Posts in Counseling
Fear, Paranormal, and the Stories We Carry
Fear, Paranormal, and the Stories We Carry

Fear isn’t just about the chills—it’s about what our minds, bodies, and cultures do with it.

In this episode of Wit and Reason, licensed clinical social worker Alex and community psychologist Dr. Alexis unpack the psychology of fear through strange encounters and cultural stories. From childhood trauma mistaken for ghost sightings to Tesla tech glitches misread as hauntings, they explore how fear shapes memory, perception, and resilience.

Why do some people love horror for the thrill, while others can’t escape the weight of terrifying memories? Alex and Dr. Alexis break down the science, the folklore, and the impact on our mental health—while reminding us that the goal isn’t to prove or disprove the paranormal, but to process fear in ways that keep us safe, validated, and curious.

Disclaimer: This episode contains discussions of trauma, hallucinations, psychosis, and suicide. Listener discretion is advised.

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mental health, health psychology, Entertainment, Therapy, CounselingWit and ReasonMental Health, PSYCHOLOGY, Healing, Therapy, fear, traumaComment
Beyond Entertainment: The Psychology of Performers and Live Experiences
Beyond Entertainment: The Psychology of Performers and Live Experiences

Performers do far more than put on a show—they challenge norms, spark joy, and mirror the struggles we all face. In this Therapy or Trash episode of Wit and Reason with Alex & Dr. Alexis, we explore the psychology of touring, the resilience behind live performances, and the profound ways audiences benefit from their courage to step on stage.

From stand-up comedy to indie theater, music, and even BMX stunts, we uncover how performers help us laugh, think, and connect more deeply with ourselves and each other.

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mental health, health psychology, Entertainment, Therapy, CounselingWit and ReasonMental Health, PSYCHOLOGY, Healing, Therapy, Comedy, Creative Mind, Art, Theater, musicComment
The Rise of the ‘Diagnostic Divas’ and How They’re Wrecking Relationships
The Rise of the ‘Diagnostic Divas’ and How They’re Wrecking Relationships

The internet loves quick labels — but calling every ex a “narcissist” isn’t helping anyone. In this episode of Therapy or Trash, Dr. Alexis Moreno and therapist Alex Honigman unpack the rise of “Diagnostic Divas” dishing out diagnoses with zero credentials. From viral clips to chaotic comment sections, they reveal why these snap judgments are harmful, how real therapists actually assess behavior, and what you can do to protect your relationships from bad advice. Expect expert insights, unfiltered reactions, and some much-needed myth-busting.

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mental health, health psychology, Entertainment, Therapy, CounselingWit and ReasonMental Health, PSYCHOLOGY, Healing, Therapy, friendship, Narcissm, Dating, RelationshipsComment
Adult Friendships, Energy Boundaries & Outgrowing People
Adult Friendships, Energy Boundaries & Outgrowing People

Friendships in adulthood can be lifelines—or emotional sinkholes. In this Therapy Or Trash episode, Dr. Alexis Moreno and Alex Honigman explore viral takes on friendship, boundaries, ghosting, and vulnerability. From ADHD distraction guilt to the grief of one-sided relationships, they unpack the neuroscience, psychology, and emotional cost of navigating adult connections.

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mental health, health psychology, Entertainment, Therapy, CounselingWit and ReasonMental Health, PSYCHOLOGY, Healing, Therapy, friendship, BoundariesComment
A Whites-Only Town: Extremism, Identity, and the Psychology of Exclusion
A Whites-Only Town: Extremism, Identity, and the Psychology of Exclusion

A whites-only settlement in the Ozarks is using ancestry rules, pseudo-legal loopholes, and cult-like tactics to build an exclusionary community. In this episode of Wit and Reason, therapist couple Alex Honigman, LCSW, and Dr. Alexis Moreno break down the psychology behind Return to the Land—exploring why people join extremist groups, how identity threats and fear fuel them, and the dangers they pose to society.

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mental health, health psychology, Entertainment, Therapy, CounselingWit and ReasonMental Health, PSYCHOLOGY, Healing, Therapy, Extremism, Social controlComment
Nerd Culture: Let’s Talk Comic-Con
Nerd Culture: Let’s Talk Comic-Con

Explore the world of Comic-Con with Dr. Alexis and Alex as they uncover the surprising connections between fandom and mental health. From cosplay and comics to Dungeons & Dragons and Star Wars, this special episode highlights how nerdy passions can shape identity, reduce stigma, and support healing.

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mental health, health psychology, Entertainment, Therapy, CounselingWit and ReasonMental Health, PSYCHOLOGY, Healing, Nerd Culture, Therapy, Comic-Con, Comic Con, Sci-Fi, Star Trek, Star Wars, DnDComment