Mental Health Decoded with Mordechai

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Mental Health Decoded Episode #1323

Jun 8, 2026

1:09:36

Question 1 – When can you trust your body and your feelings, and when should you be cautious about them? Question 2 – What is Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)? Question 3 – Why does it seem like so many people are being diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) today? Question 4 – My 7-year-old daughter does things that really bother me. What bothers me even more is how strongly I react. How can I work on both her behavior and my reaction to it? Question 5 – If I did not receive the love and emotional connection I needed as a child, nothing seems to fill that emptiness. How can I begin to heal? 

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Mental Health Decoded Episode #1322

Jun 8, 2026

1:08:54

Question 1 – I often find myself feeling very lonely in my struggles, even though I have a community and people who support me. How do I cope with that sense of loneliness? Question 2 – As both a therapist and a client, I have learned how important good supervision is. How important is quality supervision for therapists? Question 3 – What are your thoughts on using AI, particularly an IFS-style AI model, between therapy sessions as a tool for reflection and support? Question 4 – I recently started with a new therapist and was honest about some things that were not working for me. She said my comments hurt her feelings, and now I feel nervous about meeting with her again. Does this reaction make sense? 

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Mental Health Decoded Episode #1321

Jun 1, 2026

1:11:46

Question 1 – My child has PANDAS and complex challenges. After years of research and treatment, how do we know what to try next? Question 2 – Should I continue therapy during the summer, switch to Zoom or phone sessions, or take a break? Question 3 – My child's PANDAS labs were not very elevated, but antibiotics helped. How much should symptoms matter compared to test results? Question 4 – How do you know when you are the problem in therapy? Comment 5 – I connected with caller #2's question about continuing therapy over the summer. I noticed two opposing parts in me—one wanting to leave therapy and one wanting to stay. I would like to share a diary entry about this experience. Comment 6 – The first caller on Radio Kol Bramah (June 1, 2026, Program #1320) came across as disrespectful. I was triggered by the way he spoke, but I was impressed by how calmly and professionally you responded. 

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Mental Health Decoded Episode #1320

Jun 1, 2026

1:07:47

Question 1 – Is it wrong that therapy costs so much when families are struggling financially? Question 2 – Am I traumatizing my 2-year-old by letting him cry at bedtime since the new baby arrived? Question 3 – I ended an unhealthy friendship three times. Now that I am engaged, how do I stop myself from going back again? 

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Mental Health Decoded Episode #1319

May 25, 2026

1:03:54

Question 1 – Can we discuss the highly sensitive child book? How do you help a child like this, and is it more nature or nurture? Question 2 – My 10-year-old daughter is very confident, but I have a neighbor her age who is manipulative toward her. She pressures her, excludes her, and tries to control situations to fit her own agenda. How can I guide my daughter in handling this? Question 3 – My parents still tell me how I should dress, even though I am already a mother of teenagers. I’ve tried asking them respectfully to stop and to respect our differences, but they make me feel like I’m being disrespectful. How can I develop a thicker skin around them? Question 4 – I struggle with social anxiety and was told that exposure therapy would help. I’ve tried it, but I don’t feel it’s working. Why might exposure not be helping me? 

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Mental Health Decoded Episode #1318

May 25, 2026

1:06:00

Question 1 – Why are there no more programs on Kol Mevaser? Question 2 – Regarding last week’s program: Why did you recommend not staying with the same therapist for more than two years? Are there ever exceptions? Question 3 – How can I help ground an 11-year-old child who becomes very dysregulated? He says he enjoys getting hyper and making other children hyper. At seudos, he starts throwing things and says he can’t control himself. Question 4 – Is it okay to allow children to get hyper and silly? My kids tend to become more energetic than others, and I sometimes encourage playful behaviors like jumping in puddles and playing in the mud. 

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Mental Health Decoded Episode #1317

May 18, 2026

1:09:47

Question 1A: Regarding being in therapy for 5 or 6 years (5-18-26 program 1), what are the exceptions where long-term therapy may still be appropriate or beneficial? Question 1B: When interacting with difficult or complicated people, how can I set limits and say no without feeling hurt or guilty afterward? Question 2: I had a general question about anorexia and how it develops emotionally and psychologically. Question 3: I am starting therapy and want to know how to tell whether the therapist is the right fit for me. Question 4: How do you deal with a friend who is overly pushy or demanding? Question 5: If someone struggles with anorexia, is full healing and recovery truly possible? Question 6: I was asked to help support a child from a very difficult home environment in building self-esteem. Is that something I should take on, and how can I know if I am the right person for that role? 

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Mental Health Decoded Episode #1316

May 18, 2026

1:01:27

Question 1: How can I tell the difference between simply feeling down and experiencing depression? Question 1B: I worry that I may struggle in therapy because I tend to be emotionally closed off and may have difficulty opening up. Question 2: How do you know when it may be time to end a friendship? Question 3: I would like a deeper understanding of how a marriage can be impacted when a sibling separates just a few weeks before their wedding. Question 4: I wanted to share an awareness regarding therapy. If someone has been doing trauma work for five or six years and still feels emotionally raw, and the therapist’s approach has been more conceptual than emotional, would it be advisable to seek a therapist that is more emotional and will support the person better? 

