Convos from the Couch by LifeStance Health

Sabrena Ness joins us for a thoughtful conversation on the Neuro Affective Relational Model (NARM) and what it reveals about developmental trauma. We explore how our earliest experiences quietly shape the ways we show up in relationships, navigate emotions, and understand ourselves. Sabrena offers a refreshing shift in perspective—moving away from “fixing” behaviors and toward approaching them wit...

As we recognize Pride month, Tennessee-based therapist Jerry Lawson joins us to explore what it truly means to be an ally to the LGBTQ+ community. Drawing from both personal experience and clinical perspective, Jerry shares how connection, empathy, and presence can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Together, we discuss why allyship matters, the real impact of loneliness and exclusion...

In this episode of Convos from the Couch,  Toi Valentine , Chief Strategy Officer at LifeStance Health, explores her personal experience with  EMDR  (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) therapy. Together, we unpack how EMDR works, what it feels like, and why it can be an impactful option for people navigating  trauma ,  grief , and  PTSD .  Toi shares her journey and reflects on how EMD...

In this episode of Convos from the Couch, we are joined by psychiatrist Dr. Lin Lu , who shares her deeply human approach to building meaningful connections in mental health care.   Dr. Lu reflects on her journey from studying medicine and neuroscience to becoming a psychiatrist, shaped by her desire to connect with people on a deeper level. She introduces her philosophy of seeing patients not jus...

With excitement building around the latest sequel to The Devil Wears Prada, conversations about fashion are once again taking center stage—but style is about much more than trends and designer labels. In this insightful conversation, Victoria Faynberg explores a surprising yet powerful connection: the link between what we wear and how we feel. Together, they dive into the psychology of clothing ch...

As we recognize Men's Mental Health month, we chat with therapist Aaron Peska to explore a topic that doesn’t get talked about enough— body dysmorphia in men. Together, we unpack how social pressures, evolving life stages, and internal expectations can shape the way men see their bodies and themselves.   Aaron shares both professional insight and personal perspective, offering a grounded explanati...

Mental health and physical health are deeply connected—but too often, care for each exists in separate systems. In this conversation, we connect with Kristin MacGregor , National Clinical Director for Integrated Behavioral Health at LifeStance, to explore how changing that dynamic can create a better experience for patients and providers alike. We unpack what integrated behavioral health (IBH) and...

What happens in the mind—not just the body—when someone starts a GLP‑1 medication? In this episode, we explore what’s happening in the brain and body when someone takes a GLP‑1, including changes in appetite, metabolism, and what many patients describe as a reduction in “food noise.” We look closely at the psychological impacts clinicians are noticing: shifts in self‑esteem, social experiences aro...

LifeStance therapist Kellen Smith joins us to explore the complex and often misunderstood reality of postpartum psychosis. The conversation unpacks what postpartum psychosis is, how it differs from postpartum depression , and why early recognition and support are so critical.   Drawing from her background in forensic psychology, Kellen helps listeners understand key warning signs, including severe...

In this episode, we sit down with LifeStance therapist Jordan Parmenter to unpack a conversation that’s increasingly hard to ignore: the impact of social media on our mental and emotional well-being. Grounded in a recent landmark court case that held major platforms accountable for addictive design features like infinite scroll and autoplay, the discussion goes beyond headlines to explore what “so...

LifeStance Psychologist Dr. Audrey Oliva explores what psychological assessment for adult autism really involves—and why so many adults are missed earlier in life.   We discuss the full evaluation process, from the initial intake to in‑depth testing, behavioral observation, and comprehensive feedback. The conversation unpacks key concepts like masking, twice exceptionality, and autistic burnout, a...

Saunas are having a serious moment — from gyms to backyard builds to endless social media claims promising everything from better sleep to reduced stress. But behind the hype, what’s actually true? LifeStance Health Clinical Directors Aimee McWilliams and Mark McGrosky join us to explore this wellness trend. Together, the group unpacks the growing popularity of saunas and looks at what research su...

Feeling disconnected—even when you’re not alone? You’re not the only one. In this episode, we chat with therapist Lauren Corsillo to unpack the growing loneliness epidemic—and why it’s affecting people of all ages. Drawing on research, clinical insight, and real-world experiences, Lauren explores how loneliness shows up in our lives and what’s driving its rise. Together, we break down what lonelin...

