# Chapter 1 | They need therapy... not each other!

An episode of [Plot Twists and Freudian Slips Podcast](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/podcast/1868138596), 15 Jan 2026, 45 min.

Audio: https://anchor.fm/s/10c3ee984/podcast/play/113805419/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2026-0-11%2F415875806-44100-2-e354adef3946a.mp3

Chapter One: They Need Therapy…Not Each Other! In this episode of Plot Twists & Freudian Slips, we dive into Still Beating by Jennifer Hartman, unpack the psychology of the characters, side-eye the coping mechanisms, and ask the question we always ask: is this healing, or just trauma bonding? In this episode, we discuss: • Trauma and PTSD • Reading goals and slumps • 1 star reviews on Goodreads Trigger Warnings*** This episode discusses sexual assault, kidnapping, murder, self-harm, attempted suicide, reference of non-viable pregnancy and loss of a pet. Your mental health is of the utmost importance to us; please take care while listening. Books & media mentioned • Still Beating by Jennifer Hartman • DSM-5 by The American Psychiatric Association • The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston • The Wedding People by Alison Espach • The Favorites by Layne Fargo • Book recommendations from Mary: Lotus by Jennifer Hartman and The Stars Are on Our Side by Jennifer Hartman Therapy Disclaimer The "Plot Twists and Freudian Slips" podcast is for entertainment purposes only. While I am a licensed therapist, my analysis of fictional characters does not constitute a therapist-patient relationship, nor is it a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The "diagnoses" discussed are speculative and based solely on the text of the book; they are intended to provide insight into psychological themes and narrative arcs, not to label real individuals. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need professional support, please reach out to a local licensed provider or contact a crisis hotline immediately. Listening to this podcast does not establish a clinical relationship between the listener and Julia Baruffi. Follow & support the show: Follow Plot Twists & Freudian Slips wherever you listen ️ Rate & review if you like therapy-brained book talk Find us on TikTok @plotwistsandslipspod, Instagram @plotwistsandfreudianslipspod, YouTube @PlotTwistsandFreudianSlipsPod Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/synod/simple-life License code: TR6Q5EZNHYKFOQWP Spoiler Alert*** There will be major spoilers for this book, so if you have not read it yet, please do so. Or, sit back and listen while we unpack the book together! :) Xoxo - Mary and Jules

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