Shows
Edge of the CouchTalking to Clients About PoliticsThis is the most intense political landscape that we’ve ever experienced as therapists. Many of our clients are also hugely impacted by policies being enacted and fear is a common feeling for both therapists and clients alike. The focus of the episode is how to talk to clients about politics when it comes up in session because we know it can feel scary and precarious. We both share how we navigate political conversations in sessions, why it’s important to acknowledge that therapy is political, and what we do when/if clients ask us about our political stances. We a...
2025-02-2637 minEdge of the CouchWhen Clients Set Unrealistic ExpectationsWhat happens when a client expects therapy to “fix” them or assumes their therapist will always have the wise, perfect answer? In this episode, we explore how to set realistic expectations around the therapy process, the therapist’s role, and how change actually happens. How do we balance validating our clients’ hopes while grounding them in what therapy can (and can’t) do?Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch or share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram @edgeofthecouchpod, email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com, or voice note at speakpipe.com/edgeofthec...
2025-02-1938 minEdge of the CouchOpening a Private Practice: Our Personal StoriesWe’re so happy to be back after our holiday hiatus. We're starting the new season with a highly requested topic-- opening a private practice. Since we graduated, the landscape of the counselling field has changed tremendously. More and more clinicians are opening their own practices right after graduating and we know that can be extremely anxiety-provoking.While we don’t share specific how-to tips, we hope that by sharing our stories, you can pick up some niblets of helpful information. We both acutely remember the intensity of the transition into private practice. Every decision is now all...
2025-02-1241 minEdge of the CouchWorking with DiscernmentHow can we support clients in navigating the big life decisions, including to stay or leave relationships, choose career paths, or family planning? In this episode, we explore the therapeutic role of discernment. Often, people are grappling with the pros and cons of each choice. Some of these conversations are vital and productive, and other times, it feels like we are spinning our wheels. As the therapist, we can find ourselves frustrated or stuck not knowing where to go next. In the context of therapy, discernment isn't about finding the 'right' answer. Instead, it's about slowing down, exploring the...
2024-10-2337 minEdge of the CouchAre Therapists Becoming Enmeshed?This week, we talk about therapist enmeshment - what it is, how it happens, and what therapists can do to ensure they have appropriate boundaries with clients. For this conversation, we’re placing the context at the feet of the therapists and exploring how some therapy practices and some therapists encourage emotional enmeshment with clients.We talk about how over-identification with a client (we’ve experienced the same things so we must feel the same way), lack of energetic and relational boundaries, and making clients feel that we are dependent on them getting well all muddy the wate...
2024-06-1242 minEdge of the CouchWhen You Feel Like You Need to Prove YourselfIn this episode, we dive into a common struggle suggested by one of our awesome listeners: the nagging feeling of not "doing enough" in therapy. Join us as we unpack this topic and ask ourselves the question: Do trainings really make you a better therapist? We share our experiences and some controversial opinions. Whether you're a seasoned therapist or just starting out on your journey, this episode is your invitation to explore what's happening behind feeling the need to prove yourself in the therapy room. We do offer ideas about which trainings are worthwhile, and when it's time for...
2024-03-0640 minEdge of the CouchWhen a Client Rejects UsThis is a highly requested topic that comes with so much charge and tenderness. This week, we’re talking about being rejected by a client. We explore the myriad of rejections that can happen in the relationship - both micro and macro moments.We tenderly share what can come up for therapists when a client stops scheduling sessions or tells us they want to stop seeing us. This is an especially vulnerable moment for new therapists and we remember well how crushing it felt in the beginning.Throughout the episode, we discuss the many reasons th...
2024-02-2844 minEdge of the CouchStarting and Ending SessionsThis week we are taking it back to the basics-- how to open and close sessions! We share our favourite opening questions/remarks, talk about why it can be valuable to avoid “how are you” as the opening question, and what to do when clients look to you, the therapist, to lead.On the flip side, we wrap up the session by talking about the benefits of an intentional closing with clients, why it’s so important to be able to structure sessions, and how to build our interrupting skills.As clinicians, we often want to exp...
2024-02-2133 minEdge of the CouchResponding to "I Don't Know"This week, we’re sharing how we respond when clients answer with “I don’t know”s. We talk about why “I don’t know” can feel so discombobulating, how to respond effectively and without panicking, what these responses might mean from clients, and why they can help deepen the therapy work. We explore both when clients who often have robust answers suddenly give us an “I don’t know” and when clients often answer with “I don’t know”s, situations that have to be handled differently.When we were new therapists, “I don’t know” felt scary and unmanageable so w...
2024-02-1440 minEdge of the CouchCancellations, Late Cancellations, and No-ShowsNo-show and cancellation conversations are some of the most charged and controversial among therapists. There are constant debates about whether to charge for cancellations or not, how much notice is reasonable to therapists, and how strict or flexible to be with these policies.This week we deep dive into the huge importance of having clear policies that have been communicated to clients, building flexibility into policy to centre the therapeutic relationship, and why it’s valuable to charge what you are worth, adhere to your policies, and stand firm in your decisions.Join us on Pa...
2024-02-0747 minEdge of the CouchHelping Clients Take Relational RisksMany clients come to therapy with a history of charged relationship dynamics. Maybe they’ve been people-pleasing, maybe they shut others out, maybe they have difficulty being vulnerable with friends, maybe they crave closeness but don’t know how to get it, maybe they dance between investing too little in relationships to putting everything into them, maybe they never rock the boat for fear of abandonment…the list is endless. How, as therapists, do we help clients to move from one of these dynamics into a different way of showing up?This episode explores how we help client...
2024-01-3137 minEdge of the CouchDisillusionment, Exhaustion, and the Economy: Why so many therapists are leaving the fieldIf you’re on any therapy forums, part of a therapist group, or even currently becoming a therapist, you’ve undoubtedly seen people talking about therapists leaving the field. One of the most common questions we get from new therapists is how to know if the field is right for them given how much of a hard time they are having. This week we discuss our theories about why so many new and seasoned therapists alike are leaving the field. We talk about the disillusionment that happens when we transition from student to therapist, how much the fiel...
2024-01-2431 minEdge of the CouchThe Differences and Similarities Between In-Person and Virtual SessionsThe COVID-19 pandemic drastically changed the landscape of therapy. Where before 2020 online therapy was met with a great deal of skepticism and judgment, once in-person sessions were no longer possible, clinicians across the world had to pivot into virtual work. At first, it seemed that the changes may only be temporary (“just until it’s safe to be in-person again”) but here we are almost four years later, and virtual work has become an undeniable part of our field.In this episode, we dive into the pros and cons, and the debates around virtual versus in-person therapy. We tal...