In a time when the headlines feel relentless and conversations can quickly turn charged, we sit down with therapist Eva Tukuafu for a thoughtful, grounding conversation on navigating political stress . Eva shares practical guidance for staying present, maintaining psychological flexibility, and navigating challenging conversations without losing sight of our values or our relationships. From under...

LifeStance psychiatrist Dr. Kenya Windley and psychologist and author Dr. Eugene Carroccia join us for a grounded, eye‑opening conversation about one of the most overlooked mental health tools: sleep . Together, they explore why sleep is often the first thing people sacrifice and how deeply it influences emotional regulation, focus, mood, and overall well‑being. Dr. Windley shares her clinical per...

In this episode, host Nicholette Leanza is joined by co-host and Public Relations Manager Samantha Miller, along with LifeStance therapists Harley Rubin and Khannah (Han) Wetmore , to unpack the emotional impact of the HBO Max series Heated Rivalry—and why it has struck such a chord with viewers. Together, the group explores the complex relationship between characters Shane and Ilya, examining how...

In this special episode of Convos from the Couch, we chat with Olympic diver and author Cassidy Krug to explore what really happens after life’s biggest moments. Joined by former fellow diver and Senior Growth Marketing Manager McKenze Rogers, Cassidy opens up about her journey from elite athlete to writer, parent, and someone continually learning to navigate change. Together, they talk about the...

In this powerful continuation of our two-part series on mental health and Olympic athletes, we chat with Olympic sprinter Kendall Ellis and Olympic pentathlete Samantha Schultz for an honest, grounded conversation about what it truly means to perform at the highest level. Kendall and Samantha open up about the pressures that come with elite competition, the stigma they faced when seeking help, and...

Convos from the Couch welcomes Olympic athletes Steve Mesler and Jeremy Dodson for a powerful, honest conversation about the mental health realities behind the world’s biggest stage. While fans see strength, precision, and glory, today’s episode pulls back the curtain on what elite competitors carry long before — and long after — they step onto the track or into the sled. We explore how early ambi...

LifeStance marriage and family therapist Lawson Bost joins us for a thoughtful conversation about one of the most common (and most tender) questions people ask this time of year: “Why am I still single?” Drawing from his experience in experiential education and couples therapy, Lawson explores how our beliefs, personal histories, and cultural messages shape the way we view singleness—especially ar...

Athletes often carry an emotional load that isn’t always visible from the sidelines. Therapist and former athlete Kendrique Coats shares how stigma, performance anxiety , and identity struggles can shape an athlete’s mental health. The conversation explores practical ways to help athletes feel safe, regulate stress , and understand what their bodies are communicating. Kendrique also highlights the...

In this episode, we speak with therapist Saba Suleman about the deeply rooted mental health stigma within the South Asian community. Saba shares her personal journey from growing up in Pakistan to becoming a therapist in the U.S., shedding light on the cultural expectations, silence, and fear of judgment that often prevent individuals from seeking support. The conversation explores the reliance on...

What’s normal childhood behavior—and what could be OCD ? In this episode, we sit down with therapist Anthony Mason to unpack how obsessive-compulsive disorder shows up in kids. Together, we explore the early signs parents and caregivers should watch for, how childhood OCD differs from adult OCD, and the emotional toll it can take on a child’s everyday life at home, in school, and with friends. Ant...

What happens when technology meant to help starts to blur reality? In this episode, we are joined by LifeStance Regional Clinical Director Mikka McGee to explore the emerging and unsettling phenomenon often referred to as “AI psychosis.” Together, we unpack how interactions with AI chatbots may intensify delusions or psychotic symptoms in vulnerable individuals, why the term—while non-clinical—has...

LifeStance therapist  Victoria Benfer  joins us in the new year for a thoughtful conversation on exercise as a powerful form of self-care. Together, we reframe movement beyond weight loss, focusing instead on its impact on mental health and overall well-being. Victoria shares both personal experiences and clinical insights on how exercise can regulate  stress , improve emotional and physical healt...