Ever wondered what really happens in therapy? 🛋️ In this episode, we're breaking down everything you need to know about starting your therapeutic journey — from what therapy actually is (spoiler: it's not a quick fix!) to choosing the right therapist for YOU.

We dive into the different types of therapy, the questions you should ask during your first consultation, and why finding the right fit might take a few tries. Think of it as your ultimate guide to navigating the world of mental health support! 💭✨

Whether you're therapy-curious or already on your mental health journey, this episode will help you understand what to expect and how to make the most of your sessions.

• What therapy really is — and what it's NOT (it's a long-term investment, not a magic wand)
• Why therapy matters — the power of having an impartial space to grow
• Choosing the right therapist — comfort, alignment, credentials, and the importance of trial and error
• Different types of therapy — from Psychotherapy to CBT to Group Therapy
• Questions to ask your therapist — how to prepare for that first consultation
• The journey of self-discovery — why therapy is worth the effort

Ted Talks:

• Why You Should Try Therapy Yesterday | Dr. Emily Anhalt | TEDxBoulder
• What to expect from a therapy session | Alexis Powell-Howard | TEDxPatras
• How to Choose The Right Therapist

Organizations mentioned:

• American Heart Association
• World Health Organization

Note: Additional studies and research referenced throughout the episode support the importance of therapist-client relationship quality and therapeutic outcomes.

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health care, diagnosis, or treatment. We are sharing our personal opinions and outlining research we have found, but we are not licensed mental health professionals.

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need professional support, please seek help from a qualified therapist, counselor, or mental health provider. If you are in immediate danger, please contact emergency services or a crisis hotline in your area.

Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about your mental health treatment.

🤔 Are you in the wrong career… or just burned out?

Before you quit your job, hit pause. In this episode, we break down the difference between career misfit and burnout — and give you a science-backed 30-day plan to figure out which one you're actually dealing with.

You'll learn:

• 🔥 Why burnout feels like being in the wrong career (and how to tell them apart)
• 🧩 The Career Clarity Triangle framework to assess your true fit
• 🔍 How to diagnose misfit using the 6 Areas of Worklife Model
• ⚡ The difference between energy alignment and just "following your passion"
• 🎯 A structured 30-day sprint to test, experiment, and decide your next move
• 💡 When it's actually time to leave (and when you just need better boundaries)

We're not here to tell you what to do — we're here to help you make a data-informed decision instead of an emotional one.

🎧 Grab your journal, hit play, and let's get you some clarity.

• 🎙️ Introduction: The "Am I in the wrong career?" spiral
• 🔥 Part 1: Why burnout masquerades as career misfit
• 🧠 Part 2: The Career Clarity Triangle (work fit + need fit + life fit)
• 📊 Part 3: Diagnosing your misfit using the 6 Areas of Worklife Model
• ⚡ Part 4: Energy ledger vs. passion myths
• 💸 Part 5: The sunk-cost trap and how to escape it
• 📅 Part 6: The 30-Day Career Clarity Sprint (step-by-step)
• 🚪 Part 7: When it's actually time to leave
• 🎧 Part 8: Listening companion recommendations
• ✨ Conclusion: You're not behind — you're calibrating

• 6 Areas of Worklife Model (Maslach & Leiter) — Framework for understanding burnout and organizational misfit
• Self-Determination Theory (Deci & Ryan) — Psychological needs: autonomy, competence, relatedness
• Occupational Regret Research — Studies on career dissatisfaction and constructive career transitions

• 80,000 Hours Podcast — Episode with Michelle Hutchinson on career changes and common career questions https://80000hours.org/podcast/episodes/michelle-hutchinson-giving-career-advice/
• Radical Candor Podcast — Episode on cutting through career chaos and decision-making https://www.radicalcandor.com/podcast/career-decisions-6-19
• Happen To Your Career Podcast — Career change strategy and experiments https://happentoyourcareer.com/podcast-archive/make-your-career-change-happen-with-this-unconventional-advice/

• TEDx Talk: "The importance of finding the wrong career first" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uv6iW_Pg7lg

• 80,000 Hours — Career advice and research on high-impact careers https://80000hours.org
• Radical Candor — Leadership and career guidance resources https://www.radicalcandor.com
• Happen To Your Career — Career coaching and transition support https://happentoyourcareer.com

Ever feel that weird knot in your stomach as your birthday approaches? You're not alone. In this episode of Trial & Error & Error, we dive deep into birthday anxiety — exploring why birthdays can trigger stress, fear of aging, and feelings of falling behind on life's "timeline." 🎂😰

We unpack the psychology behind gerascophobia (fear of aging), discuss societal pressures around milestone achievements, and share practical strategies to reclaim your birthday as a day of celebration rather than dread. Whether you love or loathe your birthday, this episode will help you understand those complicated feelings and maybe even learn to enjoy getting older. 🎉✨

• Why birthdays trigger anxiety — Fear of aging and unmet expectations explained
• Gerascophobia unpacked — Understanding the fear of growing old and its impact on mental health
• Theories of aging anxiety — From fear of death to double standards and stereotype embodiment
• The pressure of societal timelines — How the "social clock" makes us feel like we're falling behind
• Social media's role — Why curated online updates intensify comparison and birthday blues
• How to have a GREAT birthday — Practical tips including ditching expectations, retrospection, and focusing on the future
• Age is just a number — Reframing how we think about getting older and finding joy at every stage

• Best Choice Counselling - The Fear of Getting Old: Birthday Blues, Anxiety and Depression
• Springer - Fear of Aging Research Article