Advertise on podcast: Thoughts from the Couch Podcast

In Episode 101 of the Thoughts from the Couch podcast, host Justine Carino, a psychotherapist and anxiety treatment specialist, sits down with Katya Libin, founder, mentor, and embodiment facilitator for a powerful conversation about redefining success, releasing perfectionism, and leading with more softness and alignment. Katya shares the story behind building Hey Mama, a nationwide community for moms in business, and what it really looked like behind the scenes: the nonstop work cycle, blurred boundaries, and the pressure to keep proving herself.  Together, Katya and Justine explore how motherhood can amplify ambition and guilt, why so many high-achieving women tie their worth to productivity, and how perfectionism often acts as a “false sense of control” when fear and uncertainty are high. The episode then shifts into Katya’s personal evolution and the creation of Jadeva, a spiritual business community for conscious women who want both depth and growth without burnout. Katya breaks down what it means to lead from presence instead of pressure, how spirituality informs her decisions as a founder, and why community is often the missing piece that makes receiving, rest, and expansion feel safe. If you’re successful on the outside but constantly holding everything together on the inside, The Balanced Boss is private coaching designed to help things feel calmer, steadier, and more sustainable — without giving up your ambition. Take the Balanced Boss Burnout Assessment: https://www.justinecarino.com/the-balanced-boss-burnout-assessment Connect with Katya Libin: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katyaslife/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katyalibin/ Promotion: Two Moons (use code Justine30): https://twomoonshealth.co/

In Episode 100 of the Thoughts from the Couch podcast, Justine sits down with therapist Renee Litt for a powerful conversation about perfectionism and the “striver” part that so many women lean on to feel safe and in control. Using the Internal Family Systems (IFS) approach, they explore how this part formed, why it works so hard, and what it believes it’s protecting us from. Together, they unpack the key IFS concepts of managers, firefighters, and exiles, and how these inner roles shape the way we think, react, and push ourselves. Renee explains how the striver part often develops from early experiences or inherited patterns, and how it can quietly take over our decisions, leaving us anxious, drained, or overly self-critical. Their conversation offers a hopeful, compassionate path toward healing perfectionism by learning to meet this part with curiosity instead of judgment. Listeners will walk away with a clearer picture of how to reconnect with their grounded Self and ease the pressure of striving so they can move through life with more balance and self-trust. Learn more about how perfectionism could get in the way of your happiness. Learn more about Renee Litt: https://www.reneelitttherapy.com/ Follow Renee Litt on Instagram: @reneelitttherapy

In Episode 99 of the Thoughts from the Couch podcast, Justine sits down with therapist and author Eli Weinstein to unpack the invisible load that so many working couples carry behind the scenes. Together, they break down what this mental load actually looks like in day-to-day family life, why it often falls more heavily on one partner, and how resentment can quietly build when the balance feels off. Justine and Eli explore the patterns that start early in parenthood, how “default parent” roles form, and the subtle ways these habits shape communication, connection, and even a couple’s sex life. They also dive into practical strategies for sharing responsibilities with more ease, including daily check-ins, proactive conversations, and learning to let your partner step in without expecting perfection. This episode offers an honest, hopeful look at how couples can shift from scorekeeping and frustration to teamwork and understanding, creating a home where both partners feel supported rather than overwhelmed. Learn more about how to set effective boundaries as a “people-pleaser”. Pre Order Eli Weinstein’s Book “From I Do to We Do”, it’s the ultimate guide every couple needs: https://www.eliweinsteinlcsw.com/book Follow Eli Weinstein on Instagram: @eliweinstein_lcsw

