Mental Health Decoded with Mordechai

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Mental Health Decoded Episode #1269

Nov 4, 2025

1:12:12

Feedback 1: I called about a year ago, afraid that a therapist might control your mind or turn you against Hashem and your family. In reality, it’s not like that at all. Therapy helps you make your own decisions, come out of your cocoon, and grow. It encourages you to face and express feelings you once avoided, and to acknowledge what’s really inside. Question 2: My child’s therapist suggested that we, the parents, go to therapy. At what point do you say that the child should go instead? I’m asking about my 5-year-old, who avoids expressing emotions and often acts out. Question 3: What does it really mean when people say someone is a narcissist? Question 4: How can a mother help her 17-year-old son wake up in the morning? 

52

Mental Health Decoded Episode #1268

Nov 4, 2025

1:02:30

Question 1:I have a 19-year-old daughter with special needs. We’ve seen many professionals, and while she shows several ASD symptoms, she doesn’t meet full criteria for a diagnosis. She often asks why she has these challenges, and I don’t know how to explain it. How can I help her understand her situation and make sense of her delays? Question 2: Why do we see so many different specialties and therapy modalities today compared to years ago? What caused this shift? Question 3: What are your thoughts on someone seeing two different therapists at the same time for the same issue? 

53

Mental Health Decoded Episode #1267

Oct 29, 2025

1:01:05

Question 1- sharing an experience of someone divorcing and not being open to listen. Question 2: Are there real benefits to taking popular workshop courses that claim to help everyone? It sounds unrealistic that one approach works for all. Should I just continue with individual therapy instead? Question 3: I’m calling about the program from September 29, 2025 (Program #1265) — the mother asking about her 17-year-old son going off the derech. Why isn’t that just considered normal teenage behavior? Question 4: I went to visit my mother and stepfather for Shabbos. He often puts her down and speaks to her disrespectfully. As a guest at the table, what is my role? Should I defend her, distract him, or stay silent?

54

Mental Health Decoded Episode #1266

Oct 28, 2025

1:13:04

Question 1: I’m about to start therapy and want to make sure I get the most out of it. How can I prepare myself to benefit as much as possible? Question 1B: I have a friend who always agrees with me. I actually want her to be more honest and share her real opinions — even if she disagrees. How can I tell her that in a nice way? Question 2: I’m struggling to stay organized and often forget to eat lunch. How can I create a better routine and stay on track during the day? Question 3: What is the role of a friend when someone is struggling in their Yiddishkeit? How can I be supportive without overstepping? Question 4: My wife and I are regular listeners and really appreciate your program. By nature, I’m stubborn and quite opinionated. I’m working on seeing other perspectives, but when I give in, I sometimes feel like I’m being pushed around. How can I find balance — like in DBT’s Walking the Middle Path?

55

Mental Health Decoded Episode #1263

Sep 18, 2025

59:59

Question 1 – Aryeh, what do you do when the parents themselves are complicated? Feedback 2 – From a caller on the 9/8/25 program (Program 1, #1260, Question 5): I took your encouragement and spoke about it with my therapist. It worked out really well—the therapist explained that I can reach out and that it was simply a misunderstanding. Question 3 – How can I build a better relationship with myself? Because I don’t feel connected to myself, I also struggle to connect with others. This bothers me even more. How can I change this? Question 4 – My therapist offered to see me three times a week. Is that common? Question 5 – My son attended a yeshiva where the boys went to therapy several times a week. It actually bothered him that they went so often. Discussed the differences between therapy and mentorship?Question 6 – My yeshiva is asking me to leave. If I transfer to another yeshiva that “helps boys with issues,” I’m afraid I’ll go downhill because of the environment. I don’t want that. What should I do? 

