This week, Drew is realizing that sooner than later, his parents will no longer be financially supporting him. Not only is he nervous about being able to pay for everything, he’s worried that once his parents no longer have an obligation to support him, they won’t choose to be as connected to him...

*** Warning - this episode contains potentially triggering and sensitive topics, including sexual assault. If you or someone you know needs help, please call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1800-646-4673 or go to RAINN.org.*** Drew shares his thoughts and feelings about an extremely disturbing and traumatic event. The details are not 100% clear, however his initial description was that his girlfriend was “raped and essentially kidnapped.”...

While we all start to come out of the pandemic lockdown, Drew and his girlfriend are starting to come out of the honeymoon phase. In their relationship reality, running out of toilet paper becomes a symbol for so much more. Drew and Doug talk about setting boundaries vs. giving rules...

Doug and Meredith are joined by Rebecca to break down the Myers Briggs Type Indicator. We get some history of this Carl Jung inspired psychological test for how people experience the world. Rebecca uses Mer and Doug’s test results to show how you can understand and apply it to your own life. Take the recommended test yourself in the links below. What’s your type? Let us know!

Meredith swims a mile then she and Doug talk about Justice League. And the superhero talk continues with Drew taking to a Superman analogy - balancing the daily grind of a day job with using his own time to focus on his passions. Drew shows vulnerability with his girlfriend...

Meredith loves daylight saving time! Restaurants and movie theatres are opening up in LA now, but Doug is still trying to hide out like a mountain man. In Drew’s therapy session he talks about feeling burnt out and tired from his job. He is also using this time to define his boundaries and let people know when things aren’t right or fair. He and Doug talk about two examples of Drew standing up for himself - one work related, and a personal one that triggered a familiar feeling of distrust and disappointment that he’s historically felt with his Mom. Drew is working on radically accepting his mother for who she is, while dealing with her tendency to not be present or emotionally available.

Meredith and Doug discuss their take on working with clients that have different political views and ideologies than their own. It’s a great jumping off point for this week’s session. Drew is trying to be the bridge for people in his life dealing with racial injustice and prejudice. Drew talks about compartmentalizing when feeling overwhelmed and anxious...

Doug is back in LA and missing the mountains. Meredith realizes it may be time for all of us to get a car wash (especially Doug!). In the session, Drew and Doug get into a heavy conversation as Drew details how a party with his new girlfriend went way wrong...

The podcast hits the one year mark this week… and it’s a twofer! Two sessions in one episode as life in the podcast timeline is starting to go virtual in the very beginning of the pandemic. Doug and Drew pack a lot into these two shorter sessions...

Spiritual practitioner Crystal Duan joins Doug and Meredith to break down Astrology. We talk about understanding the language of it as well as both the pseudoscience and its real life applications. Crystal uses Astrological charts for Mer and Doug to show how you can apply it to your life and relationships. What’s your sign? And your moon, and your rising sign?

Before Drew’s session this week, Meredith and Doug give a wrap up of their Valentine's Day experiences, Drew talks about going home for his friend’s funeral; and he walks through both the horror movie version and Disney version of how the weekend could go. Doug helps Drew identify how he can show up authentically rather than trying to match his online persona or a more people-pleasing version of himself...

Doug took Meredith’s pillow washing challenge and he took her movie recommendation! They figure out why we call a podcast a podcast. The session begins with Drew dealing with emotions that are stirred up as he prepares to go home for a friend’s funeral. He works with Doug on sticking with his personal boundaries, dealing with the feeling of betrayal from his mother, and learning how to disappoint people without feeling extreme guilt or shame...

It’s a busy and eventful show this week, kicking off with Doug’s second mountain lion sighting - this time it’s a baby! Meredith gives her thoughts on outdoor dining reopening in Los Angeles. The session begins with Drew telling Doug about the three main motivating factors in life that he heard about in church...

