"Bridging the Gap with Brian and Maddie"

We miss this as much as you do. It was so much fun getting the band back together. But sometimes, real life gets in the way. Never say never. When our initial run ended in August of 2001, we thought that was it, forever. But then? This happened. Stay tuned! As for this episode? Brian's Van Halen party trick. Streaming service frustration. Why is radio dying and how do we all still not understand COVID?

The guys are still working out the kinks a few weeks into the show. This one kicked off late thanks to a phone call Jaxon received from his son Kai's school regarding an "incident." That morphed into Kai attempting to explain what happened, along with a conversation about how much that world has changed since back when Jax & Pharmy were kids. How radio has similarly "devolved" is what followed. Concerts, venues, their FNX days. Competitors. A viral/Portnoy "One Bite Pizza" review was discussed. Philly cheesesteak protocol. Cholesterol med "superpowers." Reports of another COVID surge and how everything these days has become a political football. Their own experiences with COVID. "Radio listener expectations." The diarrhea plane. Nightmare flight experiences. How much fun the new show has been and the amount of insane time spent listening by their audience.

Unfortunately, this edition represents the end of our run here for "Coping on the Couch with Courtney and Brian." Our hearts are both heavy, and grateful. To anyone who took the time to give us a listen, our appreciation and gratitude literally know no bounds. As to the "whys" behind this difficult decision, the details are contained within the episode itself. We wish you, and your mental health, nothing but the best, as we deliver our heartfelt farewell, and a most sincere thank you.

"Don't sweat the small stuff." It's an excellent piece of advice which has been kicking around now for decades. But what is "the small stuff" exactly? How much can it vary from person to person, and what are some of the best ways to identify, and treat it, in therapy and/or elsewhere?

In what is for the most part a post-pandemic, and very politically-charged/polarized world, many people are continually struggling to find their mental health footing. Over the last couple of weeks especially, Brian has been one of them. How is he attempting to adjust on the fly, and if you just so happen to feel precisely the same way, what should you be doing?

Ben DeCastro is in this week for the vacationing Brian. In general, our brains are hard-wired for protection, self-doubt, and insecurity. At our core, we tend to be risk-averse, and more often than not, that can stunt and prevent us from growing personally, professionally, and emotionally. What are some of the best ways to work around this, and overcome whatever may be keeping us from potentially becoming the best possible version of ourselves?

What with inflation taking a toll on all of us, and coming off of an insanely volatile week on Wall Street, many are being forced to cut financial corners in areas which can be of a major concern...therapy, being one of them. A recent article revealed that the average out of pocket cost for that is $178 per month. If you've had to make that painful move yourself, what are some potential/alternative options?

How often in life do you put yourself "first"? So much else typically requires our attention -- family, career, "adulting." That having been said, does "taking care of you" tend to go by the wayside? And how much more difficult do all of those other obligations become when not making yourself a priority inevitably begins to take its toll?

Ben DeCastro is in this week for the vacationing Courtney Kelley. For those who may not know, career-wise, Ben is a jack of many trades. His jobs are varied, and his hours are all over the map. And while that can at times be overwhelming and stressful for him, it can also be complicated for both his wife and daughter. For others who may hate their jobs, many spend an awful lot of time doing them to be that unhappy. What are some ways to navigate around it all, in the hopes of bringing your life balance?

In a social media world where society at large constantly seems to be all up in everyone else's business, what about focusing more on yourself? How much drama is created through the practice of judging others? And given those tendencies, is it any wonder that intolerance is on the rise, while compassion and understanding are both clearly on the decline?

As the old saying goes, "K.I.S.S.: keep it simple, stupid." When it comes to our increasingly busy and complicated lives, that can often appear to be easier said than done. So, what's the best way to address, and attack, this approach?

According to a recent article, more than half of Americans feel as if they're in imminent danger at least once a day -- even in their own homes. What are some of the most common triggers, and how can one hope to "face those fears", head-on?

Schizophrenia. Delusions. Psychosis. Dementia. Paranoia. Obsessions with conspiracy theories. Not only can the line between perception and reality become blurred for those who are enduring these experiences. The same can hold true for the people who love and care about them. Managing it on either end can be exhausting and complicated. It also presents its own set of challenges for a mental health therapist. 

It was a bit surprising to realize that it took 110 episodes for panic attacks to be covered. What are potential triggers? Once one begins, how should it be addressed? If a loved one is stricken, how can you help? Can they be hereditary? Is there a link between those, and night terrors? What role can therapy, and/or meds, play in treating these episodes?

Ben DeCastro joined Courtney Kelley for the vacationing Brian Mulhern. As the average American feels relaxed for only 40-minutes per day, how can one use self-care to (hopefully) do much better than that?

