Advertise on podcast: Convos from the Couch by LifeStance Health

On this episode, we sit down with psychiatric nurse practitioner Christopher Wojnar for an honest conversation about resilience, recovery, and finding hope through life's most difficult moments. Chris shares parts of his personal journey, including the challenges he faced with his own mental health and how those experiences ultimately shaped his passion for helping others. Together, we talk about the power of connection, the importance of asking for help, and why sharing our stories can make others feel less alone. Chris also reflects on how personal experiences, both as an individual and a parent, have influenced his perspective on mental health, healing, and supporting people through difficult times.

Sports can bring us joy, excitement, anticipation, and sometimes disappointment. But what if being a sports fan offers benefits that go far beyond the final score? In this episode, we chat with therapist Luke Wright to explore the connection between sports fandom and mental health. Together, we discuss how rooting for a team can foster a sense of belonging, strengthen social connections, and even help us build resilience through life's ups and downs. From game-day excitement and dopamine to community, identity, and shared experiences, they unpack why sports hold such a meaningful place in many people's lives.

What happens when life's most difficult moments become the foundation for helping others? In this episode of Convos from the Couch, LifeStance therapist Kellen Smith shares her deeply personal journey, including her adoption story, struggles with identity and belonging, recovery from addiction, and the life-changing experiences that eventually led her to a career in mental health care. Along the way, Kellen reflects on motherhood, personal growth, radical acceptance, and the lasting impact compassionate therapists can have on a person's life. Her story is a reminder that healing is rarely a straight line, but growth is always possible.

Nature offers something many of us are missing in our busy, screen-filled lives: a chance to slow down, reconnect, and reset. In this episode, we sit down with clinical psychologist Dr. Melanie Sklar to explore the powerful connection between nature and mental well-being. Together, they discuss how spending time outdoors can help reduce stress, improve mood, support emotional regulation, and provide a sense of grounding during difficult moments. Dr. Sklar shares insights into how our nervous system responds to natural environments, why even small doses of nature can make a difference, and how practices like mindfulness and self-compassion can help us get more from our time outside. Whether it's a walk around the block, time in a nearby park, or simply opening a window for fresh air, this conversation offers practical ways to bring more nature into your daily life.

Bringing a new baby home can be joyful, overwhelming, and life-changing, often all at once. But what happens when postpartum mental health challenges become something more serious? While postpartum psychosis is rare, it’s one of the most serious postpartum mental health conditions and one that’s often misunderstood. In this episode clinical psychologist Dr. Ashton Scherrer unpacks what postpartum psychosis really is, how it differs from other postpartum mood disorders, and why awareness can make all the difference. Together, we discuss warning signs loved ones should watch for, who may be at greater risk, and the treatment approaches used to support recovery. We also explore the importance of reducing stigma around postpartum mental health and ensuring new parents feel supported during one of life’s biggest transitions.

Convos from the Couch welcomes Licensed Clinical Social Worker Cory Grad for an insightful conversation about helping students with ADHD navigate the transition back to school. Together, we explore what ADHD is, how it commonly shows up in children and teens, and why understanding how the ADHD brain works can make a meaningful difference in academic success. Listeners will learn practical strategies for creating routines, building supportive home and school environments, and helping students develop organization and time-management skills. The discussion also covers school accommodations such as IEPs and 504 plans, college support services, behavioral interventions, and common misconceptions that can create challenges for students with ADHD. Whether you're a parent, educator, caregiver, or student, this episode offers compassionate, real-world guidance to help make the start of a new school year feel less overwhelming and more empowering.

Social media has transformed the way we talk about mental health, but has it changed what we expect from therapy? In this episode, we welcome licensed clinical professional counselor Nicholas Marchand for an honest conversation about the growing disconnect between therapy portrayed online and the reality of the therapeutic process. Together, we explore how viral mental health content can influence perceptions of healing, diagnosis, and personal growth. From self-diagnoses inspired by TikTok and Instagram to the belief that therapy should deliver immediate answers, they unpack common misconceptions and explain what meaningful progress in therapy truly involves. Tune in to learn why therapy is a collaborative experience, why growth takes time, and why no diagnosis can define the whole person.

What does it really mean to belong at work? In this episode, we are joined by Jewel Ratcliff, Clinical Director and Central Region DEIB Co-Chair, and Madison Coward-Thibodeaux, National Onboarding Team member and Central Region DEIB Co-Chair to explore how belonging impacts employee engagement, workplace culture, leadership, and overall well-being.   They also share practical ways leaders and employees can foster belonging through intentional communication, recognition, psychological safety, and accountability. Our guests emphasize the role of DEIB initiatives, employee feedback, and everyday interactions in creating environments where people feel seen, valued, and respected. To learn more about LifeStance's commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging—and how you can be part of it, visit here.

Family estrangement is more common than many people realize, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood and isolating experiences individuals and families can face. In this episode, we are joined by LifeStance therapist Kara Guevara and her patient Ken to explore the emotional impact of losing contact with a family member and the complex grief that often follows. Together, they discuss the difference between a strained relationship and estrangement, common reasons families become disconnected, and why these experiences can leave people feeling unheard and alone. Ken shares his personal journey through estrangement and the challenges of coping with loss, while Kara offers clinical insight into acceptance, grief, boundaries, and finding meaningful support during difficult times. Whether you're navigating estrangement yourself, supporting a loved one, or simply seeking a deeper understanding ofthis often-overlooked topic, this conversation offers compassion, perspective and hope.

What might therapy look like for someone who has spent most of their life in the public eye? We are joined by Sharyn Koch, a licensed professional clinical counselor and art therapist, for a thoughtful conversation about fame, identity, resilience, and self-expression. Using Taylor Swift as a cultural case study, we discuss the healing power of creative outlets, the challenges of navigating public criticism, and how art, music, and storytelling can help people process difficult experiences.   Sharyn also shares several art therapy exercises that encourage reflection on support systems, emotional authenticity, self-care, and personal boundaries.

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.