Between Sessions

About Between Sessions

Between Sessions is a podcast hosted by two therapists sitting in a room, having the conversations that usually happen between sessions. We talk openly and honestly about mental health, therapy, relationships, trauma, ADHD, anxiety, burnout, boundaries, and the very human experiences that bring people into therapy in the first place. Hosted by seasoned clinicians with a combined 50 years of experience, Between Sessions blends professional insight with real-world perspective. This is not therapy—and it’s not a substitute for therapy—but it is an honest look at how therapists think, reflect, and make sense of the emotional, relational, and psychological patterns we see every day. Our goal is to normalize mental health struggles, reduce stigma, and create conversations that feel grounded, accessible, and real. Some episodes are clinically informed deep dives into topics commonly explored in therapy. Others are reflective, unscripted conversations about the messy middle of being human—work, family, identity, healing, growth, and the challenges that show up both inside and outside the therapy room. We bring our clinical experience into the conversation while keeping the language approachable and free of unnecessary jargon. A core part of Between Sessions is you. We invite listeners to submit questions, topics, and situations they want to better understand—things they’re curious about, struggling with, or thinking through. Your questions help shape our discussions and guide what we talk about on the show. While we don’t provide individualized therapy or diagnoses, we thoughtfully explore themes, patterns, and perspectives in a way that is ethical, professional, and relatable. Whether you’re currently in therapy, considering starting, work in the mental health field, or simply want to understand yourself and others more deeply, Between Sessions offers a space for reflection, curiosity, and honest conversation. Pull up a chair. These are the conversations that happen between sessions. Have a question you want us to discuss on the show? Email us at AskBetweenSessions@gmail.com

Publisher

Bethany Blankenheim & Barbie Humble

Category

health & fitness

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

30 Jan 2026

Latest episode

12 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

18 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   12 Oct 2026

   Codependency vs. Interdependency

   When did needing support from your partner become a red flag? In this episode of Between Sessions, we’re unpacking the difference between codependency and interdependency.. We explore the growing tendency to label partners as “codependent” simply for having emotional needs, seeking reassurance, or relying on their partner for support. Healthy relationships aren’t about being completely self-sufficient or never needing anyone. They’re about finding a balance between independence and connection, where both people can lean on each other without losing themselves in the process. We talk about what it actually means to be codependent, what healthy interdependence looks like, and why relationships are supposed to be give-and-take, not two people trying to prove they don’t need each other. Because there’s a difference between relying on someone and depending on them to define your entire sense of self. You can be your own person and still need your partner.

2. 

   28 Sept 2026

   Pop Psychology Misconceptions

   Psychology has officially entered the chat. And while it’s great that people are talking more openly about mental health, social media has also turned therapy language into everyday slang. Suddenly, every bad date is a narcissist, every difficult relationship is a trauma bond, and every distracted moment is ADHD. In this episode of Between Sessions, we’re unpacking some of the most common pop psychology misconceptions and talking about what can get lost when mental health terms become buzzwords. We’ll explore the difference between relating to a symptom and meeting criteria for a diagnosis, why self-diagnosis can be complicated, and how to approach your own experiences with curiosity rather than immediately reaching for a label. We’ll also talk about what to consider before diagnosing yourself from a TikTok, Instagram post, or “10 signs you might have…” checklist, and why recognizing yourself in a mental health description can still be meaningful even when you don’t have that diagnosis.

3. 

   6 Aug 2026

   Aging Parents Continued

   In this episode, we continue getting honest about one of the most exhausting seasons of adult life. Being sandwiched between raising your own kids and caring for aging parents, all while trying to hold down a career, a marriage, and your own sanity. We share our own real, messy, sometimes funny experiences navigating this. In this episode, we talk about: Why some siblings go MIA when parents need care — and how to understand avoidance without letting resentment take over How to have the hard conversations with your parents before a crisis forces your hand Why time is your most valuable asset (and why it's okay to step back from work to protect it) The honest truth about finding quality care — assisted living, in-home care, and how to know what's actually sustainable for your family Death with dignity, closure, and why the "kumbaya moment" doesn't always come. Why putting your oxygen mask on first isn't selfish, it's the only way this works. We also get into why even we, as therapists, fall right back into our family roles the second we walk through our parents' front doors. Because knowledge doesn't make you immune. It just gives you better words for what you're feeling.

4. 

   19 Jul 2026

   Caring for Aging Parents

   As our parents age, many of us find ourselves in the middle, balancing careers, relationships, children, and the growing responsibility of caring for the people who once cared for us. In this episode, we explore the emotional, practical, and relational challenges of supporting aging parents while juggling the demands of everyday life. We also discuss how this season can bring unresolved childhood wounds to the surface, inviting us to confront old family dynamics and the complicated mix of love, grief, guilt, and obligation that often accompanies caregiving. Whether you're navigating difficult conversations, setting healthy boundaries, or trying to care for others without losing yourself, this conversation strategies for moving through this chapter with intention.

