Therapists Uncut Podcast

To Scroll Or Not To Scroll

  We are living in an era where social media is embedded throughout our culture. Licensed mental health professionals Nik Young and Alyssa Najera share how social media has evolved and challenge you to examine the role social media plays in your life. Resources mentioned: Thank you for allowing us into your lives and helping us make mental health relatable and a part of your everyday conversation! For more information or to access all episodes visit TherapistsUncut.com.   What is t...

Bonus Episode: BIG News for Season 5 of the Therapists Uncut Podcast

  Let the conversations continue as we kickoff season 5. Join licensed mental health professionals Nik Young and Alyssa Najera in this can’t-miss bonus episode as they announce some big news for season 5 of the Therapists Uncut Podcast! Resources mentioned: Thank you for allowing us into your lives and helping us make mental health relatable and a part of your everyday conversation! For more information or to access all episodes visit TherapistsUncut.com.   What is the Therapists U...

"We Will Never Forget" Remembering 9/11 with Retired San Jose CA Fire Captain David C. Lerma

  Retired San Jose Fire Captain David C. Lerma recounts his experience as one of the thousands of first responders deployed during the 9/11 attacks on the United States, honoring those who served and continue to serve, and remembering those who were lost. Nik Young, Alyssa Najera, and Captain Lerma also discuss the evolving supports available for first responders including access to mental health, debriefing, and peer counseling services.   Interview with Retired San Jose Fire Captain ...

No More Fake A$$ Apologies

  A good apology does not blame, it is not passive aggressive, and it does not avoid responsibility. A good apology acknowledges mistakes, takes ownership, has a healthy use of “I Statements,” and is a genuine attempt to changing behavior. A good apology has the power to model effective communication and solid interpersonal skills for those peers, colleagues, partners, or kids experiencing or observing the apology. This episode is all about apologies! Mental health professionals Nik Youn...

John-David Brown on Navigating the Subtleties of Homophobia in the Workplace

  Returning guest John-David Brown shares his experience of recognizing and navigating the subtleties of homophobia in the corporate workplace, including experiencing sexuality-based microaggressions, gaslighting, and feeling othered. John-David also shares how his ongoing reflection, inner work in therapy, and positive experience in a supportive workplace have helped him understand and process these past experiences, allowing him to focus on learning and growing as a leader in his organiz...

Mental Health and Law Enforcement with Officer Mitch Brouillette

    In this episode, Officer Mitch Brouillette return to the Therapists Uncut Podcast to talk about the various ways issues and topics of mental health have shown up in his 20-year career in law enforcement. The TU Crew covers trends and opportunities in mental health crisis response, the industry shifts and increased awareness of law enforcement mental health, and the professional and peer supports available to support mental health and wellness.  “Officer Mitch,” as he was dubbed dur...

Finding Lessons in Failure

  In this episode we talk about: Nik Young and Alyssa Najera explore the disappointments and discomforts of failure, how our past might impact our ability to manage it, and the importance of finding opportunity and lessons amidst the failure. Resources mentioned: Thank you for allowing us into your lives and helping us make mental health relatable and a part of your everyday conversation! For more information or to access all episodes visit TherapistsUncut.com.   What is the Ther...

Confessions of a High-Functioning, Inattentive, and Low-key Impulsive Therapist

Join Nik Young and Alyssa Najera in this sequel to Confessions of a High-Functioning, Anxious Therapist (episode 63) where they awkwardly and openly share their struggles with inattention, delayed gratification, and low-key impulsive behaviors. Learn how these behaviors can impact relationships, work functioning, and personal growth, and get tools to help you navigate.    In this episode we talk about: Tools for Inattention and Impulsivity  Use the resources available to you Breakup...

Officer Mitch Brouillette on Benefits of School Resource Officers (SRO)

  Not only is Officer Mitch Brouillette a seasoned and knowledgeable law enforcement officer, but he is also caring, humble, and basically famous after 20M+ views of a DUDE. Be nice video showcasing Heritage High’s gratitude for their very own School Resource Officer, Officer Mitch. Tune into this episode with licensed mental health professionals Nik Young and Alyssa Najera as Officer Mitch shares his experience as a former School Resource Officer (SRO), talks about the benefits of SROs on...

