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Please welcome Jade back to the Couch! This week, Crissle and Jade unpack a range of relationship dilemmas, from navigating loneliness and struggling to build community to questioning whether a close friend is making the right decision in her relationship. They share advice for a couple whose therapist believes they’re ready to end couples therapy, but they are unsure if they’re ready to take that next step. They also explore how to safely leave an abusive relationship and find the support needed to navigate the process. Want to talk to Crissle on a future episode? Email [email protected] and include “chat live” in the subject line. Session Notes: 0:00 — Welcome Back to the Couch0:38 — Our Therapist Thinks We Don’t Need Couples Therapy Anymore9:15 — I’m Deeply Struggling With Loneliness24:52 — I’m the Maid of Honor, but I Don’t Think My Friend Should Get Married44:44 — How Can I Safely Leave My Abusive Relationship56:09 — My Twin Brother Is Dating Someone I Can’t Stand Stay Connected:Join the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/crisslescouchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/crisslescouch/Have an issue for the Couch? Email: [email protected] Crew:Executive Producers: Crissle · Alexandra Rago · Chris MorrowAudio & Video Editor: Shatek for Beats on FilmProduction Coordinators: Faith Lena & Bria Mosley Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Please welcome Jade back to the Couch! This week, Crissle and Jade tackle a range of relationship dilemmas. From struggling to move on from someone you never dated to falling out with your best friend, they explore the challenges of navigating relationships and knowing when it’s time to let go. They also discuss rebuilding trust after a partner reconnects with an ex and figuring out how to support a friend struggling with depression. These conversations get into the realities of friendship breakups, romantic insecurity, and showing up for the people we care about. Want to talk to Crissle on a future episode? Email [email protected] and include “chat live” in the subject line. Session Notes: 0:00 — Welcome Back to the Couch0:42 — Getting Over Someone You Were Never With9:36 — I Had to Remove My Best Friend as a Bridesmaid25:02 — I Caught My Partner Talking to Her Ex35:38 — My Friend Is Struggling With Depression Stay Connected:Join the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/crisslescouchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/crisslescouch/Have an issue for the Couch? Email: [email protected] Crew:Executive Producers: Crissle · Alexandra Rago · Chris MorrowAudio & Video Editor: Shatek for Beats on FilmProduction Coordinators: Faith Lena & Bria Mosley Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Please welcome Jade back to the Couch! This week, Crissle and Jade dive into complicated family dynamics, abusive relationships, controlling parents, and navigating life after a 20-year relationship. They offer advice on setting boundaries, protecting the people you love, and figuring out what to do when relationships get complicated. Want to talk to Crissle? Email [email protected] and include “chat live” in the subject line. Session Notes: 0:00 — Welcome Back to the Couch1:08 — My Aunt Won’t Leave Her Abusive Ex11:11 — How Can I Protect My Sister From Our Controlling Dad25:12 — My Mom Is Making Bad Health Decisions40:58 — I’m Single Again & Black Men Aren’t Taking Me Seriously Stay Connected:Join the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/crisslescouchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/crisslescouch/Have an issue for the Couch? Email: [email protected] Crew:Executive Producers: Crissle · Alexandra Rago · Chris MorrowAudio & Video Editor: Shatek for Beats on FilmProduction Coordinators: Faith Lena & Bria Mosley Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on the Couch, Crissle gets into the messy realities of friendship, family, and healing. She explores what to do when your friends let you down, how to support someone whose relationship has become controlling, and what it means when a friendship starts to fall apart. She also talks through the unexpected ways EMDR therapy can bring buried emotions, memories, and physical reactions to the surface. Across each conversation, Crissle helps callers sit with the uncomfortable parts, make sense of what’s happening, and figure out what to do when the people and relationships they love aren’t showing up the way they hoped. Want to talk to Crissle? Email [email protected] and include “chat live” in the subject line. Session Notes: 0:00 — Welcome Back to the Couch0:18 — My Friends Ruined My Birthday21:01 — I Didn’t Expect EMDR Therapy to Affect Me Like This29:37 — My Cousin’s Husband Is Controlling42:38 — I Don’t Know How to Fix My Strained Friendship Stay Connected: Join the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/crisslescouch Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crisslescouch/ Have an issue for the Couch? Email: [email protected] Crew:Executive Producers: Crissle · Alexandra Rago · Chris Morrow Audio & Video Editor: Shatek for Beats on Film Production Coordinators: Faith Lena & Bria Mosley Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on the Couch, Crissle sits down with Dr. Rheeda Walker to talk about her book; The Unapologetic Guide to Black Mental Health, psychological fortitude, and the importance of understanding the value of who we are. They explore what it means to stay connected to your purpose, navigate life’s stressors, and become more intentional about what you allow to take up space in your mind. They also discuss the unique pressures that impact the Black community, the importance of building mental resilience, and how we can better support ourselves and others without losing sight of our own well-being. Crissle and Dr. Rheeda Walker unpack what it looks like to protect your energy, strengthen your sense of self, and create healthier ways of moving through life. Want to talk to Crissle? Email [email protected] and include “chat live” in the subject line.  