Podcast Therapy with Dr. Z
Living Lchaim
Living Lchaim
"Podcast Therapy with Dr. Z" isn't just another podcast. It's where the Orthodox community opens up about the things we usually keep to ourselves. Hosted by Dr. Shloimie (Steven) Zimmerman, a respected figure and therapist, this call-in show offers a rare space to discuss personal struggles and seek professional advice. No topic is too taboo. Whether you're dealing with something big or small, Dr. Z is here to listen and help. Tune in to be part of a conversation that's all about understanding, healing, and connecting. Podcast Therapy with Dr. Z on the Living Lchaim Network: PODCAST HEALTHCARE DISCLAIMER This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not provide healthcare advice. I, Dr. Shloimie [Steven] Zimmerman, Psy.D. and the Living Lchaim make every effort to ensure that information given in the podcast is complete and accurate. Please understand though, that mental health care is a constantly changing science and art. Further, one psychotherapist may have a different way of doing things from another. I am simply presenting my views on how to deal with challenges that will be as evidence based as possible. I welcome any comments, suggestions, or correction of errors. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use it as medical or mental health advice to treat any medical or mental health condition in either yourself or others, including but not limited to patients whom you are treating if you yourself are a healthcare professional. Advice given on the podcast cannot substitute for, and is not an alternative to, medical or other healthcare diagnosis and treatment when a medical or mental health condition or illness is present. Consult your own healthcare provider for any medical or mental health issues that you may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall I, Living Lchaim, any guests or contributors to the podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of mine be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast.
Nov 24
In this very honest episode, we meet Chaya, a mother trying to navigate the overwhelming challenge of raising teenage boys in a world filled with inappropriate content. After discovering that one of her sons had been exposed to pornography, she opens up about the fear and uncertainty surrounding how to support him, while also worrying about her younger son following a similar path. With different personalities and different needs, knowing how to approach each child feels daunting. Dr. Z helps Chaya face the guilt so many parents carry and reminds her that the goal is not perfection, but progress. Together, they explore how parents can respond with strength, compassion, and clarity, even when they feel unsure. This episode offers validation for every parent who has felt helpless or afraid, and shares a powerful reminder that to struggle is human, and to grow from it is what truly matters. To be a future guest (yes, we can distort your voice): Please visit https://www.livinglchaim.com/guest-dr-z You can explore the world of mental health with our other show "That's An Issue": https://www.livinglchaim.com/shows/thats-an-issue Reach out to Dr. Z here: Child and Adult Psychological Services, PLLC Email: Info@caapsgroup.com Office: (718) 338-4477 Website: https://caapsgroup.com Lchaim.
Sep 19
In this powerful episode, we meet Chaya, a young woman navigating deep inner conflict. On the outside, she appears to be a devoted religious girl, but privately, she struggles to observe the Torah and mitzvos. Haunted by the trauma of childhood abuse and the grip of an addiction she has worked to overcome, Chaya feels trapped in a double life, torn between how she looks and how she lives. With Dr. Z’s guidance, she begins to confront the pain beneath her struggles and explore what it means to live with honesty and self-compassion. Together, they uncover how embracing her story can open the door to a more authentic relationship with herself, with others, and with God. Timed for the High Holidays, this conversation resonates with all of us seeking sincerity in our connection to the Divine, reminding us that even in our deepest struggles, the path toward healing and authenticity is never closed. To be a future guest (yes, we can distort your voice): Please visit LivingLchaim.com/podcasttherapy You can explore the world of mental health with our other show "That's An Issue": https://plinkhq.com/i/1607752110/e/?to_page Reach out to Dr. Z here: Child and Adult Psychological Services, PLLC Email: Info@caapsgroup.com Office: (718) 338-4477 Website: https://caapsgroup.com Lchaim.
Aug 10
In this moving episode, we meet Sarah, who grew up in a complex family environment that deeply influenced her self-perception. Burdened by feelings of toxic shame, Sarah has long grappled with self-criticism and perfectionism, impacting her relationships and sense of self-worth. With Dr. Zimmerman's guidance, Sarah begins to unravel the roots of her inner critic and the fear of embracing her imperfections. Together, they embark on a journey to build self-acceptance, aiming for healing and a more authentic connection with herself and others. To be a future guest (yes, we can distort your voice): Please visit LivingLchaim.com/podcasttherapy You can explore the world of mental health with our other show "That's An Issue": https://plinkhq.com/i/1607752110/e/?to_page Reach out to Dr. Z here: Child and Adult Psychological Services, PLLC Email: Info@caapsgroup.com Office: (718) 338-4477 Website: https://caapsgroup.com Lchaim.