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Mental Health Decoded Episode #1315

May 11, 2026

1:03:15

Question 1: Someone in my family is viewed as wonderful by the public, but in their personal life they deeply hurt the people closest to them. How can I cope with the anger and resentment I feel toward this person? Question 2: Trichotillomania improved for several months during therapy but later returned. Why might that happen? Question 3: I have a three-year-old who is afraid to use the bathroom. I notice that when I am anxious, he becomes more anxious, and when I am calm, he seems calmer. Can a parent’s emotions impact a child’s ability to use the bathroom comfortably? Comment 4A: I related to the mother whose three-year-old was struggling with using the bathroom. My daughter went through the same thing, and it was very stressful and frustrating. Eventually, I learned to let go of the pressure, used a laxative when needed, and one day things finally improved naturally. Question 4B: I also wanted to ask another question. We have a yesom staying in our home for about a year. Initially, he struggled significantly with functioning, but over time he became much calmer. Recently, however, I discovered that he has been stealing money from my purse, and I also received a call from a grocery store saying he stole from there as well. My husband was advised to respond very strictly. Do you agree with that approach? 

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Mental Health Decoded Episode #1314

May 11, 2026

1:02:29

Question 1: For most of my life, I struggled with low-grade anxiety. After experiencing several difficult life events, I began therapy and was eventually encouraged to consider medication. Thanks in part to your program, I decided to try it, and it has helped significantly. A psychiatrist also helped normalize the experience for me and reassured me that I was not “crazy.” I am on a low dose and functioning much better, even with trauma reactions. However, part of me misses feeling emotions as intensely as I once did, including during davening, and I sometimes question the tradeoff of being on medication. Question 2: How do I balance my role as someone’s physical aide without enabling dependence or avoiding tasks that I believe they are capable of doing on their own? Question 3: I wanted to know whether you are familiar with cranial sacral therapy and your thoughts on it. Question 4: What should a client do if they were told during intake that sessions would last an hour, but the actual sessions are only around 20 minutes? Question 4B: I previously went to a coach but did not feel a strong connection. How is therapy different from coaching, and can a therapist help me in ways a coach may not? 

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Mental Health Decoded Episode #1313

May 5, 2026

1:00:57

Question 1: My son is in play therapy, with one session for him and one for me each week. What is the parent’s role in these sessions? Are they only about the child, or can they also address my emotions as a parent? Question 2: You encouraged parents to spend quality time with their children, which can be very powerful. What should a parent do when one sibling teases another by saying hurtful things, such as calling him “slow” because he wears glasses? Question 3: In play therapy, the child usually attends alone. However, my son wants me to join every session. What should a parent’s role be during the session? Question and Comment 4: I teach four-year-old boys. If a child lost a parent a year or two ago, the mother wants us to be very lenient with him. But its not good for him socially and academically. I decided to discipline him, by the end of the year the child became a mentch and part of the class but his mother is upset at me. How should I look at it? Question 5: Why do some people turn to food when they are stressed or anxious? Comment 6: Parents of gifted children with additional challenges sometimes expect teachers to provide significantly more one-on-one attention. However, this can take time away from the other students. If a child truly needs that level of support, additional professional help may be necessary. 

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Mental Health Decoded Episode #1312

May 5, 2026

1:04:36

Question 1: A close friend leaned on me emotionally more than I felt comfortable with, and eventually pulled away. Should I reach out to show I care, and how do I manage my feelings of resentment? Question 2: What does play therapy for a child typically look like, and how does it help uncover underlying emotional issues? Question 3: My 14-year-old daughter feels she is always the one reaching out to a longtime friend, and the friendship now feels one-sided. Should she distance herself and invest more in other friendships? Comment 4: Children may not always understand why they struggle socially. Constantly discussing it may increase self-doubt, while guidance from a trusted adult can help them better understand themselves and improve social connections. 

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Mental Health Decoded Episode #1311

Apr 27, 2026

1:02:20

Question 1: A 12-year-old girl is being raised only by her father. She comes to my house from time to time, and I try to give her attention and support. Because of her upbringing, she seems to crave a lot of attention, often in immature ways. Should I still give her attention through those immature behaviors? Comment 2A: I wanted to thank you for the chizuk you gave to stay-at-home mothers on Kol Bramah Radio on 4/27/26, Program 1310. Comment 2B: I needed to place some of my children in foster care. We still maintain a connection with them, and I’ve learned that it does not have to be all-or-nothing. I see them growing and doing much better. Question 3: My father-in-law lives outside of Brooklyn, and when we visit, we stay in a gabbai’s apartment. I daven in the gabbai’s shul, which has a very small minyan, and I often feel pressured to daven for the amud. It is very difficult for me, but I feel guilty saying no. How can I deal with that guilt? Question 4: Why would someone be afraid to daven for the amud? Question 5: I have a teenage son who wants to know how to overcome the fear of davening for the amud. Question 6: I especially appreciated the question in the previous program about a mother needing to return to work. As a working mother of two, I found the validation very meaningful. My question is: How can you encourage a sibling to be more communicative when they tend not to share where they are going or what they are doing?

