What If Nothing’s Wrong With You?

In this episode of 'What if Nothing's Wrong with You?', hosts Paula D. Atkinson and Lisa K. Kays dive into the importance of apologies in our lives and therapy. Paula shares vivid details about her recent trip to Iceland, highlighting its outstanding natural beauty, culture, and how it's managed by women. The hosts also discuss why therapists and people in general should apologize more and provide insights into the implications of a good apology. They also talk about the cultural resistance to apologies, especially in a patriarchal and narcissistic society.00:00 Introduction and Today's Topic 00:44 Iceland Adventures and Observations 02:18 Cultural and Social Insights from Iceland 07:50 Book and Media Recommendations 17:53 Therapy Horror Stories 23:51 The Importance of Apologizing 28:50 The Importance of Apologizing in Therapy 29:36 Therapists and Narcissistic Culture 31:17 Rupture and Repair in Relationships 32:15 A Story of Apology in Couples Therapy 33:29 The Culture of Being Right 35:10 The Power of Apologizing and Vulnerability 37:40 The Role of Apologies in Addressing Harm 38:51 The Impact of Apologies on Relationships 40:29 The Challenges of Apologizing in a Patriarchal Society 49:49 The Importance of Setting Boundaries 57:15 Final Thoughts on Apologies and Boundaries

Fascism and Mental Health: In this episode of 'What if Nothing's Wrong with You?' hosts Paula D. Atkinson and Lisa K Kays explore the relationship between fascism and mental illness. They delve deep into how fascism is a form of collective delusion, the inherent issues within imperialistic ideologies, and how therapy often supports these systems. The dialogue extends to encompass how individual mental health struggles are valid responses to the societal structure we live in. They also highlight the dangers of infinite loyalty to illusions and the importance of recognizing the interconnection of all humans. They also speak about taking action via apps like Five Calls and Ice Block to stay engaged in creating positive change. 00:00 Introduction and Focus 00:48 Middle Age Purchases and Power Washer Stories 02:51 Adopting Dogs and Their Impact 06:07 Indigo Girls Concert Experience 09:32 Jeff Bezos' Wedding and Wealth 13:01 Unreal: Behind the Scenes of Reality TV 20:07 Therapy Horror Stories and Boundaries 25:22 Introduction to Fascism Discussion 25:33 Introduction to the Topic 26:12 Defining Mental Illness and Fascism 27:15 Fascism as a Mental Disorder 29:11 The Delusion of Loyalty to Illusions 32:21 The Role of Anxiety and Discomfort 37:41 The Influence of Media and Pop Culture 41:32 Therapists and Ethical Dilemmas 47:17 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Hosts Paula D Atkinson and Lisa K Kays do a deep dive into the modern obsession with attention. In this episode, we explore the mental health implications of constant screen engagement and discuss the reality of monogamy in today's world. Topics include the impact of AI on human cognition, changes in the perception of relationships, and the importance of awe in everyday life.

Therapist Horror Stories: When Counseling Goes WrongJoin hosts Paula Atkinson and Lisa K as they dive into an engaging and hilarious episode of 'What, If Nothing Is Wrong With You?' where audience members share their most shocking and hysterical therapist horror stories. From therapists falling asleep mid-session to wildly inappropriate disclosures, this episode sheds light on the importance of choosing the right therapist and recognizing when therapy may be doing more harm than good. Tune in for a blend of humor, insight, and audience participation in this captivating episode!00:00 Introduction and Audience Participation01:16 Chit Chat: Adult Swim Team Adventures05:19 TV Show Recommendations: The Righteous Gemstones08:45 Therapy Update and Reflections12:49 Therapist Horror Stories: Inappropriate Advice24:52 Therapist Horror Stories: Mishandling Coming Out28:52 Therapist Horror Stories: The Power Dynamics29:54 The Perils of Self-Disclosure30:31 Therapist Over-Sharing: When It Gets Personal36:33 Couples Therapy Gone Wrong44:02 Therapists Falling Asleep: A New Low49:14 Unhelpful Advice: Have You Tried...?52:39 Conclusion: Sharing Your Stories

Friendship and Ketamine: Deconstructing Cultural MythsIn this episode of 'What If Nothing's Wrong With You,' Paula and Lisa dive into the overlooked importance of friendships and the therapeutic potential of ketamine. They begin by discussing their reactions to the Netflix remake of 'The Four Seasons,' and how it reflects outdated notions of relationships. The hosts then explore the cultural devaluation of friendships, particularly stressing how systemic issues like capitalism, white supremacy, and patriarchy undermine community bonds. They share personal stories, insights from research, and highlight the importance of being deliberate and effortful in maintaining friendships. The episode wraps up with powerful reflections on prioritizing platonic relationships for better mental health and overall well-being.00:00 Introduction and Today's Topics00:36 TV Show Review: The Four Seasons11:22 Young Sheldon and Intergenerational Themes14:18 Book Recommendation: Educated by Tara Westover16:14 The Emerald Podcast and Media Consumption20:06 Ketamine as a Treatment for Mental Health25:53 The Importance of Friendships28:48 The Devaluation of Friendships in Modern Society30:34 Redefining Romance and Friendship33:57 The Origin Story of a Lifelong Friendship39:56 The Myth of the Core Friend Group50:37 The Importance of Friendships for Parents and Children53:58 Friendship as a Sacred Form of Love55:36 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

