Is it normal forgetfulness or a sign of something more? In this episode of Convos from the Couch, host Nicholette Leanza speaks with neuropsychologist Dr. Blair Scribner-Weiss about the differences between healthy aging, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia. They explore common misconceptions about cognitive decline, the role of lifestyle …

Pregnancy is not just a physical journey—it’s an emotional and psychological one too. In this episode of Convos from the Couch, host Nicholette Leanza speaks with Dr. Rosita Cortizo about the transformative power of prenatal psychotherapy. They discuss how therapy can support expectant mothers, strengthen the bond with their unborn baby, and addres…

In this eye-opening episode, host Nicholette Leanza is joined by LifeStance therapist Will Acton for a timely conversation about masculinity, mental health, and the growing influence of the “manosphere.” Sparked by themes in the Netflix series Adolescence, they dive into the world of online communities that push extreme views on manhood—ranging fro…

On this episode of Convos from the Couch, host Nicholette Leanza sits down with Ruta Morgenthau, Associate Director at NeuroStar, for an in-depth look at Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). Ruta shares insights into how TMS works, who it helps, and why it's becoming a game-changer in mental health treatment. From FDA-clearance for major depres…

Host Nicholette Leanza sits down with LifeStance therapist Leanna Stockard to unpack the complex relationship between social media and mental health. Leanna explores how social media can both normalize conversations about mental health and contribute to challenges like misinformation and self-diagnosis. They dive into: 💬 How online stories can redu…

In this episode, Han Wetmore shares insights on how mental health professionals can support clients navigating today’s political climate. Drawing from experience working with diverse populations, particularly the queer community, Han explores the mental health impacts of political stressors, including anxiety and depression. They discuss strategies…

How does autism change over a lifetime? In this episode of Convos from the Couch, host Nicholette Leanza sits down with psychologist Dr. Daniel Marston to explore autism across different life stages—from childhood to adulthood. They discuss the evolving challenges autistic individuals face in relationships, work, and social settings, as well as the…

In honor of World Bipolar Day, host Nicholette Leanza sits down with psychiatrists Dr. Robert Herman and Dr. Joe Foundriest to explore the complexities of Bipolar disorder. Dr. Herman shares how personal experiences shaped his passion for the field, his research on Lamotrigine, and his work with the International Society for Bipolar Disorders. Dr. …

On this episode, we chat with therapist Becky Degraffenried about how unresolved childhood trauma shapes adulthood. Becky shares her journey into trauma therapy, breaks down common signs, and explores the lasting impact of generational trauma. We discuss the ACEs scoring system and how healthcare and mental health professionals can work together to…

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is one of the most misunderstood mental health conditions, often surrounded by myths and stigma. In this episode of Convos from the Couch, host Nicholette Leanza sits down with psychologist Dr. Aaliyah Gibbons

In this episode, we’re joined by Michael Dunn, a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist, who helps unpack the complexities of porn addiction—what it is, how it’s diagnosed, and the impact it can have on individuals and relationships. We explore effective treatment approaches, from task-based therapy and 12-step programs to inpatient care, and discuss ho…

In this episode of Convos from the Couch, host Nicholette Leanza sits down with Executive Clinical Director Matt Solit to explore the fascinating connection between food and mental health. Matt shares his journey from culinary enthusiast to mental health professional, explaining how mindful eating practices can reduce anxiety, depression, and binge…

Why are we often our own harshest critics? In this insightful episode, Allyson Bence explores the psychology behind self-criticism and how it fuels anxiety and isolation. She introduces key techniques from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)—including thought diffusion, thoughts on a cloud, and thought labeling—to help create distance from nega…

In this special Valentine's episode, we talk with licensed marriage and family therapist Leanna Stockard about relationships and dating. Leanna shares her insights on common barriers to forming meaningful romantic connections, the impact of past relationship experiences, the influence of dating apps and social media, and the importance of self-refl…

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Aaliyah Gibbons about mental health within the Black community in honor of Black History Month. Dr. Gibbons, a licensed clinical psychologist, emphasizes the importance of education and advocacy in underserved populations. They explore the impact of social determinants of health such as housing, jobs, and educatio…

LifeStance therapist Jordon Evander–Williams joins us to discuss the integration of alternative spiritual modalities in therapy. Jordon shares his journey in using spiritual techniques to support diverse communities, insights on distinguishing spiritual experiences from psychosis, and the role of cultural influences in mental health. Listeners will…

Quan Bernardine, a licensed clinical social worker at LifeStance Health discusses the critical importance of mindfulness for essential workers. Quan shares her passion for integrating psychotherapy with mindfulness to combat chronic burnout, compassion fatigue, and secondary trauma. She emphasizes the benefits of mindfulness, supported by stats fro…

