Podcast · Health

Therapy in a Nutshell

by Therapy in a Nutshell -Emma McAdam · English · Health

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 22 min
Latest: 2 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

2 Oct 2026 · 17 min

Hypervigilance and Trauma- How to Get Your Brain to Shut Off

Trauma and hypervigilance keeping you from falling asleep? Learn why your mind won’t stop worrying—and simple ways to make it finally rest. Learn the skills to regulate your Emotions, join the membership: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership If your brain won’t shut off at night, you’re not alone—and you’re not broken. Trauma and hypervigilance can keep your mind stuck in “high alert,” making sleep feel impossible. Instead of winding down, your brain starts scanning for danger, replaying conversations, and worrying about everything from your kids to the future. I’ll walk you…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

E252 · 18 Sep 2026 · 10 min

Emotional Regulation - How to Actually Sit with Your Feelings

If you want to learn how to regulate your emotions, you have to learn the crucial emotional regulation skill of acceptance. Learn the skills to regulate your Emotions, join the membership: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership Free Course: Grounding Skills for Stress, Anxiety and PTSD: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/grounding-skills-for-anxiety-stress-and-ptsd Sometimes when I’m feeling a little cold, or hurt, or stuck, or frozen, or just like I’d like to have a little more love and light and energy in my life- I like to do this gentle little 9-minute meditation called…
E259 · 4 Sep 2026 · 17 min

When You Feel Worthless

Depression, trauma and negative self-talk can leave you feeling worthless or struggling with low self-esteem. But you don’t have to feel depressed forever. Learn how to deal with feeling worthless with 6 practical things you can do to improve your self esteem. Check out the Membership https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership Free Safety Plan Worksheet https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/safety-plan In this video, we’re tackling the painful experience of low self-esteem, depression, and feeling like you’re “no good.” That heavy, shut-down state doesn’t just live in your…
E262 · 21 Aug 2026 · 16 min

How I Dealt with Performance Anxiety (as an Anxiety Expert)

Performance anxiety? Learn how to overcome stage fright and anxiety with 7 practical strategies to stay calm, focused, and confident. Sign up for my free Panic Attacks course https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/ending-panic-attacks-and-anxiety-attacks Whether it’s public speaking, sports, music, or presentations—performance anxiety can make your heart race, your mind go blank, and your body feel completely out of control. In this episode, I share how I managed my own stage fright while giving a keynote speech—and the 7 practical, research-backed strategies that helped me move through…
E261 · 7 Aug 2026 · 24 min

The Profound Impact of Hormones in Women with ADHD

Hormones have a drastic impact on women with ADHD. Learn how estrogen and your cycle impact focus, mood, and why symptoms suddenly get worse. Learn the skills to regulate your Emotions, join the membership: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership Why do ADHD symptoms in women seem to change throughout the month—or suddenly get worse in your 30s and 40s? In this episode, we break down the powerful connection between women, ADHD, and hormones—and why this piece of the puzzle has been overlooked for so long. You’ll learn how estrogen directly affects dopamine (the brain chemical…
E256 · 24 Jul 2026 · 19 min

Overgeneralization -This Thinking Pattern Makes Everything Feel Worse

This CBT tool helps you stop overgeneralization, regulate emotions, and break negative thinking patterns with simple, practical tools. Check out our FREE How to Stop Panic and Anxiety Attacks course: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/ending-panic-attacks-and-anxiety-attacks Learn the skills to regulate your Emotions, join the membership: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership Looking for affordable online counseling? My sponsor, BetterHelp, connects you to a licensed professional from the comfort of your own home. Try it now for 10% off your first month:…
E260 · 10 Jul 2026 · 22 min

