Have you ever known something felt off… but stayed anyway?In this episode of Shrinks on Tap, psychologists Lauren Fisher and Eleni Boosalis unpack the red flags women often ignore in dating—from love bombing and inconsistency to emotional unavailability, boundary pushing, and unresolved trauma.They explore why chemistry can cloud judgment, why your nervous system often knows before your mind does, and what healthy dating actually feels like.In this episode:• Love bombing and fast emotional intensity• Inconsistency, ghosting, and mixed signals• Why some relationships feel exciting—but unsafe• Red flags vs yellow flags• What secure, emotionally healthy dating looks likeIf you’ve ever thought…“I knew… but I stayed.”This episode is for you.

What happens when two psychologists decide a bar crawl can become something much bigger than drinks?In this special mini episode of Shrinks on Tap, Dr. Lauren Fisher and Dr. Eleni Boussalas share the story behind the Women’s Crawl… a one-of-a-kind experience designed to bring women together through connection, empowerment, mental health, movement, and community.What began as one unforgettable gathering is quickly becoming something bigger… a movement built around helping women feel seen, supported, and connected.In this episode, we discuss:✨ Why the first crawl created such a powerful response✨ Why Falls Church became the next city✨ The meaning behind this year’s theme: Step Into Your Power✨ Why this is for women of all ages—not just “bar crawl” crowds✨ The charity partner supporting women and children in transition✨ Why Shrinks on Tap hopes to bring this movement to cities across the country🎟 Join us in Falls Church on May 9 | 2PM–7PMTickets:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-falls-church-womens-crawl-celebration-cocktails-connection-tickets-1986278340987?aff=ShrinksonTapFollow Shrinks on Tap and join the movement.

If you’ve ever left a relationship wondering,“Was it me?”… this episode is for you.We’re breaking down what narcissistic traits actually look like in real life, how gaslighting shows up in relationships, and why so many people start to question their own thoughts, feelings, and reality.This isn’t just about diagnosing someone as a narcissist. It’s about understanding patterns like:feeling like you’re “too sensitive”walking on eggshellsconstantly trying to fix things or keep the peacereplaying conversations and blaming yourselfWe also talk about the difference between narcissistic traits and full personality disorders, how these dynamics often start (hint: it doesn’t look toxic at first), and what to pay attention to early on.If you’ve ever felt confused, drained, or like you lost yourself in a relationship… you’re not alone.If this episode resonates, share it with someone who might need it—and follow the podcast so you don’t miss future conversations around relationships, self-awareness, and emotional health.

You’re not “too emotional.”You’re holding too much in.And at some point… your body needs a release.In this episode, we’re talking about why so many women suppress what they feel, what that actually does to your nervous system, and why something as simple as using your voice can create a real emotional shift.We also share what happened when 300 women came together and experienced this in real time — and why it was far more powerful than we expected.If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or like you’re carrying more than you should…This conversation might be exactly what you need.We’re also bringing this experience into real life.If you’ve been wanting a space to connect, release, and feel this in a real way — we’re hosting a live event on May 9th.Join us here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-falls-church-womens-crawl-celebration-cocktails-connection-tickets-1986278340987Follow Shrinks on Tap for more conversations on relationships, emotional patterns, and self-awareness.

How many times have you said yes… and instantly regretted it?If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, resentful, or burnt out from constantly saying yes to others, you’re not alone.In this episode, we’re breaking down why saying no feels so difficult — and why so many of us fall into people-pleasing patterns without even realizing it.We talk about:• why saying no can trigger anxiety, guilt, and fear• how people pleasing develops (and why it sticks)• the connection between boundaries, self-worth, and burnout• what’s happening in your nervous system when you try to say no• how to start setting boundaries in a way that feels honest and sustainableThe truth is, saying yes might feel easier in the moment…but it often leads to long-term stress, resentment, and disconnection from yourself.Learning to say no isn’t about being selfish — it’s about protecting your energy, honoring your needs, and creating healthier relationships.What might change in your life if you stopped saying yes to everything?🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube📲 Follow Shrinks on Tap for more conversations on relationships, emotional patterns, and personal growthThis episode is sponsored by Kava HavenIf you’re someone who’s trying to be more intentional about what you put in your body — especially when it comes to alcohol — Kava Haven is a really interesting alternative.Their kava-based drinks are designed to promote relaxation, calm, and a sense of ease — without alcohol — making them a great option for social settings or unwinding at the end of the day.We love brands that align with what we talk about on this podcast: being more mindful, more intentional, and more in tune with yourself.👉 Learn more: https://kavahaven.com/

