Nuance Needed

Tired of the stigma and oversimplification around BPD? In this episode with trauma therapist Britt Frank, we're diving into why this controversial diagnosis deserves a complete rethinking.In conversation, we tackle:* Why BPD may be better understood as a response to trauma rather than a "personality disorder"* How clinicians' fear of "difficult clients" perpetuates harmful stigmas* The problematic gender bias in BPD diagnosis (it's diagnosed predominantly in women)* The problem with social media creating identity around mental health diagnoses* Why suicidality needs to be discussed openly rather than feared* Why Britt believes recovery is possible, despite what clinical wisdom suggestsBritt Frank, MSW, LSCSW, SEP, is a clinician, educator, and trauma specialist. She is the author of the bestselling book, “The Science of Stuck.” GET HER NEW BOOK, “Align Your Mind” anywhere you get books.WE ARE NOW ON SUBSTACK with bonus episodes, pep talks, episodes guides, and so much more! Join us at nuanceneeded.substack.comSkip to minute 11 to get right into burnout contentTo learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area.Want to join the conversation? EMAIL- podcast@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!

Is the 'cool girl’ trope just a patriarchal trap designed to exhaust women? Amanda and Sam tackle this question while sharing their drastically different approaches to being unpopular in school. In conversation, we explore:The phenomenon of "coolness" and how it shapes our identitiesHow social media has created a never-ending popularity contest that extends far beyond high schoolBreaking down the iconic Gone Girl monologue that perfectly captured women's impossible balancing actHow maintaining "coolness" requires constant adaptation to rapidly shifting trendsFinding liberation in recognizing these systems and choosing what actually works for youThis revealing discussion examines how we internalize cultural pressures and the freedom that comes when we finally stop trying so hard to fit impossible standards.WE ARE NOW ON SUBSTACK with bonus episodes, pep talks, episodes guides, and so much more! Join us at nuanceneeded.substack.comTo learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area.Want to join the conversation? EMAIL- podcast@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!

In the second part of our conversation about Sam's Mormon deconstruction, we dive into her emotional journey leaving Utah and the church. In conversation, we explore:- The powerful moment of driving away from Utah and feeling unprecedented relief- The unexpected grief that followed - not about leaving, but about staying so long- The complicated process of deciding what beliefs and values to keep versus discard- How to rebuild trust with yourself after leaving a high-demand religious environment- Finding peace with being a "late bloomer" and embracing a more authentic lifeWE ARE NOW ON SUBSTACK with bonus episodes, pep talks, episodes guides, and so much more! Join us at nuanceneeded.substack.comTo learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area.Want to join the conversation? EMAIL- podcast@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!

In this deeply personal episode, Sam shares her experience growing up Mormon in New York and her eventual move to Utah, where she spent 15 years navigating a much more intense religious culture. In conversation, we explore:- Sam's unique experience as a "non-Utah Mormon" and how her family's more relaxed approach differed from the mainstream- The cultural quirks of Mormonism that most people don't understand (like special undergarments and dating pressure)- How personal choices about substances (coffee, alcohol, cigarettes) are influenced by religious upbringing- The overwhelming pressure to marry young and have children in Mormon culture- What it's like trying to build a social life in Utah when you don't fit the traditional Mormon template- The gradual realization that trying to make it work wasn't serving her anymoreThis candid conversation sheds light on the subtle ways high-demand religious cultures can shape identity and limit personal growth, even when you're trying to carve your own path within them.WE ARE NOW ON SUBSTACK with bonus episodes, pep talks, episodes guides, and so much more! Join us at nuanceneeded.substack.comTo learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area.Want to join the conversation? EMAIL- podcast@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!

In this preview episode of Sam's History Corner, Sam shares why she's launching this special series on Substack and gives us a deep dive into the life of Eleanor Roosevelt.In this episode, Sam explores:Eleanor Roosevelt's tragic childhood marked by parental loss and emotional abuse- Why Eleanor's lifelong insecurities never stopped her from taking meaningful action- How we can apply Eleanor's approach to making change in our own -lives- The importance of starting where you are—whether that's with family or community- Why concrete action matters more than online outrageThis monthly series is where Sam discusses inspiring people from history to use as inspiration, is available on the Nuance Needed Substack, along with weekly videos from Sam, bonus episodes, mental health guides and more. Join us at nuanceneeded.substack.comTo learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area.Want to join the conversation? EMAIL- podcast@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!