Certified Enneagram coach Abbey Howe joins Doug and Meredith to break down the Enneagram. We walk through some of its history and ways to understand and apply it to yourself. Abbey takes us through an interpretation of Mer and Doug’s results from the Enneagram type quiz. Take the quiz yourself and let us know what Enneagram number you are - and how you’ll use the info!

Doug and Meredith roar into this week with a recount of Doug’s mountain lion visitor while Mer has been washing her dishes and feeling soooo good and accomplished. Drew’s session comes at the one year anniversary of Kobe Bryant’s death, which stirs up emotions for Drew about loss. Drew gives an update on seeing his longtime ex-girlfriend...

Drew picks up where he left off last week, back from the holidays and feeling somewhat unmotivated and withdrawn. In the session, Drew and Doug discuss the difference between feeling depressed and a depressive episode. They talk about Drew’s need to withdraw and how it might be exactly what he needs at this moment, as he works on being okay with himself, instead of trying to please others...

Doug and Meredith kick off this week’s episode talking about how living in LA during a pandemic feels like a zombie movie. They also touch on how lack of good sleep can affect us. In the session, Drew talks about the loss of his friend and questions how he can better cope with grief...

In this Monday mini-sode, it’s Doug’s b’day! Doug and Meredith explore the wonders (and blunders) of birthdays. They talk about how some people like the attention of a celebration and others don’t. Do you? What were some of your best (and worst) birthdays? Let us know!

Doug and Meredith talk about broken toes, wind chimes, and maintaining confidentiality even when a client shares a crime they committed. In the session, Drew is back from his brother’s wedding and preparing to head home for a visit. Drew is noticing some major changes in himself, such as being scared as well as excited for the unknown...

In this Monday mini-sode, Doug and Meredith walk through the nostalgia of childhood games and candy. They reminisce about some of their favorites. Doug got the big prizes first by going backwards in Pitfall on the Atari 2600. Meredith goes with Twizzlers over Red Vines. What are some favorite games from your childhood? What were your go to candies? Let us know!

In this special New Years Eve mini-sode, Doug and Meredith say goodbye to 2020 and look ahead to 2021. They give their two cents about resolutions and intentions for the new year. They share three words to summarize their 2020 and three words for the intentions they're setting for 2021. What are three words that summarize your 2020? What are three words for the intentions you're setting for 2021? Let us know!

In this special Holiday mini-sode (extra-mini-stravaganza), Meredith nurses her freshly broken toe and Doug serves up his usual cup of tea. They read through some listener thoughts and feelings about the holidays this year - for some it’s got a bit of a blue hue to it. If you think you’re enlightened, go home for the holidays… How are your holidays treating you?

In this bonus Monday mini-sode, Doug and Meredith talk about some of their early and odd jobs before becoming therapists. They swap some old work stories like Meredith spilling drinks all over customers and Doug baking bagels before the sun came up. What were some of your odd jobs and favorite horror stories about work?

This week was already going to be special with the wedding, but the fact that it’s Meredith’s birthday makes it even more fun! Meredith talks running and putt-putt golf while Doug reveals that he went to the Junior Olympics! In the session, Drew is back from his brother’s wedding. He shares some awkward family moments that weren’t so awkward to him now...

In this bonus Monday mini-sode, Doug surprises Meredith this time with some holiday themed questions. They discuss some of their holiday memories from Meredith being put under the tree as a newborn to the original South Park holiday cartoon to caroling and songs...

Doug and Meredith kick off the episode talking about cute cows, amaaaaazing smelling wreaths, and giant Christmas trees. The session begins with Drew’s literal worst fear coming true - his mother relapsing...

In this bonus mini-episode, Meredith and Doug share some of their prom memories (promories?). Meredith is just a casual girl in a casual world, but cleans up nice. Doug teases the prom story he tells Drew in this coming week's episode about wearing tuxedo shorts to his senior prom! Let us know your promories! IG: @your.mental.breakdown, FB: @your.mental.breakdown.podcast

Meredith kicks off the show talking about her love of dogs wearing boots. Doug has been keeping busy with audiobooks on the Colorado trails. In the session, Doug and Drew focus on getting ready for his brother’s upcoming wedding. Drew talks about his new possible love interest and some of the patterns that he notices coming up...

