Two Dudes Talkin' Therapy

Subscribe to our patreon for more exclusive content-- Patreon Subscription Link: https://www.patreon.com/c/2dudestalkintherapy Dr. Jacob Ambrose and Dr. Vincent Barbieri are psychologists who specialize in helping people better understand themselves, their relationships, and the patterns that shape how they see themselves. In this episode, they break down what self-worth actually is, why childhood experiences, shame, and unhealthy relationships can make you question your value, and the practical steps you can take to build a healthier sense of self-worth. They explore why tying your worth to achievements or other people creates instability, how low self-worth can keep you stuck in relationships that reinforce old wounds, and why developing boundaries, self-empathy, and trust in your own reality are essential parts of healing. They also explain why growth can initially feel uncomfortable—and why learning to tolerate doubt while changing old patterns may actually be a sign that your sense of self-worth is becoming stronger. #selfworth #selfesteem #relationships #relationshipadvice #psychology #mentalhealth #healing #shame #boundaries #selflove #attachment #childhoodtrauma #peoplepleasing #emotionalhealing #therapy #personalgrowth #selfrespect

Many people find that they are either too distant or too desperate during the dating process. These patterns often have deeper roots in attachment, nervous system responses, past relationship experiences, and for some, neurodivergence. ADHD and other forms of neurodivergence can intensify experiences like rejection sensitivity, hyperfocus, impulsivity, emotional intensity, and difficulty regulating uncertainty in relationships. Combined with anxious or avoidant attachment patterns, dating can quickly become a cycle of chasing, withdrawing, overthinking, or feeling overwhelmed by connection. Watch this episode to learn more about the underlying reasons these patterns occur, how attachment and neurodivergence can shape the dating process, and how to begin navigating relationships in a healthier and more secure way. #DatingAdvice #AttachmentStyles #AnxiousAttachment #AvoidantAttachment #SecureAttachment #ADHDRelationships #ADHDInAdults #Neurodivergent #Neurodivergence #DatingWithADHD #RejectionSensitivity #RelationshipPsychology #AttachmentTheory #DatingPsychology #HealthyRelationships #EmotionalRegulation #RelationshipAdvice

Full Episode Only On Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/2dudestalkintherapy What if your experiences of rejection sensitivity, attachment insecurity in relationships, limerence, burnout, imposter syndrome, and extreme executive dysfunction were never fully because of your ADHD, but were more so the result of countless moments of rejection and wounding from a society that never understood you? This episode covers the impact of being a woman with ADHD in a neurotypical world that is often at odds with your own neurochemistry. While ADHD is already penalized in a society that is increasingly corporate, boxed-in, and productivity-focused, being a woman with ADHD creates a unique intersectionality that can leave you up against an even more punishing environment—one where the oxygen you breathe is the air of criticism. In this episode, Dr. Jacob Ambrose and Dr. Vincent Barbieri cover the impact of being a woman with ADHD in a neurotypical society that often punishes women with ADHD for their greatest gifts. Mental health risk factors are covered, along with the impact of being a woman with ADHD at work, in friendships, and finally, in the arena of dating. Share your thoughts, and make sure to catch the full episode on Patreon. #WomenWithADHD #ADHDInWomen #AdultADHD #LateDiagnosedADHD #ADHDWomen #NeurodivergentWomen #ADHDMasking #RejectionSensitivity #ExecutiveDysfunction #ADHDBurnout #ImposterSyndrome #Limerence #AttachmentInsecurity #ADHDRelationships #ADHDAwareness #Neurodiversity #MentalHealthPodcast #WomenAndADHD #ADHDHealing #TraumaInformed

