Episodios

  • Considering Therapy? Nerves Are Normal. Just Ask Giselle

    Considering Therapy? Nerves Are Normal. Just Ask Giselle
    Jan 16 2026
    Welcome to the Dancing with Depression podcast. I'm your host, Adam Turner. If you've never been to therapy, you might not know what to expect. My only understanding of it came from watching The Sopranos. Dramatic, intense, sometimes a little scary. The truth is, it’s very different. So, it was only fitting to invite my first therapist, Giselle Schochet.Okay, before we go down memory lane, I want to set the stage for today's conversation. If you've never been to therapy before, or if you've considered going, but weren't sure what to expect, this episode is designed for you. We're going to break down what the first session really looks like. So, you can feel a little more at ease with them.a process that just typically is kind of uncomfortable at first. What's cool is you're going to hear it from both sides, my perspective as a client, which I still want to refer to as a patient, but anyways, who has had that experience. And then we're also going to get the perspective of an expert, Giselle, who guides people through this.pretty much every day. So speaking of experts, I'm joined by someone who played an important role in my own personal mental health journey. She holds a Master of Science and is a licensed marriage and family therapist, Giselle Schockett. Thanks for having me, Adam.It’s great to see you. We want to talk a little bit about what that first appointment or scheduling is like but before we dive in, can you share just a little bit about your professional backgroundWhat ultimately led you into this line of work? Okay, so I've been in private practice for 28 years and I started out as an intern going through my master's program at a pastoral counseling center. That's where I got my start and from there, I think I worked there for about five years.While I was working towards my licensure because you must get a certain number of client face-to-face hours to sit for the board to get your license and then Unfortunately that pastoral counseling center went out of business. So, one of my colleagues and I went and opened our own practice. And we were very fortunate, of course, because we were able to take a lot of those clients with us. So that was nice. I also have worked in emergency departments.three of them for, I no longer work in emergency departments, but I worked in three of them for about 20 years at the same time as I was doing private practice. And that is an entirely different situation and a wonderful way to get experience with every mental health issue you can imagine. I really, really enjoy that. And, now I'm just in private practice and kind of easing into retirement, I want to say to anyone who's listening that this is my first time doing a podcast and I am scared to death so I want anyone to understand that Everything new is scary And you just have to take that leap of faith and take the first step and make that phone call and if someone doesn't call you back that unfortunately doesn't mean anything is wrong with you it means that they're not giving good customer service that's all that means so make the next phone call go down your list and find someone that either answersSo as far as how I got to doing therapy, think you'll probably find that no one gets into this business without having their own story. And we all have our own story. I grew up in a very dysfunctional family. I was the youngest of five and never felt like I had a voice around the house. There was a lot of, didn't suffer physical abuse, but my brothers did. And I just always felt like I needed to understand why, how someone could be so awful to another person. And so that was a big part of it. And then when I was probably around eighth grade, I had a traumatic experience where I was chased by some men in a...box truck and that was really scary for me and so my mother took me to therapy and while I don't remember really anything about it I just know it didn't work for me. It was I didn't feel comfortable; the person didn't make me comfortable and so that was something else that I wanted to make sure the people I saw were very comfortable like it was almost you know in your living room talking over a cup of coffee. And that's kind of how I've done my practice. And that translated. Because, you know, I felt that I didn't know the backstory. didn't know how you got into, you know, being a therapist, but I did feel like at times we were just sitting there chopping it up. and so that was nice. And that really is kind of dynamic. As you mentioned you were young. Not that you went to therapy quote unquote against your will, but you didn't really know what was going on. I went willingly, even though I kind of was misled, but we'll talk about that later on. So that really being the part is you know, what should someone expect or can they expect going into their first therapy session from your knowledge? What would you like them to think?Well, I think currently technology has changed from when I first started. Now, ...
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    41 m
  • Three Relationships, One Decade — What Changed When I Was Guided, Not Fixed

    Three Relationships, One Decade — What Changed When I Was Guided, Not Fixed
    Jan 9 2026

    In this episode, Adam Turner shares his journey through relationships, exploring the patterns and red flags he encountered along the way. He reflects on a decade of avoiding dating, the lessons learned from his early relationships, and the role of therapy in understanding himself better. Through candid storytelling, he emphasizes the importance of awareness and self-discovery in personal growth and emotional health.

    Takeaways

    • This isn't a story about failed relationships.
    • Experience alone doesn't equal growth. Awareness does.
    • What patterns have shown up more than once in your relationships?
    • I wasn't incapable of connecting, just immature.
    • I wanted to help or take their pain away.
    • Therapy isn't about taking advice from someone who's been there.
    • This relationship wasn't shaky due to a breakdown in communication.
    • I needed someone to help me see myself clearly.
    • Sometimes the hardest step is simply showing up.
    • Take the lead when it comes to depression.