In this bonus mini-episode, Meredith surprises Doug with a discussion topic: Icebreaker Questions. They go through several questions and answers to break the ice. What are your answers to these icebreakers? Let us know!

Doug and Meredith kick off the Thanksgiving episode with a new spin on gratitude - they name some things they are both Grateful and Hateful for right now. One thing Doug is certainly grateful for is how self-aware Drew is in this episode. Drew’s learning to just be present for all of life’s adventures, even the boring ones. Doug and Drew discuss his brother’s upcoming wedding and his new role as an usher...

This week, Doug shares an update on his Colorado trip and names his top three pet peeves about snowy weather. Meredith gears up for a ski trip and wonders how rushed her hot toddy time will be. In the session, Doug and Drew talk about the Adventure vs. Challenge mentality, and how Drew can benefit by softening up and enjoying the experience of his brother’s wedding without any expectations...

This week, Doug and Meredith are back at it to kick off Season 2 with Andrew. Doug talks about his road trip into the mountains of Colorado while Meredith talks about the trials and tribulations of her vegetable garden. In the session, Drew recognizes some familiar patterns of behavior with his mom while his brother’s wedding is fast approaching...

In this special bonus episode, Doug and Meredith share their personal stories with grief over the past two years. It’s been almost two years to the date since the sudden death of Doug’s wife and the death of Meredith’s mom. They share their stories with vulnerability and resilience...

This week, Doug and Meredith take us through Wyatt’s story. Wyatt is a previous client of Doug’s that has experienced severe trauma. He had a sudden brain aneurysm and cancer. This is his story of endurance, awareness, and healing.

In this bonus Roundtable episode, Meredith and Doug are joined by fellow therapists Mona Valeriano and Jessica Kramer. They look at different ways of approaching trauma and therapy from their training and experience....

In this Insight Out bonus episode, Meredith and Doug come fresh off their talk last week about music as therapy to look at movies. They share some of their favs and least favs - hear them disagree on one in particular! What is your relationship with movies? Do you watch any multiple times? Are you stuck in Groundhog Day? Have you ever walked out of a movie?

In this Insight Out bonus episode, Meredith and Doug talk about music as therapy and how we can have our own relationship with it for connection, identity, and an outlet. They discuss how certain songs and bands have had an impact on them. What is your relationship with music? What songs and bands have done that for you? How do you listen to music?

In this Insight Out bonus episode, Meredith and Doug are joined by fellow therapist and listener, Mary Tobon. Doug and Meredith share their insights and give their answers to your questions!

In this Insight Out bonus minisode, Meredith and Doug break down different states of mind using DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) concepts. They talk about the reasonable mind and the emotional mind, the doing mind and the being mind, and the middle way of the wise mind. It’s about building your awareness and finding balance so you can be mindfully present in your experience.

This week, Doug and Meredith reflect on the first six months of the podcast as we reach the end of season one with Drew. In the session, you’ll hear clips from a few recent sessions with Doug and Drew hitting the six month mark of their work. Drew shares his thoughts about the podcast coming out and his perspectives after hearing the first episode...

This week, Doug and Meredith talk about the sensationalism of Bambi and how seeing traumatic events can be very impactful. In the session, Drew says he’s been future tripping and past tripping - and not being present in the here and now...

This week, Doug and Meredith talk about fireworks, dad jokes, and great movies from their days as younguns. In the session, Drew acknowledges his growth in treatment, and with a little self reflection, he admits he is not very motivated right now...

This week, Doug showered with his dog and Meredith shared her excitement about tennis lessons, her bird feeder, and getting ready to watch The Matrix. In the session, Drew feels excitement about the unknown in front of him as well as some unsettled feelings...

This week, Doug and Meredith talk about the highs and lows of watching their dogs on webcams, as well as the joys of home repair, toilet hygiene, and tushie cushies. In the session, Drew connects a long standing fear of losing mom with how he tries to keep people in his life, even if it compromises or sacrifices his integrity and boundaries...

