Convos from the Couch by LifeStance Health

Healing Through Fantasy: D&D as Therapy

In this episode of 'Convos from the Couch' by LifeStance Health, we talk with therapist William Acton about using the role-playing game Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) as a therapeutic tool. Acton shares his background and how his love for storytelling led him to integrate D&D into his practice. He explains the basics of D&D and how he adapts the game for therapy sessions, helping clients address issues like social anxiety, anger, grief, and more.
Acton discusses the therapeutic benefits, such as improved communication and acceptance of failure, and the flexibility of D&D to meet various therapeutic goals. He also describes his training through Geek Therapeutics and mentions the broad applicability of tabletop RPGs in therapy.
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Unlocking Potential: How Brainspotting Transforms Lives

In this episode, we chat with Dr. Amy Huang about the therapeutic technique known as brainspotting. Dr. Huang shares her extensive background in social work, psychology, and mountaineering before delving into her journey with brainspotting.
She compares it to EMDR, describing how it involves guiding a client's gaze to access and release trauma stored in the brain, often more quickly and effectively than traditional talk therapy. Dr. Huang also discusses the technique's flexibility in treating various conditions, including trauma, anxiety, depression, and even enhancing positive qualities like creativity.
The conversation highlights how brainspotting can be a groundbreaking tool for emotional and psychological healing.
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New Year, New You: Motivation and Goal-Setting

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Dr. Joseph Fondriest to explore the art and science of staying motivated as we embrace the New Year. We unpack the challenges of maintaining momentum during the holiday season, the ebb and flow of motivation, and practical ways to manage anxiety about the future.
Dr. Fondriest offers expert insights into the balance between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, the role of dopamine in goal-setting, and how to create realistic, achievable objectives.
Whether you're looking to kick off 2025 with purpose or seeking clarity amidst uncertainty, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you make the most of the year ahead.
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Highlights from 2024: A Curated Collection of our Favorite Episodes

Discover the highlights of 2024 with a thoughtfully curated collection of episodes featuring LifeStance Health mental health professionals. Dive into insightful discussions on topics including ADHD, trauma, eating disorders, narcissistic relationships, and burnout. Gain a deeper understanding of living with ADHD and harnessing its unique strengths, uncover the connection between trauma, eating habits, and body image, recognize the patterns of narcissistic abuse, and discover actionable strategies to overcome burnout.
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Holiday Harmony: Self-Care Strategies for the Holiday Season

In this holiday-themed episode, we chat with Regional Clinical Director Sabrena Ness about essential self-care tips for the festive season. Sabrena shares her advice on maintaining emotional balance and setting boundaries while navigating the stresses of holiday celebrations. Listen in to discover how to transform holiday obligations into joyous choices and prioritize self-awareness to fully enjoy the season's magic.

Embracing the Holidays: Mindfulness and Gratitude Practices

In our special Thanksgiving episode, we talk with Dr. Natalie Grandy about the importance of gratitude and mindfulness during the holiday season. Dr. Grandy shares her insights on how mindfulness, defined as the awareness that arises from paying attention to the present moment non-judgmentally, can enhance emotional well-being. She delves into the benefits of mindfulness in managing reactions, reducing rumination, and increasing life satisfaction. The episode also touches on managing family stress during holiday gatherings using mindfulness and values-alignment strategies.

From Diagnosis to Treatment: The Importance of Psychological Testing

Dr. Monica Durham, a psychologist from LifeStance Health's Dallas office joins us to discuss the nuances of psychological testing. Dr. Durham shares her unique journey from a business career to psychology, emphasizing her passion for psychological and neuropsychological assessments.
We cover the purposes and types of psychological tests, such as IQ and ADHD assessments, personality tests, and cognitive evaluations following brain injuries. Dr. Durham explains the differences between general psychological testing and neuropsychological testing, identifying when each is most appropriate. She highlights how psychological testing can aid in diagnostic clarity and treatment planning, ultimately offering the best possible care for various mental health conditions.
 
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Conversations on Grief: Understanding Death and Dying

In this episode, we talk with therapist Han Wetmore about their extensive experience in hospice care and therapy related to grief and the dying process. They discuss the importance of presence and empathy for mental health professionals working with patients and their families during end-of-life situations.
Han shares insights on anticipatory grief, terminal restlessness, and how to support a loved one through their final stages of life. The conversation also covers ways for individuals to process grief and continue honoring their loved ones after they have passed.
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