Convos from the Couch by LifeStance Health

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, financial control, and the growing impact of technological abuse such as digital monitoring and harassment.
The conversation also delves into the systemic and psychological factors that keep victims trapped, including isolation, shame, and trauma bonding. Yolanda further shares the devastating story of her sister’s death due to domestic violence, underscoring the urgent need for early recognition of warning signs and timely intervention.
This episode provides actionable insights, raises awareness about the complexity of domestic violence, and reinforces the message that support is available—and that no one should feel compelled to stay in an abusive relationship.

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 dissociation is not a personal failing and offers hope for healing and growth.

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 unconditional positive regard, thoughtful self-disclosure, and genuine connection. Listeners will gain practical insights into how strong client-therapist relationships can shape meaningful therapeutic outcomes.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.