The Shrink Think Podcast

As therapists, we often hear the version of life our clients tell us without realizing there may be another version that’s very different. When a client brings in their significant other and those versions vary drastically, we get to see it in real time-and it can be shocking! We hope this episode helps you realize there’s another side of your story so you can be open to it and even seek it out. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and clinical supervisors with over 35 years of experience. They each own a private group therapy practice and co-own a third one together. Aaron is also a business consultant for therapists in private practice wanting to start, grow, or expand their business. *Watch this episode: https://youtu.be/Xh89X_DQ8d4 *Now on YouTube: @shrink-think *Sign up for our FREE email course on overcoming fear and insecurity at: https://www.shrinkthink.com/podcast -------------- *Member of the PsychCraft Podcast Network* https://psychcraftnetwork.com/

If you’ve been with people who are emotionally closed off then meet someone who is open, it can feel like availability but it’s not. You can be emotionally open but not available for your partner in a relationship. We break down the difference between these three and give examples to help you understand so you can hopefully work toward the healthiest version of yourself and your relationship. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and clinical supervisors with over 35 years of experience. They each own a private group therapy practice and co-own a third one together. Aaron is also a business consultant for therapists in private practice wanting to start, grow, or expand their business. *Watch this episode: https://youtu.be/eTzWP5drtCQ *Now on YouTube: @shrink-think *Sign up for our FREE email course on overcoming fear and insecurity at: https://www.shrinkthink.com/podcast -------------- *Member of the PsychCraft Podcast Network* https://psychcraftnetwork.com/

We’ve done an episode on Internal Family Systems (#50) but we wanted to explain it better so you have an idea of what it is and how it works, practically. Nathan shares a fascinating metaphor that you’ll want to hear! Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and clinical supervisors with over 35 years of experience. They each own a private group therapy practice and co-own a third one together. Aaron is also a business consultant for therapists in private practice wanting to start, grow, or expand their business. *Watch this episode: https://youtu.be/k5CD9UAlEyI *Now on YouTube: @shrink-think *Sign up for our FREE email course on overcoming fear and insecurity at: https://www.shrinkthink.com/podcast -------------- *Member of the PsychCraft Podcast Network* https://psychcraftnetwork.com/

Accepting the loss of an important relationship can be painful and difficult, but doing it well brings peace and potentially resolves it at some point later on. Sometimes other people have a misunderstanding but aren’t willing to see outside their own hurt feelings or perspective. When that happens, letting go of defending yourself or saving the relationship can be the healthiest and most caring response. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and clinical supervisors with over 35 years of experience. They each own a private group therapy practice and co-own a third one together. Aaron is also a business consultant for therapists in private practice wanting to start, grow, or expand their business. *Watch this episode: https://youtu.be/T9-Pcq_aomo *Now on YouTube: @shrink-think *Sign up for our FREE email course on overcoming fear and insecurity at: https://www.shrinkthink.com/podcast -------------- *Member of the PsychCraft Podcast Network* https://psychcraftnetwork.com/

"Holding space" is a skill that gives the other person and the relationship room to breathe so you can go deeper and have more intimacy. It's like listening-you withhold your interpretation of the other person and just reflect back so they can freely explore what they think and feel without fear of judgment or reaction. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and clinical supervisors with over 35 years of experience. They each own a private group therapy practice and co-own a third one together. Aaron is also a business consultant for therapists in private practice wanting to start, grow, or expand their business. *Watch this episode: https://youtu.be/IfPyOVZMtQI *YouTube Channel: @shrink-think *Sign up for our FREE email course on overcoming fear and insecurity at: https://www.shrinkthink.com/podcast -------------- *Member of the PsychCraft Podcast Network* https://psychcraftnetwork.com/

We recorded this episode LIVE from our favorite local spot, Flyboy Brewery, on June 27th, 2024. We reflected on our favorite episodes, shared our most embarrassing moments, and had an all-around fun time celebrating nearly 4 years of being podcasters! Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and clinical supervisors with over 35 years of experience. They each own a private group therapy practice and co-own a third one together. Aaron is also a business consultant for therapists in private practice wanting to start, grow, or expand their business. *Watch this episode: https://youtu.be/ImXqG6UejiE *Now on YouTube: @shrink-think *Sign up for our FREE email course on overcoming fear and insecurity at: https://www.shrinkthink.com/podcast -------------- *Member of the PsychCraft Podcast Network* https://psychcraftnetwork.com/

