Episode 56: When Illness Becomes Identity, Care Is The Currency (DSM Dive- Factitious Disorder/Munchausen Syndrome)

Episode 56: When Illness Becomes Identity, Care Is The Currency (DSM Dive- Factitious Disorder/Munchausen Syndrome)

In today’s episode of Shrink Wrapped, we’re diving into the complicated, chaotic, and deeply unsettling world of Factitious Disorder—more commonly known as Munchausen syndrome—and Munchausen by Proxy (now referred to as Factitious Disorder Imposed on Another). We’re breaking down the DSM criteria, the psychology behind why someone would fake, exaggerate, or even induce illness for attention, validation, or control, and why these disorders are far more complex than the over-the-top TV portrayals make them seem. We’ll unpack the myths, media sensationalism, and ethical nightmares surrounding these disorders, including the impact on victims, families, healthcare workers, and public perception. We’re also talking about that infamous case everyone immediately thinks of—and how real-life situations are often darker, messier, and more psychologically complicated than the Lifetime-movie version. If you’ve ever wondered where the line exists between attention-seeking, trauma, manipulation, and mental illness—or why these cases fascinate the public so intensely—this episode is going to unpack all of it with the usual irreverent Shrink Wrapped energy, dark humor, and psychological deep dive you know and love. Join us on the O'Neil Counseling app here: ⁠https://www.oneilcounseling.com/app-landing-page [https://www.oneilcounseling.com/app-landing-page]

Episode 55: Guided Journal Entry #14

Body neutrality, body gratitude, and mindful journaling- but make it deeply human and slightly uncomfortable in the best way. In this episode, we unpack the complicated relationship we have with our bodies, why most of us only notice them when something hurts or “needs fixing,” and what happens when we slow down long enough to acknowledge everything our bodies have carried us through. Through a guided head-to-toe, or rather toe-to-head, journaling prompt, we explore memory, survival, self-awareness, trauma, healing, and the weird emotional experience of realizing your body has been there through literally all of it. Join us on the O'Neil Counseling app here: ⁠https://www.oneilcounseling.com/app-landing-page [https://www.oneilcounseling.com/app-landing-page]

Episode 54.5: We Get It, You’re Wounded — You Still Don’t Get to Wound People (The Bonus Episode Where Michelle Talks About How Experiencing Trauma Is Not An Excuse To Traumatize Others)

In this episode of Shrink Wrapped, we’re talking about the uncomfortable truth nobody loves to hear: trauma may explain your behavior, but it doesn’t excuse hurting other people. We unpack the difference between accountability and shame, how unresolved trauma can fuel toxic patterns, emotional reactivity, manipulation, defensiveness, and cycle repetition, and why healing requires more than just identifying your wounds. Expect irreverent humor, honest conversation, and nuanced discussion about trauma responses, mental health, emotional maturity, self-awareness, boundaries, and personal responsibility. Because your pain deserves compassion — but not a free pass to become someone else’s trauma story. Join us on the O'Neil Counseling app here: ⁠https://www.oneilcounseling.com/app-landing-page [https://www.oneilcounseling.com/app-landing-page]

Episode 54: Miss You, Love You, Mean It… From a Distance (The One Where Michelle Talks About Family Struggles/Drama And No or Low Contact)

If your family stresses you out more than your job, your bills, and your group chat combined… this episode is for you. In this episode of Shrink Wrapped, we’re unpacking toxic family dynamics, emotional boundaries, guilt, low contact vs. no contact, and the complicated reality of loving people who still damage your mental health. We’re talking about family trauma, people-pleasing, survival mode, dysfunctional relationships, and why protecting your peace doesn’t make you selfish. Expect honest conversation, irreverent humor, and validation for anyone who’s ever felt calmer away from their own family. Because sometimes the healthiest boundary is distance — and that grief is real too. Join us on the O'Neil Counseling app here: ⁠https://www.oneilcounseling.com/app-landing-page [https://www.oneilcounseling.com/app-landing-page]

Episode 53: Raw-Dogging Mental Health & Other Bad Ideas (The One Where Michelle Talks About Medications)

Mental health medication has somehow become more controversial than the fact we’re all expected to answer emails, drink enough water, heal our inner child, and function like stable adults at the same time. In this episode of Shrink Wrapped, we’re unpacking the stigma around antidepressants, anxiety meds, ADHD medication, and psychiatric treatment in general — including media myths, “just try yoga” culture, medication shame, and why suffering has become weirdly romanticized online. We’re talking about what meds actually do, what they don’t do, and why taking care of your brain shouldn’t feel like a moral failure. Because sometimes self-care looks less like a bubble bath and more like letting your neurotransmitters clock in for once. Join us on the O'Neil Counseling app here: ⁠https://www.oneilcounseling.com/app-landing-page [https://www.oneilcounseling.com/app-landing-page]