The Pillow Fort Sessions Podcast

LeeAnne the Clinical Supervisor

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 14:00:00 -0400

In this episode, we sit down with LeeAnne, a clinical supervisor who shares how she found her way into this role and why she stayed. We talk about what drew her to supervision in the first place, what she’s learned along the way, and the unique challenges and joys that come with supporting other clinicians.

We also get into vicarious trauma, how it shows up in the work, what it can teach us, and how we can care for ourselves while caring for others. It’s an honest and reflective conversation about holding space, staying grounded, and showing up for the work (and each other).

Masaaki the Intern

Sun, 24 Aug 2025 15:00:00 -0400

In this episode, we sit down with the Pillow Fort’s very first intern, Masaaki, a graduate student at UNC Chapel Hill. He shares what inspired his journey toward this career path, what it’s been like stepping into the field, and even offers his hot take on Labubus.

If you're interested in see Masaaki, please check out his profile: https://www.pillowforttherapy.com/masaaki

Elsie Moves to Ghana

Sun, 06 Jul 2025 14:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Pillow Fort Sessions Podcast, Elsie from Ghana shares why she moved her family to a new continent and how the Ghanaian lifestyle still shapes her life today. From food and family to culture and community, it’s a story of home, change, and identity.

Pillow Forting With Healing Arts Collaborative Part: 3

Sun, 15 Jun 2025 20:00:00 -0400

In this final episode with the Healing Arts Collaborative, we talk with Alice about their use of tarot and their journey into becoming a therapist and we talk with Cassie the Director of Healing Arts about where they've been since our last episode with them.

Pillow Forting With Healing Arts Collaborative Part: 2

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, we sit down with the incredible therapists of the Healing Arts Collaborative. We talk with Ash about play therapy and we talk with Ty and her partner about their respective roles with neurodivergent folks.

Pillow Forting with Healing Arts Collaborative

Sun, 18 May 2025 12:00:00 -0400

In this episode, we sit down with the incredible therapists of the Healing Arts Collaborative. A diverse group of practitioners who are redefining what therapy can look like. From art therapy to play therapy, we explore the unique modalities they use to support healing and self-expression. We also dive into the importance of culturally affirming care as they share their experiences working with communities such as 2SLGBTQIA+ folks and Black neurodivergent individuals.

Diane - Good Grief

Sat, 03 May 2025 23:00:00 -0400

Diane opens up about navigating grief and reminds us that being a "sad bitch" isn’t a weakness and sometimes it’s necessary. We discuss sitting with the hard feelings and finding small ways to move forward without rushing the process.

Sam's Pillow Fort Session

Sun, 20 Apr 2025 17:00:00 -0400

Sam and Nicole build a pillow fort, talk about the Sunday scaries, My Chemical Romance, and eat nostalgic snacks.

Jessica Goes No Contact

Sun, 06 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Jessica Garcia talks about going no contact, creating boundaries with family, and the benefits it can have on your mental health. Find her at https://www.instagram.com/jessicagarcialcsw/

G the Client - Where are they now!?

Sun, 23 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0400

G returns to discuss her use of psilocybin for her treatment-resistant depression, what has changed in the last 4 years, and the impact of having a second child on her mental health.

Taylen - Where are they now!?

Sun, 09 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Self-proclaimed Fat Black Queer therapist Taylen returns to talk about how they've grown in their identity since the last time they were in the fort and what's next for them.

The Pillow Fort Method

Sun, 09 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0500

We're back! Mike and Nicole talk about where they've been all this time and whats new with the Fort including the Pillow Fort Method Mini Manual.

AJ the Relationship Therapist

Mon, 10 May 2021 22:00:00 -0400

AJ is a woman of many talents. Relationship therapist by day and a wedding officiant also by day! Hear the sage words of wisdom she has for relationships of all types in ep. 6!

Also thinking about to eloping? Check out www.happilyeverasheville.com!

Jenn the Client

Mon, 26 Apr 2021 22:00:00 -0400

Jenn and I talk what its been like starting therapy for the first time learning new things about herself.

