Lady and the Couch

Giving feedback can feel uncomfortable, but when done with empathy and clarity, it can foster deeper connections. In this episode, we break down how to express your feelings, focus on behavior (not character), and make clear, respectful requests for change. Learn practical skills for offering criticism in a way that supports growth, honesty, and healthier relationships. To learn more, visit www.ladyandthecouch.com Make sure to follow us on social media @ladyandthecouch Facebook: https:/...

Criticism doesn’t always have to cut deep. In this episode, we explore how to handle criticism without crumbling, from separating your worth from your mistakes to responding calmly instead of defensively. Learn how to distinguish between constructive and destructive feedback, and discover effective ways to receive criticism assertively. To learn more, visit www.ladyandthecouch.com Make sure to follow us on social media @ladyandthecouch Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ladyandthecouch Instag...

Many of us struggle to speak up for ourselves without feeling guilty or fearing conflict. This episode breaks down what unassertive communication looks like, why it develops, and how to begin finding your voice. To learn more, visit www.ladyandthecouch.com Make sure to follow us on social media @ladyandthecouch Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ladyandthecouch Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladyandthecouch/

In this episode of Lady and the Couch, we’re joined by Jasmine English, LCSW, a maternal mental health therapist whose passion for supporting mothers is deeply rooted in her own experience as a single mother. Together, we explore the emotional landscape of pregnancy and postpartum—from the joy and uncertainty of new motherhood to the silent struggles many women face. Jasmine sheds light on common myths about pregnancy, the ongoing stigma surrounding maternal mental health, and the unique chal...

Ever find yourself arguing just to prove a point, even though it leaves you feeling worse? Or getting stuck on what “should” be instead of dealing with what actually is? In this episode of Lady and the Couch, we’re talking about what it means to be effective—choosing what works, not just what feels good in the moment. From traffic jams to tricky conversations with loved ones, we’ll explore everyday situations where effectiveness can help you reach your goals, reduce stress, and bring more pea...

Workplace negativity is more than just gossip in the break room—it’s a culture of toxic attitudes, draining dynamics, and unproductive behaviors that impact your well-being inside and outside of work. In this episode of Lady and the Couch, we unpack what workplace negativity looks like, why it spreads, and how burnout (through Christina Maslach’s theory) often fuels the cycle. You’ll hear real-life examples of how negativity shows up in teams, the toll it takes on mental health and prod...

Becoming a mom changes everything—your body, your mind, your relationships, and your daily rhythm. In this episode of Lady and the Couch, we’re diving into the physical, emotional, and social shifts that happen once baby arrives. From navigating postpartum recovery to managing new roles and expectations, we’ll unpack the common experiences women and couples face and share practical tips to ease the overwhelm. Looking for more support? Join our Pregnancy Support Group every Thursday at The Wel...

Ever catch yourself saying, “If I can’t do it perfectly, why bother?” or “One mistake means I’ve failed completely”? That’s all-or-nothing thinking—also known as black-and-white thinking or dichotomous thinking—and it’s one of the most common thought distortions we experience. In this episode, we explore: What all-or-nothing thinking really is and why it’s considered a cognitive distortionEveryday examples of how it shows up in health, work, and relationshipsHow deeper belief systems (schemas...

What if the most courageous thing you could do… was let go? In this powerful episode, we explore the misunderstood, deeply freeing concept of surrender. In a world that glorifies control, certainty, and constant striving, surrender asks us to trust, especially in the face of uncertainty. But this isn’t about giving up. It’s about releasing what was never truly ours to carry. Host Autumn Collier unpacks why we cling so tightly to control, what surrender really means, and how it can look in our...

Uncertainty is one of the most uncomfortable emotional spaces we can sit in, and yet, it’s one we all inevitably face. In this episode, we unpack why uncertainty feels so overwhelming, how anxiety thrives in the unknown, and why our minds chase “what ifs” in search of control. Host Autumn Collier explores our deep need for certainty, the fear that often holds us hostage, and the ways we try to quiet our discomfort through external signs, overthinking, and information overload. Most importantl...