56

Mental Health Decoded Episode #1262

Sep 17, 2025

1:08:55

Question 1 – How do cell phones impact family life and relationships? In particular, when a couple uses them excessively, what advice would you give to young couples about healthy cell phone use? Question 2 – Do you have any guidance for dealing with moderate OCD, especially when it comes to religious anxiety around Rosh Hashanah? I often feel like I’m not doing teshuvah properly and can only see what I’ve done wrong. Question 3 – Can you speak about the termination process in therapy? I’ve been in therapy for two years and made significant progress. At one point I thought I was ready to finish, but now that I have, I’m finding it very difficult and feel I need support. Question 4 – A close family member has a 16-year-old son who dropped out of yeshiva about six months ago. He spends all day on the internet gaming and does nothing else. While the parents are trying to stay connected to him, I believe this is an addiction. Should I suggest that they see an addiction therapist? 

57

Mental Health Decoded Episode #1238

Jun 16, 2025

1:02:15

In this episode, Mordechai Weinberger, LCSW, answers listener questions ranging from parenting and therapy to emotional resilience and community challenges: When a teenager simply says “OK” and walks out of the room, how should parents respond? What might that behavior be communicating? After a year of somatic therapy, IFS, and parts work, I’ve made progress but now feel stuck. Do I need a more directive therapist, or should I stay the course? A listener shares feedback from a previous episode, describing how he faced major life challenges by taking small, steady steps: “Whatever I was able to do, I did.” How can you help someone open up emotionally when they seem disconnected or unwilling to share? There’s a girl in the neighborhood who bullies others, and her mother refuses to intervene. What can I do to protect my daughter? I’m currently in therapy at Serenity, but my therapist doesn’t want to involve Mordechai. Can he still help? And how long does it typically take to come out of depression? Real-life challenges. Thoughtful answers. Always grounded in compassion, clinical insight, and Torah values. 

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Mental Health Decoded Episode #1237

Jun 16, 2025

1:02:42

In this powerful episode, Mordechai Weinberger, LCSW, addresses a wide range of emotional and practical questions submitted by listeners: Can someone truly avoid their emotions and issues without consequences? Does emotional avoidance ever really work? Are there times when it’s appropriate—or even necessary—to push through someone’s personal boundaries? What are the risks and limits? As a schoolteacher, how much support should you offer students beyond the classroom? When does helping become overstepping? What is trichotillomania (compulsive hair-pulling), and how can someone struggling with it be helped? A listener shares a personal crisis: stuck in the U.S. due to flight cancellations from the war in Israel, off medication, separated from her husband, and with her autistic son acting out back home — what can she do in such a high-stress situation? Join us for real questions, compassionate answers, and Torah-aligned insight into the human mind. 

59

Mental Health Decoded Episode #1261

Sep 10, 2025

1:02:22

Question 1 – What is the difference between the Sarno method and somatic therapy? Question 2 – What is the most appropriate method of therapy for someone who has experienced trauma? Question 3 – What is the difference between Radical Acceptance and ACT therapy? Feedback 4 – The caller who asked about Radical Acceptance (#3) felt like it was a personal message from Hashem. I now realize I need to accept my reality.Feedback 5 – From Radical Acceptance: I need to accept that, when it comes to family, they may not change.

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Mental Health Decoded Episode #1260

Sep 10, 2025

1:07:25

Question 1 – I’ve been in therapy for the past five years. Now that I’m past the major struggles, I wish someone had told me what to expect moving forward and reassured me that it’s okay. Why isn’t this kind of guidance given more often? Question 2 – My son is being bullied in class, and we don’t fully know what’s happening. What can we do as parents? Question 3 – Why do I find it difficult to show appreciation to others, even when they’ve helped me? Question 4 – I have a general question: Where is the line between discipline and abuse? Question 5 – My therapist was on vacation for five weeks this summer, and now I’m dreading my upcoming session. Why might I feel this way? 

61

Mental Health Decoded Episode #1259

Sep 2, 2025

1:04:00

Question 1 – I have tried many different therapy modalities, and somatic work helps me the most. However, I’ve noticed that the last 10 years of my life feel cloudy and fuzzy. Why is that? Question 2 – When I don’t remember things, such as forgetting appointments or tasks I need to do, what is causing that? What might be wrong with me? Question 3 – I am in therapy, but I constantly doubt myself. The only work that really helps me is somatic and deeper therapy. Still, my strong denial keeps coming up again and again. Will I need to be in therapy forever till I get rid of the denial? Question 4 – What is the difference between behavioral therapy and somatic therapy? Question 5 – I’ve struggled with weight, and my doctor referred me to OA (Overeaters Anonymous). What is known about the long-term success of OA? Question 6 – (Aryeh) How can we help a horse gain weight?Question 7 – Why is it that some women can cry the moment they light Shabbos candles, but I can’t cry even for someone close to me who is very sick? 

