In this episode, Dustin Oliver sits down with counseling graduate student Bailey McFadden to talk about the real-life journey through psychology education—from undergrad to grad school and beyond. They discuss why they both chose to pursue master’s degrees over PhDs, how to evaluate faith-integrated counseling programs, and what it’s really like working in internship settings. Bailey shares her experiences navigating clinical training, community support, and the pressure to “do it all” in grad school. Whether you're exploring mental health careers, considering a graduate degree, or already deep in your training, this candid conversation offers insight, encouragement, and practical advice.

Connect with Bailey McFadden:

Instagram: @genzcounselorb

TikTok: @genzcounselorb

Connect with boy meets therapy:

Instagram: ⁠@boymeetstherapy⁠

TikTok: ⁠@boymeetstherapy⁠

Website with Free Resources: boymeetstherapy.com

Episode Guide & Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:07 Undergraduate Experience in Psychology

06:04 Transitioning to Graduate School

09:01 Working in a Psychiatric Unit

12:09 Advice for Aspiring Psychologists

15:11 Study Abroad Experiences

17:47 Choosing a Graduate Program

20:51 Faith Integration in Counseling

24:05 The Role of Spirituality in Therapy

28:00 Navigating Faith Integration in Counseling Programs

29:51 The PhD Dilemma: To Pursue or Not?

35:48 Internship Insights: What to Expect

43:55 Finding Support and Community in Grad School

Created and Produced by Dustin Oliver.

In this episode, host Dustin Oliver sits down with child and adolescent therapist Chandler Donny to explore the unique challenges and breakthroughs in therapy with young clients. They dive into topics like OCD in children, the emotional impact of divorce, and how to build trust with resistant or withdrawn kids. Chandler shares clinical insights on the importance of confidentiality, psychoeducation, and engaging parents in the therapeutic process. The conversation also touches on Relational Cultural Theory, LGBTQ-affirming care, and the role of cultural understanding in effective mental health treatment. Whether you're a therapist, parent, or mental health professional, this episode offers valuable guidance on navigating the complex world of child and teen therapy.

Each week, we talk with clinicians about their areas of expertise, their connections to therapy, and how they use their tools in session.

Connect with Chandler Donny:

Therapy

Connect with boy meets therapy:

Instagram: @boymeetstherapy

TikTok: @boymeetstherapy

Website with Free Resources: boymeetstherapy.com

Episode Guide & Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Connection

01:46 Chandler's Journey into Therapy

07:28 Specialization in Working with Teens

09:40 Common Issues in Child Therapy

10:32 Navigating Divorce and Its Impact on Children

11:50 Integrating Parents in Child Therapy

17:01 Confidentiality and Trust in Therapy

19:57 Building Rapport with Resistant Clients

23:18 Understanding Relational Cultural Theory

30:40 Exploring Client Relationships and Dynamics

37:41 Navigating Childhood Therapy and Accountability

42:54 Understanding OCD in Children

49:20 The Importance of the Therapeutic Relationship

Created and Produced by Dustin Oliver.

What if recovery wasn’t just about stopping the use of a substance — but about understanding why it was there in the first place?

In this episode, I speak with Julie River, LPC, NCC, clinical director and therapist at Atlas Behavioral Health, about what truly person-centered substance use treatment can look like. We explore the daily experience of clients in recovery programs, the role of group therapy, and how therapists can support emotional sobriety, boundary-setting, and harm reduction with empathy and nuance.

Whether you’re a clinician, student, or someone navigating their own healing journey, Julie brings thoughtful insight into how treatment can move beyond stereotypes — and toward connection, curiosity, and lasting change.

Connect with Julie River:

Therapy

Atlas Behavioral Health

Connect with boy meets therapy:

Instagram: ⁠⁠@boymeetstherapy⁠⁠

TikTok: ⁠@boymeetstherapy⁠

Website with Free Resources: ⁠boymeetstherapy.com

Episode Guide & Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Personal Background

02:59 Understanding Substance Use Disorder Treatment

05:51 Daily Life in Treatment Programs

09:08 Innovative Therapeutic Approaches

12:04 Client Reactions to Alternative Therapies

14:53 Co-occurring Disorders and Their Impact

17:46 The Complexity of Diagnosing Disorders

20:58 Interpersonal Dynamics in Group Therapy

23:53 Managing Resentments and Emotions

26:53 Facilitating Group Interactions

30:06 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

35:45 Understanding Boundaries in Relationships

40:10 The Concept of Emotional Sobriety

45:05 Navigating Sober Curiosity

49:49 The Spectrum of Addiction

54:26 Harm Reduction in Substance Use Treatment

58:24 The Misconceptions of Addiction Treatment