How to Get Started When You’re Drowning in Overwhelm - ADHD Friendly

Feeling overwhelmed and stuck? Learn how ADHD affects motivation—and 5 simple ways to get moving again when you feel overwhelmed and can’t get started. Learn the skills to regulate your Emotions, join the membership: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership Free Course: Grounding Skills for Stress, Anxiety and PTSD: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/grounding-skills-for-anxiety-stress-and-ptsd Do you ever feel so overwhelmed that you just… shut down? You want to be motivated, but instead you’re stuck, frozen, and frustrated with yourself. If you have ADHD—or you’re just…
E258 · 27 Jun 2026 · 20 min

4 Essential Habits for Emotional Regulation

You can learn how to regulate your emotions by practicing these four skills. People who regulate emotions well don’t avoid feelings—they build habits that help them pause, process, and respond with intention. In this video, I’ll teach you 4 essential emotional regulation habits that emotionally stable people practice every day. You’ll learn how to stop reacting impulsively, challenge unhelpful thoughts, process emotions in a healthy way, and build emotional resilience over time. These are practical, research-backed mental health skills you can start using immediately for anxiety, stress,…
E257 · 12 Jun 2026 · 19 min

When You're Drowning in Overwhelm

Feeling overwhelmed or stuck in an emotional crisis? Learn 3 simple, practical tools to handle overwhelm, regain control, and move forward with confidence. Sign up for my free Panic Attacks course https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/ending-panic-attacks-and-anxiety-attacks What do you do when you feel completely overwhelmed—like life is piling on faster than you can handle it? Whether you're facing daily overwhelm or a full emotional crisis, this episode will walk you through practical, research-backed tools to help you regain control and move forward. In this Therapy in a Nutshell-style…
E236 · 5 Jun 2026 · 1 hr 1 min

The Biology of Trauma with Dr. Aimie Apigian

Trauma is stored in our body and our nervous system more than just in our minds. In this interview we discuss the biology of trauma and PTSD. Learn the skills to Regulate your Emotions, join the membership: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership In this conversation, Dr. Aimie discusses the biology of trauma, emphasizing the physiological responses that occur in the body during traumatic experiences. She explains the differences between stress and trauma, the role of the nervous system, and how chronic trauma can lead to various health issues. The discussion also covers practical…
E246 · 29 May 2026 · 47 min

6 Medical Conditions that Impact Mental Health, Depression, and Anxiety with Dr. Tracey Marks

Depression and anxiety can come from physical problems like thyroid, hormones, sleep, or nutrient deficiencies—learn the top medical causes to check for in this episode. Check out my membership here: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership Here's Tracey's SHINE journal: https://mentalwellnessspace.store/products/transformation-journal-volume-1 You can find Tracey’s journal here: https://mentalwellnessspace.store/products/transformation-journal-volume-1?srsltid=AfmBOoqyGDJRZpv9YxTWqwzn2bgW3WVsTYQrxQOGwHXP6U1J8tJArd8o Looking for affordable online counseling? My sponsor, BetterHelp,…
E250 · 22 May 2026 · 7 min

Why Anxious People Shouldn’t Use “Deep Breathing"

Deep breathing can worsen anxiety and trigger hyperventilation or panic attacks—learn why slow breathing with a longer exhale works better. Check out our FREE Grounding Skills course: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/grounding-skills-for-anxiety-stress-and-ptsd Check out our FREE How to Stop Panic and Anxiety Attacks course: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/ending-panic-attacks-and-anxiety-attacks Learn the skills to regulate your Emotions, join the membership: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership Looking for affordable online counseling? My sponsor, BetterHelp,…
E255 · 15 May 2026 · 43 min

BONUS EPISODE: How to take Pyschedelics for Your Mental Health with Dr. Will Van Derveer and Mike Pesca

This week we’re sharing a special episode from our friends at How To!, the 2026 Ambie Award-nominated “Best Personal Growth Podcast” that’s back with a new host and new topics to fuel your curiosity. Each week on How To!, award-winning journalist Mike Pesca tackles a listener’s question – on topics ranging from travel and finance to health and relationships – with help from world-class experts who actually know what they're talking about. Think of it as eavesdropping on someone else's therapy session, without the co-pay or awkward silence. And today, we’re sharing their recent episode “How…
E239 · 8 May 2026 · 17 min