62

Mental Health Decoded Episode #1258

Sep 2, 2025

1:11:15

Question 1 – Why would people share positive information before a shidduch and then this girl goes off the derech a few months after getting married? Feedback 2 – This is in response to the previous question. Question 3 – I have been seeing a therapist and doing a lot of somatic work. Over time, I developed a strong connection to my therapist. Because of the intensity of the work, I find myself constantly thinking about my therapist, and I am still struggling. What should I do now? Question 4 – I am a yeshiva bochur over the age of 20. I feel restless in the afternoons when it comes to learning. For some reason, the beginning of a new zman feels especially difficult, and I don’t yet have all my chavrusas? Why am I so restless? Question 4B – Last year I shared with friends that my grandmother is in the hospital. They suggested that I speak to a therapist, but my parents don’t think I need one. Do I need to speak to a therapist? Question 5 – My wife struggles with weight loss. She goes from one expensive diet to another, many of them extreme. We’ve tried everything, but nothing lasts. Is this simply a matter of self-control? What can I do as a husband? 

63

Mental Health Decoded Episode #1239

Jun 24, 2025

1:03:38

Question 1 How should I approach a neighbor who has a special needs child? I want to offer help, but I’m afraid they’ll feel hurt if I offer—or left out if I don’t. Question 2 Can you discuss the idea of community and tzibbur—how everyone belongs, even if they’re not fully observant? Question 3 You often talk about reaching out for support. But when is the right time to trust yourself instead of always turning to others? Question 4 I called a few weeks ago about whether IOPs are just for “crazy” people. Now that I’ve been in one for two weeks, I want to break that stigma. It’s actually very validating and supportive. Why is it so hard to give ourselves the compassion we give others? Question 5 Thank you for your book Mastering Relationships. Your framework helped me understand why I found people “boring”—it was really about me. Now I get it. Question 6 What should the ideal therapist-client relationship look like? Is the therapist a mentor, teacher, healer—or something else? Question 7 Can you offer a summer program for people who have extra time and want to grow emotionally? 

64

Mental Health Decoded Episode #1240

Jun 23, 2025

57:58

Question 1: I’m leaving my Mini Cooper for 14 days and I’m nervous. How should I manage this? (From Aryeh Autistic) Thank you 2: Thank you for answering my question about two years ago on how to speak more calmly and express myself better. It really helped. Question 3: Why do you take other people’s calls but not mine? I’ve tried calling in a few times. Question 4A: I’m in a relationship with someone who shows signs of a personality disorder. I’ve learned to just listen and tolerate—but am I doing them a disservice by not challenging them to see their issues? Question 4B: I struggle to tolerate my child’s crying—it feels overwhelming. How can I handle this better?Question 5: What can be done when someone refuses to let their marriage therapist speak to their individual therapist—and the results in therapy are minimal? 

65

Mental Health Decoded Episode #1242

Jul 2, 2025

1:01:04

Question 1 – I’m interested in the group titled “How to Talk to Your Children About Safe Touch in a Frum Manner.” Can you explain what’s covered and how it’s addressed in a culturally sensitive way? Question 2 – By nature, when I get involved in a project, I tend to lose focus on everything else. How can I stay on a schedule and still keep track of other responsibilities? Question 3 – I’m seeing clear dysfunction in a neighbor’s home—the husband and children seem to be falling apart. But whenever anyone tries to approach them, they shut down or run away. How can we help in a situation like this? Question 4 – I’ve been in therapy for two years and have a strong connection with my therapist. Recently, I brought up challenges with my 11-year-old and said I want to see a parenting expert for skills. My therapist responded that I first need to work on myself and understand why we’re clashing. What does she mean by that?Question 5 – Sometimes I leave my therapy sessions with doubts. Does that mean I should consider switching therapists? 

