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In this episode of Therapists Unplugged, hosts and therapists Katie Gerwel and Emily McCarty discuss the complex relationship between social media and mental health. They explore current research on how social media use can contribute to anxiety, depression, loneliness, body image concerns, and emotional distress. Katie and Emily also examine why social media platforms are so difficult to put down and how comparison culture and constant connectivity can impact emotional well-being. They conclude by encouraging listeners to become more intentional with their social media use and to prioritize meaningful, in-person connection as they begin a multi-part conversation on building a healthier relationship with technology.
The content of the Therapists Unplugged podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for mental health therapy or treatment.
Episode mentions and links:
Healthy Roots Counseling Website
Healthy Roots Counseling Instagram
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In this episode of Therapists Unplugged, hosts and therapists Katie Gerwel and Emily McCarty discuss self-compassion and why it can be so difficult to extend kindness and understanding to ourselves. They explore the core components of self-compassion while addressing common misconceptions. Katie and Emily discuss the barriers that often keep people stuck in self-criticism. They also examine the impact of a harsh inner critic on anxiety, depression, burnout, parenting stress, and relationships, while sharing practical strategies listeners can use to develop a more compassionate relationship with themselves during both successes and setbacks.
The content of the Therapists Unplugged podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for mental health therapy or treatment.
Episode mentions and links:
Dr. Kristin Neff
Healthy Roots Counseling Website
Healthy Roots Counseling Instagram
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Saknas det avsnitt?
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In this episode of Therapists Unplugged, hosts and therapists Katie Gerwel and Emily McCarty discuss compassion fatigue and the emotional exhaustion that can come from caring deeply for others. They explore how compassion fatigue differs from burnout, the signs and symptoms people may experience, and how it can impact emotional well-being, relationships, and daily life. Katie and Emily also share realistic strategies for setting boundaries, practicing self-compassion, and replenishing emotional capacity while reminding listeners that needing support does not mean they are failing.
The content of the Therapists Unplugged podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for mental health therapy or treatment.
Episode mentions and links:
Healthy Roots Counseling Website
Healthy Roots Counseling Instagram
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It's a birthday celebration on Therapists Unplugged! In this special episode, Emily McCarty interviews and celebrates co-host and fellow therapist Katie Gerwel for her birthday.
With a mix of playful questions and thoughtful moments, Katie shares stories, perspectives, and pieces of her journey that listeners don't always get to hear. The conversation weaves between lighthearted fun and deeper reflections, touching on personal growth, the realities of doing inner work, and the everyday practices that help her stay grounded.
This episode brings a little bit of laughter, honesty, and a touch of birthday warmth, while reminding us that therapists are people too, navigating life right alongside everyone else.
Episode mentions and links:
Healthy Roots Counseling Website
Healthy Roots Counseling Instagram
The content of the Therapists Unplugged podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for mental health therapy or treatment.
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In this episode of Therapists Unplugged, hosts and therapists Katie Gerwel and Emily McCarty simplify the often confusing world of therapy modalities, breaking down what acronyms like CBT, EMDR, and IFS actually mean. They explain what a modality is and emphasize that there's no one-size-fits-all method.
The content of the Therapists Unplugged podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for mental health therapy or treatment.
Episode links and mentions;
Healthy Roots Counseling Website
Healthy Roots Counseling Instagram
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In this episode of Therapists Unplugged, hosts and therapists Katie Gerwel and Emily McCarty reflect on a full year of conversations about mental health, self-care, and personal growth. They share why they started the podcast, what surprised them along the way, and revisit meaningful moments from past episodes.
Katie and Emily also discuss what podcasting has taught them, both personally and professionally, and highlight key mental health takeaways.
The content of the Therapists Unplugged podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for mental health therapy or treatment.
Episode mentions and links:
Healthy Roots Counseling Instagram
Healthy Roots Counseling Website
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In this episode of Therapists Unplugged, hosts and therapists Katie Gerwel and Emily McCarty explore what healing actually looks like and why the process can feel harder before it starts to feel better. Through a mental health–centered lens, they normalize why many people feel discouraged when therapy brings up more emotions, memories, or body sensations rather than immediate relief.
Katie and Emily explain the science behind healing in accessible terms, discussing how the brain and nervous system change through neuroplasticity, how trauma recovery expands our window of tolerance, and why healing is about integration rather than erasing painful experiences. They also highlight the nonlinear nature of growth and share subtle but meaningful signs of progress.
