Episode 1: The Advice I Give That I Struggle to Follow

In the very first episode of Both Sides of the Couch, Kari, a therapist, writer, and human navigating chronic illness, introduces the heart behind her new podcast: bridging her professional insight with her personal reality.

She opens up about her dual roles as therapist and patient, and how living with chronic illness has reshaped the way she works, connects, and finds balance. The episode centers on one truth many can relate to: it’s easier to give advice than to follow it.

Through a story from her own therapy session, Kari explores the trap of labeling days as “good” or “bad,” especially when every day includes challenges. She shares how both she and her clients are learning to embrace neutrality, seeing days not as successes or failures, but simply as experiences.

Drawing from DBT’s concept of Radical Acceptance, Kari reflects on how acceptance and gentleness toward herself create space for peace, even on hard days. Her therapist’s reminder, “There is never a not enough for you,” becomes a grounding mantra against perfectionism and overdoing.

Kari closes with a heartfelt takeaway: instead of asking whether today was good or bad, ask,
 ✨ What did I enjoy today? What were my peaceful moments? ✨
And when in doubt, focus on mini moments, small, restorative pauses that feed your energy without demanding more from you.