Convos from the Couch by LifeStance Health

Unmasking Fear: Why We Seek the Thrill

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. It’s a thought-provoking look at the emotion that both frightens and fuels us.

The Healing Power of Expressive Arts Therapy

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 everyday life — and wraps up with a calming guided exercise that encourages listeners to pause and appreciate life’s everyday miracles.
Tune in to discover how creativity can unlock healing, connection, and self-discovery.

K-Pop, Connection, and Mental Health

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, proving that sometimes the right song can say what words can’t.

Taylor-Made Therapy: Music as a Tool for Healing

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 therapy — including lyric analysis, journaling prompts, and even writing verses of your own.
Tune in to discover how music connects us, heals us, and reminds us we’re never alone — especially when we have a soundtrack as powerful as Taylor’s. 

Finding Hope: Bethany McClenahan's Journey with NAMI and LifeStance Health

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—including free, peer-led resources like presentations, classes, and support groups. B also addresses the ongoing challenges in mental health care access, from provider shortages to insurance barriers, and explains how NAMI is working to close these gaps.
Her message is clear: get involved, stay hopeful, and keep pushing for progress in mental health care.

Balancing Life with Love, Connection, Warmth, and Whimsy

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 life.

Emotional Connections: AI Chatbots and Human Relationships

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 feeling more than just “tech support” vibes from AI.
Plus, we’ll share tips on keeping your virtual and real-world relationships in healthy balance.

Suicide Prevention and Safety Planning

Suicide is a leading cause of death worldwide, affecting individuals and families across all walks of life.
Therapist Jennifer Hudson shares practical insights on how to approach conversations about suicide with empathy and clarity, including how to assess risk factors like intent, plan, and means. She emphasizes the importance of peer support, setting realistic boundaries, and knowing when to connect someone to professional care or crisis services.
We also discuss the critical role of family members, friends, schools, churches, and communities in creating safety nets, and highlight evidence-based resources such as 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, and MentalHealthFirstAid.org. From understanding high-risk populations, including older adults, to reducing stigma and expanding community training, this episode underscores that suicide prevention is not a political issue—it’s a humanity issue.
Above all, Jennifer reminds us that while suicidal thoughts can feel overwhelming, they are not permanent. Change is possible, help is available, and hope is real.
If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 for immediate support.