Join our Patreon: patreon.com/2dudestalkintherapyTune in to discover the path toward secure attachment.In conversations about attachment, there is often a great deal of focus on what anxious, avoidant, and fearful-avoidant attachment look like. Yet the most overlooked attachment style is often secure attachment.When we do not talk enough about secure attachment, people may never get the opportunity to see what relational health actually looks like when it is modeled in real life.In this episode, Dr. Jacob Ambrose and Dr. Vincent Barbieri explore secure attachment in depth, combining theoretical concepts with practical, accessible examples. They also discuss ways you can begin practicing more secure patterns in your own relationships.Watch the full episode to gain insight into your attachment patterns and discover educational tools that may help you move toward greater security.Click the link in our bio to watch the full episode and subscribe to our Patreon for more educational content on attachment, relationships, trauma, and neurodivergence.#SecureAttachment #AttachmentStyles #AttachmentTheory #AnxiousAttachment #AvoidantAttachment #FearfulAvoidant #DisorganizedAttachment #HealthyRelationships #RelationshipHealing #EmotionalSafety #TraumaHealing #MentalHealthEducation #PsychologyPodcast #RelationshipAdvice #TwoDudesTalkinTherapy

In this episode, Dr. Jacob and Dr. Vinny take a deep dive into fearful-avoidant attachment , a pattern often discussed in relation to disorganized attachment. Full episode on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/2dudestalkintherapy They explore the foundations of attachment research, including Mary Ainsworth’s Strange Situation Procedure and the later introduction of the disorganized attachment classification by Mary Main and Judith Solomon. The conversation also examines how fearful and disorganized attachment patterns may overlap with—or sometimes be mistaken for—experiences associated with borderline personality disorder, ADHD, autism, and complex trauma. These connections are discussed carefully, without treating attachment styles as diagnoses or assuming that everyone with one of these conditions will have the same attachment pattern. Finally, Dr. Jacob and Dr. Vinny explore possible paths toward healing, including: Developing greater emotional awareness Building safer and more consistent relationships Working through approach–avoidance patterns Gradually learning that intimacy can feel both close and safe Share your thoughts in the comments, and watch the full episode by subscribing to our Patreon through the link in our bio. #FearfulAvoidantAttachment #DisorganizedAttachment #AttachmentStyles #AttachmentTheory #ComplexTrauma #CPTSD #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder #ADHD #Autism #Relationships

***Full Episode on Patreon*** In this episode, Dr. Jacob Ambrose and Dr. Vincent Barbieri discuss the relationship between trauma and dissociation , including the many ways traumatic experiences can lead to dissociation as a coping strategy. Dissociation can show up mentally, emotionally, physically, and behaviorally. It may involve feeling disconnected from yourself, your emotions, your memories, your surroundings, or even other people. While dissociation can eventually become disruptive, it is also important to understand why it developed in the first place. For many people who have experienced trauma, dissociation was once a necessary way of psychologically escaping a reality that did not feel safe or manageable. We explore how dissociation develops, what dissociation can feel like, and the different ways trauma can affect memory, emotions, identity, relationships, and everyday functioning. We also discuss complex trauma and CPTSD , including what happens when trauma is chronic rather than isolated, and how healing may require more than simply trying to eliminate symptoms. Finally, we explore the intersection between trauma and neurodivergence , including how ADHD and autism may interact with traumatic experiences, emotional regulation, overwhelm, and dissociation. Topics discussed include: • Trauma and dissociation • Signs and symptoms of dissociation • Dissociation as a trauma response • Complex PTSD (CPTSD) • Emotional numbness and feeling disconnected • Depersonalization and derealization • Trauma and memory • Childhood trauma • Chronic trauma and the nervous system • ADHD and trauma • ADHD and dissociation • Autism and trauma • Neurodivergence and CPTSD • Emotional regulation • Healing trauma and dissociation This content is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for individualized mental health treatment, diagnosis, or medical advice. #Trauma #Dissociation #CPTSD #ComplexPTSD #ChildhoodTrauma #TraumaHealing #MentalHealth #ADHD #Autism #Neurodivergent #Depersonalization #Derealization #PTSD #Psychology #Therapy