We’re back! After taking time away to pursue new growth and deeper learning, Lady and the Couch returns with fresh insight, deeper reflections, and the same heart-centered focus on mental health and wellness. In this episode, host Autumn Collier shares where she’s been, what inspired the break, and how pursuing a PhD in social work has deepened her understanding of generational patterns and emotional wellness. Tune in to hear what’s coming next for the podcast, how you can stay connected, and...

How do we deal with discomfort? The human thing to do is avoid it. By doing this however, we decrease our ability to tolerate and manage distress. In today's episode, we discuss increasing resilience and a simple mantra we can say to help us when we are in an uncomfortable situation. To learn more, visit www.ladyandthecouch.com. Make sure to follow us on social media @ladyandthecouch Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ladyandthecouch Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladya...

Fear can stop us right in our tracks. It can be debilitating. Today we chat about how to break through fear and evolve into our highest self. We also discuss the role of the ego during this process. We are joined on the couch by Brittany Fagan, LCSW, who is duo licensed as a therapist and mindset coach with 10 years of experience. Brittany is giving Lady and the Couch listeners a special offer for her courses The Art of Boundary Setting and Hello Highest Self. The Lady and the Cou...

Do you overanalyze important decisions that need to be made and end up doing nothing? Maybe this happens especially with career choices or business decisions. Paralysis by analysis is real. Today we discuss reasons for analysis paralysis and a few tips to move past it. To learn more, visit www.ladyandthecouch.com. Make sure to follow us on social media @ladyandthecouch Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ladyandthecouch Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladyandthecouch/

Is "I don't know" your go-to when asked difficult questions? Well, the truth is, you do know. Maybe the difficult part is having to acknowledge our feelings or take action. Today we talk about removing the phrase "I don't know" and responding with more accuracy or authenticity. To learn more, visit www.ladyandthecouch.com. Make sure to follow us on social media @ladyandthecouch Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ladyandthecouch Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladyandthe...

Representation Matters! History has been made with the nomination of the first Black woman to the U.S. Supreme Court. We hear the term "Imposter Syndrome" quite frequently nowadays. Today we talk about Imposter Syndrome from the perspective of lack of diversity. To learn more, visit www.ladyandthecouch.com. Make sure to follow us on social media @ladyandthecouch Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ladyandthecouch Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladyandthecouch/

Do you keep a running To Do List that's impossible to accomplish? Yep, most of us do. We challenge you to take a different approach and tackle that one thing. It's time to stop doing the most (but really doing none) and master that one thing. To learn more, visit www.ladyandthecouch.com. Make sure to follow us on social media @ladyandthecouch Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ladyandthecouch Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladyandthecouch/

In today's episode, we are discussing biases and disparities in mental health and healthcare. We are joined by Dr. Carla Smith, LCSW, LMFT, licensed therapist and trained JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) Coach. We talk about perceptions of worth and value regarding Black people and the extra steps companies can take to make their environment not just diverse, but welcoming. Resources Mentioned: The 1619 Project https://1619books.com/ Biased: Uncovering the Hidden...

Do you know what today is? It's our one year anniversary! To celebrate, we are playing snippets from our top five most listened to episodes. The topics range from couples and relationships to boundaries and trauma. To learn more, visit www.ladyandthecouch.com. Make sure to follow us on social media @ladyandthecouch Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ladyandthecouch Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladyandthecouch/

Do you know that person who always has a "yeah, but..." when you tell them how great they are? Maybe they only see their flaws and what went wrong vs what went right? In today's episode, we discuss the thought distortions magnification and minimization and how they impact us. We all have thought distortions, but when in overdrive, they can be harmful. Join us on the couch as we chat about magnification and minimization and how to redirect these thoughts. To learn more, visit www.ladya...