In Episode 98 of the Thoughts from the Couch podcast, host Justine Carino, a psychotherapist and anxiety treatment specialist, discusses the complex question of whether to stay or leave a marriage. Joined by Andrea Dindinger, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, they explore the factors that lead individuals and couples to question their relationships, the importance of addressing repetitive conflicts, and the role of personal accountability in maintaining a healthy partnership.  The episode also delves into the impact of divorce on children and the financial considerations for women contemplating separation. Learn more about how to set effective boundaries as a “people-pleaser” Learn more about Andrea Dindinger: https://www.andreadindinger.com Follow Andrea Dindinger on Instagram: @andreadindinger

In this episode of Thoughts From the Couch, host Justine Carino sits down with Dr. Romie Mushtaq, a board-certified neurologist, Chief Wellness Officer at Great Wolf Resorts, and bestselling author of The Busy Brain Cure, to talk about the true impact of burnout on the brain and hormones. Dr. Romie opens up about her own experience with life-threatening burnout and the powerful steps she took to heal. Together, they explore the neurological and hormonal changes caused by chronic stress, how burnout is often misunderstood, and what recovery can actually look like. This episode offers science-backed solutions to help busy, ambitious women restore their focus, energy, and health. Learn more about the Worry Workshop Series at: carinocounseling.com/worry-workshop Learn more about Dr. Romie: http://drromie.com Follow Dr. Romie on Instagram: @drromie

In this episode of Thoughts From the Couch, host Justine Carino speaks with Dr. Jeanette Linder and Michelle Lance, founders of Lance Linder, about the dangers of burnout and the importance of self-care for women in high-performance environments.  They share their personal experiences with burnout, the emotional and physical dangers of overworking, and the tools women can use to lead with power and navigate their careers without sacrificing their well-being.  The conversation emphasizes the significance of authenticity, mentorship, and the mind-body connection in achieving a balanced and fulfilling life. Download my free guide: 6 Signs That Your Perfectionism is Getting In The Way Of Your Happiness  Learn more about Dr. Jeanette Linder and Michelle Lance’s work at:  https://www.LanceLinder.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/lance-linder-llc/

In this episode of Thoughts From the Couch, Justine Carino, LMHC discusses the signs that indicate it's time to consider medication to treat an anxiety disorder with board-certified psychiatrist, Dr. Mona Amini. These mental health powerhouses explore the importance of understanding anxiety disorders, the role of medication in treatment, and address common myths surrounding psychiatric medication. Dr. Amini emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to mental health, combining therapy, lifestyle changes, and medication when necessary.  The conversation aims to destigmatize mental health treatment and empower individuals to seek the help they need. Learn more about my Worry Workshop Series at: carinocounseling.com/worry-workshop Learn more about Dr. Mona Amini:  https://monviemindwellness.com/

In this episode of the Thoughts on the Couch Podcast, psychotherapists  Justine Carino, LMHC and Anne-Marie Conlan, LMHC delve into the complexities of perfectionism and particularly how it manifests in high-achieving women. They explore the common core beliefs and thinking traps that perfectionists face, the role of cognitive behavioral therapy in managing these issues, and practical strategies for overcoming perfectionistic tendencies.  The conversation emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and the need to challenge unrealistic standards to reduce anxiety and stress. Download my free guide 5 Ways to Let Go of Perfectionism and Still Get Things Done at: carinocounseling.com/perfectionism Learn more about Anne-Marie’s work at: https://www.carinocounseling.com/anne-marie-conlan

Motherhood and entrepreneurship don’t come with a guidebook and doing both at once can feel overwhelming. In this episode, I sit down with four powerhouse women to share the real highs and lows of being a self-employed mom. We talk about messy routines, mom guilt, marriage, friendships, and what it takes to grow a business while raising kids. Joining me are: Alessandra Cortina, civil litigator and founder of The Lawyerista, helping women protect their businesses.  Dana Carretta-Stein, therapist, practice owner, and EMDR coach supporting clients and clinicians | https://www.theemdrcoach.com/ Donna Stefans, attorney and wealth advisor helping families plan and protect their futures | wealthadvisoryassoc.com Andrea Merrill, messaging architect and speaker coach, helping women turn their stories into revenue | andreamerrill.co If you’ve ever felt guilty for not “doing it all,” this conversation will remind you that no one really is and that’s okay. Learn more about my Worry Workshop Series at: carinocounseling.com/worry-workshop

