Convos from the Couch by LifeStance Health

In this episode, we are joined by therapist Bill Franklin-Cromwell to explore the emotional challenges the holiday season can bring and how group therapy can help. Bill shares his background in trauma therapy and the inspiration behind creating his trauma-focused group, highlighting the powerful sense of connection and shared healing it offers participants. The conversation touches on holiday stre...

The holidays can be a lonely time for many—but you don’t have to navigate it alone. In this episode we chat with Adaobi Innocent , a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner at LifeStance Health, to unpack why the season can feel especially heavy. We explore common triggers like loss, pressure to meet expectations, financial strain, and illness, while sharing practical, compassionate strategie...

In this episode, we sit down with LifeStance therapist Victoria Benfer to explore the growing trend of reborn dolls—remarkably lifelike, artist-crafted baby dolls that have captured increasing public interest. Victoria discusses the many roles these dolls play, from offering comfort to those coping with infant loss or loneliness, to supporting connection and calm for older adults in memory care se...

LifeStance therapist Jordan Parmenter joins us to unpack the cultural moment that is Spotify Wrapped. We explore what this end-of-year tradition reveals about our listening habits, why it resonates so strongly, and how it can offer both emotional validation and a sense of connection. Jordan shares his own experiences with Spotify Wrapped—highlighting the joy, surprises, and occasional self-reflect...

LifeStance therapist Threasa Kluever offers helpful insights on Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) —an evidence-based approach that helps individuals build skills for managing emotions, navigating relationships, and improving overall well-being. Tee shares her professional journey and how she came to specialize in DBT, offering accessible explanations of its core components: mindfulness, interpers...

LifeStance therapist Yolanda Frantzich joins us for an in-depth look at domestic violence—its prevalence, its patterns, and the wide range of abusive behaviors it can involve. Yolanda combines her clinical knowledge with personal experience, describing how her own past relationship inspired her to pursue a career in therapy. She breaks down the many forms of abuse, including physical harm, emotion...

Therapist Emily Broad joins the conversation to explore dissociation—what it is, how it manifests, and strategies for managing it. She shares practical grounding tools, including the 5-4-3-2-1 method and personalized breathing exercises. The discussion also covers building body awareness, particularly for trauma survivors, and approaches to gently increase tolerance for challenging emotions. Emily...

Katie Fosselius, a licensed therapist at LifeStance Health joins us on this episode to explore one of the most essential elements of effective therapy — the therapeutic relationship. Katie shares her personal path to becoming a therapist and reflects on how empathy, authenticity, and trust form the foundation for healing and growth. Drawing inspiration from pioneers like Carl Rogers and Irvin Yalo...

In this special Halloween episode, we chat with LifeStance therapist Ed Collins , author of Fear Itself: The Nature of Fear and Its Value to the Human Race. Together, we dive into what really lies beneath our fears—why we seek out scary experiences, how fear connects to anxiety , and the surprising ways it can help us grow. Ed also shares how fear has shaped human survival and why it continues to...

LifeStance therapist Anastasia Titova shares how creativity can help people reconnect with themselves, process emotions, and discover new perspectives. She reflects on her journey from psychiatry to expressive arts therapy , her work integrating multiple therapeutic approaches, and her volunteer efforts supporting therapists in Ukraine.  The conversation also dives into simple, practical ways to s...

In this episode of From the Couch, we chat with therapist Jordan Parmenter to explore how Korean pop music (K-Pop) goes far beyond catchy beats — it’s shaping identity, connection, and mental health around the world. Jordan shares how discovering BTS helped her embrace her multicultural identity and find a deeper sense of belonging. Together, they dive into how music can be a source of healing, se...

Swifties, this one’s for you! In this episode, we sit down with therapists Jessica Snow , Jeanette Mille r, and Sharyn Koch  to unpack the therapeutic magic behind Taylor Swift’s music. From processing heartbreak to finding strength after loss, the group explores how Taylor’s lyrics can help people navigate emotions like grief , trauma , and anxiety . They share personal reflections, favorite song...