Holiday Traditions with Nik Young and Alyssa Najera

Growing Up Queer; My Journey to Authenticity with John-David Brown

  [add paragraph space in libsyn] Bullies, insecurities, shame, and understanding sexuality were just a few challenges growing up queer in a small, rural town. John-David Brown shares his experience of the internal struggles he faced growing up a gay male and how supportive parents, therapy, lots of books, and strong friendships helped him understand that authenticity is, in fact, possible.   Interview with John-David Brown John-David Brown is a 35-year-old technologist living in L...

Let’s Talk About Suicide

  In recognition of Suicide Prevention month, licensed mental health professionals Nikki Young and Alyssa Najera dive deep into a conversation about suicide to share facts and resources, increase awareness, and help you feel more comfortable with navigating conversations about suicide.   In this episode we talk about: Risk factors that may increase risk of suicide Protective Factors Misinformation about Suicide and what the facts say How to recognize warning signs of someone who...

“Raising Body Positive Teens” with Co-Authors Signe Darpinian, Wendy Sterling, and Shelley Aggarwal

  Nikki Young and Alyssa Najera talk food, movement, weight, and body image with co-authors of the book “Raising Body Positive Teens.” Join the conversation as Signe Darpinian, Wendy Sterling, and Shelley Aggarwal crush “diet culture and weight stigma” by breaking down common myths about food and eating, offer tips on how to talk with your child about media and body image, and explore how to develop a friendship with food and your body.   Guest Bios Signe Darpinian is a Licensed Marr...

Using Missed Opportunities to Practice Self Awareness

  For two therapists who bring nearly every episode back to self-awareness, it seemed only right to dedicate an episode to reflecting on a missed opportunity to address an important topic. Nikki Young and Alyssa Najera vulnerably practice self-awareness, reflect on how they navigated a sensitive topic from a previous episode, and remind us that even therapists can make mistakes. Resources mentioned: We’ve pulled together any resources mentioned in this episode and put together some lin...

From the Hood Life to the Good Life with Gloria “Glory” Magaña

  Comedian Gloria “Glory” Magaña shares how comedy helped her cope with childhood trauma, gave her hope, and inspired her to dream big. Join Nikki Young and Alyssa Najera as they talk with Gloria about self doubt, trauma, comedy, and Gloria’s own mental health journey as she moved from the hood life to the good life. Interview with Gloria “Glory” Magaña Gloria Magaña is a native Modestan and was born to entertain! As the youngest of 15, there was never a dull moment or a night without ...

“Heroin, Heartache, and Hope” with Christian Author of Counting Spoons Kathryn Mae Inman

  If you or someone you know has struggled with addiction, you know it can be an ugly disease that impacts everyone. In this episode, we speak with Christian Author Kathryn Mae Inman and author of “Counting Spoons; A Memoir of Heroin, Heartache, and Hope,” about the impact addiction has had on her family, as her youngest son Justin battled heroin addiction. After 30 years as an Operations Director for a non-profit organization, Kathryn now write, speaks, “advocates for families affected ...

How To Make Friends

  Making new friends as a kid is expected, but making new friends as an adult can come with its own set of challenges. Join licensed mental health professionals Nikki Young and Alyssa Najera as they break down ways to make and keep good friends including rebuilding meaningful relationships, acknowledging that it’s okay to outgrow friendships, and  reminding yourself that it’s okay to make new friends.   In this episode we talk about: Why some of us struggle with making new friends as ...

Catching Acts of Kindness

  In an effort to highlight some feel-good moments in a physical and digital word of transition and unrest, Nikki Young and Alyssa Najera reflect on moments when they observed or experienced selflessness, generosity, and genuine kindness.   Therapists Uncut Challenge: Be intentional about noticing acts of kindness and reflect on how this intentionality impacts your mood and perspective.   Resources mentioned: We’ve pulled together any resources mentioned in this episode and put...

Confessions of a High Functioning, Anxious Therapist

  In the spirit of normalizing therapy and making mental health relatable, Nikki Young and Alyssa Najera get real about their own mental health. Join the conversation as they each share how they came to the realization of just how much their own anxiety has been showing up in their personal and professional lives. High-achieving, perfectionist, detail oriented, driven, workaholic, and “successful” are all common descriptors of someone who may also closely identify with high functioning a...