Micro Habits to Regulate Depression or Trauma (Shutdown Response)

Micro-habits to activate your nervous system and move out of dorsal vagal shutdown. Trauma-informed tools to reduce depression and climb the polyvagal ladder. Learn the skills to Regulate your Emotions, including "Change your Brain" join the membership: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership If you’re feeling shut down, stuck in depression, or trapped in a trauma freeze response — this episode is for you. In this Therapy in a Nutshell episode, Emma McAdam, LMFT, teaches 9 tiny “micro-habits” you can use to activate your nervous system, move out of dorsal vagal shutdown, and climb…
E253 · 1 May 2026 · 41 min

Racial Trauma - The Impact of Racism on Mental Health with Ashley McGirt Adair

This conversation with Ashley McGirt-Adair explores the profound impact of racism and racial trauma on mental health, physical health, and overall well-being. We discuss systemic issues, personal stories, and actionable steps for healing and advocacy. Sign up for my free Grounding Skills course https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/grounding-skills-for-anxiety-stress-and-ptsd You can find more information about my guest on this episode at: https://www.ashleymcgirt.com Looking for affordable online counseling? My sponsor, BetterHelp, connects you to a licensed professional from the comfort…
E254 · 24 Apr 2026 · 22 min

4 Types of Overthinking and How to Stop Them - Worry, Intrusive Thoughts, Rumination, Over-Analyzing

Learn 4 skills to stop overthinking, rumination, worrying and over-analyzing. Overthinking can make you super anxious, but there are practical ways to stop it. Here is a link to my "How to Process Your Emotions" course: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/emotion-processing Learn the skills to regulate your Emotions, join the membership: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership Looking for affordable online counseling? My sponsor, BetterHelp, connects you to a licensed professional from the comfort of your own home. Try it now for 10% off your first month:…
E238 · 17 Apr 2026 · 11 min

Meditation for Chronic Pain- Somatic Tracking Exercise to Replace Fear with Curiosity

If you have chronic pain including back pain you can benefit from this somatic tracking exercise from Alan Gordon’s Pain Reprocessing Therapy Pain Psychology Center: https://painpsychologycenter.com/ The Way Out of Chronic Pain, by Alan Gordon: https://a.co/d/6suF8CC Learn the skills to Regulate your Emotions, join the membership: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership ⚠️ Important note: This exercise is intended for people whose pain has been medically evaluated and is not caused by active injury, infection, fracture, or disease. Pain Reprocessing Therapy does not replace medical…
E224 · 10 Apr 2026 · 50 min

How to Heal Attachment Wounds - Anxious or Avoidant Attachment styles w/ Jessica Baum

If you’ve ever wondered whether your attachment style is fixed, good news: it’s not. In this conversation with therapist and author Jessica Baum, LMHC (Anxiously Attached; SAFE), we unpack practical, step-by-step ways to heal attachment wounds, shift anxious attachment and avoidant patterns, and build secure attachment—in real relationships, not just in your head. Learn the skills to regulate your Emotions, join the membership: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership Looking for affordable online counseling? My sponsor, BetterHelp, connects you to a licensed professional from the…
E248 · 3 Apr 2026 · 20 min

3 Essential Strategies to Prevent Burnout - Slow Productivity Summary by Cal Newport

Burnout isn’t caused by doing too much—it’s caused by using stress as your limit. Learn 3 slow productivity shifts to work less and feel better. Learn the skills to Regulate your Emotions, join the membership: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership Looking for affordable online counseling? My sponsor, BetterHelp, connects you to a licensed professional from the comfort of your own home. Try it now for 10% off your first month: https://betterhelp.com/therapyinanutshell Learn more in one of my in-depth mental health courses: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com Therapy in a…
E237 · 27 Mar 2026 · 46 min