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Mental Health Decoded Episode #1310

Apr 27, 2026

1:12:22

Question 1: I have a lot of mixed feelings about unconventional therapy. I recently heard about kinesiology, and I was wondering if you could help me better understand how it works. Question 2: My wife had a baby two months ago and recently returned to work. She is finding the transition overwhelming and feels she is missing out on bonding with the baby. She also does not feel comfortable in her work environment. Question 3: I find myself tremendously triggered by children, from around age 3 through 16. I am especially anxious thinking that my one-year-old will eventually grow into those ages. My mother struggled with this as well, and I wonder if that may be impacting me. 

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Mental Health Decoded Episode #1309

Apr 20, 2026

1:08:22

Question 1- What is the role as a parent to their daughter when they see that their son is struggling with alcoholism and behaving in a very narcissistic way? Question 2- I have a 10-year-old child who is afraid to go to many places. She is comfortable going to the grocery store down the block or to a neighbor’s house on the block, but she refuses to go to other places. What can we do to help her? Question 3- What should someone do if they feel uncomfortable being vulnerable with their therapist? Question 4- I’ve heard a lot about attachment theory. What is attachment theory, and how can it be understood in simple English? 

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Mental Health Decoded Episode #1308

Apr 20, 2026

1:06:12

Question 1- I have a relative who has dementia along with several physical ailments. He needs to be tied to his wheelchair for safety, and he often feels depressed and frustrated. What advice is there for helping calm him and making him feel more valuable? Question 2- I would like to raise a question about awareness and faith. As a bochur I struggled with many mental health challenges, and therapy helped me a lot. Later, after I got married, a major trauma happened and many of those struggles returned. One of the deepest pains for me was feeling like, “How could Hashem do this to me?” At times I even felt that Hashem hated me. I never learned how to shift my view of Hashem so that He doesn’t feel so frightening. How can someone begin to change that perspective? Question 3- I am a long-time listener. In our neighborhood, someone rented out their house to people who are OTD. This is a block with many frum families, and some of their public behaviors are making the neighbors uncomfortable. What can the community do in a respectful way to address this situation? Question 4- If and how does the role of a mother change when a child becomes a teenager? Feedback 5- I am the great-grandmother calling with feedback about the program from 4/13/26, Program 1 (1306), Question 2. My feeling is that when someone keeps returning to the same painful topic, the most important thing is simply to support her and be there for her. 

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Mental Health Decoded Episode #1307

Apr 13, 2026

1:08:46

Question 1- I’ve been to therapy in the past for a few years and didn’t see much improvement. I felt like I did the work on an intellectual level, but it stayed in my mind and didn’t really affect my emotions or my heart. Should I consider starting therapy again? Question 2- What is the role of a dating coach? My relative is seeing a dating coach, and she said the coach advised her not to pursue a certain boy. Why would a coach make that kind of recommendation? Question 3- Does medication heal trauma? Question 4- I have a daughter who is about 16 years old. I am seeing a therapist from Serenity, and I would like some clarity about an episode we had this evening. Is it healthy to raise a child without giving them chores? Question 5- I have a six-year-old son who has never been formally evaluated, but we suspect he may have ADHD. He is very cute and full of life. This year he has a rebbe who is helping him learn a lot and is providing strong structure. However, the rebbe is concerned that the frequent punishments—such as sending him out of class—may be harming him. At home, though, he is happy going to Yeshiva. Should we consider medication? 

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Mental Health Decoded Episode #1306

Apr 13, 2026

1:01:57

Question 1- Before Yom Tov I had to call Hatzalah. Now every time my children see me on the phone, they ask if I am calling Hatzalah. What can I do now to reassure my children? Question 2- I have been involved with someone since she was 13 years old. She was bullied growing up. Today she is married, on medication, and continues to go to therapy, yet she still often talks about that bullying story. She has gone through many difficult situations. Why does she continue returning only to that story instead of focusing on greater experiences? Question 3- My friend was recently fired from his job. He has been a salesperson for over seven years. Since losing the job, he has become depressed. Why would someone become so depressed about losing a job instead of picking themselves up and moving on to try another one? Question 4- How do you deal with a mother-in-law who asks very personal questions and seems unable to let go of her child? What is the best way to handle that situation? 

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Mental Health Decoded Episode #1305

Mar 23, 2026

58:25

Question 1- When I go into the therapy room, I often forget what I wanted to discuss. I freeze up because I feel like I have too much to say and not enough time to say it. Question 2- I’m commenting about the previous program regarding the sister-in-law whose in-laws are complicated. I’m in a similar situation where my mother-in-law calls me and cries about one of her couples, saying that she doesn’t like her daughter-in-law. She often calls me and becomes very emotional about it. Question 3- I’ve recently developed a fear of flying. What would you suggest for a phobia that doesn’t feel so simple? When there is turbulence, I become afraid that my life might end. Question 4- I’m calling to say thank you. I’ve gained so much from the program. Question 5- I have a question about the dissertation process. How do you find participants for your research? Question 6- How do I know whether I am cleaning for Pesach from a healthy place or from a place that may not be healthy for me? 