Secondary Traumatic Stress: Know When the Traumatic Experience of Others is Negatively Impacting You

  Now that we’ve spent time talking about how to recognize trauma and battle burnout in the workplace, it’s only fitting we move right into how to recognize signs of Secondary Trauma. Secondary Traumatic Stress can be any combination of emotional, mental, or behavioral trauma responses like images getting stuck in your head, avoidance, intrusive negative thoughts, and difficulty concentrating. STS can mirror the same signs of someone experiencing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), bu...

Battling Burnout In The Workplace

  High rates of employee burnout are documented in industries including healthcare, human services, and first responders. More recently, the battle with burnout is now reported across industries including tech, manufacturing, law, education, and hospitality, to name a few. Join licensed mental health professionals Nikki Young and Alyssa Najera as they describe signs of burnout, explore how burnout symptoms can negatively affect your mood, behaviors, and relationships, and challenge organiz...

When And How To Be Assertive

  Assertiveness is the skill of expressing your needs and opinions in a confident, non-confrontational. For some, this skill comes naturally. Yet, for others, can be a struggle. Why is that?  Nikki Young and Alyssa Najera define assertiveness and dig deep into reasons why some of us might struggle with being assertive. Join the conversation and learn why assertiveness is an essential skill to help you navigate relationships, set and maintain healthy boundaries, and practice healthy communica...

Recognizing And Responding To Toxic Relationships

  Toxic relationships have the potential of showing up in all areas of our life including work, social, and romantic relationships and even within family systems. Learn how to recognize signs of toxic relationships and tools to help you navigate through. In this episode we talk about: Potential Signs of Toxic Relationships Blaming and accusing Put downs or name calling Jealousy Making excuses or justifying behaviors of the other person Excessive gossip Putting you down to ma...

Recovering form Alcoholism Part 2 of 2: Interview with Karlha Davies

  Welcome back for part 2 of our interview with Karlha Davies community leader, Hometown Hero, and entrepreneur. Karlha shares the series of moments that led her to recognizing how her alcohol use was a convenient and “acceptable” way of coping with her own insecurities and emotional hurt. Tune in as they TU Crew dismantle the myths of alcohol use, discuss supports that have helped Karlha in recovery, and explore how sobriety is guiding Karlha into new hope, new goals, and a clear future. ...

Recovering From Alcoholism Part 2 of 2: Interview with Karlha Davies

  Welcome back for part 2 of our interview with Karlha Davies community leader, Hometown Hero, and entrepreneur. Karlha shares the series of moments that led her to recognizing how her alcohol use was a convenient and “acceptable” way of coping with her own insecurities and emotional hurt. Tune in as they TU Crew dismantle the myths of alcohol use, discuss supports that have helped Karlha in recovery, and explore how sobriety is guiding Karlha into new hope, new goals, and a clear future. ...

Recovering From Alcoholism Part 1 of 2: Interview with Karlha Davies

  Addiction has the potential of showing up in all walks of life and it was around this time last year that Karlha Davies successful, first-generation community leader and Hometown Hero recognized and accepted her own addiction. Despite Karlha’s outward appearance of achievements, accolades, and community recognitions, Karlha struggled internally with depression and anxiety, low self-worth, and alcoholism. For the first time ever on a public platform, Karlha shares her story of alcohol a...

Recovering form Alcoholism Part 1 of 2: Interview with Karlha Davies

  Addiction has the potential of showing up in all walks of life and it was around this time last year that Karlha Davies successful, first-generation community leader and Hometown Hero recognized and accepted her own addiction. Despite Karlha’s outward appearance of achievements, accolades, and community recognitions, Karlha struggled internally with depression and anxiety, low self-worth, and alcoholism. For the first time ever on a public platform, Karlha shares her story of alcohol a...

Living In A Larger Body With Natalie Silva

  Therapists Uncut brings back Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Natalie Silva for a brand new episode on body image and self-esteem. Natalie also describes common body image themes that have come up in her private practice such us using food to cope with stress, the pressures to diet, and how to be comfortable with and love your body.   Natalie Silva is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and private practice owner in California. Natalie holds space for women from all s...

Gett'n Shifty During The Holidays

Get To Know Your Co-Hosts Nikki Young and Alyssa Najera

  Don’t miss out on this episode where we get to know our co-hosts Nikki Young, LMFT and Alyssa Najera, LCSW. Get know them a little more as they answer listener questions on their favorite family activities, college memories, and of course, why they started a podcast. In this episode we talk about: Watch as our co-hosts play rapid fire and answer questions about themselves such as: Your favorite outdoor activity? Favorite tv show? Favorite type of music genre or artist? Favorit...

