Outside The Therapy Room

The holidays are often painted as a time of joy, connection, and celebration—but for caregivers, this season can bring an entirely different emotional landscape. In this episode, we sit down with Stephanie Muskat, a therapist who specializes in caregiver mental health, to unpack the complex layers of supporting a loved one with dementia,  Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD), or other health challenges during the holiday season.

Together, ...

The holidays promise joy, connection, and magical memories — but for many parents, they also bring a perfect storm of pressure, expectations, and emotional overload. In this episode, we dive into the reality behind the festive photos: the overwhelm of trying to create the “perfect” holiday, navigating complicated family dynamics, managing judgment around parenting choices, and the added pressure when there’s a new baby in the mix.

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***DISCLAIMER: This episode focuses on True Crime, we mention real murders, trials and other subjects that may be sensitive to some listeners.***

Why are we so obsessed with true crime? From podcasts and documentaries to TikTok deep dives, true crime content has exploded in popularity—but what is it about these stories that pulls us in? In this episode, I sit down with Bethany to break down the psychology behind our true crime fasci...

In this episode, I sit down with Jenni for a grounded and insightful conversation about tarot—beyond predictions and mystique, and into its power as a tool for self-reflection. We explore how tarot can spark curiosity, deepen personal insight, and help us connect with our emotions and inner wisdom in a way that truly supports mental health and personal growth.

Jenni shares how she approaches tarot in her own practice, what the cards...

Destinee returns to the podcast! Live from maternity leave, she opens up about her experience as a new mom — the expectations, challenges, and surprises that come with stepping into motherhood. From navigating identity shifts to balancing her role as both a parent and her own self, Destinee shares honest reflections on what’s helped her stay grounded, what’s caught her off guard, and how she’s learning to give herself grace through...

In this episode, we sit down with Julie Mason, a passionate advocate and lived-experience expert, to explore Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviours (BFRBs) — including hair pulling and skin picking. Julie opens up about her personal journey, shedding light on the emotional and neurological components of BFRBs and why they are so often misunderstood.

Together, we discuss what BFRBs are, how they can show up, the he shame many individuals...

In this episode, I sits down with postpartum doula Lisette to talk about the power of peer support during the postpartum journey. Together we explore why having a village matters, how shared experiences help new parents feel seen and supported, and simple ways to build connection during one of life’s biggest transitions.

Whether you’re a new parent, a support person, or a professional in perinatal care, this conversation highlights ...

In this episode, we sit down with Arsh to explore the complex and often misunderstood experience of masking within the neurodivergent community. Together, we unpack what masking really means—how individuals consciously or unconsciously hide parts of their authentic selves to fit into neurotypical expectations.

We’ll discuss the emotional toll masking can take, its connection to burnout, identity, and belonging, and how unmasking can...

When we think of meditation, we often picture adults sitting in silence — but children can benefit from mindfulness just as deeply, if not more. In this episode, I sit down with Shefali Bhalla our administrative assistant at NMC, and a Developmental Psychology Research student, to explore how meditation can nurture emotional regulation, focus, and calm in children.

Together, we discuss how to make meditation accessible and playful, ...

In this insightful episode, we’re joined by Rhonda Chamberlain, registered physiotherapist and pelvic health specialist, to unpack the overwhelming pressure many women face to “bounce back” after pregnancy — physically, emotionally, and mentally.

Rhonda and I share our experience of the pressure of "bouncing back" after our pregnancies, and the realities of postpartum recovery, shedding light on how our bodies change, what...

What if moving your eyes back and forth could help heal old wounds? In this episode, I sit down with Sarah Moore, a certified EMDR therapist, to break down Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) in a way that’s relatable, hopeful, and myth-busting.

Sarah shares how EMDR works, who it helps, and why it’s more than just a therapy for trauma survivors. Whether you’re curious about starting EMDR, looking for new ways to su...

Why are so many of us drawn to “spicy” romance novels with powerful, dominant male leads—and what does that do to our expectations of our partners? In this episode we dig into the surge of steamy books, the psychology behind alpha-male characters, and the thin line between passionate fantasy and problematic behavior.

Our guest Ashley Mariani joins us to unpack:

• Why dominant characters are so appealing in romance fiction
• Ways these...

What’s the difference between gender identity and sexual identity — and how do we figure it all out? In this episode, Dakota joins us for an open, honest, and uplifting conversation about how teens explore who they are, why adolescence is such a powerful time for identity, and how today’s adults are also re-examining gender and sexuality with more openness than before.

We’ll talk about personal stories, cultural shifts, and practica...

This week we’re diving into a topic that so many experience but few openly talk about—PMS, mental health, and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). I’m joined by Olivia Carvalho, the Menstral Coach,  for a real and honest conversation about what the menstal cycles are and how our cycles can impact mood, emotions, and daily life in ways that often go unseen or misunderstood.

Together, we unpack what PMS really is, how it connects t...

In this inspiring episode, I fangirl over the one and only Lacey Heels, author, poet and wonderful human, to talk about her brand-new book, The Rebirth Rituals. Lacey shares how writing and poetry became powerful tools in her own journey of processing emotions, navigating family dynamics, people-pleasing and creating space for growth and healing.

Together, we explore the ways writing can help us give voice to our inner experiences, ...

Season 2 of Outside The Therapy Room kicks off with one of the biggest transitions of the year—back to school. In this episode, I’m sharing how to spot the signs of school anxiety in kids (and teens), simple ways to help them process those big feelings, and practical coping tools that actually work. Plus, I’ll walk you through how I get my own family back into routines before the first bell rings—because a smoother schedule means c...

In this final episode of Season 1, Ivonne opens up about the hidden toll of always being "the strong one." As a therapist, business owner, and caretaker, Ivonne shares her recent personal experience of navigating life while holding it all together for everyone else — and what happens when even the strong feel like they’re falling apart.

We explore the emotional cost of being the reliable one, the silent weight of unspoken ...

In this episode, we explore the surprising challenges many of us face when it comes to simply resting. From the guilt that creeps in when we slow down to the cultural pressure to stay busy. Bethany is back and together, we unpack why rest often feels out of reach—and why it's more essential than ever. 

Join us for a compassionate conversation about recognizing burnout, and reclaiming rest as a necessary act of self-care.

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This week we are joined by Aleta Wilson! She is a registered social worker and has an amazing new program called Nice Girls Club starting May 14th. In this episode, we dive into the hidden challenges women face when caught in the cycle of being the "nice girl" — always accommodating, always saying yes, and constantly putting others' needs ahead of their own. Aleta shares tools to help us get closer to our Self-Assure...