66

Mental Health Decoded Episode #1241

Jul 1, 2025

1:01:03

Question 1 – I’ve been in therapy for over a year. Why might I still have a hard time cooperating? I tend to space out and often don’t respond much, even when my therapist asks me questions or invites me to share. Question 2 – How do you deal with someone who has BPD? In this case, a mother told her mother-in-law to stop yelling at her daughter. Now the mother-in-law is demanding an apology, saying, “You must apologize or I will cut you off from my life.” Question 3 – I’m fostering three children whose mother is unable to care for them. What can I do to help them grow up emotionally healthy and feel secure? Question 4 – Nafshi recently featured an article about Peter Pan Syndrome, describing it as something that affects only men. I’m a woman and felt very connected to the description—could this apply to women as well? 

67

Mental Health Decoded Episode #1247

Jul 28, 2025

1:00:46

68

Mental Health Decoded Episode #1246

Jul 28, 2025

1:09:46

69

Mental Health Decoded Episode #1251

Aug 8, 2025

1:00:19

Question 1: Aryeh called in about a horse that experienced trauma. Question 2A: Is it true that people who are less self-aware often seem more confident, simply because they’re not noticing all the potential pitfalls? Question 2B: I have a child who is very intuitive and emotionally aware — she constantly feels and absorbs what’s going on around her. How can I help her find balance and not be overwhelmed by her emotions? Question 3: Caller #2 gave her daughter the exact advice a professional gave her for her daughter. Why isnt MW saying that this is the correct tool for worry? Mordechai Weinberger mentioned an additional six skills to hep children feeling worry and overwhelm Question 4 (follow-up to Question 2):My 9-year-old is a deep thinker with a strong personality. If he feels something is wrong, he’ll immediately call it out — even to friends. As a result, he struggles socially and has no close friends. How can we support him while helping him develop better peer relationships?Question 5:I’ve taken a break from therapy, and I feel like the longer the break goes on, the harder it is to return. In some ways, the break gives me space, but I also wonder if I’m avoiding something. IFS (Internal Family Systems) was used with this caller. 

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Mental Health Decoded Episode #1250

Aug 7, 2025

1:00:07

Question 1: Someone had a minor car accident and now feels anxious or afraid to be in a car. Can that reaction make sense from a psychological perspective? Question 2: Why is it that when I know I’ve been fired, I feel calmer than when I’m uncertain whether my boss might fire me? Why is the unknown often more anxiety-provoking than a known negative outcome? Question 2B It’s interesting that in CBT, they teach that we don’t have to believe every thought that pops into our head. That concept alone is incredibly empowering. Comment 3: One thing I appreciate about this program is how clear and relatable the information is. It helps make complex psychological ideas feel accessible and applicable. Question 4: I often feel unsure of myself and tend to look at others and imitate what they do. Will I ever develop the confidence to trust my own judgment and “get it right” on my own? Question 5: How important is it for a client to pay out of pocket for therapy? If insurance covers the sessions, will the person still be as committed and motivated in their therapeutic work? 

71

Mental Health Decoded Episode #1249

Aug 4, 2025

1:09:35

Why Would a Therapist Validate a Teen for 10 Sessions Without Pointing Out that they Might Be the Problem?

72

Mental Health Decoded Episode #1248

Aug 4, 2025

1:06:11

Doesn't Rewarding Children Spoil Them?

73

Mental Health Decoded Episode #1257

Aug 30, 2025

1:17:24

Question 1 continued from last program: 8/25/25 program 2 (1257) Q4 The therapist says he feels that he understands the client, but the client doesn’t feel the therapist truly gets him. What should be done? Feedback 2 – Aryeh: “The horse is officially getting trauma therapy for his trauma.”Question 3 – I struggle with a behavioral issue. I am a child of divorced parents. I was told by Daas Torah that no matter how amicable a divorce is, it always results in trauma. Is this true? Can I heal by myself without a therapist? 

