Depression isn't a personal failure or a lack of willpower. It's a complex experience shaped by biology, life stressors, trauma, relationships, and how the nervous system responds to the world. While it's often described as a "chemical imbalance", therapists know the reality is far more layered.

Crystal and Josh discuss the idea that therapy for depression focuses on understanding patterns, building emotional regulation skills, addressing underlying pain, and reconnecting you with meaning and values. Medication can be helpful for some, but it's not the only--or always the first--path to healing.

Most importantly, depression lies to you. You are not alone and things can change. Join us as we unpack this and provide some immediate takeaways!

This episode of What Your Therapist Wants You To Know explores New Year's Resolutions through a therapy lens, shifting the focus from willpower to better preparing your various environments. Rather than chasing drastic change overnight, the conversation emphasizes grounding resolutions in identity--who you want to become and why--so goals more align with your values. This episode also walks through how to implement SMART goals that are specific, realistic, and flexible rather than rigid or punishing. The core message is that meaningful change comes from consistency, self-trust, and becoming--not just achieving.

On today's episode of What Your Therapist Wants You To Know, Crystal interviews Josh regarding his expertise in AI. This episode explores the growing role of AI therapy tools, and how they can be thoughtfully integrated into mental health care. It explains what AI therapy is, how it can support emotional regulation, reflection, and skill building, and where its limits lie. The conversation emphasizes that AI is best used as a supplement--not a replacement--for human therapists, offering accessibility, consistency, and between session support. This episode ultimately highlights how AI can enhance mental health support when used intentionally and alongside professional care.