2024-01-1746 minEdge of the CouchWhen Clients Talk about "Small Things"Major major MAJOR caveat: what clients bring to sessions is important regardless of the ‘size’ of it. We used the terminology “small things” as it felt that it explained the situation in the most precise way but we know that nothing is ever really “small” when we consider context, our clients’ lives, and the power of little things in our day-to-day existence.With that clarified, this week’s episode is about what comes up for us as therapists when clients explore minor/small/seemingly insignificant (ugh, it’s hard to find the most accurate language to use) stories or challen...
2024-01-0346 minEdge of the CouchTherapist BoundariesJoin us in a candid conversation about policies and power in therapy. We delve into the topic of therapist boundaries, drawing parallels with dynamics with supervisors and bosses. We get real about the challenges of asserting boundaries within complicated power dynamics, whether you're the therapist with your own clients or you're navigating dynamics with your supervisor or boss. We hope you are better able to recognize red flags and take away practical strategies for making the work more sustainable for you long-term. Number 1: Re-assess your policies!Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com...
2023-12-2731 minEdge of the CouchNaming the Elephant in the RoomLet’s imagine that in the course of a session, a client casually mentions something that feels big but the conversation moves beyond it quickly. As the therapist, we may have a sense that we need to go back to that big thing (such as a history of abuse or an upcoming grief anniversary or that they lost their job) but we may not know how or when to do so!Or let’s imagine that a client hasn’t paid for their last four sessions. It’s become such a big anxiety that it feels impossibly hard to...
2023-12-2026 minEdge of the CouchWorking with ShameShame is often talked about in pop psych, but what does it mean? In this episode all about this tender emotion, we describe how the different theoretical frameworks understand how shame operates and how to work with it to move the therapy forward. From childhood trauma and abuse to marginalized identities and privilege, we unpack how shame might show up for people and the various ways we can help clients address it. It's a messy dive into this universal emotion, and we're well aware we've just scratched the surface. Share your thoughts, strategies, and maybe some suggestions for a...
2023-12-1331 minEdge of the CouchThe Therapist as Fellow TravellerIn our therapeutic work, we think of ourselves as ‘fellow travellers’ who journey alongside our clients in the evolving, changing, learning etc. But recently we were asked by a listener, “what does being a fellow traveller actually mean?” We realized then that we’ve never taken the time to dive into what we really mean when we use this metaphor.This episode is all about how we conceptualize the role of therapist, how we use ‘fellow traveller’ as a specific way to describe the relational nature of our work, and what we do to embody this practice with clients.
2023-12-0624 minEdge of the CouchWhat We Look for in Practicum StudentsWe’re back and excited for Season 6!! We’re opening the season with a juicy question that we get a lot - what are practicum supervisors looking for? We can’t speak for all supervisors but we had a great time recording this episode explaining what we both look for in student applications.Applying to a practicum site or a new therapist job is a pretty vulnerable process. Students are often anxious and desperate to find a site and there is a lot riding on whether they secure a practicum or not! In this episode, we share the co...
2023-11-2934 minEdge of the CouchHardest Moments, Most Joyful MomentsFrom celebrating clients' milestones and triumphs to helping them navigate the darkest seasons of life, in our final episode of Season 5, we'll share what makes being a therapist especially meaningful. We also discuss what happens when clients have news and we have very different feelings about it than our clients. If you have enjoyed listening along this season, please give us a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Stay tuned for Season 6 coming in the Fall!For bonus episodes, you can join us on patreon at patreon.com/edgeofthecouchAlison McClearywww.alpenglowcounselling.com
2023-08-3042 minEdge of the CouchThe Dreaded Summer SlumpAlison McClearywww.alpenglowcounselling.com@alpenglow_counselling on InstagramJordan Pickellwww.jordanpickellcounselling.ca@jordanpickellcounselling on InstagramEdge of the Couchwww.edgeofthecouch.com@edgeofthecouchpod on InstagramWe have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.Leading Edge Seminars is bringing their sought-after EMDR training to Toronto and Halifax. This isn’t just any EMDR training—it's deve...
2023-08-2333 minEdge of the CouchThe Basic Skills of Therapy, According to UsWe’ve often joked that if we were to start a counselling school, the basic skills training would look very different than the program we completed together. In this episode, we share with you the foundational therapy skills that guide our practice and that we think therapy school should focus on instead-- empathy, presence, comfort, attunement, and accuracy.Alison McClearywww.alpenglowcounselling.com@alpenglow_counselling on InstagramJordan Pickellwww.jordanpickellcounselling.ca@jordanpickellcounselling on InstagramEdge of the Couchwww.edgeofthecouch.com@edgeofthecouchpod on InstagramWe...
2023-06-1439 minEdge of the CouchQ&A: Big Questions AnsweredWe met on zoom with listeners for a LIVE Q&A episode where members of our community asked questions in real time. We discuss how to help clients sit with their difficult feelings, how to manage the moments when a client is seeking answers but doesn’t seem satisfied with the tools you’re offering, how to be thoughtful about maintaining privacy during virtual sessions when the client is unbothered by being in public, what self-esteem building therapy looks like, and more!Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who joined us and everyone who sent us q...
2023-06-0747 minEdge of the CouchSitting with Grieving ClientsGrief and loss are inevitable parts of therapeutic work. Clients' pain (or anger or confusion) is sometimes so big and it can feel delicate for new therapists to know how to hold all of the bigness. Many programs don’t prepare new therapists for how to support clients who have experienced a significant loss. We know that new and seasoned therapists alike have moments of "What do I do here??". We discuss the myth of stages of grief, the importance of psychoeducation, how clients can feel devastated by the loss of someone with whom they have a parasocial relationship, an...
2023-05-3145 minEdge of the CouchThe Unsettling Truth of Bad TherapistsThere is a welcome discourse about the humanity of therapists. But with this new perspective, we risk losing sight of the reality that some therapists are actively harmful. In this episode, we talk about egregious mistakes therapists make.Alison McClearywww.alpenglowcounselling.com@alpenglow_counselling on InstagramJordan Pickellwww.jordanpickellcounselling.ca@jordanpickellcounselling on InstagramEdge of the Couchwww.edgeofthecouch.com@edgeofthecouchpod on InstagramWe have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if...
2023-05-2444 minEdge of the CouchClients Who Exclusively Talk About Other PeopleThe therapeutic hour is such a unique space in which full attention is dedicated to the client. As clinicians, we are all set to really centre the client in the conversations and skill-building. We want to know all about that singular person and we want them to take up the space for their hour. Not only do they pay for that time, but it’s also a sacred practice of singular attention that is unlike many other aspects of our clients lives.But what happens in the moments when the client isn’t prioritizing themself? How do we i...