Tired of hearing everyone labeled a "narcissist"? In this episode with therapist Britt Frank, we're diving into the nuanced reality of narcissism and why this term is both overused and misunderstood.In conversation, we tackle:* Why labeling everyone a "narcissist" gives too many people too much credit* The key difference between narcissism, being narcissistic, and actually having NPD* The "Narcissist Relationship Matrix" - how narcissists create distinct categories for people in their lives* Why confusion is the #1 sign you might be dealing with narcissism* The difference between lying and gaslighting* Why narcissists never truly discard their "primary source of supply"* The empowering truth: rather than asking "why did they do that?" ask "what am I tolerating?"Britt Frank, MSW, LSCSW, SEP, is a clinician, educator, and trauma specialist. She is the author of the bestselling book, “The Science of Stuck.” GET HER NEW BOOK , available for preorder, “Align Your Mind” anywhere you get books.WE ARE NOW ON SUBSTACK with bonus episodes, pep talks, episodes guides, and so much more! Join us at nuanceneeded.substack.comTo learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area.Want to join the conversation? EMAIL- podcast@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!

When you're completely depleted, even the smallest decisions feel impossible. In Part 2, we tackle your most pressing questions about recognizing, navigating, and recovering from burnout.In Part 2, we discuss:* The crucial difference between "cosmetic" changes and "structural" problems at work* Why adding self-care tasks can feel like poison when you're exhausted (but it's actually medicine)* How to support someone with burnout* The uncomfortable truth about making changes when you have no energy left to make them* Why we need to treat burnout like a physical injury* How setting boundaries with news and social media creates crucial breathing roomWE ARE NOW ON SUBSTACK with bonus episodes, pep talks, episodes guides, and so much more! Join us at nuanceneeded.substack.comTo learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area. Now in Collingswood NJ!Want to join the conversation? EMAIL- podcast@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!

Is the world rigged for burnout or are we just not trying hard enough?In this episode, we unpack why we're collectively exhausted and how our connected world has created the perfect conditions for burnout to thrive - in ways our brains simply weren't designed to handle This is a two part episode- second one comes out tomorrow!In Part 1, we explore:* Why our brains aren't wired to process information about billions of people* How constant exposure to others' interpretations (not just facts) is draining our capacity* The vulnerability of living in uncertain times and what that does to our nervous systems* Sam's powerful story of trauma and burnout in hospital emergency settings* Why measuring your worth through productivity makes burnout an identity crisis* What happens when you've been running on empty for too longWE ARE NOW ON SUBSTACK with bonus episodes, pep talks, episodes guides, and so much more! Join us at nuanceneeded.substack.comSkip to minute 11 to get right into burnout content To learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area.Want to join the conversation? EMAIL- podcast@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!

Tired of the oversimplified financial advice flooding social media? In this episode, we're diving into the uncomfortable truth about why money management is 10% math and 90% emotional intelligence with Chelsea Fagan, founder of The Financial Diet.In conversation, we tackle:* How growing up in a low-income household surrounded by affluence shaped Chelsea's complicated relationship with money* Why you can't have stable mental health when you're financially unstable* The problem with analysis paralysis around money decisions and practical first steps for those feeling overwhelmed* How social media creates unrealistic timelines for financial milestones, making people feel they should be financially set by their 30s* Why "relatability" online often reinforces bad financial habits, even among high-earning content creators* Why understanding money is less about mathematical skills and more about emotional regulationWE ARE NOW ON SUBSTACK with bonus episodes, pep talks, episodes guides, and so much more! Join us at nuanceneeded.substack.comTo learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area.Want to join the conversation? EMAIL- podcast@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!Guest Bio: Chelsea Fagan is the founder of The Financial Diet, a media company focused on money. She brings nuanced perspectives to personal finance, steering away from the oversimplifications common in financial advice. Find her on social media @faganchelsea and at thefinancialdiet.com.

