Convos from the Couch by LifeStance 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, provi...

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 ther...

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—inclu...

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...

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 feeli...

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 o...

LifeStance therapists Wojciech Seweryn, Ricky Esposito Jr and Jasper Waite join us on this episode to tackle some of the most common myths about male providers in mental health.

The conversation explores unconscious biases that often influence a preference for female therapists, along with stereotypes that male therapists may be less empathetic or warm. Wojciech, Ricky, and Jasper share how they build strong therapeutic relationshi...

Join us as we dive into Gen Z coping strategies with host Nicholete Leanza and therapist, professor, and mom Sarah Yanosy. We explore the unique ways this generation handles stress—whether it’s “bathroom camping” between classes, grabbing a Diet Coke for a quick reset, living in cozy clothes, sweating it out at the gym, taking late-night drives with the music up, clicking “add to cart,” or scrolling endlessly through social feeds.

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In this episode, we chat with nurse practitioner Nicole Buatala about a topic that’s as important as it is often overlooked—your child’s mental health, starting from day one. With over two decades of nursing experience and a specialty in caring for the tiniest patients, Nicole shares her passion for helping little ones grow emotionally as well as physically.

You’ll hear about signs to watch for, how a parent’s own mental health can...

What do collectible dolls have to do with mental health? Join us as we unwrap the fascination behind Labubu dolls and more.

From the rush of the “gotcha” surprise to the comfort they bring during stressful times, Labubu dolls are sparking joy, building friendships, and creating global communities. The panel, including LifeStance providers Dr. Natalie Grandy, Isabella Lombardo and Courtney Ng compares how collecting looks in the Eas...

Therapist Lauren Corsillo joins us for a heartful conversation about the science—and personal journey—behind happiness. 

We dive into the core ideas of positive psychology, exploring what truly contributes to lasting happiness: meaningful relationships, autonomy, optimism, and staying present. Lauren dispels common myths—like the idea that happiness comes from external achievements—and offers simple, practical tools to build joy fr...

In this episode, we are joined by therapist Cory Grad to explore the often complex and deeply personal concept of success. Cory opens up about his own journey to becoming a therapist and reflects on how his definition of success has evolved along the way. We unpack how external influences—like cultural expectations and family pressures—can derail a person’s sense of purpose and contribute to mental health challenges such as anxiety...

In this episode, we are joined by therapist Jonathan McIntosh to explore the growing fear of flying, especially in light of recent aviation incidents that have sparked renewed anxiety among travelers. McIntosh, a seasoned psychotherapist, breaks down the root causes of flight anxiety—ranging from specific phobias to trauma responses and heightened awareness from news coverage. He offers practical tools grounded in cognitive-behavio...

In this episode of Convos from the Couch, we explore how Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) shape a thriving workplace culture at LifeStance with guests KeYunna Taylor, Stephanie Winfree and Stacey Aiton.

KeYunna Taylor, National Credentialing Coordinator and Director of the DEIB Committee, shares how DEIB initiatives help build psychological safety and strengthen ...

In this episode, we sit down with Sarah Rea, Executive Operations Administrator at LifeStance Health, to discuss her personal journey with anxiety. Sarah reflects on how her anxiety intensified after becoming a mother, and the unique challenges it presents in her work life. She talks candidly about her perfectionistic tendencies, the high expectations she sets for herself, and the strategies she uses to...

In this episode, we’re joined by therapist Ed Collins for a candid conversation about the often-overlooked mental health challenges faced by older men. Together, we explore how traditional masculinity and societal expectations can create barriers to mental wellness and prevent men from seeking the support they need. Ed offers a powerful framework for aging with purpose, encouraging a shift from the role of “warrior” to “tribal elde...

In this 2025 Pride episode, we explore the critical importance of gender-affirming care. Nicholette is joined by Melanie Falls, Han Wetmore, and Dr. Shain Miller—three experts deeply involved in supporting LGBTQ+ communities. Together, they discuss the clinical realities of gender dysphoria, and the vital role of family and community in affirming trans youth. The conversation highlights the resilience of transgender individuals, th...

Join psychologist Dr. Rachael Polokoff on Convos from the Couch as she revisits the traumatic January 2025 Los Angeles fires, highlighting the ongoing psychological challenges faced by survivors, including PTSD, anxiety,  and depression.

Drawing from personal experience and professional expertise, Dr. Polokoff discusses effective therapeutic approaches such as EMDR (Eye Move...