Insights from the Couch - Mental Health at Midlife

The holiday season is here, and with it comes joy, challenges, and plenty of stress. In this special episode we tackle the big issues that make the holidays overwhelming—from managing expectations and setting boundaries to dealing with financial stress and navigating family dynamics. We share our candid personal stories and practical strategies to help you stay grounded, embrace self-care, and survive (or even thrive!) this holiday season. 

Episode Highlights:
[2:45] – Stressful moments as parents during the holidays: when the magic of Christmas becomes all work.
[4:12] – Colette shares her story of a solo Chr...

In this episode of Insights from the Couch, we’re thrilled to sit down with the amazing Jen Bisbee, Executive Producer of the upcoming documentary “What Hugh Knew” and owner of the renowned PR firm, Bisbee and Co. Jen shares her journey of discovering the profound importance of human connection, both through her film and personal experiences. We dive into how technology has shifted our relationships, especially for teens, and explore the balance between the digital and real world. Plus, we get an inside look at the inspiration behind her powerful documentary, which has been 40 years in the making and ce...

Hey, everyone! Welcome back to another episode of Insights from the Couch! We are thrilled to have the incredible Jacqueline Whitmore with us today. Jacqueline is America’s foremost etiquette expert, author, and certified speaking professional. In this episode, we explore the importance of professional presence, intentionality in your career, and how to navigate pivotal transitions. Jacqueline shares her journey from hospitality marketing to becoming a leading voice in etiquette, offering valuable insights on building confidence, developing your personal brand, and mastering the art of making others feel comfortable. Tune in for a conversation that is as enlightening as it...

In this episode of Insights from the Couch, we are back with Vanessa Reiser for part two of our deep dive into narcissistic abuse. We continue unpacking the signs, behaviors, and long-term effects of dealing with narcissists, including the devastating post-separation abuse that often follows the end of these toxic relationships. Vanessa explains key terms like gaslighting, hoovering, and supply, providing listeners with practical tips on how to recognize and protect themselves from narcissistic behaviors.

Vanessa also offers valuable insight into what recovery looks like—how to escape, heal, and rebuild your life after enduring this form of...

In this episode of Insights from the Couch, we dive into the complex world of narcissistic abuse with the incredible Vanessa Reiser, a licensed clinical social worker specializing in narcissistic and cult abuse. Together, we explore what it’s really like to experience this insidious form of domestic violence, how to identify narcissistic behaviors early on, and the warning signs that often go unnoticed until it’s too late. Vanessa shares her personal story of surviving narcissistic abuse, shedding light on the psychological manipulation that victims face and the steps they can take to heal and escape.

This...

In this eye-opening episode, we sit down with author and journalist Melissa Petro, whose new book, Shame on You: How to Be a Woman in the Age of Mortification, delves into the complex world of shame and societal judgment. Melissa brings her unique perspective, shaped by her own experiences in the sex trade and as a mother, to explore how shame affects women in both public and private spheres. We get into how women are often burdened with shame from a young age, and Melissa shares how she’s navigated the harsh terrain of public shaming, including a scandal th...

In this follow-up to last week’s conversation on the emotional lives of men, we bring you a special “Men Tell All” episode with guests Josh Mora and Dennis Williams. Josh and Dennis, hosts of The Back 9 podcast, open up about what it’s really like for men navigating relationships, dating, and personal growth in midlife. We get candid about the challenges and rewards of dating after divorce, the importance of male friendships, and how men process emotions in ways you might not expect. You’ll hear honest takes on vulnerability, authenticity, and setting boundaries, plus some surprising insights into male...

Welcome back to another insightful episode of "Insights from the Couch: Mental Health at Midlife." Today, we’re diving deep into a topic that’s both complex and essential—the emotional lives of men. We often hear that men are the strong, silent types, but what’s really going on beneath that composed exterior? How do societal expectations and upbringing shape men’s emotional expressions? We explore these questions and more, offering a compassionate look at the vulnerabilities men face and how they navigate their emotional landscapes.

In this episode, we discuss the common challenges men encounter when tryin...

