Convos from the Couch by LifeStance Health

On this episode, we sit down with psychiatric nurse practitioner Christopher Wojnar for an honest conversation about resilience, recovery, and finding hope through life's most difficult moments. Chris shares parts of his personal journey, including the challenges he faced with his own mental health and how those experiences ultimately shaped his passion for helping others.

Together, we talk about the power of connection, the importance of asking for help, and why sharing our stories can make others feel less alone. Chris also reflects on how personal experiences, both as an individual and a parent, have influenced his perspective on mental health, healing, and supporting people through difficult times.

Sports can bring us joy, excitement, anticipation, and sometimes disappointment. But what if being a sports fan offers benefits that go far beyond the final score?

In this episode, we chat with therapist Luke Wright to explore the connection between sports fandom and mental health. Together, we discuss how rooting for a team can foster a sense of belonging, strengthen social connections, and even help us build resilience through life's ups and downs.

From game-day excitement and dopamine to community, identity, and shared experiences, they unpack why sports hold such a meaningful place in many people's lives.

What happens when life's most difficult moments become the foundation for helping others?

In this episode of Convos from the Couch, LifeStance therapist Kellen Smith shares her deeply personal journey, including her adoption story, struggles with identity and belonging, recovery from addiction, and the life-changing experiences that eventually led her to a career in mental health care.

Along the way, Kellen reflects on motherhood, personal growth, radical acceptance, and the lasting impact compassionate therapists can have on a person's life. Her story is a reminder that healing is rarely a straight line, but growth is always possible.

Nature offers something many of us are missing in our busy, screen-filled lives: a chance to slow down, reconnect, and reset. In this episode, we sit down with clinical psychologist Dr. Melanie Sklar to explore the powerful connection between nature and mental well-being.

Together, they discuss how spending time outdoors can help reduce stress, improve mood, support emotional regulation, and provide a sense of grounding during difficult moments. Dr. Sklar shares insights into how our nervous system responds to natural environments, why even small doses of nature can make a difference, and how practices like mindfulness and self-compassion can help us get more from our time outside.

Whether it's a walk around the block, time in a nearby park, or simply opening a window for fresh air, this conversation offers practical ways to bring more nature into your daily life. 

Bringing a new baby home can be joyful, overwhelming, and life-changing, often all at once. But what happens when postpartum mental health challenges become something more serious?

While postpartum psychosis is rare, it’s one of the most serious postpartum mental health conditions and one that’s often misunderstood. In this episode clinical psychologist Dr. Ashton Scherrer unpacks what postpartum psychosis really is, how it differs from other postpartum mood disorders, and why awareness can make all the difference.

Together, we discuss warning signs loved ones should watch for, who may be at greater risk, and the treatment approaches used to support recovery.

We also explore the importance of reducing stigma around postpartum mental health and ensuring new parents feel supported during one of life’s biggest transitions.

Convos from the Couch welcomes Licensed Clinical Social Worker Cory Grad for an insightful conversation about helping students with ADHD navigate the transition back to school. Together, we explore what ADHD is, how it commonly shows up in children and teens, and why understanding how the ADHD brain works can make a meaningful difference in academic success.

Listeners will learn practical strategies for creating routines, building supportive home and school environments, and helping students develop organization and time-management skills.

The discussion also covers school accommodations such as IEPs and 504 plans, college support services, behavioral interventions, and common misconceptions that can create challenges for students with ADHD.

Whether you're a parent, educator, caregiver, or student, this episode offers compassionate, real-world guidance to help make the start of a new school year feel less overwhelming and more empowering.

What does it really mean to belong at work? In this episode, we are joined by Jewel Ratcliff, Clinical Director and Central Region DEIB Co-Chair, and Madison Coward-Thibodeaux, National Onboarding Team member and Central Region DEIB Co-Chair to explore how belonging impacts employee engagement, workplace culture, leadership, and overall well-being.

They also share practical ways leaders and employees can foster belonging through intentional communication, recognition, psychological safety, and accountability.

Our guests emphasize the role of DEIB initiatives, employee feedback, and everyday interactions in creating environments where people feel seen, valued, and respected.

To learn more about LifeStance's commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging—and how you can be part of it, visit here.

Family estrangement is more common than many people realize, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood and isolating experiences individuals and families can face. In this episode, we are joined by LifeStance therapist Kara Guevara and her patient Ken to explore the emotional impact of losing contact with a family member and the complex grief that often follows.

Together, they discuss the difference between a strained relationship and estrangement, common reasons families become disconnected, and why these experiences can leave people feeling unheard and alone. Ken shares his personal journey through estrangement and the challenges of coping with loss, while Kara offers clinical insight into acceptance, grief, boundaries, and finding meaningful support during difficult times.

Whether you're navigating estrangement yourself, supporting a loved one, or simply seeking a deeper understanding ofthis often-overlooked topic, this conversation offers compassion, perspective and hope.