Turning Passive Listening Into a Therapeutic Tool
As a therapist, I’m always looking for ways to bring healing outside the four walls of a session. One of the most surprisingly effective tools I’ve incorporated? Podcasts.
It started with a client who struggled to connect with journaling. They were overwhelmed by silence and found reflection difficult. But they loved podcasts. So instead of assigning written prompts, I gave them a listening assignment: an episode of a podcast about anxiety. We discussed it the next session. The change was immediate. They opened up more, used the language from the episode, and even identified with the speaker’s experience.
From that point on, I began exploring how to use podcasts as a complementary resource in therapy—and what I discovered was incredibly powerful.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to use podcasts to enhance your therapeutic practice, support psychoeducation, and deepen client engagement—with real-life examples, ethical considerations, and recommended shows.
Why Podcasts Work as a Therapeutic Resource
Podcasts are more than background noise. They can be:
- Psychoeducational tools: Offering clinical insights in accessible, relatable language.
- Normalizing experiences: Hearing others talk about mental health reduces shame and stigma.
- Regulation anchors: Clients with anxiety or depression may find calm in a familiar voice.
- Conversation starters: Especially helpful for teens or clients who struggle to open up.
- Cognitive reframing tools: Presenting new ways to think about emotions, behaviors, and narratives.
A 2022 study published in JMIR Mental Health found that exposure to mental health podcasts positively impacted listeners’ emotional self-awareness and reduced feelings of isolation (source).
When to Use Podcasts in Therapy
While podcasts aren’t a replacement for therapeutic techniques, they work well:
- Between sessions as optional homework.
- To reinforce session themes (e.g., boundaries, self-esteem, anxiety tools).
- With teens and young adults who are already audio-focused.
- For clients with limited reading energy (e.g., neurodivergent, depressed, or burned out).
- As part of a digital toolkit alongside journaling or mindfulness apps.
Tip: Always preview the episode to ensure it’s accurate, ethical, and aligns with your client’s goals.
How to Choose the Right Podcast
Not all podcasts are created equal. Here’s what to look for:
- Hosted by qualified professionals (therapists, psychologists, or trauma-informed coaches)
- Evidence-based content and respectful language
- Inclusive and diverse perspectives
- Clear trigger warnings and mindful pacing
- Episodes under 30–45 minutes to maintain attention span
Examples of popular, therapist-approved mental health podcasts:
- Therapy Chat by Laura Reagan, LCSW-C
Topics: trauma, boundaries, nervous system regulation
therapychatpodcast.com - The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos
Topics: positive psychology, neuroscience of well-being
happinesslab.fm - The Trauma Therapist Podcast by Guy Macpherson, PhD
Topics: trauma-informed care, therapist interviews
thetraumatherapistproject.com - Mental Illness Happy Hour by Paul Gilmartin
Topics: real stories from people living with mental illness, humor and honesty
mentalpod.com - Therapy for Black Girls by Dr. Joy Harden Bradford
Topics: culture, identity, mental health for Black women
therapyforblackgirls.com
Creative Ways to Integrate Podcasts into Sessions
1. Start with a Listening Prompt
Assign a podcast episode and use it as the foundation for next session’s discussion. Ask:
- What resonated with you?
- What did you disagree with?
- Did it remind you of your own experience?
2. Build a Psychoeducational Playlist
Curate 5–10 episodes on core topics (e.g., anxiety, self-compassion, attachment). Share them through a shared Google Doc or PDF.
3. Use Podcast Quotes for Journaling
Pull a quote from the podcast and invite clients to write or draw their response.
4. Pair With Mindfulness Exercises
Use calming podcasts (like guided meditations or soft-spoken episodes) as transitional tools for clients with anxiety before sessions or group work.
5. Co-Listen in Session
Play a 2–3 minute segment and process it live, especially if your client is resistant to homework.
Ethical Considerations & Cultural Sensitivity
While podcasts are public, recommending them as part of therapy requires discernment:
- Screen for bias or misinformation.
- Avoid using content as a substitute for clinical intervention.
- Be aware of cultural tone, race, gender, and neurodiversity representation.
- Allow the client to opt out if they find audio stimulation unhelpful.
- Document when podcasts are suggested as part of treatment planning.
Helpful Tools for Sharing Podcasts With Clients
- Spotify and Apple Podcasts links via text or email
- QR codes printed on worksheets
- Shared client resources folder (Google Drive, Notion, Canva)
- Client newsletter with podcast recs and reflection prompts
Small Sounds, Big Impact
Podcasts may seem like background chatter to some, but in therapy, they can become a bridge—a way for clients to feel seen, understood, and connected even outside of sessions.
By thoughtfully incorporating podcast episodes into your clinical work, you can meet your clients where they are and invite them into deeper reflection, self-awareness, and healing.
Looking for more digital tools for modern therapy?
👉 How to Use ChatGPT for Therapy Resources & Psychoeducation
👉 5 Essential Counseling Tools for Every Therapy Office
👉 How to Make & Sell Worry Stones: A Mindful Side Hustle for Therapists
About the Author
Hi, I’m Eve, a former school counselor with a master’s degree in School Psychology and a passionate advocate for children and families navigating sensory challenges. As a mom of children with sensory sensitivities, I deeply understand the journey special-needs parents face, and I dedicate myself to researching and sharing practical solutions to help children thrive and feel comfortable in their bodies. My goal is also to empower counselors, therapists, and psychologists with creative strategies and supportive resources to enrich their everyday practice. When I’m not writing or exploring new therapeutic approaches, you’ll find me spending quality time with my family and continually seeking inspiration from everyday moments.