In this deeply moving episode of Insights from the Couch, we sit down with Simona Lazinsk, a powerhouse of resilience and grace. Simona shares her incredible journey from overcoming unimaginable loss and trauma to becoming a best-selling author and Mrs. Florida International 2023. Through her powerful story, we explore themes of survival, healing, and how to take control of your life even when it seems like everything is falling apart. This episode is a testament to the human spirit and is filled with inspiration for anyone who's ever felt lost or broken. Trust us, you’ll want to hear Simona’s jo...

In this episode, we are thrilled to welcome the incredible Dr. Vonda Wright, a double board-certified orthopedic sports surgeon who specializes in working with athletes and active individuals. Dr. Wright shares her passion for empowering women, especially as they navigate perimenopause and menopause. We explore everything from hormone health to the importance of lifting weights, brain health, and how to thrive through midlife.

Dr. Wright shares eye-opening insights about how estrogen impacts our bodies, the importance of understanding our hormonal changes, and the power of weight training to maintain bone density and overall health. We also chat...

In this empowering episode of Insights from the Couch, we continue our deep dive into women’s sexuality with the incredible Dr. Laurie Watson. Together, we tackle the complexities of sexual desire, intimacy, and pleasure as women navigate through midlife and beyond. Dr. Laurie shares her wisdom on how to maintain a vibrant sex life despite the challenges of menopause, societal pressures, and the inevitable changes in our bodies. Whether you’re in the midst of these changes or simply curious about what lies ahead, this conversation is packed with actionable insights that will leave you feeling inspired and more...

Hey everyone! In this episode, we’re diving into one of the most layered and intriguing topics: women’s sexuality at midlife. We’re joined by the incredible Dr. Lori Watson, a renowned sexologist and couples therapist, who brings her extensive expertise to help us unpack the complexities of sex and desire as we age. From dealing with low libido and the pressures of long-term relationships to navigating the challenges of erectile dysfunction and emotional disconnection, we explore it all. Whether you're grappling with the changes that come with midlife or looking to keep the spark alive in your relati...

In this heartfelt episode of Insights from the Couch, we’re diving into a topic that hits home for so many of us—coping with the empty nest. We get real about the grief, the unexpected feelings, and how to move from sadness to embracing this new chapter in life.

Join us as we share our own experiences of adjusting to an empty nest, the challenges that come with it, and the surprising positives that can emerge from this life phase. If you’re feeling lost, uncertain, or just a bit overwhelmed by the quiet, this episode is for...

Are you just going through the motions, stuck in a mental rut? Or are you truly living with vitality, curiosity and psychological flexibility? In this insightful episode, we're discussing the core signifiers of authentic mental wellness. You'll gain perspective on whether you're just surviving or actually thriving psychologically and emotionally. Get ready to assess your own mental health in a holistic way!

Episode Highlights:

[3:35] - Psychological flexibility: Holding two truths. 

[9:46] - Allowing the full range of emotions. 

[14:39] - Knowing yourself: Beliefs, apologies, asking for help. 

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In this episode, we are joined by Abbe Barclay, a seasoned Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Certified Sex Addiction Therapist. With over 30 years of experience, Abbe offers invaluable insights into the complex world of sexual addiction. We discuss the nuances of sex addiction, its impact on relationships, and effective paths to recovery. Whether you're personally affected or simply curious about the subject, this episode sheds light on a topic often shrouded in misunderstanding and stigma.

Episode Highlights:

[1:32] - Colette shares her personal connection to the topic.

[3:47...

In today’s episode, we dive into a topic that hits close to home for many of us – overparenting. Are you the kind of parent who tends to hover, or maybe even bulldoze obstacles out of your child’s way? Join us as we discuss the various forms overparenting can take, its root causes, and most importantly, how it impacts the mental and emotional well-being of our kids. We share personal anecdotes, clinical insights, and practical advice to help you strike the right balance between being supportive and overbearing.

We also explore the broader implications of overparenting on soc...

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Laura Meyers, a seasoned clinical psychologist specializing in anxiety-related disorders, PTSD, OCD, and high-risk populations. Dr. Meyers shares her profound insights on the impacts of menopause on mental health, drawing from her personal and professional experiences. We delve into the emotional upheavals that come with menopause, the societal stigmas surrounding it, and the importance of finding the right support. This conversation is packed with valuable information for anyone navigating this significant life transition.

Episode Highlights:

[01:32] The importance of specialization in therapy and Dr...