Jun 21
In this special episode, presented in partnership with Amudim and moderated by Andy Lauber, Rav Efrem Goldberg joins Dr. Zimmerman for a powerful conversation about the emotional and spiritual toll of the ongoing war in Israel. As fear and anxiety weigh heavily on so many, especially those with children or loved ones in Israel, they explore how we can stay grounded without dismissing our very real emotions. Together, they offer a framework for navigating these uncertain times with faith, perspective, and inner strength. Most importantly, they emphasize the importance of finding purpose and meaning in the chaos, and how even in darkness, we can uncover light, direction, and a deeper sense of connection to our people and to Hashem. To be a guest on Podcast Therapy with Dr. Z (yes, we can distort your voice): Please visit LivingLchaim.com/podcasttherapy You can explore the world of mental health with our other show "That's An Issue": https://plinkhq.com/i/1607752110/e/?to_page Reach out to Dr. Z here: Child and Adult Psychological Services, PLLC Email: Info@caapsgroup.com Office: (718) 338-4477 Website: https://caapsgroup.com Lchaim.
Jun 12
In this moving episode, we meet Esty, who grew up in a turbulent home marked by conflict and a painful family secret that shaped her sense of self. Carrying deep feelings of toxic shame, Esty has long struggled to be vulnerable, especially within her marriage. Opening up felt unsafe, not just with others, but even with herself. With Dr. Zimmerman’s guidance, Esty begins to uncover the root of her guardedness and the fear that comes with facing her own emotions. Together, they navigate the delicate process of building trust from within, working toward closure, healing, and the hope of a deeper connection ahead. To be a future guest (yes, we can distort your voice): Please visit LivingLchaim.com/podcasttherapy You can explore the world of mental health with our other show "That's An Issue": https://plinkhq.com/i/1607752110/e/?to_page Reach out to Dr. Z here: Child and Adult Psychological Services, PLLC Email: Info@caapsgroup.com Office: (718) 338-4477 Website: https://caapsgroup.com Lchaim.
Mar 17
In this deeply personal episode, we meet Noach, who grew up feeling like an outsider- never getting into the top classes and struggling with a sense of not being good enough. His journey took on a new layer when his son, a bright and capable student, was denied entry into the top Gemara classes due to learning challenges. This experience reignited feelings of exclusion and self-doubt, leading Noach to confront the broader struggle of feeling unaccepted by society, by God, and even by oneself. Through his story, Dr. Zimmerman explores the universal battle of seeking belonging and the power of recognizing that this struggle itself is part of our growth. The more we understand it, the more we can embrace it and move forward with faith and resilience. To be a future guest (yes, we can distort your voice): Please visit LivingLchaim.com/podcasttherapy You can explore the world of mental health with our other show "That's An Issue": https://plinkhq.com/i/1607752110/e/?to_page Reach out to Dr. Z here: Child and Adult Psychological Services, PLLC Email: Info@caapsgroup.com Office: (718) 338-4477 Website: https://caapsgroup.com Lchaim.
Feb 12
In this powerful episode, we meet Rachel, a woman whose early life was marked by the deep scars of sexual abuse inflicted by her brother. Initially drawn to therapy by memories and emerging triggers, it was the collapse of a serious relationship that finally pushed her to confront the wounds of her past. Under the guidance of Dr. Z, Rachel embarks on a transformative journey to acknowledge and confront her trauma, emphasizing the vital importance of disclosure and healing. This episode lays bare the reality that sometimes the enduring effects of trauma can weigh even more heavily than the original abuse, offering a profound testament to resilience and the power of recovery. To be a future guest (yes, we can distort your voice): Please visit LivingLchaim.com/podcasttherapy You can explore the world of mental health with our other show "That's An Issue": https://plinkhq.com/i/1607752110/e/?to_page Reach out to Dr. Z here: Child and Adult Psychological Services, PLLC Email: Info@caapsgroup.com Office: (718) 338-4477 Website: https://caapsgroup.com Lchaim.
Dec 19, 2024
In this powerful episode, we meet Mimi, a woman whose childhood was shaped by the challenges of growing up with a mother who had borderline personality disorder. Mimi shares the profound impact of her upbringing, including feelings of toxic shame, never feeling “enough,” and an inability to experience true love. Dr. Z helps Mimi navigate her pain, leading to a remarkable breakthrough through light and love. This episode offers hope and insight into the power of healing and transformation. To be a future guest (yes, we can distort your voice): Please visit LivingLchaim.com/podcasttherapy You can explore the world of mental health with our other show "That's An Issue": https://plinkhq.com/i/1607752110/e/?to_page Reach out to Dr. Z here: Child and Adult Psychological Services, PLLC Email: Info@caapsgroup.com Office: (718) 338-4477 Website: https://caapsgroup.com Lchaim.