    Episode Disclaimer
    This episode of Dancing With Depression includes conversations about mental health that may be sensitive for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised. The content shared reflects personal experiences and perspectives and is not a substitute for professional mental health care. If you are in crisis or need immediate support, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. For non-emergency support and resources, contact the NAMI HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264).
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    29 m
  • Unexpected Darkness, Then a Healing She Didn’t Think Existed — Katie’s Journey

    Unexpected Darkness, Then a Healing She Didn’t Think Existed — Katie’s Journey
    Nov 27 2025

    In this conversation, Katie shares her profound journey through mental health challenges, including the onset of panic attacks, her experiences with various treatments, and the impact on her family. She discusses her time at Hopeway, a treatment facility that provided her with a supportive community and various therapeutic activities. Katie emphasizes the importance of seeking help, the tools she uses for coping, and her commitment to advocating for mental health awareness and support.

    Takeaways

    • Katie experienced panic attacks that disrupted her life.
    • She sought help from therapists and psychiatrists.
    • Her journey included a stay at a behavioral health facility.
    • Hopeway provided a supportive community for healing.
    • Katie's family struggled to understand her mental health challenges.
    • She emphasizes the importance of self-care and coping strategies.
    • Katie found joy in serving her community post-treatment.
    • She advocates for mental health awareness and support.
    • Katie learned that feelings of depression are not permanent.
    • Her experience has opened conversations about mental health in her family.

    Episode Disclaimer
    This episode of Dancing With Depression includes conversations about mental health that may be sensitive for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised. The content shared reflects personal experiences and perspectives and is not a substitute for professional mental health care. If you are in crisis or need immediate support, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. For non-emergency support and resources, contact the NAMI HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264).
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    43 m
  • Practical Skills for Everyday Mental Health

    Practical Skills for Everyday Mental Health
    Nov 21 2025

    In this conversation, Adam Turner and Darby Danko explore the intricacies of therapy, focusing on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). They discuss the value of group therapy, the application of therapeutic techniques, and the journey of self-discovery and healing. Darby shares insights on emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and the significance of seeking help from a professional. The conversation emphasizes the value of personal connection in therapy and the various ways individuals can define progress in their mental health journey.

    Takeaways

    • Group therapy creates a sense of warmth and connection.
    • CBT focuses on the interconnection of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
    • DBT emphasizes acceptance and change in emotional responses.
    • Therapy requires personal connection for effective healing.
    • Awareness of cognitive distortions is crucial in therapy.
    • Progress in therapy is subjective and varies for each individual.
    • Distress tolerance skills are often more accessible than emotion regulation skills.
    • Mindfulness is a key component of DBT and overall mental health.
    • Therapy can help individuals feel less alone in their struggles.
    • Seeking help is a sign of strength and worthiness.

    Episode Disclaimer
    This episode of Dancing With Depression includes conversations about mental health that may be sensitive for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised. The content shared reflects personal experiences and perspectives and is not a substitute for professional mental health care. If you are in crisis or need immediate support, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. For non-emergency support and resources, contact the NAMI HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264).
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    35 m
  • The Question I Couldn't Answer

    The Question I Couldn't Answer
    Nov 14 2025

    The Question I Couldn’t Answer begins with a routine doctor’s appointment and a simple question about family medical history—one I realized I couldn’t answer when it came to mental health. A call to my mother brought not only clarity, but unexpected details I was hearing for the first time. This episode reflects on what we inherit, what goes unspoken, and how understanding our past can shape our healing.

    Takeaways

    • Mental health discussions are crucial for understanding personal struggles.
    • Family dynamics play a significant role in mental health.
    • Support systems are vital during times of illness.
    • Resilience can be built through shared experiences and challenges.
    • Marriage requires ongoing effort and communication to thrive.
    • Recognizing signs of depression can be difficult amidst daily responsibilities.
    • Therapy and counseling can provide valuable tools for couples.
    • Personal reflections can lead to greater self-awareness and healing.
    • It's important to express feelings and maintain open communication with loved ones.
    • Shared experiences can foster deeper connections and understanding.

