Courtney is back (!!!) as we dive deep into the viral Crave show, Heated Rivalry; not just as a romance, but as a story about identity, emotional safety, vulnerability, and queer visibility. As therapists (and fans), we unpack what made this story hit so hard, what felt affirming or complicated, and how our reactions were shaped by our own experiences, including perspectives from queer community members across generations. Joined by Noa's mentor, Music Therapist Wade Richards, we talk about attachment styles, masculinity, secrecy, emotional growth, and the power of representation, while letting ourselves fully nerd out about the moments that wrecked us (in the best way). Whether you’re here for literary analysis, queer joy, or feelings-heavy chaos, this one’s for you.Thoughts, questions, ideas? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and keep the conversation flowing on Instagram at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram.com/coffeeandtheratea

As the year comes to a close, it’s easy to feel pulled toward big resolutions or get weighed down by everything that didn’t go as planned. In this short end-of-year reflection episode, we’re stepping away from pressure and perfection and leaning into clarity, honesty, and sustainability.This episode is an invitation to pause, take stock, and move forward with intention, without the guilt.In This Episode, We Cover:Thoughtful questions to help you reflect on the year that wasWhy traditional New Year’s resolutions often don’t stickCommon mindset traps that derail follow-throughPractical ways to redefine and measure progressHow to carry clarity and intention into the year aheadReflection Prompts Mentioned in the Episode:What did I spend the most energy on this year—and was it intentional?What changed me this year, even in small ways?Where did I show up consistently, even when it was hard?What am I ready to stop carrying into the new year?What feels doable right now?Thoughts, questions, ideas? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠ and keep the conversation flowing on Instagram at ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram.com/coffeeandtheratea

Sarah is the Coffee and TheraTea fan favorite, AND she's a published author! (Daily Calm by Sarah Phillips, LCSW)Our very own pew pew pew queen wrote a journal to support your daily practice of calm based on her decades of work as a therapist.In this interview, we learn more about what inspired Sarah and all that you can expect from her journal! Check it out for yourself and grab a copy ahead of the holiday season.Thoughts, questions, ideas? Email us at ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠ and keep the conversation flowing on Instagram at ⁠⁠⁠Instagram.com/coffeeandtheratea

The holidays bring joy, connection, and celebration, but for therapists, caregivers, and parents, they can also bring exhaustion, overwhelm, and unrealistic expectations. In this 20-minute episode, we’ll explore tangible, research-informed tools to help you protect your peace, set boundaries, and truly care for yourself this season.You’ll learn how to:Reframe self-care as essential maintenance, not indulgenceSet and communicate boundaries with confidence and compassionCreate simple, meaningful rituals that restore energy and connectionRecognize early signs of burnout and practice quick, 5-minute resetsGive yourself permission to rest, recharge, and say “no” without guiltWhether you’re managing a busy caseload, caregiving around the clock, or trying to make the holidays magical for everyone else, this episode will help you return to yourself with intention and grace.💭 Takeaway: You can’t pour from an empty mug — but you can refill it, one mindful choice at a time.Previous episodes mentioned:Combatting Compassion FatigueProtecting Your PeaceFinding the GoodTherapists React to Unknown NumberThe Burnout is REALThoughts, questions, ideas? Email us at ⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ and keep the conversation flowing on Instagram at ⁠⁠Instagram.com/coffeeandtheratea

If you haven't seen this viral Netflix documentary, you are truly missing out! Join Alyssa, Noa, and Sarah for a roundtable discussion of this HORRIFIC rollercoaster ride of emotion and dissect some of what could be going on behind the scenes.Stay tuned for more viral reviews coming soon! Keep the conversation flowing and follow us on Instagram @coffeeandtherateaQuestions, thoughts, ideas? Email us! [email protected]

After years of using music as their work, Alyssa and Noa open up about rediscovering the spark that first drew them to being creative arts therapists.If you’ve ever felt burnt out, uninspired, or like the joy of your passion has slipped away, this conversation is for you. Together, we’ll explore:How to reconnect with your “why”Ways to reignite creative joyThe balance between art, work, and well-being🔥 Love this episode? Queue up these listener favorites next:The Burnout is Real – A candid conversation with Stephanie Leavell about the realities of burnout, quality supervision, and strategies for long-term sustainability.Combatting Compassion Fatigue – Explore what compassion fatigue is, how it shows up in helping professions, and the tools we can use to care for ourselves.Mental Health & Burnout – Alyssa, Noa, and the team share their go-to practices for protecting mental health in demanding, heart-centered work.✨ Share this episode with a friend who needs a little spark, and let’s keep the joy alive together.Keep the conversation flowing and follow us on instragram @coffeeandtherateaQuestions, thoughts, ideas? Email us! [email protected]

Where Values, Ethics, and Neutrality Collide“Neutrality is a privilege—not every therapist gets to claim it.”Can therapy ever truly be apolitical? Or does staying “neutral” simply mean taking the side of the status quo?In this thought-provoking roundtable, we unpack one of the most debated questions in mental health today: Should therapy be political?From clients fearing deportation to navigating racial trauma, anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, and unequal access to care, politics already shape the therapy room. But what does that mean for the therapist sitting across from you?✨ What we dig into in this episode:🔥 What does “political” even mean in therapy?⚖️ Is neutrality a clinical strength or a cop-out?🏳️‍🌈 How should therapists respond when clients bring politically charged pain or harmful beliefs into sessions?📜 What do ethical codes say about advocacy, bias, and boundaries?🌍 Can a therapist in 2025, or at any time ever, really stay “neutral”?This isn’t just an academic debate—it’s personal. And the personal is political.Join us for a candid conversation with diverse voices as we explore the messy, complicated intersection of values, ethics, and identity in therapy today.We want to hear from you: Has politics ever come up in your therapy—on either side of the couch? DM us, email us, or leave a voice note for a chance to be featured in an upcoming episode!Want to keep the conversation flowing? As always, follow us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ or email us at [email protected]!

Being a therapist is... a LOT, and it's SO good sometimes! Today, the gals are relishing in the joy, the good, and the memorable moments that help sustain the passion we have for what we do.Want to keep the conversation flowing? As always, follow us on ⁠Instagram⁠ or email us at [email protected]!

After a whirlwind of an Autism Acceptance month, new CDC statistics, and a lot of dialogue from the US government, the gals thought it was high time to sit down and talk about it!Join us for an off-the-cuff conversation surrounding autism acceptance and how we're continuing to hold out hope for the communities we support.This episode has a few ad breaks from our very own Noa and Alyssa! Noa's company, Spectrum Creative Arts, is hiring for a July start date. You can learn more at spectrumcreativearts.org/employment/ AND Alyssa's company, Dynamic Lynks, is hiring for an August start date. You can learn more at dynamiclynks.com/careersWant to keep the conversation flowing? As always, follow us on Instagram or email us at [email protected]!

This week Alyssa and Courtney sit down & sip coffee with their younger selves! Sparked by the social media trend, Alyssa and Courtney explore questions their younger selves would ask them today because Alyssa & Courtney have known each other a looooong time.Previous episodes mentioned:Combatting Compassion FatigueKeep the conversation flowing and follow us on Instagram @CoffeeAndTheraTea or email us, [email protected]