• How to Stop Comparing Yourself to Others
    Jan 23 2026

    Want to learn how to stop comparing yourself to others? Jealousy is often seen as negative, but you can learn to deal with jealousy through curiosity and values work.

    Learn the skills to Regulate your Emotions, join the membership: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership

    Jealousy and envy are emotions we all feel, especially when we get stuck in comparison—seeing someone confident or attractive and instantly wondering what’s wrong with us. But jealousy isn’t a flaw; it’s a messenger. In this Therapy in a Nutshell episode, Emma McAdam breaks down how to stop comparing yourself to others so you can actually understand what your jealousy is trying to tell you.

    Looking for affordable online counseling? My sponsor, BetterHelp, connects you to a licensed professional from the comfort of your own home. Try it now for 10% off your first month: https://betterhelp.com/therapyinanutshell

    Learn more in one of my in-depth mental health courses: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com

    Support my mission on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/therapyinanutshell

    Sign up for my newsletter: https://www.therapyinanutshell.com

    Check out my favorite self-help books: https://kit.co/TherapyinaNutshell/best-self-help-books

    Therapy in a Nutshell and the information provided by Emma McAdam are solely intended for informational and entertainment purposes and are not a substitute for advice, diagnosis, or treatment regarding medical or mental health conditions. Although Emma McAdam is a licensed marriage and family therapist, the views expressed on this site or any related content should not be taken for medical or psychiatric advice. Always consult your physician before making any decisions related to your physical or mental health. In therapy I use a combination of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Systems Theory, positive psychology, and a bio-psycho-social approach to treating mental illness and other challenges we all face in life. The ideas from my videos are frequently adapted from multiple sources. Many of them come from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, especially the work of Steven Hayes, Jason Luoma, and Russ Harris. The sections on stress and the mind-body connection derive from the work of Stephen Porges (the Polyvagal theory), Peter Levine (Somatic Experiencing) Francine Shapiro (EMDR), and Bessel Van Der Kolk. I also rely heavily on the work of the Arbinger Institute for my overall understanding of our ability to choose our life's direction.

    And deeper than all of that, the Gospel of Jesus Christ orients my personal worldview and sense of security, peace, hope, and love https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist/believe

    If you are in crisis, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or your local emergency services.

    Copyright Therapy in a Nutshell, LLC

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    16 mins
  • The Neuroscience of ADHD and Emotional Dysregulation
    Jan 15 2026

    If you have ADHD and your emotions feel overwhelming, fast, or hard to control—you’re not broken, lazy, or “too sensitive.” In this episode of Therapy in a Nutshell, I explain the brain science behind ADHD and emotional dysregulation—including delayed prefrontal cortex development, dopamine and norepinephrine differences, rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD), and why emotions can hit before your “brakes” have time to turn on.

    Up to 70% of people with ADHD struggle with emotional regulation, and there are real neurological reasons why. I’ll break down: Why ADHD emotions feel so intense and reactive How executive dysfunction affects impulse control, frustration tolerance, and emotional recovery What rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD) is and why criticism can feel physically painful Biological triggers that worsen emotional dysregulation (sleep, hunger, sensory overload) ADHD emotional “superpowers” that often get overlooked

    Looking for affordable online counseling? My sponsor, BetterHelp, connects you to a licensed professional from the comfort of your own home. Try it now for 10% off your first month: https://betterhelp.com/therapyinanutshell

    Learn more in one of my in-depth mental health courses: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com

    Support my mission on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/therapyinanutshell

    Sign up for my newsletter: https://www.therapyinanutshell.com

    Check out my favorite self-help books: https://kit.co/TherapyinaNutshell/best-self-help-books

