This Isn’t Therapy

This Isn't Therapy... it's a deep dive into the world of “chameleon kids” — children who adapt their personalities, emotions, and behaviours to fit their surroundings and meet the unspoken needs of others. These kids are often labeled as “the good child,” “the helper,” or “the rule-follower,” but beneath the surface lies a complex mix of empathy, self-monitoring, and an innate drive to keep the peace. We’ll explore why chameleon kids shape-shift to gain approval, maintain harmony, and avoid adding stress to their families. We’ll also uncover how these early habits often carry into adulthood, leading to challenges with boundaries, self-expression, and people-pleasing.

Article: Pay Attention To The Chameleon Kids by Jake Ernst

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Hello, hi! Follow us on Instagram: @notatherapypodcast⁣
Jake Ernst: @mswjake
Simon Paluck: @directedbysimon

Original music composed by Kat Burns and performed by KASHKA.

Creators and Guests

Host
Jake Ernst
Therapist
Host
Simon Paluck
Director

What is This Isn’t Therapy?

This Isn’t Therapy... it's a podcast about it!
Therapy themes are everywhere you look— they’re in your relationships, in the culture, and yes, inside of you, Mary! Each week, Jake Ernst and Simon Paluck peel back the therapy curtain to discuss the very things people are talking to their therapists about. Anxiety. Boundaries. People Pleasing. Their narcissistic mother. No topic is off limits!

New episodes drop every Thursday.
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The hosts:
Jake: https://www.instagram.com/mswjake
Simon: https://www.instagram.com/directedbysimon
The pod: https://www.instagram.com/notatherapypodcast