In this episode of 'What If Nothing Is Wrong With You?', Paula D. Atkinson and Lisa K. Kays, dive deep into the complexities of the Boomer generation. They explore long-standing requests and discuss the historical, social, and psychological factors that have shaped Boomers into who they are today. Topics include the consequences of post-war trauma, lack of curiosity, over-identification with the country, and the struggles of growing up under Boomer parents. They also address the sensitive issue of going 'no contact' with difficult family members, providing insights into handling these challenging relationships. 

SHOW NOTESIn this episode of 'What if Nothing's Wrong with You?', Paula D. Atkinson, Lisa K. Kays, tackle the misuse and overuse of popular therapy terms like 'narcissist,' 'triggered,' and 'boundaries.' They dive into the potential pitfalls of mislabeling behaviors and emotions, emphasizing the importance of context and cultural factors. The discussion also covers the commodification of therapy terms and how they can sometimes do more harm than good. Along the way, they touch on reality TV insights from 'Squid Games' and 'RuPaul's Drag Race,' highlighting how these shows can serve as sociological experiments. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on navigating mental health language in today's world.00:00 Introduction and Wild Ride Since 202501:03 Squid Games Discussion02:39 Sociological Insights from Reality TV08:39 RuPaul's Drag Race and Gen X Parenting12:37 Chapel Rone's Controversial Comments19:31 Therapy Terms and Their Misuse34:31 Finding Calm and Setting Boundaries34:49 Facing Relationship Truths36:08 Energetic Boundaries and Self-Regulation37:57 Pathologizing Everyday Behaviors39:09 Narcissism and Cultural Context40:57 Dependence and Pathologizing Needs46:22 Misuse of Psychological Terms50:29 Depression vs. Heartbreak54:03 Capitalism and Human Suffering54:31 Trauma Bonding and Pathologizing Venting58:10 Ridiculous Diagnoses and Pathological Ambivalence01:07:38 Concluding Thoughts and Listener Engagement

In this episode of 'What If Nothing's Wrong With You?', hosts Paula D. Atkinson and Lisa K. Kays, dive into the complexities and chaos of online dating. They discuss their clients' experiences, Paula's memories of online dating, and how it can be approached in a relatively sane manner. They explore the impact of societal norms on relationships and the importance of individual preferences, freedom, and self-awareness. The hosts provide practical advice for managing online dating, including treating it as an experiment or skills-building lab. They also emphasize the significance of listening to one's body and give tips on how to gracefully say no to unsuitable matches.00:00 Introduction and Podcast Hosts00:10 Diving into Online Dating00:52 Lady Gaga's New Album and SNL Performance04:15 Mental Health and Celebrity Struggles06:25 Community Building and Conflict Management11:55 Heteronormativity and Relationship Freedom19:42 Online Dating Experiences and Challenges23:04 Dating and Speech Therapy: A Hilarious Connection23:53 The Serial Killer Factor in Dating24:20 Navigating Chemistry and Safety in Dating25:58 The Absurdity of Online Dating28:33 Setting Boundaries and Knowing What You Want33:17 Listening to Your Body's Signals37:26 Using Dating as a Skills-Building Lab39:52 Infinite Permission to Say No43:57 Final Thoughts and Listener Engagement

Welcome to another episode of 'What If Nothing's Wrong with You?' Join Paula D Atkinson and Lisa K Kays as they dive deep into the topics of heteronormativity, monogamy, and allonormativity. In this enlightening and thought-provoking episode, they explore various cultural norms and societal pressures that shape our relationships and identities. They discuss ethical non-monogamy, relationship agreements, and the impact of societal expectations on our mental health. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review! 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Theme01:08 Discussing Heteronormativity and Monogamy01:31 Lady Gaga and Generational Music Tastes04:49 Queer Art and Performances07:57 TV Show Recommendations and Therapy12:55 Patriarchy and Gender Norms22:38 Ethical Non-Monogamy Explained31:22 Challenging Monogamy and Traditional Love32:36 Queer Identity and Relationships33:19 The Problem with Heteronormativity35:13 Redefining Gender and Sexuality38:04 Relationship Agreements and Consent41:01 Amatonormativity and Its Impact45:48 Allonormativity and Sexual Liberation58:35 The Industrial Revolution's Influence on Family Structures01:04:16 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of 'What if Nothing's Wrong with You?' Paula Atkinson and Lisa Kays dive deep into the concept of autonomy and the importance of setting boundaries even if it means disappointing others. They address a listener's question about overcoming anxiety and discuss the pitfalls of bad therapy practices. The hosts also reflect on their personal experiences of stepping away from obligatory engagements, the societal expectations placed on women, and the crucial distinction between autonomy and selfishness.