Cassie the Art Therapist

Sun, 04 Apr 2021 19:00:00 -0400

Cassie Hamrick inadvertently art therapy's Nicole while they chat about the importance of being in the moment and feeling free to make a mess. Learn more about Cassie and even schedule a session at https://cassiehamrickarttherapy.com/#healing-change-communitybuilding!

Ceara the Budding Sex Therapist

Sun, 14 Mar 2021 19:00:00 -0400

Nicole talks with former classmate Ceara Smith Corey about discovering her passion for passion and why even single people could benefit from sex therapy. Curious? Schedule a session with her now:
https://providers.therapyforblackgirls.com/listing/ceara-v-smith-msw-mpa-lcswa/

Taylen the Trailblazing Therapist

Sun, 28 Feb 2021 19:00:00 -0500

Nicole chats with fellow burgeoning therapist Taylen Harp about how all of her identities affect the work she does and the people she sees. Schedule a session with her today!
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/taylen-harp-raleigh-nc/712319?sid=603c3a34d2547&name=taylen+ha&ref=1&tr=ResultsPhoto

Black Figures in Mental Health History

Sun, 14 Feb 2021 20:00:00 -0500

We are back! And to kick off season 2 Mike and I are talking pioneers in the (some recent) history of mental health! Check out the entire article at https://www.mhanational.org/black-pioneers-mental-health!

Dr. Brittany Bryant (SEASON 1 FINALE)

Sun, 06 Dec 2020 18:00:00 -0500

In our season one FINALE I chat with an old friend, Dr. Brittany Bryant, about substance use disorder and having more empathy. Just in time for the holidays!

What the What is Gaslighting?

Sat, 21 Nov 2020 12:00:00 -0500

My mom and I talk gaslighting! What does it look like? How has Tump been gaslighting us? What is racial gaslighting? And what should we do?

G and the Shroom Experiment

Sun, 01 Nov 2020 19:00:00 -0500

G is back and here to share here experience microdosing on psilocybin AKA mushrooms! Spoiler alert: her results were promising for her treatment resistant depression.

Sister W.E.L.L.S. Part 2

Sun, 18 Oct 2020 22:00:00 -0400

In part 2 of episode 24 Nicole continues to chat with Sister W.E.L.L.S about racism in their parts of the world and how they take care of themselves. Check them out at www.sisterwells.org.

Sister W.E.L.L.S. Part 1

Sun, 04 Oct 2020 19:00:00 -0400

Nicole chats with her former boss,Dr. Charla Blumell, and her co-founders Dr. Shawnte Elbert and Dr. Sherra McMillan Watkins about their overall wellness practice, Sister W.E.L.L.S. In part one of our first 2 parter we discuss how they all got their start and why they love counseling, coaching and consulting. We also talk how they manage to do it all and more from 3 different corners of the world!

Hanna the Inpatient Therapist

Sun, 20 Sep 2020 19:00:00 -0400

Nicole and Hanna chat about the modern day "psych ward" and how the people there are not as scary as pop culture makes them seem.

Dr. Dr. Smith the Homeopathic Hypnotist

Sun, 06 Sep 2020 21:00:00 -0400

Nicole chats with double Ph.D Yvonne Smith about alternative ways of treating mental health issues including hypnotism!
Contact her at:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/yvonne-smith-pinehurst-nc/55638

Don't forget to use our link for Instacart to help the show out and to help you get groceries safely and quickly delivered to your door. https://instacart.oloiyb.net/pfsp

Jerrika the Client

Sun, 23 Aug 2020 20:00:00 -0400

Jerrika and Nicole talk the reality of living with mental illnesses, including bipolar, and how important it is that we reduce the stigma around taking meds.

Don't forget to use our link for Instacart to help the show out and to help you get groceries safely and quickly delivered to your door. https://instacart.oloiyb.net/pfsp

Dr. Metzger the Super Researcher

Sun, 09 Aug 2020 17:00:00 -0400

Nicole and Dr. Isha Metzger talk Beyonce, unplugging from social media and her million dollar grant to address racial trauma.

