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Not Your Therapist

Author: Kayla Reilly MSW, LCSW

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Life is messy, relationships are complicated, and let’s be real—mental health can feel like a full-time job. If you’re looking for down-to-earth, no-BS conversations about navigating stress, relationships, and personal growth, you’re in the right place.


I’m Kayla Reilly, a licensed therapist, entrepreneur, and real-life human who knows that wellness isn’t about perfection—it’s about finding what actually works for you. This show is for anyone who wants approachable mental health tools, relatable insights, and a little humor along the way.


Each episode, we break down the good, the bad, and the downright frustrating parts of life—from managing anxiety and breaking toxic patterns to setting boundaries and creating balance (without the guilt). No therapy jargon, no fluff—just real talk and practical strategies to help you feel more grounded in your everyday life.


Hit play, get comfortable, and let’s figure this life thing out together.

33 Episodes
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Send us a text Ever feel like your emotions hijack your brain before you even have a chance to think? Emotional regulation is the key to handling stress, frustration, and overwhelm without exploding (or shutting down). In this quick Shrink Shots episode, we’re breaking down what emotional regulation actually means, why it’s so hard sometimes, and how to stop flipping out—even when someone totally deserves it. 💡 What You’ll Learn: ✔️ What emotional regulation is (and what it isn’t) ✔️ Why your...
Send us a text Ever wondered why you have emotions—or why they sometimes feel like they’re running your entire life? In this quick Shrink Shots episode, we’re breaking down the science behind emotions, what they’re actually trying to tell you, and how to deal with them without letting them take over. Spoiler alert: Your emotions aren’t the enemy—they’re data. You just need to know how to read them. 💡 What You’ll Learn: ✔️ What emotions really are and why they exist ✔️ Why some emotions feel w...
Send us a text Ever feel like you’re either all in on health—meal prepping, intense workouts, cutting out everything fun—or completely off the wagon? That all-or-nothing mindset is exhausting, unsustainable, and (spoiler alert) not the key to long-term health. In this episode, I sit down with health coach Liz Rodriguez to reframe what real wellness looks like. We’re ditching the toxic perfectionism around food and fitness and learning how to create a healthy lifestyle that actually fits into ...
Send us a text Did your childhood leave you with some emotional gaps? Enter reparenting—the process of giving yourself the love, support, and validation you may not have received growing up. In this quick Shrink Shots episode, we break down what reparenting is, why it matters, and how you can start healing old wounds by becoming the nurturing, compassionate parent you needed. Learn practical strategies to soothe your inner child, set healthier boundaries, and rewrite the messages that still i...
Send us a text Dissociation: When ‘Zoning Out’ Is Actually a Trauma Response Ever found yourself zoning out mid-conversation or realizing you don’t remember the last five minutes of your drive? You’re not alone. This might be dissociation, a psychological defense mechanism that helps protect the brain from stress and trauma. In this episode of Shrink Shots, we break down: ✅ What dissociation is and why it happens. ✅ The neuroscience behind dissociation—how the brain responds to trauma. ✅ Sign...
Send us a text Did you know your gut is your “second brain”? The connection between your gut and brain, known as the gut-brain axis, plays a huge role in your mental health. In this episode of Not Your Therapist, we explore how what you eat can impact anxiety, depression, and your overall mood. Learn why your gut health matters, the signs of gut imbalance, and the foods that can either harm or heal your microbiome. We’ll also share simple, practical steps to improve your gut health, like inco...
Send us a text Your brain is constantly filtering reality, but what if those filters are twisting the truth? Cognitive distortions are sneaky thought patterns that make you believe things that aren’t actually true—and they’re a major reason behind anxiety, relationship problems, and low self-esteem. In this episode of Shrink Shots, we’re breaking down: ✅ What cognitive distortions are and how they hijack your thinking ✅ Real-life examples of distorted thinking in celebrities, politicians, and...
Send us a text Ever find yourself getting irrationally annoyed at someone, only to realize later that you were actually mad at yourself? Or maybe someone accused you of something completely off-base, and you thought, Wait… that’s not me, that’s YOU!? That, my friends, is projection, one of the sneakiest defense mechanisms that can wreck relationships and keep us from real self-awareness. In this episode of Shrink Shots, we’re diving into: ✅ What projection really is (and why we all do it some...
Send us a text Toddler tantrums are tough, but they’re also a normal (albeit exhausting) part of parenting. In this episode of Not Your Therapist, we’re diving into the chaos of meltdowns to help you survive them with your sanity intact. You’ll learn why tantrums happen, what’s going on in your child’s brain during a meltdown, and why reasoning with them is impossible in the heat of the moment. We’ll also tackle how your toddler’s big feelings might trigger unresolved emotions in you, and I’l...