We are here today with a bit of a last minute casual episode. We recorded this on Thursday April 3rd after watching panic and anxiety on social media and thought it may be helpful to hear Sam give Amanda a pep talk to calm her down about the current state of the country. Skip if you aren't interested in political content. WE ARE NOW ON SUBSTACK with bonus episodes, pep talks, episodes guides, and so much more! Join us at nuanceneeded.substack.comTo learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area.Want to join the conversation? EMAIL- podcast@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!

IDK about you but we have THOUGHTS about SkinnyTok trend on Tiktok and how its infiltrating other social media platforms. In this episode, we're diving into the why this trend is problematic and how it's impacting our relationship with our bodies and food.In conversation, we tackle:- Why glorifying thinness as the ultimate goal is a dangerous path to self-hate- How phrases like "nothing tastes as good as skinny feels" are eating disorder dog whistles- The misrepresentation of body positivity and intuitive eating concepts- Some influencers behind this harmful trend and their tactics- Why basing happiness on appearance creates a foundation that inevitably crumbles- The connection between SkinnyTok and other conservative-rooted trends- Practical ways to approach content that inspires rather than influencesWE ARE NOW ON SUBSTACK with bonus episodes, pep talks, episodes guides, and so much more! Join us at nuanceneeded.substack.comTo learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area.Want to join the conversation? EMAIL- podcast@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!

What happens when the trendy concept of "manifesting" collides with real-life tragedy? In this vulnerable episode, we start discussing manifesting and end up deep in conversation about grief, caregiving, and finding meaning when life doesn't go as planned.In this episode, we explore:- The problem with manifesting coaches who claim "if something negative is happening to you, you're just not manifesting hard enough"- How easily manifesting can slip into harmful magical thinking, especially during crisis moments- Sam's experience with prayer and spirituality from her religious background and how it parallels manifesting concept- Amanda's current struggle with magical thinking as she has navigated her mom’s cancer diagnosis- The complex reality of being a lifelong caregiver for a disabled family member and the emotional toll it takes- Finding moments of joy and meaning even in life's darkest timesWE ARE NOW ON SUBSTACK with bonus episodes, pep talks, episodes guides, and so much more! Join us at nuanceneeded.substack.comTo learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area.Want to join the conversation? EMAIL- podcast@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!

When did telling a friend about a tough time become "trauma dumping"? In this episode, we dissect how misusing therapy concepts is creating barriers to authentic friendship.In conversation, we tackle:The viral text where someone got accused of "trauma dumping" for simply mentioning their grandmother diedWhat trauma dumping ACTUALLY is vs. how it's being misused to shut down normal conversationsWhy you CAN'T trauma dump on your therapist (that's literally what they're there for!)How "annoyance is the price you pay for community" might be the most important relationship concept we've forgottenHow Amanda and Sam balance their friendship in different life stages, and our real thoughts on how if single women and moms can be friendsAmanda's strategy for overcoming chronic flakiness when you don't feel like showing upWE ARE NOW ON SUBSTACK with bonus episodes, pep talks, episodes guides, and so much more! Join us at nuanceneeded.substack.comTo learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area.Want to join the conversation? EMAIL- podcast@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!

Kate Kennedy, author of One in a Millenial and host of Be There in Five Podcast, is here (!!) for a deep dive into how friendship has fundamentally changed since our own childhoods, and what that means for the next generation. In conversation, we explore:- The lost art of unstructured playtime and being bored- The "no sleepovers" trend - How social media has changed the experience of being left out- What happens when every moment needs to be "enriching"-What its like being a millenial content creator in the age of clickbait And so much more!!WE STARTED A SUBSTACK!! FIND BONUS EPISODES & MORE BEHIND THE SCENES CONTENT ON OUR SUBSTACK! Nuanceneeded.substack.comTo learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area.Want to join the conversation? EMAIL- podcast@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!Kate Kennedy is the author of the NYT Bestselling Book, One in a Millennial, now available in paperback. She is also the host of the Be There in Five Podcast!

Tired of oversimplified self help advice? US TOO! Today we are diving into our controversial take on why we don't like the "Let Them" theory by Mel Robbins.Listen to hear...- The problematic oversimplification in viral mental health theories- Why the original "Let Them" poem by Cassie Phillips carries more depth and nuance- The problem with shame-based approaches to personal development- The difference between temporary inspiration and lasting transformation- The inherent privilege in telling someone to "just let them"- What we actually recommend INSTEADWant to join the conversation? EMAIL- info@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!Follow us on Instagram or Tiktok- Sam (@Sam.the.therapist) Amanda (@Therapyforwomen) To learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area.