Don't forget to use our link for Instacart to help the show out and to help you get groceries safely and quickly delivered to your door. https://instacart.oloiyb.net/pfsp

Instacart the Affiliate

Sun, 02 Aug 2020 18:00:00 -0400

Hi everyone!

Unfortunately today's episode had technical difficulties and we are unable to post it. Rest assured we will be back soon with more Pillow Fort guests. In the interim, please feel free to follow the link https://instacart.oloiyb.net/pfsp to use Instacart and support the show.

Thanks for listening!
Nicole and Mike

What the What are Pandemic Ponderings?

Sun, 19 Jul 2020 20:00:00 -0400

Mike and Nicole Chat what mental health during quarantine- the good, the bad and the what is going on???

Kuniko the Borderline Personality Disorder Therapist

Sun, 05 Jul 2020 18:00:00 -0400

Nicole talks with Kuniko the Serious and Persistent Mental Illness (SPMI) Therapist about BPD, narcissism and how people with these diagnoses can be misunderstood.

Sam the Psychiatrist

Sun, 21 Jun 2020 20:00:00 -0400

Nicole and brand new psychiatrist, Sam, talk med school, the DSM and how it's not "crazy" to have a foot fetish.

A Message From Your Host

Sun, 07 Jun 2020 20:00:00 -0400

With everything going on this week, Nicole talks to Nicole about racism.

Stephany the LatinX Therapist

Sun, 24 May 2020 19:00:00 -0400

Nicole chats with Stephany about her roots in her work, passion for social justice and weekends spent DJ-ing!??

What the What is attachment theory?

Sun, 17 May 2020 20:00:00 -0400

On the first episode of What the What, Mike the sound guy/life partner and I talk attachment theory with all the fur babies!

Dr. Deering the Mother-Daughter Relationship Personal Trainer

Sun, 10 May 2020 19:00:00 -0400

Dr. Michelle Deering and Nicole talk about the struggles and joys of mother/daughter relationships with tips from her book "What Mothers Never Tell Their Daughters". Hear the first chapter for free at bit.ly/MOMSCHAPTER1!

Ericka the Racial Identity Therapist

Sun, 03 May 2020 19:00:00 -0400

Ericka and I discuss how race and mental health coincide and how people of color can take care of themselves.

Clare the Eating Disorder Therapist

Sun, 19 Apr 2020 20:00:00 -0400

On our first virtual episode Nicole speaks with Clare about her career and lived experience with eating disorders.

Mom the Veteran

Sun, 05 Apr 2020 18:00:00 -0400

My mom and I discuss how much therapy has impacted her veteran status and recovery.

Rob the Guy Therapist

Sun, 22 Mar 2020 17:00:00 -0400

Rob Garland and I talk doing therapy as a dude and being a dude who does therapy as well as practicing during corona. DISCLAIMER we are now practicing much better social distancing and we hope you are too!

Niti the EMDR Therapist

Sun, 08 Mar 2020 17:00:00 -0400

Nicole and her clinical supervisor talk their shared appreciation for the mysteries of EMDR and how The Walking Dead can be a form of self-care.

Sara the Trauma Therapist

Sun, 23 Feb 2020 20:00:00 -0500

Nicole talks to an old friend about her new life as a trauma therapist.

Lauren the Sex Therapist

Sun, 09 Feb 2020 19:00:00 -0500

Nicole and Lauren discuss what sex therapy is actually like and why sexual health for all is so important to her.

Emily the Gender Counselor

Sun, 26 Jan 2020 14:00:00 -0500

Nicole talks to her BFF Emily about her passion for counseling people through their gender transitions.

G the Client

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 23:00:00 -0500

*Bonus Episode* Nicole talks with her friend G about her experiences with therapy.

Jenn the Family Therapist Supervisor

Sun, 12 Jan 2020 19:00:00 -0500

Jenn is SEW great at being a supervisor and helping these teens and their families get back on track.

PFsP Trailer