Work-life balance sounds good in theory but for working moms, it often feels impossible. In this episode, I sit down with Whitnee Hawthorne, author, speaker, and founder of The Savvy Working Mom, to break down the myths that keep us stuck in burnout. We talk about why delegation is so hard, how perfectionism shows up in motherhood, and the emotional weight we carry when we try to do it all. Whitnee shares her “Shine, Manage, Surrender” mindset and 7 D’s of Delegation, real tools to help you protect your energy and stop doing everything alone. If you’re stretched thin and constantly stuck in over-functioning mode, I also teach tools to break the perfectionism-worry cycle through my workshop series at carinocounseling.com/worry-workshop. Learn more about Whitnee’s work at www.thesavvyworkingmom.com , and check out her book The Savvy Working Mom: https://thesavvyworkingmom.com/book/

As a self-employed mom, I know what it’s like to carry the weight of a business and a family at the same time. In this solo episode, I’m breaking down the invisible stressors that so many of us face, decision fatigue, financial pressure, time scarcity, mom guilt and why they leave us feeling burned out, even when everything looks fine on the outside. If you’re constantly chasing productivity and still feel like it’s not enough, this episode is for you. You will come across honest truths, mindset shifts, and small but powerful ways to care for yourself without losing momentum in your work or at home. I also teach tools to break the perfectionism-worry cycle through my workshop series at carinocounseling.com/worry-workshop.

Cutting off family members isn't healing—it's often another form of fusion. I'm seeing this trend everywhere and it's actually preventing real resolution. Family estrangement has become socially acceptable in our individualistic culture. We're applying friendship rules to family relationships, which creates more loneliness. This episode with therapist Rachel Hack will challenge your thinking about family boundaries. We explore when estrangement is necessary versus when it's avoidance masquerading as self-protection. Get Effective strategies to ⁠⁠⁠⁠end intrusive thoughts and the mom-guilt of not being present⁠⁠⁠⁠ from a fellow working mom/therapist. Find out more about Rachel https://www.rachelhaack.com/

Alcohol can easily become something that takes more than it gives. What do you do when you get to that point? Do you need to go full sober? Is the "fun" worth the results? Today I'm diving into the alcohol balance-beam with Michaela and Erinn of 2 SOBER GIRLS. If you're sober or sober-curious, connect with 2 Sober Girls and see how sobriety can be sexy. Get Effective strategies to ⁠⁠⁠end intrusive thoughts and the mom-guilt of not being present⁠⁠⁠ from a fellow working mom/therapist.

Hormones aren’t making you crazy—they’re trying to help you heal. Dr. Ulrike Kaunzner and Terry Chang from Two Moons Health join me to challenge the shame around PMS by embracing its natural wisdom - and revealing some life-saving micro-tools to balance hormones naturally. Learn how menstrual cycle phases impact your mood and mental health. Ditch the mood swings, balance your hormones, and own your cycle every month with Zest & Zen seed-cycling capsules. Use my code for $50 off: JUSTINE50 Learn more about Two Moons Health: InstagramWebsite Get Effective strategies to ⁠⁠end intrusive thoughts and the mom-guilt of not being present⁠⁠ from a fellow working mom/therapist.

Sleep isn't just about closing your eyes and hoping. Most insomnia treatments completely miss the behavioral conditioning piece. I brought in Dr. Shelby Harris, the Sleep Doctor herself. She's revolutionizing how we approach women's sleep disorders today. This episode breaks down real insomnia versus normal sleep struggles. You'll learn why tracking devices make anxiety worse, not better. Effective strategies to ⁠end intrusive thoughts and the mom-guilt of not being present⁠ from a fellow working mom/therapist.