Session Notes:  0:00 — Welcome Back to the Couch1:41 — The Unapologetic Guide to Black Mental Health by Dr. Rheeda Walker20:45 — Understanding Psychological Fortitude30:01 — Helping Others Without Hurting Yourself38:57 — Where to Start When You Realize You’re Not Okay Stay Connected:Join the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/crisslescouchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/crisslescouch/Have an issue for the Couch? Email: [email protected] Follow Dr Rheeda Walker:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.rheedawalker/ Resources: The Unapolgetic Guide to Black Mental Health  Crew:Executive Producers: Crissle · Alexandra Rago · Chris MorrowAudio & Video Editor: Shatek for Beats on FilmProduction Coordinators: Faith Lena & Bria Mosley Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on the Couch, Crissle sits down with Dr. Raquel Martin to talk about boundaries, conflict, and what it really means to have healthy relationships. They unpack the difference between boundaries and standards, how to communicate your needs effectively, and why sometimes the person most likely to violate your boundaries is yourself. Crissle and Dr. Raquel Martin unpack the importance of being reasonable in our relationships and how our own behaviors can impact the dynamics we have with others. They discuss what healing looks like while you’re still in the middle of the mess and explore how to navigate difficult conversations while still maintaining healthy boundaries. Want to talk to Crissle? Email [email protected] and include “chat live” in the subject line. Session Notes: 0:00 — Welcome Back to the Couch0:30 — Talking Boundaries with Dr. Raquel Martin10:15 — Conflict Management, Boundaries & Standards26:08 — Are You the One Violating Your Own Boundaries42:47 — What Healthy Communication Actually Looks Like57:06 —   The Importance of Getting Your Information from Credible Sources1:02:54 — Being Reasonable Is Part of Having Healthy Relationships Stay Connected:Join the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/crisslescouchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/crisslescouch/Have an issue for the Couch? Email: [email protected] Follow Dr. Raquel MartinInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/raquelmartinphd/?hl=en Crew:Executive Producers: Crissle · Alexandra Rago · Chris MorrowAudio & Video Editor: Shatek for Beats on FilmProduction Coordinators: Faith Lena & Bria Mosley Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on the Couch, Crissle sits down with Dr. Taylor Cummings to talk about mental health, identity, and the pressure to become who the world expects us to be. They unpack what it means to navigate anxiety, depression, and belonging while learning to understand and trust yourself. They also discuss decolonizing our minds, unlearning the ways we’ve been conditioned to adapt to oppressive systems, and why we have to stop treating systemic problems as individual failures. Crissle and Dr. Taylor Cummings explore what it looks like to bring our knowledge, resources, and strengths together to build healthier, more connected communities. Want to talk to Crissle? Email [email protected] and include “chat live” in the subject line. Session Notes: 0:00 — Welcome Back to the Couch0:44 — The Miseducation of Dr. Taylor Cummings11:09 — Who Are We Supposed to Be in Order to Belong18:29 — How Can We Better Educate Our Communities26:21 — Decolonizing Your Mind & Relearning Yourself35:10 — Why We Need to Stop Individualizing Systemic Problems Stay Connected:Join the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/crisslescouchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/crisslescouch/Have an issue for the Couch? Email: [email protected] Follow Dr. Taylor Cummings:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theselflovedoc/ Crew:Executive Producers: Crissle · Alexandra Rago · Chris MorrowAudio & Video Editor: Shatek for Beats on FilmProduction Coordinators: Faith Lena & Bria Mosley Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on the Couch, Crissle sits down with renowned sex therapist, psychologist, and author Dr. Donna Oriowo to talk about self-esteem, sexuality, and the messages Black girls receive about themselves from an early age. They unpack how young Black girls can begin to understand the value placed on their hair, skin color, bodies, and appearance before they’re even five years old  and how those messages can stay with us into adulthood. They talk about what it means to truly love yourself when you’ve been taught to seek validation from others, why we learn to perform for our safety and the comfort of others, and how low self-esteem can shape the way we experience relationships, sex, and pleasure. Crissle and Dr. Donna Oriowo also explore the role of religion and the church in shaping Black women’s relationships with their sexuality, why secure self-esteem