Podcast Therapy with Dr. Z

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses pornography addiction and sexual content.In this very honest conversation, Yaakov opens up about his chronic struggle with pornography addiction and the pain it has caused in every part of his life. Coming from a difficult childhood and becoming a baal teshuva, he shares how the lying, the shame, and the addiction led to separation from his wife and left him feeling disconnected from real Judaism. For Yaakov, watching porn often became the only way he felt soothed, even as it pulled him further from the person he wanted to be.Dr. Z helps him look beneath the surface, asking what is really driving the addiction and why he runs toward it when emotions feel too heavy. Yaakov uses intellectualization as a defense because it feels safe, but it keeps him from feeling what he needs to feel in order to heal. This conversation explores how all of us use defenses to avoid pain, and how the real work begins when we stop running and learn to sit with what is uncomfortable.To be a future guest (yes, we can distort your voice):Please visit LivingLchaim.com/podcasttherapyYou can explore the world of mental health with our other show "That's An Issue":https://plinkhq.com/i/1607752110/e/?to=pageReach out to Dr. Z here:Child and Adult Psychological Services, PLLCEmail: Info@caapsgroup.comOffice: (718) 338-4477Website: https://caapsgroup.comLchaim.

Rabbi YY Jacobson and Dr. Shloime Zimmerman sit down for a deep, emotional conversation about mental health, Jewish spirituality, authenticity, and trauma in modern life. Together, they explore how disconnection from the self, emotional pain, and spiritual concealment shape the challenges of today’s generation.They discuss how AI (artificial intelligence) is forcing humanity to rediscover what makes us truly human — soul, faith, and connection — and how this technological age parallels Kabbalistic prophecy about the “awakening of divine wisdom.”The conversation dives into antisemitism after October 7, exploring why the world blames Jews, how Jewish shame and trauma have been internalized, and how this moment in history is calling for authenticity, courage, and faith.Dr. Zimmerman and Rabbi Jacobson also reflect on parenting, vulnerability, and emotional honesty, showing that the path to healing begins by facing darkness instead of bypassing it.This dialogue blends psychology, Torah, and personal growth, creating one of the most profound Living Lchaim conversations to date. #PT★ AMUDIM ★This is a segment that was featured on Amudim's Unite To Heal Live Stream. You can support them here: → https://unitetoheal.com/inspire★ PODCAST THERAPY ★A Living Lchaim call-in show where the Orthodox community openly discusses real struggles and gets compassionate, professional guidance from Dr. Shloimie Zimmerman.→ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1qxSgrVekirC9ZWbDsvTTn→ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/podcast-therapy-with-dr-z/id1738936552★ RABBI YY JACOBSON ★Subscribe to is channel here: https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@RabbiYYJacobson⁩ LCHAIM.

In this powerful episode, we meet Chaya, a young woman navigating deep inner conflict. On the outside, she appears to be a devoted religious girl, but privately, she struggles to observe the Torah and mitzvos. Haunted by the trauma of childhood abuse and the grip of an addiction she has worked to overcome, Chaya feels trapped in a double life, torn between how she looks and how she lives. With Dr. Z’s guidance, she begins to confront the pain beneath her struggles and explore what it means to live with honesty and self-compassion. Together, they uncover how embracing her story can open the door to a more authentic relationship with herself, with others, and with God. Timed for the High Holidays, this conversation resonates with all of us seeking sincerity in our connection to the Divine, reminding us that even in our deepest struggles, the path toward healing and authenticity is never closed.To be a future guest (yes, we can distort your voice):Please visit LivingLchaim.com/podcasttherapyYou can explore the world of mental health with our other show"That's An Issue":https://plinkhq.com/i/1607752110/e/?to_pageReach out to Dr. Z here:Child and Adult Psychological Services, PLLCEmail: Info@caapsgroup.comOffice: (718) 338-4477Website: https://caapsgroup.comLchaim.

In this special episode, presented in partnership with Amudim and moderated by Andy Lauber, Rav Efrem Goldberg joins Dr. Zimmerman for a powerful conversation about the emotional and spiritual toll of the ongoing war in Israel. As fear and anxiety weigh heavily on so many, especially those with children or loved ones in Israel, they explore how we can stay grounded without dismissing our very real emotions. Together, they offer a framework for navigating these uncertain times with faith, perspective, and inner strength. Most importantly, they emphasize the importance of finding purpose and meaning in the chaos, and how even in darkness, we can uncover light, direction, and a deeper sense of connection to our people and to Hashem.To be a guest on Podcast Therapy with Dr. Z (yes, we can distort your voice):Please visit LivingLchaim.com/podcasttherapyYou can explore the world of mental health with our other show"That's An Issue":https://plinkhq.com/i/1607752110/e/?to_pageReach out to Dr. Z here:Child and Adult Psychological Services, PLLCEmail: Info@caapsgroup.comOffice: (718) 338-4477Website: https://caapsgroup.comLchaim.