2023-05-1750 minEdge of the CouchDo Clients Owe Us The Truth?The big question this week is about whether clients owe us the truth. We believe that as therapists, we are always working from the foundational assumption that clients are telling us the truth. We listen and believe their stories, offering reactions to whatever is present at any given time. Even if we are getting partial truths, stories without specific details, or we are hearing a fabrication, our empathy and curiosity are unaffected.Alison McClearywww.alpenglowcounselling.com@alpenglow_counselling on InstagramJordan Pickellwww.jordanpickellcounselling.ca@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram...
2023-05-1037 minEdge of the CouchBeing Selective about Clients: Are we allowed to work solely with ideal clients?At the midway point of our season, we’re talking all about what an ideal client really is. We’re also navigating the controversial topic about whether therapists are permitted to be highly selective about the clients they work with. While these topics tend to come up in marketing conversations (how to ensure your website attracts your ideal client, for example), we want to talk about what they mean when it comes to clinical work.Recently, the therapy field has been engaging in some charged conversations about whether it’s okay to say “I only work with this pop...
2023-05-0349 minEdge of the CouchThe Difference Between Theoretical Orientation and Personal ApproachAs new therapists, we are often exploring what we like, how we want to speak, what our approach really is. And as such, we may adopt an approach that we think fits with our theoretical orientation (“this is probably how an AEDP therapist does therapy”). This week’s episode is all about how to hold our theoretical orientation in mind as a framework while allowing ourselves to develop our own unique styles.Alison McClearywww.alpenglowcounselling.com@alpenglow_counselling on InstagramJordan Pickellwww.jordanpickellcounselling.ca@jordanpickellcounselling on InstagramEdge o...
2023-04-2640 minEdge of the CouchFinding Levity in TherapyLots of the conversations about being a therapist are heavy and that’s simply the nature of the work. We know that and we love being in the heaviness. But therapy isn’t all heaviness. As therapists, we share many moments with our clients that are sunny and joy-filled, too. This week’s episode is all about lightness, fun, and silliness being used as intentional tools in the therapy space. We explore how to use humour in sessions to deepen relationship, facilitate “coming up for air”, and because, at the end of the day, therapist and client are two real peopl...
2023-04-1944 minEdge of the CouchMetaphor and Analogy as Therapeutic ToolsIn this episode, we discuss the various ways metaphor and analogy come up in therapy. We invite you to use these as tools for deepening the therapeutic relationship, deepening client understanding, and creating a shared vocabulary that you can use with each client. And we have a great time swapping stories of times that these tools have been most helpful!Alison McClearywww.alpenglowcounselling.com@alpenglow_counselling on InstagramJordan Pickellwww.jordanpickellcounselling.ca@jordanpickellcounselling on InstagramEdge of the Couchwww.edgeofthecouch.com@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram
2023-04-1240 minEdge of the CouchParents, Parenting, and Parental EstrangementContent note: Mentions of childhood sexual abuseNo matter what your modality, the client goals, or the presenting issue, all clients will mention parenting at some point. This episode explores the complex nature of parents and parenting. We talk about how to do therapy with adult children processing how they were parented. We discuss how to work with parents who want to be more effective. And we share about the very delicate and powerful process of a client choosing to go no or low contact with a parent.Alison McClearywww.alpenglowcounselling.com...
2023-04-0556 minEdge of the CouchHow Much Relational Processing is Too Much?In this listener-requested episode, we define what relationship processing is, why it’s valuable in therapy, and how to have conversations with clients about the therapeutic relationship. We also gently examine if there are moments where relational processing is ill-advised and if there can be too much of a good thing?Alison McClearywww.alpenglowcounselling.com@alpenglow_counselling on InstagramJordan Pickellwww.jordanpickellcounselling.ca@jordanpickellcounselling on InstagramEdge of the Couchwww.edgeofthecouch.com@edgeofthecouchpod on InstagramWe have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one pr...
2023-03-2942 minEdge of the CouchWhen Clients Say They Aren't Getting Anything Out of TherapyThis week’s episode is all about navigating the moment when a client can’t (or won’t?) see the impact and/or benefits of therapy. We share all of the ways that we respond in these types of hard moments. We also share how we have learned to reframe these moments as opportunities for deepening the relationship with the client and for understanding them better.An important takeaway from this episode: there are realistic limitations of therapy. It is an individualistic endeavour in a capitalist, white supremacist, patriarchal society. There are some things that therapy cannot help c...
2023-03-2240 minEdge of the CouchShowing Up When You Don’t Feel Your BestWelcome to Season 5 of Edge of the Couch. For this season, every episode will focus on a topic requested by listeners. In this episode, we discuss something that every therapist will inevitably face at some point in their career: how to show up for sessions when you're not feeling your best. Whether it's due to illness, a family emergency, a breakup, burnout, chronic pain, or depression, we understand the struggle of having to be "on" when you're dealing with personal issues outside of work. Here, we share personal stories, encouragement, and insights we hope will support you in navigating...
2023-03-1539 minEdge of the CouchResponding to Feedback about the Podcast[Content note: Mention of abortion] In the closing episode of Season 4, we break our typical format to talk about the feedback we've received about the podcast, specifically when people have told us they have disagreed with us. We appreciate your questions, feedback, and ideas for the podcast, and please keep them coming! Alison McClearywww.alpenglowcounselling.com@alpenglow_counselling on InstagramJordan Pickellwww.jordanpickellcounselling.ca@jordanpickellcounselling on InstagramEdge of the Couchwww.edgeofthecouch.com@edgeofthecouchpod on InstagramWe have partnered with Janeapp, an...
2022-12-2138 minEdge of the CouchWhen You Have a Mediocre SessionSometimes you end the video chat or close the therapy room door at the end of session and there's a feeling of confusion, missed opportunity, or incompletion. The session was a dud. In this episode, we talk about our own experiences with sessions that don't really feel like they go anywhere, the feelings that come up, and our unique self-critical voices around our work.Alison McClearywww.alpenglowcounselling.com@alpenglow_counselling on InstagramJordan Pickellwww.jordanpickellcounselling.ca@jordanpickellcounselling on InstagramEdge of the Couchwww.edgeofthecouch.com
2022-12-1441 minEdge of the CouchCan Clients Become Too Dependent on Therapy?Alison McClearywww.alpenglowcounselling.com@alpenglow_counselling on InstagramJordan Pickellwww.jordanpickellcounselling.ca@jordanpickellcounselling on InstagramEdge of the Couchwww.edgeofthecouch.com@edgeofthecouchpod on InstagramWe have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.Leading Edge Seminars is bringing their sought-after EMDR training to Toronto and Halifax. This isn’t just any EMDR training—it's deve...
