Episode 250 · Therapy in a Nutshell
Why Anxious People Shouldn’t Use “Deep Breathing"
22 May 2026 · 7 min
Episode 250 · Therapy in a Nutshell
22 May 2026 · 7 min
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,…
by Therapy in a Nutshell -Emma McAdam · English · Health
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…
E257 · 12 Jun 2026 · 19 min
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
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
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,…
E255 · 15 May 2026 · 43 min
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 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
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…
E263 · 2 Oct 2026 · 17 min
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…
E252 · 18 Sep 2026 · 10 min
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
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
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…