More Than a Therapy Couch

Topics Covered : The 4 main attachment styles: secure, anxious, avoidant, and disorganized How early childhood and caregiver relationships influence attachment Signs you might be operating from an insecure attachment style How therapy can support the development of secure attachments Practical tools for improving communication, trust, and emotional intimacy Key Takeaways : Attachment styles are no...

Together, we unpack: Why men often struggle to seek therapy What healthy masculinity looks like The role of emotional intelligence in male relationships How therapy can help men feel more connected and empowered What we can all do to support mental wellness for men Whether you’re a man working through your own mental health journey, someone supporting the men in your life, or a clinician looking f...

📌 Summary Notes for Podcast Episode Guest: Aly Resnick, LPC, LMHC — Founder & CEO of Tree of Life Counseling Center Topics Covered: What Mental Health Awareness Month is really about Common mental health struggles people face (anxiety, depression, trauma, burnout, grief) The ripple effect of untreated mental health issues The role of therapy in early intervention and healing Ways to participate i...

Guest: Ben Shutman, LPC Episode Topic: Anxious Parenting, Emotional Awareness, and Family Dynamics What You’ll Hear in This Episode: ✔️ What parental anxiety really looks like—and how it differs from everyday parenting worries ✔️ Common signs of anxious parenting: Overprotectiveness Catastrophic thinking Avoidance of “triggering” situations Constant reassurance-seeking Struggles with letting go as...

Guest: Martha Pender, LCSW, LCADC Topic: Unlocking Motivation, Stages of Change, and Motivational Interviewing In This Episode, We Explore: 🔹 What is Motivation? — The difference between intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivators — Why understanding your “why” is key to lasting growth 🔹 The Stages of Change Model: Precontemplation – Not yet considering change Contemplation – Thinking about change but fe...

What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✔️ What OCD really is and how it differs from common misconceptions ✔️ Common obsessions and compulsions experienced by individuals with OCD ✔️ How ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) and CBT (Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy) help manage symptoms ✔️ The role of medication in OCD treatment ✔️ When to seek professional help Resources & Links: 🔗 Learn more about OC...

Why Trust Matters: The role of trust in emotional safety, communication, and intimacy. Building & Maintaining Trust: Transparency, reliability, active listening, boundaries, and forgiveness. Recognizing Trust Issues: Common signs like suspicion, fear of vulnerability, and inconsistency. Rebuilding Broken Trust: Accountability, transparency, and setting clear expectations. The Role of Therapy: How...

Key Topics Discussed: The Foundation of Trust: Why trust is essential for a healthy relationship and signs that your relationship has a strong trust bond. Rebuilding Trust: Practical steps to regain trust after it’s broken. The Role of Emotional Intimacy: How emotional intimacy fosters deeper connections and impacts physical closeness. Empathy Exercises: Techniques couples can use to reduce tensio...

Key Takeaway: Approach setbacks with self-compassion and see them as opportunities to learn and grow. Planning ahead and allowing room for mistakes can keep your goals on track. When Should I See a Professional? Achieving your goals doesn’t have to be a solo journey. Therapy can be a powerful tool for: -Managing stress -Strengthening relationships -Fostering personal growth   About Tree of Life Co...

Welcome to More Than a Therapy Couch ! This week, we’re exploring the mindset behind “New Year, New Me” with Grace Caputo, LPC. Tune in as we uncover: How to set realistic and healthy resolutions. The power of routines over rigid goals. Why understanding your “why” keeps you motivated. Techniques like habit stacking to make new habits stick. Start your journey today—press play and let’s make 2025...

Key Discussion Points : Why grief intensifies during the holidays: nostalgia, social pressures, and reflections. Practical coping strategies: Acknowledge your feelings without judgment. Set boundaries and prioritize self-care. Create new rituals to honor lost loved ones. Allow yourself moments of joy. Reach out for support from friends, family, or professionals. The importance of recognizing grief...

Guest: Abigail Malit, LAC – Licensed therapist at Tree of Life Counseling Center, specializing in working with individuals, couples, and families in long-term recovery from substance use. Topics Covered: Holiday Stressors in Recovery: Common triggers like social pressure, family dynamics, loneliness, and financial strain. Mental Health Challenges: How heightened emotions and societal expectations...

