Anxiety, Self-Trust, and Joy: A Mental Health Deep Dive with Alyssa

This week on Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads , we’re joined by the incredible Alyssa Kushner, LCSW —a licensed therapist and fierce mental health advocate who helps clients navigate anxiety, trauma, burnout, and self-doubt. In this honest and empowering conversation, Alyssa shares how she built her private practice, overcame impostor syndrome, and framed her approach to self-trust and joy heading into 2025. Whether you’re feeling paralyzed by perfectionism or just trying to figure out where to begin, Alyssa’s story and practical insights will leave you feeling seen, supported, and inspired to take that next step. And hey, we’re not just your average mental health podcast—we’re officially award-winning ! 🎉 In 2024, we won the People’s Choice Podcast Award for Health and the Women in Podcasting Award for Best Mental Health Podcast . Oh,—and we also passed 1 million downloads ! Thank you for being part of this growing, stigma-breaking, soul-nourishing community. 🗣 Got feedback? Leave us a message or drop your thoughts here: 📢 https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a 💬 Quote of the Episode "The relationship you have with yourself is the most important one you’ll ever nurture." – Alyssa 👤 Meet Our Guest: Alyssa Kushner, LCSW Alyssa is a licensed clinical social worker providing virtual therapy in NY, NJ, MD & D.C. She specializes in: Anxiety, trauma & burnout People-pleasing & perfectionism ADHD, disordered eating, & body image Relationship patterns & self-worth Her approach is relational, trauma-informed, somatic, and holistic—infused with creativity, mindfulness, and compassion. 📌 Learn More About Alyssa: Bio: https://bio.site/alyssakushnerlcsw Website: https://www.ak-psychotherapy.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alyssaktherapy LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssakushner/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AKPsychotherapyLCSW TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alyssaktherapy 🧩 Key Takeaways Your anxiety is a signal, not a flaw. Impostor syndrome happens to everyone—yes, even therapists. Joy is powerful, even when it has no “purpose.” ✅ Action Steps You Can Try Today 💛 Try mindful self-compassion by placing your hand over your heart and speaking kindly to yourself. 🧠 When self-doubt hits, ask: “Is this my voice—or someone else’s?” 🎨 Do something joyful just because it feels good. ⏱️ Chapters & Timestamps 00:00 – Cold weather banter 🧤 03:00 – Meet Alyssa + her path to therapy 04:45 – Anxiety, wellness basics, and sobriety 10:00 – What joy and self-permission look like in 2025 20:00 – Sleep, exercise, reframing thoughts 28:00 – Mel Robbins’ Let Them Theory explained 30:00 – Owning impostor syndrome 35:00 – How to let go of perfection 37:00 – Wrapping with joy, calm, and clarity 📚 Resources Mentioned Mel Robbins: Let Them Theory – https://www.melrobbins.com/blog/the-let-them-theory Inside Out 2 (Movie) – Emotional education for families Mindful Self-Compassion – https://self-compassion.org/ 🎧 Podcast Shout out! We LOVE supporting other creators—and Caitlin & Jenny of How to Be a Grownup are the real deal 🙌 They’re hilarious, honest, and relatable—helping moms laugh and learn through the chaos of adulting. 🎙️ Listen here: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-be-a-grownup-a-humorous-guide-for-moms-with-ck-gk/id1600435714 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/18bYm4GWnS5JKiKcTqRQsT Website: https://www.ckandgkpodcast.com/episodes 🌟 Subscribe, Rate, and Review! If this episode resonated with you, subscribe for more amazing mental health convos. Leave us a review to help others discover our community: 📝 https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews #MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #AKPsychotherapy #Grex #DirtySkittles #TherapistTalks #PodcastForHealing #WomenInPodcasting #MentalHealthTools #LetThemTheory #JoyAndGrowth #ImposterSyndromeHelp #AnxietySupport #TherapyConversations *************************************************************************** If You Need Support, Reach Out If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a crisis hotline in your area. Remember, it’s OK not to be OK—talking to someone can make all the difference. United States: Call or Text 988 — 988lifeline.org Canada: Call or Text 988 — 988.ca Worldwide: Find a Helpline Mental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles Official Website: goesoninourheads.net Facebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheads Instagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittles LinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty Skittles Join Our Newsletter: Sign Up Here Merch Store: goesoninourheads.shop Audio Editing by NJz Audio Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.