Journal

Reflections on Therapy and on Being Human

Writing by the clinicians at Real Talk on therapy and clinical work: how therapy evolves, what to expect during treatment, and perspectives on different diagnoses. We also discuss how the present moment affects mental health and address questions patients typically bring to therapy.

All Posts
Therapy Demystified
Therapy Today
Being Human
Cultural Belonging
The Body in Therapy
Meaning and Purpose
Therapy Modalities
Mental Health Diagnosis
About Real Talk
Grief & Loss
Relationships
Psychoanalysis
Social Media & Mental Health

A half-open door in a quiet, sunlit room with an empty wooden chair, illustrating insight in therapy and the work of change, Real Talk Clinical Psychology, Houston.

Insight in Therapy: Why Insight Alone Doesn’t Always Lead to Change

A common source of frustration in therapy is knowing why you’re struggling but still feeling unable to change. Knowing why you feel a certain way doesn’t necessarily make the feeling disappear, and that is where emotional processing and practice matter.

Dr. Emma Harrison

9 hours ago

The Anger Iceberg from The Gottman Institute, showing anger above the waterline and feelings such as hurt, shame, grief, rejection, and anxiety hidden beneath it.

Anger as a Secondary Emotion

Anger is often the emotion we show first because it feels safer than what sits underneath it. Seeing anger as a secondary emotion makes it possible to reach the hurt, shame, or fear it protects.

Dr. Kristen Wheeler

Oct 19

A teenager's bedroom, illustrating how caregivers can support a child or teen in therapy, Real Talk Clinical Psychology, Houston.

Having a Child or Teen in Therapy: What Happens Next?

Whatever brought you and your family to therapy, you may still have questions about how you can support your young person. How involved should you be? Should you ask what happened during the session? Is there anything you need to be doing?

Dr. Kimberly Smoots

Oct 12

A warm, natural light photograph of a quiet room corner, bathed in sunlight from a large sash window, to illustrate the relationship between therapist and patient at Real Talk Clinical Psychology.

Are You Feeling Disappointed With Your Therapist or Therapy?

When people think of therapy, they often picture an ideal caregiver. If you don’t receive what you expect, a common reaction is to question whether the therapist is suitable for you. It’s worth taking a moment to pause before ending the relationship.

Dr. Sorrel Johnson

Oct 5

A couch in a sunlit room, illustrating therapy after psychiatric hospitalization at Real Talk Clinical Psychology, Houston.

Therapy After Hospitalization: The Weeks That Follow

Discharge is the beginning of a new chapter. It is the moment a person returns to life with the crisis contained but usually not understood, and with very little comprehension of what led there or how life will be organized from then on.

Dr. Adriane Barroso

Sep 26

How to Choose a Good Therapist

Finding a therapist you feel comfortable with matters, but it doesn't tell you whether they have the training to treat you or how good they are clinically. A post on how to choose a good therapist.

Dr. Adriane Barroso

Sep 20