Goals Without Shame: A Mental Health–Centered Approach to the New Year
Mon Jan 12 2026
In this episode of Therapists Unplugged, hosts and therapists Katie Gerwel and Emily McCarty explore why traditional New Year's resolutions often lead to shame and burnout and what to do instead. Through a mental health–centered lens, they discuss how culture, comparison, and nervous system dysregulation impact goal setting, and share practical ways to set goals rooted in values, capacity, and self-compassion rather than pressure and perfection.
If your goals have ever felt exhausting instead of supportive, this episode offers a kinder, more sustainable approach to growth.
The content of the Therapists Unplugged podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for mental health therapy or treatment.
Episode mentions and links:
Healthy Roots Counseling Website
Healthy Roots Counseling Instagram
Atomic Habits by James Clear
More
In this episode of Therapists Unplugged, hosts and therapists Katie Gerwel and Emily McCarty explore why traditional New Year's resolutions often lead to shame and burnout and what to do instead. Through a mental health–centered lens, they discuss how culture, comparison, and nervous system dysregulation impact goal setting, and share practical ways to set goals rooted in values, capacity, and self-compassion rather than pressure and perfection. If your goals have ever felt exhausting instead of supportive, this episode offers a kinder, more sustainable approach to growth. The content of the Therapists Unplugged podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for mental health therapy or treatment. Episode mentions and links: Healthy Roots Counseling Website Healthy Roots Counseling Instagram Atomic Habits by James Clear