    Episode Disclaimer
    This episode of Dancing With Depression includes conversations about mental health that may be sensitive for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised. The content shared reflects personal experiences and perspectives and is not a substitute for professional mental health care. If you are in crisis or need immediate support, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. For non-emergency support and resources, contact the NAMI HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264).
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    35 m
  • From Drowning to Dancing – My Return to Work

    From Drowning to Dancing – My Return to Work
    Nov 7 2025

    In this episode, Adam Turner shares his personal journey of returning to work after a 60-day break due to mental health challenges. He discusses the feelings of overwhelm that led to his time off, the therapeutic processes he engaged in, and the tools he learned to manage anxiety upon his return. Adam emphasizes the importance of taking things one day at a time and acknowledges that returning to work is part of a larger healing journey.

    Takeaways

    • I felt overwhelmed by work and relationships.
    • I stopped taking my prescribed medication cold turkey.
    • I didn't want to stay in sales for over a decade.
    • I finally decided to reach out for help.
    • I filled out my paperwork for group therapy.
    • I learned about CBT and DBT in therapy.
    • I had to try different ADHD meds to concentrate.
    • I was calm leading up to my return to work.
    • Returning to work isn't the end of healing.
    • It's okay to wobble a little bit during the journey.

    Episode Disclaimer
    This episode of Dancing With Depression includes conversations about mental health that may be sensitive for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised. The content shared reflects personal experiences and perspectives and is not a substitute for professional mental health care. If you are in crisis or need immediate support, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. For non-emergency support and resources, contact the NAMI HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264).
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    10 m
  • The Group I Didn't Know I Needed

    The Group I Didn't Know I Needed
    Oct 2 2025
    Welcome back to another episode of Dancing with Depression. I'm Adam. And today I want to talk about something I never thought I would talk about. Group therapy. Or as I said at the time, group therapy. OK. So let me rewind just a little bit. On July 22nd, I felt like I was drowning at work. Now, I'm sure we've all felt overwhelmed before. You know, that feeling of spinning your wheels, crossing one thing off of your to-do list, only to have three more things show up. But this felt different. Everyday responsibilities, mounting stress, and the weight of trying to hold it all together, it just became too much. And I couldn't see the light at the end of the tunnel. The next day, July 23rd. I found myself sitting with my psychiatrist and after that conversation, I made the decision that I've never made before. I submitted a claim for short-term disability. I didn't fully understand what that even meant or what came next. I didn't fully understand what that meant or even what came next. I just knew one thing for sure. The way I was living wasn't working. My hope was that some time away from work might just help me catch my breath. You know, maybe reset. How? I had no clue. I just knew I couldn't keep going the way I was. As I started planning what time away would look like, both my psychiatrist and therapist suggested something I hadn't even considered. A mental health clinic. Now that was definitely not part of my plan. Mostly because let's be honest, I didn't have one. So I did what most of us do when we're unsure of something. I did a Google search. And it was like I was choosing a restaurant while on vacation. And I went straight to the reviews. The clinic that had been recommended had received a 3.6 out of five stars, with 113 reviews, which I felt was a significant amount to gauge what kind of facility this would be. Now, I don't know about you, but I tend to jump straight to the bad reviews so that one, I could determine if it was worth going any further. But I also, think, was subconsciously building my exit strategy as to why this wouldn't be a good fit. But I read probably 10 different reviews. And I realized that there wasn't anything that consistently stood out. There were some challenges I'm sure people experience, but they seem to be very isolated. And many of them were about the food not being that great. That's. Wasn't going to be strong enough for me to to say no. And. I always remind myself that especially when you're reading other people's experiences and reviews that there's always two sides to every story and the truth usually lands somewhere in between. So I decided to move on and check out the website, learn a little bit more about the different programs that they had to offer. And I read they had three options. The first one was residential. The second one was PHP. And the third one was IOP. So the website breaks down what each of those programs consist of and Essentially, the residential program is that of what it sounds. You're living on their facility, which happens to be in 30 minutes away from where I am. But you're there for 30 days and you are in full day group therapy. You have weekly psychiatrist and therapist sessions, and then they have weekend activities like yoga or journaling or ARP. The second option was PHP, which is partial hospitalization. Again, you're going to their facility. It's a structured day, so you're there from 9 o'clock in the morning till 4 in the afternoon, Monday through Friday. But you go home. And the third option is IOP, which is intensive outpatient. It's much more flexible. I learned later on that a lot of people step down and kind of use the IOP to transition from a residential program into kind of going back into their normal routine. The way I viewed IOP was I could still be at home and that was what was comfortable for me. My initial reaction with regards to residential was no way. And the funny part was I said to myself, I'm not mentally ready for residential. Yeah, not mentally ready for mental health treatment. Sounds ridiculous, but this is also the same guy that admitted that he stopped taking all of his medications cold turkey. So. That's where I was at. I landed on IOP. As I mentioned, it felt like the safest choice. I could be in my own home and honestly. I didn't go in with big expectations or goals on what I was hoping to get from therapy, I just knew that I had to do something. And like everything within the medical or healthcare systems, there was forms that I had to fill out. There was screenings and evaluations to ensure that I could benefit from the program. And eventually I did end up getting the call that I had been accepted and I was scheduled to start August 15th at 9 a.m. In the days leading up to that, my mind was racing and asking questions like, is this really happening? Is this going to help me? How did I even get here? But first day came and those questions shifted from curiosity to a full on panic....
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    21 m
  • Walking Beside Anxiety and Depression - A Partner's Perspective