Send us a text Setting boundaries isn’t about controlling others—it’s about protecting your time, energy, and mental health. But here’s where most people get stuck: they set a boundary but don’t actually enforce it. If you say, “I won’t tolerate yelling,” but stick around when someone raises their voice, your boundary isn’t doing anything. In this episode of Shrink Shots, we break down: ✅ What boundaries really are (and why they’re essential for mental health) ✅ The biggest mistakes people ma...
Send us a text Ever feel like you’re losing yourself in a relationship? Maybe your mood depends on your partner’s mood, or you avoid conflict to keep the peace. That’s a differentiation problem—and it’s one of the biggest reasons people struggle with boundaries, emotional independence, and self-worth in relationships. In this episode of Shrink Shots, we’re breaking down: ✅ What differentiation actually means (and why it’s crucial for healthy relationships) ✅ Signs you might have low different...
Send us a text Have you ever wondered why you react the way you do in relationships? Your attachment style is the blueprint for how you connect with others—shaped by early experiences and influencing everything from romantic relationships to friendships and even work dynamics. In this episode of Not Your Therapist, we dive deep into the four attachment styles—secure, anxious, avoidant, and disorganized—and explore how they impact your love life, emotional needs, and communication patterns. Yo...
Send us a text You’ve had that oh sht* moment—where suddenly, your entire past, your relationships, or your behaviors just click. That’s insight, one of the biggest game-changers in therapy. But here’s the catch: insight alone doesn’t fix anything. In this episode of Shrink Shots, we break down: ✅ What insight actually is & why it’s crucial for growth ✅ Why just knowing your patterns isn’t enough ✅ How to turn those “aha” moments into real change ✅ Simple strategies to rewire your habits ...
Send us a text Ever feel dismissed when you open up about something important? Validation is more than just a "nice-to-have"—it's a core emotional need that affects how we connect with others and how we see ourselves. In this episode of Shrink Shots, we’re diving into: ✅ Why validation matters for mental health & relationships ✅ Where we often seek validation (and why it backfires) ✅ How to validate yourself instead of relying on others ✅ What to say when someone dismisses your feelings I...
Send us a text Have you ever been told, “You’re overreacting” or “That never happened”? Gaslighting is a toxic form of emotional manipulation that can make you question your own reality—especially when it comes from a partner, family member, or friend. In this episode of Not Your Therapist, we’re diving deep into gaslighting in relationships—what it is, key signs of gaslighting, and why people use this form of psychological control. Most importantly, you’ll learn how to respond to gaslighting...
Send us a text Let’s get real: codependence is NOT a love language, no matter how much you’re telling yourself it is. In this episode, I’m breaking down the sneaky ways codependence shows up in your relationships (and in your life), why it’s toxic AF, and how to stop playing the role of fixer-upper. Plus, we’re throwing in some spicy psychology debate on whether codependence is even a real thing or just attachment styles in disguise. Sound juicy? It is. Tune in and let’s start untangling thos...
Send us a text Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: sometimes your therapist just isn’t cutting it. In this episode, I’m spilling the tea on 5 major red flags that scream it’s time to break up with your therapist. Whether they’re stuck in neutral, forgetting who you are, or letting you spiral without accountability, it’s time to demand better. Tune in for the no-BS guide to spotting the signs, moving on, and finding someone who actually gets you! 🚨 FREE TRAINING ALERT! 🚨 If you struggl...
Send us a text Family relationships: they’re messy, beautiful, and sometimes make you want to scream into a pillow. In this episode, we’re diving into the art of Loving Your Parents Without Losing Your Mind. Whether you’re navigating passive-aggressive comments, impossible expectations, or just trying to survive holiday dinners, I’ve got you covered. Here’s what we’ll explore: How different parental patterns can effect us in adulthoodWhy it’s okay to set boundaries (hint: it doesn’t make you ...
Send us a text If the word mindfulness makes you want to roll your eyes and run for the hills, you’re not alone. In this episode of Not Your Therapist, we’re cutting through the fluff and diving into real, relatable ways to practice mindfulness that won’t feel like a chore or make you cringe. Whether you’re a busy professional, a parent juggling a million things, or just someone trying to keep your head above water, I’ve got you covered with no-BS tips to incorporate mindfulness into your lif...
Send us a text Feeling like a crispy, overworked waffle? Burnout isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a full-blown mind, body, and soul shutdown, and it’s coming for the best of us. In this episode, we’re diving into what burnout really is (hint: it’s not just being tired), why America’s hustle culture is the ultimate culprit, and how to spot the warning signs before you hit rock bottom. Oh, and don’t worry—I’m serving up science-backed tips to recover without quitting your job, life, or sanity. Grab y...
Send us a text Is anxiety your uninvited plus-one in life? You’re not alone—and you’re definitely not broken. In this debut episode of Not Your Therapist, I’m breaking down what anxiety really is (hello, overzealous amygdala), how it shows up in sneaky ways, and, most importantly, how to manage it without losing your mind. We’re talking about dragon breaths (even my toddler’s got this down), why avoidance is making things worse (sorry, but it’s true), and how to start taking those small-but-m...