    Therapy in a Nutshell and the information provided by Emma McAdam are solely intended for informational and entertainment purposes and are not a substitute for advice, diagnosis, or treatment regarding medical or mental health conditions. Although Emma McAdam is a licensed marriage and family therapist, the views expressed on this site or any related content should not be taken for medical or psychiatric advice. Always consult your physician before making any decisions related to your physical or mental health. In therapy I use a combination of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Systems Theory, positive psychology, and a bio-psycho-social approach to treating mental illness and other challenges we all face in life. The ideas from my videos are frequently adapted from multiple sources. Many of them come from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, especially the work of Steven Hayes, Jason Luoma, and Russ Harris. The sections on stress and the mind-body connection derive from the work of Stephen Porges (the Polyvagal theory), Peter Levine (Somatic Experiencing) Francine Shapiro (EMDR), and Bessel Van Der Kolk. I also rely heavily on the work of the Arbinger Institute for my overall understanding of our ability to choose our life's direction.

    And deeper than all of that, the Gospel of Jesus Christ orients my personal worldview and sense of security, peace, hope, and love https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist/believe

    If you are in crisis, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or your local emergency services.

    Copyright Therapy in a Nutshell, LLC

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    31 mins
  • High-Functioning Depression w/ Research Psychiatrist Dr. Judith Joseph
    Jan 13 2026

    High Functioning Depression looks like coping with depression by keeping busy and distracting yourself with overwork. Learn 5 ways to overcome depression in this interview w/ Dr. Judith Joseph

    Learn the skills to regulate your Emotions, join the membership: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership

    Learn more about Dr. Judith's work and book: https://drjudithjoseph.com/ https://highfunctioningbook.com/

    In this conversation, Dr. Judith Joseph discusses high functioning depression, a condition where individuals appear to be functioning well on the outside while struggling internally. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing this hidden depression proactively rather than waiting for a crisis. Dr. Joseph introduces her framework of the Five V's—Validation, Venting, Values, Vitals, and Vision—as a way to help individuals reclaim their joy and improve their mental health. The discussion also touches on the significance of understanding personal happiness and making small, actionable changes to enhance well-being.

    Looking for affordable online counseling? My sponsor, BetterHelp, connects you to a licensed professional from the comfort of your own home. Try it now for 10% off your first month: https://betterhelp.com/therapyinanutshell

    Learn more in one of my in-depth mental health courses: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com

    Support my mission on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/therapyinanutshell

    Sign up for my newsletter: https://www.therapyinanutshell.com

    Check out my favorite self-help books: https://kit.co/TherapyinaNutshell/best-self-help-books

    Therapy in a Nutshell and the information provided by Emma McAdam are solely intended for informational and entertainment purposes and are not a substitute for advice, diagnosis, or treatment regarding medical or mental health conditions. Although Emma McAdam is a licensed marriage and family therapist, the views expressed on this site or any related content should not be taken for medical or psychiatric advice. Always consult your physician before making any decisions related to your physical or mental health. In therapy I use a combination of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Systems Theory, positive psychology, and a bio-psycho-social approach to treating mental illness and other challenges we all face in life. The ideas from my videos are frequently adapted from multiple sources. Many of them come from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, especially the work of Steven Hayes, Jason Luoma, and Russ Harris. The sections on stress and the mind-body connection derive from the work of Stephen Porges (the Polyvagal theory), Peter Levine (Somatic Experiencing) Francine Shapiro (EMDR), and Bessel Van Der Kolk. I also rely heavily on the work of the Arbinger Institute for my overall understanding of our ability to choose our life's direction.

    And deeper than all of that, the Gospel of Jesus Christ orients my personal worldview and sense of security, peace, hope, and love https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist/believe

    If you are in crisis, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or your local emergency services.

    Copyright Therapy in a Nutshell, LLC

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    26 mins
  • Is Choline the Missing Link in Anxiety? Let’s Look at the Data
    Jan 8 2026

    New research shows people with anxiety have lower choline in the brain. What choline does and is choline a good supplement for anxiety

    Learn the skills to Regulate your Emotions, join the membership: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership

    Break the Anxiety Cycle in 30 days: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/anxietyskills

    New neuroscience research suggests that people with anxiety disorders have lower levels of choline in the brain compared to those without anxiety. In this video I explain what choline is, how it supports acetylcholine and the nervous system, and what this study does—and does not—mean for anxiety.

