Sounds Like Therapy

Ah, the holidays. Children laughing, people passing, and the smell of resentment thick in the air.What? I’m not supposed to say that part out loud?Here’s the thing: the holidays ARE magical… for the people not in charge of them. But for women - who often do the vast majority of the planning and purchasing and hostessing and cooking and cleaning and decorating, not just during the holidays, but the rest of the year - it can feel like same $#!*, different day… but on steroids.But it doesn’t have to be this way. In today’s episode, I’m breaking away from listener-submitted questions to tackle something every single one of my therapy clients talks about this time of year: holiday overwhelm. If you’re tired of the endless “shoulds” and mounting pressure, let’s take some power back and change things up.I’m sharing a simple, two-step strategy to help you get clear on what you really want this holiday season—and make decisions that actually get you there. Whether it’s setting boundaries, cutting back, or finding peace in the chaos, this episode will show you how to bring joy back to the holidays (without sacrificing your sanity).In This Episode, You’ll Learn:Why the holidays feel so overwhelming (it’s not just you!).The sneaky ways external and internal pressures steal your joy.How to define your “holiday true north” and use it to guide your choices.Small but powerful tweaks to make the season feel lighter, happier, and more you.Ready to make this your best holiday season yet? Let’s dive in.LAST CHANCE! COMPLETE THE SURVEY BETWEEN NOW AND NOVEMBER 28, 2024, AND YOU WILL BE ENTERED TO WIN A $50 GIFT CARD. As if you needed any additional incentive to submit your own question, which may be answered on a future episode of Sounds Like Therapy. Link is here >> Sounds Like Therapy Listener SurveyDisclaimer: while this podcast sounds like therapy, it is not actually therapy nor is it a substitute for therapy, and while I am a therapist, I am not YOUR therapist. Please be entertained and encouraged, and seek appropriate mental health support from a licensed therapist in your community, if necessary.

Parenthood can be magical, but let’s face it: it's not great for your sex life. When you’re sleep-deprived, breastfeeding, and feeling self-conscious about your postpartum body, the idea of intimacy with your partner might feel impossible—maybe even repellent.This week’s listener question comes from a mom of two struggling with the “ick” when her husband initiates physical touch. She loves him deeply but feels overwhelmed and unsure how to reconnect. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. In this episode, I break down why this happens (hint: it’s not just hormones) and share practical steps to navigate this tricky season.We’ll cover:The science behind postpartum hormones and their impact on desire.Why the “ick” is more about exhaustion and emotional overwhelm than love.How to shift from avoidance to connection, even when sex feels off the table.This isn’t about quick fixes or guilt-tripping—it’s about creating a partnership where both of you feel seen, valued, and wanted.Take a deep breath, mama. There’s hope, and it starts with small, intentional steps.Want the FREE GUIDE to rekindling desire? Click hereBIG (BUT EASY) ASK: Would you please take three minutes to fill out the super-short, super-easy Sounds Like Therapy Listener Survey? Not only do you get a chance to submit your own question, which may be answered on a future episode of Sounds Like Therapy, but if you fill out the survey between now and Thanksgiving 2024, you'll be entered for a chance to win a $50 GIFT CARD as a token of my thanks for your time.Disclaimer: while this podcast sounds like therapy, it is not actually therapy nor is it a substitute for therapy, and while I am a therapist, I am not YOUR therapist. Please be entertained and encouraged, and seek appropriate mental health support from a licensed therapist in your community, if necessary.

