Your Mental Breakdown

Latest Episodes:

06. Drew #6: Less Vader, More Yoda Mar 12, 2020

Show notes

This week, Doug and Meredith tell us about when therapy in their past has sometimes gone wrong (or ineffective). Andrew and Doug dig more into the upcoming wedding of Andrew's brother, and whether it's his choice or obligation to go. Andrew opens up about some relationship anxiety he has been experiencing, and Doug helps him understand steps to take when he feels insecure and triggered. Meredith gives Doug accolades for using some sweet Star Wars analogies, and we all learn ways to turn down that critical voice inside ourselves and add a kinder, more realistic voice.

Episode Webpage

Meredith Levy Douglas Friedman Your Mental Breakdown

Mentioned in this episode:

Star Wars

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Insight Out #1 - 10 Unhelpful Ways of Thinking Mar 09, 2020

Show notes

For a bonus mini-sode this week in a series we're calling Insight Out, Doug and Meredith introduce us to some of the more common Cognitive Distortions. These are classic ways of thinking from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) that often lead to our "negative" feelings and emotions (like Meredith says, there are no negative emotions!!). Doug and Meredith help us bring these unconscious, automatic ways of thinking to our awareness so we can check the facts and challenge them, instead of going down a slippery slope of thinking ineffectively and feeling bad. Print out the pretty handout and put it on your fridge!!

Episode Webpage (where you'll find the handout)

Mentioned in this episode:

Meredith Levy

Douglas Friedman

05. Drew #5: You Mean I Have a Choice? Mar 05, 2020

Show notes

This week, Doug and Meredith dig deeper into Doug's use of sweet analogies (hello car gears and Harry Potter!) and discuss reframing the difference between choice and obligation. Andrew's session reveals where he is currently with the idea of attending his estranged brother's bachelor party, and he and Doug work on expressing vulnerability and reframing the narrative to work better for him.

Episode Webpage

Meredith Levy Douglas Friedman Your Mental Breakdown

Mentioned in this episode:

The Goonies – Chunk spills his guts scene

The Way of the Peaceful Warrior

Sacred Journey of the Peaceful Warrior

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Roundtable #1 with Bonnie Rae and John Sovec Mar 02, 2020

Show notes

For a special bonus episode this week, Doug and Meredith are joined by their friends and colleagues; John Sovec and Bonnie Rae, both Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists. They have an open and honest conversation about topics such as disclosing sexual orientation with clients, handling the nerves of the first visit, how to stay supported and connected, and the LGBTQ elements of John and Bonnie's work. The group also talks about if they have ever Googled a client before a first session, how to know when a client/patient relationship isn't a fit, and how they set tighter boundaries to go even deeper in their sessions.

Mentioned in this episode:

Antioch University

The West Wing President seeing a therapist scene

John Sovec

Bonnie Rae

04: Drew #4: You Have Issues, I Have Issues Feb 27, 2020

Show notes

The very adorkable Doug and Meredith return back this week to share how they typically begin their therapy sessions and give a recap of the trust and vulnerability issues that the client Andrew dealt with in his recent three sessions. Andrew and Doug work on organizing fractured thoughts into a clearer picture of reality, dig deeper into Andrew's relationship with his mom and brother and talk about ways Andrew can be more of his own person while still having the support of his parents.

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Meredith Levy Douglas Friedman Your Mental Breakdown

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03. Drew #3: The Good, The Bad, and The Plaid Feb 20, 2020

Show notes

This week, Doug and MerMer remind us to not "should" all over ourselves and then recap the first two sessions with Andrew (the Client has been given a name for the podcast). Session three includes Andrew opening up about traumatic incidents that contributed to the strained relationships with both his brother and mother. Doug introduces some tools to practice changing our perspective, and in turn, our experience using both real-life examples and analogies.

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Meredith Levy Douglas Friedman Your Mental Breakdown

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02. Drew #2: Please Don't Should All Over Yourself Feb 20, 2020

Show notes

This week, Doug and Meredith reminisce about Doug's parachute pants and MerDog's love of Megadeth. They talk about how to know when a session is over, taking notes, and how they prevent burnout. Doug shares his Buddhism dropout story, and then we dive into the client's second therapy session. During the session, Doug and the Client focus on the themes of vulnerability, balance, and how better to control our negative thoughts.

Episode Webpage

Meredith Levy Douglas Friedman Your Mental Breakdown

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01. Drew #1: Therapy is Not Just For When You Are Crazy Feb 20, 2020

Show notes

Welcome to Your Mental Breakdown, hosted by Doug Friedman and Meredith Levy. YMB is a psychotherapy entertainment podcast featuring two licensed therapists. They are real people outside the office, and real therapists in sessions inside the office, who follow a client along the process of personal growth and healing in therapy. Doug and Meredith kick off the show by introducing who they are, how they met, why they are doing this, and what you can expect in the episodes to come. They talk about ways in which this show will demystify and destigmatize therapy, and what to know when seeking out a therapist. They explain why one may want to consider therapy and introduce us to the client we will hear in upcoming sessions. This episode features the client's first session followed by Doug and Meredith breaking it down afterward.

Episode Webpage

Meredith Levy Douglas Friedman Your Mental Breakdown

Mentioned in this episode:

Psychology Today – find a therapist: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists

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Welcome to Your Mental Breakdown Feb 18, 2020

Show notes

Welcome to Your Mental Breakdown. Introducing Doug Friedman and Meredith Levy, both licensed psychotherapists, longtime friends, and the co-hosts of this podcast. These episodes will feature one of their client's actual therapy session, so you can follow along with their progress as it's happening, in real time. In each episode, Doug and Meredith will break down the session afterwards. You will hear their insights and be able to apply some of it to your own life. This podcast is for everyone. It doesn't matter if you are in therapy or not, considering it, or just navigating through life's challenges. We are glad you're here to listen and invite you to keep the extremely important conversation about mental health going.

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