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Mental Health Decoded Episode #1304

Mar 22, 2026

1:09:38

Question 1 – Thank you for this program. I am now a year out of therapy and this has become a support for me. My 9-year-old son is the biggest boy in his class and says other boys are making fun of him. How should I support him without making the situation worse? Question 2 – How can you help a teenager change a decision when you believe they are making a poor choice? Can a parent force the change, or is there a better way to guide them? Question 3 – I struggle with making decisions. After I decide, I get stuck doubting myself and regretting the choice. How can I stop this cycle? Question 4 – I’ve been told in therapy to set boundaries with a parent, but when I try it creates even more stress for me. How should someone handle boundaries when the process feels overwhelming? Question 5 – I have a complicated relationship with an in-law. After going to therapy I created healthy boundaries and my marriage improved. Now, younger siblings getting married are noticing the dysfunction in their parents’ home. They turn to me and I feel angry and triggered. Do I need to step in and explain things to them, or should I stay out of it? 

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Mental Health Decoded Episode #1303

Mar 16, 2026

1:05:46

Awareness 1: I feel very nervous asking a question on the radio because I stutter; I can speak easily with family, but with strangers it’s an ongoing struggle— I want to create an awareness to not let your disability hold you back. Question 2: Feedback to a caller about IFS journaling: she shared that she started at a very low place about two years ago and has seen growth; Q: I see progress in the children I teach because of my effort and less about their motivation, so why does my therapist say that I deserve the credit for my own growth in therapy? Question 3: Over the past four years I’ve had four different therapists and haven’t felt a strong connection or that they bring out the best in me; I now have a life coach I really like—should I continue trying with a therapist or stick with the life coach? Question 4: I was told that an ASD diagnosis is not from the DSM—is that accurate? Question 5: I stopped seeing my therapist about 4.5 years ago, but I still feel like I haven’t fully moved on and often think about how much I miss her—is this normal, and how can I move forward? 

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Mental Health Decoded Episode #1302

Mar 15, 2026

57:29

Question 1: How do you deal with being bullied, or if a child is being bullied? Question 2: I am trying to understand the process of transference therapy; it is very difficult, and I am having a hard time with it. Positive Feedback 3: This program has changed my life—I now understand people better, even those I previously struggled to get along with. Question 4: I am a retired bubby, and due to health issues I cannot make Pesach in my own home. I will be going to my children, but I am taking it very hard and feel like an extra. How can I still feel happy? Question 4B: When my children and grandchildren follow minhagim that are different from mine, I am sometimes able to stay quiet, but at other times I speak up and it ends up bothering both them and me—how should I handle this? Question 5: How can I support a frum relative of the opposite gender who is going through a difficult time? Question 6: I asked a rov a question and feel uneasy with the answer—how can I process that? 

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Mental Health Decoded Episode #1301

Mar 9, 2026

57:40

Question 1 – In IFS, does the process always require tuning into bodily sensations? Question 2 – How would you explain vulnerability, and how can a person learn to express it? Question 3 – Last year before Pesach, MW mentioned the three F’s—fight, flight, and freeze. How might those responses show up during the stress of Pesach cleaning? Question 4 – Many people say it is healthy to be vulnerable and share openly. Why is that encouraged instead of keeping things private? Comment 5 – I believe it is very important to share with others and not keep everything inside. I also want to share that I was in an IOP, and in my experience it seemed designed more for people who are relatively healthy. 

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Mental Health Decoded Episode #1300

Mar 8, 2026

1:00:24

Question 1 – I went through a situation 26 years ago, and now many of those feelings are resurfacing. I feel an urge to speak to that person again. I recently married off my youngest child three weeks ago and became a widow at a young age. Why might these old feelings be coming up now? Question 2 – When I am in relationships with people who are complicated or struggling, I often resent them and think, “Why can’t they just be healthy and present?” But when I shift my focus to myself—my needs and what I can control—it suddenly feels easier. Why does that work? Question 3 – With IFS, I sometimes have a hard time tuning in to my parts. Can a live demonstration help someone learn how to access their parts more easily? Question 4 – In IFS, when I acknowledged a part, it actually made the feelings stronger and the situation feel scarier. Can this happen in therapy? Question 5 – Someone told me that every therapy modality is perfect, and if it doesn’t work, the problem must be with the patient. Is that accurate, or can it be that a modality simply does not work well for a particular client? Question 6 – I have a strong fear of getting haircuts. (special needs person asking). 

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Mental Health Decoded Episode #1299

Feb 23, 2026

1:10:09

Question 1 – What type of therapy is most effective for someone struggling with misophonia? Question 2 – I see a therapist who has not been consistent with keeping the scheduled session times. She does not offer a make-up time when the cancellation is inconvenient for her. I feel hurt and unimportant. How should I approach this situation with her? Question 3 – I went through a major crisis and relied heavily on a close friend for support. She later told me she wants to remain my friend but cannot be my therapist. After I continued reaching out and shared that I ended up in the emergency room, she felt I was putting guilt on her and became upset. How can I repair the relationship and rebuild the friendship? 

