In this episode of Out of Session with Kindman and Co., hosts Elizabeth and Logan discuss the importance of therapists embracing their own humanity and messiness. They challenge the societal expectation that therapists must always appear composed and all-knowing.

In this episode Paul Kindman reconnects with Lillian Farzan, a psychotherapist, digital nomad, poet, and activist. The conversation delves into Lillian's journey from interviewing for a position at Kindman and Co. just before the pandemic to establishing her private practice as a therapist while traveling the world. They discuss Lillian's personal experiences, and the importance of integrating personal values and activism into therapy. They also explore the significance of organizations like Standing Together, and the ongoing need to address systemic issues affecting mental health.

Dani and Anna, who are both therapists specializing in grief, discuss their experiences and challenges related to grief therapy. The conversation delves into the complexities of grief, the emotional depth it brings to therapy, and the importance of making space for different types of grief. They urge listeners to seek support, emphasizing the transformative power of having someone to share the burden of grief, whether through therapy, support groups, or spiritual guidance.

As the Dodgers battle through a record-breaking World Series marathon, millions of tired fans are still watching, texting, and hoping together. In a world that feels increasingly disconnected, this long, strange, beautiful game reminds us what it means to stay — with each other, with love, with community — even through the extra innings.

In today's episode, Sarah introduces Madison, a new therapist and grad student at Kindman and Co. They discuss their soon to be launched caregiver support group, both share personal experiences being caregivers, and reflect on the challenges and responsibilities that come with this role. They express the importance of support systems, the evolving nature of caregiving, and their hopes for this group's impact. 

What does it really mean to be a caregiver? Through personal family stories and reflections on disability justice, this piece explores the invisible labor, love, and resilience of caregiving—and why community care is essential for sustaining both caregivers and those they support.

Sometimes I gaslight myself. I think something’s really wrong, but then I spiral—‘Doctors say I’m fine, so maybe it’s me. Maybe I’m the problem.’ And then you’re in this Spoonie loop: physical health, mental health, anxiety, self-blame. It’s relentless. And when your symptoms are invisible, it’s even harder to trust yourself…

“It sucks here, but sometimes it’s kind of nice.” That’s how we describe the Spooniverse. This group—of therapists who also live with chronic illness—wasn’t built to fix anything. It was built so we could stop doing it alone. We talk about grief, weird symptoms, feeling like a burden, and yes, peeing our pants. But we also laugh—a lot. Because even when bodies fail us, connection doesn’t.

In the past several weeks since the 2024 presidential election, I’ve felt myself as well as held space for feelings of frustration, division, anger, and worries about safety, rights, and personal freedoms. These issues can create a perfect storm of anxiety, grief, and fear. I’ve noticed myself moving from hopeful, to numb, to powerless especially when it seems like the problems are so big and out of our control. And then there’s confidence in our ability to make a better future peeking through as I engage with my community. It’s an interesting time to be a therapist.

The first thing that comes to mind is this degree of some kind of personal responsibility, regardless of disservices done in places we may want to blame or criticize or complain. At the end of the day, it kind of feels like I'm an agent in this body and I have so much ability to choose what I'm going to do with it, and fingers crossed, I do what's useful for myself and others....