For those living with CPTSD (complex post-traumatic stress disorder), you know what it is like to experience reality in a way that others often do not understand. It can feel like an upside-down experience shaped by an upside-down childhood—one in which you had to continually reorient yourself to navigate a painful, unpredictable, or unsafe emotional landscape. In this episode, Dr. Jacob Ambrose and Dr. Vincent Barbieri discuss how chronic and complex traumatic experiences can lead to the development of protective nervous system responses. The nervous system learns to anticipate danger, detect potential threats, and brace for the emotional “tripwires” associated with past trauma. Although these responses may have been necessary for survival, the anticipation of past trauma can later interfere with a person’s ability to feel safe in healthy environments. Hope can feel terrifying. Emotional numbness can feel safer than vulnerability. Relationships can feel uncomfortable or threatening because allowing another person to hold emotional power may seem ineffective, dangerous, or unreasonable when safety was repeatedly withheld during childhood. Throughout the episode, Dr. Ambrose and Dr. Barbieri explore strategies for understanding and navigating these experiences through thoughtful discussion, relatable analogies, and validation of the core pain points associated with CPTSD. We would love to hear your thoughts and have you become part of our growing community. Make sure to like the episode, subscribe to the channel, leave a comment, and join our Patreon for additional conversations and resources. This content is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for individualized mental health care, diagnosis, or treatment. #CPTSD #ComplexPTSD #ComplexTrauma #ChildhoodTrauma #TraumaHealing #NervousSystemRegulation #MentalHealth #EmotionalHealing #TraumaRecovery #AttachmentTrauma #InnerChildHealing #PsychologyPodcast #TherapyPodcast #HealingJourney #EmotionalNeglect CPTSD, complex PTSD, complex post-traumatic stress disorder, complex trauma, CPTSD symptoms, CPTSD healing, childhood trauma, childhood emotional neglect, trauma recovery, trauma healing, nervous system regulation, trauma response, hypervigilance, emotional numbness, fear of hope, attachment trauma, relationship trauma, childhood survival responses, healing the nervous system, how trauma affects relationships, why healthy relationships feel unsafe, feeling safer when numb, complex trauma podcast, psychology podcast, mental health podcast, Dr. Jacob Ambrose, Dr. Vincent Barbieri

Dr. Vincent Barbieri and Dr. Jacob Ambrose answer live questions from patreon subscribers during this episode. If you'd like to join the next live feed then make sure to subscribe to our patreon https://www.patreon.com/2dudestalkintherapy #therapy #podcast #psychology #adhd #nervoussystemregulation #neurodivergent #cptsd #traumainformed #selfhelp

On this episode. Dr. Jacob and Dr. Vincent Barbieri talk about the differences and overlap between ADHD and Complex Trauma. They begin by describing how CPTSD is a more outcome focused kind of diagnosis whereas ADHD is more centered on mechanical like differences. They then cover midway what it feels like to have ADHD and Complex Trauma, validating the experience of both. Finally healing with these diagnoses are disucssed later on in the episode. #complextrauma #adhd #therapy #mentalhealth #podcast #psychology

Tune into this episode where Dr. Jacob and Dr. Vincent Barbieri describe the most effective ways to regulate and rewire your nervous system, especially when you have issues in the realm of attachment and trauma. Ways of healing anxious attachment, healing avoidant attachment, and healing dismissive avoidant (or fearful attachment) are discussed in great length through the use of analogies and practical tools patreon.com/2dudestalkintherapy subscribe for exclusive content! #nervoussystemregulation #anxiousattachment #attachmenttheory #therapy #psychology #drjay #drv

Complex PTSD in all its complexity is discussed in this episode. Catch the first 20 minutes of this episode to learn how CPTSD alters your overall sense of self while also distorts your perception of reality. In this episode the consequences of CPTSD-- dissociation, loss of identity, emotional dysregulation, numbing, etc. are discussed in great detail as well and while healing is nuanced solutions are also covered. For the full episode make sure to subscribe to our patreon! #cptsd #therapy #ptsd #trauma #complextrauma

In this episode, Dr. Vincent Barbieri and Dr. Jacob Ambrose explore spirituality through the lens of psychology and the whole person. They discuss how attachment theory connects with Christianity, Zen spirituality, emotional health, and the deeper search for meaning. This vulnerable conversation blends philosophy, spiritual belief, and psychological insight—offering a thoughtful look at how our inner world shapes the way we connect with ourselves, others, and God. #spirituality #psychology #therapy #attachment #zen #philosophy

