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Podcast

On the Convos From The Couch podcast, you’ll hear engaging, informative conversations with leading mental health care professionals that will help guide you on your journey to leading a healthier, more fulfilling life.

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LATEST EPISODE

June 24, 2026 with

LATEST EPISODE

LGBTQ+

What It Really Means to Be an LGBTQ+ Ally

As we recognize Pride month, Tennessee-based therapist Jerry Lawson joins us to explore what it truly means to be an ally to the LGBTQ+ community. Drawing from both personal experience and clinical perspective, Jerry shares how connection, empathy, and presence can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Together, we discuss why allyship matters, the real impact of loneliness...

Featured Episodes

EPISODE 174 / March 28, 2025

with Joseph Fondriest, MD

Psychiatry

Bipolar Disorder: A Dialogue with Psychiatric Experts – Podcast

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...

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EPISODE 172 / March 18, 2025

Photo of Episode Guest Dr. Aaliyah Gibbons

with Dr. Aaliyah Gibbons

Personality Disorders

Borderline Personality Disorder: Debunking Myths and Navigating Treatment – Podcast

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is one of the most misunderstood mental health conditions, often surrounded by myths and stigma. In this episode of Convos from the Couch, host Nicholette Leanza sits down with psychologist Dr. Aaliyah Gibbons to break down the truth about BPD, its connection to trauma, and how it’s often misrepresented. Dr. Gibbons...

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EPISODE 177 / April 14, 2025

Photo of Episode Guest Leanna Stockard, MA, LMFT

with Leanna Stockard, MA, LMFT

Self-Help & Wellness

The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health – Podcast

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...

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Eating Disorders

Nourishing Balance: Eating Disorders & The Holidays – Podcast

Holiday times such as family gatherings, social interaction, food focused gatherings, and performance related gatherings can be daunting and require additional navigation strategies for those who struggle with eating disorders. Margaret Verstraete shares some ways for improved coping , and self compassion during increased triggers and times of heightened symptoms. Nicholette Leanza: Welcome to Convos...

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Trauma

Triggers Around the Table: Developmental Trauma & The Holidays – Podcast

The holidays can be a very triggering time for many. LifeStance provider Kaitlyn Baker-Wlodyka helps us explore what is developmental trauma and and how does developmental trauma affect our relationships with our families during the holiday season. Nicholette Leanza: Welcome to Convos From The Couch By LifeStance Health, where leading mental health professionals help guide you...

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Self-Help & Wellness

How AI Can Support Mental Health – Podcast

Technology continues to provide new ways of enhancing our daily lives. Recently, research has found that, in collaboration with medical professionals, Artificial Intelligence (AI) can facilitate early detection, evaluation and even suggest treatment options for mental health conditions. In this episode, Nicholette Leanza interviews an AI chatbot on mental health. Nicholette Leanza: Welcome to Convos...

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Therapy

The ABCs of ABA Therapy – Podcast

On this episode, we discuss the use of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) with Autism Spectrum Disorder and how this treatment can be used in a variety of other mental health conditions. Nicholette Leanza: Welcome to Convos from the Couch by LifeStance Health, where leading mental health professionals help guide you on your journey to a...

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Relationship / Dating

Word of the Year: “Gaslighting” and How to Protect Yourself – Podcast

Merriam-Webster’s dictionary has made “gaslighting” its 2022 word of the year. Jami Shanes, a clinician from one of our Cleveland, Ohio offices discusses this trendy topic, how to recognize it and ways to protect yourself from this form of abuse. Nicholette Leanza: Welcome to Convos on the Couch From LifeStance Health, where each episode you’ll...

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Therapy

Therapy 102: What Does Good Therapy Look Like? – Podcast

A followup to our therapy 101 episode where we talked about what to expect from therapy. On this episode, Haley Lafferty and Kevin Foley help us dig a little deeper and explore what good therapy can look like, as well as answer some other questions about the therapeutic experience. Nicholette Leanza: Welcome to Convos from...

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Self-Help & Wellness

The Importance of Gratitude & Understanding Toxic Positivity – Podcast

Thanksgiving is a time for us to reflect and recognize all that we are grateful for. Stephanie Phillips, a clinician from one of our Cleveland, Ohio offices discusses the importance of gratitude, ways we can practice gratitude and understanding toxic positivity. Learn more about Practicing Gratitude for Mental Wellness Nicholette Leanza: Welcome to Convos from the...

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Self-Help & Wellness

Who are We? Understanding the Self and How to Improve It – Podcast

The self continues to evolve and change. Aaron Abrams, a clinician from one of our Seattle Washington offices joins us on this episode as we discuss understanding ourselves and ways to improve our self-esteem. Nicki Leanza: Welcome to Convos From the Couch, from LifeStance Health, where each episode you’ll hear engaging and informative conversations with...

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Self-Help & Wellness

Time Management for Your Mental Health – Podcast

Jamie Hodgins, a clinician from one of our LifeStance Columbus, Ohio offices helps us understand how setting up routines and breaks can be helpful to our mental health. In this episode, we explore how time management creates opportunities that promote socialization, health, wellness, and regulation. Nicholette Leanza: Welcome to Convos from the Couch from LifeStance...

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MEET THE HOST

Nicholette Leanza, M.Ed, LPCC

Nicholette possesses nearly 30 years of experience working with individuals to improve their lives through thought-provoking and creative therapy techniques. She is a licensed professional clinical counselor and an award-winning university instructor with several media interviews related to psychological health and well-being.