In this episode, we sit down with Whitney White, a licensed counselor from Tennessee and a PhD student researching impostor syndrome. Whitney opens up about her journey into counseling, the challenges of pursuing a doctoral degree, and the surprising ways impostor syndrome shows up in the counseling profession.

Whitney also shares her personal experiences with impostor syndrome, the highs and lows of PhD life, and what’s next for her in the world of counseling and education. If you’ve ever doubted your abilities despite clear evidence of success, this episode is for you!

Connect with Whitney White: Find her on Psychology Today for counseling services in Tennessee,

For any questions - please go to my website or email me at info@therapywithdavid.com

What are Fire Drills for Life?

Have you ever found yourself in a stressful situation, scrambling to figure out the right response—only to regret your reaction later? What if you didn’t have to decide in the moment at all? What if you already had a plan?

In this episode of Project I AM, we’re diving into the power of Fire Drills for Life—a strategy used by elite athletes, military units, and top performers to eliminate stress, make better decisions, and set themselves up for success. When we choose ahead of time how to respond in key moments, we don’t have to rely on willpower or emotional impulse—we just follow through with our predetermined plan.

What if thinking about death could actually make life richer?

In this episode of Project I Am, we explore the ancient wisdom of Memento Mori—Latin for “Remember that you must die”—and why this seemingly morbid concept has inspired philosophers, artists, and even modern psychologists to embrace life more fully.

From the Stoics of ancient Rome to medieval monks who greeted each other with Memento Mori, we uncover the surprising ways people throughout history have used death as a tool for clarity, gratitude, and purpose. We also dive into recent psychological studies that show how contemplating mortality can reduce anxiety and increase happiness.

Instead of fearing death, what if we embraced it as the ultimate motivator? Tune in and discover how remembering death can help you live with greater clarity, intention, and joy.

🎧 Listen now, and don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review!

Have you ever wondered if trees worry about whether their leaves will return in the spring? On this episode of Project I Am we explore what nature can teach us about trust, patience, and the natural rhythm of life.

Just like trees don’t panic when winter strips them bare, we too are called to trust the process—even when growth isn’t visible. Whether you're in a season of uncertainty, healing, or waiting, this episode will remind you that renewal is always on the horizon.

Tune in for a heartfelt reflection on embracing life’s seasons.

Listen now and take a moment to reflect on what season you’re in today.

Ever feel like you’re stuck in life? Like no matter how hard you work, nothing is moving forward? What if I told you that what feels like stagnation is actually incubation—a critical phase where growth is happening beneath the surface?

In this episode of Project I Am, we reframe the idea of being “stuck” and explore how some of the most successful people—like Howard Schultz (Starbucks) and Sara Blakely (Spanx)—turned their quiet, frustrating seasons into launchpads for success. We’ll also dive into the psychology of incubation, the science of patience, and practical strategies to navigate slow seasons with confidence.

If you’re feeling restless, discouraged, or unsure about your next step, this episode will give you a fresh perspective. Tune in, and let’s redefine stagnation together!

🎧 Listen now on Spotify/Apple Podcasts/or wherever you find your podcasts.

Boundaries have become one of the most popular buzzwords in self-help and psychology, but have we misunderstood their true purpose? In this episode of Project I Am, we take a fresh look at boundaries—not just as barriers to keep people out, but as meeting places that foster healthier, more fulfilling relationships.

We’ll explore:

• The true definition of boundaries in relationships and why they matter.
• The psychological origins of boundaries, from Freud to modern research.
• How boundaries became a self-help trend—and where that conversation went wrong.
• A new perspective on boundaries as negotiation points, rather than rigid rules.
• How to set boundaries in a way that strengthens, rather than damages, relationships.

Drawing on recent studies from the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships and insights from renowned therapists like Dr. Esther Perel, we’ll break down practical ways to communicate boundaries with clarity and care.

If you’ve ever struggled with setting limits, felt guilty for enforcing them, or wondered if there’s a more balanced way to think about boundaries, this episode is for you.

Listen now and discover how boundaries can be bridges, not walls.

Is forgiveness always necessary? Or can forgiving too soon cause more harm than good? In this episode of Project I AM, we dive deep into the psychology of forgiveness—when it’s healing, when it’s harmful, and what needs to happen before it can truly set you free.

We’ll explore real-life stories, psychological research, and expert insights to answer questions like: 🔹 Why does premature forgiveness sometimes feel empty? 🔹 What are the essential steps to take before forgiveness can be genuine? 🔹 How does forgiveness impact mental health, relationships, and even physical well-being?

Through compelling anecdotes, wisdom from leading psychologists, and powerful listener stories, we uncover why true forgiveness is a journey—not a quick fix. If you’ve ever struggled with the pressure to forgive, this episode is for you.

✨ Tune in now and learn how to heal—on your own terms.

📩 Have a personal story about forgiveness? Share it with us at info@therapywithdavid.com!

Welcome to the Project I AM Meditation Series, your weekly space to pause, breathe, and reconnect. Each episode is a guided meditation designed to help you cultivate calm, clarity, and balance in the midst of life’s ups and downs.

Through themes like grounding, self-compassion, gratitude, and releasing stress, this series invites you to explore mindfulness and create moments of stillness in your week. Whether you’re new to meditation or have an established practice, these sessions are crafted to meet you where you are—offering simple, approachable guidance to help you feel more present and aligned.

Join us every week as we journey inward, reminding you of your innate ability to find peace within. With Project I AM, discover the power of being here, now, exactly as you are.

Assume a relaxing meditation posture, put on your earphones, take a deep breath and begin .... May you be well!