Authentic Beyond the Couch

What if you never had to earn your way back to God? 🤍

In the final part of this conversation on Authentic Beyond the Couch, Jirzia Blackman and Rev. Ciara Simonson explore the freedom of grace, the weight of religious legalism, and what it means to reconnect with God without hiding your humanity.

Rev. Ciara shares a powerful reminder: God knows our history, our wounds, our doubts, and our longing—and grace invites us back into relationship without requiring us to earn our belonging.

Together, they discuss how religious rules and fear can shape our view of God, why we sometimes label what is unfamiliar as wrong, and how embracing differences can help us build deeper connections.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE EXPLORE:

• What it means to experience God's grace without trying to earn it

• How religious legalism can leave us feeling unworthy

• Why God is not intimidated by our humanity

• Challenging beliefs we inherited about faith and spirituality

• Embracing differences instead of creating barriers

• How Imago therapy and personal growth can transform relationships

• Returning to connection and receiving love without shame

✨ A message to carry with you:

“God knows all about us… our history, our wounds, our wandering, our doubts, our hunger, our longing.”

You don't have to hide the messy parts of your story to be worthy of love. Grace is an invitation to return to connection.

🎙️ Watch the final part of Jirzia's conversation with Rev. Ciara Simonson.

If this conversation speaks to you, share it with someone who needs the reminder that grace is still available.

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Are you really walking away from God—or are you walking away from an experience of church that no longer feels safe?

In Part 2 of this powerful conversation on Authentic Beyond the Couch, Jirzia Blackmon continues her conversation with Rev. Ciara Simonson about the intersection of faith, mental health, church hurt, perfectionism, relationships, and healing.

Rev. Ciara Simonson is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Imago Relationship Therapist, doctoral candidate, author, pastor, and clinician whose work lives at the intersection of faith, healing, and relationships.

In this episode, Jirzia and Ciara unpack what happens when faith becomes centered around rules, fear, perfectionism, and the pressure to “get it right”—and how discovering grace can completely change our understanding of God and ourselves.

They also explore:

✨ Church hurt and spiritual bypassing

✨ Faith and mental health

✨ Perfectionism, anxiety, and the pressure to be “good enough”

✨ Why some people leave the church but not necessarily God

✨ Creating safer and healthier faith communities

✨ How relationships influence our understanding of faith

✨ Parenting, attachment, and a child's perception of God

✨ Embracing differences while remaining connected

✨ Grace, unconditional love, and authentic healing

One powerful question from this conversation:

“How can we embrace differences and remain connected?”

And a reminder worth carrying with you:

“You are loved, you are lovable, you matter.”

If you've experienced church hurt, religious guilt, spiritual confusion, perfectionism, or struggled to reconcile your faith with your mental health, this conversation is for you.

🎙️ Watch Part 2 of the conversation with Rev. Ciara Simonson now.

👉 Watch the full episode: [INSERT LINK]

If this conversation resonates with you, like, subscribe, and share it with someone who may need to hear it.

Authentic Beyond the Couch

Where healing takes courage.

What if becoming a more effective therapist actually meant doing less?

In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, Jirzia Blackman continues her conversation with **Michelle Bohls, Imago Clinical Trainer and mentor**, exploring what it really takes to create sustainable, connected, and meaningful work as a therapist.

Michelle shares why so many clinicians experience **therapist burnout, imposter syndrome, emotional exhaustion, and professional isolation**—and how Imago Relationship Therapy can offer a different way of working with couples.

Together, Jirzia and Michelle discuss:

✨ How Imago Clinical Training transformed Jirzia's approach to therapy

✨ Why therapists can burn out from taking too much responsibility for their clients

✨ The connection between professional development and therapist wellness

✨ How Imago helps clinicians move away from “fixing” couples

✨ Why connection—not identifying the problem—is at the heart of Imago

✨ How parts work, attachment, trauma, and relationship patterns intersect

✨ Why therapists don't have to be the expert with all the answers

✨ Imposter syndrome and the pressure to be perfect

✨ Building a more sustainable therapy practice

✨ Why *your energy is the currency of your life

✨ How therapists can invest in themselves while creating deeper impact

Michelle explains that in Imago, the therapist's role isn't to solve the couple's problems, but to hold the structure and space that allows couples to discover what is happening between them and create connection.