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Mental Health Decoded Episode #1298

Feb 22, 2026

59:58

Question 1 – I have been reading the IFS journaling over the past few weeks (Date 2/16/25 program 2 (1297) question 3). The first time I called in, it was very difficult. That same part came up again, and it required a lot of work. I feel like I need quiet and at least two to three hours in order to really do the work properly. Is that normal? Question 2 – I have a question about attachment theory. I have a baby, and sometimes I do not always have the patience I would like to have with him, or I may leave him with a babysitter. Could that create attachment problems? Question 3 – I would like to share that after 15 years of dating, I finally got engaged. There were many ups and downs along the way, but sometimes those challenges are part of what shapes remarkable people. Question 4 – I am a mother of several children. I had an acquaintance who used to babysit for us for money. She often asks for money and makes many requests. How can I set a boundary without hurting her feelings? I am also concerned that if I need her help again in the future, she may say no. Question 5 – I come from a large family with many sisters, and I am naturally closer with some than with others. I tend to be a pacifist and a people-pleaser, especially with family members. How can I maintain emotional connection while also protecting my energy? Some family members resent that I am not equally close with everyone. 

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Mental Health Decoded Episode #1297

Feb 16, 2026

1:03:23

Question 1 – If someone is afraid of an authority figure, could that fear stem from a painful attachment relationship earlier in life? Question 2 – How can a person heal attachment wounds? Some people around me say that I may be afraid to go out on my own in business because of attachment-related fears. Question 3 – I have a son who is 13–14 years old and is more sensitive. I have always tried not to “rock the boat” and to speak to him gently. How do I know when it is appropriate to be more assertive with him? Question 4 – Regarding the IFS journaling from last week’s program (2/9/25, Program #1295): now more parts are showing up in the journaling, including a macho part, a pushy part, and a worry part that are all speaking and sharing. Is this a normal part of the process? Question 5 – What is my role in this situation? I am close with someone who shares her shalom bayis struggles with me, but I am concerned about her adult daughter who has engaged in self-harm. When I raise the concern, she denies or minimizes it and says it was only for attention. How should I respond? Question 5B- Another issue is that the husband is not bringing in enough income and has approached my husband to borrow money. Is it advisable for us to lend him money? Feedback 6 – I listened again to the IFS journaling segment from the previous program, and it felt very helpful. I find it difficult to practice journaling on my own, and hearing it explained like this is teaching me how to do it.

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Mental Health Decoded Episode #1296

Feb 15, 2026

1:08:06

Question 1 – My husband and my mother have a very complicated relationship, and for years they have gone back and forth between speaking and not speaking. I am in therapy and learning not to get involved between them. Recently my mother said she would only try to work things out if there is a mediator. Should I find someone? Question 2 – If a person struggles with bitachon and it may be connected to attachment wounds, can therapy help with that? Does a rov need to be involved as well? Question 3 – If someone has been diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder, can they ever heal or improve? Question 4 – Can therapists at Serenity Center teach someone how to let go of expectations that another person will change?

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Mental Health Decoded Episode #1295

Feb 9, 2026

1:09:56

Feedback 1 – Regarding the previous program: the listener shared that someone suggested the son should also give back to the mother. She feels it is important to be able to give without expecting anything in return. Question 2 – A listener shared that she is reading her IFS journal and notices that she is having a conversation between her loving part and her macho part. Is this a healthy way to work with these parts? Question 3 – Someone mentioned that therapy is only about 8% effective. Is that accurate? Question 4 – How should I handle a longtime friend who has recently become very negative in our conversations? She repeatedly returns to her problems and becomes hurt if I try to set a boundary and suggest that we focus on more positive topics.

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Mental Health Decoded Episode #1294

Feb 8, 2026

1:16:16

Question 1 – How should someone make a decision when they have two choices, especially if their rebbe and their therapist disagree? Question 2 – I often hear people speak about going to trauma therapy. Should a person seek out a therapist who specializes specifically in trauma? Question 3 – I have a 15-year-old son who recognizes that he needs help in certain areas, but he refuses to go to therapy because he says, “I’m normal.” How can I connect with him and eventually encourage him to consider therapy?

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Mental Health Decoded Episode #1292

Jan 28, 2026

1:18:31

Question 1: What is the role of a therapist compared to the role of a life coach? Question 2: I have an 11-year-old son who is beginning to develop a mustache. I gave him chizuk. From a practical standpoint, what is the appropriate way to discuss this with him? Question 3: What is MW’s perspective on offering lavish food as a reward for extra learning? Question 4: What is TMS therapy, and is it effective? Question 5A: Is the previous caller asking about the TMS alternative approach (often associated with Dr. Sarno)? It works on the mind–body connection, and it was very helpful for me.Question 5B: I would like to share that while I strongly believe in the mind–body connection, I also chose to go on medication, and it has been very helpful. I want people to know that medication can be used alongside alternative modalities. 

