So What is Your Problem? Real Talk With My Therapist Brendan McCarthy

episode 13

In this powerful and heartfelt episode of Lessons from Your Hairstylist, Sarah sits down with licensed clinical therapist Brendan McCarthy, her therapist and the founder of Session Psychology in East Nashville. Brendan shares a deeply insightful look into the transformative nature of therapy, especially for creatives, and how tapping into our authentic selves can change the trajectory of our lives.

In this episode, you will hear about:
  • The concept of “unrest” and how recognizing it can be the first step toward meaningful healing.
  • How Brendan uses experiential therapy, getting clients out of the chair and into movement to deepen breakthroughs.
  • The importance of creating safe, relational spaces that feel aligned with a client’s world.
  • A behind-the-scenes look at Brendan’s own healing journey and how it informs his work with clients.
  • The rising interest in alternative therapies, including EMDR and psychedelics, and how they can lower defenses to allow for deeper healing.
  • Brendan’s analogy of therapy as an “emotional gym” and why ongoing mental health care should be normalized and accessible.

Plus, stick around for the “Cut It or Keep It” segment, where Sarah asks Brendan to weigh in on everything from teletherapy to BetterHelp to using therapy lingo with family and friends.

This episode is for anyone who has ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected and is ready to do the work to find their way home to themselves.


Join Sarah Crews and therapist Brendan McCarthy as they explore the transformative power of therapy. From recognizing ‘unrest’ to using experiential therapy and alternative healing methods like EMDR and psychedelics, this episode offers deep insights into emotional growth and self-discovery.

episode NOTES

In this powerful and heartfelt episode of Lessons from Your Hairstylist, Sarah sits down with licensed clinical therapist Brendan McCarthy, her therapist and the founder of Session Psychology in East Nashville. Brendan shares a deeply insightful look into the transformative nature of therapy, especially for creatives, and how tapping into our authentic selves can change the trajectory of our lives.

In this episode, you will hear about:
  • The concept of “unrest” and how recognizing it can be the first step toward meaningful healing.
  • How Brendan uses experiential therapy, getting clients out of the chair and into movement to deepen breakthroughs.
  • The importance of creating safe, relational spaces that feel aligned with a client’s world.
  • A behind-the-scenes look at Brendan’s own healing journey and how it informs his work with clients.
  • The rising interest in alternative therapies, including EMDR and psychedelics, and how they can lower defenses to allow for deeper healing.
  • Brendan’s analogy of therapy as an “emotional gym” and why ongoing mental health care should be normalized and accessible.

Plus, stick around for the “Cut It or Keep It” segment, where Sarah asks Brendan to weigh in on everything from teletherapy to BetterHelp to using therapy lingo with family and friends.

This episode is for anyone who has ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected and is ready to do the work to find their way home to themselves.


episode NOTES

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EPISODE 11:
10 Big Lessons From My First 10 Podcast Episodes

EPISODE 12:
A Framework for Happiness From Chief Happiness Officer Julie Bauke

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EPISODE 12:
A Framework for Happiness From Chief Happiness Officer Julie Bauke

Join Sarah Crews and career strategist Julie Bauke as they explore how to navigate career transitions with clarity using Julie’s Value-Power-Impact (VPI) framework. From burnout to purpose, plus a take on Gen Z values and remote work—this one’s packed with insight.

EPISODE 11:
10 Big Lessons From My First 10 Podcast Episodes

Join Sarah Crews as she reflects on the first 10 episodes of Lessons from Your Hairstylist, sharing key takeaways on clarity, storytelling, audience connection, and the behind-the-scenes growth that comes with launching a podcast.

Hi, I’m Sarah Crews—a hairstylist with 30 years of experience, starting from a small-town beauty shop in rural Kentucky to becoming a partner in a luxury Nashville salon and a national educator for one of the world’s top professional hair care brands. Along the way, I’ve traveled, built lifelong connections, and collaborated with leading industry media sources to create content, educational materials, and even style for New York Fashion Week.

Now, as the host of The Lessons From Your Hairstylist Podcast, I’m bringing my passion for transformation beyond the salon chair. Whether it's hair, life, or career changes, I believe small steps can lead to big results. Join me each week as we explore practical ways to overcome obstacles and chat with beauty, health, and wellness experts to inspire meaningful change in our lives.

Hey there!

Meet Sarah

Hi, I’m Sarah Crews—a hairstylist with 30 years of experience, starting from a small-town beauty shop in rural Kentucky to becoming a partner in a luxury Nashville salon and a national educator for one of the world’s top professional hair care brands. Along the way, I’ve traveled, built lifelong connections, and collaborated with leading industry media sources to create content, educational materials, and even style for New York Fashion Week.

Now, as the host of The Lessons From Your Hairstylist Podcast, I’m bringing my passion for transformation beyond the salon chair. Whether it's hair, life, or career changes, I believe small steps can lead to big results. Join me each week as we explore practical ways to overcome obstacles and chat with beauty, health, and wellness experts to inspire meaningful change in our lives.

Hey there!

Meet Sarah