In case you missed it… here in America we just had a presidential election which, because we’re so divided in this country, means that just about half of the country is celebrating while the other half is devastated.And also now? We are just weeks away from the start of the holiday season, where we’re supposed to sit down with the political foes we call family and pass the peas without throwing punches! Is it any wonder that so many of us are full of dread? If you’re anxious about politics ruining your Thanksgiving dinner, I think you’ll SO relate to the listener we hear from today, who shared her own worries about seeing her sister at Thanksgiving, after an intense political disagreement last month. And even if you don’t, personally, have political discord in your family, stay with me - the insights I share about why humans fight, and the plan that I lay out to keep the peace at Thanksgiving, will be a guide that you can apply anywhere that humans congregate - from the boardroom to the PTA meeting, and everywhere in between.How do we keep the peace without feeling forced to agree or, worse, getting drawn into a fight? This episode dives into real, practical strategies to manage family dynamics this holiday season. We'll explore why we’re wired to seek conformity, how today’s digital “tribes” fuel polarization, and how you can set healthy boundaries to enjoy a conflict-free Thanksgiving.TakeawaysUnderstanding "tribalism" and why we're wired to seek conformityWhy humans fight - or avoid - when our sense of security and belonging is threatenedPractical tips to navigate politically charged family gatheringsHow to stay grounded when relatives bring up controversial topicsThe power of setting boundaries to prevent heated holiday discussionsBIG (BUT EASY) ASK: Would you please take three minutes to fill out the super-short, super-easy Sounds Like Therapy Listener Survey? Not only do you get a chance to submit your own question, which may be answered on a future episode of Sounds Like Therapy, but if you fill out the survey between now and Thanksgiving 2024, you'll be entered for a chance to win a $50 GIFT CARD as a token of my thanks for your time.Disclaimer: while this podcast sounds like therapy, it is not actually therapy nor is it a substitute for therapy, and while I am a therapist, I am not YOUR therapist. Please be entertained and encouraged, and seek appropriate mental health support from a licensed therapist in your community, if necessary.

Vulnerability alert! While it's tempting to present the first episode of my new podcast, Sounds Like Therapy, as if it were a nearly effortless (but highly impressive) pivot I made after my last podcast went up in smoke about a month ago... that wouldn't be very on-brand for someone who used to co-host a podcast called Honest Women. Instead, I'm bringing you behind the scenes of the last month, as I've navigated the vulnerable journey from co-hosting Honest Women to launching Sounds Like Therapy on my own. I’ll let you in on the real ups and downs I’ve experienced trying to bring this show to life—from self-doubt and meltdowns to the lightbulb moment where Sounds Like Therapy really started to take shape.And, most importantly, I finally get to tell you about the new show!In Sounds Like Therapy, we’re diving into the real relationship questions you’re grappling with—whether it’s tension with your partner, parenting struggles, or navigating complicated dynamics with friends, family, or coworkers. Each week, I’ll work through a listener-submitted question, making sense of what’s really going on and offering practical, therapist-approved next steps you can actually use. And don’t worry; no vague therapy-speak or abstract concepts here. I'm keeping it short, real, and action-packed!So, if you’re ready to work through some real-life relationship challenges together, hit play!BIG (BUT EASY) ASK: Would you please take three minutes to fill out the super-short, super-easy Sounds Like Therapy Listener Survey? Not only do you get a chance to submit your own question, which may be answered on a future episode of Sounds Like Therapy, but if you fill out the survey between now and Thanksgiving 2024, you'll be entered for a chance to win a $50 GIFT CARD as a token of my thanks for your time. Disclaimer: while this podcast sounds like therapy, it is not actually therapy nor is it a substitute for therapy, and while I am a therapist, I am not YOUR therapist. Please be entertained and encouraged, and seek appropriate mental health support from a licensed therapist in your community, if necessary.

Be on the lookout! Andrea's new podcast, Sounds Like Therapy, will be popping up in your podcast player of choice... SO SOON! If you're "following" the Honest Women Podcast, the new show will automatically pop up in your podcast feed. Boom! Like magic! But I wanted to give you a heads up, because the cover art will be different, and I didn't want you to think "what the heck is this??" and scroll past it. (the new cover art is a super cool blue thumbnail with a silhouette of a woman, with the words "Sounds Like Therapy with Andrea Burkly" at the bottom)That's it! That's the new show! And I can't wait for you to hear it!!In the meantime, here's a little message from me (Andrea), just for you!Want to learn more about the end of the Honest Women Podcast? You can find all of the deets here, in our final episode.