Join us as we delve into discussions about intuition, community service, and the importance of staying connected in an increasingly fragmented world. From touching on the magic of Trader Joe's to the role of libraries and touching trees, we explore ways to stay sane and connected in tumultuous times. Plus, hear our thoughts on the powerful shifts with Pluto entering Aquarius and find out our updates on personal intuition and community gossip. As always, we aim to serve therapists and individuals looking for community and healing. Give us a review on Youtube, iTunes, follow us on Instagram, and join the conversation!

In this episode of 'What If Nothing's Wrong with You?', hosts Paula D. Atkinson and Lisa K. Kays discuss the pervasive issue of over-functioning, particularly among women. They explore the cultural grooming that perpetuates this behavior, the resentment it breeds in relationships, and the importance of being honest with oneself and others. From pop culture influences to personal anecdotes, Paula and Lisa delve into the dynamics that keep many trapped in cycles of over-functioning and under-functioning. They offer insights and practical advice on how to break free from these harmful patterns, advocating for authenticity, self-compassion, and genuine connection.

Navigating Tough Times: Laughter, Grief, and CommunityPaula D. Atkinson and Lisa K. Kays discuss coping mechanisms for challenging times in the latest episode of 'What If Nothing's Wrong With You.' Recorded on February 12th, they touch on the importance of humor and playfulness in resistance, the necessity of allowing oneself to grieve, and the benefits of crying. Highlights include a thorough breakdown of Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl Halftime Show, the portrayal of covert narcissism in 'Bad Sisters,' and a review of 'Young Sheldon.' The episode also discusses strategies for better mental health and sustaining a joyful resistance, including changing relationships with social media. Join Paula and Lisa for an improv painting workshop on March 8th to engage in mindful and creative healing.

Hosts Paula D Atkinson and Lisa K Kays dive into the topic of self-diagnosis, particularly with mental health conditions. Responding to a listener's request, they explore why many young people are turning to TikTok for information on mental health, and the mixed reactions from clinicians. The hosts share personal stories and insights, emphasizing the importance of allowing self-diagnosis as a tool for understanding and empowerment. They discuss the societal resistance to acknowledging neurodivergence and the potential harm caused by treating neurodivergent individuals as neurotypical. They also touch on the inadequacies of the current educational and healthcare systems in accommodating diverse mental health needs. The episode concludes with a call to embrace self-diagnosis and support the younger generation's quest for mental health awareness. 

Paula D Atkinson and Lisa K Kays discuss various easy-to-implement activities to improve mental health without the need for extensive therapy. They address topics like blocking negative people, planning trips, spending time outdoors, trusting intuition, the importance of sleep, and finding joy in frivolous activities. The episode also touches on serious issues, such as the recent allegations against P. Diddy and the problematic nature of group therapy sessions.

Therapists Paula D Atkinson and Lisa discuss the dark roots and current issues within modern psychotherapy, focusing on its links to white supremacy, colonialism, and patriarchal systems. They explore the historical context of psychotherapy, its evolution, and how these deep-seated prejudices continue to affect the profession today. The episode also covers the significance of critical self-awareness, liberation psychology, and the importance of confronting one's own biases for personal and societal healing.

In this episode of 'What If Nothing Is Wrong with You,' Paula D Atkinson and Lisa K Kays tackle the topic of intuition. They share anecdotal experiences, discuss the difference between intuition and anxiety, and offer practical tips on how to trust your inner voice. They also touch on popular culture references like the TV show 'Shrinking,' the movie 'The Substance,' and a concert experience with boomer attitudes. The episode wraps up with a fun exercise to help listeners practice listening to their intuition.

Navigating Post-Election Anxiety: A Psychotherapy Perspective On November 6th, 2024, seasoned psychotherapists Lisa and Paula offer a candid and heartfelt discussion following the recent election. They share personal and professional reflections on living through multiple Trump elections and the profound impact on mental health. They stress the importance of staying in the present, processing emotions, and fighting dehumanization in daily life. Through anecdotes and insights, Lisa and Paula emphasize the need for compassion, self-awareness, and local action to navigate these turbulent times.

In this episode, hosts Lisa Kays and Paula D. Atkinson discuss their personal journeys to sobriety, their complex relationships with the 12-step programs, and the cultural issues surrounding addiction recovery. They highlight how sobriety and recovery can be nuanced, personal experiences rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. The episode also examines the impact of toxic relationships on mental health and well-being, drawing from real-life examples and professional insights. Additionally, they touch on the various financial burdens faced by therapists and critique systemic issues within the medical and social work fields.

In this episode, hosts Paula D. Atkinson and Lisa Kays delve into the intricacies of female friendships, the physical and mental challenges of menopause, and the importance of companionship in combating loneliness. They share personal stories and trips, emphasize the need for maintaining a sense of self beyond societal and familial roles, and provide humorous anecdotes about introducing classic TV shows to younger generations. This episode also highlights discussions on gender roles, the undervaluation of friendships, and the health impacts of over-functioning. Referencing Jane Fonda's advocacy and statistical data, the conversation advocates for supportive relationships and the critical role they play in women's well-being, especially during hormonal transitions.