This week, Doug and Meredith talk about how our relationship with time can create pressure and affect our level of stress. In the session, Drew continues to process his recent breakup and he feels a definite shift in perspective. He shows more strength in carving his own path and making his own choices...

This week, Meredith retreats to Lake Tahoe and Doug is entertaining his dog at home. In the session, Drew moves around different stages of grief and loss after his breakup. He acknowledges there’s baggage he’s been carrying with him that pre-dates his ex-girlfriend....

In this Insight Out bonus minisode, Doug and Meredith break down the differences between emotional support animals, service animals, and therapy pets. Hear their insight (and opinions!) about the responsibilities of both therapists and pet owners...

This week, Doug and Meredith ‘monkee’ around a bit and reference a handful of classic movies from their youth - showing how old and adorbs they are! In the session, Doug and Drew continue to process the breakup and move through different stages of grief and loss. Drew starts to reconnect with his friends for support...

In this Insight Out bonus minisode, we take a deeper dive into faith in therapy. We hear a clip of a story Doug told Drew in Episode 19 about faith and God. We explore how a client’s relationship to God can be relevant in therapy. Doug and Meredith break down the role of Drew’s guts, his wise mind, and his faith. They look at how this affects his progress in therapy. How does your faith enter into your therapy? Let us know!

This week, Doug and Meredith discuss the routine and comfort of going to a therapist’s office as a physical space not just a virtual room. Meredith updates us on her US geography skills. In the session, Drew’s issues of trust in the relationship are pushed to the edge, leading to a breakup...

This week, Mer and Doug are coping with quarantine and testing their geography skills with a US map quiz. In the session, Drew’s last day at work is coming up and he has nothing going on, which makes him feel anxious...

In this Insight Out bonus minisode, we hear the tail end of Andrew’s last session as he is leaving Doug’s office. Drew asks if it’s time to stop therapy now that he’s feeling better. Doug and Meredith break down the idea of clients stopping therapy or not. They give their therapist insight into when it might be time for a client to be done, take a break, or continue going to therapy.

This week, Mer and Doug are doing ‘fair’ and ‘corona good’ in spite of a burnt tongue and a kitschy therapist pillow. In the session, Drew feels good having put in his two week notice. He can feel himself slowing down and letting go of a lot - and he hasn’t had a night terror in weeks!...

This week, Meredith goes down the rabbit hole of tequila and zoom filters. She joins Doug for a walk down the memory lane of their worst old hairstyles. In the client session, Andrew goes on a work trip to Vegas where issues come up with his girlfriend - in part because the relationship is not out in the open. Doug and Andrew look at issues of validation and control...

This week, Doug and Meredith remind us about getting out of our comfort zone and experiencing the cool things there are to do - regardless of quarantine (like glow in the dark seaweed!). In the session, Drew looks at what’s next after getting the support of his parents and putting in his two weeks notice at work. Doug and Drew look at how issues from his past relationships have shaped how he approaches his current one. Drew is starting to recognize triggers and see the path to breaking old patterns.

This week, Doug and Meredith talk about adjustments they’ve been making during this pandemic time. The client, Andrew, feels the benefits of putting in the hard work and letting raw emotions come up and out...

Doug and Meredith acknowledge passing the month mark of quarantine and note some good things that have come out of this experience. In the client session, we see how important it is to have trust between a therapist and client. Andrew gets raw and emotional while talking about his girlfriend, and Doug helps him stay with the emotions instead of run away from them...

This week, Doug and Meredith talk about how the “thing” itself is usually not that bad, it’s the lead up to it that creates fear and anxiety. They highlight this with a story of Doug trying not to get wet on a hike then slipping on a log and splashing into a stream; and Meredith going to the dentist. Andrew has some issues of abandonment triggered by his current relationship, creating uncertainty and anxiety for him...

In this Insight Out bonus minisode, Doug and Meredith give us a brief look at the basics of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). They break down some key aspects of these types of treatment and how they use these approaches in their work as therapists.

