Have you ever felt like something wasn't quite right in your relationship, but couldn't explain why? Maybe you're walking on eggshells, constantly keeping the peace, or wondering whether you're overreacting. When does uncomfortable become unsafe?

In this episode of Shrinks on Tap, Dr. Lauren Fisher sits down with Jeannie Mullane, a Domestic Violence Probation Officer with nearly three decades of experience, to explore the often-overlooked warning signs of emotional abuse, coercive control, and domestic violence.

Not every unhealthy relationship is abusive. But abusive relationships often begin with subtle behaviors that are easy to excuse, rationalize, or overlook.

Together, Lauren and Jeannie discuss:

• The relationship red flags we often miss
• The difference between unhealthy and abusive relationships
• How emotional manipulation, isolation, and financial control develop
• Why walking on eggshells can signal something deeper
• How coercive control gradually erodes confidence and independence
• Why leaving an abusive relationship isn't as simple as "just leave"
• Trauma bonding and the complicated emotions that keep people connected
• How to trust your instincts and find support

Whether you're questioning your own relationship or concerned about someone you love, this conversation offers compassionate insight into recognizing harmful patterns and understanding when to seek help.

You don't have to wait for physical violence to take your concerns seriously. And you don't have to figure everything out alone.

🥂 JOIN US IN OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA!

The Old Town Alexandria Women's Crawl + Dance Party is happening Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 1–8 PM!

Join Shrinks on Tap and Del Ray Psych & Wellness for a day of friendship, wellness, connection, and community. A portion of ticket proceeds supports The Breast Cancer Collective.

Tickets and details:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-old-town-alexandria-womens-crawl-dance-party-tickets-2001677315735

❤️ DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SUPPORT

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, confidential support is available through the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

Call: 800-799-SAFE (7233)
Text: START to 88788
Visit: https://www.thehotline.org/

If you're in immediate danger, call 911.

ABOUT SHRINKS ON TAP

Join Dr. Lauren Fisher and Dr. Eleni Boosalis for honest conversations about relationships, mental health, personal growth, and the complicated realities of being human.

Grab your favorite drink, pull up a chair, and join the conversation.

Why does making friends as an adult sometimes feel a lot like dating?

You meet someone you like, wonder if you should reach out again, question whether they actually want to hang out—and suddenly making a new friend feels surprisingly vulnerable.

In this episode of Shrinks on Tap, Dr. Lauren Fisher and Dr. Eleni Boosalis talk about why adult friendships can become more difficult as life gets busier and our relationships change. They explore the belief that “everyone already has their friend group,” the anxiety of putting yourself out there, and why friendships often need to evolve as we move through different stages of life.

Lauren also shares what happened when she essentially went on a blind date for friendship—and why meeting the wrong person first didn’t stop her from trying again.

Lauren and Eleni also share practical ways to create more connection, from reconnecting with an old friend and joining recurring activities to creating your own opportunities to meet people.

Plus, they wrap up with a simple 30-day friendship challenge designed to get you out of waiting mode and into action.

🥂 In the Alexandria area? Join Shrinks on Tap for the Old Town Alexandria Women’s Crawl on October 24th—an event designed to help women connect, meet new people, and have some fun along the way.

Tickets & Info:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-old-town-alexandria-womens-crawl-experience-dance-party-tickets-2001677315735

Why did I say that? What if this happens? Did I make the right decision?

Overthinking can make us feel like we’re solving a problem, preparing for what might happen, or gaining control. But often, the more we think, the more anxious and stuck we become.

In this episode, Lauren breaks down the different ways overthinking can show up — from replaying past conversations and mistakes to worrying about worst-case scenarios, perfectionism, and analysis paralysis.

She also shares practical strategies for getting out of the loop, including how to recognize when reflection has turned into rumination, challenge worst-case thinking, schedule dedicated “worry time,” sit with uncertainty, and identify when there’s actually something you can do right now.

Because sometimes the answer isn’t to think about it one more time. It’s to recognize the loop, decide what’s within your control, and take the next step.

If you’ve ever wished you could just turn your brain off for a little while, this one’s for you.

Can changing what you eat actually change how you feel?

Harvard-trained nutritional psychiatrist, professional chef, and bestselling author Dr. Uma Naidoo joins Dr. Eleni Boosalis for a practical conversation about how the foods we eat can influence anxiety, mood, and overall mental well-being.

This time, the focus is on what you can actually do.

Dr. Naidoo explores protein and changing nutritional needs as we age, electrolytes and supplements, creatine and collagen, coffee and caffeine, sugar and inflammation, and some of the supposedly “healthy” foods that may contain far more added sugar than we realize.

They also talk about foods that may help support anxiety and mental health, including fiber-rich vegetables, omega-3s, fermented foods, spices, and other simple additions to your everyday diet.

Most importantly, eating for better mental health doesn’t have to mean completely overhauling your life. Dr. Naidoo shares realistic ways to start small, make better choices when time is limited, and gradually build healthier habits.