2022-12-0742 minEdge of the CouchWhen Your Clients Take Your Words and Run with ThemAlison McClearywww.alpenglowcounselling.com@alpenglow_counselling on InstagramJordan Pickellwww.jordanpickellcounselling.ca@jordanpickellcounselling on InstagramEdge of the Couchwww.edgeofthecouch.com@edgeofthecouchpod on InstagramWe have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.Leading Edge Seminars is bringing their sought-after EMDR training to Toronto and Halifax. This isn’t just any EMDR training—it's deve...
2022-11-3036 minEdge of the CouchThe Art of Asking QuestionsIn this episode, we unpack some of the messages we received in graduate school around the use of questions in session. We share some of our favourite question phrases and encouragement to continue developing your skills (and self-compassion!). Alison McClearywww.alpenglowcounselling.com@alpenglow_counselling on InstagramJordan Pickellwww.jordanpickellcounselling.ca@jordanpickellcounselling on InstagramEdge of the Couchwww.edgeofthecouch.com@edgeofthecouchpod on InstagramWe have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if...
2022-11-2343 minEdge of the CouchAre Boys and Men a Special Population? - Interview with Jake ErnstThis week, we talk with Jake Ernst, also known as @mswjake on Instagram. He's a social worker, a Clinical Director, and co-host of the This is Not Therapy podcast. Today, we explore what it looks like working with men and boys, trends he's seeing with young people right now, and what it is like being a therapist on social media. Jake is such a warm and brilliant human. This is a fascinating conversation we think you will enjoy.Jake ErnstClinical Director of Straight Up Healthhttps://www.mswjake.com/@mswjake on Instagram...
2022-11-161h 06Edge of the CouchHonouring All of Your Identities as a TherapistGrad school sometimes tries to separate the various parts of our identity into “therapist” and “everything else” but we don’t think therapists need to do that necessarily. In this episode, we talk about the power of integrating all different parts of ourselves into our work as clinicians, whether it’s sharing with clients our love of gardening or doing the deeper work of acknowledging how the intersectional parts of our identities are already in the room with us for every session.Alison McClearywww.alpenglowcounselling.com@alpenglow_counselling on InstagramJordan Pickellwww.jord...
2022-11-0937 minEdge of the CouchUnderstanding Your Scope of PracticeAlison McClearywww.alpenglowcounselling.com@alpenglow_counselling on InstagramJordan Pickellwww.jordanpickellcounselling.ca@jordanpickellcounselling on InstagramEdge of the Couchwww.edgeofthecouch.com@edgeofthecouchpod on InstagramWe have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.Leading Edge Seminars is bringing their sought-after EMDR training to Toronto and Halifax. This isn’t just any EMDR training—it's deve...
2022-11-0241 minEdge of the CouchWhat You Deserve From Supervision: An Interview with Jennifer HollinsheadWe are joined by Jennifer Hollinshead, the clinical director at @peakresilience, a therapist/supervisor and all around cool person who is going to be talking about what supervisees deserve from their supervisors. She shares her personal (and theory backed) approach to supervision that emphasizes the relationship above all else, how supervisees can make the most out of their supervision time, and how to re-affirm our faith in supervision after we’ve graduated and moved beyond practicum experiences.Jennifer Hollinsheadwww.peak-resilience.com@peakresilienceAlison McClearywww.alpenglowcounselling.com@alpenglow_counselling on In...
2022-10-2652 minEdge of the CouchThere are Consequences to TherapyTherapy undoubtedly changes our clients! But how exactly are clients changed? This week, we’re exploring what we have noticed are the consequences of therapy. As you’ll hear, it’s hard to call changes either “good” or “bad”. Oftentimes what feels hard for clients is still good in the long run but it can still really suck right now! Alison McClearywww.alpenglowcounselling.com@alpenglow_counselling on InstagramJordan Pickellwww.jordanpickellcounselling.ca@jordanpickellcounselling on InstagramEdge of the Couchwww.edgeofthecouch.com@edgeofthecouchpod on InstagramWe ha...
2022-10-1951 minEdge of the CouchWhat Does Authenticity Mean as a Therapist?We talk about authenticity on our podcast all the time but we haven’t yet slowed down to define what we mean by ‘authenticity’ and what showing up authentically as a therapist really looks like. We share our evolving definitions of authenticity including the characteristics present in an authentic therapist (reciprocity, curiosity, self-reflection) and how those characteristics come alive in the therapy room. We also talk about offering values-driven therapy that helps us feel most aligned with ourselves even when we’re working.Alison McClearywww.alpenglowcounselling.com@alpenglow_counselling on InstagramJordan Pickell
2022-10-1240 minEdge of the CouchBurnout, Vicarious Trauma, and the Myth of Self-CareThis week’s episode was highly requested from listeners. We are exploring the causes of burnout for therapists and what we can do about it! Listen more to hear Alison get on her "soap box" about the myth of self-care and learn how Jordan can tell she has been impacted by vicarious trauma.Alison McClearywww.alpenglowcounselling.com@alpenglow_counselling on InstagramJordan Pickellwww.jordanpickellcounselling.ca@jordanpickellcounselling on InstagramEdge of the Couchwww.edgeofthecouch.com@edgeofthecouchpod on InstagramWe have partnered with Janeapp, an...
2022-10-0542 minEdge of the CouchUsing Your Face in Therapy: Sometimes a slow nod or an eye roll says it allSometimes we concentrate so much on knowing what to say to clients that we forget that what we don’t say is just as therapeutic. This week’s episode is all about the power and impact of nonverbal communication with our clients. This episode explores nods, smirks, grimaces, hand gestures, eye rolls, body movements and so much more. Even the smallest muscle flex in our face when perfectly timed can communicate some really big things to our clients, especially the longer we have been working with that person. After a while, our clients really do get to know us and...
2022-09-2853 minEdge of the CouchWorry about Clients (How Much is Too Much?)As therapists, it’s normal to think of clients between sessions and hope that they’re doing alright. But what happens when we worry so much that we can’t stop thinking about them? What happens when we find ourselves wanting to check in to be sure they’re okay? What about when we feel like we want to save our clients from pain? This week, we’re diving right in and exploring these questions.Alison McClearywww.alpenglowcounselling.com@alpenglow_counselling on InstagramJordan Pickellwww.jordanpickellcounselling.ca@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram
2022-09-2148 minEdge of the CouchSetting Intentions for Second SessionsAs therapists, we can anticipate how first sessions are going to go. The informed consent process and intake questionnaires give us a bit of a script. It's usually in the second session that we shift into the rhythm of what ongoing therapy is going to feel like, but that transition can feel clunky! Second sessions can be an opportunity to clarify expectations, build trust, and create norms for relating. We hope this conversation helps you approach second sessions with thoughtfulness and enthusiasm.With Edge of the couch, we are here to create a space to delve into...