Bethany McClenahan, President of the Board of Directors for NAMI Greater Kansas City and a practice group manager at LifeStance Health opens up about her personal journey living with mental health conditions and the ways she has turned that experience into impact through both her professional and volunteer roles. She shares NAMI’s mission to foster mental wellness, acceptance, and hope through adv...

Therapist Isabella Lombardo joins us to explore her therapeutic philosophy rooted in love, connection, warmth, and whimsy. She reflects on her path through different mental health settings, the role of balance in relationships and daily life, and why we need more than just survival to truly thrive. Isabella also shares how these principles can help address burnout, foster healthier connections, an...

Why are so many people developing emotional attachments to AI? In this episode, we dig into the surprising drivers—like loneliness, curiosity, and even the comfort of psychological safety. We try out a live interaction with Google’s Gemini AI to see these dynamics in action. We’ll unpack both the upsides and the pitfalls of these connections, and close with some thoughtful advice on what to do if...

Suicide is a leading cause of death worldwide, affecting individuals and families across all walks of life. Therapist Jennifer Hudson shares practical insights on how to approach conversations about suicide with empathy and clarity, including how to assess risk factors like intent, plan, and means. She emphasizes the importance of peer support, setting realistic boundaries, and knowing when to con...

LifeStance therapists Wojciech Seweryn , Ricky Esposito Jr and Jasper Waite join us on this episode to tackle some of the most common myths about male providers in mental health. The conversation explores unconscious biases that often influence a preference for female therapists, along with stereotypes that male therapists may be less empathetic or warm. Wojciech, Ricky, and Jasper share how they...

Join us as we dive into Gen Z coping strategies with host Nicholete Leanza and therapist, professor, and mom Sarah Yanosy . We explore the unique ways this generation handles stress—whether it’s “bathroom camping” between classes, grabbing a Diet Coke for a quick reset, living in cozy clothes, sweating it out at the gym, taking late-night drives with the music up, clicking “add to cart,” or scroll...

In this episode, we chat with nurse practitioner Nicole Buatala about a topic that’s as important as it is often overlooked—your child’s mental health , starting from day one. With over two decades of nursing experience and a specialty in caring for the tiniest patients, Nicole shares her passion for helping little ones grow emotionally as well as physically. You’ll hear about signs to watch for,...

What do collectible dolls have to do with mental health? Join us as we unwrap the fascination behind Labubu dolls and more. From the rush of the “gotcha” surprise to the comfort they bring during stressful times, Labubu dolls are sparking joy, building friendships, and creating global communities. The panel, including LifeStance providers Dr. Natalie Grandy , Isabella Lombardo and Courtney Ng comp...

Therapist Lauren Corsillo joins us for a heartful conversation about the science—and personal journey—behind happiness.  We dive into the core ideas of positive psychology, exploring what truly contributes to lasting happiness: meaningful relationships, autonomy, optimism, and staying present. Lauren dispels common myths—like the idea that happiness comes from external achievements—and offers simp...

In this episode of Convos from the Couch, hear how creative arts therapy  —including music performance, painting, and ceramics—can help improve mental health. Through personal storytelling, this episode explores how creative expression reduces anxiety, boosts confidence, and creates a sense of grounding and joy. Whether practiced solo or in community, the arts can be a powerful mental health tool.

In this episode, we are joined by therapist Cory Grad to explore the often complex and deeply personal concept of success. Cory opens up about his own journey to becoming a therapist and reflects on how his definition of success has evolved along the way. We unpack how external influences—like cultural expectations and family pressures—can derail a person’s sense of purpose and contribute to menta...

In this episode, we are joined by therapist Jonathan McIntosh to explore the growing fear of flying, especially in light of recent aviation incidents that have sparked renewed anxiety among travelers. McIntosh, a seasoned psychotherapist, breaks down the root causes of flight anxiety—ranging from specific phobias to trauma responses and heightened awareness from news coverage. He offers practical...

In this episode of Convos from the Couch, we explore how  Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB)  shape a thriving workplace culture at LifeStance with guests KeYunna Taylor, Stephanie Winfree and Stacey Aiton. KeYunna Taylor, National Credentialing Coordinator and Director of the DEIB Committee, shares how DEIB initiatives help build psychological safety and strengthen employee engage...