Social Anxiety Skills That Actually Help w/ Dr. Deborah Dobson

Social Anxiety Explained with Dr. Deborah Dobson: Why Social Anxiety Feels So Intense and the Skills That Actually Help Learn the skills to Regulate your Emotions, join the membership: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership In this conversation, Emma McAdam and Deb Dobson explore the complexities of social anxiety, its prevalence, and the impact of avoidance on mental health. They discuss common cognitive distortions associated with social anxiety, the importance of self-compassion, and practical strategies for managing anxiety in social situations. Deb emphasizes the value of…
E247 · 20 Mar 2026 · 24 min

How To Be Less Reactive or Impulsive - The System that Actually Works

It can be hard to figure out how to change your life, stop impulsive behaviors and regulate your emotions. In this video I’ll teach you a system to do it effectively. Learn the skills to Regulate your Emotions, join the membership: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership Why can’t you just stop being impulsive or reactive— even when you really want to? Because impulsivity isn’t a willpower problem. It’s a nervous system reflex. In this video, you’ll learn why your emotional brain hijacks your decisions (and why “just try harder” never works), plus a practical 5-step system to train…
E240 · 12 Mar 2026 · 10 min

Healing Beam of Light Meditation for Energy, Warmth and Healing

Using this short meditation, visualize a healing beam of light helping you overcome hurt, giving you energy, and helping you heal. Sign up for my free Panic Attacks course https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/ending-panic-attacks-and-anxiety-attacks Sometimes when I’m feeling a little cold, or hurt, or stuck, or frozen, or just like I’d like to have a little more love and light and energy in my life- I like to do this gentle little 9-minute meditation called Healing Beam of Light, and it’s perfect for healing and energizing at the start of the day. So, let’s try it together. This exercise…
E245 · 6 Mar 2026 · 12 min

Hidden Medical Issues that Mimic Depression and Anxiety

Depression and anxiety can come from physical problems like thyroid, hormones, sleep, or nutrient deficiencies—learn the top medical causes to check Learn the skills to Regulate your Emotions, join the membership: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership How to Sleep Better Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiUrrIiqidTWdplSnedICFAMlMN-8ikae If you’re struggling with depression or anxiety, it might not be “just in your head.” Many medical conditions can mimic or trigger mood symptoms—things like thyroid imbalances, hormone changes, nutrient deficiencies, sleep…
E230 · 26 Feb 2026 · 30 min

6 Keys to get WAY MORE out of Therapy

Learn how to get the most out of therapy, how to choose the right therapist and how to know if therapy is right for you. Learn the skills to Regulate your Emotions, join the membership: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership In this conversation, Emma McAdam and Barry Fell discuss how to maximize the benefits of therapy. They share practical tips, including the importance of setting clear goals, the therapeutic relationship, and the balance between insight and action. They emphasize the need for clients to be proactive, such as bringing a journal to sessions, and the significance…
E242 · 24 Feb 2026 · 33 min

How to Manage Chronic Pain- w/ Author Alan Gordon LCSW

Alan Gordon is the author of the Way Out, he developed and tested Pain Reprocessing Therapy as an evidence based treatment for Chronic Pain Learn the skills to Regulate your Emotions, join the membership: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership In this engaging conversation, Alan and I delve into the concept of neuroplastic pain, exploring how the brain can misinterpret safe signals from the body as dangerous, leading to chronic pain. One speaker shares their personal journey with chronic pain, highlighting the confusion and frustration that arises from conflicting medical opinions…
E244 · 20 Feb 2026 · 28 min

