In this episode, we're talking about something that affects so many people but still carries a surprising amount of stigma: therapy. After receiving a listener request, we share our personal experiences with therapy, what we expected before we ever walked into an office, and how finding the right therapist can be a lot harder than people realize. From therapists who spent more time talking about themselves than helping us to the ones who genuinely challenged our thinking, we discuss what has—and hasn't—worked for us.

We also open up about why we each sought therapy in the first place. Julie shares her experience searching for answers while questioning her sexuality, while Ryann talks about finding an LGBTQ+-affirming therapist during the process of pursuing top surgery and navigating gender identity. Along the way, we discuss why therapy isn't about someone telling you what to do, but helping you ask better questions, recognize unhealthy thought patterns, and work through life's biggest challenges.

The conversation also turns to parenting and why we've chosen to normalize therapy for our own kids. We talk about childhood anxiety, ADHD, raising emotionally healthy children, and why we hope our kids will always see therapy as just another part of taking care of themselves—no different than going to the doctor or dentist. Whether you've been in therapy for years or you're still trying to find the courage to make that first appointment, this episode is an honest conversation about mental health, finding the right fit, and giving yourself permission to ask for help.

*Content Note: This episode contains discussions of mental health, anxiety, ADHD, depression, gender dysphoria, LGBTQ+ identity, gender transition, family relationships, and therapy experiences. We share our personal experiences only and are not mental health professionals.

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Julie is a podcast manager who helps people tell the stories they’ve been too scared to share. If you’ve been thinking about starting a podcast… this is your sign. Home - Julie Beck LLC