For clinicians considering **Imago Relationship Therapy**, experiencing burnout, struggling with imposter syndrome, or simply looking for a more relational approach to couples therapy, this conversation offers a powerful perspective on professional growth and sustainable practice.

🎙️ WATCH PART 2 NOW and continue the conversation with Jirzia and Michelle.

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👉 Like, comment, and share this episode with a therapist or clinician who needs to hear this conversation.

ABOUT MICHELLE BOHLS

Michelle Bohls is an **Imago Clinical Trainer, therapist, mentor, and relationship professional** dedicated to helping create a more relational world—one where meaningful connection matters more than performance, accomplishments, or status.

WATCH PART 1:

What if the biggest breakthrough in couples therapy isn't another intervention—but a completely different way of seeing relationships?

In this powerful episode of Authentic Beyond the Couch, licensed therapist Jirzia Blackman sits down with renowned Imago Clinical Trainer Michelle Bohls to explore how Imago Relationship Therapy transforms not only marriages—but therapists themselves.

Whether you're a clinician experiencing burnout, a couple longing for deeper connection, or someone curious about the psychology behind healthy relationships, this conversation offers practical wisdom and hope.

Together, they discuss why so many therapists leave the profession emotionally exhausted, how Imago shifts the focus from fixing problems to creating connection, and why healing begins when we become conscious of the stories driving our relationships.

You'll also hear Jirzia's personal journey through Imago training, how it changed her marriage, motherhood, friendships, and clinical work, and why Michelle believes every therapist should invest in themselves before trying to save everyone else.

In This Episode

✔ What Imago Relationship Therapy really is

✔ Why therapist burnout is so common

✔ How unconscious childhood experiences shape adult relationships

✔ The difference between fixing problems and creating connection

✔ Why therapists don't need to be the expert

✔ Healing through curiosity instead of judgment

✔ How Imago transformed Jirzia's personal life and practice

✔ Why your energy—not your knowledge—is your greatest asset

Whether you're a therapist, coach, counselor, pastor, or simply someone wanting healthier relationships, this conversation will challenge the way you think about healing.

About Michelle Bohls

Michelle Bohls is an Imago Clinical Trainer, licensed therapist, couples therapist, workshop presenter, and mentor dedicated to helping therapists and couples create deeper, more conscious relationships through Imago Relationship Therapy. Passionate about preventing therapist burnout and fostering lasting relational healing, Michelle equips clinicians and couples with practical tools that transform the way they connect—with themselves and with one another.

Connect with Michelle Bohls

🌐 Website: https://www.michellebohls.com

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michelle.bohls

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellebohls

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellebohls

❤️ Learn more about Imago Relationship Therapy & Clinical Training:

https://imagorelationships.org

🎙 Connect with Authentic Beyond the Couch

🌐 Website:

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🎤 Invite Jirzia to speak at your event:

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Healing takes courage—and you don't have to do it alone.

What if your anxiety, chronic stress, or trauma is affecting more than just your mind? What if it's affecting your gut, too?

In this eye-opening episode of Authentic Beyond the Couch, Jirzia Blackman sits down with Hannah Wood, Clinical Nutrition Specialist (CNS), to explore the powerful connection between gut health, mental health, inflammation, trauma, and the nervous system.

Together, they unpack why your gut is often called your "second brain," how chronic stress impacts digestion, and why healing isn't just emotional—it can be physical too.

🎧 In this episode, you'll learn:

✨ What the gut-brain connection really is

✨ How chronic stress impacts digestion and inflammation

✨ The connection between trauma, anxiety, and gut health

✨ Why autoimmune conditions can be triggered by stress

✨ Signs your body may be stuck in survival mode

✨ How nutrition supports mental and emotional wellness

✨ The role of the vagus nerve in healing

✨ Natural ways to support gut health and reduce stress

Whether you're experiencing anxiety, IBS, acid reflux, bloating, chronic inflammation, autoimmune symptoms, or simply want to understand how your body and mind work together, this conversation offers practical insights and hope.