    Walking Beside Anxiety and Depression - A Partner's Perspective
    Sep 25 2025
    Welcome back to another episode of Dancing With Depression.I want to start with a quick update on where I stand after several months of being off my anxiety and depression medication. I’m happy to say that some small but meaningful improvements have shown up—I’m taking more showers, and when my laundry is done drying, I actually fold it and put it away. Small wins matter.But it hasn’t all been easy. Anxiety still creeps in—especially at work—and depression still rears its ugly head. The toughest part is, I rarely recognize it in the moment. For example, not too long ago, I told Bobbie I was thinking about selling everything in my man cave—my vinyl records, my favorite movie posters, and even my sports jerseys. Bobbie gently asked if it was really what I wanted, or if it was my depression talking. After some reflection, I realized she was right—it was depression.That moment connects to another experience I had while listening to music. A lyric jumped out at me: “But I can’t be your only remedy; tryin’ to save you, gon’ kill me.” It’s from the song “Dear Alcohol” by Dax, with that line sung by Carly Pearl in the remix. If you haven’t heard it, go check it out—you won’t be disappointed. That lyric stood out to me because of a specific conversation Bobbie and I had just a few weeks prior. Which brings me to today’s episode. What you’re about to hear is a conversation between Bobbie & I, which took place two months after the initial conversation where Bobbie so accurately describes it as “Giving it to me…” a very difficult—but necessary—moment where Bobbie shared where she was in our relationship: what she was missing, and what she needed if I couldn’t provide it. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to listen to, but it was also honest and truthful. And yes, it happened on my birthday—but for me, that was just a coincidence that showed how important it was for her to get it out.So, with that context, let’s jump in.In the last episode, I invited you to walk in my shoes as I shared what it was like to stop taking medication cold turkey. This time, I want to turn things around. Today, I invite you to walk in the shoes of my wife, Bobbie. She’ll be sharing her perspective on what it’s like to live with—and love—someone with a mental health diagnosis. She’ll talk about the challenges she’s faced, what she needed in order to keep supporting me, and how she decided whether our foundation was strong enough to withstand the tornado of my anxiety and depression.Before we begin, let me tell you a little about Bobbie. She spends her days caring for patients as a dental hygienist. Now, I know some of you might cringe just thinking about going to the dentist, but trust me—there’s something different, something special, about Bobbie’s abilities. And I’m not just saying that because I’m her husband. The patient reviews back it up. And besides, I’m not just her husband—I’m also her patient.Over our 9 ½ years of marriage, one thing has become clear: Bobbie doesn’t speak just to fill the silence. When she shares something, it’s because she’s thought it through. So when she told me she had something important to share, I knew I needed to pay attention.And the truth is, Bobbie’s knowledge in this area has always been ahead of mine. While I can clear out a sports-related Jeopardy category, she’s the one who has the science and chemistry answers locked down. I still can’t pronounce half of the prescriptions I’ve been on, but she sounds like a pharmacist.Her compassion and understanding carried us far, but eventually, she reached a point where she needed to ask me directly: was I going to stay in survival mode, or was I ready to put in the work—for us?This is that conversation, recorded two months after that pivotal moment. Let’s listen.--------Start of audio DWD S2 E3 – A Partners Perspective 2 of 3I think you mean what happened that I decided to have the conversation. What put me over the edge. don't know what put me over the edge, but I just felt like I care about our relationship and if it was gonna continue, it couldn't continue to go on the way that it was. I couldn't continue like we were and I care enough that I wanna address it and not let it die. And so we're obviously addressing my anxiety and depression and you know, I think we've talked about this, that we show what we want to show. And there's things that you're dealing with that I might not have realized in the moment. So what are some of the things that you deal with? ⁓ The conversation was just a check-in. I think if you are not open and honest with your partner, then you don't really have a relationship. So if I'm not telling you how I feel... What are we doing? And it was kind of where I was at. I couldn't continue to do what, quote, we were doing, because we weren't doing. I was struggling alone, trying to hold everything in, because you ...
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    32 m