<p>Today we’re pulling back the curtain on a cultural shift that’s been quietly reshaping how we function in relationships, work, and daily life. Somewhere along the way, the language of therapy stopped being a tool for healing — and became a script for avoidance.</p><p>Suddenly everything is “toxic.” Every tough conversation is a “boundary violation.” And any feeling — no matter how fleeting — is treated as absolute truth.</p><p>But here’s the reality: Feelings are signals, not facts. And when we mistake one for the other, we lose our capacity to tolerate discomfort, repair ruptures, and stay connected when things get hard.</p><p>In this episode, I’m joined by RaQuel Hopkins — whose work on emotional resilience and discomfort tolerance is both grounded and refreshingly honest. Together, we break down how therapy-speak has gone off the rails and what it <em>actually</em> looks like to build psychological strength in a culture that rewards fragility.</p><p>You’ll walk away with:</p><ul><li><p>A clearer understanding of why “therapy language” exploded culturally — and why so much of it is being misused.<br></p></li><li><p>The difference between true boundaries and avoidant behavior disguised as self-care.<br></p></li><li><p>Practical tools for strengthening emotional resilience so you can stay regulated and present, even when things get uncomfortable.<br></p></li></ul><p>If you’re tired of oversimplified wellness advice, if you want relationships that can handle real conflict, or if you’re ready for a more honest conversation about feelings, facts, and personal responsibility, this episode is for you.</p><p>Xxoo Darcy</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>REFERENCES/RESOURCES</p><p><a href="http://www.alternativescounseling.com" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">www.alternativescounseling.com</a></p><p>RaQuel Hopkins</p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/raquel_the_capacity_expert" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://raquel-hopkins.mykajabi.com/capacity-workbook" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Capacity Workbook</a></p><p><a href="https://raquel-hopkins.mykajabi.com/capacity-journal" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Capacity Journal</a></p><p><a href="https://raquel-hopkins.mykajabi.com/join-the-newsletter" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Newsletter</a></p><p><br></p><p>CREDITS</p><p>“We Need To Talk With Dr. Darcy Sterling” is a Sterling Standard Production. Editing and sound engineering by Bart Migal. Our theme music is by Trending Music. Special thanks to Amanda Cristiani and Robyn Jaenchen. </p><p> </p><p><a href="https://www.askdrdarcy.com/disclaimer/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">DISCLAIMER</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/drdarcysterling/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Instagram:@drdarcysterling </a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/DrDarcySterling/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Facebook:Dr.Darcy Sterling</a></p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@doctordarcysterling" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Tik Tok:@doctordarcysterling  </a></p><p>X<a href="https://x.com/DrDarcySterling" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">:@DrDarcySterling   </a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@DarcySterling" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">YouTube:@DarcySterling   </a></p><p><a href="https://www.threads.net/@drdarcysterling" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Threads:@drdarcysterling</a></p><p><a href="https://youtu.be/5J_ZJWI28KQ" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Watch this episode here on YouTube. </a></p>