Debra Schmitt Therapy

07/08/2025

My latest blog post is about AI and therapy. Here is a link if you want to take a look.

Why AI Therapy Falls Short: The Case for Human-to-Human Healing By Debra Schmitt, LCSW In the age of instant answers and algorithmic convenience, it’s tempting to imagine that artificial intelligence (AI) could revolutionize therapy—offering affordable, on-demand emotional support to anyone with...

05/29/2025

I was sent this by a client once and it has stuck with me ever since. If the process of therapy were an image, this would be the perfect one.

05/08/2025

06/15/2024

Boys Get Everything, Except the Thing That’s Most Worth Having

Modern boyhood is an apprenticeship in loneliness.

05/31/2024

Depth therapy has long lasting positive results. This is well researched but not promoted in training or with prescribers as this work is long and costly to the insurance companies. CBT and other short treatment styles do have value, but the value is limited. Here is a wonderful podcast episode to explain and why Jungian psychoanalysis may be a helpful tool for you to produce lasting change that goes beyond just coping into actually healing, so that you don't need to use coping skills the rest of your life.

“Talk is powerful medicine.” Renowned researcher and clinician Jonathan Shedler, PhD joins us to discuss the effectiveness of psychodynamic psychotherapy. Wh...

06/23/2023

What is toxic positivity and why should we avoid it? To start with, all emotions are neutral and they may feel good or bad but they are not good or bad. Here is a great article to begin to understand the complexity of toxic positivity. We must learn to work with our emotions, not shut them down or invalidate them.

Learn what toxic positivity is, why it’s harmful, and how to embrace a healthier mindset that validates all emotions while still offering hope.

06/18/2023

Happy Father's Day. To all you who are fathering I hope you feel celebrated today! Enjoy your day and keep on telling the dad jokes!

05/14/2023

For Mother's Day I want to give all you moms out there a gift; a link to my favorite books on mothering. No, I don't recieve any money from this. These are simply my top 2 favorite picks for you! They will NOT make you feel mom guilt (like you need anymore)AND will help you grow as a mother. Yes, this is possible. Moms today are stressed out trying to do it all and be a picture perfect mother. Give yourself a gift and read these books.
On a side note, this day is painful for many people who are experiencing infertility, have lost a mother, have lost a child, have a complicated relationship with their mother or child, or who have had to cut off their relationship with their mother for emotional self protection. To you, I send my warmest mothering hug and I ask that you think today of what may mother you and do it for yourself. Give yourself a warm bath, or a comforting meal, maybe hug a few people you love today or go to a yoga class... whatever it is for you, do it!
Check this out! https://a.co/d/5geBIC
Check this out! https://a.co/d/2vlHYOO

04/29/2023

I want to take a minute to address something toxic to our mental health that I think few people are aware of, diet culture. These images explain what it is and how to combat it. Unfortunately diet culture divides us, marginalizes people, creates unrealistic beauty standards in order to sell "wellness" products and services, and normalizes disordered eating. For those struggling with disordered eating, please know that you are good enough as you are and your body is the least interesting thing about you.