In this episode, Dr. Jacob and Dr. Vincent take a deep dive into the concept of vulnerability. The episode begins with a personal and vulnerable story from Jacob and Vinny, then moves into the nuances of healthy versus unhealthy vulnerability. They also discuss the weaponization of vulnerability, especially as it relates to the struggles many people experience with anxious attachment. Finally, vulnerability is explored in a way that challenges the common assumption that being vulnerable always means “sharing more” or “expressing more.” Instead, vulnerability is framed as the discomfort of moving away from familiar patterns that keep us protected. From this perspective, sharing more can be a form of self-protection for some people and an act of vulnerability for others. Share your thoughts, and make sure to subscribe to our channel! #Vulnerability #HealthyVulnerability #EmotionalVulnerability #AnxiousAttachment #AttachmentStyles #AttachmentTheory #Relationships #DatingAdvice #MentalHealth #Therapy #Psychology #TherapistsOfInstagram #EmotionalHealth #SelfProtection #HealingJourney #TwoDudesTalkinTherapy #DrJacobAmbrose #DrVincentBarbieri

Watch to learn how to stop overthinking! In addition during this episode we cover the roots of overthinking, some of the maintaining factors, along with the most common shadow wounds of many who overthink. The full episode can be found on our Patreon account. Make sure to subscribe to get this episode and more exclusive content, and finally as a way to support our work! Thanks Yall! #overthinking #psychologypodcast #anxiety #selfhelp

In this episode we cover the subject of being seen. What does being seen in relationships actually look like? A key distinction made in this episode is the difference between simple validation and truly seeing another individual. The struggles of those with Borderline Personality Disorder are also covered as it relates to often feeling unseen and invalidated across contexts. Make sure to subscribe for our exclusive content!

What actually drives attraction? In this episode, Dr. Jacob Ambrose and Dr. Vincent Barbieri explore the deeper psychology behind attraction, dating dynamics, and the hidden forces that shape who we pursue in relationships. The conversation begins by breaking down the core psychological and biological drivers of attraction —including the emotional and nervous system signals that influence who we feel drawn to. From there, the discussion moves into some of the most common mistakes people make while dating , including why people repeatedly fall for unhealthy partners such as narcissistic or avoidant types. A major theme of this episode is a powerful idea: safety is the prerequisite for attraction. Many men unintentionally undermine attraction by signaling instability, emotional reactivity, or pressure—dynamics that can activate a woman’s threat detection system rather than her attraction system. Dr. Ambrose and Dr. Barbieri also explore: • Why attraction often develops around emotional safety, not just confidence • Why people repeatedly fall for narcissistic or avoidant partners • The psychological mistakes many men make when trying to attract women • Why nervous system regulation matters in dating • The hidden dynamics of anxious and avoidant attachment styles • How safety, attraction, and emotional signals interact in relationships Using pop culture references, real-world examples, and psychological frameworks, this episode walks through the most common relational patterns people experience while dating—and how understanding them can change the way we approach attraction and relationships. If you’ve ever wondered why attraction feels confusing, unpredictable, or painful , this conversation will give you a deeper lens into what’s actually happening beneath the surface. Share your thoughts in the comments and let us know what topics you'd like us to explore next. #Psychology #AttractionPsychology #DatingPsychology #AttachmentTheory #Relationships #AnxiousAttachment #AvoidantAttachment #ModernDating #MenAndWomen #DatingAdvice #EmotionalSafety #NervousSystem #PsychologyPodcast #MentalHealth #HumanBehavior

Catch the full episdoe by subscribing to our patreon! A lot of conversations about men today fall into two extremes. On one side, men are told their struggles are simply privilege.On the other side, the manosphere tells men the world is against them and they need to dominate it to be worth anything. Neither path actually heals men. In this video we talk about the men who often go unseen — the ones quietly dealing with shame, rejection sensitivity, attachment wounds, and the pressure to appear strong even when they feel completely alone. We explore how these patterns form psychologically, why so many men struggle with intimacy and emotional expression, and what real healing actually looks like. This conversation is about responsibility without shame , strength without emotional suppression , and building a healthier model of masculinity that allows men to grow instead of collapse into resentment or silence. If you’re a man trying to understand yourself better — or someone who wants to better understand the men in your life — this conversation is for you. #MensMentalHealth#Masculinity#MaleLoneliness#AttachmentTheory#Psychology#MentalHealthForMen#ModernMasculinity#MalePsychology#EmotionalHealth#SelfDevelopment