We tried something different… and it turned into something much bigger than we expected.In this special episode, we’re recapping our Women’s Crawl — an experience designed to bring women together in a safe, welcoming space to connect, open up, and be themselves.What started as individuals showing up alone quickly became something else entirely.From setting intentions…to letting go of what no longer serves us…to forming real, meaningful connections…this night was about more than just going out — it was about transformation, community, and the power of being seen.In this episode, we talk about:• What actually happens when people show up alone• Why people open up more in social environments• The unexpected moments that stood out• How intentional experiences create real connection• Why women are craving this kind of space right nowIf you’ve ever walked into a room alone… this one’s for you.📺 Full episodes on YouTube📲 Follow along for future events + episodes

What if some of your fears, patterns, or emotional reactions didn’t begin in this life?In this episode of Shrinks on Tap, Dr. Lauren Fisher and Dr. Eleni Boosalis explore the idea that certain emotional experiences may feel bigger, deeper, or more persistent than we can easily explain. From recurring relationship patterns to unexplained fears, they discuss how people make meaning of these experiences — including perspectives rooted in past life concepts, karmic patterns, and personal growth.The conversation also examines the difference between feeling “cursed” versus seeing challenges as opportunities for learning, and how shifting that perspective can impact healing, boundaries, and self-awareness.Whether you approach this topic from a psychological lens, a spiritual perspective, or simple curiosity, this episode invites you to reflect on a powerful question:Are your patterns something you’re stuck with — or something you can understand and change?

Why do we stay on bad dates… even when we know better?In this episode of Shrinks on Tap, Dr. Lauren Fisher and Dr. Eleni Boosalis unpack the psychology behind ignoring red flags, falling for potential, and overriding your intuition in modern dating.Over coffee from Junction Bakery & Bistro, the conversation explores:• Why love bombing can feel so powerful• The difference between chemistry and consistency• How attachment patterns show up early in dating• Why consistency builds trust in relationships• The shift from “Do they like me?” to “Do I even like them?”• Why becoming “the one” changes who you attractIf you’ve ever rationalized a red flag, stayed too long, or confused intensity for intimacy, this episode offers a fresh perspective on how to approach dating and relationships.☕ Drink of the episode: Coffee from Junction Bakery & Bistro.🎙 Quick note: We experienced a microphone issue during this recording. We chose to share the conversation because the content felt too important not to release. Audio returns to normal next episode. Thanks for listening.This episode is sponsored by Studio One Printing.From premium print to custom apparel, they help brands show up with clarity and confidence.Learn more: https://studiooneprinting.com

A breakup doesn’t just end a relationship. It can shatter your present, your past, and the future you thought you were building.In this episode of Shrinks on Tap, Dr. Lauren Fisher and Dr. Eleni Boosalis are joined by special guest Andrada Florescu, LPC, to explore what really happens after a breakup you didn’t choose — and why so many of us find ourselves dating the “same person” in a different body.Over coffee from Junction Bakery & Bistro, they unpack:Why breakups can feel like withdrawalThe grief process and nervous system impactSocial media checking as “relapse behavior”Anxious, avoidant, and disorganized attachment patternsHow childhood templates for love shape adult relationshipsWhat it actually takes to move from “we” back to “me”If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why does this keep happening to me?” — this conversation offers insight, compassion, and practical reflection.This episode is sponsored by Studio One Printing.From premium print to custom apparel, they help brands show up with clarity and confidence.Learn more at https://studiooneprinting.com/

Are you genuinely laidback — or are you avoiding the discomfort required for real change?In this episode of Shrinks on Tap, Dr. Lauren Fischer and Eleni Boosalis explore the often-overlooked difference between emotional ease and emotional avoidance. With trauma-informed insight, real clinical examples, and relatable metaphors, they unpack why growth almost always involves discomfort — and why so many people unconsciously resist it.The conversation examines how avoidance can shape relationships, identity, career choices, and emotional patterns, especially when the nervous system has learned that chaos feels familiar. They also discuss why peace can feel uncomfortable after long periods of stress, and how intuition plays a critical role in meaningful change.This episode is for anyone who feels stuck, conflicted, or unsure whether their current life is aligned — or simply familiar.In this episode, you’ll learn:The difference between being laidback and emotionally avoidantWhy discomfort is often a necessary part of growthHow trauma and nervous system patterns influence behaviorWhy peace can feel unfamiliar after chaosHow intuition helps guide real change