Acceptance Path Podcast

You say you’re working on yourself reading the books, saving the reels, doing the reflection.

So why does your life still feel the same?

In this episode, AJ breaks down the “I’m working on myself” trap when personal growth becomes a socially acceptable way to avoid change.

This isn’t about laziness or lack of effort. It’s about how learning, insight, and self-awareness can quietly replace action and keep you stuck.

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When people hear “personality disorder,” they often hear an identity something permanent and unchangeable. In this episode, AJ reframes personality disorders as learned protection patterns shaped by a brain designed to avoid pain, not define who you are. If you’ve ever felt trapped by a label or stuck in the same emotional loops, this conversation offers a clearer, more human map forward focused on living better, not fixing yoursel...

You tell yourself you’re relaxing—just a few minutes on your phone before sleep—but your body stays wired and your mind won’t slow down. In this episode, we explore the comfort trap at bedtime: how scrolling becomes a form of protection, why it keeps your nervous system alert, and what it means to choose real rest that helps you live better, not just feel better.

Learn more about Acceptance Path:

Website: https://acceptencepath.com

In...

In this episode, discover why controlling anger might not be the solution and how building a relationship with it can transform your life. AJ shares a personal journey from struggling with anger and uncomfortable feelings to achieving peace and healthy relationships. Learn about the 'Alignment Model,' a unique approach inspired by Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, which focuses on aligning internal and external dimensions ...

We challenge the belief that medication alone can resolve mental health issues. Sharing a personal story from over a decade ago, we explore how antidepressants may stabilize emotions but can also numb both negative and positive feelings, leading to a loss of life’s meaning. AJ introduces the 'alignment model,' a framework emphasizing the balance between internal thoughts and external reality. They advocate for facing internal strug...

In this episode, we explore why financial stress is the number one source of anxiety for most people and how it affects every aspect of life, from health to relationships. The speaker shares a personal story of battling financial stress during college, highlighting common maladaptive coping mechanisms, such as overspending and substance abuse. The discussion delves into the internal vs. external dimensions of stress, offering pract...

In this episode, we explore the controversial and often misleading world of mental health diagnoses, particularly those perpetuated by DSM-5. AJ discusses the negative impacts that these labels can have on individuals, sharing personal anecdotes and professional experiences. The episode critiques the reliability and validity of DSM-5 diagnoses and highlights the conflicts of interest within the system. Furthermore, it advocates for...

In this episode, AJ addresses a common question from clients: Is counseling really for me? The discussion elucidates the difference between counseling and psychological assessments, detailing how the ultimate goal of counseling is to help clients live better, not just feel better. Through real client stories, the episode explores the limitations of diagnosis and the DSM-5, emphasizing the significance of behavioral changes over mer...

In this episode, Dr. Arica Black, an audiologist and owner of 'The Hearing Doctor' in Lubbock, Texas. Dr. Black, an alumna of Texas Tech University Health Science Center and award recipient, shares insights from her 12 years of practice. She discusses how hearing loss impacts mental health, contributes to cognitive decline, social isolation, and provides practical advice on addressing these challenges. Discover how hearing aids and...