Technology has made us more connected through devices but less connected in real life (IRL). While platforms like Snapchat, Instagram, and FaceTime can be better alternatives to nothing, they cannot replace the value and benefit of connecting with people in real life. Social anxiety has risen and made what once was normal stressful or scary. Let’s work together to connect IRL, and put our devices away when we gather to BE IRL…IRL. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and clinical supervisors with over 35 years of experience. They each own a private group therapy practice and co-own a third one together. Aaron is also a business consultant for therapists in private practice wanting to start, grow, or expand their business. *Watch this episode: https://youtu.be/MNvMfBs6fYQ *Now on YouTube: @shrink-think *Sign up for our FREE email course on overcoming fear and insecurity at: https://www.shrinkthink.com/podcast -------------- *Member of the PsychCraft Podcast Network* https://psychcraftnetwork.com/

If you want to have a marriage that lasts, you will need to evolve and mature together over time. You will need to stay committed to your spouse but also to your marriage as you both go through a developmental process. Listen in as we discuss this process and what you can do to mature well together in your marriage. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and clinical supervisors with over 35 years of experience. They each own a private group therapy practice and co-own a third one together. Aaron is also a business consultant for therapists in private practice wanting to start, grow, or expand their business. *Watch this episode: https://youtu.be/GumefpevWy8 *Now on YouTube: @shrink-think *Sign up for our FREE email course on overcoming fear and insecurity at: https://www.shrinkthink.com/podcast -------------- *Member of the PsychCraft Podcast Network* https://psychcraftnetwork.com/

Clinical supervision is beneficial for therapists and clients. Supervision helps clinicians see themselves more clearly, provides different perspectives, facilitates critical thinking, and fosters learning. It also gives clients more confidence in their sessions and more oversight in their process. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and clinical supervisors with over 35 years of experience. They each own a private group therapy practice and co-own a third one together. Aaron is also a business consultant for therapists in private practice wanting to start, grow, or expand their business. *Watch this episode: https://youtu.be/Zs96HhKyolY *Now on YouTube: @shrink-think *Sign up for our FREE email course on overcoming fear and insecurity at: https://www.shrinkthink.com/podcast -------------- *Member of the PsychCraft Podcast Network* https://psychcraftnetwork.com/

Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is different from IQ and is an important skill to have for your own health as well as for the health of your relationships. Based on an article in Simply Psychology, EQ involves self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management. Article: https://www.simplypsychology.org/how-to-improve-emotional-intelligence.html Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and clinical supervisors with over 35 years of experience. They each own a private group therapy practice and co-own a third one together. Aaron is also a business consultant for therapists in private practice wanting to start, grow, or expand their business. *Watch this episode: https://youtu.be/_NLS58MCOd4 *Now on YouTube: @shrink-think *Sign up for our FREE email course on overcoming fear and insecurity at: https://www.shrinkthink.com/podcast -------------- *Member of the PsychCraft Podcast Network* https://psychcraftnetwork.com/

"Normalizing" someone's problems is a skill that helps them know what's "normal" and what's not. Therapists do this all the time with clients as a way of connecting and helping clients face the issues they need to repair-without coming across as dismissive. Normalizing can be a great relationship tool if you know how to use it well. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and clinical supervisors with over 35 years of experience. They each own a private group therapy practice and co-own a third one together. Aaron is also a business consultant for therapists in private practice wanting to start, grow, or expand their business. *Watch this episode: https://youtu.be/US2LfZpdS0I *Now on YouTube: @shrink-think *Sign up for our FREE email course on overcoming fear and insecurity at: https://www.shrinkthink.com/podcast -------------- *Member of the PsychCraft Podcast Network* https://psychcraftnetwork.com/

Do you tend to care more about the opinion of others than your own? Do you find yourself bending to what others want instead of asserting your wants or needs? These people-pleasing tendencies limit the connection and intimacy of relationships, and can create distrust. Listen more to find out what to do to improve connections and create true intimacy. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and clinical supervisors with over 35 years of experience. They each own a private group therapy practice and co-own a third one together. Aaron is also a business consultant for therapists in private practice wanting to start, grow, or expand their business. *Watch this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-4XIS6fWpI *Now on YouTube: @shrink-think *Sign up for our FREE email course on overcoming fear and insecurity at: https://www.shrinkthink.com/podcast -------------- *Member of the PsychCraft Podcast Network* https://psychcraftnetwork.com/

Learning to say “no” to what is not right for you will free you to be available to say “yes” to the kind of person and relationship that’s right for you. To do this, you have to know what is incompatible and not good for you, and be unwilling to tolerate those in your life. This is the best path toward finding the right relationship for you. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and clinical supervisors with over 35 years of experience. They each own a private group therapy practice and co-own a third one together. Aaron is also a business consultant for therapists in private practice wanting to start, grow, or expand their business. *Watch this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bTpVjgo1R0 *Now on YouTube: @shrink-think *Sign up for our FREE email course on overcoming fear and insecurity at: https://www.shrinkthink.com/podcast -------------- *Member of the PsychCraft Podcast Network* https://psychcraftnetwork.com/