Ready to get uncomfortably honest about why being "the nice one" is leaving you feeling resentful? This is part 2 of our people pleasing episode. Go listen to the first episode before diving into this one!In conversation, we tackle:* The exhausting cycle of expecting people to read your mind* How avoiding conflict actually creates MORE conflict* Why assertiveness feels like aggression when you're used to people pleasing* Sam’s experience learning to stop apologizing for existing* How resentment builds when you don't express your needs* Why your passive aggression isn't as subtle as you think* The freedom that comes from letting people be upset with you* Amanda's story of making amends at WawaWant to join the conversation? EMAIL- info@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!Follow us on Instagram or Tiktok- Sam (@Sam.the.therapist) Amanda (@Therapyforwomen) To learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area.

Buckle up! We get radically candid about our own (very different) journeys with people-pleasing. We share:* How Amanda discovered her "thoughtful gift-giving" was actually manipulation to avoid accountability* Why Sam's role as a childhood caregiver shaped her people-pleasing patterns* How Sam learned to stop apologizing for existing* Their personal struggles with being "the nice one"* Why they both ended up becoming therapists for the "wrong" reasons* The uncomfortable truth about using "niceness" as control* What happens when your whole identity is built on being agreeableUse code NUANCE for 40% off of Cozy Earth. Check out www.cozyearth.comWant to join the conversation? EMAIL- info@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!Follow us on Instagram or Tiktok- Sam (@Sam.the.therapist) Amanda (@Therapyforwomen) To learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area.

Tired of understanding all your patterns but still feeling stuck? In this episode, we're diving into the uncomfortable truth about why all that self-help content and therapy insight isn't actually changing your life.In conversation, we tackle:Why being "the self-aware friend" might be your newest form of avoidanceHow instant access to information is making us worse at solving our own problemsWhy validation without action is just spicy procrastinationThe uncomfortable truth about why therapy isn't just about feeling seenWhat your endless TikTok scrolling says about your fear of changeHow technology is teaching us to avoid sitting with hard emotionsWhy waiting to feel "ready" means waiting foreverThe difference between productive discomfort and tolerating what needs to changePractical steps for moving from understanding to action Want to join the conversation? EMAIL- info@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!Follow us on Instagram or Tiktok- Sam (@Sam.the.therapist) Amanda (@Therapyforwomen) To learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area.

Is your commitment to being perfect or good actually the enemy of your growth? In this episode we discuss: - The subtle ways perfectionism masquerades as preparation and protection- How perfectionism can become a form of self-harm and procrastination- The connection (and important differences) between perfectionism and people-pleasing- Why letting go of perfectionism can feel like losing your foundation- The role of defensiveness in maintaining perfectionist behaviors- How social media has transformed perfectionism from an internal to an external expectation. Use code NUANCE for 40% off of Cozy Earth. Check out www.cozyearth.comWant to join the conversation? EMAIL- info@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!Follow us on Instagram or Tiktok- Sam (@Sam.the.therapist) Amanda (@Therapyforwomen) To learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area.

Want to prevent estrangement in your kids? This is the second part of our conversation with Whitney Goodman, LMFT. For the first part, please listen to the "Calling Home" podcast. In the first part of this conversation, we cover, what social media gets wrong about parental estrangement and what the nuance is that is missing online. In this second part of the conversation, we discuss. - How becoming a parent has impacted how Whitney and Amanda see parental estrangement- The single most important thing you can do to prevent estrangement with your child- How to repair with your child (or anyone), when you make a mistakeWant to join the conversation? EMAIL- info@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. Follow us on Instagram or Tiktok- Sam (@Sam.the.therapist) Amanda (@Therapyforwomen) To learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area.Whitney Goodman, LMFT is a licensed therapist and the founder of Calling Home, a community for adults who want to have better relationships with their family. To join check out www.callinghome.co or check out Whitney on instagram www.instagram.com/sitwithwhit