What is code-switching, and how does it affect your mental health?

In this solo episode, host Dustin explores the psychology of code-switching, the process of adjusting your behavior, personality, or identity depending on your environment. Using research from Minority Stress Theory and studies on identity and authenticity, we break down why people code-switch and how it can lead to stress, burnout, and a fragmented sense of self.

We also discuss how code-switching shows up in LGBTQ spaces, including the pressure to perform masculinity and fit into social hierarchies within the gay community.

If you’ve ever felt like a different version of yourself in different rooms, this episode will help you understand why and what it might be costing you.

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Work with Me: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.boymeetstherapy.com/work-with-me⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Created and Produced by Dustin Oliver

In this conversation, therapist Sean Hershey explores the complex relationship between emotional, psychological, and physical aspects of chronic pain. Discover how repressed emotions and self-connection play a crucial role in healing and how mind-body approaches can transform understanding and treatment.

Connect with Sean Hershey, LCSW:

Instagram: @my_gay_therapist

Website: www.mindbodymedicineforchronicpain.com

Sean's Podcast: Mindbody Medicine for Chronic Pain

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Work with Me: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.boymeetstherapy.com/work-with-me⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Created and Produced by Dustin Oliver

Keywords:

chronic pain, mind-body medicine, emotional health, psychological healing, somatic therapy, pain management, emotional repression, self-awareness, holistic health, mental health

Why is femininity often devalued among gay men and where do those preferences actually come from?

In this episode, host Dustin breaks down the psychology of masculinity, femininity, and attraction using a clinical lens. Moving beyond surface-level “preference” debates, this conversation explores how gender expression, early social experiences, and cultural reinforcement shape what we’re drawn to and how we see ourselves.

This episode is about understanding where our preferences come from and what they may be doing beneath the surface.

*Research sources are posted to the boy meets therapy blog page

Connect with boy meets therapy:

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Blog: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.boymeetstherapy.com/blog⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Work with Me: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.boymeetstherapy.com/work-with-me⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Created and Produced by Dustin Oliver