Breakthrough the Couch's Podcast

⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode discusses childhood sexual abuse. Please listen at your own pace and care for yourself as needed.

In this episode of Breakthrough the Couch, we sit down with guest Michael Reh, who courageously shares his story as a childhood sexual abuse survivor. Together, we discuss the realities of trauma, the challenges survivors face, and the ongoing journey of healing.

We explore:

•The impact of childhood trauma...

In this lighthearted episode, we’re pulling out bingo — therapy style! As therapists, there are certain phrases we hear again and again in sessions, from “I don’t know where to start” to “I didn’t do my homework.” Together, we playfully go through some of the most common client expressions, why they show up so often, and what they can reveal about deeper emotions and experiences.

While we keep it fun with a round of “Therapy Bingo,”...

Healing is powerful—but it’s not always comfortable. In this deeply honest episode, we explore the often-unspoken loneliness that can come with personal growth and mental health work.

We talk about what it feels like to outgrow people, places, or even versions of ourselves. From the grief of letting go, to the emotional distance that can come with shifting values and boundaries, this episode validates the very real isolation that so...

In this episode, we’re having a real and relaxed conversation about some of the most common (and honestly, hilarious) myths we’ve heard about therapy. From “Therapists can read minds” to “You only need therapy if something’s wrong with you,” we unpack the misconceptions and share why they’re worth rethinking.

You’ll get a peek into our personalities as therapists and friends, as we laugh, reflect, and bring clarity to what therapy i...

In this episode, we dive into the power of humor as a therapeutic tool. As therapists, we explore how laughter, playfulness, and light moments can create emotional safety, deepen connection, and support healing—even in the midst of pain.

We talk about when humor can break tension and build rapport in session, and when it might be a way to deflect from deeper emotions. From cultural sensitivity to trauma-informed care, we look at how...

In this episode of Breakthrough the Couch, we spend time with Dr. Zachary Trevino, Ph.D., LMFT, exploring the tug-of-war between hustle culture and true well-being. Together, we unpack how productivity pressures can impact our mental health and how we can begin to unlearn the guilt that often comes with slowing down.

✨ We discuss:

• How cultural and societal messages shape our beliefs about rest

• The mental health cost of constant “d...

Is therapy supposed to fix you? In this episode, we challenge the common misconception that therapy is about quick solutions and instant results. We unpack the “fix me” mindset—where it comes from, how it shows up in sessions, and why it can actually get in the way of deep, sustainable healing.

Together, we explore the discomfort of sitting with emotions, the cultural obsession with productivity, and what it really means to grow thr...

In a world that glorifies hustle and equates productivity with worth, rest can feel… uncomfortable. In this episode, we unpack the reasons why slowing down can feel so hard—and why it’s actually essential for your mental health.

We explore how societal expectations, family beliefs, and internalized guilt shape our relationship with rest, and why overfunctioning often hides burnout, anxiety, and emotional fatigue. We also dive into w...

We’re back for Season 2! In our first episode, we’re diving into something many therapists (and clients) experience but don’t always talk about—ghosting in therapy. What does it mean when a client disappears, stops showing up, or cancels sessions without explanation? We explore the reasons behind ghosting, what it feels like from the therapist’s perspective, and how fear and avoidance can play a huge role in this dynamic.

🎙 In this...

In our season finale, Healing Isn’t Gendered: Men Embracing Therapy, we tackle the stigma around men seeking therapy and explore the unique challenges they face in their mental health journeys. Join us as we normalize the struggles men commonly bring to therapy, discuss whether men are more solution-oriented, and share our perspectives on rapport-building with male clients. We also delve into societal expectations that may discoura...

The holiday season is often painted as a time of joy and celebration, but for many, it can be a challenging and emotionally complex period. In Episode 11, we dive into the emotional struggles people may face during this time, such as loneliness, sadness, and the pressure to meet societal expectations of “holiday cheer.” We explore why the holidays can feel overwhelming or isolating and share practical coping strategies to navigate ...

In this episode of Breakthrough the Couch, we explore the growing presence of artificial intelligence in the mental health field and share our thoughts on what it could mean for therapists and clients alike. We dive into the possibilities AI therapy bots offer, from increased accessibility to round-the-clock support, and weigh them against the limitations that come with a non-human therapist. As therapists, we discuss the nuanced a...

In this episode of Breakthrough the Couch, we’re thrilled to welcome a special guest: Matthew Corozine, Owner of MCS Theatre - a performing arts school and an acting coach who dives deep into the world of performance and the emotional journey behind the scenes. From their beginnings in the acting industry to the burnout challenges they see and face, our guest shares invaluable insights into a career that often pushes emotional limi...

In this powerful episode, Christian opens up about his journey as a therapist—from early challenges to hitting burnout, and ultimately finding his way back with renewed strength and purpose. He shares the signs he recognized in himself as burnout set in, the impact of a heavy caseload, and the stress that led him to step away from therapy.

Christian reflects on how he spent that time away, the self-care practices that helped him hea...

In this episode of Breakthrough the Couch, we take you behind the scenes of a typical work week for us therapists! From managing a packed schedule of client sessions to handling the not-so-glamorous but essential clinical progress notes, we discuss the ins and outs of how we keep everything running smoothly.

We’ll share what’s been helpful for us in terms of time management, staying organized, and balancing our professional responsi...

In Episode 6 of Breakthrough the Couch, we dive into the importance of being truthful, open, and honest in therapy. We explore how withholding "TMI" can actually hinder progress, affect clinical assessments, and impact treatment planning. It’s time to break the stigma around being too honest in therapy—there’s no such thing as TMI here! 🛋️💬

We also discuss the power of expressing yourself freely, including using curse wo...

In this episode of Breakthrough the Couch, we explore the powerful connection between the mind and body through mindfulness. Join us as we dive into practical tools and techniques like yoga, breathing exercises, and grounding practices that help strengthen this connection, reduce stress, and promote mental clarity. We’ll share how incorporating mindfulness and yoga can improve both emotional and physical well-being. Whether you’re ...

In Episode 4 of Breakthrough the Couch, we tackle the challenges and dynamics of dating as a therapist. We dive into the complexities of having partners who accept us for our profession, exploring what that means to us and why it’s so important. We also discuss how too much empathy can negatively impact relationships when boundaries aren’t properly set. Tune in as we share our current partners’ thoughts on what it’s like to date a ...

In Episode 3 of Breakthrough the Couch, we dive into the world of Pixar's Inside Out 2 through the eyes of mental health professionals. Join us as we explore the movie's character development, analyze the visual portrayal of emotions, and discuss how the film contributes to mental health awareness. With our clinical impressions, we'll break down what the movie gets right and where it sparks important conversations ab...