​What does good therapy vs. bad therapy actually look like inside the therapy room?In this episode, Dr. Jacob Ambrose and Dr. Vincent Barbieri open an important conversation about the role of discomfort in therapy—and why discomfort can sometimes signal growth, while other times it may signal that something in the process may not be working.We explore how therapists can serve as a strong psychological container for their clients: not rushing to intervene out of anxiety or filling silence out of discomfort, but also not abandoning direction entirely.Good therapy often lives in the balance between two tensions:• Comfort with stillness and uncertainty• Maintaining a clear intention and treatment directionWhen therapists can hold both, the therapy space becomes a place where meaningful change can happen.If you’ve ever wondered what healthy therapy dynamics should feel like—or how to recognize when something isn’t quite right—this conversation is for you.🎧 Tune in and share your thoughts in the comments.#therapy #psychology #mentalhealth #psychotherapy #therapist #therapyinsights #mentalhealtheducation #psychologydiscussion #therapyprocess #healingjourney #goodtherapy #badtherapy #therapytalks

Why do so many high-achieving people still feel like they’re not good enough? In this conversation, Dr. Vincent Barbieri and Dr. Jacob Ambrose revisit the powerful topic of shame — the quiet psychological force that can persist even when someone is successful, capable, and respected across multiple areas of life. Shame often operates beneath awareness, shaping how we see ourselves, how we relate to others, and why accomplishments sometimes fail to bring the sense of worth we expected. In this episode, we explore why shame is so persistent , how it develops, and why it can continue affecting people long after the environments that created it are gone. We also discuss practical strategies for recognizing shame patterns and beginning the process of loosening their grip. In this video we cover: • Why shame can persist even in highly successful people • How early experiences shape internal beliefs about worth • Why achievement alone rarely resolves shame • The difference between guilt and shame • Psychological insights into why shame is so hard to overcome • Practical tips for recognizing and working through shame patterns If you’ve ever struggled with feeling like you’re not enough despite doing well in life, this conversation will help you better understand what’s happening beneath the surface. Watch the full discussion to learn why shame is so hard to beat — and what you can start doing about it. #psychology #shame #mentalhealth #selfworth #psychotherapy #trauma #impostersyndrome #healing #therapy #psychologypodcast #emotionalhealth #selfesteem #mentalhealthawareness

Watch the full episode on our Patreon!: patreon.com/2dudestalkintherapyYouTube CaptionWhat actually makes someone emotionally immature?In this episode, Dr. Jacob Ambrose and Dr. Vincent Barbieri (fire and ice)-- take a deep dive into one of the most confusing dynamics in relationships: navigating emotionally immature people.Many people assume emotional immaturity is about intelligence, competence, or education — but the reality is much deeper. In this conversation, Dr. Ambrose and Dr. Barbieri break down why accountability is often the real dividing line between emotional maturity and emotional immaturity.You’ll learn how emotionally immature individuals tend to avoid responsibility, distort reality, and externalize blame — patterns often seen in dynamics involving narcissistic traits, histrionic behavior, and other high-conflict personality styles.The discussion also focuses on the practical side:• How to recognize emotionally immature behavior early• Why accountability is more important than competence in relationships• How emotionally immature people manipulate narratives• The psychological patterns behind narcissistic and histrionic behavior• Boundaries and strategies for navigating difficult personalities• How to protect your own mental health when dealing with emotionally immature peopleWhether you’re dealing with these patterns in romantic relationships, family systems, friendships, or the workplace, this episode offers a clear psychological framework for understanding what’s really happening beneath the surface.If you've ever walked away from a conversation feeling confused, blamed, or emotionally drained — this discussion will help you understand why.Educational purposes only.#Psychology #EmotionalMaturity #Narcissism #EmotionalImmaturity #MentalHealth #TherapyInsights #PsychologyPodcast #Boundaries #Relationships #PersonalGrowth