What is group therapy and how can it be beneficial for you? What’s the difference between a topical group and a process group? Believe it or not, giving and receiving feedback from other like-minded people in a group can be extremely beneficial in helping you grow. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and clinical supervisors with over 35 years of experience. They each own a private group therapy practice and co-own a third one together. Aaron is also a business consultant for therapists in private practice wanting to start, grow, or expand their business. *Watch this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZIDq_fKpVY *Now on YouTube: @shrink-think *Sign up for our FREE email course on overcoming fear and insecurity at: https://www.shrinkthink.com/podcast -------------- *Member of the PsychCraft Podcast Network* https://psychcraftnetwork.com/

Do you want to start a private therapy practice? Here are some things we’ve learned from our 20 years and three group practices to help you know what it takes to find success. These are not tips on how to do it, but qualities you’ll need to possess (or develop) in order to do it well. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and clinical supervisors with over 35 years of experience. They each own a private group therapy practice and co-own a third one together. Aaron is also a business consultant for therapists in private practice wanting to start, grow, or expand their business. *Watch this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2Ifr-HTI5c *Now on YouTube: @shrink-think *Sign up for our FREE email course on overcoming fear and insecurity at: https://www.shrinkthink.com/podcast -------------- *Member of the PsychCraft Podcast Network* https://psychcraftnetwork.com/

Sometimes one person in a family becomes the "black sheep" and gets blamed for the faults, wrongdoings, and mistakes of others-especially for reasons of expediency. This person is considered the "scapegoat" for the family's issues. It results in an avoidance of accountability and projection of blame onto others. This episode unpacks these family system dynamics and what to do about them, whether or not you are the identified "scapegoat." Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and clinical supervisors with over 35 years of experience. They each own a private group therapy practice and co-own a third one together. Aaron is also a business consultant for therapists in private practice wanting to start, grow, or expand their business. *Watch this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79WwFc7lYUo *Now on YouTube: @shrink-think *Sign up for our FREE email course on overcoming fear and insecurity at: https://www.shrinkthink.com/podcast -------------- *Member of the PsychCraft Podcast Network* https://psychcraftnetwork.com/

As somewhat of a follow-up for the previous episode, this one focuses on the importance of allowing natural consequences (“life”) to do the teaching as your kids become teens. Your role as a parent shifts with their developmental stage, from implementing consequences to allowing them and acting as a coach in their learning process. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and clinical supervisors with over 35 years of experience. They each own a private group therapy practice and co-own a third one together. Aaron is also a business consultant for therapists in private practice wanting to start, grow, or expand their business. *Watch us on YouTube: @shrink-think *Sign up for our FREE email course on overcoming fear and insecurity at: https://www.shrinkthink.com/podcast -------------- *Member of the PsychCraft Podcast Network* https://psychcraftnetwork.com/

If you’re a parent and you’ve taught your kids that doing something wrong will lead to you being disappointed, frustrated, or upset with them, you might be casing them to fear you rather than the natural consequences. Worse, you might also be training them to people-please in order to keep you happy. Don’t worry, there are things you can do to cancel this and shift the focus away from you (the parent) to where it belongs-your kid. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and clinical supervisors with over 35 years of experience. They each own a private group therapy practice and co-own a third one together. Aaron is also a business consultant for therapists in private practice wanting to start, grow, or expand their business. *Now on YouTube: @shrink-think *Sign up for our FREE email course on overcoming fear and insecurity at: https://www.shrinkthink.com/podcast -------------- *Member of the PsychCraft Podcast Network* https://psychcraftnetwork.com/

Are you a verbal processor? Have people told you that you talk too much? Do you often worry people don’t understand you so you over-explain? If this sounds like you, listen to this episode to gain clarity on what might be happening and why so that you can do something differently to improve your relationships. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and clinical supervisors with over 35 years of experience. They each own a private group therapy practice and co-own a third one together. Aaron is also a business consultant for therapists in private practice wanting to start, grow, or expand their business. *Watch this episode: https://youtu.be/U3tXXjJ8tJk *Now on YouTube: @shrink-think *Sign up for our FREE email course on overcoming fear and insecurity at: https://www.shrinkthink.com/podcast -------------- *Member of the PsychCraft Podcast Network* https://psychcraftnetwork.com/

Are you successful in life but not getting enough sleep, drinking coffee all day, or sacrificing time with family to achieve your goals? Do you have trouble slowing down or stopping to be present? If so, you might be living in survival mode. Here are some things you need to know to recognize if you’re in survival but working toward thriving. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and clinical supervisors with over 35 years of experience. They each own a private group therapy practice and co-own a third one together. Aaron is also a business consultant for therapists in private practice wanting to start, grow, or expand their business. *Watch this episode: https://youtu.be/2S-qblv63kI *Now on YouTube: @shrink-think *Sign up for our FREE email course on overcoming fear and insecurity at: https://www.shrinkthink.com/podcast -------------- *Member of the PsychCraft Podcast Network* https://psychcraftnetwork.com/