Healing isn't just about your thoughts—it starts with caring for your whole body.

👤 About the Guest

Hannah Wood, CNS is a Clinical Nutrition Specialist with a Master's degree in Biochemical and Functional Nutrition. She helps clients uncover the root causes of chronic health concerns through personalized nutrition, functional medicine, and evidence-based wellness strategies. Hannah specializes in the connection between nutrition, gut health, inflammation, and mental well-being, empowering individuals to heal from the inside out.

💛 If this episode encouraged you:

✔️ Subscribe to Authentic Beyond the Couch

✔️ Leave a review and share your biggest takeaway

✔️ Share this episode with someone struggling with stress, anxiety, or gut health

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Why does healing sometimes feel heavier before it finally feels peaceful?

In this powerful solo episode of Authentic Beyond the Couch, Jirzia Blackmon dives into one of the most common questions people ask in therapy:

“Why does it feel worse before it feels better?”

Through personal stories, clinical insight, faith-based encouragement, and trauma-informed education, Jirzia explains why healing is often messy, emotional, uncomfortable — and completely normal.

This episode explores:

✨ trauma responses and survival mode

✨ why therapy can feel emotionally overwhelming

✨ anxiety, panic attacks, and emotional triggers

✨ cognitive dissonance and inner conflict

✨ how trauma is stored in the body

✨ faith, healing, and emotional honesty

✨ why setbacks are part of the healing process

✨ learning to stop suppressing pain

Jirzia also vulnerably shares parts of her own healing journey — including childhood trauma, anxiety, panic attacks, church hurt, emotional pain, and how therapy helped her finally understand what her body and mind had been carrying for years.

If you’ve ever felt discouraged during your healing journey… this episode is your reminder that healing is not linear.

💛 Sometimes what feels like a setback is actually your body preparing for breakthrough.

🎧 Tune in now — available on all major podcast platforms

💬 Comment your biggest takeaway from this episode

🌱 Share this with someone who’s struggling in their healing journey

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What happens when you finally choose yourself — after years of putting everyone else first?

This week on Authentic Beyond the Couch, Jirzia Blackmon sits down with special guest Candice Terrazas for a powerful and honest conversation about healing, identity, and what it really means to choose yourself.

In this episode, Candice opens up about her personal journey — navigating emotional challenges, unlearning patterns, and stepping into a more authentic version of herself. Together, Jirzia and Candice explore the deeper layers of healing that often go unseen, but are necessary for real transformation.

This conversation touches on:

✨ self-worth and identity healing

✨ breaking unhealthy patterns

✨ emotional healing and personal growth

✨ navigating life transitions

✨ doing the inner work

✨ learning to choose yourself without guilt

If you’ve ever felt stuck, disconnected, or unsure of who you are becoming… this episode will meet you exactly where you are.

Because healing isn’t just about fixing what’s broken — it’s about discovering who you are underneath it all.

🎧 Tune in now — available on all major platforms

💛 Subscribe for more real, unfiltered conversations on healing and growth

💬 Comment your biggest takeaway — we’d love to hear from you

🌱 Share this episode with someone who needs this message

Follow on Instagram: @authenticbeyond_thecouch for more insights, clips, and behind-the-scenes moments.

About the Guest

Candice TerrazasCandice Terrazas is a health and mindset coach dedicated to helping driven women reclaim their energy, confidence, and consistency through a sustainable approach to wellness. With training in International Coaching Federation (ICF) standards and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), she blends science-backed strategies with real-world experience as a competitive bodybuilder. Candice specializes in supporting women as they build strength — both physically and mentally — while balancing demanding careers, family life, and personal growth.

Her coaching is intentional, personalized, and focused on creating long-term, sustainable results.

🌐 Website: candiceterrazas.com

📸 Instagram: @candiceterrazas

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/candiceterrazas

You can’t heal what you keep avoiding.

This is Part 2 of Jirzia Blackmon’s powerful conversation with her former therapist, Kami Roberts, LCSW — and this is where the real work begins.

