Many people are told that their brain chemistry is permanently broken, making the idea of coming off psychiatric medication feel overwhelming or unsafe. But psychologist Anders Sorensen challenges this narrative, offering a fresh, evidence-based perspective on how these drugs actually work—and how to taper off them safely. In this eye-opening conversation, Sorensen breaks down the flawed assumptions behind the chemical imbalance theory and introduces his “hyperbolic tapering” method, which aligns with how antidepressants truly affect brain chemistry through SERT occupancy. Even low doses, he explains, can have powerful effects, which is why standard tapering methods often lead to withdrawal symptoms mistaken for relapse.

Sorensen’s new book, Crossing Zero: The Art and Science of Coming Off and Staying Off Psychiatric Drugs, blends clinical science with emotional insight to help people reframe their mental health journey. Rather than seeing medication as a lifelong necessity, he encourages a shift toward understanding these drugs as tools for emotional regulation—not permanent treatments. Therapists, too, have a vital role to play in this process, supporting clients through a tapering journey that has long been considered beyond their scope. This episode invites listeners to rethink long-held beliefs and explore new paths to healing.

When Willy Millard came out at age 12, he hoped for freedom — but instead faced judgment, starting with the painful moment he overheard his parents asking school officials, “What did we do wrong?” On The Gaslit Truth Podcast, Willy opens up about how that early experience shaped his journey and how, years later, he discovered that even within the LGBTQ+ community, acceptance often comes with strings attached. From being pressured to adopt labels like “twink” or “bear” to navigating unspoken rules and expectations, Willy found himself trading one set of boxes for another.

Now a successful stylist and salon owner, Willy continues to challenge the way both the world and his own community define him. He pushes back against being labeled “the gay stylist,” insisting that his work should speak louder than his identity. Through raw honesty and lived experience, he invites listeners to question how we define authenticity — and reminds allies that true support doesn’t require understanding everything, just showing up and listening. This episode is a powerful call to let people be seen for who they are, not just who they’re expected to be.

When Kim Witczak’s husband Woody died by suicide just five weeks after being prescribed Zoloft for sleep issues—not depression—she began a relentless fight to expose the hidden dangers of prescription drugs.

Through her wrongful death lawsuit and advocacy work, Kim uncovered how pharmaceutical companies manipulate clinical trials, hide serious side effects like akathisia (linked to suicide), and prioritize profits over patient safety. Shockingly, drug companies—not the FDA—control much of the approval process, from trial design to data analysis.

Once drugs hit the market, they're often pushed for long-term and off-label use, despite being tested only briefly. Meanwhile, patients harmed by side effects are frequently dismissed or blamed.

Kim’s story reveals a broken system where trust in "safe and effective" meds may be dangerously misplaced—and why patients must start asking tougher questions.

Told your pain is forever? That surgery or meds are your only options? On The Gaslit Truth Podcast, performance physical therapist Dr. Clayton Dir reveals why that’s often not true.

Drawing from his work with elite athletes, Dr. Dir explains how pain can persist in the brain even after the body has healed—and how simple validation and movement can offer lasting relief. He exposes the broken pain-care cycle: imaging, opioids, injections, surgery—with little real improvement.

The episode also spotlights dry needling, a powerful, underused technique that helps jumpstart true healing.

Dr. Dir’s message is clear: “The pain may not be your fault, but it is your responsibility.” Ready to rethink your pain story?

Have you ever thought nutrition was just about managing weight? Think again. In this episode of The Gaslit Truth Podcast, mental health nutritionist Dr. David Wiss exposes how the food industry has misled us into obsessing over calories while ignoring the quality of what we eat—and its impact on mental health. Drawing from his experience as a dietitian turned whistleblower, Dr. Wiss reveals industry-funded misinformation and how ultra-processed foods contribute to emotional struggles like anxiety, depression, and addiction. He champions a functional medicine approach that connects nutrition to mental, physical, and even spiritual well-being by looking at the full picture of a person’s life. His message is clear: “Sanity before vanity.” Instead of focusing on appearance, he urges us to use food to support emotional resilience and brain health. For a deeper dive, his “Wise Mind Nutrition” app offers a holistic, non-diet-based path to true nourishment—because your mental health deserves more than calorie math.