“How Fair Fighting Can Save Your Relationship”

  We all disagree with our partner at some point. Disagreements are normal and healthy, but how we disagree is a foundational component of our relationships.  In this episode, Nikki Young, LMFT, and Alyssa Najera, LCSW, discuss the importance of communicating respectfully and effectively by using fair fighting or as we call it, Kosher Conflict.     In this episode we talk about: Types of problems within a relationship: Solvable problems: issues that are situational or can be perceiv...

Emotion Contagion

  Ever heard the saying “smile, it’s contagious"? Turns out it’s true!  A smile, along with other facial expressions and vocalizations, has the power to influence the emotions and behaviors of others. In this episode, Alyssa Najera, LCSW, and Nikki Young, LMFT discuss just how infectious emotions can be through the lens of Emotion Contagion, and the importance of being cautious of who and what you surround yourself with.   In this episode we talk about: What is Emotion Contagion? R...

Men's Mental Health

  Our culture likes to remind us, in more way than one, that it’s expected for men to suppress their emotions and avoid being vulnerable in expressing their feelings. Alyssa Najera, LCSW, and Nikki Young, LMFT discuss the importance of men's mental health, the risks of going unacknowledged, and ways to move toward a more accepting environment for men’s emotional and mental health. In this episode we talk about: A common stereotype is that men should not be sad, hurt, anxious, depressed...

Living With Anxiety

  An estimated 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. experience symptoms of anxiety. Anxiety is a beast and in addition to depression, one of the most common mental health disorders in the world. Given anxiety is so prevalent, we’ve decided to dedicate episode 50 to all those LIVING WITH ANXIETY. Tune in as Nikki Young, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Alyssa Najera, Licensed Clinical Social Worker discuss the different types of anxiety, common risk factors, and how you can deal with it. I...

Practicing Self Awareness Part 2

  Brief Summary One of the hardest things for a person to come to terms with can be dealing with their own flaws. This week, the crew continues their conversation on self-awareness including how to recognize self-awareness, how to practice self-awareness, and learning how to trust the ongoing process of self-reflection.   In this episode we talk about: Common ways of lacking self-awareness Blaming/Failing to take accountability Lack of empathy Empathy is defined as putting yo...

Self Awareness 1

Practicing Self Awareness Part 1

  The idea of practicing self-awareness may sound easy, but it required vulnerability and can be very uncomfortable. Sh*t gets real when Nikki and Alyssa drop into personal, pivotal and vulnerable moments of personal experiences of self-awareness that still stay with them today.     Therapists Uncut Challenge:  Identify a moment of self-awareness in your life that may have been uncomfortable, but actually turned out to be beneficial.    Resources mentioned:  Thank you for allowin...

Coming Out Of Covid - The Social Struggle Is Real

  After months of adjusting, distancing, and readjusting to State and local recommendations, it’s time for some socialization or as some may call it, the COVID Social Reintegration.  While some of us jumped right back into social events, dating, and large gatherings, others are still working through habitual thoughts patterns or behaviors that were born or exacerbated as a result of the pandemic. This might look like avoiding large crowds, struggling with small talk, declining events to ev...

100% Perfectionist: When Perfectionism Keeps You From Succeeding

  In this episode we talk about: Perfectionist tendencies can be a great motivator in helping you complete tasks or accomplish personal or professional goals, but when does perfectionism become a problem? Nikki Young and Alyssa Najera explore the layers of perfectionism including performance perfectionism, “self, other, and socially prescribed” perfectionism, where these behaviors or thought patters may come from, and how to know the difference between reasonable and unreasonable expecta...

Dear Educators, This One’s for YOU

  Whether you’re an administrator, educator, grade school teacher or University faculty, this one’s for YOU! Despite the policies, pressures, and added layers of a pandemic, to say that you have showed up is an understatement. Thank you for your creativity, problem solving, perseverance and resilience, you are appreciated.   In this episode we talk about: This year educators have worked hard to keep their students present, engaged, and hopeful for the future. If you are an administra...

Mental Health Awareness 2021

  In this episode we talk about: As a group of therapists, it’s only natural this month the T-Uncut team dedicate an episode to recognize Mental Health Awareness month!  Nikki and Alyssa turn back time and take a look back at one of the first episodes recorded, Episode 3 “Mental Health Awareness Month During COVID Let’s Talk About it.”  Join the crew in this video commentary as they reflect on circumstances just but one year ago, and explore life then VS now. . . Talk about surreal.   ...

