Convos from the Couch by LifeStance Health

In a time when the headlines feel relentless and conversations can quickly turn charged, we sit down with therapist Eva Tukuafu for a thoughtful, grounding conversation on navigating political stress.

In this episode, host Nicholette Leanza is joined by co-host and Public Relations Manager Samantha Miller, along with LifeStance therapists Harley Rubin and Khannah (Han) Wetmore, to unpack the emotional impact of the HBO Max series Heated Rivalry—and why it has struck such a chord with viewers.

Together, the group explores the complex relationship between characters Shane and Ilya, examining how the series portrays queer love wit...

In this episode, we speak with therapist Saba Suleman about the deeply rooted mental health stigma within the South Asian community. Saba shares her personal journey from growing up in Pakistan to becoming a therapist in the U.S., shedding light on the cultural expectations, silence, and fear of judgment that often prevent individuals from seeking support.

The conversation explores the reliance on spiritual healing, the lack of acc...

What’s normal childhood behavior—and what could be OCD? In this episode, we sit down with therapist Anthony Mason to unpack how obsessive-compulsive disorder shows up in kids. Together, we explore the early signs parents and caregivers should watch for, how childhood OCD differs from adult OCD, and the emotional toll it can take on a child’s everyday life at home, in school, and with friends.

Anthony also breaks down common myths a...

What happens when technology meant to help starts to blur reality? In this episode, we are joined by LifeStance Regional Clinical Director Mikka McGee to explore the emerging and unsettling phenomenon often referred to as “AI psychosis.” Together, we unpack how interactions with AI chatbots may intensify delusions or psychotic symptoms in vulnerable individuals, why the term—while non-clinical—has gained traction, and how a lack of...

LifeStance therapist Victoria Benfer joins us in the new year for a thoughtful conversation on exercise as a powerful form of self-care. Together, we reframe movement beyond weight loss, focusing instead on its impact on mental health and overall well-being.

Victoria shares both personal experiences and clinical insights on how exercise can regulate stress, improve emotional and physical health, and bring greater mental clarity. Th...

The holidays can be a lonely time for many—but you don’t have to navigate it alone. In this episode we chat with Adaobi Innocent, a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner at LifeStance Health, to unpack why the season can feel especially heavy.

We explore common triggers like loss, pressure to meet expectations, financial strain, and illness, while sharing practical, compassionate strategies to cope—from building connection a...

In this episode, we sit down with LifeStance therapist Victoria Benfer to explore the growing trend of reborn dolls—remarkably lifelike, artist-crafted baby dolls that have captured increasing public interest. Victoria discusses the many roles these dolls play, from offering comfort to those coping with infant loss or loneliness, to supporting connection and calm for older adults in memory care settings, to serving as a creative ou...

LifeStance therapist Jordan Parmenter joins us to unpack the cultural moment that is Spotify Wrapped. We explore what this end-of-year tradition reveals about our listening habits, why it resonates so strongly, and how it can offer both emotional validation and a sense of connection.

Jordan shares his own experiences with Spotify Wrapped—highlighting the joy, surprises, and occasional self-reflection it brings. The conversation als...

LifeStance therapist Threasa Kluever offers helpful insights on Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)—an evidence-based approach that helps individuals build skills for managing emotions, navigating relationships, and improving overall well-being.

Tee shares her professional journey and how she came to specialize in DBT, offering accessible explanations of its core components: mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, emotion regulati...

LifeStance therapist Yolanda Frantzich joins us for an in-depth look at domestic violence—its prevalence, its patterns, and the wide range of abusive behaviors it can involve. Yolanda combines her clinical knowledge with personal experience, describing how her own past relationship inspired her to pursue a career in therapy. She breaks down the many forms of abuse, including physical harm, emotional manipulation, sexual coercion, f...

Therapist Emily Broad joins the conversation to explore dissociation—what it is, how it manifests, and strategies for managing it. She shares practical grounding tools, including the 5-4-3-2-1 method and personalized breathing exercises. The discussion also covers building body awareness, particularly for trauma survivors, and approaches to gently increase tolerance for challenging emotions. Emily emphasizes that experiencing disso...