Convos from the Couch by LifeStance Health

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...

Katie Fosselius, a licensed therapist at LifeStance Health joins us on this episode to explore one of the most essential elements of effective therapy — the therapeutic relationship. Katie shares her personal path to becoming a therapist and reflects on how empathy, authenticity, and trust form the foundation for healing and growth.

Drawing inspiration from pioneers like Carl Rogers and Irvin Yalom, they discuss the power of uncond...

In this special Halloween episode, we chat with LifeStance therapist Ed Collins, author of Fear Itself: The Nature of Fear and Its Value to the Human Race. Together, we dive into what really lies beneath our fears—why we seek out scary experiences, how fear connects to anxiety, and the surprising ways it can help us grow.

Ed also shares how fear has shaped human survival and why it continues to fascinate us each Halloween season. I...

LifeStance therapist Anastasia Titova shares how creativity can help people reconnect with themselves, process emotions, and discover new perspectives.

She reflects on her journey from psychiatry to expressive arts therapy, her work integrating multiple therapeutic approaches, and her volunteer efforts supporting therapists in Ukraine. 

The conversation also dives into simple, practical ways to spark creativity and mindfulness in e...

In this episode of From the Couch, we chat with therapist Jordan Parmenter to explore how Korean pop music (K-Pop) goes far beyond catchy beats — it’s shaping identity, connection, and mental health around the world.

Jordan shares how discovering BTS helped her embrace her multicultural identity and find a deeper sense of belonging. Together, they dive into how music can be a source of healing, self-expression, and community, provi...

Swifties, this one’s for you! In this episode, we sit down with therapists Jessica Snow, Jeanette Miller, and Sharyn Koch to unpack the therapeutic magic behind Taylor Swift’s music.

From processing heartbreak to finding strength after loss, the group explores how Taylor’s lyrics can help people navigate emotions like grief, trauma, and anxiety. They share personal reflections, favorite songs, and creative ways to use music in ther...

Bethany McClenahan, President of the Board of Directors for NAMI Greater Kansas City and a practice group manager at LifeStance Health opens up about her personal journey living with mental health conditions and the ways she has turned that experience into impact through both her professional and volunteer roles.

She shares NAMI’s mission to foster mental wellness, acceptance, and hope through advocacy, education, and support—inclu...

Therapist Isabella Lombardo joins us to explore her therapeutic philosophy rooted in love, connection, warmth, and whimsy. She reflects on her path through different mental health settings, the role of balance in relationships and daily life, and why we need more than just survival to truly thrive.

Isabella also shares how these principles can help address burnout, foster healthier connections, and guide us toward a more fulfilling...

Why are so many people developing emotional attachments to AI? In this episode, we dig into the surprising drivers—like loneliness, curiosity, and even the comfort of psychological safety.

We try out a live interaction with Google’s Gemini AI to see these dynamics in action. We’ll unpack both the upsides and the pitfalls of these connections, and close with some thoughtful advice on what to do if you—or someone you know—start feeli...