|
|
Sometimes a therapy session doesn’t fit your schedule or your budget. Good thing you only need a pair of headphones and your favorite smart device to experience guidance and teachings from some of the foremost mental health experts. Mental health podcasts have become popular resources for people to overcome their issues and improve their mental well-being.
With over 43 million adults experiencing a mental illness in any given year, it’s no wonder podcasts have become such valuable, accessible spaces for people to receive support on their mental health journey.
These are five of the best therapy podcasts available today.
Where Should We Begin? With Esther Perel
Esther Perel is a psychotherapist who specializes in working with couples as they navigate their relationships with each other and the world. Every week, Perel broadcasts an actual therapy session featuring one-time, anonymous patients. Thought-provoking episode titles offer glimpses of what listeners can expect during each show. “My Brother’s Wife Ruined Our Relationship,” “Motherless Women” and “I Want Her to Like Me Less” are all examples of episodes that involve real people grappling with real problems under the supervision of a renowned relationship expert.
Perel spends the hour helping couples answer the complex, existential questions they face. The free-flowing format invites listeners to an unfiltered experience in a real therapy session, in which Perel only interjects to provide her insights and help guide the couple’s conversation. Every episode also features narration from Perel to recap key moments and introduce listeners to the next phase of the session. “Where Should We Begin?” is regarded as one of the best mental health podcasts for its raw, intimate look into couples relationships. One reviewer of the podcast wrote, “Where Should We Begin? is about people desperate to make it work. It is a thing of savage beauty.”
Unlocking Us
Unlocking Us is the audible addition to researcher and storyteller Brené Brown’s expansive universe of self-help materials. In this podcast, Brown explores a variety of topics with the intent of discovering something new about the human condition. Brown beckons listeners to think out loud with her as she processes big questions about life, love, relationships and nearly everything in between. Her guests offer timely perspectives on current events with a focus on the human element.
Brown approaches each episode with her signature emotional intelligence. She asks clarifying, intriguing questions of her guests and goes right to the heart of every issue. While Brown is an expert in her own right, Unlocking Us features other leading voices in the mental health, spirituality and entertainment spaces. Brown’s podcast offering has been met with rave reviews. “Oprah-endorsed self-help queen, academic and best-selling author Brené Brown hosts this podcast, essentially an anxiety-quelling TED Talk in audio form. If that sounds worthy, perhaps it’s exactly the boost we need right now,” writes one critic.
Being Yourself Loudly
As a bisexual, Jewish Gemini, Isabel Mata has a unique perspective on life — and she uses her podcast, “Being Yourself Loudly,” to share it. Mata is a mental health advocate who offers her experiences as a young adult navigating her own mental health issues. This podcast is short and sweet, with most episodes clocking in at 15–30 minutes. These bite-sized shows are perfect for listeners seeking a quick hit of inspiration or insight from a great mental health podcast.
Mata serves as the show’s solo host for most episodes, blending personal anecdotes with relevant questions for listeners to consider. She also introduces listeners to a diverse cast of guests, including mindfulness experts, college students and Broadway stars, to discuss many facets of mental well-being. Mata’s candor is part of what makes podcast special. “Isabel is engaging and joyful. She makes talking about mental illness feel normal,” says a listener. It’s important to note that Mata covers some sensitive topics, including sexual assault.
On Our Minds
The youth hold the mic on this podcast. On Our Minds is described as a podcast for teens, by teens. This podcast, which is part of PBS News Hour, gives young people the chance to explore the most pressing topics affecting their generation. The two hosts bring on adults and fellow teens as guests to offer insights and perspectives on different issues every other week. They tackle everything from racism and LGBTQ+ rights to choosing a college major and how music affects your mood. The podcast also changes hosts every season so listeners can hear fresh voices and new takes.
Listeners of On Our Minds appreciate learning from teenagers on this unique podcast. One listener’s review says, “It is so important to hear young people reflect on their own experience, in their own words … especially when it comes to mental health and well-being.”
Ten Percent Happier
Ten Percent Happier is all about the pursuit of happiness — or at least a little more of it. Host Dan Harris’s inspiration for the podcast came after a pivotal moment in his career as a journalist: a panic attack on live television. This experience led him to discover meditation, write a best-selling book and create one of the most celebrated mental health podcasts. Harris’s guests are some of the heaviest hitters in the realm of mental health, focusing largely on mindfulness and meditation. He frequently showcases psychologists, spiritual leaders and neuroscientists and prods them with intelligent questions for the benefit of both himself and his listeners.
Harris’s conversational style of podcasts lets listeners feel like they’re eavesdropping on a discussion between two smart friends. The host’s openness to new thoughts — and even correction to his own — makes for a thoroughly honest show. The reviews for Ten Percent Happier are overwhelmingly positive. “His investigative and curious approach to the world of meditation is perfect for someone just starting their practice or just curious ‘what it’s all about,'” says one review.
When Mental Health Podcasts Aren’t Enough
Mental health podcasts are a good resource, but sometimes you need in-person support. FHE is here if you’re seeking help from a trained professional. Contact us today to connect with mental health experts who can help you live a happier life.
