Cheaper Than Therapy with Vanessa and Dené

Ep 234: Friendships & GoodbyesIn this emotional and reflective episode of Cheaper than Therapy the Podcast, we discuss the cycles of relationships, touching on our personal friendship dynamics and the upcoming conclusion of Cheaper than Therapy the Podcast after an incredible 4 years. What You’ll Gain from this Episode:✨ An emphasis on the importance of prioritizing friendships over romantic relationships, which often get placed on a societal pedestal, and how our friendship has thrived because of our commitment to this mindset✨The cyclical nature of relationships, using the metaphor of a spiral to illustrate how old wounds and dynamics resurface, but with each turn of the spiral, they move further from the center, showing growth and healing✨Exploring the concept of respecting where each person is in their development and capacity to engage in relationships, and how recognizing that capacity in one another helps prevent the ego from taking a “one-up” position, allowing for empathy and understanding✨The conclusion of Cheaper than Therapy the Podcast after 4 years together, our immense gratitude for this journey, our guests, and you - the amazing community we’ve built together🎙This podcast is definitely Cheaper than TherapyOur podcast is ending but we aren’t leaving! Connect with us in our Cheaper Than Therapy online Community. Weekly process groups and classes with us and our expert guest facilitators on a range of topics, plus one-on-one interactions with us and an amazing supportive community! Learn more hereInterested in joining Vanessa’s substack? Email Sondra@vanessabennett.com for more informationConnect with Vanessa:Instagram: @vanessasbennettTikTok: @thecodayodaConnect with Dené:Instagram: @dene.loganWebsite: denelogan.comTikTok: @denelogan------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In this episode of Cheaper than Therapy the Podcast, we sit down with Sabrina Zohar, a prominent voice in dating and relationship psychology and host of the Sabrina Zohar Show, a top resource for no-nonsense relationship advice backed by the expertise of board-certified and licensed psychologists. What You’ll Gain from this Episode:✨ How dating emotionally unavailable people will often lead to the realization that you are emotionally unavailable, showing the importance of accountability vs blame in relationships ✨Why we should challenge common social media dating advice like “If they wanted to, they would,” due to a need for deeper self-reflection and understanding, rather than blindly following oversimplified advice✨How past trauma can influence current dating patterns and the importance of healing from these experiences so you are able to approach relationships by prioritizing authenticity and depth over superficial connections✨The importance of maintaining high standards in dating without getting caught in unrealistic ideals, and to begin prioritizing compatibility and shared values over physical appearance or fleeting excitement🎙This podcast is definitely Cheaper than TherapyIf you find value in these conversations, please take a moment to rate and review the podcast wherever you listen to pods. It helps us reach a larger audience looking for soulful insights!Connect with Sabrina:WebsitePodcastCheck out our online community, Cheaper Than Therapy the Community. Weekly process groups, live workshops, weekly live workshop series with expert guest facilitators, and one-on-one interactions with us and an amazing supportive community! Learn more hereConnect with Vanessa:Instagram: @vanessasbennettTikTok: @thecodayodaYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vanessabennettlmft5631 Connect with Dené:Instagram: @dene.loganTikTok: @denelogan------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In this episode of Cheaper than Therapy the Podcast, we sit down with Michelle, who is struggling with her husband’s mental health issues and their recent impact on their family dynamics. The conversation explores step-parenting, mental health in relationships, and more.What You’ll Gain from this Episode:✨ The difficulties in finding common ground with her husband regarding parenting decisions, especially as her children have grown older✨ What to do when when mental health struggles have created an ongoing sense of unpredictability and fear within the family dynamic✨ Approaching conversations with curiosity and vulnerability, and the possibility that open communication about their fears and past traumas could help alleviate some of the tension in the relationship✨Why it’s important to take accountability in relationships and address your own trauma to recalibrate your own nervous system to better cope with the present, and how by doing the necessary inner work, you can embrace the good surrounding your external🎙This podcast is definitely Cheaper than TherapyRemember, we’re therapists, but we’re not your therapists. These coaching sessions, and other episodes, are meant for entertainment purposes only, and are not meant to replace your therapy practice. If you find value in these conversations, please take a moment to rate and review the podcast wherever you listen to pods. It helps us reach a larger audience looking for soulful insights!Check out our online community, Cheaper Than Therapy the Community. Weekly process groups, live workshops, weekly live workshop series with expert guest facilitators, and one-on-one interactions