If you've ever wondered whether therapy is working or felt discouraged by the ups and downs of personal growth, this episode offers reassurance and a compassionate reminder that healing isn't about becoming someone new—it's about becoming more fully yourself.
The content of the Therapists Unplugged podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for mental health therapy or treatment.
Episode mentions and links:
Healthy Roots Instagram
Healthy Roots Website
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In this episode of Therapists Unplugged, therapists Katie Gerwel and Emily McCarty explore why trauma isn't always a single event. They explain that trauma is defined by the nervous system's response to overwhelm, lack of safety, and lack of support—not by how "big" the experience appears from the outside.
Katie and Emily discuss how cumulative stress can build over time and impact the brain and body. They also unpack why people often minimize their experiences and how trauma can show up as anxiety, shutdown, people-pleasing, shame, or feeling stuck.
The content of the Therapists Unplugged podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for mental health therapy or treatment.
Episode mentions and links:
Healthy Roots Counseling Website
Healthy Roots Counseling Instagram
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk M.D.
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In this episode of Therapists Unplugged, hosts and therapists Katie Gerwel and Emily McCarty explore why winter can feel emotionally and physically heavy and how to cope with the season more gently. Through a mental health–centered lens, they normalize seasonal mood shifts, break down the difference between winter blues and Seasonal Affective Disorder, and explain what's happening in the brain and body when sunlight, routines, and energy change.
Katie and Emily share realistic, accessible coping strategies focused on nervous system support, self-compassion, and redefining productivity during the winter months. They also discuss when it may be helpful to seek additional support and remind listeners that slowing down in winter isn't a personal failure—it's a human response to the season.
If winter tends to leave you feeling drained, unmotivated, or disconnected, this episode offers understanding, validation, and practical tools to help you move through the season with more ease.
The content of the Therapists Unplugged podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for mental health therapy or treatment.
Episode mentions and links:
Healthy Roots Counseling Website
Healthy Roots Counseling Instagram -
In this episode of Therapists Unplugged, hosts and therapists Katie Gerwel and Emily McCarty explore why traditional New Year's resolutions often lead to shame and burnout and what to do instead. Through a mental health–centered lens, they discuss how culture, comparison, and nervous system dysregulation impact goal setting, and share practical ways to set goals rooted in values, capacity, and self-compassion rather than pressure and perfection.
If your goals have ever felt exhausting instead of supportive, this episode offers a kinder, more sustainable approach to growth.
The content of the Therapists Unplugged podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for mental health therapy or treatment.
Episode mentions and links:
Healthy Roots Counseling Website
Healthy Roots Counseling Instagram
Atomic Habits by James Clear
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In this episode of Therapists Unplugged, hosts and therapists Katie Gerwel and Emily McCarty explore why the holidays can feel especially heavy. Katie and Emily discuss how memories, traditions, and societal pressure to "be happy" intensify emotions. They normalize all forms of grief, from death to shifting family dynamics. They offer gentle ways to honor loved ones, navigate overwhelming moments, simplify holiday expectations, and care for your emotional capacity. The episode closes with a reminder to listeners that grief and joy can coexist.
The content of the Therapists Unplugged podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for mental health therapy or treatment.
Episode mentions and links:
Healthy Roots Counseling Instagram
Healthy Roots Counseling Website
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In this episode of Therapists Unplugged, hosts and therapists Katie Gerwel and Emily McCarty explore what it really means to protect your energy during the holiday season. They unpack why boundaries feel harder this time of year, common struggles people face with family and expectations, and practical strategies for staying grounded, present, and true to yourself.
The content of the Therapists Unplugged podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for mental health therapy or treatment.
Episode mentions and links:
Healthy Roots Website
Healthy Roots Instagram
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In this episode of Therapists Unplugged, hosts and therapists Katie Gerwel and Emily McCarty explore the deeper meaning of gratitude. Not just as a feeling, but as a mindset that can shift perspective, calm the nervous system, and strengthen relationships. They break down what gratitude truly is, the science behind it, and practical ways to bring it into everyday life.
The content of the Therapists Unplugged podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for mental health therapy or treatment.
Episode mentions and links:
Robert Emmons' Research
Martin Seligman's Research
Healthy Roots Counseling Instagram
Healthy Roots Counseling Website
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It's a special birthday edition of Therapists Unplugged! This week, therapist and co-host Katie Gerwel turns the mic toward fellow therapist and co-host Emily McCarty to celebrate her birthday and give listeners a chance to get to know the person behind the mic a little better.
