Edge of the Couch
Two good friends and experienced therapists explore the topics that were either shied away from or dismissed because they were too big, too nuanced, too risky, or too uncomfortable to address in school or even in supervision. We want to inspire and encourage therapists to think more deeply, show up more fully, and find humour and self-compassion in navigating the messier parts of being a therapist.
- Update frequency
- every 7 days
- Average duration
- 38 minutes
- Episodes
- 137
- Years Active
- 2021 - 2025
Can 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 [email protected] to tell us what you…
Q+A Part 2 Dealing with a racist client, processing our own "stuff", and thoughts on homework
We 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 w…
Q+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"…
The therapeutic relationship is a place of experimentation and affirmation - Interview with Co-host Jordan Pickell
In 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…
We're all going to die someday - Interview with Co-host Alison McCleary
In 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 othe…
When you are attracted to the client
Finding 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 impac…
When you disagree with your school
Whether 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…
When the client wants to die
In 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 appre…
When you want to be friends with the client
Alison 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 f…
When you have lived experience - Interview with Mimi Cole
In 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 implicatio…
When you can't help laughing
In 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…
When you are chronically ill
Alison 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 [email protected]…
When you fall in love with therapy - Interview with Chloe Powell
In 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 pande…
When you are a therapist in a pandemic
In 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…
When the client won't cry
In 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…
When you feel like an imposter
In 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 [email protected] to tell us what you think…
Trailer
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 [email protected], or voice note …