Convos from the Couch by LifeStance Health

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 supportive individuals, and the need for comprehensive addiction programs.
His story highlights the stigmas associated with addiction and homelessness and advocates for treating people with dignity and support. Through his own experiences, Andrew now helps others in their recovery journey as a licensed professional counselor.
Learn more about Addiction Treatments and Services
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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 effectiveness in treating conditions like trauma, anxiety, depression, and more, and highlights the benefits of this therapeutic approach compared to traditional forms of therapy. 
Learn more about EMDR Therapy
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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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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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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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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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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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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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