There's much more to age than the standard physical/chronological number. New studies show that "how young you feel" likely has a much higher impact on your overall mental health, as opposed to what your birth certificate says. As such, what steps can be taken to help you "feel younger," and be better?

Divisive judicial rulings. Political turmoil. School shootings. Economic strife. Inflation. A pandemic. In some ways, we're all in this together. Yet in others, we're most definitely not. All of it can take an emotional toll. What are some of the best ways to handle it? Find some tips, here.

For as much as there are no guarantees in life, the same holds true in therapy. At times, a satisfied patient may become blindsided to learn that their therapist of choice is moving onto another opportunity without them. This news can be devastating for anyone already dealing with mental health challenges, and just as difficult for the therapist involved, as well. How can both parties best navigate their way through this potentially untenable situation?

There's a big difference between risky behavior, and taking risks which can be both beneficial, and healthy. What is "therapeutic risk-taking," and how can it best be identified?

Regret typically carries with it such a negative connotation. A book entitled "The Power of Regret: How Looking Backward Moves Us Forward," by Daniel H. Pink, suggests otherwise.

How can a mental health discussion be had in regard to the senseless tragedy which occurred in Uvalde, Texas earlier this week, when it feels as if there are no words? Courtney and Brian give it their very best effort, here.

How difficult is it to realize when it's you, who is in fact, being your own worst enemy? When can what appears to be perfectly reasonable (if not admirable) behavior serve as a detriment to your overall mental health? And once identified, what can be done to stop it?

Where and how you get your mental health information is a consideration which should never be taken lightly...especially in the online universe. How do you know if a source is reputable? What is "clickbait," versus what isn't? How misleading do headlines tend to be, and how much independent research should you actually be doing without the assistance of a mental health professional? An update on the Naomi Judd situation also follows.

For their milestone 100th podcast episode, Courtney and Brian discuss this week's heartbreaking passing of Naomi Judd. Many may ask how someone who seemingly had everything going for her could possibly be capable of taking her own life. Were there noticable signs leading up to said tragedy, and for what in those areas should we all be looking? Like many other illnesses, mental challenges can also go into remission, and just as easily (and devastatingly), make an unexpected return.

While most of us attempt to present an outward appearance of confidence, competence and contentment in virtually all areas of our everyday lives, perhaps how we perceive ourselves internally doesn't necessarily match that narrative. Be it from a career perspective, or even in our interpersonal relationships, insecurity and self-doubt can take hold to an extent that may leave us feeling like frauds. How much of that uncertainty is too much, and what can be done to manage it?

Ben DeCastro was in for Courtney, to discuss a controversial podcast featuring BIll Maher and Bella Thorne. Maher challenged Thorne in regard to her struggles with anxiety, by asking how people from her generation could possibly be anxious. The Boomer/Gen Z disconnect immediately became evident, and served as yet another example of how fractured and divided our society has become. How does our overall mental health suffer from that, and what preventitive steps can be taken to fix it?

Tax Day. Gas prices. Cost of living. Inflation. Stock market swings. Financial stress is as prominent as it's been in decades. And for all too many of us, it takes an emotional toll. Marriages affected. Retirements delayed. Credit scores decimated. What can therapy do to help? "Invest" some time in this discussion for those answers (and more).

"Go with your gut." "Sit with it for a little while." Which of the two is the more healthy approach? Or, perhaps is it neither? Go with your gut, and sit with this episode, for some much-needed clarity.

What occurred at "The Academy Awards" served as a textbook example of sensitivities having been tested. A joke perceived to be insensitive struck emotional nerves, which subsequently resulted in ill-advised, and impulsive reactions. What roles did ego, "wokeness," technology, culture, socials, and hypocrisy all play in what eventually transpired? And how can such behavior be managed, and treated, through mental health therapy?

Opening oneself up to therapy is an enormous first step. Benefiting from said commitment is another huge accomplishment. But taking what you've learned in the hopes of helping others just may be the most satisfying result of all.

'Tis the season for not only spring cleaning your place of residence, but also your mental health. What should be on that checklist? Courtney and Brian share their thoughts.

March Madness is in the offing. NFL WR Calvin Ridley is serving a one-year suspension for betting on games. And as it's Problem Gambling Awareness Month, what better time is there to explore this ever-growing epidemic which is only becoming more accessible with each passing day?

A prominent U.S. journalist recently wrote a book describing how she "hates" her husband, but has no plans to divorce him. And while "hate" is an awfully strong word, what it really speaks to is how no marriage is perfect...not even close. Even within the strongest of unions, there are days where dislike and annoyance far overshadow affection and love, and that can actually be quite healthy. But when is it not? Here's how to tell the difference.