2022-09-1446 minEdge of the CouchHow to Know What to SayDo you have moments in session where your mind goes completely blank and you don't know what to say? In the early years of being a therapist, there can be a real fear of freezing mid-conversation. Here, we share our experiences of mind-blank panic moments, how our relationship with the not-knowing has shifted over time, and phrases we keep at the ready for when we don't know quite where to go.With Edge of the couch, we are here to create a space to delve into the topics that were either shied away from or dismissed because...
2022-09-0747 minEdge of the CouchSeason 3 Thoughts and the Current Landscape for TherapistsIn this bonus episode, we went on IG Live to wrap up Season 3 and discuss our thoughts about what therapists are currently facing.If you would like to support our work, give us a review on Apple podcasts or share the show with a friend. You can also join our Patreon to get full access to our bonus episodes. www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouchAlison McClearywww.alpenglowcounselling.com@alpenglow_counselling on InstagramJordan Pickellwww.jordanpickellcounselling.ca@jordanpickellcounselling on InstagramEdge of the Couchwww.edgeofthecouch...
2022-06-0841 minEdge of the CouchHow to Build TrustFor the Season 3 finale, we dive deep into a question we received from a listener: "How do you build trust with a client that has difficulty trusting people?"Alison McClearywww.alpenglowcounselling.com@alpenglow_counselling on InstagramJordan Pickellwww.jordanpickellcounselling.ca@jordanpickellcounselling on InstagramEdge of the Couchwww.edgeofthecouch.com@edgeofthecouchpod on InstagramWe have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the...
2022-06-0146 minEdge of the CouchQ+A Best Trainings, Saying the Wrong Thing, and Managing Guilt for Leaving Agency WorkThanks for sending in your questions for this special Q+A episode. Some questions were so juicy, we are saving them for full episode conversations.Today's questions include:What do you do when you say the wrong thing at the end of session?How do you deal with guilt for leaving agency work?What is the best training for the money?How do you respond when a client says something inappropriate about your appearance?How do you manage wildly different perspectives in group therapy? Alison McClearywww.alpenglowcounselling.com...
2022-05-2540 minEdge of the CouchWhen You Judge Your ClientsSome topics are a lot edgier than others and this one feels riiiiiiight at the edge, that’s for sure. This week we are exploring what happens when we notice ourselves judging our clients’ actions, especially when we think they have made a “wrong” decision.Alison McClearywww.alpenglowcounselling.com@alpenglow_counselling on InstagramJordan Pickellwww.jordanpickellcounselling.ca@jordanpickellcounselling on InstagramEdge of the Couchwww.edgeofthecouch.com@edgeofthecouchpod on InstagramWe have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at...
2022-05-1843 minEdge of the CouchYou Have to be a Therapist to be a TherapistAlison McClearywww.alpenglowcounselling.com@alpenglow_counselling on InstagramJordan Pickellwww.jordanpickellcounselling.ca@jordanpickellcounselling on InstagramEdge of the Couchwww.edgeofthecouch.com@edgeofthecouchpod on InstagramWe have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign-up.Leading Edge Seminars is bringing their sought-after EMDR training to Toronto and Halifax. This isn’t just any EMDR training—it's developed and...
2022-05-1138 minEdge of the CouchSaying Goodbye to ClientsThe tenderness of termination sessions can be overwhelming for both client and therapist and so this week’s episode introduces listeners to sitting with all that feels raw, how to build ritual into termination, how to collaboratively prepare clients for the end, how to meaningfully and beautifully and genuinely say a unique goodbye to each client, and how to help clients begin the process of starting with a new therapist. There is so much packed into this session, all stuff we wish we had known when we were starting out in practicum.Alison McClearywww.alpenglowcounselling.co...
2022-05-0439 minEdge of the CouchThe Messiness of Therapy - Interview with Tyndal SchreinerThis week, we're joined by Tyndal Schreiner to talk about and normalize how messy therapy can be. From post-session headaches to the reality that the middle part of the therapy journey is unpleasant, she is sharing her wisdom about how to sit with what is unpolished about the therapeutic process.Tyndal Schreinerwww.tyndalelizabeth.com@tyndalelizabeth on InstagramAlison McClearywww.alpenglowcounselling.com@alpenglow_counselling on InstagramJordan Pickellwww.jordanpickellcounselling.ca@jordanpickellcounselling on InstagramEdge of the Couchwww.edgeofthecouch.com@edgeofthecouchpod...
2022-04-2741 minEdge of the CouchTake Up Space in SessionAlison McClearywww.alpenglowcounselling.com@alpenglow_counselling on InstagramJordan Pickellwww.jordanpickellcounselling.ca@jordanpickellcounselling on InstagramEdge of the Couchwww.edgeofthecouch.com@edgeofthecouchpod on InstagramWe have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign-up.Leading Edge Seminars is bringing their sought-after EMDR training to Toronto and Halifax. This isn’t just any EMDR training—it's developed and...
2022-04-2038 minEdge of the CouchWhy Therapists Must Go to TherapyAlison McClearywww.alpenglowcounselling.com@alpenglow_counselling on InstagramJordan Pickellwww.jordanpickellcounselling.ca@jordanpickellcounselling on InstagramEdge of the Couchwww.edgeofthecouch.com@edgeofthecouchpod on InstagramWe have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign-up.Leading Edge Seminars is bringing their sought-after EMDR training to Toronto and Halifax. This isn’t just any EMDR training—it's developed and...
2022-04-1343 minEdge of the CouchOwn Who You Are and What You Need - Interview with Theresa ThomasTheresa Thomas, RCC is our special guest this week. Topics include:- Her experience as a Black student in graduate school- How she is not everyone's therapist- Bias against survivors of violence- The culture of burnout in a non-profit setting- Showing up for Black clients by grieving together- Recovery from burnoutTheresa Thomaswww.inpowercounselling.com@inpowercounselling on InstagramCounselling resources on Etsy https://www.etsy.com/shop/inpowertherapytools Alison McClearywww.alpenglowcounselling.com@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram
2022-03-3043 minEdge of the CouchHow to Do Free ConsultationsAlison McClearywww.alpenglowcounselling.com@alpenglow_counselling on InstagramJordan Pickellwww.jordanpickellcounselling.ca@jordanpickellcounselling on InstagramEdge of the Couchwww.edgeofthecouch.com@edgeofthecouchpod on InstagramWe have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.Leading Edge Seminars is bringing their sought-after EMDR training to Toronto and Halifax. This isn’t just any EMDR training—it's deve...
