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 stress and isolation, the ways group therapy complements individual therapy, and practical strategies for navigating emotionally charged gatherings—underscoring the importance of finding the right therapeutic fit.

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 strategies to cope—from building connection and practicing self-care to embracing hobbies and self-compassion. The conversation also highlights how to spot signs of loneliness in loved ones and when to offer support or encourage professional help.

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 settings, to serving as a creative outlet for dedicated collectors. She also addresses the importance of maintaining healthy boundaries, noting potential risks such as emotional overdependence or blurred lines between fantasy and reality. This thoughtful conversation offers an empathetic, balanced look at the rise of reborn dolls and the complex emotional needs they can help meet.

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-reflection it brings. The conversation also looks at the impact of social comparison and FOMO when people share their results online, and how these reactions can shape our sense of identity and belonging. The episode closes with a thoughtful reminder: embracing your own musical tastes—without embarrassment or competition—is a meaningful act of self-acceptance.

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, interpersonal effectiveness, emotion regulation, and distress tolerance. She breaks down foundational DBT skills—like Wise Mind, DEAR MAN, and radical acceptance—and highlights how these tools can support people facing challenges such as borderline personality disorder, eating disorders, trauma, anxiety, and depression. The conversation also touches on what patients can expect from the typical DBT treatment timeline and why this approach can be especially meaningful for those who are just beginning their mental health journey.

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, emotional manipulation, sexual coercion, financial control, and the growing impact of technological abuse such as digital monitoring and harassment. The conversation also delves into the systemic and psychological factors that keep victims trapped, including isolation, shame, and trauma bonding. Yolanda further shares the devastating story of her sister’s death due to domestic violence, underscoring the urgent need for early recognition of warning signs and timely intervention. This episode provides actionable insights, raises awareness about the complexity of domestic violence, and reinforces the message that support is available—and that no one should feel compelled to stay in an abusive relationship.

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 emphasizes that experiencing dissociation is not a personal failing and offers hope for healing and growth.

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 Yalom, they discuss the power of unconditional positive regard, thoughtful self-disclosure, and genuine connection. Listeners will gain practical insights into how strong client-therapist relationships can shape meaningful therapeutic outcomes.

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 fascinate us each Halloween season. It’s a thought-provoking look at the emotion that both frightens and fuels us.

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 spark creativity and mindfulness in everyday life — and wraps up with a calming guided exercise that encourages listeners to pause and appreciate life’s everyday miracles. Tune in to discover how creativity can unlock healing, connection, and self-discovery.

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, self-expression, and community, proving that sometimes the right song can say what words can’t.

Swifties, this one’s for you! In this episode, we sit down with therapists Jessica Snow, Jeanette Miller, 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 songs, and creative ways to use music in therapy — including lyric analysis, journaling prompts, and even writing verses of your own. Tune in to discover how music connects us, heals us, and reminds us we’re never alone — especially when we have a soundtrack as powerful as Taylor’s. 

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 advocacy, education, and support—including free, peer-led resources like presentations, classes, and support groups. B also addresses the ongoing challenges in mental health care access, from provider shortages to insurance barriers, and explains how NAMI is working to close these gaps. Her message is clear: get involved, stay hopeful, and keep pushing for progress in mental health care.

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, and guide us toward a more fulfilling life.

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 you—or someone you know—start feeling more than just “tech support” vibes from AI. Plus, we’ll share tips on keeping your virtual and real-world relationships in healthy balance.

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 connect someone to professional care or crisis services. We also discuss the critical role of family members, friends, schools, churches, and communities in creating safety nets, and highlight evidence-based resources such as 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, and MentalHealthFirstAid.org. From understanding high-risk populations, including older adults, to reducing stigma and expanding community training, this episode underscores that suicide prevention is not a political issue—it’s a humanity issue. Above all, Jennifer reminds us that while suicidal thoughts can feel overwhelming, they are not permanent. Change is possible, help is available, and hope is real. If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 for immediate support.

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 build strong therapeutic relationships, the unique strengths they bring to their work, and how they address hesitations from clients who are unsure about seeing a male therapist. They also reflect on the importance of modeling healthy masculinity and emphasize that every therapist—regardless of gender—offers their own individual strengths.

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 scrolling endlessly through social feeds. Sarah breaks down which of these habits can actually be helpful and which ones might do more harm than good. She also offers healthier swaps that go beyond quick fixes—like leaning on real friendships, getting outside in nature, setting boundaries that actually stick, and reaching out for professional support when needed. This conversation shines a light on what Gen Z is really up against, how they’re rewriting the rules of self-care, and why community, gratitude, and intentional mental breaks matter now more than ever.

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, how a parent’s own mental health can shape their child’s well-being, and how to decide when medicine might help—or when other tools are better. Nicole also shares why regular check-ins and early intervention can make a lifelong difference. If you’ve ever wondered how to give your child the best mental health foundation possible, this episode is full of practical insights, heartfelt encouragement, and hope for a strong start.

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 compares how collecting looks in the East vs. the West, shares the science behind why our brains love a little mystery, and makes the case for keeping play in your daily life—no matter your age.