74

Mental Health Decoded Episode #1256

Aug 30, 2025

58:46

Question 1 – I am an MSW student and learning a lot. A 16-year-old child diagnosed in 8th grade with ADHD. With a lot of effort we found the right medication. He isn’t very cooperative and doesn't feel good about needing medication. They are oppositional and resistant. What do I do? Question 2 – I have trauma and my first therapist was gentle but progress was slow. A year ago, I switched to a new therapist who is much more invasive. After sessions I crash for a week and then feel a lingering low. With my old therapist, I didn’t crash, but I also didn’t see much progress. What should I consider? Question 3 – What is TRE therapy? Is it evidence-based? I understand it is a somatic form of therapy.Question 4 – Follow-up from the Bochur on last week’s 8/18/25 program 1 (1254), question 3. He wants to ask about EMDR. The therapist says he feels that he understands the client, but the client doesn’t feel the therapist truly gets him. What should be done? 

75

Mental Health Decoded Episode #1253

Aug 13, 2025

57:58

Question 1 I am calling on behalf of a friend who suffers from OCD. She has tried both therapy and medication, but neither has worked. Could she try TMS? Listener Feedback (related to TMS) I wanted to share my thoughts on TMS. It can help a person get out of the loop, but it is still important to combine it with therapy so they can do the necessary work. Question 3 Last week, you discussed a mother saying her son should not be home and should be outside. Isn’t it okay if a child wants quiet time and prefers to spend time by himself? Question 4 Aryeh’s follow-up about what was said on program #1247 regarding horses not understanding words. Question 5 Feedback on a previous caller from program #1257, question 3: The caller described someone who is perfect on the outside but struggling on the inside. I relate to this. I had help from my mother, but it wasn’t working for me. Now I need more help—who should I go to? Question 6 I am currently doing therapy over the phone. Is it better to have therapy over the phone, via Zoom, or in person? Question 7 If a young adult stops talking to a therapist, can the parents reach out to the therapist at a later time for some time and guidance without feeling guilty about taking the therapist’s time without paying for it?Question 8 You wrote a Yated article about someone who extended themselves to help a complicated family member. You emphasized the importance of investing in family and being able to handle challenges without disengaging every time it gets hard. Can you elaborate on this? 

76

Mental Health Decoded Episode #1252

Aug 13, 2025

1:03:39

Question 1 I was accepted into the MSW field but had also applied to an MHC program. What is the difference between these two programs? Question 2 I’m working on my assertiveness and have a question: When there is a choice for a therapist between two clients, how does the therapist decide which client to choose? Question 3 How can I share with my therapist what happened between our sessions? My therapist is from my neighborhood, and she might say, “On the outside you’re doing so well, so what do you mean you’re not doing well on the inside?” Question 4 I called a few months ago about therapy. I played the question to my therapist, and it helped us work things out. I’d like to raise awareness about the importance of sleep, as lack of sleep can make challenges such as depression, anxiety, and other issues much worse. 

77

Mental Health Decoded Episode #1255

Aug 20, 2025

1:08:20

Question 1: Is it common for complicated people to rewrite reality, criticize, make sharing difficult and have you believe that you are the issue? Question 2: My daughter’s school trip requires a waiver saying they aren’t responsible for any harm. This scares me. Is it okay if she’s the only one not going? Question 3: After a car accident, when and for how long is it okay to be a “backseat driver”? How can I help a sibling who is now afraid of long car trips?Question 4: What are some ways to stay calm before a blood test?

78

Mental Health Decoded Episode #1254

Aug 20, 2025

59:12

Question 1: My 7-year-old with social anxiety, transitioning from special ed to mainstream yeshiva, says “I want to die, it’s so hard.” Should I worry? Question 2: What is the function of denial, and how can you protect yourself from someone in denial? Question 3: As a bochur, I find I rely on my therapist for everything instead of handling things myself. Is this healthy?

Mental Health Decoded with Mordechai

Mental Health Decoded with Mordechai

More by Mordechai Weinberger