2022-03-2341 minEdge of the CouchChitchat Isn't TherapyAlison McClearywww.alpenglowcounselling.com@alpenglow_counselling on InstagramJordan Pickellwww.jordanpickellcounselling.ca@jordanpickellcounselling on InstagramEdge of the Couchwww.edgeofthecouch.com@edgeofthecouchpod on InstagramWe have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.Leading Edge Seminars is bringing their sought-after EMDR training to Toronto and Halifax. This isn’t just any EMDR training—it's deve...
2022-03-1636 minEdge of the CouchAnti-fat Bias in Therapy -- Interview with Alexandra ShewanAlexandra Shewanwww.selkiecounselling.ca@selkiecounselling on InstagramAlison McClearywww.alpenglowcounselling.com@alpenglow_counselling on InstagramJordan Pickellwww.jordanpickellcounselling.ca@jordanpickellcounselling on InstagramEdge of the Couchwww.edgeofthecouch.com@edgeofthecouchpod on InstagramWe have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.Leading Edge Seminars is bringing their sought-after EMDR training...
2022-03-0944 minEdge of the CouchThe Insidious Nature of Competitiveness"The therapy space is oversaturated. You're going to have to fight for clients" is just one of the messages Alison and Jordan received in grad school. Some therapists brag about how burned out they are, how marginalized their clients are, how many sessions they squeeze into the week. Students are actually pitted against each other when applying for internships. Do you recognize that burning feeling of envy in yourself? Do you ever want to take someone down a peg? In this episode, we talk about the insidious nature of competitiveness and how you can stay above the fray.
2022-03-0236 minEdge of the CouchFinding Your Theoretical OrientationAlison and Jordan talk about the importance of your theoretical orientation-- when it matters, when it doesn't matter so much, and when it straight-up gets in the way. They talk about their own journeys in finding their theoretical orientation and how they make room for it to continue to evolve. Alison McClearywww.alpenglowcounselling.com@alpenglow_counselling on InstagramJordan Pickellwww.jordanpickellcounselling.ca@jordanpickellcounselling on InstagramEdge of the Couchwww.edgeofthecouch.com@edgeofthecouchpod on InstagramWe have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice...
2022-02-2340 minEdge of the CouchWhen Things Go SidewaysIn this first episode of Season 3, Jordan and Alison discuss when things go sideways in a session (or before a session!) This topic is for counselling students and new therapists who tend to plan their sessions out to the letter. Listen to Jordan and Alison speak about their own experiences, and prepare yourself to stay grounded no matter what happens in the clinical hour!Alison McClearywww.alpenglowcounselling.com@alpenglow_counselling on InstagramJordan Pickellwww.jordanpickellcounselling.ca@jordanpickellcounselling on InstagramEdge of the Couchwww.edgeofthecouch.com
2022-02-1643 minEdge of the CouchHolding onto HopeIn this Season 2 finale, Jordan and Alison discuss the ethic of practicing hope, how to support clients through despair, and what happens when we as therapists are disconnected from a sense of hope.Thank you so much for listening this season! We will be back with new episodes in February. Do you have ideas for next season episode topics? Send us an email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com.Alison McClearywww.alpenglowcounselling.com@alpenglow_counselling on InstagramJordan Pickellwww.jordanpickellcounselling.ca@jordanpickellcounselling on InstagramEdge of the...
2022-01-1246 minEdge of the CouchReligion, Spirituality, and GhostsThis week's episode comes with a content warning: Mention of abortion, conversion "therapy"In our very first episode recorded in person, Alison and Jordan speak off the cuff about relating to clients who have very different belief systems than you. Alison McClearywww.alpenglowcounselling.com@alpenglow_counselling on InstagramJordan Pickellwww.jordanpickellcounselling.ca@jordanpickellcounselling on InstagramEdge of the Couchwww.edgeofthecouch.com@edgeofthecouchpod on InstagramWe have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane...
2021-12-0849 minEdge of the CouchHow to Leave Work at WorkIn this episode, Jordan and Alison help new therapists navigate setting boundaries between work and home life, which is particularly difficult when you work from a space off your bedroom!Alison McClearywww.alpenglowcounselling.com@alpenglow_counselling on InstagramJordan Pickellwww.jordanpickellcounselling.ca@jordanpickellcounselling on InstagramEdge of the Couchwww.edgeofthecouch.com@edgeofthecouchpod on InstagramWe have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, use the...
2021-12-0147 minEdge of the CouchRupture and RepairIn this episode, Alison and Jordan talk about mistakes they have made, how sometimes one person feels a rupture while the other person doesn't, and the need to apologize when we have messed up (but not for being a human.)Alison McClearywww.alpenglowcounselling.com@alpenglow_counselling on InstagramJordan Pickellwww.jordanpickellcounselling.ca@jordanpickellcounselling on InstagramEdge of the Couchwww.edgeofthecouch.com@edgeofthecouchpod on InstagramWe have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane...
2021-11-2443 minEdge of the CouchReframing Our Fear of Failure and Embracing Mistake Making - Interview with Kat DeFattaWe have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, use the code EDGECOUCH1MO at the time of sign-up for a 1 month grace period.Alison McClearywww.alpenglowcounselling.com@alpenglow_counselling on InstagramJordan Pickellwww.jordanpickellcounselling.ca@jordanpickellcounselling on InstagramEdge of the Couchwww.edgeofthecouch.com@edgeofthecouchpod on InstagramLeading Edge Seminars is bringing their sought-after EMDR training to Toronto and Halifax. This isn’t...
2021-11-1734 minEdge of the CouchThe Beautiful, Powerful Art of Self-DisclosureWe have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, use the code EDGECOUCH1MO at the time of sign-up for a 1 month grace period.Alison McClearywww.alpenglowcounselling.com@alpenglow_counselling on InstagramJordan Pickellwww.jordanpickellcounselling.ca@jordanpickellcounselling on InstagramEdge of the Couchwww.edgeofthecouch.com@edgeofthecouchpod on InstagramLeading Edge Seminars is bringing their sought-after EMDR training to Toronto and Halifax. This isn’t...
