Off the Couch Psychology
Hosted by Dr. Jerry Cunningham, a psychologist, this podcast aims to make mental health topics accessible and practical. Each episode covers issues like anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, and burnout, explaining how they work and offering evidence-based coping strategies. The show strives to break the stigma around mental illness and help listeners take control of their minds and lives.
Episodes
Nightmares and Night Terrors Aren't the Same
A terrifying dream wakes you in the middle of the night. Your heart is pounding, you remember exactly what happened, and going back to sleep suddenly doesn't sound very appealing. But what if someone sits up screaming, looks terrified, cannot be easily comforted, and remembers almost nothing the next morning? These experiences may look similar, but nightmares and night terrors are not simply diffe
When Postpartum Mental Health Turns Serious
The arrival of a baby is supposed to be a time of joy, but for some families, the postpartum period brings depression, severe mood changes, or even a frightening loss of contact with reality. In this episode of Off the Couch Psychology Podcast, Dr. Jerry Cunningham looks beyond the headlines to help you understand postpartum depression, bipolar disorder during the postpartum period, and postpartum
Your Thoughts Are Lying
Everybody seems to be talking about Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), but what exactly is it, and why has it become one of the most trusted approaches in mental health? In this episode of Off the Couch Psychology Podcast, you'll discover why CBT has earned decades of scientific support and how its practical strategies can help you think more clearly, manage stress more effectively, and respond t
When the Mirror Lies
What if the person judging your appearance the most...is your own brain? In this episode of Off the Couch Psychology Podcast, you'll discover why Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is far more than insecurity or vanity. You'll learn how this often misunderstood condition can cause someone to become trapped in a cycle of obsessive thoughts, mirror checking, reassurance seeking, and avoidance—even when
When Feelings Aren't Really Yours
Have you ever walked away from a conversation wondering, "Why did I react like that?" Or maybe someone seemed upset with you even though you hadn't done anything wrong. In this episode, you'll discover how transference and countertransference quietly shape your emotions, attitudes, relationships, and everyday interactions—whether you're in a therapist's office, at work, at home, or standing in lin
When Your World Gets Smaller
What if the hardest journey you'll ever take is the walk from your front door to your mailbox? In this episode of Off the Couch Psychology Podcast, you'll discover what agoraphobia really is—and why it's far more than simply being afraid to leave the house. You'll learn how this anxiety disorder develops, what is happening inside the brain, how it differs from social anxiety disorder, and why avoi
Mania vs. Hypomania Explained
What does it really mean to have a manic episode? Is hypomania just having extra energy, or is there much more to it? In this episode of Off the Couch Psychology Podcast, you'll learn how psychologists and psychiatrists tell the difference between mania and hypomania, why that distinction is so important, and how it can affect diagnosis and treatment. You'll discover why sleeping less isn't always
When People Feel Like Threats
Social anxiety disorder is far more than being shy. In this episode of Off the Couch Psychology Podcast, you'll discover what is really happening inside the mind of someone who fears being judged, criticized, or embarrassed in everyday social situations. You'll also learn why social anxiety disorder is so often confused with generalized anxiety disorder—and why understanding the difference matters
Can Inflammation Change Your Mind?
Could your immune system be affecting your mental health? For years, mental health has been explained through brain chemistry, genetics, life experiences, and psychology. But a growing body of research is asking another fascinating question: What role does inflammation play in depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and other mental health conditions? In this episode of Off the Couch Psycholo
When Goodbyes Feel Terrifying
Separation Anxiety Disorder isn't just something children experience. Adults can struggle with it too, especially after major life changes, trauma, or the loss of someone they love. In this episode of Off the Couch Psychology Podcast, you'll learn how to recognize the difference between normal worry and Separation Anxiety Disorder, why the brain reacts the way it does, and most importantly, what a
Is Your Child's IEP Actually Working?