5. 

   12 Jul 2026

   Never Underestimate the Pathology of the People Around You

   Kindness and empathy are strengths, but they don't require you to ignore harmful behavior. In this episode, we explore what it means to lead with compassion while maintaining healthy boundaries, especially when the people around you are struggling with patterns that can be emotionally unhealthy. We'll discuss why understanding someone's pain doesn't mean accepting their behavior, how empathy and accountability can coexist, and why boundaries are one of the most compassionate things you can offer. Learning to recognize unhealthy dynamics without becoming cynical is difficult work, but it's work that protects your peace and strengthens your relationships.

6. 

   29 Jun 2026

   What Makes A Healthy Relationship?

   In this episode, we unpack one of the most common questions we hear in therapy: Is this normal? We explore the Power and Control Wheel to identify subtle and overt signs of emotional, psychological, financial, and physical abuse, while also discussing what healthy love looks like in everyday life. Healthy relationships aren't perfect but they are built on mutual respect, accountability, and safety. We'll talk about the green flags that matter most, partners who can tolerate boundaries, take responsibility when they've hurt someone, repair conflict instead of avoiding it, and support each other's individuality rather than trying to control it. Whether you're dating, married, healing from a past relationship, or simply wanting to better understand relationship dynamics, this episode will help you recognize the difference between love and control and give you a framework for building relationships that feel safe, secure, and genuinely healthy. Power and Control Wheel: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Yb3i8sjChWsQVulPQ5Sd9LmbQGcuU6vrVAl454WifBE/edit?usp=sharing

7. 

   8 Jun 2026

   Parenting the Child You Have

   Parenting is one of life's greatest adventures, but it's also one of the hardest jobs to prepare for. When you're raising a child who has experienced trauma or is navigating mental health challenges, the parenting journey can feel even more complex. In this episode, we explore the reality that there is no universal parenting manual because every child is different. The goal isn't to parent the child you imagined or expected, it's to learn how to parent the child you have. We discuss how parenting has a way of bringing our own unresolved experiences, wounds, and triggers to the surface, and why self-awareness is one of the most important tools a parent can develop. We also examine the challenges of breaking generational patterns, how many parents are working to move away from the ways they were raised while being mindful not to let the pendulum swing too far in the opposite direction. Join us for an honest conversation about trauma, mental health, co-regulation, resilience, and the ongoing process of growing alongside our children. Parenting isn't about perfection, it's about connection, flexibility, and learning to meet our kids where they are.

8. 

   1 Jun 2026

   Men's Mental Health

   In this episode, we sit down with a special guest to have an honest conversation about men’s mental health, emotional isolation, and the pressures many men silently carry. We explore the alarming statistics surrounding male suicide, substance use, and violence, while looking deeper at the cultural expectations that teach men to suppress emotion, avoid vulnerability, and equate worth with performance or stoicism. Together, we unpack how patriarchy harms men too, limiting emotional expression, discouraging help-seeking, and contributing to loneliness, shame, and fractured relationships. This episode creates space for a more nuanced conversation about masculinity, connection, healing, and what it means to build communities where men can safely be human.

9. 

   1 Jun 2026

   Parenting: A Journey of Co-Regulation

   Folks often feel pressure to appear perfect when it comes to parenting, but real life tells a different story. In this episode, we explore why parenting can feel so overwhelming even when (and often because) you care deeply for your child. We discuss the importance of emotional regulation and co-regulation, how children borrow our calm when they don't yet have the skills to manage big emotions on their own, and why parenting is often less about controlling behavior and more about building connection. We also unpack the unrealistic expectations created by social media and the pressure many parents feel to get everything "right." Most importantly, we talk about the reality that there is no one-size-fits-all parenting approach. Every child is different, every family is different, and effective parenting often means learning your child's unique needs, temperament, and communication style rather than following the latest trend or parenting hack.

10. 

    25 Apr 2026

    Brain Talk: Chronic Stress and Disease

    In this episode, Barbie dives into her area of expertise- the powerful connection between chronic stress and disease. She breaks down the neurobiology behind how prolonged stress can actually shorten telomeres, accelerating cellular aging and impacting long-term health. We also explore what it means to “hack” the brain, the epicenter of the body, and how small, intentional shifts can support regulation, resilience, and overall well-being. As clinicians, our work goes far beyond the psychological. Every time we help clients regulate their nervous systems, we’re also supporting healthier immune responses and long-term physical health.

11. 

    18 Apr 2026

    Executive Functioning

    Executive functioning…we hear it everywhere, but what does it mean in real life? This week on Between Sessions, Bethany and Barbie laugh and share personal stories as they break down what executive functioning really is (beyond the buzzword) and how it affects all of us. We talk about the connection between executive functioning and ADHD, but also explore the neurobiology behind executive functioning for folks who don't have ADHD. If you’ve ever called yourself lazy, unmotivated, or “bad at life,” this episode might shift how you understand yourself.

12. 

