Coffee with CAPS

Sam and Aaron sit down with Trish McCoy Kessler, founder of Empower Counseling, to talk about how body image can shape confidence, dating, and the way we see ourselves in relationships. From social media pressures to how early messages about our bodies stick with us, they unpack what “normal” really means (spoiler: there isn’t one). Trish shares real insights from her counseling work, what healing can look like, and why gratitude and self-compassion matter more than perfection.

Join us every Tuesday for fresh discussions on mental health, relationships, academic life, and more. Grab your coffee, tune in, and let us know which topics you'd like us to cover next!

In this follow-up episode, Sam and Aaron sit back down with counselor Dustin Beaty to talk through the other side of sexual addiction — what it’s like for the betrayed partner. They unpack the mess of emotions that come with betrayal: shame, confusion, and the deep question of “what now?” Dustin shares honest insights on what healing can look like, why it’s not your job to “fix” someone else, and how to rebuild (or not) after trust is broken. It’s a real, grounded conversation about pain, hope, and figuring out your next steps.

Join us every Tuesday for fresh discussions on mental health, relationships, academic life, and more. Grab your coffee, tune in, and let us know which topics you'd like us to cover next!

In this episode, Sam and Aaron sit down with fellow counselor Dustin Beaty to have an honest, compassionate conversation about sexual addiction — specifically from the perspective of the addict. They unpack what addiction really is, why shame keeps people stuck, and how openness and support can break the cycle. Dustin shares insights from his work with college students and couples, talking about what recovery can actually look like and where hope fits into the process. It’s a candid, thoughtful chat that normalizes a tough topic and invites listeners to think, reflect, and maybe take a first step toward healing.

Join us every Tuesday for fresh discussions on mental health, relationships, academic life, and more. Grab your coffee, tune in, and let us know which topics you'd like us to cover next!

Sam and Aaron pick up where they left off, diving into the last of the “Four Horsemen” that can wreck relationships — contempt. They talk about how it shows up, why it’s so toxic, and what to do when small annoyances start turning into resentment.

From learning to cool down when emotions spike to figuring out what real validation sounds like, the conversation offers an honest look at emotional awareness, communication, and learning to repair instead of retreat.

Whether you’re dating, married, or just trying to be a better friend, this one’s full of practical insight — and a little grace for when you don’t get it right the first time.

Conflict happens — even in the closest relationships. In this episode, Sam and Aaron dive into why fights happen, how to handle them without blowing up, and how those awkward conversations can actually bring you closer. They break down common pitfalls — criticism, defensiveness, the silent treatment — and show how even small “ruptures” can lead to trust and growth. Whether you’re dating, living with roommates, or just trying to navigate tension better, this episode is packed with honest, relatable advice for turning “ugh” moments into real connection.

Join us every Tuesday for fresh discussions on mental health, relationships, academic life, and more. Grab your coffee, tune in, and let us know which topics you'd like us to cover next!

Why do we chase love — or run from it — the way we do? In this episode, Sam and Aaron unpack how our attachment styles shape relationships, from anxious and avoidant dynamics to what a “secure base” really means. They dive into why certain pairings are so common and how those patterns often play out in real life. You’ll hear tips on spotting unhelpful cycles, ways to grow toward security, and how small changes can make a big difference in how we connect. Whether you’re dating, healing, or just curious about yourself, this one’s full of insights to help you build deeper, more balanced relationships.

#coffeewithcaps #lucaps #libertyuniversity #mentalhealthpodcast

What if who you are — your personality, passions, and even the random twists in your story — isn’t an accident? In this episode, Sam and Aaron wrap up the series with counselor Brittany Sawrey-Coulson to talk about purpose, identity, and why it’s okay not to have life figured out yet.

Brittany shares her own unexpected career turns and how tough seasons can actually point us toward who we’re meant to be. It’s an honest, real convo about growing, changing, and learning to trust that you’re designed for something bigger — even if you’re still figuring out what that is.

Join us every Tuesday for fresh discussions on mental health, relationships, academic life, and more. Grab your coffee, tune in, and let us know which topics you'd like us to cover next!

Ever feel like the voice in your head is constantly whispering, “you’re not enough”? In this episode, Sam and Aaron sit down again with counselor Brittany Sawrey-Coulson to talk about how shame creeps into our lives — shaping how we see ourselves, our relationships, and even our faith — and how it can quietly keep us stuck. They unpack the difference between guilt (which can push us toward growth) and shame (which pulls us into hiding), how growing up in certain home or church environments can plant those “not enough” messages deep inside, and how learning to believe what’s actually true about who we are can open the door to real healing.

Join us every Tuesday for fresh discussions on mental health, relationships, academic life, and more. Grab your coffee, tune in, and let us know which topics you'd like us to cover next!

College can feel like one long test of whether your faith is really yours — or just something you inherited. In this episode, Sam and Aaron sit down with guest counselor Brittany Sawrey-Coulson to talk about what it means to stop striving and start trusting God. They wrestle with questions like: Does God actually like me? What happens when life doesn’t turn out the way I prayed it would? And why trust might be the hardest (but most freeing) choice you can make. Together they explore the idea of “the cave” — a place of trust that feels uncertain, sometimes scary, but ultimately leads to deeper freedom and joy.

Join us every Tuesday for fresh discussions on mental health, relationships, academic life, and more. Grab your coffee, tune in, and let us know which topics you'd like us to cover next!

@lustudentcounseling

Ever catch yourself spiraling with “what ifs” in a relationship? In this episode, Sam and Aaron sit down with counselor Stephen Ciucci to talk about what happens when normal worries tip over into obsessive thinking — sometimes even into something called “relationship OCD.” They dig into how overthinking can steal the joy out of dating, what it’s like both for the person experiencing it and their partner, and how to start shifting your perspective.

Join us every Tuesday for fresh discussions on mental health, relationships, academic life, and more. Grab your coffee, tune in, and let us know which topics you'd like us to cover next!