Grief doesn’t knock. It kicks the fucking door in—and suddenly, your world’s upside down. Grief isn’t just about losing someone—it’s about losing something: a relationship, a version of yourself, the life you thought you’d have. In this raw and honest episode, I dive into the many faces of grief—death, divorce, identity, change—and how it sneaks up on us, stays longer than we want, and teaches us things we didn’t know we needed to learn.

We’ll talk about how grief can show up as anger, numbness, guilt, or even relief—and why all of it is valid. I’ll share personal stories, clinical insights, and some unfiltered truth about navigating loss without bypassing your feelings or sugarcoating the process.

Whether you’re grieving a person, a relationship, or a part of yourself, this episode is for you.

Trigger Warning: This episode includes mentions of death, depression, and emotional pain.

Do you find yourself pulling away when things get too real—even from people you care about? That’s emotional distancing, and it’s more common than you think. In this episode, we’re digging into what emotional distancing really is, why it happens (spoiler: it’s often a trauma response), and how it shows up in your relationships. Whether you’re ghosting people you love, numbing out, or building walls instead of boundaries, we’re going to unpack the reasons behind it and how to slowly, safely reconnect. Vulnerability is scary—but you don’t have to armor up forever. Let’s get into it.

In this episode of Keeping It Real with Zulma: The Swearing Therapist, we're diving deep into the sneaky little mind traps known as cognitive distortions—those automatic, often unconscious thoughts that twist reality and fuel anxiety, depression, and self-doubt.

From all-or-nothing thinking to catastrophizing and emotional reasoning, I'll break down the most common distortions and how they fuck with your mental health. Expect real talk, practical tips, and of course, some well-placed swearing to keep it authentic. If you’ve ever caught yourself spiraling in negative thoughts and wondered, “Why the fuck do I do this?”, this one’s for you.

Negative thoughts are loud — but your blessings are louder, if you let them be. In this episode, we’re getting real about how focusing on what’s right in your life can completely shift your mental game. I’m breaking down simple, no-fluff strategies to tune out the toxic noise in your head and anchor yourself in gratitude. You’ve survived too much and come too far to let negativity win. Let’s flip the script — it’s time to count your blessings like your life depends on it… because sometimes, it does.

Perfectionism might sound noble, but let’s be real—it’s often just fear dressed up in a fancy outfit. In this episode, we’re calling it out. If you’ve ever delayed starting something because you were not “ready” or torn yourself apart over not getting it “just right,” this one's for you.

I’m diving into the messy truth about perfectionism, how it keeps us stuck, and why DONE is way the hell better than perfect. Let’s talk about letting go of unrealistic expectations, showing up as we are, and giving ourselves permission to be human. Because spoiler alert: progress beats perfection every fucking time.

Tired of choking back your thoughts just to keep the peace? Sick of the post-convo regret because you knew you should’ve said something? Darling, this episode is for you. I’m giving you the no-fluff, straight-up Assertiveness Formula that’ll have you speaking your mind loud and clear — without the guilt, without the drama, and without sounding like a jerk.

We’re done with people-pleasing. We’re done with second-guessing. It’s time to own your voice and make it impossible to ignore (in the best way).

🔥 Inside this episode, we analyze and practice the Assertiveness Formula, which:

✅ Focuses on the behavior, not the person (avoids blame).

✅ Clearly communicates feelings (so they understand impact).

✅ States needs directly (so you’re not leaving them guessing).

Grab a pen (you’re gonna want to write this down), and let’s get you fired up to take up space — unapologetically.

In this episode, we’re diving deep into one of the toughest choices we face in relationships, arguments, and even in our own heads: the need to be right versus the desire to be happy. Why do we cling so tightly to being "right"? What does it cost us? And how can we start letting go of the battle for control in favor of peace and connection? I’ll share a few hard truths that might sting a little (you know I keep it real). Whether you’re stuck in a cycle of conflict or just curious about how this shows up in your life, this episode is your invitation to choose happiness without losing yourself.

Tune in — and let’s get uncomfortable, in the best way.

Why does saying “no” feel like you just kicked a puppy? In this episode, we’re getting real about why saying no is so damn hard — especially if you grew up people-pleasing, avoiding conflict, or feeling responsible for everyone else’s feelings. We’ll explore the root of that guilt, why it’s not your job to keep others comfortable, and how to set boundaries without drowning in shame. Saying no doesn’t make you selfish; it makes you sane. Let’s fucking talk about it.