with us and an amazing supportive community! Learn more hereConnect with Vanessa:Instagram: @vanessasbennettTikTok: @thecodayodaYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vanessabennettlmft5631 Connect with Dené:Instagram: @dene.loganTikTok: @denelogan------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In this episode of Cheaper than Therapy the Podcast, we sit down with Gabriella Ulloa and Meadowlark Monaghan, co-hosts of the “Thoughts May Vary” podcast; a podcast about changing our minds, with the common threads of mental health and nuance weaved throughout. We talk about mental health and the value of open, honest conversations & feeing understood in relationships.What You’ll Gain from this Episode:✨Normalizing exploring mental health conversations in an approachable and authentic way, without falling into toxic positivity ✨The value of holding space for differing opinions and the need for discussions that allow for change and growth✨Approaching the topics of mental health with compassion and understanding, and the importance of feeling safe to speak openly about difficult subjects without fear of judgment✨The importance of vulnerability in relationships, both romantic and platonic, and why showing up authentically, especially in the messiest parts of life, is crucial for building deep, authentic connections🎙This podcast is definitely Cheaper than TherapyIf you find value in these conversations, please take a moment to rate and review the podcast wherever you listen to pods. It helps us reach a larger audience looking for soulful insights!Connect with Gabriela and MeadowlarkWebsiteThoughts May VaryCheck out our online community, Cheaper Than Therapy the Community. Weekly process groups, live workshops, weekly live workshop series with expert guest facilitators, and one-on-one interactions with us and an amazing supportive community! Learn more hereConnect with Vanessa:Instagram: @vanessasbennettTikTok: @thecodayodaYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vanessabennettlmft5631 Connect with Dené:Instagram: @dene.loganTikTok: @denelogan------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In this episode of Cheaper than Therapy the Podcast, we sit down with Sarah, who is grappling with the aftermath of overhearing a negative conversation about herself between her in-laws and parents. What You’ll Gain from this Episode:✨Exploring the motivation behind listening to a recorded conversation and why it’s important to consider the deeper truths that might be present in the feedback✨The challenge of reconciling the desire for space and healing coupled with the pressure from others to resolve the conflict quickly, and why setting boundaries for space to process your emotions is important✨Why personal accountability is important and how our past experiences can influence our behavior✨Sometimes healing can be complicated and relationships have to change, so allowing yourself to feel your emotions fully is important for a sense of clarity, self-awareness, and spiritual growth🎙This podcast is definitely Cheaper than TherapyRemember, we’re therapists, but we’re not your therapists. These coaching sessions, and other episodes, are meant for entertainment purposes only, and are not meant to replace your therapy practice.If you find value in these conversations, please take a moment to rate and review the podcast wherever you listen to pods. It helps us reach a larger audience looking for soulful insights!Check out our online community, Cheaper Than Therapy the Community. Weekly process groups, live workshops, weekly live workshop series with expert guest facilitators, and one-on-one interactions with us and an amazing supportive community! Learn more hereConnect with Vanessa:Instagram: @vanessasbennettTikTok: @thecodayodaYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vanessabennettlmft5631 Connect with Dené:Instagram: @dene.loganTikTok: @denelogan------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In this episode of Cheaper than Therapy the Podcast, we sit down with Africa Brooke, internationally acclaimed consultant, credentialed coach, speaker, and podcaster to discuss self-censorship, brave expression, navigating complex social dynamics, and how to trust your inner voice. Her book, The Third Perspective: Brave Expression in the Age of Intolerance is available now! What You’ll Gain from this Episode:✨Why non-binary thinking is necessary to breaking free of self-censorship and having open, authentic conversation✨The significance of brave expression in the age of intolerance, and the struggle to remain authentic when facing societal pressures that go against your own truth✨How social media may have amped the culture of fear and intolerance, and why focusing on meaningful posting and interacting may have more authentic results than performative social media presences✨The necessity of holding space for nuance in difficult conversations, and why true understanding doesn’t always mean agreement🎙This podcast is definitely Cheaper than TherapyConnect with Africa Brooke:WebsiteInstagram                                                                The Third PerspectiveIf you find value in these conversations, please take a moment to rate and review the podcast wherever you listen to pods. It helps us reach a larger audience looking for soulful insights!Check out our online community, Cheaper Than Therapy the Community. Weekly process groups, live