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Mental Health Decoded Episode #1291

Jan 28, 2026

1:01:00

Question 1 I have a 20-year-old son who frequently yells at me and tells me that I am not doing a good job as a parent. He often takes on a parental role, speaks to me disrespectfully, and crosses appropriate boundaries. I need this behavior to stop. Is it appropriate to set firm limits, such as telling him that I will not drive him if he continues to act this way? Question 2 I called in last week to Radio Kol Bramah on 1/19/25, Program 1 (Episode 1289), Question 5. I am the great-grandmother who asked about how to respond to people who are going through difficult times. The ripple effect from that program has been unbelievable—I received calls from many people who were deeply impacted. I would like to remind everyone that when someone is going through a hardship, it is important to reach out rather than shy away. 

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Mental Health Decoded Episode #1288

Jan 14, 2026

1:13:33

Comment 1: Thank you to the MW radio support group for the support. I feel its one huge support family. Question 2: I’m in therapy, but feel my therapist doesn’t support my level of Yiddishkeit. What should I do? Question 3: A grieving relative is isolating herself. Should the family encourage engagement or respect her space? We didn’t sit shiva together and still feel the loss. Question 3B: My three-year-old became very clingy after hearing her cousin went up to Shamayim. How should I respond? Feedback 4:In our family’s loss, a teen didn’t want shiva visitors and didn’t want to be seen as a nebach. Are we meant to give into her? 

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Mental Health Decoded Episode #1287

Jan 14, 2026

1:04:53

Question 1: I run a bookkeeping office and am happy with my employee’s work, but she avoids responsibility and speaks to me as an equal. How do I address this without harming the relationship? Question 2: How does EMDR therapy work? Question 3: People suggest my husband take in a child from an unstable home. What should we consider before committing, especially if I have limited energy? Question 4: I’m a mother of young children. My husband works days and builds a business at night. I feel bored and lonely, yet guilty for feeling this way. How do I handle it? Question 5: How can I manage myself and support my teenagers during mood swings at home? 

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Mental Health Decoded Episode #1285

Jan 11, 2026

1:01:02

Question 1A: You often say parents should go to therapy instead of the children—why? Point 1B: Progress matters more than perfection. Point 1C: You can’t force someone into therapy, but your own change can shift the environment. Question 1D: My 9-year-old son is very sensitive. His therapist validates him a lot, but when he gets hurt, he can lose control and hit others. He feels he can hurt others, but no one can hurt him. How should I handle this? Question 2: I have a 14-year-old chavrusa that I support, but I don’t see results. How do I work with him more effectively? Feedback 3: After listening to the first radio program on blushing, it became much easier for me to manage. Feedback 4: Last week’s program was difficult, yet you stayed calm and responded clearly and thoughtfully. Feedback 5: My husband has a friend who stopped therapy and medication. We set a boundary—remaining his friend but not supporting his mental-health struggles. Shortly after, he returned to therapy, resumed medication, and went back to work. 

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Mental Health Decoded Episode #1284

Jan 11, 2026

1:11:15

Comment 1: I used to use the word “perfect” all the time. I’ve since replaced it with different language because it triggers my struggle with perfectionism. Question 2: For older single bochurim, how can they stay strong and grounded when they feel stuck and unable to move forward in life? Question 3: My sister is very down and spending most of her time in bed. We’ve tried to help her, but nothing seems to work. What can I do that’s actually helpful? Feedback 4: Attachment to my therapist. I called into the 12/22/25 program (Program 2, #1281) about my shame in needing my therapist so badly. Since then I was able to have the session by phone. It felt easier to open up, and I shared everything. My therapist was accepting and inviting, and I felt so much relief afterward. It’s powerful to allow yourself to hear from another person that you are “okay.” Question 5: Through therapy, I’ve become more aware of my past pain, but I don’t see how that has helped me. Why do therapists focus on the past if it only brings up pain—and the past can’t be changed? 

37

Mental Health Decoded Episode #1283

Dec 31, 2025

1:16:58

Feedback 1: I called a few weeks ago about a friend who was constantly complaining and presenting as a victim, possibly within a BPD dynamic. After I set a clear boundary, she turned to a mentor who is now helping her more appropriately, which felt like a healthy shift. Question 2: I have a child with ADHD who is currently doing well. Does a child who is functioning well still need therapy, or is therapy only necessary when there are clear struggles? Question 3: I have a coworker whose behavior really disturbs me, and I find myself carrying it home with me. How can I learn to mentally “shut down” work stress when I get home? Feedback 4: Regarding the previous caller about a difficult coworker, they shared that in sales they learned people are more likely to change when they understand why a change benefits them and what they gain from it. Perhaps this approach could be helpful in her situation as well. Feedback 5: This ties into the idea of winning friends—approaching others in a way that helps them feel understood rather than criticized. Question 6: My daughter is currently in a PHP and will be transitioning to an IOP. I use a lot of chizuk with her, but how do I differentiate between offering healthy encouragement and slipping into a victim mindset myself?Question 7: My husband has health anxiety and wonders if “normal” people experience this as well. What is my role as a wife in supporting him without reinforcing the anxiety? 

