What Really Happens in Therapy? Demystifying the Process

What Really Happens in Therapy? Demystifying the Process

What actually happens in therapy? If you’ve ever wondered whether therapy is “just talking,” what therapists are actually doing during a session, or how therapy helps people create meaningful change, this episode is for you. In this episode of Shrinks on Tap, Dr. Lauren and Dr. Eleni pull back the curtain on the therapy process and break down what’s really happening in the room. They explore: • Why people come to therapy and how goals are set • The difference between CBT and deeper therapeutic work • How anxiety and fear show up in the mind and body • EMDR and how trauma can affect us long after an experience ends • IFS / parts work and understanding the different “parts” of ourselves • Hypnosis and nervous system regulation • Psychedelic-assisted therapy and integration • Green flags and red flags when choosing a therapist • How to know when therapy is helping—and when it may be time to move on Whether you’re considering therapy for the first time, already in the process, or simply curious about how it works, this conversation offers a warm and honest look at what therapy can really be. Thanks for listening to Shrinks on Tap. If this episode resonates, please follow the show, leave a review, and share with someone who may need it. 💛

Women’s Crawl Falls Church: Community, Connection & Stepping Into Your Power

In this mini episode of Shrinks on Tap, Lauren and Eleni recap our second Women’s Crawl, this time in Falls Church, Virginia. What looked like a fun afternoon out quickly became something deeper: women gathering in community, setting intentions, stepping into their power, sharing honestly, and making space for themselves. We talk about: ✨ what “stepping into your power” looked like for women at this event ✨ why so many women are craving genuine community right now ✨ the mental health conversations that naturally unfolded throughout the day ✨ how Women’s Crawl became more than “just a bar crawl” ✨ what surprised us most about bringing this experience to a new city Women’s Crawl was created to bring women together in a meaningful way: through connection, reflection, conversation, and a little fun too. And we’re just getting started. If you’ve been craving more connection, more community, or a space to reconnect with yourself, this conversation is for you. Follow Shrinks on Tap for conversations around relationships, emotional wellness, self-awareness, and growth. Interested in bringing a Women’s Crawl to your city? Reach out. We’d love to hear from you.

Why You Ignore Red Flags (Even When You Know Better)

Have you ever known something felt off… but stayed anyway? In this episode of Shrinks on Tap, psychologists Lauren Fisher and Eleni Boosalis unpack the red flags women often ignore in dating—from love bombing and inconsistency to emotional unavailability, boundary pushing, and unresolved trauma. They explore why chemistry can cloud judgment, why your nervous system often knows before your mind does, and what healthy dating actually feels like. In this episode: • Love bombing and fast emotional intensity • Inconsistency, ghosting, and mixed signals • Why some relationships feel exciting—but unsafe • Red flags vs yellow flags • What secure, emotionally healthy dating looks like If you’ve ever thought… “I knew… but I stayed.” This episode is for you.

Why Two Psychologists Started the Women’s Crawl | Falls Church May 9

What happens when two psychologists decide a bar crawl can become something much bigger than drinks? In this special mini episode of Shrinks on Tap, Dr. Lauren Fisher and Dr. Eleni Boussalas share the story behind the Women’s Crawl… a one-of-a-kind experience designed to bring women together through connection, empowerment, mental health, movement, and community. What began as one unforgettable gathering is quickly becoming something bigger… a movement built around helping women feel seen, supported, and connected. In this episode, we discuss: ✨ Why the first crawl created such a powerful response ✨ Why Falls Church became the next city ✨ The meaning behind this year’s theme: Step Into Your Power ✨ Why this is for women of all ages—not just “bar crawl” crowds ✨ The charity partner supporting women and children in transition ✨ Why Shrinks on Tap hopes to bring this movement to cities across the country 🎟 Join us in Falls Church on May 9 | 2PM–7PM Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-falls-church-womens-crawl-celebration-cocktails-connection-tickets-1986278340987?aff=ShrinksonTap [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-falls-church-womens-crawl-celebration-cocktails-connection-tickets-1986278340987?aff=ShrinksonTap] Follow Shrinks on Tap and join the movement.

Am I the Problem? Narcissists, Gaslighting, and Why You Start Doubting Yourself

If you’ve ever left a relationship wondering, “Was it me?”… this episode is for you. We’re breaking down what narcissistic traits actually look like in real life, how gaslighting shows up in relationships, and why so many people start to question their own thoughts, feelings, and reality. This isn’t just about diagnosing someone as a narcissist. It’s about understanding patterns like: * feeling like you’re “too sensitive” * walking on eggshells * constantly trying to fix things or keep the peace * replaying conversations and blaming yourself We also talk about the difference between narcissistic traits and full personality disorders, how these dynamics often start (hint: it doesn’t look toxic at first), and what to pay attention to early on. If you’ve ever felt confused, drained, or like you lost yourself in a relationship… you’re not alone. If this episode resonates, share it with someone who might need it—and follow the podcast so you don’t miss future conversations around relationships, self-awareness, and emotional health.