can lead to a healthier sex life, and what it looks like to stop shrinking yourself and finally desire yourself first. Want to talk to Crissle? Email [email protected] and include “chat live” in the subject line. Session Notes: 0:00 — Welcome Back to the Couch0:48 — Learning to Love Yourself12:18 — How Early Are Black Girls Taught to Feel Insecure About Their Bodies19:38 — Why Secure Self-Esteem Leads to Better Sex29:10 — Religion, Church & Black Women’s Sexuality37:30 — Building a Healthy Sex Life & Relationship With Your Sexuality Stay Connected:Join the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/crisslescouchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/crisslescouch/Have an issue for the Couch? Email: [email protected] Follow Dr. Donna Oriowo:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.donnaoriowo/ Crew:Executive Producers: Crissle · Alexandra Rago · Chris MorrowAudio & Video Editor: Shatek for Beats on FilmProduction Coordinators: Faith Lena & Bria Mosley Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Crissle is back on the Couch taking your live calls and getting real about mental health, relationships, and the complicated choices we make when life feels overwhelming. In today’s episode, Crissle helps listeners navigate maintaining their mental health while traveling for work, questioning whether they’re settling in a relationship, and dealing with a parent who expects their children to take on their financial responsibilities. From finding ways to care for yourself when regular therapy isn’t an option to questioning whether a lack of attraction means it’s time to walk away, Crissle offers honest advice on knowing what you need and when it’s time to choose yourself. Throughout this episode, Crissle gets into the importance of making space for your feelings, setting boundaries with family, and recognizing when someone else’s responsibilities are no longer yours to carry. Want to talk to Crissle? Email [email protected] and include “chat live” in the subject line. Session Notes: 0:00 — Welcome Back to the Couch0:23 — How Do I Maintain My Mental Health While Traveling for Work14:29 — Am I Settling for This Man29:44 — My Dad Is Financially Irresponsible and Expects Us to Cover for Him Stay Connected:Join the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/crisslescouchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/crisslescouch/ Crew:Executive Producers: Crissle · Alexandra Rago · Chris Morrow Audio & Video Editor: Shatek for Beats on Film Production Coordinators: Faith Lena  ·   Bria Mosley Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Taking a look back on the couch to Session 23: Please welcome acclaimed writer, cultural critic, and bestselling author Roxane Gay to the couch! Resources: Bad Feminist by Roxane Gay Hunger by Roxane Gay Pet Care Tips Mental Health Resources  How to Be Heard (Upcoming Book) Stay Connected:Join the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/crisslescouchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/crisslescouch/Have an issue for the Couch? Email: [email protected] Session Notes:0:00 — Welcome Back to the Couch1:50 — The Journey of Dog Parenthood10:28 — The Reality of Being a Public Figure: Expectations, Accountability & Perfectionism20:50 — Roxane Gay’s Journey as a Writer30:58 — Honesty & Boundaries in Personal Storytelling36:20 — The Importance of Saying No & Protecting Your Energy39:32 — Responsibility in Writing: The Weight of Personal Stories49:30 — Therapy & Personal Growth58:09 — Social Media, Loneliness & Moving Away from Twitter1:09:21 — Upcoming Projects & New Books  Follow Roxane Gay:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roxanegay/ Crew:Executive Producers: Crissle · Alexandra Rago · Chris MorrowAudio & Video Editor: Shatek for Beats on FilmProduction Coordinators: Faith Lena & Bria Mosley Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Crissle is back on the Couch taking your live calls and getting real about the complicated relationships we have with the people we love. In today's episode, Crissle helps listeners navigate friendship breakups, setting boundaries with parents, and the emotional exhaustion that comes with constantly being the person everyone relies on. From missing a friend after more than a year of no contact to navigating a strained relationship with their mother, Crissle talks about knowing when to choose yourself, holding your parents accountable, and what it means to stop taking on responsibility that isn’t yours. Throughout this episode, Crissle gets into the double standards between siblings, the exhaustion of dealing with people who constantly play the victim, and why sometimes you have to put yourself first....even when it’s your parents. Want to talk to Crissle? Email [email protected] and include “chat live” in the subject line. Session Notes: 0:00 — Welcome Back to the Couch0:31 —  Why Do I Miss Someone I've Outgrown20:46 — I’ve Been No Contact With My Mom for Over a Year… Now She Wants to Meet41:51 — Why Am I Expected to Do More Than My Siblings Stay Connected:Join the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/crisslescouchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/crisslescouch/ Crew:Executive Producers: Crissle · Alexandra Rago · Chris Morrow Audio & Video Editor: Shatek for Beats on Film Production Coordinators: Faith Lena  ·   Bria Mosley Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Crissle is back taking your live calls!  