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 with curiosity and compassion. Along the way, we unpack key ideas like connection versus disconnection, adaptive survival styles, and why many of our patterns are protective responses rather than personal shortcomings. Whether you’re exploring trauma-informed care for the first time or reflecting on your own experiences, this episode offers an engaging, human-centered perspective that meets you where you are.

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, and how small actions—like using correct pronouns, offering support, and speaking up against intolerance—can help foster a sense of belonging. The conversation highlights how allyship doesn’t require perfection or grand gestures, but rather consistency, respect, and a willingness to learn.

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 EMDR helped her process difficult memories in a new way, shift her emotional responses, and regain a sense of control. Along the way, she highlights the importance of self-advocacy in therapy, finding the right approach, and staying curious about evidence-based care.

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 just as patients, but as people and explains how trust, empathy, and mutual respect form the foundation of effective care.    The conversation also explores how we view mental health conditions. Dr. Lu offers a refreshing perspective by highlighting the strengths that can exist alongside challenges—such as humility in social anxiety, passion and compassion in bipolar disorder, and authenticity in autism. Through real stories and thoughtful insights, she encourages a shift away from stigma and toward understanding.

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 choices, including the fascinating concept of enclothed cognition—the idea that our outfits can influence confidence, focus, and emotional well-being. Victoria brings the discussion into everyday life, showing how getting dressed can become an intentional act of self-care that supports both mindset and mental wellness. One of the biggest takeaways? Don’t dress for the day you’re having—dress for the day you want to create. Whether you're navigating stress, building confidence, or simply looking for a fresh perspective, this conversation offers practical insights into how small choices—starting with what's in your closet—can help shape your experience of the day ahead.

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 explanation of what body dysmorphia can look like—from obsessive thoughts about appearance to the impact of social media and comparisons.   The conversation highlights common triggers, including life transitions, relationships, and workplace visibility, and how these influences can affect confidence and self-worth.   Listeners will also hear practical, compassionate strategies for navigating these challenges, including mindfulness techniques, shifting fitness goals, and building a healthier relationship with self-image.

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 the collaborative care model really mean—and why more healthcare systems are embracing this connected approach to care. Kristin shares how behavioral health providers, primary care clinicians, and psychiatric consultants work as one coordinated team, making it easier for patients to access support for concerns like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and everyday life stressors—often within the medical settings they already know and trust.

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 around food, and the emotional relief that can come when long‑standing weight struggles finally feel more manageable. We also discuss important considerations, such as body image, eating disorder history, and what can happen emotionally if someone stops taking a GLP‑1 medication.

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 mood changes, delusions, hallucinations, and a growing disconnect from reality.   We reflect on how stigma, limited resources, and missed opportunities for intervention can contribute to devastating outcomes—and how compassionate, timely care can make a meaningful difference for individuals and families.

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 “social media addiction” really means. Jordan breaks down how it differs from heavy use, the subtle warning signs to watch for, and when scrolling starts to interfere with daily life, emotional regulation, or self-esteem. Together, they also examine why certain groups—especially youth and individuals navigating anxiety, OCD, ADHD, or high stress—may be more vulnerable to these patterns. Throughout the episode, listeners will find practical, non-judgmental guidance on creating a healthier relationship with technology—from setting realistic boundaries to using social media more intentionally. The conversation also touches on age-appropriate use, the influence of algorithms, and how therapy can help people better understand their habits and regain a sense of balance—without shame or blame.