Collectively Unhinged: Therapy Talk

More people are turning to ChatGPT and other AI tools for relationship advice, emotional validation, and mental health guidance—but can artificial intelligence actually replace therapy?

In this episode of Collectively Unhinged: Therapy Talk, licensed therapists Courtnie and Melisa explore the growing trend of using AI like a therapist and unpack why it feels so appealing. From accessibility and anonymity to the desire for instan...

In this completely unscripted episode of Collectively Unhinged: Therapy Talk, Courtnie and Melisa say everything therapists usually vent about off the clock.

We’re talking late-cancelation fees (and why clients get pissed), whether people actually consider how canceling impacts their therapist, and if there’s any shock value left in therapy now that everyone’s sharing their deepest secrets on TikTok.

We dive into:

• Why boun...

Silent Night? Not even close.

The holidays are overstimulating AF — packed with sensory overload, emotional pressure, family expectations, and a nervous system that's already exhausted. In this episode, Courtnie and Melisa break down why the holidays feel like so much, why expectations make it worse, and how to take your joy back.

We talk about:

• Holiday overstimulation & emotional triggers
• Why expectations steal joy
• ...

When the world feels like it’s on fire, how do we keep showing up — as therapists, partners, friends, and humans — without burning out completely? 🔥

In this episode of Collectively Unhinged: Therapy Talk, Courtnie and Melisa unpack what it means to live in constant crisis mode — from compassion fatigue and global trauma to the emotional toll of holding space when you’re barely keeping it together yourself.

They talk about: 

More people are asking: Is monogamy the only way to love? In this episode, Courtnie and Melisa unpack the truth behind ethical non-monogamy (ENM) — what it is, what it isn’t, and how to explore it without chaos, shame, or cheating disguised as “freedom.”

They break down the differences between polyamory, swinging, and open relationships, and discuss what makes ENM ethical in the first place: honesty, consent, and clear communica...

Hookup culture is everywhere — from dating apps to everyday conversations — but what does it really mean for our mental health and relationships? In this episode, we dive into the rise of hookup culture, how social norms have shifted, and why casual sex can feel both liberating and complicated.

We unpack:

The hidden benefits people don’t talk about — empowerment, freedom, and reclaiming sexuality

The costs that come with it — ghosting...

(The Psychology of Family, Gratitude, and the Holiday Meltdown)

Why does Thanksgiving — the holiday that’s supposed to be about gratitude — so often turn into chaos? From family tension and perfectionism to grief, guilt, and emotional flashbacks, Courtnie and Melisa unpack why this holiday can feel like a group therapy session you didn’t sign up for.

In this episode, we explore the psychology of Thanksgiving drama — why it’s ...

Therapy is powerful — but not everything you see on Instagram therapy accounts tells the full story. In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain with some of our unpopular opinions as therapists:

✨ Why the wrong people often show up to therapy (and why the ones causing harm usually don’t)

✨ How over-analyzing every behavior as “trauma” can actually steal nuance from real life

✨ Why therapist self-disclosure isn’t unprofessiona...

Why are Millennials always exhausted? It’s not just late nights and too much coffee. From hustle culture to student debt to constantly shifting financial pressures, Millennials were set up to believe rest is lazy and productivity is the only measure of worth.

In this episode of Collectively Unhinged: Therapy Talk, Courtnie and Melisa unpack the mental health toll of “always grinding”—chronic burnout, guilt over rest, and the anx...

Ever get that gut feeling in a session like… something’s off? Yeah, us too. In this episode of Collectively Unhinged: Therapy Talk, we’re diving into the red flags we see in clients—and the ones we’ve had to own in ourselves.

From boundary pushers and therapist-hopping to over-identification and burnout, we’re calling ourselves (and our profession) in—with humor, honesty, and just the right amount of chaos.

This is your permi...

“You’ll feel better with time.”

It’s one of the most common — and most misleading — things we tell people who are grieving.

In this episode of Collectively Unhinged: Therapy Talk, Courtnie and Melisa sit down with Coraliz Myrtil, LMHC, a grief and trauma specialist, to unpack why time alone doesn’t heal all wounds — and what actually helps people move through grief.

Together, they explore:

• Why “time heals all wounds” is...

Why do we pay to be terrified? From haunted houses and horror movies to our fascination with true crime, fear is one of the strangest thrills of being human. In this Halloween special, Courtnie and Melisa explore the psychology of fear — what happens in your brain when you get scared, why some of us crave the rush, and how fear can actually be healing.

Join us as we unpack the neuroscience behind terror, the emotional “safety” o...

Why does being skinny still get treated like the ultimate achievement? In this episode, we unpack the cultural obsession with thinness and the mental health costs that come with it. From compliment culture (“Wow, you’ve lost weight!”) to weight stigma in healthcare, workplaces, and even dating, we explore how body size shapes self-worth, relationships, and the way we’re treated.

We’ll talk about how shows like Love Island USA am...

Can a relationship survive cheating—or is betrayal the end of the road? In this episode of Collectively Unhinged: Therapy Talk, Courtnie and Melisa unpack the complicated reality of infidelity, emotional cheating, and everything in between.

Whether you’ve been cheated on, cheated yourself, or are still unsure what even counts as cheating—this conversation is for you.

We explore:

• What cheating really means (spoiler: it...

What was supposed to be a polished, Pinterest-perfect photoshoot to celebrate two years of Strong Mind Mental Health quickly spiraled into one of the most chaotic (and hilarious) days we’ve had as business owners.

From makeup meltdowns, location changes, kids crying in the background, and shooting in the rain — to realizing we hadn’t eaten all day — this “simple” photoshoot turned into pure chaos. But underneath the bloopers wer...

What happens when you’re in a committed relationship… but your sexual preferences just don’t line up? In this episode of Collectively Unhinged: Therapy Talk, we’re diving deep into the awkward, unspoken truth that loving someone doesn’t automatically mean you like the same kind of sex.

We talk kinks, fantasies, mismatched desires, and the emotional landmines that come with trying to bring it all up. From shame to shut-downs to t...

Two years ago, we started Strong Mind Mental Health with zero clients, zero income, and nothing but our own drive, vision, and a belief that we could build something different. Today, we’re celebrating two years of growth, grit, and gratitude—with a team of incredible therapists, a community we love, and a mission that keeps evolving. 🎉

In this special anniversary episode, we’re reflecting on:

• How we went from an idea to...

Do you equate self-care with face masks and wine nights? In this episode, we break down the real meaning of self-care—and spoiler alert—it’s not always cute or Instagram-worthy. From setting boundaries and saying "no" without guilt, to recognizing rest as productive, we're diving into the deeper, sustainable habits that actually support your mental health.

We explore why glamorized self-care can sometimes feel like a b...

Ever felt like a fraud—even with the degrees, experience, and glowing reviews to back you up? In this episode, we unpack impostor syndrome—what it is, how it shows up (especially in helping professions), and what it really takes to move through it.

We’re getting real about:

• Therapist panic moments (aka: “I have no idea what I’m doing”)

• The pressure to be everything in therapy culture

• Why social media feeds our comparison trap

• Pe...