38

Mental Health Decoded Episode #1282

Dec 31, 2025

1:02:23

Comment 1: Someone called in last week and shared that they couldn’t stop thinking about their therapist. I experienced something similar in the past but felt too ashamed to tell anyone. Hearing her share helped the shame completely fall away for me. Question 2: I was bullied for ten years in school and I am on the autism spectrum. I am currently looking for friends who have also been through struggles. I often connect with people, but then they suddenly pull away. I feel like some may have BPD, and I find it very hard to maintain relationships that feel so unpredictable. How should I understand and cope with this? Question 3: Why would someone have such a hard time getting up in the morning, even when there is nothing specific wrong? Question 4: What are the five love languages, and how do they help improve relationships? Comment 5A: I want to comment on the previous caller with ASD. She was incredibly brave, clear, and articulate. I have a son with ASD as well, and people often don’t understand him. Comment 5B: I also want to say that IOP is extremely worthwhile. You are not judged for being there. Many people in IOP are actually healing from the people or situations that caused the pain. Question 5C: How do you deal with a teenager who can become aggressive? How do I cope as a parent, and how can I best help her?

39

Mental Health Decoded Episode #1281

Dec 23, 2025

1:08:33

Question 1: Does a person need therapy in order to truly help themselves? Question 2: I’m confident and speak up, but after being told I’m intimidating, I pulled back and stopped expressing myself. Since then, I feel lifeless—why? Question 3: If someone doesn’t want help, is it really impossible to help them—or is there still hope?Question 4: I’m embarrassed that, despite being successful, I feel a very strong attachment to my therapist and I can’t talk about it with my therapist. Why does this feel so shameful?

40

Mental Health Decoded Episode #1280

Dec 23, 2025

58:01

Question 1: Why do some people experience life primarily through their emotional mind rather than their logical mind? What might explain the shift I’ve experienced—from being more emotionally driven in the past to now functioning more from a logical, grounded place? Question 2: I’m calling for chizuk. In both yeshiva and at home, we’ve seen meaningful positive changes in my son, who needs emotional support. A relative who hadn’t seen my special-needs son in a long time commented that he seemed to have “more life” in the past and less now. That comment really knocked me down—how should I understand and cope with this? Question 3: Can people who are experiencing depression recognize that they are depressed, or does the condition itself sometimes prevent awareness?

41

Mental Health Decoded Episode #1279

Dec 19, 2025

1:01:01

Question 1: My 16-year-old brother is out of yeshiva and currently spending time in a group with other boys. He does not see me as someone who understands him and views me as “too holy.” He is not opening up to me. How can I connect with him? Comment 2: I would like to comment on the previous caller regarding a 16-year-old who is no longer in school. Question 3: How can a person truly live in the moment? Doesn’t living in the moment mean not preparing—and if you don’t prepare, won’t you fail? Question 4: I belong to an organization where children gather once a month. What should our role be? Is it to help them talk about their feelings, or is it meant to simply be a safe space for them to relax and spend time together? Question 4B: How do you manage children who are more challenging and want constant attention or try to dominate the group by speaking the entire time?Question 5: My therapist recently experienced a personal loss. What is my role when I see her? Is it appropriate to bring it up, and can I still share my heavier issues, or should I hold back? 

42

Mental Health Decoded Episode #1278

Dec 18, 2025

1:05:29

Question 1: There is a mother who needs to take medication and had refused to do so for a long time. She is now taking medication, but the children feel it is not helping and believe it may need to be changed. Should the children push or pressure their mother to change the medication if she becomes defensive and unwilling to discuss it? Question 2: Children do not realize when they are crossing boundaries, and the home feels filled with chaos and lack of structure. How can parents restore clear structure, authority, and stability in the system? Question 3: ADHD — How can a child appear to have ADHD symptoms at home but not at school? Question 4: Emunah and bitachon — Can they reduce or eliminate anxiety? Does CBT work for everyone, especially for individuals who are very logical? 

43

Mental Health Decoded Episode #1277

Dec 4, 2025

1:07:39

Question 1- If someone experienced trauma in childhood, can ketamine treatment be helpful? Question 2- My elderly parents were not the best parents when we were growing up, and now my siblings and I are struggling to care for them. It’s emotionally heavy. I’ve spoken with my rov and I know what my responsibilities are and what they are not. How can I cope with the emotional weight of dealing with them? Question 3- I’m 19, and my mother is very controlling about how I dress and how much makeup I wear. I’m afraid to stand up to her because I don’t know how she’ll react. Should I confront this once and for all, or should I avoid it? Question 4- Why do some parents struggle to compliment their children and express emotional love? 

44

Mental Health Decoded Episode #1276

Dec 3, 2025

1:02:22

Feedback 1A: About a year ago, I reached out regarding my fear of starting EMDR, and you encouraged me to allow myself to let go. It have a major impact on me. Question 1B: Can you help me understand why, after I processed my feelings of anger , now I find myself feeling pain. How does this work? Question 1C: I feel drawn to explore certain painful parts of my trauma history and the emotions that come with it. At the same time, I hesitate because I’m afraid revisiting it may trigger anger toward family members. How should I approach this? Question 2- why are children and teens from dysfunctional homes fight to go back to the dysfunctional home/environment? Question 3A- My son’s therapist recommended doing a few sessions with me, explaining that this work would help my son. How does working with a parent create change in the child?Question 3B- Additionally, why would my son hit me but not hit my husband? Question 4- I recently read an interview about Spravado, and it sounded like a medication that can address almost everything. If it’s so effective, why isn’t everyone using it? 