From silly icebreakers and random talents to heartfelt reflections on growth and self-compassion, Emily opens up about her mental health journey with humor and heart. Together, Katie and Emily explore the small habits that make a big difference, the truths learned along the way, and the tools that have truly changed the game.
Whether you're here for the laughter, the insights, or a little birthday cheer, this episode is a warm reminder that behind every therapist is a human who is still learning, still growing, and still finding grace in the process.
The content of the Therapists Unplugged podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for mental health therapy or treatment.
Episode mentions and links:
Healthy Roots Counseling Instagram
Healthy Roots Counseling Website -
In this episode of Therapists Unplugged, hosts and therapists Katie Gerwel and Emily McCarty explore the power of self-compassion: what it is, why it matters, and how to practice it in everyday life. Drawing on the work of researcher Kristin Neff, they break down the core components of self-compassion and share practical tools to quiet the inner critic, build emotional resilience, and treat yourself with the same kindness you offer others.
Leave perfection behind and start showing up for yourself, one small act of self-compassion at a time.
The content of the Therapists Unplugged podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for mental health therapy or treatment.
Episode mentions and links:
Kristin Neff's website
Healthy Roots Counseling Instagram
Healthy Roots Counseling Website
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In this episode of Therapists Unplugged, hosts and therapists Katie Gerwel and Emily McCarty dive into Michael Easter's book The Comfort Crisis to explore how modern convenience, while helpful, may be quietly eroding our mental health. From food delivery and climate control to avoiding emotional discomfort, today's lifestyle removes many natural challenges that once shaped human resilience.
The content of the Therapists Unplugged podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for mental health therapy or treatment.
Episode mentions and links:
The Comfort Crisis by Michael Easter
Michael Easter's Instagram
Healthy Roots Counseling InstagramHealthy Roots Counseling Website
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In this episode of Therapists Unplugged, hosts and therapists Katie Gerwel and Emily McCarty explore the common struggles faced by those in the 18–25+ age range, including anxiety, identity confusion, lack of life skills, social pressures, and financial stress. They dive into how parenting styles can impact independence and why many young adults feel stuck or unmotivated. You'll hear insights on developing practical life skills, setting boundaries with parents, and reframing independence as learning to problem-solve rather than doing it all alone. The hosts also offer guidance for parents on how to support without stepping in to rescue. Whether you're a young adult or someone trying to support one, this episode offers both compassion and practical tools.
The content of the Therapists Unplugged podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for mental health therapy or treatment.
Episode mentions and links:
Healthy Roots Counseling Website
Healthy Roots Counseling Instagram
The Dr. John Delony Show Podcast
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In this back-to-school follow-up episode of Therapists Unplugged, hosts and therapists Katie Gerwel and Emily McCarty unpack the often confused concepts of school anxiety and school refusal. What they are, how they differ, and why the distinction matters.
They're joined by compassionate and experienced elementary school counselor Janell Jones, who shares practical tips for spotting early signs, supporting kids through the transition to school, and knowing when it's time to seek outside help. This episode offers real-world strategies to help children feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.
The content of the Therapists Unplugged podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for mental health therapy or treatment.
Healthy Roots Counseling Website
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In this timely Back to School episode of Therapists Unplugged, hosts and therapists Katie Gerwel and Emily McCarty explore the emotional ups and downs of starting a new school year. Whether you're a parent, student, educator, or college student, they share practical strategies and personal stories to ease transitions, build sustainable routines, and manage anxiety. With therapist insights and real-life examples, this episode offers supportive tools to help you start the school year strong and with confidence.
The content of the Therapists Unplugged podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for mental health therapy or treatment.
Healthy Roots Counseling Website
Healthy Roots Counseling Instagram
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In this episode of Therapists Unplugged, hosts and therapists Katie Gerwel and Emily McCarty explore one of the most essential, yet often overlooked, human needs: connection to others. They dive into why we're biologically wired to connect, how early attachment shapes adult relationships, and the profound impact of isolation on mental health.
Listeners will learn how shame, social anxiety, and trauma can create barriers to connection, and how building meaningful relationships can be a powerful part of healing. The co-hosts share insights from their own experiences, as well as practical ways to foster connection, even when it feels difficult.
The content of the Therapists Unplugged podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for mental health therapy or treatment.
Healthy Roots Counseling Website
- Visa fler