Dr. Kristen MacGregor joins us to discuss navigating pregnancy after a miscarriage or loss. Dr. MacGregor, a clinical health psychologist specializing in women's health, explores the significant anxiety that often accompanies subsequent pregnancies after a loss, the importance of integrating behavioral health into medical care, and strategies to he…

In this episode of 'Convos from the Couch' by LifeStance Health, we talk with therapist William Acton about using the role-playing game Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) as a therapeutic tool. Acton shares his background and how his love for storytelling led him to integrate D&D into his practice. He explains the basics of D&D and how he adapts the game f…

In this episode, we chat with Dr. Amy Huang about the therapeutic technique known as brainspotting. Dr. Huang shares her extensive background in social work, psychology, and mountaineering before delving into her journey with brainspotting. She compares it to EMDR, describing how it involves guiding a client's gaze to access and release trauma stor…

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Dr. Joseph Fondriest to explore the art and science of staying motivated as we embrace the New Year. We unpack the challenges of maintaining momentum during the holiday season, the ebb and flow of motivation, and practical ways to manage anxiety about the future. Dr. Fondriest offers expert insights into …

Discover the highlights of 2024 with a thoughtfully curated collection of episodes featuring LifeStance Health mental health professionals. Dive into insightful discussions on topics including ADHD, trauma, eating disorders, narcissistic relationships, and burnout. Gain a deeper understanding of living with ADHD and harnessing its unique strengths,…

In this holiday-themed episode, we chat with Regional Clinical Director Sabrena Ness about essential self-care tips for the festive season. Sabrena shares her advice on maintaining emotional balance and setting boundaries while navigating the stresses of holiday celebrations. Listen in to discover how to transform holiday obligations into joyous ch…

In our special Thanksgiving episode, we talk with Dr. Natalie Grandy about the importance of gratitude and mindfulness during the holiday season. Dr. Grandy shares her insights on how mindfulness, defined as the awareness that arises from paying attention to the present moment non-judgmentally, can enhance emotional well-being. She delves into the …

Dr. Monica Durham, a psychologist from LifeStance Health's Dallas office joins us to discuss the nuances of psychological testing. Dr. Durham shares her unique journey from a business career to psychology, emphasizing her passion for psychological and neuropsychological assessments. We cover the purposes and types of psychological tests, such as IQ…

In this episode, we talk with therapist Han Wetmore about their extensive experience in hospice care and therapy related to grief and the dying process. They discuss the importance of presence and empathy for mental health professionals working with patients and their families during end-of-life situations. Han shares insights on anticipatory grief…

Learning and Development Program Manager at LifeStance Health, Elizabeth Fox shares her insights on effective time management techniques aimed at reducing burnout. Elizabeth emphasizes the importance of goal setting, time management, and self-care strategies to manage stress and prevent burnout. She also offers practical advice on goal visualizatio…

LifeStance Regional Clinical Director Mikka McGee joins us to discuss the portrayal of Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) in horror films. Mikka delves into the misconceptions and inaccuracies around DID in movies like 'Identity', 'Split', and 'Psycho.' Mikka also touches on a more accurate, though still imperfect, portrayal in the TV show 'Moon …

Nurse Practitioner Tara Ericksen explores the vital role of patient education in mental health, focusing on psychotropic medications and the impact of neurotransmitters. Tara breaks down common neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin, discussing their influence on mental health and the risks associated with self-medication. The conversatio…

Psychiatrist Dr. Dora-Linda Wang joins us to explore what Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is, its prevalence, symptoms, and rationality. The discussion provides valuable insights into effective treatment methods, including the use of higher doses of SSRIs and Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) therapy. We discuss techniques for managing OCD, su…

In recognition of World Mental Health Day, LifeStance Health is proud to present a special panel discussion featuring our team of experienced clinicians. Our experts dive into important topics such as reducing mental health stigma, overcoming barriers to care, and the role telehealth plays in expanding access to services. We also explore the impact…

As we recognize ADHD Awareness Month, LifeStance provider Lisa Dejarnette shares her insights into the challenges faced by those with ADHD, clarifying common myths and misconceptions. With over 30 years of experience and a personal connection to the disorder, Lisa explains the different types of ADHD and emphasizes the importance of proper diagnosi…

On this episode, Nicholette discusses the sensitive topic of losing a loved one to suicide with LifeStance Therapist Amber Hulgan. Amber shares insights on key risk factors and warning signs, dispels common myths such as the belief that discussing suicide plants the idea, and emphasizes the importance of open conversations. She discusses her person…

In this episode, we discuss the holistic approaches to understanding and managing depression with LifeStance therapist, Dr. Natalie Grandy. Dr. Grandy covers the definitions and types of depression, common myths and misconceptions, and practical coping strategies. She highlight the significance of physiological basics such as sleep, diet, exercise,…

