TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – Viewers may be used to seeing meteorologist Allie Potter tracking storms on television, but her new podcast, The Other Side of OK, is exploring completely different territory: mental health.
In the premiere episode, Potter opens up about her personal mental health journey, which began about a year and a half ago. To break down common misconceptions and anxieties about seeking therapy, she sat down with licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) Nicole Moore — a close friend who originally encouraged Potter to seek support.
“When you think of mental health, sometimes you think of the doom and gloom,” Potter said. “Going through therapy and walking through that journey has literally been life-changing. I want this to be inspiring to other people.”
Finding the right fit: ‘Therapy shopping’
One of the most daunting steps for newcomers is simply finding a provider. Moore described the process of finding a therapist like “shopping” or even a professional matchmaking process.
“At the end of the day, research backs this up: it’s the relationship,” Moore explained, noting that the therapeutic connection is often the single most critical factor in achieving results.
Key advice shared in the episode includes:
Take advantage of free consultations: Many providers offer 15- to 20-minute introductory phone or video calls. Use this time to “interview” them, share brief goals, and gauge whether your personalities and communication styles mesh.
Match training to your specific needs: Look for clinicians specialized in what you want to address, whether that is trauma, grief, couples counseling, or family dynamics.
Trust your instincts: If you don’t feel heard, supported, or comfortable after a consultation or initial session, it is completely acceptable to keep looking.
Privacy, telehealth, and putting in the work
For those worried about privacy, Moore emphasized that confidentiality is legally protected under strict medical privacy standards, making the therapy room a secure space for honest conversation.
The episode also tackles the rise of virtual care. While in-person sessions offer dedicated, neutral spaces, telehealth has eliminated traditional barriers, allowing clients to attend sessions from home, parked cars, or quiet offices during a lunch break.
Ultimately, Moore reminded listeners that therapists aren’t there to wave a “magic wand,” but rather to guide clients through the process.
“My clients are doing the heavy lifting,” Moore said. “I’m just walking along their healing journey with them.”
New episodes of ‘The Other Side of OK’ dive deeper into mental health topics, including upcoming discussions on pediatric and child therapy, dropping every Monday.
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