    You’ll learn: What choline does in the brain, how acetylcholine supports calm and regulation, whether low choline causes anxiety (or not), what the research actually says about supplementation, and practical, grounded ways to support your mental health ecosystem.

    Looking for affordable online counseling? My sponsor, BetterHelp, connects you to a licensed professional from the comfort of your own home. Try it now for 10% off your first month: https://betterhelp.com/therapyinanutshell

    Learn more in one of my in-depth mental health courses: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com

    Support my mission on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/therapyinanutshell

    Sign up for my newsletter: https://www.therapyinanutshell.com

    Check out my favorite self-help books: https://kit.co/TherapyinaNutshell/best-self-help-books

    Therapy in a Nutshell and the information provided by Emma McAdam are solely intended for informational and entertainment purposes and are not a substitute for advice, diagnosis, or treatment regarding medical or mental health conditions. Although Emma McAdam is a licensed marriage and family therapist, the views expressed on this site or any related content should not be taken for medical or psychiatric advice. Always consult your physician before making any decisions related to your physical or mental health. In therapy I use a combination of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Systems Theory, positive psychology, and a bio-psycho-social approach to treating mental illness and other challenges we all face in life. The ideas from my videos are frequently adapted from multiple sources. Many of them come from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, especially the work of Steven Hayes, Jason Luoma, and Russ Harris. The sections on stress and the mind-body connection derive from the work of Stephen Porges (the Polyvagal theory), Peter Levine (Somatic Experiencing) Francine Shapiro (EMDR), and Bessel Van Der Kolk. I also rely heavily on the work of the Arbinger Institute for my overall understanding of our ability to choose our life's direction.

    And deeper than all of that, the Gospel of Jesus Christ orients my personal worldview and sense of security, peace, hope, and love https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist/believe

    If you are in crisis, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or your local emergency services.

    Copyright Therapy in a Nutshell, LLC

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    15 mins
  • The Life-Changing Power of Making Repairs w/ Dr. Sarah Michaud
    Jan 1 2026

    Making amends, making repairs is even more powerful than self forgiveness or self-compassion. When you learn to fix the harms you've caused you can truly find emotional freedom.

    Learn the skills to Regulate your Emotions, join the membership: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership

    Where to find Dr. Sarah Michaud https://www.youtube.com/@leavingcrazytown https://drsarahmichaud.com/

    Ted Talk: Our story of rape and reconciliation - Thordis Elva and Tom Stranger https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyPoqFcvt9w

    In this conversation, Dr. Sarah Michaud and I explore the profound themes of self-compassion, forgiveness, and the importance of making amends. We discuss how guilt and shame can manifest in our lives and the courage required to face our mistakes.

    Looking for affordable online counseling? My sponsor, BetterHelp, connects you to a licensed professional from the comfort of your own home. Try it now for 10% off your first month: https://betterhelp.com/therapyinanutshell

    Learn more in one of my in-depth mental health courses: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com

    Support my mission on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/therapyinanutshell

    Sign up for my newsletter: https://www.therapyinanutshell.com

    Check out my favorite self-help books: https://kit.co/TherapyinaNutshell/best-self-help-books

    Therapy in a Nutshell and the information provided by Emma McAdam are solely intended for informational and entertainment purposes and are not a substitute for advice, diagnosis, or treatment regarding medical or mental health conditions. Although Emma McAdam is a licensed marriage and family therapist, the views expressed on this site or any related content should not be taken for medical or psychiatric advice. Always consult your physician before making any decisions related to your physical or mental health. In therapy I use a combination of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Systems Theory, positive psychology, and a bio-psycho-social approach to treating mental illness and other challenges we all face in life. The ideas from my videos are frequently adapted from multiple sources. Many of them come from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, especially the work of Steven Hayes, Jason Luoma, and Russ Harris. The sections on stress and the mind-body connection derive from the work of Stephen Porges (the Polyvagal theory), Peter Levine (Somatic Experiencing) Francine Shapiro (EMDR), and Bessel Van Der Kolk. I also rely heavily on the work of the Arbinger Institute for my overall understanding of our ability to choose our life's direction.