IEPs and 504 Plans affect millions of students, but understanding what these plans actually do can feel like trying to read a school policy manual while someone keeps adding more forms to the pile. In this episode of Off the Couch Psychology Podcast, Dr. Jerry Cunningham breaks down the difference between an IEP and a 504 Plan, why these protections exist, and what can happen when a strong plan is
Why Some Kids Stay So Angry
A child explodes over a video game, a simple correction at school, or being told no. Is it defiance, bad behavior, bipolar disorder—or something else? In this episode of Off the Couch Psychology Podcast, you'll learn about Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder, or DMDD, a childhood mood disorder involving chronic irritability and severe, recurring emotional outbursts. You'll hear how DMDD can sho
The Power of Emotional Intelligence
What if one skill could improve your relationships, reduce stress, make you a better leader, and even strengthen your faith? In this special crossover episode of Quest for Success and Off the Couch Psychology, Dr. Jerry Cunningham explores the science behind emotional intelligence and why it may be one of the most valuable skills you'll ever develop. You'll discover what emotional intelligence rea
Breaking the Pulling and Picking Cycle
Hair pulling. Skin picking. For many people, these behaviors are far more than "bad habits." They're real mental health conditions that often leave people feeling frustrated, embarrassed, and misunderstood. In this episode of Off the Couch Psychology Podcast, Dr. Jerry Cunningham breaks down trichotillomania and excoriation disorder in plain language. You'll learn what these disorders really are,
The Truth About Teen Screens
Social media has become a normal part of growing up, but what does the research actually say about its impact on children and teenagers? In this episode of Off the Couch Psychology Podcast, Dr. Jerry Cunningham separates headlines from evidence as he explores what researchers have discovered about the relationship between social media and anxiety, depression, sleep deprivation, school performance,
Understanding Schizoaffective Disorder Finally Explained
Schizoaffective disorder is one of the most misunderstood mental health conditions, often confused with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression. In this episode of Off the Couch Psychology Podcast, Dr. Jerry Cunningham separates fact from fiction and explains what schizoaffective disorder really is in language that is easy to understand. You'll learn how psychotic symptoms and mood di
Why Relationships Feel So Hard
Why do some people constantly worry about relationships while others seem emotionally distant? Why do some people trust easily while others struggle with rejection, vulnerability, or closeness? The answers may be rooted in something psychologists call attachment styles. In this episode of Quest for Success Podcast, Dr. Jerry Cunningham explores the science behind attachment styles and how they inf
The Truth About Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is one of the most misunderstood conditions in mental health. Many people think they know what it is because of movies, television, or things they've heard over the years. The problem is that much of that information is wrong. In this episode of Off the Couch Psychology Podcast, Dr. Jerry Cunningham takes you beyond the myths and headlines to explore what schizophrenia and psychosis
Can Technology Reduce Symptoms of Tourette's?
What if the future of Tourette's syndrome treatment isn't another medication—but a wearable device on your wrist or a technology that helps regulate the brain itself? In this episode of Off the Couch Psychology, Dr. Jerry Cunningham explores one of the most exciting areas of modern neuroscience: neuromodulation. You'll discover how researchers are using technologies such as Deep Brain Stimulation
What Tourette's Really Looks Like
Most people think they know what Tourette's Disorder looks like. The problem is that much of what we've seen in movies, television, and social media only tells a small part of the story. In this episode of Off the Couch Psychology Podcast, Dr. Jerry Cunningham takes a deeper look at Tic Disorders and Tourette's Disorder, separating myths from facts and exploring what is really happening in the bra
What If Mental Illness Isn't Just Mental?
What if improving your mental health isn't just about what's happening in your mind—but also what's happening in your metabolism? In this episode of Off the Couch Psychology Podcast, Dr. Jerry Cunningham explores the emerging field of metabolic psychiatry and the growing research connecting metabolic health to mental health. You'll discover why researchers are studying the links between obesity, i
Why OCD Isn't About Cleaning
Why do some people check the lock ten times before leaving the house? Why do unwanted thoughts seem impossible to shut off? And why is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder so much more than simply wanting things clean and organized? In this episode of Off the Couch Psychology, Dr. Jerry Cunningham takes a deep dive into one of the most misunderstood mental health conditions. You'll learn what OCD actuall
Could Psychedelics Change Psychiatry?
What if the future of mental health treatment isn't a daily pill, but a therapy that helps the brain create new pathways in just a single session? In this episode of Off the Couch Psychology Podcast, Dr. Jerry Cunningham explores one of the most talked-about areas in psychology and psychiatry today: psychedelic-assisted therapies and the emerging field of neuroplastogens. You'll discover what rese
Panic Attack or Anxiety Attack?
Anxiety attack. Panic attack. Panic disorder. Most people use these terms interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. In this episode of Off the Couch Psychology Podcast, Dr. Jerry Cunningham breaks down the important differences between anxiety attacks and panic attacks, explains what panic disorder really is, and helps you understand why these experiences can feel so overwhelming. You'll l
Are IQ Tests Even Accurate?
This episode on Off the Couch Psychology, we are breaking down one of the most misunderstood topics in psychology: IQ tests and intelligence testing. Most people think an IQ score is simply a number that tells you whether somebody is "smart," but the truth is far more complicated—and far more interesting. In this episode, you will learn what intelligence tests actually measure, how psychologists u
Understanding Intellectual Disability Today
Intelligence is more than a number on a test—and this episode of Off the Couch Psychology Podcast breaks down one of the most misunderstood diagnoses in mental health: Intellectual Disability. Dr. Jerry Cunningham explains the real difference between Intellectual Disability and learning disabilities, what the DSM-5-TR actually says, and how these challenges affect everyday life far beyond the clas
Bipolar or Borderline?