In this episode, Doug and Meredith talk about finding self confidence, compassion for self, and having a support system - while also being okay with being alone. Doug and his client, Andrew, explore Andrew’s challenges with anxiety about his relationship, and the interdependence he needs in order to feel safe and loveable.

In this bonus minisode, Doug and Meredith explore the childhood classic books, The Missing Piece, and The Missing Piece Meets the Big O, by the great Shel Silverstein. They talk about how these books might have different meanings when reading them as an adult as opposed to when they were kids...

In this pre-Corona virus episode, Doug and Meredith talk about fires, mountains, Coachella and bubble gum. Doug’s client Andrew checks in about the guilt he is feeling towards not having a conversation yet with his estranged brother, as his brother’s bachelor party weekend approaches...

In this Insight Out bonus minisode, Doug and Meredith answer some of your questions and read comments from the Mailbag that were focused on finding a therapist and some of your experiences in therapy. They offer tips for finding a therapist and give you some inside information from the therapist’s perspective. They also provide pointers for what you can do if you feel stuck in therapy.

This week, we talk about the connection between knowing it and feeling it, and the difference between a human being and a human doing. Doug and Andrew dive deeper into his decision about going to his brother’s bachelor party.

In this Insight Out bonus minisode, you’ll hear a clip from a session with Doug and Andrew talking about his tattoos and what they mean to him. Doug and Meredith break down some of the symbolism and its meaning, as well as what it means to them. You also get some of Merdle’s own tattoo stories!

This week, Doug and Meredith talk about what came up in Andrew’s recent sessions — Star Wars, jealousy, and male strippers, of course. Andrew shares a bad nightmare that caused a lot of anxiety...

In a special Insight Out bonus minisode during this Covid quarantine, Doug and Meredith connect with each other (and you) from their own homes. They share some thoughts about the ‘panic’ in the middle of this pan-dem-ic. They also reach into the YMB Mailbag to read a listener question about bodily functions in session!

This week, Doug and Meredith tell us about when therapy in their past has sometimes gone wrong (or ineffective). Andrew and Doug dig more into the upcoming wedding of Andrew’s brother, and whether it’s his choice or obligation to go...

For a bonus mini-sode this week in a series we’re calling Insight Out, Doug and Meredith introduce us to some of the more common Cognitive Distortions.

This week, Doug and Meredith dig deeper into Doug’s use of sweet analogies (hello car gears and Harry Potter!) and discuss reframing the difference between choice and obligation. Andrew’s session reveals where he is currently with the idea of attending his estranged brother’s bachelor party, and he and Doug work on expressing vulnerability and reframing the narrative to work better for him.

For a special bonus episode this week, Doug and Meredith are joined by their friends and colleagues; John Sovec and Bonnie Rae, both Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists. They have an open and honest conversation about topics such as...

Andrew and Doug work on organizing fractured thoughts into a clearer picture of reality, dig deeper into Andrew’s relationship with his mom and brother, and talk about ways Andrew can be more of his own individual person while still having the support of his parents.

Session three includes Andrew opening up about traumatic incidents that contributed to the strained relationships with both his brother and mother. Doug introduces some tools to practice changing our perspective, and in turn, our experience using both real-life examples and analogies.

This week, Doug and Meredith reminisce about Doug’s parachute pants and MerDog’s love of Megadeth. Then, they talk about how to know when a session is over, taking notes, and how they prevent burnout.

Welcome to Your Mental Breakdown, hosted by Doug Friedman and Meredith Levy. It’s a psychotherapy entertainment podcast featuring two licensed therapists as real people with real sessions with a client that you follow along the process of personal growth and healing in therapy.

Welcome to Your Mental Breakdown. Introducing Doug Friedman and Meredith Levy, both licensed psychotherapists, longtime friends, and the co-hosts of this podcast. These episodes will feature one of their client’s actual therapy session, so you can follow along with their progress as it’s happening, in real time. In each episode, Doug and Meredith will break down the session afterwards.