    And deeper than all of that, the Gospel of Jesus Christ orients my personal worldview and sense of security, peace, hope, and love https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist/believe

    If you are in crisis, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or your local emergency services.

    Copyright Therapy in a Nutshell, LLC

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    1 hr and 11 mins
  • How to Actually Change Your Life- You Need a System, Not a Goal
    Dec 25 2025

    top relying on goals that fail. Learn how tiny habits, systems, and 1% improvements create real, lasting change for mental health, motivation, and daily life.

    Join the 31-day Emotion Processing challenge: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/htpe-30-skills-in-30-days-landing-page-1

    Learn the skills to Regulate your Emotions, join the membership: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership

    Tired of setting big goals on Monday and giving up by Wednesday? In this video, you’ll learn why goals fail—and why building tiny habits and simple systems is the key to real, lasting change. We’ll break down how to start tiny, create 1% improvements, shape your environment, and build habits that actually stick, even if you’ve tried and failed before. You’ll learn practical steps to change your mental health, reduce stress, stop relying on willpower, and design a system that makes the better life automatic. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, unmotivated, or stuck in the “valley of disappointment,” this will give you hope—and a clear plan.

    Looking for affordable online counseling? My sponsor, BetterHelp, connects you to a licensed professional from the comfort of your own home. Try it now for 10% off your first month: https://betterhelp.com/therapyinanutshell

    Learn more in one of my in-depth mental health courses: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com

    Support my mission on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/therapyinanutshell

    Sign up for my newsletter: https://www.therapyinanutshell.com

    Check out my favorite self-help books: https://kit.co/TherapyinaNutshell/best-self-help-books

    Therapy in a Nutshell and the information provided by Emma McAdam are solely intended for informational and entertainment purposes and are not a substitute for advice, diagnosis, or treatment regarding medical or mental health conditions. Although Emma McAdam is a licensed marriage and family therapist, the views expressed on this site or any related content should not be taken for medical or psychiatric advice. Always consult your physician before making any decisions related to your physical or mental health. In therapy I use a combination of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Systems Theory, positive psychology, and a bio-psycho-social approach to treating mental illness and other challenges we all face in life. The ideas from my videos are frequently adapted from multiple sources. Many of them come from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, especially the work of Steven Hayes, Jason Luoma, and Russ Harris. The sections on stress and the mind-body connection derive from the work of Stephen Porges (the Polyvagal theory), Peter Levine (Somatic Experiencing) Francine Shapiro (EMDR), and Bessel Van Der Kolk. I also rely heavily on the work of the Arbinger Institute for my overall understanding of our ability to choose our life's direction.

    And deeper than all of that, the Gospel of Jesus Christ orients my personal worldview and sense of security, peace, hope, and love https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist/believe

    If you are in crisis, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or your local emergency services.

    Copyright Therapy in a Nutshell, LLC

    Show More Show Less
    15 mins
  • Medical Trauma - How to heal when your body is a trigger w/ Dr. Christen Mullane
    Dec 24 2025

    Many people experience trauma not from accidents or violence—but from medical events. ICU stays, surgery, birth trauma, or even routine procedures can leave lasting emotional wounds. In this conversation, Emma McAdam (Therapy in a Nutshell) and Christen Mullane, LMHC, unpack what medical trauma really is, how it differs from medical PTSD, and practical ways to heal.

    Christen explains how medical experiences can damage trust in your body and in healthcare systems, why “health anxiety” is sometimes actually trauma, and how to gently rebuild a sense of safety and empowerment.

