Convos from the Couch by LifeStance Health
On this podcast, you’ll hear engaging, informative conversations with leading LifeStance Health professionals that will help guide you on your journey to leading a healthier, more fulfilling life.
Episodes
Join psychologist Dr. Rachael Polokoff on Convos from the Couch as she revisits the traumatic January 2025 Los Angeles fires, highlighting the ongoing psychological challenges faced by survivors, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
Drawing from personal experience and professional expertise, Dr. Polokoff discusses effective therapeutic approaches such as EMDR (Eye Move...
In this inspiring episode of Convos from the Couch, Angela Caiazza, Clinical Director at LifeStance Health, shares her passion and insights into the transformative power of School-Based Mental Health Programs. Learn how providing accessible mental health support within schools helps students and families overcome common barriers, improves academic and emotional outcomes, and strengthens entire communiti...
Women face unique mental health challenges, but many of these struggles remain overlooked or misunderstood. In this episode of Convos from the Couch, host Nicholette Leanza speaks with psychologist Dr. Ara Lambert about the realities of women’s mental health, from the impact of hormonal changes and societal expectations to the difficulty of balancing multiple roles. They discuss generational shifts in s...
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 factors in brain health, an...
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 address common challenges like an...
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 from men’s rights groups to incel forums. Will breaks down how these spaces can fuel tox...
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 depression in adults and adolescents to applications for anxious depression and OCD, Ruta e...
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 reduce stigma ⚠️ The risks of overusing terms like "narcissism" or "love bombing" 📱 The...
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 for setting boundaries, engaging in meaningful activism, and practicing self-care. F...
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 impact of early vs. late diagnosis.
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. Foundriest provides insights into the psychodynamics of the disorder and the role of ...
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 identify and address trauma early.
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 how loved ones can recognize the signs of addiction and offer meaningful support. Micha...
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-eating disorders.
They discuss the importance of viewing "food as a dance, not a fig...
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 negative thinking patterns. Tune in as Allyson shares practical strategies to shift your ...
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 education on mental health within Black communities. Dr. Gibbons outlines obstacles Black ind...
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 also learn about tools like grounding exercises, guided meditation, and tuning forks...
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 from the American Psychological Association, and introduces simple, practical techniques...
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