In the first episode of 2026, Stephen Thomas and Dr. Kailey Bradley talk about infertility grief and why it often goes unseen or minimized. They unpack disenfranchised grief, the pain of grieving an expected future, and how grief can show up in waves over time.

This conversation is for anyone navigating infertility, miscarriage, reproductive loss, or any loss that feels hard to name. If this episode brings up a lot, take care of yourself and go gently.

Listen, share with someone who needs it, and subscribe for more Death and Sex Podcast episodes from Refuge Counseling.

👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more honest conversations about life, love, and loss.

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#grief #infertility #counseling #mentalhealth

After a summer break, Stephen Thomas and Dr. Kailey Bradley are back with a candid conversation about what counseling really looks like. Too often, people come into therapy carrying fear, misconceptions, or the belief that something must be “wrong” with them if they’re there. This episode pushes back on those ideas and offers a more grounded perspective.

Stephen and Kailey explore the common anxieties people bring into the counseling process—questions like “Am I broken?” or “Does this mean my relationship is over?” They share why couples often wait until it’s almost too late to seek help, and how getting support earlier can make all the difference.

The episode also digs into the idea that healing isn’t quick or linear. Together, they unpack the unrealistic expectation that one session will “fix everything,” and instead emphasize that counseling is a process that requires time, gentleness, and patience.

Listeners will also hear about:

• The difference between a “safe space” and a “brave space”
• Why validation is one of the most powerful tools in the counseling room
• The role of emotions as messengers, not problems to erase
• How counselors think about when and how therapy ends
• Why it’s okay to seek out the right fit if a particular counselor doesn’t feel like one

Whether you’re new to counseling, supporting someone you love, or just curious about how therapists think about their work, this conversation offers insight, encouragement, and practical takeaways.

Stay tuned for more episodes where Stephen and Kailey bring honesty, humor, and heart to some of the hardest—and most human—parts of life.

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In this episode, Dr. Kailey Bradley and Stephen Thomas sit down with Dr. Bethany Fulton—therapist, educator, and advocate for holding space for hard things. Together, they explore what trauma really means, how it shows up in everyday life, and why so many people struggle to identify their experiences as trauma in the first place.

This conversation digs into the heart of trauma work, including:

• Why “it wasn’t that bad” is often a trauma response
• How trauma manifests in the body and nervous system (even in surprising ways)
• The key differences between acute, chronic, and complex trauma
• The danger of advice-giving in therapy—and what actually builds trust
• How meaning-making emerges (and why it can’t be forced)

Whether you’ve experienced trauma yourself or work with people who have, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and a whole lot of honesty.

Also inside:

• What The Body Keeps the Score gets right about memory
• Why minimizing your pain might feel safer than naming it
• CBT, DBT, IFS, mindfulness, and the power of presence
• Why there’s “no billing code for gently held space”—and why that matters

In this raw and real episode, Stephen and Dr. Kailey tackle one of the trickiest parts of parenting and caregiving: having honest conversations with kids and teens about death, sex, and everything in between. From the dangers of euphemisms to the importance of consent, grief literacy, and pleasure, this episode is packed with stories, laughs, stats, and hard truths. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, caregiver, or just someone who wants to break the cycle of secrecy and shame—you’ll find validation, insight, and a whole lot of permission here.

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What makes a post-apocalyptic zombie game one of the most profound meditations on grief, love, and revenge? In this episode, Stephen Thomas (LPPC-S) and Dr. Kailey Bradley (Ph.D, LPCC-S, CFT) are joined by neuroscientist and gamer Dr. Matthew Stratton for a deep dive into The Last of Us — from the brutality of Joel’s choices to the tragedy of Ellie’s loss.

They unpack themes of unprocessed grief, attachment theory, consent, religious trauma, and how the game forces players into complicity. They also explore why the game’s violence isn’t just gratuitous — it’s the point.

This episode is about more than just a video game. It’s about what we do with our pain, and how sometimes the most human stories are told through the most unlikely mediums.

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In this episode, Stephen (LPPC-S) and Dr. Kailey (Ph.D, LPCC-S, CFT) get real about neurodiversity, late diagnoses, and the superpowers that come with being neuro-spicy. From ADHD and ASD to masking, meltdowns, and masturbation as regulation—this conversation peels back the layers of living (and loving) with a neurodivergent brain. They reflect on how their diagnoses shaped their identities, relationships, and careers—and how validation, self-compassion, and accessibility can change lives.

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In this episode of The Death & Sex Podcast, we introduce ourselves! Stephen Thomas (LPPC-S) and Dr. Kailey Bradley (Ph.D, LPCC-S, CFT) talk about their backgrounds, specialties, and some common misconceptions about their respective fields. It’s time for some difficult conversations!

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