In this powerful episode, we meet Rachel, a woman whose early life was marked by the deep scars of sexual abuse inflicted by her brother.Initially drawn to therapy by memories and emerging triggers, it was the collapse of a serious relationship that finally pushed her to confront the wounds of her past. Under the guidance of Dr. Z, Rachel embarks on a transformative journey to acknowledge and confront her trauma, emphasizing the vital importance of disclosure and healing.This episode lays bare the reality that sometimes the enduring effects of trauma can weigh even more heavily than the original abuse, offering a profound testament to resilience and the power of recovery.To be a future guest (yes, we can distort your voice):Please visit LivingLchaim.com/podcasttherapyYou can explore the world of mental health with our other show"That's An Issue":https://plinkhq.com/i/1607752110/e/?to_pageReach out to Dr. Z here:Child and Adult Psychological Services, PLLCEmail: Info@caapsgroup.comOffice: (718) 338-4477Website: https://caapsgroup.com Lchaim.

In this deeply personal episode, our guest shares her journey of navigating life with a brother who has left the path of religious observance (OTD) and struggles with mental health challenges. She reflects on how his journey impacted her own—shaping her values, her relationships, and ultimately her approach to life and G-d. Dr. Z addresses the guest’s confusion at G-d, offers insights on resilience, and how we can hold space for those closest to us, even when our paths diverge. This episode is a testament to the strength it takes to redefine family and faith amidst life’s uncertainties. To be a future guest (yes, we can distort your voice): Please visit LivingLchaim.com/podcasttherapy You can explore the world of mental health with our other show "That's An Issue": https://plinkhq.com/i/1607752110/e/?to_page Reach out to Dr. Z here: Child and Adult Psychological Services, PLLC Email: Info@caapsgroup.com Office: (718) 338-4477 Website: https://caapsgroup.com Lchaim.

Trigger Warning: This episode deals with emotional, physical, and sexual abuse and suicide. We delve into a harrowing story of abuse and survival. Our guest, who endured physical and emotional abuse from his parents and was molested by a community member, shares his painful journey. Having cut off communication with his parents, he struggles with anger and questions whether confronting them could bring peace. Dr. Z provides profound insights into processing past trauma, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and moving beyond pain. This episode highlights the power of resilience and the impact of reaching out to others in moments of despair. To be a future guest (yes, we can distort your voice): Please visit LivingLchaim.com/podcasttherapy You can explore the world of mental health with our other show "That's An Issue": https://plinkhq.com/i/1607752110/e/?to=page Reach out to Dr. Z here: Child and Adult Psychological Services, PLLC Email: Info@caapsgroup.com Office: (718) 338-4477 Website: https://caapsgroup.com Lchaim.

This episode provides inspiration and insights for anyone facing life's hurdles. Join us for an empowering session of "Therapy" where Chaya (alias and AI-masked voice) shares her journey with Dr. Z. From battling addiction to facing infidelity and ultimately finding strength as a single mom, Chaya's story is one of resilience and growth. Listen as Dr. Z offers advice and guidance, helping Chaya navigate her path. To be a future guest (yes, we can distort your voice): Please visit LivingLchaim.com/podcasttherapy You can explore the world of mental health with our other show "That's An Issue": https://plinkhq.com/i/1607752110/e/?to=page Reach out to Dr. Z here: Child and Adult Psychological Services, PLLC Email: Info@caapsgroup.com Office: (718) 338-4477 Website: https://caapsgroup.com Lchaim.

Atara (alias name and Ai masked voice) and 2 of her kids struggle with ADHD. She asks Dr. Z how to navigate it. This episode also explores how we can cope with mental health challenges and help educate our children. To be a future guest (yes, we can distort your voice): Please visit LivingLchaim.com/podcasttherapy You can explore the world of mental health with our other show "That's An Issue": https://plinkhq.com/i/1607752110/e/?to=page Reach out to Dr. Z here: Child and Adult Psychological Services, PLLC Email: Info@caapsgroup.com Office: (718) 338-4477 Lchaim.

In each episode, Dr. Shloimie (Steven) Zimmerman will sit down with a real person to discuss their real challenges. This is like no other show in the Jewish world and we're excited you can enjoy and learn from it. To be a future guest (yes, we can distort your voice): Please visit LivingLchaim.com/podcasttherapy You can explore the world of mental health with our other show "That's An Issue": https://plinkhq.com/i/1607752110/e/?to=page Lchaim.