What We’ve Learned About the Human Struggle

Current events don’t stay outside the therapy room; they come in with all of us. In this episode, Sabrina and Julia explore how real-world issues affect both clients and therapists, shaping emotions, conversations, and the overall therapeutic dynamic. From political tension to global stressors, they unpack how these influences show up, how to navigate differing perspectives, and why genuine connection matters more than ever. This is an honest, grounded look at what it means to do therapy in a divided world - and how both sides of the relationship feel the impact.If you’ve ever wondered how therapists manage the weight of the world while holding space for others; or how your own reactions to current events belong in the therapeutic process, this episode is for you.

Part two of From Virtual to Reality continues the conversation on how therapy has evolved since the pandemic. After five years of providing therapy exclusively online, Sabrina steps back into the office for the first time. Julia, who has been working in a hybrid format for the past few years, joins her to reflect on the experience of returning to in-person sessions and how it compares to telehealth. Together they explore the mix of anxiety, excitement, and connection that comes with returning to the office, and how different settings shape the client experience, the therapeutic relationship, and their own clinical skills. From the subtle nonverbal cues of in-person sessions to the accessibility and ease of virtual therapy, this conversation offers an honest look at the value and challenges of both formats in today’s evolving world of mental health care. Chapters00:00: Returning to In-Person Therapy After Five Years08:59: The Differences Between In-Person and Virtual Therapy14:55: The Effectiveness of Virtual Therapy vs. In-Person Therapy19:35: Accessibility and Comfort in Therapy25:30: Future Plans for In-Person Sessions

After five years of working exclusively online, Sabrina is getting ready to return to in-person therapy—and she’s unpacking all the feelings that come with it. In this episode, she and Julia talk about what it’s like to swap screens for real-life sessions, the unexpected comfort of virtual work, and how the pandemic reshaped what “connection” looks like in therapy. They explore the nerves, the excitement, and the questions that come up when stepping back into the room after so long.

Therapists Sabrina and Julia unpack the realities of self-care in the mental health profession—sharing personal experiences, reflecting on how therapist well-being impacts client care, and examining the ethical weight of burnout. They also take a wider lens on the systemic pressures fueling exhaustion in the field and explore what it takes to find balance between professional responsibility and personal well-being.

In this episode, Julia and Sabrina reflect on what years of sitting with clients have taught them about the human struggle. From the patterns that repeat across lives to the emotional truths that therapy reveals, they explore the common threads of pain, self-judgment, insight, and resilience. With honesty and warmth, they share how their work has shaped their understanding of what it means to be human—and why none of us are as alone as we might think.

In this bonus episode, Julia and Sabrina dive into the language they didn’t get to cover in the main discussion on mental health buzzwords. They unpack the evolution of terms like “hysterical,” explore the rise of faux-clinical jargon in therapy spaces, and examine how language can carry stigma or marginalize certain groups. With clarity and insight, they highlight why words matter and how staying mindful of language can make mental health conversations more accurate, inclusive, and meaningful.

In this episode, Julia and Sabrina unpack the growing use and misuse of mental health buzzwords, with a particular focus on the term “trauma.” They explore how these terms have become diluted through overuse in everyday language and on social media, and why that matters. The conversation highlights the responsibility mental health professionals carry in using language carefully and how misinformation can blur the lines between genuine support and oversimplified solutions. With clarity, nuance, and a bit of critique, they invite listeners to reflect on how we talk about mental health and why precision matters.

Sabrina and Julia unpack the green and red flags to watch for when choosing a therapist—emphasizing the value of consultation calls, clear qualifications, and cultural sensitivity. They dive into what makes a therapeutic relationship feel safe (but not too cozy), how to spot when something’s off, and why giving advice can be a slippery slope. Expect tangents, strong opinions, and a few laughs as they explore what really makes a good fit—and what doesn’t.

In this episode, Sabrina and Julia reflect on the gap between their early expectations of being therapists and the realities they’ve encountered in practice. They examine the limited assumptions they once held about clients and therapy, the vital role of creativity in their work, and the ways cultural shifts continue to reshape the field. They also delve into the ever-present need for growth and learning, as well as the shifting perspectives on therapist vulnerability and self-disclosure.

In this debut episode of Keeping Secrets, therapists Julia Baum and Sabrina Tropper step out of the therapy room and into the world of podcasting. They share what inspired them to start this show, the unexpected challenges of creating something new, and their hopes for the conversations ahead. With candor and curiosity, they explore the evolving role of therapists in a world shaped by social media, shifting cultural norms, and new expectations of mental health care.