    11 Apr 2026

    ADHD & Women

    ADHD doesn’t always look like hyperactive little boys disrupting classrooms. This misconception has left countless women overlooked or misdiagnosed with other mental health conditions. In this episode, we unpack what ADHD actually looks like in women. The internal chaos, the chronic overwhelm, and the quiet exhaustion of trying to “keep it together.” We explore why so many women are diagnosed later in life (or not at all), how symptoms often show up as anxiety, perfectionism, or emotional intensity, and the powerful role masking plays in surviving. We also dive into: Why ADHD in women is so often missed or mislabeled The connection between ADHD, perfectionism, and burnout What masking looks like and the cost of constantly performing “okay” How hormonal changes (puberty, pregnancy, menopause) can impact symptoms The emotional experience of finally being seen and understood Whether you’ve been diagnosed, are questioning, or just want to understand yourself or someone you love more deeply, this conversation offers clarity and validation. Because it’s not about being “lazy” or “too much”, it’s about a nervous system that’s been misunderstood.

13. 

    31 Mar 2026

    ADHD: Part 1 of Many?

    In this episode, we explore ADHD beyond the stereotypes, breaking down common misconceptions and diving into the neurobiology behind how ADHD actually works. We discuss how ADHD can show up across different areas of life and the ways it can impact communication, focus, emotional regulation, and daily functioning. Bethany shares how her growing interest in ADHD has deepened her understanding and strengthened her relationships with her partner and her two sons. Barbie offers a personal perspective as she reflects on supporting her son through his ADHD diagnosis and advocating for his needs. Together, this conversation blends psychoeducation with lived experience, offering insight and practical understanding for anyone impacted by ADHD—whether personally or within their relationships.

14. 

    1 Mar 2026

    That Doesn’t Work for Me: A Beginner’s Guide to Boundaries

    In this episode of Between Sessions, we break down what boundaries actually are — and what they’re not. We talk about why so many people struggle to set them, how fear and shame get in the way, and why resentment is often the first sign that a boundary is needed. From family dynamics to time protection to emotional limits, we explore how healthy boundaries don’t push people away — they create clarity and safety in relationships. If you’ve ever felt guilty for saying no or exhausted from saying yes, this one’s for you.

15. 

    22 Feb 2026

    Wired, Tired, and Slightly Unhinged: Tools for Anxiety & Depression

    In this episode of Between Sessions, we unpack the overlap between anxiety and depression—and why so many people feel wired and exhausted at the same time. We explore what’s happening in the nervous system, how hyperarousal and shutdown show up in everyday life, and most importantly, practical tools that actually help. From calming anxiety spirals to gently activating out of depressive lows, this conversation offers grounded, realistic strategies that support regulation, clarity, and momentum—without shame or toxic positivity.

16. 

    13 Feb 2026

    Barbie at a Cocktail Party…The Cycle of Depression & Shame

    While Bethany is working the room, Barbie is apparently cornering people at cocktail parties to talk about depression and shame—and honestly, it’s kind of perfect. In this episode of Between Sessions, we dig into the cycle of depression and shame: how they feed off each other, keep people stuck, and show up in everyday moments (sometimes with a drink in hand and a forced smile). With humor, honesty, and clinical insight, we talk about why shame keeps people quiet, why depression isolates, and how high-functioning people often carry this cycle invisibly. This is a real, relatable conversation about the thoughts people don’t usually say out loud—unless you happen to be standing next to Barbie at a cocktail party.

17. 

    1 Feb 2026

    Trusting the Process.

    In this episode of Between Sessions, we take a deeper look at what mental health really is—and what it isn’t. We talk about why therapy isn’t only for moments of crisis, how stress and anxiety show up in the nervous system, and why so many high-functioning people are actually living in chronic survival mode. From fight, flight, and freeze to burnout, parenting fatigue, and the physical toll of long-term stress, we explore why healing takes time and why learning to trust the process matters. This episode is about slowing down, listening to your body, and understanding that regulation, growth, and change don’t happen overnight—they happen between sessions.

18. 

    30 Jan 2026

    Between Sessions: Starting the Conversation

    In our very first episode of Between Sessions, we introduce ourselves, share a bit about who we are as therapists, and talk about why we created this podcast. We also begin one of the most foundational conversations in mental health: the nervous system and our survival responses—fight, flight, and freeze. Together, we explore what these responses actually look like in real life, how they show up in everyday situations and relationships, and why understanding them can be so powerful. Rather than staying theoretical, we talk through common examples, misconceptions, and how these patterns often get misunderstood or mislabeled as “overreacting” or “avoidant.” This episode sets the tone for the conversations to come—grounded, honest, and relatable—while offering insight into how therapists think about stress, safety, and regulation. Whether you’re new to therapy, already doing the work, or simply curious about how the nervous system shapes behavior, this episode offers a thoughtful place to start. If you have a question or topic you’d like us to discuss on a future episode, email us at AskBetweenSessions@gmail.com .