45

Mental Health Decoded Episode #1275

Nov 25, 2025

1:20:58

Question 1: A weekly caller, Aryeh, reached out about a year ago regarding a dog that barked every time it saw him. He shared how much it bothered him that the dog consistently barked at him. Question 2: Can a person rely on their gut instinct when making major life decisions—such as deciding whether to change a child’s school? If intuition can be trusted, why do people still seek guidance from others instead of relying solely on their instinct? Question 3: In my recent therapy sessions, I’ve been experiencing moments where my brain freezes. My mind becomes numb, almost physically locked. Interestingly, I’m fully functional and productive at work and at home. This internal part of me insists that I’m “making it all up” and blocks me from doing therapeutic work by telling me that my experiences aren’t real. What is happening, and how can I work with this part?Question 4: My son, who is in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade, is a perfectionist. He becomes very stuck if he does not immediately understand the Gemara, and he can't let go when something doesn’t come out perfectly. His principal suggested we address this now because it can develop into anxiety. I don’t understand the connection—how does perfectionism lead to anxiety? 

46

Mental Health Decoded Episode #1274

Nov 25, 2025

1:11:47

Question 1: A 15-year-old boy recently climbed a scaffolding, putting himself in a dangerous situation. What awareness should we have about why teenagers engage in risky behavior, and what can adults do when they witness or hear about a teen doing something unsafe? Question 2: My daughter is in third grade and tends to work at a slower pace. She is usually the last to take out her sefer, and her teacher says she often does not complete her classwork and appears spaced out during lessons. The teacher suggested trying Ritalin. What are your thoughts on this, and how should a parent approach this kind of recommendation? Question 3: I know someone in his late forties who creates chaos in almost every environment unless everything goes exactly his way. What is my responsibility when observing this pattern? Am I allowed to tell his spouse that her husband may have traits of Narcissistic Personality Disorder? 

47

Mental Health Decoded Episode #1273

Nov 20, 2025

1:01:03

Question 1: What is the appropriate role of a wife in setting limits at home, and when is it healthy for her to hold her ground rather than “give in”? My husband sometimes uses ice-water as a consequence for the children. Is this considered acceptable, or is it inappropriate? Question 2: How should parents handle explaining a sibling’s ASD to the other children in the home? For example, when one child does things on Shabbos that are not allowed for others, or when his behavior is developmentally different, what is the best way to help the other children understand? Update 3: I previously called about my husband’s drinking. I wanted to share an update: we spoke openly, he sought help, and he is now sober. Our home and our relationship have improved tremendously because of it. Question 4: Is there a psychological explanation for why a person repeatedly puts themselves into unhealthy or harmful situations? 

48

Mental Health Decoded Episode #1272

Nov 20, 2025

1:02:08

Question 1: What guidance can you share about managing medication responsibly, and what should individuals and families keep in mind throughout the process? Poem 2: I wrote a poem as an expression of deep appreciation for you and for this program. Question 3: When someone is manic, how much of what they say reflects their true feelings? I often feel hurt when they express painful or harsh things, and I’m not sure how to understand it. Question 4: As an older single, I’m dating someone who has a few traits that trouble me. How do I know what is normal to overlook and what might be important not to ignore? Question 5 I’m curious about gaming and screen addiction. My children, ages 10 to 16, use electronics for about an hour a day after school. Is that considered healthy, or does it fall into the category of addiction? 

49

Mental Health Decoded Episode #1271

Nov 10, 2025

58:18

Question 1: My friend is seeing a therapist, and I’m wondering if it’s appropriate that the therapist called people from her résumé to check if a suggested shidduch was right for her. Would that be considered overstepping professional boundaries? Question 2: What’s the difference between Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and narcissism? And how can you deal with someone who is very complicated, blames you for everything, and refuses to take responsibility for their own issues? Question 3: If someone takes medication for anxiety but doesn’t tell their therapist, is that a problem? Can therapy still be effective in that case? 

50

Mental Health Decoded Episode #1270

Nov 10, 2025

1:15:04

Question 1: There seems to be an attitude that if a rebbi or teacher does something wrong, it’s a big deal — but if the students act out, they’re simply given another chance. How does that make sense? Question 2: Can someone have ADHD even if they don’t struggle with time management or organization? Question 2B: I struggle with word retrieval — I often know what I want to say but can’t find the right words. What causes this, and what can help improve it? Question 3: Can trauma cause OCD? Is it possible to heal OCD through trauma work? I’ve been doing trauma therapy for my OCD, but it doesn’t seem to be helping the OCD itself. Question 3B: Is TMS a good treatment for OCD? Question 4: I had some alcohol at a wedding and realized I really liked it. I know I have an addictive personality and I’m worried this could become a coping habit, especially since alcohol is served at so many weddings. How can I prevent this from becoming a problem? 

Mental Health Decoded with Mordechai

Mental Health Decoded with Mordechai

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