Over 65 million Americans are on medication—and a staggering 17% of them are college students. Behind the scenes, many young adults are crumbling under the pressure to perform, fit in, and “succeed.” The result? A growing number are turning to medication as a quick fix for anxiety, stress, and burnout.

On The Gaslit Truth Podcast, Dr. Teralyn and Therapist Jenn are joined by young adult expert Joanna Lilley to unpack the emotional toll of helicopter parenting, academic perfectionism, and societal pressure.

College students may be academically ready—but emotionally, many are drowning. It's time to look beyond GPAs and start preparing them for real-life resilience.

In this episode of The Gaslit Truth, we explore the seductive promise of AI therapy and its darker undercurrents. While tools like ChatGPT can mimic the language of empathy with striking eloquence, they may be offering an illusion of support—a comforting façade that lacks the human connection essential to real healing. We tested ChatGPT as a Freudian therapist and found that, though convincing, it risks validating harmful self-diagnoses and promoting a culture of quick fixes over meaningful mental health work.

This episode urges therapists and clients alike to recognize that healing isn’t found in instant answers or slick algorithms, but in the messy, relational process of authentic connection. AI may be a powerful mirror, but it can’t walk the path with you.

What if the medications meant to heal are actually harming? In this episode of The Gaslit Truth Podcast, award-winning psychiatric nurse David Wayne shares how reading Anatomy of an Epidemic in 2017 led him to question everything he knew about psychiatric drugs—especially SSRIs.

From being silenced for raising awareness about Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction (PSSD) to exposing the emotional numbing and disconnection these meds can cause, David offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at a system built on compliance, not consent.

He doesn’t just criticize—he offers hope. David explores holistic, metabolic approaches to mental health that prioritize nutrition, sleep, movement, and purpose over quick-fix pharmaceuticals.

In a revealing and emotional interview on The Gaslit Truth Podcast, retired trauma nurse and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) survivor Deborah Schwartzkopff shares the often-hidden dangers of ECT. Founder of ECT Justice, Deborah recounts her experience of being overmedicated and ultimately receiving ECT—a treatment she believes caused her lasting traumatic brain injury.

With the insight of both a patient and medical professional, she exposes the long-term physical and neurological harm ECT can inflict—harm that is frequently ignored or dismissed by psychiatric professionals. Deborah contrasts the supportive care given to victims of accidental electrical injuries with the lack of recognition and treatment for those harmed by ECT.

The conversation also raises critical concerns about gender bias, as women make up the majority of ECT recipients.

This eye-opening discussion is essential for anyone considering ECT or seeking to understand the broader issues surrounding psychiatric treatment. It’s a powerful call for informed consent, medical accountability, and greater support for survivors.

What happens when the system designed to heal becomes the source of harm? At just 39, Sarah Trueb suffered a stroke after years of medical dismissal and overmedication—33 prescriptions later, her life was forever changed. Misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder instead of receiving trauma-informed care, Sarah’s worsening neurological symptoms were repeatedly dismissed as psychiatric. Even her stroke warning signs were ignored.

Now living with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), Sarah shares her powerful story of survival, systemic failure, and advocacy. In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Teralyn and Therapist Jenn expose the dark side of siloed medicine and the deadly impact of medical gaslighting. Don’t miss this urgent call for change—and the truth behind the TRUBE Act.

Former professor Gina Fournier shares a chilling account of being involuntarily detained after speaking out against academic issues at her college. Labeling it “psychiatric human trafficking,” she describes being "suicide swatted" by her employer and held without proper evaluation—released only when her insurance ran out.

Her experience highlights how psychiatric systems can be weaponized to silence whistleblowers, especially women. With ongoing retaliation and a permanent law enforcement flag, Gina’s story is a warning about the misuse of mental health authority. Her message: in crisis, peer support may be safer than institutional care that can do more harm than good.

You’ve probably heard the advice: “Just cut your pills in half and take them every other day.” But that oversimplified method is doing more harm than good—and it’s time we talk about it.

In the final episode of our medication tapering series, Dr. Teralyn and Therapist Jenn uncover the real neurological science behind antidepressant withdrawal. Learn why those uncomfortable symptoms you’re feeling aren’t a relapse, but a natural response from your brain as it adapts to medication changes your doctor may not have fully explained.