workshops, weekly live workshop series with expert guest facilitators, and one-on-one interactions with us and an amazing supportive community! Learn more hereConnect with Vanessa:Instagram: @vanessasbennettTikTok: @thecodayodaYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vanessabennettlmft5631 Connect with Dené:Instagram: @dene.loganTikTok: @denelogan------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In this episode of Cheaper than Therapy the Podcast, we sit down with Erica to talk about her struggles with managing strong emotions and staying grounded in emotionally overwhelming situations, and what to do when you tend to outwardly focus on others when overwhelmed, and how to trust your inner voice and listen to Self. What You’ll Gain from this Episode:✨How somatic tools can help manage intense feelings during moments of emotional overwhelm✨ The importance of self-compassion and acceptance when dealing with big emotions, and how to uncouple negative beliefs from emotional reactions✨Why being emotionally vulnerable and authentic can feel challenging when learning how to trust your inner voice🎙This podcast is definitely Cheaper than TherapyIf you find value in these conversations, please take a moment to rate and review the podcast wherever you listen to pods. It helps us reach a larger audience looking for soulful insights!Check out our online community, Cheaper Than Therapy the Community. Weekly process groups, live workshops, weekly live workshop series with expert guest facilitators, and one-on-one interactions with us and an amazing supportive community! Learn more hereConnect with Vanessa:Instagram: @vanessasbennettTikTok: @thecodayodaYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vanessabennettlmft5631 Connect with Dené:Instagram: @dene.loganTikTok: @denelogan------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In this episode of Cheaper than Therapy the Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, licensed psychologist, author, speaker, and founder and host of Therapy for Black Girls, a podcast and platform dedicated to making mental health topics more relevant and accessible for Black women. We discuss Dr. Joy’s journey to creating a significant platform aimed at destigmatizing mental health issues among Black women, community, generational trauma, self-awareness and spiritual growth, and more. What You’ll Gain from this Episode:✨The critical role that community plays in mental health, particularly in the context of collective trauma and support systems✨Dr. Joy emphasizes the intertwined nature of spirituality and mental health in Black communities, advocating for a holistic approach to well-being.✨The impact of generational trauma and the importance of acknowledging and healing these deep-seated wounds to foster overall mental health🎙This podcast is definitely Cheaper than TherapyConnect with Dr. Joy WebsiteInstagramSign up for Therapy for Black GirlsIf you find value in these conversations, please take a moment to rate and review the podcast wherever you listen to pods. It helps us reach a larger audience looking for soulful insights!Check out our online community, Cheaper Than Therapy the Community. Weekly process groups, live workshops, weekly live workshop series with expert guest facilitators, and one-on-one interactions with us and an amazing supportive community! Learn more hereConnect with Vanessa:Instagram: @vanessasbennettTikTok: @thecodayodaYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vanessabennettlmft5631 Connect with Dené:Instagram: @dene.loganTikTok: @denelogan------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In this episode of Cheaper than Therapy the Podcast, we sit down with Jill, a single mother and entrepreneur who is navigating the challenges of rebuilding her life after leaving a toxic and abusive marriage. The conversation touches on how to trust your inner voice, boundaries, impacts of relationships on children, and more. What You’ll Gain from this Episode:✨How societal and cultural pressures can cause us to feel like we need external validation and approval, and how that can make it difficult to learn how to trust your inner voice, especially after leaving an abusive relationship ✨The importance of making independent decisions, even in what seems like small daily matters, as a way to reclaim personal agency and build trust in Self✨The significant impact past relationships have on children, highlighting the importance of modeling healthy behaviors and open communication to break generational cycles of trauma✨Why seeking family therapy to facilitate open discussions and provide a supportive environment is key to heal and grow together🎙This podcast is definitely Cheaper than TherapyIf you find value in these conversations, please take a moment to rate and review the podcast wherever you listen to pods. It helps us reach a larger audience looking for soulful insights!Check out our online community, Cheaper Than Therapy the Community. Weekly process groups, live workshops, weekly live workshop series with expert guest facilitators, and one-on-one interactions with us and an amazing supportive community! Learn more hereConnect with Vanessa:Instagram: @vanessasbennettTikTok: @thecodayodaYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vanessabennettlmft5631 Connect with Dené:Instagram: @dene.loganTikTok: @denelogan------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------