How and when does a complicated friendship cross the line into becoming toxic? In what ways can and should that be addressed/approached? And at what point is walking away the healthiest thing for you? Off of an appearance by therapist Karina Aybar-Jacobs on "The Today Show" (revolving around this very topic), Courtney and Brian weigh in with their own thoughts.

Much has been made in regard to Kanye West's very public displays of behavior involving the relationship between his ex-wife, Kim Kardashian, and her boyfriend, Pete Davidson. How much of that could be related to mental illness, given all of the speculation as to Ye's history with both bipolar, and borderline personality disorder? And should either issue impact your life in any way, how can they most effectively be addressed?

Loneliness has become somewhat of a pandemic epidemic. And while Valentine's Day is quite often a celebration for those who are lucky enough to be in love, for the countless others who aren't, it can also be absolute torture. Even if you do find yourself in a relationship, should it be dysfunctional, that struggle can also be real. Either way, Courtney and Brian are here to help.

In a week featuring (what may have been) two celebrity suicides, it feels appropriate to examine this very difficult topic. We explore the role of Internet trolls as a part of this equation, the motivation of such bullying (some of which you may find to be surprising), and the accountability element to it all.

For as important as it is to know who you are as an individual, the benefits of interacting, and associating, with like-minded people can similarly work wonders for your overall mental health -- be it from a religious, political, cultural, traumatic, or even sports fandom perspective. It can often provide you with a sense of belonging/tribalism. But when could it also become somewhat unproductive? This is one of Brian's favorite episodes ever. Here's hoping it'll become one of yours, too.

Regarding a recent article entitled, "Covert Narcissism," in what other areas may various mental health issues be difficult to detect? Are those gray areas solely unclear to those who are externally affected by said behavior, or can the person who possesses them also be in the dark? How much of the latter could be related to subconscious denial? And how often is the person who is prone these traits intentionally attempting to hide them from others in their circle?

"If only (BLANK) would happen, I'd finally be happy." As the old adage goes, "Be careful what you wish for." But even more importantly, don't waste too much time and energy on things you can't control. Easier said than done? It doesn't have to be. Find out how, here.

With age, comes wisdom...but that's not all. There's also the weight of increased responsibility, unwanted physiological changes, the inevitable loss of older loved ones/heroes, and with that, a heightened awareness of one's own mortality. And for as much as all of that can be to process, therapeutically, there are methods/coping mechanisms which can help. Several of those are examined, here.

Part two/our year end episode, covering the article which inspired the "Therapeutic Expectations" edition of the podcast, examining everything from our tendency to avoid what's damaging us most, being dishonest with yourself, and why the heck Courtney and Brian haven't been in the same room for most of the last week!

A year ago at this time, a sense of relief emerged as we were all preparing to finally put 2020 in the rearview. Hope, on the back of a newly-released vaccine, and a New Year in the offing, sprang eternal -- in spite of the news of a developing variant. As 2021 progressed, things seemed to turn a corner...only to seemingly, and sharply, regress yet again. It's an emotional roller coaster which could potentially prove to be challenging for anyone. Here are some thoughts on how to cope.

The biggest factor which typically scares people away from therapy is invalid/preconceived notions. And those can be all over the map. So, wherein lies the truth? Get the perspective of both therapist, and patient, in this episode.

What is "revenge bedtime procrastination," and how detrimental can it be to overall mental health? How important is sleep, from both a physical and emotional perspective, and what are some of the best ways to ensure that you get it?

What can be the most joyous time of the year for some, can also be one of the most emotionally painful for others. Finding a balance between the two camps (along with everyone else in between), is key -- especially as so many of us come together for the holidays.

Society will tell you that having children has the ability to be among the greatest experiences you'll ever encounter. And while that can be true, new research finds that it can also be terrible for quality of life, making "happiness" complicated at times. How do you prevent this from becoming an issue with your significant other, which could potentially harm your relationship? What adjustments need to be made to help all parents cope? Learn that, and more, here.

On the heels of the tragedy involving young lives lost at the Astroworld Festival featuring Travis Scott, Courtney and Brian explore ways in which coping with grief on that level are best, and typically, approached/processed.

More often than not, pessimism gets a bad rap. But a recent study suggests it's far more ingrained in all of us than most self-proclaimed optimists may be willing to admit. And yet, that's not necessarily a bad thing. How so? Find out here.

The opioid epidemic has long been a problem, which terrifyingly just may be becoming more prevalent than ever. Should you find yourself within the grips of addiction, or if you love someone who is, this edition is an absolute must listen.

Much has been made in regard to Dave Chappelle's latest Netflix comedy special, along with the uproar it has caused within the LGBTQ+ community. In a world where outrage, divsion, and polarization all only seem to continue to be on the rise, how can each and every one of us do better to try and find some semblance of middle ground, civility, and understanding?