Today, she's helping listeners navigate friendships, family conflict, and the challenges of finding the right mental health support. One caller is struggling after his best friend of 20 years tells him she doesn't agree with his lifestyle because he's gay. Another caller is trying to set healthy boundaries after her family accuses her boyfriend of cheating with one of her close friends. Our final caller is a mother looking for advice on helping her 17-year-old daughter find a therapist who truly understands her. Throughout the episode, Crissle discusses what to do when core values no longer align with loved ones, why paying out of network for the right therapist may be worth it, and how parents can support teenagers throughout their mental health journey. Want to talk to Crissle on a future episode? Email [email protected] and include "chat live" in the subject line. Session Notes: 0:00 — Welcome Back to the Couch0:23 —  My Best Friend of 20 Years Doesn't Accept That I'm Gay15:43 —  My Family Accused My Boyfriend of Cheating With My Best Friend37:50 —  My 17-Year-Old Daughter Is Struggling to Find the Right Therapist Stay Connected:Join the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/crisslescouchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/crisslescouch/ Crew:Executive Producers: Crissle · Alexandra Rago · Chris Morrow Audio & Video Editor: Shatek for Beats on Film Production Coordinators: Faith Lena  ·   Bria Mosley Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Crissle's Couch, Crissle explores the realities of addiction. She breaks down the difference between casual substance use and dependency, and discusses how childhood experiences can shape our relationship with substances. She also shares the warning signs to look out for and the important questions to ask when substance use becomes a concern. Whether you're navigating addiction yourself or supporting someone you love, this conversation encourages a deeper understanding of substance use and recovery. Have an issue for the Couch? Email: [email protected] Session Notes: 0:00 — Welcome Back to the Couch0:35 — Today's Conversation: Understanding Addiction7:01 — Casual Substance Use vs. Addiction: How to Recognize the Difference and Why It Happens17:09 — The Questions to Ask When Substance Abuse Becomes a Concern Stay Connected:Join the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/crisslescouchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/crisslescouch/ Crew:Executive Producers: Crissle · Alexandra Rago · Chris Morrow Audio & Video Editor: Shatek for Beats on Film Production Coordinators: Faith Lena  ·   Bria Mosley Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Please welcome acclaimed, Grammy-nominated R&B singer-songwriter India Shawn to the Couch! Fresh off the release of her new album, Subject to Change, India joins Crissle for an honest conversation about relationships, career growth, success, and embracing change. Session Notes: 0:00 — Welcome India Shawn to the Couch  2:48 — Retiring from Her Lover Girl Era  14:40 — Lessons She Learned Early in Her Career  20:07 — How Music Helped Her Become More Open  27:13 — India's New Album Subject to Change Is Out Now  36:00 — The Grievances That Come With Success  41:45 — Subject to Change Tour   Stay Connected:Join the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/crisslescouchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/crisslescouch/Have an issue for the Couch? Email: [email protected] Follow India Shawn: https://www.instagram.com/indiashawn/?hl=en Crew:Executive Producers: Crissle · Alexandra Rago · Chris MorrowAudio & Video Editor: Shatek for Beats on FilmProduction Coordinators: Faith Lena  ·   Bria Mosley Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Crissle is taking your live calls and helping listeners navigate difficult relationships with parents and friendships that may have reached their breaking point. One caller is struggling to repair her relationship with her mother after discovering she ignored her calls on Mother's Day to secretly visit her husband in jail.  Another caller recently cut off her mother after years of financial and emotional strain. While our final caller is questioning whether to reconnect with a former best friend after a painful falling out. Throughout the episode, Crissle discusses communicating difficult emotions with parents and setting healthy boundaries. She also explores how to recognize which relationships add value to your life and which ones may be time to let go. Crissle shares how writing a letter to a parent can be a powerful way to express years of hurt, create space for honest communication, and begin moving forward. She also explains how emotionally immature parents can leave lasting wounds that carry into adulthood. Want to talk to Crissle on a future episode? Email [email protected] and include "chat live" in the subject line. Session Notes: 0:00 — Welcome Back to the Couch0:18 — My Mom Ghosted Me on Mother's Day19:24 — I Had to Cut Off My Mom Because She Kept Demanding Money37:55 — Did I Mess Up... or Is My Friend Being Raggedy? Stay Connected:Join the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/crisslescouchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/crisslescouch/Have an issue for the Couch? Email: [email protected] Crew:Executive Producers: Crissle · Alexandra Rago · Chris MorrowAudio & Video Editor: Shatek for Beats on FilmProduction Coordinators: Faith Lena  ·   Bria Mosley Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices