Shrinks on the Brink

Still Mad: Forgiveness-ish

This week we're talking about forgiveness - the real version, not the inspirational quote version. We explore what forgiveness actually means, why people struggle with it, and whether healing truly requires letting go. We also discuss boundaries, resentment, self-forgiveness, and the complicated reality of trying to move forward when accountability or apologies never come. As always, we bring both clinical insight and honest conversation to a topic that's a lot messier than people realize.

Fact Check: We were probably Wrong

After a heavy few weeks and a conference hangover, we needed a break from being profound. Turns out, memory is unreliable, confidence is not evidence, and we may have said a few things we'd like to revisit. It's part correction, part reflection, and mostly just us laughing at ourselves while trying to get it a little more right this time.

Grief in Real Time

Grief doesn't move in order, and it definitely doesn't follow a script. In this episode, we're talking about what grief actually looks like in real life - not the textbook version. From numbness and anger to the pressure of "doing it right," we unpack why grief is so disorienting and why there's no correct way to move through it. We also talk more directly about grief after suicide, including the layers of guilt, unanswered questions, and self-blame that can show up - and why those reactions are common, but not facts. We challenge the old belief that talking about suicide "plants the idea," break down why that myth is harmful, and talk about how honest, safe conversations can actually protect people, not put them at risk. And yes - we touch on the stages of grief and why real grief rarely follows them in any linear way. If you're grieving, supporting someone who is, or just trying to make sense of something that doesn't make sense... this one's for you. If this episode brings up thoughts of self-harm or feeling unsafe, please reach out to someone you trust or a crisis line in your area (988). You don't have to hold that alone. New episodes weekly. Mental health with a side of humor (and honesty we probably shouldn't be trusted with).

Your Personality is a Group Project

How much of who you are... is actually you? In this episode, we're talking about the quiet, often unnoticed influence of friend groups - and how the people around you shape everything from your habits and humor to your confidence, goals, and relationships. It's not as obvious as peer pressure. It's subtler than that. You don't just choose your friends... you adapt to them. We're diving into: * Why adolescence is such a critical window for identity * How your environment shapes you without you realizing it * What it looks like to outgrow friendships (and why it's so uncomfortable) * And the question most people avoid: Are your current friendships aligned with who you actually want to be? If you've ever felt like a different version of yourself depending on who you're around... this one's for you.

More than Cleanliness: The Truth about OCD

When most people think of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, they picture cleaning, organizing, or needing things "just right." But OCD is so much more than that - and often far more distressing. In this episode, we break down what OCD actually is, including intrusive thoughts, compulsions (both visible and mental), and why the cycle can feel impossible to escape. We also explore common misconceptions, the role of anxiety and interpretation, and what evidenced-based treatment like Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) looks like. Having a thought doesn't make it true - and it definitely doesn't define you.