Ariza Inspire Podcast
The Ariza Inspire Podcast is where we dive into the world of mental health, personal growth, and the art of simply being human.
About the show
Welcome to The Ariza Inspire Podcast, the podcast that breaks down barriers to mental health care with clear, compassionate guidance. In Season One, we focus on how to access therapy, from understanding different types of mental health professionals, to finding the right therapist, navigating insurance and costs, and knowing what to expect in your first sessions.
Whether you're brand new to therapy or returning after time away, this season walks you through the entire process step-by-step. Hosted by a mental health professional, each episode combines expert insights with real-world tips to help you take the first step toward emotional wellness.
Subscribe now and start your journey with confidence. Because taking care of your mental health should be accessible, empowering, and stigma-free.
Episodes
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208: Setting Boundaries is Selfish
December 9th, 2025 | Season 2 | 24 mins 5 secs
ariza inspire, ariza inspire podcast, attachment and boundaries, boundary setting therapy, emotional boundaries psychology, guilt around saying no, how to set boundaries, mental health, people-pleasing recovery, samantha ariza
In this episode, we redefine boundaries as essential—not selfish—acts of self-preservation. Drawing on attachment theory and interpersonal psychology, we explore why saying “no” triggers guilt, how boundaries protect mental health and relationships, and offer real examples and scripts to help you set them with confidence.
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207: Access to Therapy Is a Privilege, Not a Right
December 2nd, 2025 | Season 2 | 17 mins 29 secs
affordable mental health care, ariza inspire, ariza inspire podcast, community mental health models, mental health, mental health equity, racial disparities in therapy, samantha ariza, therapy access inequality, therapy in rural areas
In this episode, we confront the hard truth that therapy often favors those with privilege, time, and money. From racial and economic inequities to telehealth access gaps, we examine how the system fails marginalized communities—and highlight community care models paving the way toward more inclusive mental health support.
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206: The Mental Health Industry Profits From Keeping People Sick
November 25th, 2025 | Season 2 | 24 mins 40 secs
insurance, medication, overmedicalization
In this episode, we question whether modern mental health care is truly built to heal—or to profit. Exploring the financial forces behind therapy, medication, and insurance, we unpack how overmedicalization and systemic incentives can blur the line between genuine healing and dependency.
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205: Diagnosis Does More Harm Than Good?
November 18th, 2025 | Season 2 | 26 mins 29 secs
diagnoses, self view, stigma
In this episode, we examine whether mental health diagnoses help or harm us—balancing their value in guiding treatment and access to care against the stigma and self-limiting labels they can create. Through research and cultural critique, we explore the tension between medical classification and the full complexity of being human.
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204: Burnout is Real and Not Laziness
November 11th, 2025 | Season 2 | 23 mins 1 sec
burnout, stress, wellness
In this episode, we break down burnout as a clinically recognized condition—not just fatigue—exploring the physical and psychological impact of chronic stress and toxic workplaces. Using peer-reviewed research, we highlight why mental health days matter and critique performative wellness fixes that ignore deeper structural problems.
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203: Self-Diagnosing on TikTok is Out of Control!
November 4th, 2025 | Season 2 | 20 mins 7 secs
self-diagnosing, social media, tiktok
In this episode, we explore the rise of self-diagnosis on TikTok and other social platforms—how viral mental health content empowers awareness but also spreads misinformation and over-identification. Backed by research, we unpack the psychology behind comparison, validation, and the digital culture shaping how people understand their mental health.
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202: If They Wanted to Get Better, They Would
October 28th, 2025 | Season 2 | 30 mins 12 secs
adhd, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, cognitive science, obsessive-compulsive disorder, willpower
In this episode, we debunk the myth that healing is just a choice, exploring the biological, psychological, and systemic barriers that make recovery complex. By examining conditions like ADHD, BPD, and chronic depression, we challenge stigma around “willpower” and highlight why healing isn’t about trying harder—it’s about understanding and support.
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201: Everyone Has Trauma?
October 21st, 2025 | Season 2 | 17 mins 24 secs
trauma
In this episode, we unpack the difference between trauma, stress, and adversity—clarifying what the term “trauma” really means using clinical definitions and neuroscience. We explore how trauma affects the brain and body, what sets PTSD and C-PTSD apart, and why using the term accurately matters for real healing.
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109: How to Break Up With Your Therapist
July 15th, 2025 | Season 1 | 11 mins 7 secs
break up, therapy guide
In this episode, we tackle how to break up with your therapist when things aren’t working—offering signs it’s time to move on, real example scripts, and tips for handling the guilt. If you’ve ever wondered how to end therapy gracefully, this empowering guide has you covered.
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108: Red Flags in Therapy
July 15th, 2025 | Season 1 | 12 mins 50 secs
red flags, therapy guide
In this episode, Samantha, a licensed professional counselor, unpacks how to recognize when therapy isn’t working—and what to do about it. From spotting red flags to navigating the decision to move on, this honest, empowering guide helps you advocate for the support you truly deserve.
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107: Prepping for Your First Session
July 15th, 2025 | Season 1 | 13 mins 32 secs
getting started, therapy guide
In this episode, we dive into what to do when therapy isn’t working—how to spot red flags, know when to switch therapists, and advocate for the support you truly need. If you’ve ever felt stuck or unsure in your therapeutic journey, this honest and empowering guide is for you.
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106: Talkspace
July 8th, 2025 | Season 1 | 17 mins 39 secs
talkspace
In this episode, we take a deep dive into Talkspace—how it works, what it costs, who it's best for, and the privacy concerns you should know about. If you're exploring online therapy, this clear and honest guide will help you decide if Talkspace is the right fit for you.
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105: BetterHelp
July 8th, 2025 | Season 1 | 16 mins 30 secs
betterhelp, therapy guide
In this episode, we take an honest look at BetterHelp—how it works, what it costs, its pros and cons, and the controversies you should know before signing up. If you're considering online therapy, this clear and down-to-earth guide will help you make an informed choice.
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104: One Size Doesn’t Fit All: Exploring Different Types of Therapy
July 8th, 2025 | Season 1 | 22 mins 34 secs
how to, therapy guide
Feeling overwhelmed by all the types of therapy out there? In this episode, we break down the most common therapy approaches—like CBT, DBT, EMDR, IFS, and more—in a simple, down-to-earth way to help you find what fits your needs. Whether you're new to therapy or just curious, this guide makes it easier to understand your options and feel confident exploring support.
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103: How to Pay for Therapy Without Breaking the Bank
July 1st, 2025 | Season 1 | 13 mins 36 secs
gettin started, how to, therapy
This episode offers a practical guide to affordable mental health care, covering insurance tips, sliding scale options, online platforms, and free resources—so you can get the support you need, no matter your budget. If therapy feels out of reach, this episode will show you it’s more accessible than you think.
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102: How to Find a Therapist Without Losing Your Mind
July 1st, 2025 | Season 1 | 19 mins 43 secs
getting started, how to, therapy
In this episode, we walk you through the process of finding the right therapist—from understanding different types of providers to knowing what to ask and where to look—so it feels less overwhelming and more empowering. Whether you're starting therapy for the first time or making a switch, this practical and encouraging guide has you covered.