Trailer

2024-11-2501:53

Send us a text Welcome to Not Your Therapist, where real life meets real talk. Hosted by Kayla Reilly—licensed therapist, entrepreneur, and mom—this podcast dives into the messy, magical, and everything-in-between moments of life. From relationships and mental health to parenting and finding your balance, we’re ditching the fluff and serving up bite-sized episodes packed with practical tips, no-BS truths, and maybe even a little tough love. If you’re tired of perfectionism, overthinking, or l...
Send us a textIn this episode of The Private Practice LAB, we’re throwing scarcity out the window and embracing an abundance mindset—because small thinking doesn’t grow big practices! Join me, Kayla Reilly, as I spill the tea on how shifting from "barely getting by" to "thriving and vibing" transformed my practice.We’re talking everything from clients to cash flow to team dynamics. I’ll share the real-deal struggles I’ve faced with referrals and hiring, plus the mindset hacks that took me fro...
Send us a textWelcome to episode 10 of The Private Practice LAB! Today, I’m diving into a huge fear for all of us growing group practices: What if I bring people on, train them, and they leave to become my competition? Yep, that one. But here’s the thing—you don’t have to let it hold you back.In this episode, I’m breaking down:How building a unique brand and vibe for your practice makes it hard to copy (they can try, but it’s never gonna be you!).How to keep your team loyal with some leadersh...
Send us a textReady to turn your social media followers into paying clients? In this episode, we're diving into the strategies that will help you go from awkward online interactions to real, meaningful connections that convert. Whether you're a counselor, real estate agent, or any service-based entrepreneur, we’ve got you covered with tips to ditch the cringey, transactional vibes and start building genuine relationships with your audience.Think about it—no one likes the feeling of car shoppi...
Send us a textUnlock the secrets to building a self-sustaining business by hiring a rockstar manager who can take the reins. Today on the Small Business Lab podcast, I share personal stories from my counseling practice, revealing how bringing in effective leaders has freed up my time for family and personal pursuits. Discover the unmistakable signs that indicate your business is ready for a managerial hire, and learn about the transformative benefits of implementing a strong leadership team t...
Send us a textAaron Jones, a talented welder and passionate instructor, sits down with me to share his fascinating journey from stainless steel fabrication to teaching at Brunswick Community College and now contemplating entrepreneurship. Discover how business coaching can help clarify your goals which informs how you structure your business. Ready for an entrepreneurial transformation? Aaron opens up about the pivotal moments that ignited his interest in starting a welding business. He ...
Send us a textEver wondered how your fear of conflict could be jeopardizing your business? Join me, Kayla Reilly, as I share a personal story about how my own people-pleasing tendencies led to poor management decisions that nearly derailed my entrepreneurial journey. We’ll dive into the psychological aspects, focusing on the fawning response that often originates from childhood experiences and how it follows us into our professional lives. This episode uncovers how people-pleasing shows up in...
Send us a textEver feel like you're failing at both work and motherhood? Join me, Kayla, as I share my raw and real journey from licensed therapist to entrepreneur, all while grappling with the never-ending mom guilt. I'll open up about the daily challenges of daycare drop-offs and the constant pressure to be perfect. But let me tell you, perfection is a myth. It's okay to step back, take a break, and indulge in some much-needed self-care. Whether it's savoring a quiet coffee, enjoying a pedi...
Send us a textFeeling overwhelmed by constant decision-making for your team? What if you could transform your team into independent problem-solvers while reclaiming your mental energy? Join me, Kayla Reillyy, as I share personal stories and effective tactics to break the cycle of decision fatigue that plagues many leaders. Discover how you might be inadvertently fostering dependency and learn strategies to shift the responsibility back to your team, allowing them to think critically and build...
Send us a textEver wondered how to protect your personal assets while optimizing your business finances? In today's episode, we unpack the often-overlooked decision of formalizing your business structure. Through personal experiences and expert insights, I illustrate why choosing the right structure—be it a sole proprietorship, LLC, PLLC, or PC—can be a game-changer for your entrepreneurial journey. By consulting a business coach or lawyer, you can make informed decisions that offer significa...
Send us a textWhat if you could turn your chaotic business operations into a seamless, well-oiled machine? This episode is your golden ticket! Hosted by Kayla Reilly, we explore the transformative power of Google Enterprise's suite of tools. From Gmail and Google Drive to Google Docs, Sheets, and Calendar, learn how these tools can revolutionize your workflow with cloud-based storage, color-coded calendar management, and effortless virtual meetings via Google Meet. Discover how real-time coll...
Send us a textEver wondered why hiring your friends or family could be the worst decision for your business? Let me paint you a picture: Imagine your best friend consistently missing deadlines, and now you have to choose between your friendship and your business integrity. Join me, Kayla Riley, as I unravel the messy reality of mixing business with personal relationships and the inevitable pitfalls that come with it.This episode is packed with raw stories from my own entrepreneurial journey, ...
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