LifeStance therapist Taylor Buss shares her extensive experience working with pediatric and young adult cancer patients and offers valuable advice on managing initial emotional reactions, handling information overload, disclosing a diagnosis, and coping with end-of-life decisions. Key takeaways include the importance of having a support system, see…

September is National Recovery Month. LifeStance therapist J. “Andrew” Dewey, joins us and courageously shares his personal story of addiction and recovery. He discusses his journey through detox, homelessness, and his transformative experience with therapy and Smart Recovery. Andrew also emphasizes the importance of self-worth, the impact of suppo…

In this episode, Nicholette interviews therapist Kellie Boyle about Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. Kellie shares her journey towards specializing in EMDR, explaining the science behind how it helps in processing traumatic memories and other mental health issues. She discusses the eight phases of EMDR therapy, its effe…

In this episode, Nicholette interviews McKenze Rogers, LifeStance Health's Marketing Integrations Manager, who shares her recovery journey from an eating disorder while being a student athlete. McKenze emphasizes on the prevalence of eating disorders among college athletes. She also recounts her experiences as a Division I Champion Diver at Stanfor…

Do men and women have inherently different brains? We discuss Gina Rippon's book The Gendered Brain and other research that takes this myth apart. Manosphere: Debunked is hosted by Aileen Barratt (@tindertranslators) and Dan, the anonymous psychologist (@the_nice_ish_psychologist). We’re now on instagram! https://www.instagram.com/manospheredebunke…

As we enter the Back to School season, Regional Clinical Director, Aimee McWilliams joins us to discuss the challenges students face when transitioning from high school to college. Amy shares valuable insights into managing the emotional, social, and academic hurdles that arise during this critical time. From addressing grief over leaving high scho…

Join clinicians Nicholette Leanza and Kara Engebretson as they explore practical personal development tools to enhance self-care and well-being. This episode delves into specific books, podcasts, and resources that can help individuals develop effective self-care practices. Kara emphasizes the importance of a morning routine, highlighting impactful…

In this episode, Nicholette sits down with therapist Laura McClure to delve into the fascinating world of Internal Family Systems (IFS). Laura shares her journey into using IFS with clients, starting from a transformative training experience that opened her eyes to the power of this therapeutic approach. She explains how IFS helps uncover and heal …

LifeStance clinician Alaina Knoedler joins us to explore the intricate relationship between trauma and eating disorders. Alaina shares her insights on how societal pressures, family dynamics, and personal traumas can profoundly impact one's relationship with food and body image.We delve into the signs and symptoms of trauma-influenced eating habits…

Re-release! Hypergamy and the 80/20 rule. Manosphere: Debunked is hosted by Aileen Barratt (@tindertranslators) and Dan, the anonymous psychologist (@the_nice_ish_psychologist). Aileen's book, Tinder Translator: An A-Z of Modern Misogyny, is available here. Visit The Nice-ish Rambling Substack page here. References from this week's episode: Men Who…

Psychologist Dr. Ara Lambert joins us to discuss the ancient practice of shamanism and its potential to support mental health and well-being. Dr. Lambert shares her personal journey into shamanism, detailing how it helped her heal from trauma and inspired her to incorporate these practices into her therapeutic work. We explore the key features of s…

Research shows that individuals experience higher job satisfaction when their personalities align with their occupations. LifeStance therapists Nicholette and Brady Martens delve into various personality frameworks like Myers-Briggs and the Big Five, discussing how these can influence career choices and workplace happiness. Brady shares insights on…

It is a statistic universally acknowledged that men are more likely to be homeless than women. But is there more to it than that? Of course there is! Manosphere: Debunked is hosted by Aileen Barratt (@tindertranslators) and Dan, the anonymous psychologist (@the_nice_ish_psychologist). We’re now on instagram! https://www.instagram.com/manospheredebu…

We are joined by Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor Melissa Cribb to explore the intricate relationship between trauma and substance use disorders. Melissa shares her extensive experience working in both intensive outpatient and community-based settings, providing a deep dive into how trauma-informed care can transform treatment approaches. L…

We continue our exploration of the research into the gender pay gap, it's causes and it's nay-sayers. Subscribe to our Patreon: patreon.com/manospheredebunkedpod Freakanomics https://open.spotify.com/episode/2mZiqhhnBuFi0d4sYBSGCf?si=76RzG73yTfO2IaCN_mJggw More or Less https://open.spotify.com/episode/57loNMU62XWr3aU9UEQaVe?si=2mc5GXcZRhyicV88upwvc…

As we recognize Pride month, Nicholette sits down with therapist Melanie Falls to explore a range of valuable resources for the LGBTQ+ community. Listeners will gain insights into various local, state, and national organizations offering support, from legal aid and crisis hotlines to healthcare and educational programs. This episode also covers hea…