    Looking for affordable online counseling? My sponsor, BetterHelp, connects you to a licensed professional from the comfort of your own home. Try it now for 10% off your first month: https://betterhelp.com/therapyinanutshell

    Learn more in one of my in-depth mental health courses: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com

    Support my mission on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/therapyinanutshell

    Sign up for my newsletter: https://www.therapyinanutshell.com

    Check out my favorite self-help books: https://kit.co/TherapyinaNutshell/best-self-help-books

    Therapy in a Nutshell and the information provided by Emma McAdam are solely intended for informational and entertainment purposes and are not a substitute for advice, diagnosis, or treatment regarding medical or mental health conditions. Although Emma McAdam is a licensed marriage and family therapist, the views expressed on this site or any related content should not be taken for medical or psychiatric advice. Always consult your physician before making any decisions related to your physical or mental health. In therapy I use a combination of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Systems Theory, positive psychology, and a bio-psycho-social approach to treating mental illness and other challenges we all face in life. The ideas from my videos are frequently adapted from multiple sources. Many of them come from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, especially the work of Steven Hayes, Jason Luoma, and Russ Harris. The sections on stress and the mind-body connection derive from the work of Stephen Porges (the Polyvagal theory), Peter Levine (Somatic Experiencing) Francine Shapiro (EMDR), and Bessel Van Der Kolk. I also rely heavily on the work of the Arbinger Institute for my overall understanding of our ability to choose our life's direction.

    And deeper than all of that, the Gospel of Jesus Christ orients my personal worldview and sense of security, peace, hope, and love https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist/believe

    If you are in crisis, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or your local emergency services.

    Copyright Therapy in a Nutshell, LLC

    Show More Show Less
    47 mins
  • 7 Micro Habits to Escape the Freeze Response - Polyvagal Tools for Depression & Burnout
    Dec 18 2025

    7 micro habits to escape the freeze response, climb the polyvagal ladder, boost energy, heal burnout, and get unstuck from dorsal vagal shutdown and depression.

    Learn the skills to Regulate your Emotions, join the membership: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership

    If you feel sluggish, numb, depressed, or burnt out, your nervous system might be stuck in the freeze response. In this video, I’ll teach you 7 tiny habits that activate energy, restore safety, and help your body move up the polyvagal ladder. These simple, science-backed steps help you feel more alive, more motivated, and more like yourself again.

    Looking for affordable online counseling? My sponsor, BetterHelp, connects you to a licensed professional from the comfort of your own home. Try it now for 10% off your first month: https://betterhelp.com/therapyinanutshell

    Learn more in one of my in-depth mental health courses: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com

    Support my mission on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/therapyinanutshell

    Sign up for my newsletter: https://www.therapyinanutshell.com

    Check out my favorite self-help books: https://kit.co/TherapyinaNutshell/best-self-help-books

    Therapy in a Nutshell and the information provided by Emma McAdam are solely intended for informational and entertainment purposes and are not a substitute for advice, diagnosis, or treatment regarding medical or mental health conditions. Although Emma McAdam is a licensed marriage and family therapist, the views expressed on this site or any related content should not be taken for medical or psychiatric advice. Always consult your physician before making any decisions related to your physical or mental health. In therapy I use a combination of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Systems Theory, positive psychology, and a bio-psycho-social approach to treating mental illness and other challenges we all face in life. The ideas from my videos are frequently adapted from multiple sources. Many of them come from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, especially the work of Steven Hayes, Jason Luoma, and Russ Harris. The sections on stress and the mind-body connection derive from the work of Stephen Porges (the Polyvagal theory), Peter Levine (Somatic Experiencing) Francine Shapiro (EMDR), and Bessel Van Der Kolk. I also rely heavily on the work of the Arbinger Institute for my overall understanding of our ability to choose our life's direction.

    And deeper than all of that, the Gospel of Jesus Christ orients my personal worldview and sense of security, peace, hope, and love https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist/believe

    If you are in crisis, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or your local emergency services.

    Copyright Therapy in a Nutshell, LLC

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    21 mins