Convos from the Couch by LifeStance Health

On this episode of Convos from the Couch, host Nicholette Leanza sits down with Ruta Morgenthau, Associate Director at NeuroStar, for an in-depth look at Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).

Ruta shares insights into how TMS works, who it helps, and why it's becoming a game-changer in mental health treatment.

From FDA-clearance for major depression in adults and adolescents to applications for anxious depression and OCD, Ruta e...

Host Nicholette Leanza sits down with LifeStance therapist Leanna Stockard to unpack the complex relationship between social media and mental health.

Leanna explores how social media can both normalize conversations about mental health and contribute to challenges like misinformation and self-diagnosis.

They dive into: 💬 How online stories can reduce stigma ⚠️ The risks of overusing terms like "narcissism" or "love bombing" 📱 The...

In this episode, Han Wetmore shares insights on how mental health professionals can support clients navigating today’s political climate. Drawing from experience working with diverse populations, particularly the queer community, Han explores the mental health impacts of political stressors, including anxiety and depression. They discuss strategies for setting boundaries, engaging in meaningful activism, and practicing self-care. F...

How does autism change over a lifetime? In this episode of Convos from the Couch, host Nicholette Leanza sits down with psychologist Dr. Daniel Marston to explore autism across different life stages—from childhood to adulthood. They discuss the evolving challenges autistic individuals face in relationships, work, and social settings, as well as the impact of early vs. late diagnosis.

In honor of World Bipolar Day, host Nicholette Leanza sits down with psychiatrists Dr. Robert Herman and Dr. Joe Foundriest to explore the complexities of Bipolar disorder. Dr. Herman shares how personal experiences shaped his passion for the field, his research on Lamotrigine, and his work with the International Society for Bipolar Disorders. Dr. Foundriest provides insights into the psychodynamics of the disorder and the role of ...

In this episode, we’re joined by Michael Dunn, a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist, who helps unpack the complexities of porn addiction—what it is, how it’s diagnosed, and the impact it can have on individuals and relationships.

We explore effective treatment approaches, from task-based therapy and 12-step programs to inpatient care, and discuss how loved ones can recognize the signs of addiction and offer meaningful support. Micha...

In this episode of Convos from the Couch, host Nicholette Leanza sits down with Executive Clinical Director Matt Solit to explore the fascinating connection between food and mental health. Matt shares his journey from culinary enthusiast to mental health professional, explaining how mindful eating practices can reduce anxiety, depression, and binge-eating disorders.

They discuss the importance of viewing "food as a dance, not a fig...

Why are we often our own harshest critics? In this insightful episode, Allyson Bence explores the psychology behind self-criticism and how it fuels anxiety and isolation.

She introduces key techniques from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)—including thought diffusion, thoughts on a cloud, and thought labeling—to help create distance from negative thinking patterns. Tune in as Allyson shares practical strategies to shift your ...

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Aaliyah Gibbons about mental health within the Black community in honor of Black History Month.

Dr. Gibbons, a licensed clinical psychologist, emphasizes the importance of education and advocacy in underserved populations. They explore the impact of social determinants of health such as housing, jobs, and education on mental health within Black communities. Dr. Gibbons outlines obstacles Black ind...

LifeStance therapist Jordon Evander–Williams joins us to discuss the integration of alternative spiritual modalities in therapy. Jordon shares his journey in using spiritual techniques to support diverse communities, insights on distinguishing spiritual experiences from psychosis, and the role of cultural influences in mental health.

Listeners will also learn about tools like grounding exercises, guided meditation, and tuning forks...

Quan Bernardine, a licensed clinical social worker at LifeStance Health discusses the critical importance of mindfulness for essential workers. Quan shares her passion for integrating psychotherapy with mindfulness to combat chronic burnout, compassion fatigue, and secondary trauma. She emphasizes the benefits of mindfulness, supported by stats from the American Psychological Association, and introduces simple, practical techniques...

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, ...

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...

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-...

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 ...