In this episode:

• What women should know about protein and nutrition as they age

• Electrolytes, creatine, collagen, and supplements

• Food, menopause, muscle mass, and healthy aging

• Coffee, caffeine, and mental health

• How added sugar may affect inflammation and anxiety

• “Healthy” foods that can contain surprising amounts of sugar

• Foods that may help support anxiety and mood

• Simple ways to eat better when you’re busy

• Why small, sustainable changes matter more than perfection

Learn more about Dr. Uma Naidoo, her books, recipes, and work in nutritional psychiatry:

umanaidoomd.com

Ready to build a healthier relationship with food?

Dr. Eleni Boosalis’ Hypnosis for Weight Management eCourse is designed to help address the thoughts, habits, and patterns that can influence your relationship with food.

delraypsych.com/hypnosisforweightmanagement

This conversation is part of our special series with Dr. Naidoo exploring the connection between food, the gut, the brain, and mental health. Each episode stands on its own, so you can start right here.

Follow Shrinks on Tap for more conversations about mental health, relationships, wellness, and the psychology behind everyday life.

What if anxiety, mood, and mental health aren't only about what's happening in your brain?

In this special episode of Shrinks on Tap, Dr. Eleni Boosalis sits down with Harvard-trained nutritional psychiatrist and bestselling author Dr. Uma Naidoo to explore the powerful connection between the gut and the brain—and why what we eat may play a meaningful role in how we feel.

Dr. Naidoo breaks down the science behind the gut-brain connection, including the microbiome, serotonin, the vagus nerve, inflammation, and the ways nutrition can support mental well-being.

Together, Eleni and Dr. Naidoo discuss how the gut communicates with the brain, why gut health matters for mental health, and why supporting your mental well-being may involve looking beyond the brain itself.

In this episode:

• How the gut and brain communicate

• The relationship between the microbiome and mental health

• Why serotonin in the gut matters

• The role of the vagus nerve

• How inflammation can affect mental well-being

• Why nutrition can be another tool for supporting mental health

• How quickly dietary changes may begin to make a difference

This is one of two special Shrinks on Tap conversations with Dr. Uma Naidoo. Follow or subscribe to Shrinks on Tap so you don't miss our next conversation, where we turn from the “why” to the “how” and explore practical ways to use food and nutrition to support mental health.

About Dr. Uma Naidoo

Dr. Uma Naidoo is a Harvard-trained nutritional psychiatrist, professional chef, nutritional biologist, and bestselling author whose work explores the connection between food, the brain, and mental health.

Learn more about Dr. Uma Naidoo:

https://umanaidoomd.com

🎧 Listen or watch Shrinks on Tap on your favorite podcast platform.

Do you ever feel like you're having the same argument over and over again?

Maybe it's about chores, parenting, money, intimacy, or feeling unheard. The topic changes, but the fight always seems to end the same way.

In this episode of Shrinks on Tap, clinical psychologists Dr. Lauren Fisher and Dr. Eleni Boosalis explore why couples get stuck in repetitive conflict patterns and what those arguments are often really about.

You'll learn:

• Why recurring arguments aren't usually about the issue you're fighting over.
• The communication patterns that keep couples stuck.
• How unmet needs fuel the same conflict again and again.
• Practical ways to communicate more effectively without escalating the conversation.

Whether you're dating, married, or simply want healthier relationships, this episode offers practical insights to help you break the cycle and start having conversations that actually move you forward.

Do you ever reach the end of the day feeling like you've given everything you have to everyone else?

Work. Family. Friends. Relationships. Responsibilities.

Somewhere along the way, your emotional tank runs empty.

In this episode of Shrinks on Tap, clinical psychologists Dr. Lauren Fisher and Dr. Eleni Boosalis introduce a simple but powerful way to think about your emotional energy: imagine starting each day with $100. Every conversation, obligation, and interaction costs you something... but how often do you stop to ask who's helping fill your tank back up?

Together, they explore why emotional exhaustion happens, why some people and situations drain us more than others, and practical strategies for recharging before burnout becomes your normal.

You'll learn how to become more intentional about where your energy goes, recognize the signs that you're running on empty, and build simple habits that help you recover instead of carrying the weight of the entire day with you.

If you've been feeling emotionally drained, overwhelmed, or like there's never enough of you to go around, this conversation will leave you with practical tools and a new perspective on taking care of yourself.

Have you ever walked away from a conversation feeling completely drained... while someone else leaves you feeling calm, supported, and energized?

In this episode of Shrinks on Tap, Dr. Lauren Fisher and Dr. Eleni Boosalis explore the psychology behind emotionally draining relationships and why your nervous system responds differently to different people.

Together, they discuss:

• Why some people leave you feeling emotionally exhausted

• How your nervous system constantly picks up on emotional cues

• The role of co-regulation and emotional energy in relationships

• Why certain friendships and interactions affect you so deeply

• How understanding these patterns can help you make healthier relationship choices

If you've ever thought, "Why do I always feel so drained after being around certain people?" this conversation is for you.

Whether you're navigating friendships, family relationships, work dynamics, or simply trying to better understand yourself, this episode offers practical insights that can help you recognize what's happening beneath the surface.

If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to follow Shrinks on Tap so you never miss future episodes exploring psychology, relationships, emotional wellness, and the challenges of being human.