Couch Time With Cat

Welcome! To become a client visit catiaholm.com or call/text 956-249-7930. 

In today's episode, Brain Science, Are you in Survival Mode or Higher Order Thinking?, we name what’s happening when survival mode takes the wheel and protection becomes more important than connection. We break down fight, flight, freeze, and fawn and practice simple regulation tools that help us show up with more choice in relationships and parenting. 
• survival mode as a nervous system response rather than a personality flaw 
• how the brain and body scan for safety through senses and social cues 
• emotional triggers like criticism, rejection, conflict, and uncertainty 
• fight, flight, freeze, and fawn patterns and what they look like day to day 
• a relationship moment reworked with regulation and clear language 
• parenting stress and why the “shoe problem” is rarely about shoes 
• boundaries that hold while kids have big feelings 
• repair after we get it wrong and why it builds secure connection 
• the “notice, name, regulate, choose” framework for real-time decisions 
• the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding exercise to get your whole brain back online 

Support the show

Show hosted by: 

Catia Hernandez Holm, LMFT, CCTP, CCPC

Bright Light Marriage and Family Therapy

Founder and Lead Therapist

Specializing in Trauma and Relationships

brightlightmft.com , catiaholm.com 

You can connect with Catia at couchtimewithcat.com 

To become a client, visit brightlightmft.com or call/text 956-249-7930. 

Follow us on:

Instagram @couchtimewithcat and Facebook @couchtimewithcat

Sign up for our newsletter here.

--

Couch Time with Cat isn’t therapy—it’s real conversation designed to support your journey alongside any personal or professional help you're receiving. If you're in emotional crisis or need immediate support, please get in touch with a professional or reach out to a 24/7 helpline like:

• US: 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)
• UK: Samaritans at 116 123
• Australia: Lifeline at 13 11 14
• Or find local resources through findahelpline.com

You’re not alone. Let’...

Welcome! To connect or become a client, visit catiaholm.com or call/text 956-249-7930. 

In today's episode, How To Help Kids Through Back-To-School Anxiety At Any Age, Back-to-school anxiety is not a sign that something is wrong with your kid; it is their nervous system scanning for safety when everything feels new. I break down what school anxiety looks like at different ages and share simple tools that help kids feel connected instead of pushed to “get over it.”

 
• reframing first-day flutter as normal nervous system biology 
• why logic fails and co-regulation works through connection 
• anxiety as a companion rather than something to eliminate 
• elementary kids asking will someone take care of me and using a steady goodbye ritual 
• why sneaking away can increase anxiety over time 
• middle schoolers asking do I belong and how anxiety can look like attitude 
• executive function under construction and why kids come home smoked 
• sideways conversations that open the door without interrogation 
• teens asking does this matter and can I survive it amid achievement pressure and online life 
• modeling honest, unpolished stories instead of platitudes 
• the core truth that anxiety is not the enemy, disconnection is 

Support the show

Show hosted by: 

Catia Hernandez Holm, LMFT, CCTP, CCPC

Bright Light Marriage and Family Therapy

Founder and Lead Therapist

Specializing in Trauma and Relationships

brightlightmft.com , catiaholm.com 

You can connect with Catia at couchtimewithcat.com 

To become a client, visit brightlightmft.com or call/text 956-249-7930. 

Follow us on:

Instagram @couchtimewithcat and Facebook @couchtimewithcat

Sign up for our newsletter here.

--

Couch Time with Cat isn’t therapy—it’s real conversation designed to support your journey alongside any personal or professional help you're receiving. If you're in emotional crisis or need immediate support, please get in touch with a professional or reach out to a 24/7 helpline like:

• US: 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)
• UK: Samaritans at 116 123
• Australia: Lifeline at 13 11 14
• Or find local resources through findahelpline.com

You’re not alone. Let’...

Welcome!! To connect or become a client, visit catiaholm.com or call/text 956-249-7930. 

