New Haven – On Saturday, Koffee? hosted the first live performance of “This is NOT Therapy,” a comedy‑talk show created by social worker Christopher Pressley and featuring local comedians Taylor Doyle and Brittany Robarge. The trio used humor to explore how people present their lives online and in relationships, sparking a lively conversation about the line between genuine connection and performance.
Show concept and hosts
Pressley, a licensed social worker, conceived the show to blend his professional insight with the comedic perspective of two Connecticut‑based performers. He intentionally chose female co‑hosts to balance his own viewpoint. The format resembled a live podcast: each host took a microphone, drew anonymous audience questions from a hat, and invited patrons to submit additional queries on blank forms placed on the tables.
Key topics discussed
The opening question examined whether weddings have become performative events. Robarge noted that the motivation behind any performance matters, while Doyle quipped that the most performative element at her own wedding would be the groom. Pressley added, “There’s nothing wrong with Broadway or a movie set. If a wedding feels like a stage production, God bless them.”
Later, the conversation turned to divorce. Robarge argued that divorce should be an accessible option when marriage no longer serves the partners, describing it as “an essential option for marriage.” Doyle agreed, saying she would rather see friends leave an unhappy marriage than stay in a façade.
Pressley introduced the concept of the sunk‑cost fallacy, explaining that people often stay in relationships because they have already invested time, money, and emotion. He urged listeners to recognize when they are on the “wrong train” and to consider stepping off.
Social‑media performance
The hosts explored how social media amplifies performative behavior. Pressley observed, “We’re all a little performative—at work, with family, online. It’s the social mask we wear.” He encouraged the audience to decide where they want to be authentic and where they might simply be consuming others’ performances.
Doyle shared an anecdote about a woman who created an Instagram account for her unborn child, illustrating how far some parents go to curate a digital presence before the baby is even born. The story sparked laughter and reflection on the boundaries of sharing family life online.
Audience interaction
Patrons were invited to the “hot seat” to share personal stories. One participant, Erica, described a tentative relationship with a grieving man who struggled with emotional intimacy. The hosts offered a nuanced take, acknowledging the man’s attempts at vulnerability while reminding Erica that she should not stay in a situation that feels unsatisfying.
Throughout the show, the balance between punchlines and sincere insight kept the audience engaged. Pressley playfully accused the coffee‑shop patrons of pretending to work, refusing to apologize for disrupting their day, which added to the informal, community‑focused atmosphere.
Looking ahead
Pressley announced that “This is NOT Therapy” will return monthly at Koffee?, with the next episode slated for November, before Thanksgiving, and themed around “family,” which he estimates is the source of 80 percent of people’s life issues. The show is not a therapy session, podcast, or YouTube series; it exists only in the moment, encouraging attendees to be present and participate.
For updates on future shows, follow the hosts on Instagram at @partialoblivionstudiosnhv, @brobarge_comedy, and @taylor.m.doyle.
Original reporting: New Haven Independent — read the source article.