Key Topics: - The impact of holiday expectations on mental health - Tips for prioritizing self-care during the holidays - Coping strategies for loneliness, including volunteering and virtual gatherings - Managing financial stress and gift-giving pressures - Navigating challenging family dynamics and setting boundaries Join us as we explore how to cultivate mental well-being during this complex tim...

Guest: Shaina Davis, LCSW, LCADC, ACS, Clinical Director at Tree of Life Counseling Center Topics Covered: Overview of maternal mental health, including perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMAD), postpartum depression, and postpartum anxiety. Practical strategies for new mothers, such as self-care, building a support system, and setting realistic expectations. Discussion on the viral TikTok by @...

Key takeaways: The stigma surrounding mental health in South Asian culture Pressures related to academic and career success Identity conflicts for first-generation immigrants Finding a culturally competent therapist  Vyas also emphasizes the importance of self-care and investing in your mental health. Whether you’re South Asian or want to better understand the mental health issues affecting this c...

🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more content on mental health, student life, and wellness tips! - 👉 Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 01:04 – Meet Laura: Grad Student and Ice Cream Shop Manager 04:18:– The Challenges of Balancing School and Work 09:28– Laura’s Mental Health Strategies & Advice 18:30 – Learning Time Management Skills 20:40 Practicing Self-Care ...

 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon for more episodes focused on mental health and well-being. Let's prioritize our mental health together! - Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 03:16 Mental Health During the Back to School Transition 07:11 Signs of Anxiety in Students 08:52 Academic Pressure and Mental Health 16:22 School Avoidance 17:20 Advocating for Disability Accomodations 21:5...

Guest: Alyson Resnick, founder and owner of Tree of Life Counseling Center Topics Discussed: The mental health challenges students face during back-to-school season Common triggers, including academic pressures, social obligations, and adapting to new environments Warning signs that a student may be struggling with their mental health The importance of open communication and establishing a support...

What You'll Learn: - Understanding Narcissism: What does it mean to be a narcissist? We break down the traits of Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) and how they impact relationships. - Effects on Relationships: Discover how narcissistic behavior can affect your sense of self-worth and mental health. Learn about common patterns such as gaslighting and manipulation. -Strategies for Managing Rel...

On this week’s episode of the More Than a Therapy Couch podcast, we sit down with Tree of Life Counseling Center’s Ashleigh Werkmeister, an experienced licensed professional counselor and licensed clinical and alcohol drug counselor who has spent 8 years supporting clients of all ages. Are you interested in starting therapy, but are unsure how to determine if a therapist is a good fit for you? Lis...

Addiction is a challenging journey, but recovery is possible with the right support and resources. At Tree of Life Counseling Center, our experienced team of over 50 clinicians is here to help you and your family navigate this difficult time. 📍 Locations: Princeton, NJ, and Freehold, NJ 📞 Schedule an Appointment: Call 732-393-8391 🌐 Visit Us: https://www.treeoflifecc.org/start-today Join us as...

On this week’s episode of More Than a Therapy Couch, we sit down with Lisa Miller-Samber, an experienced therapist at Tree of Life Counseling Center who specializes in working with transgender youth, young adults and their families. About Tree of Life Counseling Center  At Tree of Life Counseling Center in Princeton, NJ and Freehold, NJ, we have an experienced team of 50+ clinicians to help suppor...

On this week’s episode of the More Than a Therapy Couch Podcast, we sit down with Rob Perper, LPC, ACS, an experienced LGBTQIA+ therapist at Tree of Life Counseling Center to discuss the importance of celebrating Pride Month.  NJ LGBTQIA+ Resources PFLAG HiTOPS The Trevor Project The Pride Center of NJ Garden State Equality   About Tree of Life Counseling Center  At Tree of Life Counseling Ce...

On this week’s episode of the More Than a Therapy Couch Podcast, we sit down with Stephanie DiZenzo-Priestley, LPC, ACS, an experienced child therapist at Tree of Life Counseling Center to discuss trends in presenting conditions amongst children, as well as relevant therapeutic approaches. About Tree of Life Counseling Center  At Tree of Life Counseling Center in Princeton, NJ and Freehold, NJ, we...

Instagram  Facebook LinkedIn    About Tree of Life Counseling Center  At Tree of Life Counseling Center in Princeton, NJ and Freehold, NJ, we have an experienced team of 50+ clinicians to help support you, and your family, through whatever you may be facing. Schedule an appointment today by calling 732-393-8391 or filling out an online form at  https://www.treeoflifecc.org/start-today