In today's episode, Social Media Impacts How We See Ourselves, we discuss how Social media can make an ordinary life feel like it is losing a race with no rules, and that sinking feeling is often a predictable brain response, not a personal failing. I break down why the highlight reel hits our nervous systems so hard and share small, practical ways to scroll with more clarity and less shame. 

• the gap between what is real and what is posted 
• how algorithms and curated highlights keep our attention 
• the brain’s social comparison instinct meeting an impossible scale 
• dopamine loops, low attention span, and why stopping feels hard 
• why kids and teens can feel the impact even more 
• body and beauty distortion from filters, FaceTune, and AI 
• the reset scroll and recalibrating what “normal” looks like 
• success and lifestyle distortion and the missing behind-the-scenes work 
• why social media is not a diary and why that matters 
• relationship and belonging distortion and the sting of exclusion 
• a simple pre-post pause to check your motive 

Support the show

Show hosted by: 

Catia Hernandez Holm, LMFT, CCTP, CCPC

Bright Light Marriage and Family Therapy

Founder and Lead Therapist

Specializing in Trauma and Relationships

brightlightmft.com , catiaholm.com 

You can connect with Catia at couchtimewithcat.com 

To become a client, visit brightlightmft.com or call/text 956-249-7930. 

Follow us on:

Instagram @couchtimewithcat and Facebook @couchtimewithcat

Sign up for our newsletter here.

--

Couch Time with Cat isn’t therapy—it’s real conversation designed to support your journey alongside any personal or professional help you're receiving. If you're in emotional crisis or need immediate support, please get in touch with a professional or reach out to a 24/7 helpline like:

• US: 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)
• UK: Samaritans at 116 123
• Australia: Lifeline at 13 11 14
• Or find local resources through findahelpline.com

You’re not alone. Let’...

Welcome! To connect or become a client visit catiaholm.com or call/text 956-249-7930. 

In today's episode, Building A Gym That Feels Like Family with Gleidson and Anna Carolina Cutis,  we pick up Poney’s journey from Brazil to Texas and hear how a jiu-jitsu gym becomes a faith-driven home for people who need real connection. 

Spur of the moment I asked Anna Carolina ( Carol),  Poney's wife, to join us! The audio isn't perfect, but the story and heart and amazing, so don't let the audio deter you. 

Carol joins us to share what it takes to build marriage, community, and meaning through immigration delays, leadership lessons, and heartbreaking loss. 
• meeting Carol at a San Antonio dance hall and navigating cross-cultural dating 
• learning how to “do a real date” for the first time 
• moving to Wimberley without knowing how renting works in the US 
• a last-chance apartment moment that feels like a miracle 
• finding the courage to share faith and the role mentors play 
• Greg’s support and the leap from a small startup gym to a long-term home 
• years of long-distance marriage and the green card process 
• building a jiu-jitsu community that serves like a family 
• the Fighteria Way and a 12-month character development plan for kids 
• creating books for toddlers, kids, and parents to reinforce values at home 
• grieving the loss of Zoe and leaning on God and community to heal 

Show Guests

Gleidson Moraes Cutis ("Poney") is the Founder, Head Coach, and Professor whose life story is a testament to the transformative power of faith, discipline, and martial arts. Born in Belford Roxo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil—one of the country's most challenging communities—he overcame a childhood surrounded by violence, bullying, and limited opportunities by dedicating himself to martial arts from an early age.

A graduate with a Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education, Gleidson combines academic knowledge with decades of elite competitive and coaching experience. He is also a Certified Life Coach through Febracis, holds certifications in Emotional Intelligence and Business High Performance, and is an accomplished public speaker. His passion for personal growth and faith is reflected in his books, On the Mat With Christ and A Verdadeira Luta, where he shares the lessons that have shaped his life and purpose.

A devoted Christian, husband, and father, Gleidson believes that true strength is built through character, perseverance, and service to others. His coaching philosophy extends far beyond competition, focusing on helping students develop confidence, resilience, discipline, and integrity both on and off the mat.