2021-11-1048 minEdge of the CouchProgress Notes: Often Stressful, Sometimes DangerousProgress notes are one of the most tiresome and stressful parts of being a therapist! While completing notes can feel like trying to catch the wind in a net, never quite being able to complete them all, a therapists’ notes (even minimal, even incomplete) hold a lot of power. What is in a note can have huge consequences for how we view the client and in the absolute worst case scenarios, notes can be held against clients in horrible ways. So what should a therapist write in a note? What should therapists avoid writing? When does a cli...
2021-11-0327 minEdge of the CouchPracticing Joy and Play for Collective Liberation - Interview with Ji-Youn KimIn this episode, Jordan interviews Ji-Youn Kim. Ji-Youn (she/they) is a justice-oriented therapist in the pursuit of collective liberation, located in what is colonially known as Vancouver, Canada. She aims to disrupt oppressive practices of the mental health industry and its complicities, and envision new ways of mental health care rooted in community and collective healing. She also deeply believes in liberatory rage and embodied liberation as a process, co-facilitating workshops on Processing Rage.In the episode, Ji-Youn mentions people she has learned from and learned with:Dr. Jennifer Mullan @DecolonizingTherapyDr. Travis HeathVikki ReynoldsGabes Torres...
2021-10-2744 minEdge of the CouchI passed a client on the street! Should I say 'Hi'?This week’s episode is all about how we manage the moments when we see a client outside of the therapeutic space-the good, the bad, and the uncomfortable. Big takeaways include inviting you to consider your personal policies, even if you live in a big city and don’t expect to see clients often; how to talk to clients about instances when you do see them out and about; and how to make sure you don’t stop living your life out of fear of a client seeing you!We'd love to hear from you. Send us an ema...
2021-10-2044 minEdge of the CouchMultiple clients owe me money. Now what??This week’s episode is all about the toughest, most awkward, anxiety-inducing, resentment-building money topics! Probably surprising to no one here, our programs don’t always prepare us for how to best manage these tricky moments and so Alison and Jordan share their tips and tricks for navigating a variety of situations. Littered throughout the episode are also some throwback hilariously mismanaged stories to normalize how sometimes we really have to mess it all up to learn how to do it well.We'd love to hear from you. Send us an email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com to tell...
2021-10-0640 minEdge of the CouchTalking to Clients about SexWe may know why a client talks about sex, but we don’t always know how WE will feel when that happens. As sex-positive or sex-neutral as we aspire to be, there can be topics, words, or stories that make us uncomfortable or maybe even giggle. In this episode, Alison and Jordan remind listeners that they, like all therapists, MUST do their own work around sex and sexuality, they share their stories of talking to clients about sex, and they double down on the importance of being open to whatever a client shares, even when it includes de...
2021-09-2939 minEdge of the CouchCelebrating Humanness in the Therapy Room and on Social Media - Interview with Taylor BroughtonAlison interviews Taylor Broughton about how she approaches her 100% online practice, building rest into her schedule. Together, they explore the emerging trends in the field, particularly in the UK context. Taylor talks about emphasizing humanness in the therapy room and on social media. You can find Taylor on Instagram @NotBrokenJustHuman.We have a workshop coming up on October 16th called What Now? Transitioning from Student to Therpist. You can find more information and purchase tickets here. We'd love to hear from you. Send us an email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com to tell us what you t...
2021-09-2244 minEdge of the CouchWhat the heck happens in first sessions anyway?For brand new therapists, first sessions are DAUNTING! Where do I sit? What if the client is late for the session? What is the first question I ask? What if the client asks me about my experience? What if the client cries? Do I just read this consent form out loud to the client? How do I end a session? In this week’s episode, we hope to give you some encouragement, perspective, and a few tips for those first sessions, as a new therapist and beyond.We'd love to hear from you. Send us an email at...
2021-09-1537 minEdge of the CouchMoving Through Client StucknessJordan and Alison talk about what comes up for them when clients feel they aren't making progress in their therapeutic work. It can bring up many layers of thoughts and feelings in us as therapists. Especially for folks new to the field, it can make you doubt your worth as a therapist. Alison and Jordan offer nuggets of wisdom about what might be going on when a client feels stuck, and how to move through it.We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you...
2021-09-0840 minEdge of the CouchRe-imagining therapy - Interview with Curt Widhalm and Katie VernoyThis week, Jordan interviews Curt Widhalm and Katie Vernoy of the Modern Therapist Survival Guide podcast about their upcoming conference, Therapy Re-imagined. Listen what they have to say about "rebel therapists", the direction they would like the therapy field to move, and how we can resist the corporatization of therapy. You can save 10% on a conference ticket using the code EDGEOFTHECOUCH10. We are proud to partner with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, use the code EDGECOUCH1MO at the time...
2021-09-0140 minEdge of the CouchThe Myth of Dressing UnprofessionallyIn this first episode of the second season of Edge of the Couch, Jordan and Alison break down what it means to dress “professionally” as a therapist. As a student or new therapist, it’s hard to know what to wear to present yourself as trustworthy and competent. Before you put on a therapist costume, listen to this episode!We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, use the code EDGECOUCH1MO at the time of sign-up for a 1 month...
2021-08-2532 minEdge of the CouchAs therapists, do we become desensitized to trauma stories?In this BONUS episode, we answer a listener question: "As therapists, do we become desensitized to such serious issues (e.g. suicide and self harm)? How do we check in with ourselves around it?”We'd love to hear from you. Send us an email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com to tell us what you think, ask a question or let us know what type of episode you'd love to hear. You can even send us a voice note for us to play in a future episode. You can support us by giving us a review on Appl...
2021-06-2314 minEdge of the CouchCan therapists say "I'm proud of you" to clients?In this BONUS episode, we answer a listener question: "Is it okay to tell clients we are proud of them?" We'd love to hear from you. Send us an email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com to tell us what you think, ask a question or let us know what type of episode you'd love to hear. You can even send us a voice note for us to play in a future episode. You can support us by giving us a review on Apple Podcasts, sharing the show with a friend, or supporting us on Patreon at www...
2021-06-0919 minEdge of the CouchQ+A Part 2 Dealing with a racist client, processing our own "stuff", and thoughts on homeworkWe answer listener questions. 1) In a recent episode, you spoke about clients that have said they have feelings for you. How do you handle that? Has it ever ruptured the relationship? 2) What to do when clients say racist or sexist things? 3) How does a therapist not think about clients they really care about outside of sessions? 4) I'm worried I still have too much of my own stuff to process, but I'm starting an MFT program soon. 5) How do you navigate when someone doesn't rebook? 6) How do you navigate when a client doesn't do homework? We'd love to h...
