep it short, casual, and focused on "what you can do about it." I'd love to hear from you. Please join me.

DrMargaretRutherford.com
Hygiene & Healthy Living Personal Development Personal Success Psychology Psychology & Mental Health
Episodes
  • 496 SelfWork: Restorative Justice: Marlee Liss on Rape and Her Path to Healing
    May 1 2026

    (Note: We are focusing on sexual assault in this episode of SelfWork. If you have a history of sexual assault, please listen with care.)

    Today we're going to introduce you to the concept of restorative justice. Our guest today is Marlee Liss. You may not have heard of her, unless you closely follow what's happening in the justice system concerning sexual assault.

    But her voice is a strong one. As difficult and life-changing as her rape was for her, she describes the process of restorative justice as being equally healing and satisfying.

    Order The Perfectly Hidden Depression Workbook - A stand-alone workbook exploring the ten traits of Perfectly Hidden Depression, with guided exercises to help you decide what to keep from your drive and perfectionism, and what to let go.

    Be a part of the conversation and join Dr. Margaret’s newsletter for one weekly email featuring the latest blog post and podcast episode.

    Have a question or comment? Send a voice message for possible use on the podcast. By recording, you give permission for your voice to be used on SelfWork!



    Our Sponsors:
    * Check out BetterHelp and use my code betterhelp.com for a great deal: https://www.betterhelp.com


    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
    Show More Show Less
    47 mins
  • 495 SelfWork: Grit: What It Takes to Fight Chronic Mental Illness
    Apr 24 2026

    Grit. What is it? How do you develop it? And how is it important for battling mental illness? And what role does it play in both outer success and inner victory?

    These are the questions we're going to answer today on SelfWork.

    Here's leading author Angela Duckworth 's definition of grit, described in her Ted talk.

    "Grit is passion and perseverance for very long-term goals. Grit is having stamina. Grit is sticking with your future, day in, day out, not just for the week, not just for the month, but for years, and working really hard to make that future a reality. Grit is living life like it's a marathon, not a sprint."

    Order The Perfectly Hidden Depression Workbook - A stand-alone workbook exploring the ten traits of Perfectly Hidden Depression, with guided exercises to help you decide what to keep from your drive and perfectionism, and what to let go.

    Be a part of the conversation and join Dr. Margaret’s newsletter for one weekly email featuring the latest blog post and podcast episode.

    Have a question or comment? Send a voice message for possible use on the podcast. By recording, you give permission for your voice to be used on SelfWork!



    Our Sponsors:
    * Check out BetterHelp and use my code betterhelp.com for a great deal: https://www.betterhelp.com


    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
    Show More Show Less
    27 mins
  • 494 SelfWork: Masterclass: Befriending Your Inner Critic with Dr. Tara Cousineau
    Apr 17 2026

    In this episode, Dr. Margaret talks with Dr. Tara Cousineau about perfectionism and "befriending your inner critic."

    My guest today, Dr. Tara Cousineau, is an expert on perfectionism's treatment. She's a clinical psychologist, as well as a yogi and mom. And she's a staff psychologist at Harvard's Counseling and Mental Health Services. There are certainly a lot of perfectionists there. She's written a book, which I read cover to cover -The Perfectionist’s Dilemma: Learn the Art of Self-Compassion and Become a Happy Achiever. And it's wonderful.

    Order my new The Perfectly Hidden Depression Workbook - A stand-alone workbook exploring the ten traits of Perfectly Hidden Depression, with guided exercises to help you decide what to keep from your drive and perfectionism, and what to let go.

    Be a part of the conversation and join Dr. Margaret’s newsletter for one weekly email featuring the latest blog post and podcast episode.

    Have a question or comment? Send a voice message for possible use on the podcast. By recording, you give permission for your voice to be used on SelfWork!



    Our Sponsors:
    * Check out BetterHelp and use my code betterhelp.com for a great deal: https://www.betterhelp.com


    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
    Show More Show Less
    42 mins
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