How Chronic Pain Gets Stuck in the Nervous System

Back pain and other chronic pain can be managed with pain reprocessing therapy. Alan Gordon’s book The Way Out can teach you how to retrain your brain to manage chronic pain The Pain Psychology Center: https://painpsychologycenter.com/ The Way Out book: https://a.co/d/053sW1L0 Chronic Pain Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiUrrIiqidTXq4l8CetR1bQqoQfONrh4c Somatic Tracking Exercise: https://youtu.be/HeNRMr8uJbI Learn the skills to Regulate your Emotions, join the membership: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership Chronic pain isn't "just in your head"—it's often…
E243 · 13 Feb 2026 · 42 min

How IFS Works- Founder Dick Schwartz Therapizes Emma

Internal family systems Founder Richard Schwartz does an IFS therapy session with Emma McAdam, we work with her inner critic and Self in IFS Sign up for my free Panic Attacks course https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/ending-panic-attacks-and-anxiety-attacks In this conversation, Emma McAdam interviews Dick Schwartz, the creator of Internal Family Systems (IFS), a therapeutic approach that emphasizes understanding the mind as composed of multiple parts. Schwartz explains how these parts can be influenced by trauma and how IFS helps individuals connect with their true Self to facilitate…
E241 · 5 Feb 2026 · 20 min

How to Rewrite the Stories That Make You Anxious, Angry, or Depressed

Learn how the stories you tell yourself fuel anxiety, depression, and triggers—and discover practical skills like cognitive defusion to rewrite your life. Free worksheet: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/opt-in-4a614f1a-99a9-46dd-b2e4-69e58990c7ea Learn the skills to Regulate your Emotions, join the membership: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership In this episode, you’ll learn the hidden thought pattern that fuels anxiety, depression, anger, and emotional reactivity — and how to break free from it. Our brains create stories to protect us, but sometimes those stories become…
E227 · 23 Jan 2026 · 14 min

How to Stop Comparing Yourself to Others

Want to learn how to stop comparing yourself to others? Jealousy is often seen as negative, but you can learn to deal with jealousy through curiosity and values work. Learn the skills to Regulate your Emotions, join the membership: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership Sign up for my free Panic Attacks course: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/ending-panic-attacks-and-anxiety-attacks Jealousy and envy are emotions we all feel, especially when we get stuck in comparison—seeing someone confident or attractive and instantly wondering what’s wrong with us. But jealousy isn’t a…
E235 · 15 Jan 2026 · 30 min

The Neuroscience of ADHD and Emotional Dysregulation

If you have ADHD and your emotions feel overwhelming, fast, or hard to control—you’re not broken, lazy, or “too sensitive.” In this episode of Therapy in a Nutshell, I explain the brain science behind ADHD and emotional dysregulation—including delayed prefrontal cortex development, dopamine and norepinephrine differences, rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD), and why emotions can hit before your “brakes” have time to turn on. Learn the skills to regulate your Emotions, join the membership: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership Up to 70% of people with ADHD struggle with emotional…

About Therapy in a Nutshell

I’m Emma McAdam, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and my mission is to make mental health resources more easy to access. I take therapy skills and psychological research and condense them down into bite-sized nuggets of help. I’m here to spread the message that while mental illness is real, it’s common, it’s debilitating, it’s also treatable. There are dozens of research-backed approaches to treating depression, anxiety, and other mental illness. Change, growth, and healing are possible. Please keep courage! Try one little thing every day to improve your life and health and things can get so much better! Therapy in a Nutshell, and the information provided by Emma McAdam, is solely intended for informational and entertainment purposes and is not a substitute for advice, diagnosis, or treatment regarding medical or mental health conditions. Although Emma McAdam is a licensed marriage and family therapist, the views expressed on this site or any related content should not be taken for medical or psychiatric advice. Always consult your physician before making any decisions related to your physical or mental health. Therapy in a Nutshell and it’s logo are Registered Trademarks of Therapy in a Nutshell, LLC

Therapy in a Nutshell is a English health podcast from Therapy in a Nutshell -Emma McAdam. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Therapy in a Nutshell -Emma McAdam
Language: English
Category: Health
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 22 min
Latest episode: 2 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1514880062
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