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Being Well · February 23, 2026 · 1h 7m

The Freeze-Shame Loop, Therapy Speak, and "Everyone Has ADHD": February Mailbag

Forrest Hanson, Forrest Hanson & Rick Hanson

In this mailbag episode, Dr. Rick and Forrest Hanson answer listener questions about shame and the freeze state, explaining how to "be with" the experience to work through it. They discuss how psychoeducation can create frustration in relationships when one partner has more knowledge than the other. The conversation covers whether ADHD rates are truly rising or if symptoms are driven by screen addiction. Finally, they explore the balance of directness in therapy and finding the right therapist fit.

This summary was generated from show notes and public descriptions, not from a full transcript review. Details may contain inaccuracies.

Canon

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Shame and the Freeze State00:01:17
Shame frequently accompanies the freeze response, and healing begins with learning to 'be with' the experience rather than trying to immediately fix it.
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Novel

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ADHD vs. Screen Addiction00:33:56
ADHD diagnoses are on the rise, and the episode examines whether this reflects a genuine increase in the condition or the effects of modern screen addiction.
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Editorial

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Psychoeducation Can Complicate Relationships00:19:12
When one partner has more psychological knowledge than the other, it can create power imbalances and frustration rather than connection.
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Finding the Right Fit in Therapy00:46:21
The right therapist balances directness with support, and finding a match that suits your needs is essential.
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