Honest Women, it's with a heavy heart that we are announcing today the end of this chapter. We are so grateful to each and every one of you who listened. Tune in to hear where we're going next <3CONNECT WITH JESSICA: https://www.jlhutchison.com/CONNECT WITH ANDREA: https://www.andreaburkly.com/And make sure you are following the show so you get episodes of Andrea's new podcast, Sounds Like Therapy, delivered right to you!Follow Jessica on IG: @jlhutchisonlcpcFollow Andrea on IG: @andreaburklyLearn more about the Honest Women Podcast: www.honestwomenpodcast.comHonest Women is the podcast for every woman juggling the demands of modern life (while trying to keep her shit together) and finding that it’s all just a little more difficult than she thought it would be. Your hosts, Andrea Burkly and Jessica Hutchison, are two very real mental health professionals who are taking honest conversations from inside their offices to the outside world.Disclaimer: Please note while this podcast features two therapists, and may feel very therapeutic, this is not therapy! Please be entertained, and know that through our creative content, we are not providing mental health care. No diagnosis. No treatment. No medical advice. Just creative content. Please seek appropriate mental health support in the real world.

Today, we delve into the emotional complexities surrounding infertility, miscarriage, and pregnancy loss. We discuss the societal expectations of family planning, the identity crisis that can arise from these experiences, and the importance of setting boundaries and finding support.WE WANT TO CONNECT WITH YOU!!Whether you want your own question answered on Hot Take Thursday, want to discuss the latest Honest Women episode, or just want a place where you can be real with other people and talk about life honestly... the best place to do that is our BRAND NEW FACEBOOK GROUP! Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/honestwomenpodcastcommunityAnd if you have a real-world scenario you want us to discuss, a bug in your bonnet about something going on in the world, or just want to say hello, and you don't have facebook, please email us: hello@honestwomenpodcast.comFollow Honest Women Podcast on IG: @honestwomenpodcastFollow Jessica on IG: @jlhutchisonlcpcFollow Andrea on IG: @andreaburklyLearn more about the Honest Women Podcast: www.honestwomenpodcast.comHonest Women is the podcast for every woman juggling the demands of modern life (while trying to keep her shit together) and finding that it’s all just a little more difficult than she thought it would be. Your hosts, Andrea Burkly and Jessica Hutchison, are two very real mental health professionals who are taking honest conversations from inside their offices to the outside world.Disclaimer:Please note while this podcast features two therapists, and may feel very therapeutic, this is not therapy! Please be entertained, and know that through our creative content, we are not providing mental health care. No diagnosis. No treatment. No medical advice. Just creative content. Please seek appropriate mental health support in the real world.

Timing is crucial when initiating conversations with your teen. Today, we're discussing how to foster open communication by being available and approachable.WE WANT TO CONNECT WITH YOU!!Whether you want your own question answered on Hot Take Thursday, want to discuss the latest Honest Women episode, or just want a place where you can be real with other people and talk about life honestly... the best place to do that is our BRAND NEW FACEBOOK GROUP! Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/honestwomenpodcastcommunityAnd if you have a real-world scenario you want us to discuss, a bug in your bonnet about something going on in the world, or just want to say hello, and you don't have facebook, please email us: hello@honestwomenpodcast.comFollow Honest Women Podcast on IG: @honestwomenpodcastFollow Jessica on IG: @jlhutchisonlcpcFollow Andrea on IG: @andreaburklyLearn more about the Honest Women Podcast: www.honestwomenpodcast.comHonest Women is the podcast for every woman juggling the demands of modern life (while trying to keep her shit together) and finding that it’s all just a little more difficult than she thought it would be. Your hosts, Andrea Burkly and Jessica Hutchison, are two very real mental health professionals who are taking honest conversations from inside their offices to the outside world.Disclaimer:Please note while this podcast features two therapists, and may feel very therapeutic, this is not therapy! Please be entertained, and know that through our creative content, we are not providing mental health care. No diagnosis. No treatment. No medical advice. Just creative content. Please seek appropriate mental health support in the real world.