In Part 1, we named the wounds.

In Part 2, we talk about what it actually takes to confront them.

Together, Jirzia and Kami go deeper into the process of healing — challenging long-held beliefs, unpacking emotional patterns, and stepping into growth even when it feels uncomfortable.

This episode dives into:

✨ confronting the pain you’ve been avoiding

✨ breaking through limiting beliefs

✨ doing the hard work in therapy

✨ healing from church hurt and father wounds

✨ choosing growth over comfort

Healing isn’t just about awareness — it’s about action.

And sometimes, that means facing truths you’ve spent years trying to avoid.

If you’ve been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or hesitant to go deeper in your healing journey… this conversation is for you.

🎧 This is Part 2 — if you haven’t listened to Part 1 yet, start there for full context.

🎧 Tune in now — available on all major platforms

💛 Save this episode for when you’re ready to go deeper

🌱 Share this with someone who’s doing the hard work of healing

Follow @authenticbeyond_thecouch for more real conversations on healing, faith, and growth.

Healing isn’t easy — and the hardest part is facing the truth about where your pain really comes from.

This is Part 1 of a powerful two-part conversation on Authentic Beyond the Couch.

In this episode, host Jirzia Blackmon reunites with her very first therapist, Kami Roberts, LCSW, to unpack the emotional and spiritual wounds many people carry but are afraid to confront:

✨ church hurt

✨ father wounds

✨ childhood trauma

✨ religious guilt

✨ emotional avoidance

✨ and the fear of leaving familiar environments

Kami was the therapist who walked Jirzia through one of the most difficult seasons of her life — helping her confront painful truths, challenge unhealthy beliefs, and begin rebuilding her identity with honesty and courage.

Part 1 sets the foundation. It names the wounds. It uncovers the patterns. It opens the door to the deeper work.

This conversation is raw, real, and deeply healing — especially for anyone who has struggled with faith, emotional pain, or the fear of doing “the hard work” in therapy.

If you’ve been avoiding what hurts… this episode will speak directly to your soul. 🌿

🎧 This is Part 1 — Tune in to Part 2 to continue the conversation and go even deeper.

👤 About the Guest — Kami Roberts, LCSW

Kami Roberts is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and clinical supervisor based in New York. With a grounded, compassionate, and direct approach, he helps clients work through trauma, emotional wounds, church hurt, identity struggles, and major life transitions.

Connect with Kami:

🌐 Website: www.kindcounseling.com

📸 Instagram: @kindcounseling

📘 Facebook: @kindcounseling

💼 LinkedIn: Kami Roberts

As the therapist who guided Jirzia during her early healing journey, Kami played a pivotal role in helping her heal father wounds, break through religious guilt, and step into a healthier, more authentic life.

If this episode spoke to you:

✔️ Subscribe for more healing conversations

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✔️ Comment your biggest takeaway or “aha” moment

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What do you do when healing hurts? When the process feels heavier than the pain you’re trying to let go of?
In this heartfelt episode of Authentic Beyond the Couch, Jirzia Blackmon, EMDR therapist and founder of Rhapsody Counseling & Wellness Center, opens up about her personal valley season — a time marked by deep pain, confusion, and the struggle to reconcile faith with emotional healing. 🌿
Through her story and the song “Thy Will” by Hillary Scott, Jirzia shares how she learned one of the hardest truths about healing: you can’t skip the valley. You have to feel it to heal it.
This episode is for anyone walking through a difficult season, questioning their faith, or learning to embrace the messy middle of healing. 💛
🎧 What You’ll Learn:
Why healing often feels harder before it gets better
How to allow yourself to feel before rushing to “fix”
The connection between crying and emotional release
How faith and therapy can work together in the healing process
Finding peace and hope even in the lowest valleys
If this episode spoke to your heart, don’t keep it to yourself —
✅ Subscribe for more authentic conversations
✅ Comment below and share what “your valley” looks like
✅ Share this with someone who needs encouragement today
Follow @AuthenticBeyondTheCouch on Instagram for more healing conversations, insights, and behind-the-scenes moments. 🌱