Many people confuse bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder—but getting these diagnoses wrong can completely change someone's treatment, relationships, and quality of life. In this episode of Off the Couch Psychology Podcast, Dr. Jerry Cunningham breaks down the critical differences between these two often-misunderstood mental health conditions in clear, practical "Southeast Missouri
Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder
If you've ever felt like your emotions go from zero to one hundred in seconds, relationships feel exhausting, or you constantly fear people leaving you, this episode of Off the Couch Psychology Podcast is one you do not want to miss. Dr. Jerry Cunningham breaks down Borderline Personality Disorder in plain English—what it really is, what's happening in the brain, why it is so often misunderstood,
Decoding Bipolar: How Brain Mapping Can Transform Diagnosis
If you've ever wondered whether bipolar disorder can be misdiagnosed—or whether someone can spend years being treated for the wrong condition—this episode is going to change the way you think about mental health assessment. Dr. Jerry Cunningham breaks down the growing research behind brain mapping and how tools like qEEG and brain imaging may help clinicians more accurately identify bipolar disord
The Truth About Bipolar: What You Need to Know
If you've ever wondered whether bipolar disorder is being misunderstood, overdiagnosed, or confused with ordinary anger and depression, this episode is going to challenge what you think you know. Dr. Jerry Cunningham breaks down the real DSM-5-TR criteria for Bipolar I and Bipolar II Disorder in plain language and explains why the difference between depression, mania, and hypomania matters more th
The Neurodivergent Brain: Insights and Strategies for Support
If you've ever wondered why some people seem overwhelmed by sounds, lights, textures, or crowded environments while also being able to focus intensely on one specific interest for hours, this episode is going to change how you think about autism and the brain. In this episode of Off the Couch Psychology Podcast, Dr. Jerry Cunningham breaks down the latest research on sensory processing, neural con
Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Spectrum of Possibilities
Autism Spectrum Disorder affects millions of individuals and families, yet many people still misunderstand what autism actually is. In this episode of Off the Couch Psychology Podcast, Dr. Jerry Cunningham breaks down the science, history, myths, and real-life experiences connected to ASD in a way that is understandable, relatable, and practical. You'll learn how autism became defined as a spectru
The Surprising Truth About Anxiety and How to Manage It
If your mind never seems to shut off… if you replay conversations, plan for every possible outcome, or feel like you're always "on edge" even when nothing's wrong—this episode is going to connect some dots. In this research-focused breakdown of Generalized Anxiety Disorder, you'll discover what's actually happening in your brain when worry takes over—and why it's not random, weakness, or something
Understanding Generalized Anxiety Disorder
If your mind feels like it never shuts off… this episode is for you. In this episode of Off the Couch Psychology, you'll start to understand what's really behind that constant overthinking, the racing thoughts at night, and the feeling that your brain is always searching for the next problem. This isn't just "stress" or "being a worrier." You'll learn how Generalized Anxiety Disorder works, why it
Understanding Depression: How Your Brain Miscalculates Effort
If you've ever stared at a simple task and thought, "Why does this feel so hard?"—this episode is for you. You're going to discover why depression doesn't just affect mood… it changes how your brain calculates effort, energy, and motivation. That feeling of being stuck isn't about laziness or lack of discipline—it may be your brain overestimating how hard everything is going to be. In this episode
Understanding Depression: Beyond Sadness and How to Manage It
Feeling stuck, exhausted, or just not like yourself—but everyone keeps telling you to "stay positive"? This episode breaks down why that advice falls flat and what's actually happening when depression takes hold. You'll get a clear, real-world understanding of Major Depressive Disorder that goes far beyond mood, including how it impacts your energy, focus, sleep, and motivation in ways most people
Off the Couch Psychology trailer
Dr. Jerry Cunningham introduces the Off the Couch Psychology Podcast, focusing on mental health, understanding the mind, and practical strategies for managing stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues. This is only the trailer to the Podcast. In future episodes we will be breaking stigma, using real science, and empowering listeners to take control of their mental well-being.
Recommended
Exposing Workplace Bullying
Everyday AI Made Simple - AI For Everyday Tasks
FemTech Focus
Not Too Sensitive - Empowering Highly Sensitive People (HSPs) To Own Their Sensitivity
Mother Daughter Relationship Show
Skin Deep MDs with Dr. Mamina Turegano, Dr. Lindsey Zubritsky and Dr. Jenny Liu
girl talk 🎧🫧
Booked, Blonde & Busy w/ Olivia Ponton
LOVE SOMEONE with Delilah
Classical Christian Education
Veritas Vox - The Voice of Classical Christian Education
Enjoy Teaching Again | Elementary, Teacher Burnout, Student Behavior, SEL, Classroom Management
