Convos from the Couch by LifeStance Health

Navigating Eating Disorders in College Sports

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 Stanford, sharing the intense and unforgettable moments, distinctions achieved, and the impact of a pivotal conversation with a Chinese diving coach at the age of 12.
McKenze explains how her eating disorder intensified after retiring from athletics and the significant moment that led her to seek help. She emphasizes the vital role of group and individual therapy, nutritional counseling, and supportive literature in her recovery. 
Read more on McKenze's story by visiting this blog. 
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Preparing for College: Strategies to Thrive Emotionally and Academically

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 school behind to navigating new social dynamics and building effective coping strategies, Aimee offers practical tips to help students prepare for a successful college experience.
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Fueling Personal Growth and Self-Care

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 reads like "Miracle Morning" by Hal Elrod and "Change Your Story, Change Your Life" by Kindra Hall.
She also recommends podcasts such as The Ed Mylett Show and the Quote of the Day, along with the GrowthDay app by Brendan Burchard for daily inspiration and practical tools.
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Unpacking Internal Family Systems

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 the different 'parts' within us—exiles, managers, and firefighters—and introduces the concept of the 'Self' as a compassionate and calm inner leader.
Laura discusses the challenges and complexities of IFS, emphasizing the importance of proper training and supervision when practicing this modality. She highlights the potential for IFS to foster deep self-reflection and empathy, not only for therapists and clients but also for anyone seeking greater self-understanding. Whether you're a mental health professional curious about integrating IFS into your practice or a listener interested in exploring new therapeutic tools, this episode offers valuable insights into how IFS can transform the way we relate to ourselves and others.
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Eating Disorders & Trauma

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 and the importance of addressing trauma in the holistic treatment of eating disorders. 
 
Learn more about Disordered Eating
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Ancient Wisdom for Modern Minds: Shamanism and Mental Health

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 shamanism, its modern applications, and how it can complement traditional therapy to address spiritual and psychological challenges. 
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Occupations and Personality Types

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 how certain personality types may be better suited for specific jobs, using examples from his own experiences and therapeutic practice.
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Understanding the Trauma-Substance Use Connection

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.
Listen in as they discuss the causes of addiction, the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and the critical need for empathy and understanding in supporting individuals on their recovery journey. 
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