We break down:

• Why standard tapering methods often fail

• The truth behind the hyperbolic tapering method

• Why early reductions feel easy, but the final milligrams hit hardest

• How to recognize less obvious withdrawal symptoms—like vivid dreams, headaches, and digestive issues

Tapering off psychiatric medications is possible—but it's far from simple. In the second installment of our deprescribing series, Dr. Teralyn and Therapist Jenn uncover the often-overlooked truths about safely discontinuing antidepressants and other psychiatric drugs.

Many people believe they're stuck on these medications for life, a myth reinforced by providers unfamiliar with safe tapering practices. But with the right support and strategy, you can break free. We liken the process to an ultra-marathon—not a sprint—recommending 1–3 months of tapering for every year on medication to give the body time to adjust.

Before beginning, it's essential to build a "taper team" of supportive professionals—doctors, pharmacists, and specialists who truly understand the nuances of deprescribing. If your current provider resists your desire to taper, remember: healthcare should be collaborative, and you deserve a team that respects your goals.

We also emphasize the importance of functional lab testing to uncover key data like neurotransmitter levels and nutrient deficiencies. This personalized insight helps guide a smoother tapering process.

Finally, we explore foundational supplements—omega-3s, methylated B-complex, vitamin D, magnesium, and probiotics—that can ease withdrawal symptoms and support brain health through the transition.

⚠️ Thinking of Stopping Your Psych Meds? Listen First.

In this powerful episode of The Gaslit Truth Podcast, Deprescribing Consultants Dr. Teralyn and Jenn expose the hidden truths about psychiatric med tapering — and why it’s not just about cutting pills. They reveal what your brain really needs before you even start: protein, nutrients, and a 90-day prep built on four pillars — nutrition, sleep, movement, and mindfulness.

You’ll learn how meds deplete key nutrients, why neurotransmitter support is critical, and why HIIT might be doing more harm than good. Whether you're considering tapering, already in it, or supporting someone who is, this science-backed episode is your essential first step.

In this episode Dr. Teralyn and Therapist Jenn sit down with medical journalist Bob Whitaker—founder of Mad in America and author of several groundbreaking books—to expose the unsettling truths behind psychiatric medications. Whitaker reveals how the long-promoted "chemical imbalance" theory was debunked decades ago, yet continues to influence treatment and public perception.

We explore the flawed science, biased drug trials, and how psychiatric medications may actually create the imbalances they claim to fix. Whitaker also shares his journey from mainstream reporter to whistleblower, and we discuss the challenges faced by patients who question their treatment, as well as the therapists supporting them through safe deprescribing.

What if talking about trauma isn’t the path to healing—but a roadblock? In this eye-opening episode, EMDR expert Jeremy Fox challenges the limits of traditional talk therapy and introduces a powerful alternative: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. Discover how EMDR helps the brain unstick traumatic memories—often without needing to relive every painful detail. Backed by science and personal insight, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone curious about breakthrough ways to truly heal from trauma.

Could your antidepressant be messing with your blood sugar—and no one’s telling you? In this explosive episode, we uncover the hidden link between SSRIs and metabolic issues like weight gain, high blood sugar, and increased diabetes risk. Co-host Jenn shares her shocking experience of medical gaslighting after questioning her Lexapro side effects, backed by hard-hitting research that most doctors ignore. If you’ve ever felt dismissed or wondered if your meds are affecting your health, this episode gives you the science—and the tools—to advocate for yourself.

What happens when the medical professional becomes the patient—and the system fails her? In this powerful episode, physician assistant Nicole Lamberson shares her shocking descent into medication harm after being prescribed Xanax for anxiety, leading to years on a cocktail of psychiatric drugs. As her health unraveled, she discovered just how unprepared the medical world is to help people safely taper off these meds. Now a leading voice for medication safety and informed consent, Nicole exposes the dangerous gaps in medical training and offers hope for healing after withdrawal. This is a must-listen for anyone on psychiatric meds, in healthcare, or seeking answers about the risks of polypharmacy.

What if the treatment for your mental health ended up being the thing that nearly destroyed you? In this gripping episode, Iraq War veteran Angie Peacock shares how she went from a hopeful patient to being labeled "chronically ill" after 13 years on over 40 psychiatric drugs. Her story of devastating side effects, misdiagnosis, and a brutal cold-turkey withdrawal reveals the dark side of the mental health system—and the incredible resilience of the human brain. Now a national advocate, Angie exposes the myths of chemical imbalance and lifelong medication, offering hope to anyone seeking healing beyond prescriptions.