2021-06-0228 minEdge of the CouchQ+A Part 1 Breaking up with a supervisor, using jargon, and a client says "You're pretty"We answer listener questions. 1) Do either of you offer supervision? Yes, book or contact us through our practice websites. 2) Tips for therapists in therapy. Notice when you are doing "split brain". Notice when you are holding back. You can shop around. You can try out different modalities. 3) Are you both psychologists or another type of therapist? We are both Master-level therapists, Registered Clinical Counsellor is the designation where we live, British Columbia, Canada. Alison will be a registered psychologist after receiving her doctorate. 4) How to break up with a supervisor? You can have the difficult conversation, or you can d...
2021-05-2629 minEdge of the CouchThe therapeutic relationship is a place of experimentation and affirmation - Interview with Co-host Jordan PickellIn this special episode, Alison interviews her co-host, Jordan. We talk about how she shows up in therapy, how being a therapist has changed her, and her fear of clients seeing her on the street in a difficult parenting moment. We'd love to hear from you. Send us an email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com to tell us what you think, ask a question or let us know what type of episode you'd love to hear. You can even send us a voice note for us to play in a future episode. You can support us by...
2021-05-1928 minEdge of the CouchWe're all going to die someday - Interview with Co-host Alison McClearyIn this special episode, Jordan interviews her co-host Alison. We talk about how she shows up in therapy, what she has learned from her clients, and the powerful metaphors she uses regularly and other Alison-isms. We'd love to hear from you. Send us an email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com to tell us what you think, ask a question or let us know what type of episode you'd love to hear. You can even send us a voice note for us to play in a future episode. You can support us by giving us a review on...
2021-05-1229 minEdge of the CouchWhen you are attracted to the clientFinding yourself attracted to a client is a thing that happens! Even talking about it in hypotheticals is taboo. If you can’t acknowledge what is happening, even to yourself, it will absolutely impact the work and you are so much more likely to do harm. How do you know you are attracted to a client?In this episode, Jordan and Alison break down this taboo and talk about how they navigate this delicate dynamic.We'd love to hear from you. Send us an email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com to tell us what you think, as...
2021-05-0540 minEdge of the CouchWhen you disagree with your schoolWhether you speak back or just say it to yourself, sometimes you will disagree with your school. Sometimes you will disagree with your supervisor. Even though you are learning new concepts and skills, you come into the work with life experiences and values. How do you hold onto yourself through the process of learning? In this episode, Alison and Jordan delve into the biases and limitations of our training. We talk about how you might respond when one of your values contradicts with something that is said or asked of you in your training process. Let us k...
2021-04-2829 minEdge of the CouchWhen the client wants to dieIn this episode, Jordan and Alison explore what our training teaches us about how to respond when a client expresses suicidal intent, how problematic our training can be, and the understandable apprehension that exists in new therapists (maybe all therapists?) when tasked with holding space for conversations about suicide. We'd love to hear from you. Send us an email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com to tell us what you think, ask a question or let us know what type of episode you'd love to hear. You can even send us a voice note for us to play in a...
2021-04-2136 minEdge of the CouchWhen you want to be friends with the clientAlison and Jordan discuss when therapists have friendship-y feelings about a client. What do you do when a client says that they want to be friends, that you are friends, or that you are their best friend?We'd love to hear from you. Send us an email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com to tell us what you think, ask a question or let us know what type of episode you'd love to hear. You can even send us a voice note for us to play in a future episode. You can support us by giving us a...
2021-04-1426 minEdge of the CouchWhen you have lived experience - Interview with Mimi ColeIn an interview, Jordan talks with Mimi Cole, student therapist and educator and writer on OCD and eating disorders, about her experience in school and online with self-disclosure, and the implications for her future work with clients. We'd love to hear from you. Send us an email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com to tell us what you think, ask a question or let us know what type of episode you'd love to hear. You can even send us a voice note for us to play in a future episode. You can support us by giving us a r...
2021-04-0727 minEdge of the CouchWhen you can't help laughingIn this episode, Jordan and Alison explore the intimacy that can deepen when we, therapists, share tears with our clients, crying with or for them during session. There’s an exploration about why our field teaches us to swallow our tears and the ways in which Alison and Jordan have worked to reclaim the connection of crying.The episode switches gears to then talk about the times in which Jordan and Alison have found themselves laughing during sessions! There’s silliness, humour, and authenticity in the conversation, and once again, permission to show up wholly.Both...
2021-03-3126 minEdge of the CouchWhen you are chronically illAlison and Jordan talk about considerations for therapists with chronic illness. They share their own experiences with illness.We'd love to hear from you. Send us an email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com to tell us what you think, ask a question or let us know what type of episode you'd love to hear. You can even send us a voice note for us to play in a future episode. You can support us by giving us a review on Apple Podcasts, sharing the show with a friend, or supporting us on Patreon....
2021-03-1731 minEdge of the CouchWhen you fall in love with therapy - Interview with Chloe PowellIn this episode, Alison speaks with her academic peer and dear friend, Chloe Powell. They talk about her journey to graduate school and what it's been like for her as a student therapist in the pandemic.We'd love to hear from you. Send us an email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com to tell us what you think, ask a question or let us know what type of episode you'd love to hear. You can even send us a voice note for us to play in a future episode. You can support us by giving us a re...
2021-03-1039 minEdge of the CouchWhen you are a therapist in a pandemicIn this episode, Alison and Jordan talked about being a therapist in the time of COVID. This was recorded in December 2020, nine months into the global pandemic.We'd love to hear from you. Send us an email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com to tell us what you think, ask a question or let us know what type of episode you'd love to hear. You can even send us a voice note for us to play in a future episode. You can support us by giving us a review on Apple Podcasts, sharing the show with a fr...
2021-03-0336 minEdge of the CouchWhen the client won't cryIn this episode, Alison and Jordan talk about-how crying shows up in different ways for clients-questions to ask clients around their relationship to crying-how they work with clients in moments they are on the verge of tears-anger's place in therapy-their own relationships to cryingSend us an email to tell us what you think at connect@edgeofthecouch.com.Follow us on Instagram @edgeofthecouchpodLeading Edge Seminars is bringing their sought-after EMDR training to Toronto and Halifax. This isn’t just any EM...
2021-02-2431 minEdge of the CouchWhen you feel like an imposterIn the first episode, Alison and Jordan talk about how new therapists can resist imposter syndrome.We'd love to hear from you. Send us an email at connect@edgeofthecouch.com to tell us what you think, ask a question or let us know what type of episode you'd love to hear. You can even send us a voice note for us to play in a future episode. You can support us by giving us a review on Apple Podcasts, sharing the show with a friend, or supporting us on Patreon.Here are some li...
2021-02-1738 min