Surviving Mom Guilt with Natalie Silva, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

  Don’t miss out on this episode as Natalie Silva, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist breaks the myths surrounding Mom Guilt, shares her expertise on how to manage mom (and parent) guilt, and “normalizes the sh*t out of motherhood!”  Interview with Natalie Silva  Natalie Silva is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and private practice owner in California. Natalie holds space for women from all stages of life who are desiring meaningful change. Natalie offers individual c...

Saying Goodbyes

  Saying goodbye is never easy. It may be saying goodbye when you head off to college, goodbye after a breakup, goodbye to your co-workers after accepting a new job, or goodbye when you come to an end of a chapter. It’s true, goodbyes may not be easy or comfortable, but life sure is full of them. Join the Therapists Uncut crew as they discuss healthy goodbyes, record their last episode as a trio, and say goodbye to Jolene as she ends her chapter as co-host with Therapists Uncut.     In t...

The Unintended Social and Psychological Impacts of Social Media

  After watching The Social Dilemma, a documentary film released on Netflix in September 2020, the Therapists Uncut team found themselves in deep conversation about the intended and unintended impact of social media. In this episode, the Therapists Uncut Team explores the double-edge sword of social media including benefits, risks, and social, emotional, and psychological impacts on users of all ages.   Nikki, Jolene, and Alyssa talk about their personal and professional experiences with s...

To Get or Not to Get the F*** out of Dodge

  To Get or Not to Get the F*** out of Dodge Episode Show Notes Thinking about leaving your job? We get it, we’ve all been there. Maybe you’re unhappy, stressed, or overworked. Maybe your job treats you phenomenally, you have great benefits, great work hours but, something’s missing. Choosing to stay at or leave your employment is never an easy decision. Here are a few tips on how to decide on your next steps and determine whether or not it’s time to “Get the F*** out of Dodge.”   ...

Top 10 Ways Our Thoughts Screw With Us

  Top 10 Ways Our Thoughts Screw With Us Episode Show Notes In the therapy world, you’ll often hear about the “ancient brain”. It’s the idea that there’s a part of your brain hardwired to identify threats (or perceived threats) in your environment and protect itself. It’s natural for your brain to protect you by taking your thoughts to what you don’t want, don’t like, worst case scenarios and all the ways something can go wrong. It’s so common, in fact, that research based in Cognitive...

Dealing With Sh*tty Bosses

  Dealing with Shitty Bosses Welcome to the Shitty Boss show! If you read this title and immediately have someone’s picture pop into your head and cringed a little, congratulations! Because, you have experienced dealing with a shitty boss. In this episode, the T-Uncut Crew talks about the kinds of things people can do or say that make them a shitty boss and how you can deal with it. Nikki, Jolene, and Alyssa talk about it all from insensitive comments, the inability to be accountable, mi...

Are You Letting Self-Sabotage Interfere with Your Life?

  Are You Letting Self-Sabotage Interfere with Your Life? Episode Show Notes Brief Summary The crew dives into everything self-sabotage including, what does self-sabotage look like, where does it comes from, and what you can do to keep it from interfering with your life and ongoing goals. From an outside perspective, some self-sabotage behaviors can appear obvious and even intentional. The truth is, these behaviors and thought patterns can often be unintentional and rooted in underly...

How to Date your Mate Using Dr. Gary Chapman’s The 5 Love Languages

  Brief Summary Inspired by Dr. Gary Chapman's Five Love Languages, originally released in the 90’s, the crew dives into relationships and how we give and receive love. Opening up about their own marriages, Nikki, Jolene, and Alyssa talk about the 5 Love Languages and other helpful tips that can help you reflect on your own relationship, reconnect with your partner, and help you Date your Mate!   In this episode we talk about: This episode is inspired by Dr. Gary Chapman’s The Five...

Tackling Insomnia

  Tackling Insomnia Brief Summary You have a bedtime routine, take your supplements,  use meditation apps, but you still can’t sleep! Tackling in insomnia can be a beast and even when you feel like you’re doing everything that can possibly be prescribed, it’s still doesn’t work. Learn what true Insomnia is and ways to help you cope. In this episode we talk about: At what point does my lack of sleep become Insomnia? How insomnia can impair different parts of your life. What menta...