Therapists Unplugged

All About Katie: A Birthday Deep Dive Behind the Mic

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 [https://healthy-roots-counseling.com/] Healthy Roots Counseling Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/healthyrootscounseling.mo?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==] The content of the Therapists Unplugged podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for mental health therapy or treatment.

CBT, EMDR, IFS, XYNZ (Therapy Modalities Explained)

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 [https://healthy-roots-counseling.com/] Healthy Roots Counseling Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/healthyrootscounseling.mo?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==]

Therapists Unplugged: One Year Later

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 [https://www.instagram.com/healthyrootscounseling.mo?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==] Healthy Roots Counseling Website [https://healthy-roots-counseling.com/]

What Healing Really Looks Like

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 [https://www.instagram.com/healthyrootscounseling.mo?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==] Healthy Roots Website [https://healthy-roots-counseling.com/]

Why Trauma Isn't Always a Single Event

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 [https://healthy-roots-counseling.com/] Healthy Roots Counseling Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/healthyrootscounseling.mo?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==] The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk M.D. [https://www.besselvanderkolk.com/resources/the-body-keeps-the-score]