Gleidson began training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2002 and Kickboxing in 2006. He has been teaching martial arts since 2008 and holds the rank of 3rd Degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and 1st Dan Black Belt in Kickboxing. He has also served as a multiple-time IBJJF referee, contributing to the sport at the highest levels.

Throughout his competitive career, Gleidson has earned numerous prestigious titles, including World Champion in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, NAGA World Champion, Brazilian Cup No-Gi Champion, two-time Brazilian Champion, two-time Rio de Janeiro Champion, three-time Fight 2 Win Pro Champion, three-time Submission Hunter Champion, multiple-time AJP Champion, and multiple-time IBJJF Champion.

In mixed martial arts, he compiled an amateur record of 2-0 before achieving a professional record of 7-4, competing internationally across Brazil, the United States, Canada, and Italy for respected organizations including WOCS, GSF, WebFight, Hero FC, RFA, LFA, ACB, and the UFC.

Today, Gleidson's greatest passion is helping others discover the same life-changing benefits that martial arts gave him. Having experienced firsthand how training can provide purpose, confidence, and hope, he is committed to empowering students of all ages and skill levels to become stronger physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

He lives by two guiding principles: "We are what we allow ourselves to be; we make our choices, and our choices make us," and "You are not special—you are unique." Through every class, seminar, and mentorship opportunity, Gleidson strives to help others realize their unique potential and begin their own journey of transformation.

Carol Cutis

Born in Jundiaí, São Paulo, Brazil, Carol Cutis is a life coach, speaker, entrepreneur, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner whose passion is helping others discover their purpose, build resilience, and live with authenticity. Married to Professor Gleidson "PoneY" Cutis, Carol serves alongside her husband as they continue building Fighteria—a community dedicated to developing stronger people on and off the mats.

Carol's journey began in sales at just 16 years old, where she discovered a natural ability to connect with people. Although she grew up shy and insecure, she always believed she was meant for something greater. That desire for growth led her to continually invest in her personal and professional development through an ESL Exchange Program in the United States, Emotional Intelligence training, advanced sales education, certification as a Power of Action Speaker, and certification as a Life Coach, completing more than 50 hours of coaching training.

In 2017, Carol made the life-changing decision to participate in an exchange program in the United States. The experience expanded her perspective and ignited a lifelong commitment to personal transformation. One year later, she stepped onto the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu mats for the first time and immediately fell in love with the art. Through Jiu-Jitsu, she found much more than a sport—she discovered confidence, discipline, resilience, and a deeper belief in herself.

Her life took another remarkable turn when she met Professor Gleidson "PoneY" Cutis. Their shared faith, values, and passion for serving others brought them together, and in January 2019 they opened Fighteria. 

Today, she is grateful to work alongside him in growing Fighteria while encouraging others to embrace perseverance, trust God's timing, and become the strongest version of themselves—physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.

You can connect with Poney and Carol at: Fighteria, On Instagram, and on Facebook. You can also find his books, The Fighteria Way Collection, on Amazon. 

Support the show

Show hosted by: 

Catia Hernandez Holm, LMFT, CCTP, CCPC

Bright Light Marriage and Family Therapy

Founder and Lead Therapist

Specializing in Trauma and Relationships

brightlightmft.com , catiaholm.com 

You can connect with Catia at couchtimewithcat.com 

To become a client, visit brightlightmft.com or call/text 956-249-7930. 

Follow us on:

Instagram @couchtimewithcat and Facebook @couchtimewithcat

Sign up for our newsletter here.

--

Couch Time with Cat isn’t therapy—it’s real conversation designed to support your journey alongside any personal or professional help you're receiving. If you're in emotional crisis or need immediate support, please get in touch with a professional or reach out to a 24/7 helpline like:

• US: 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)
• UK: Samaritans at 116 123
• Australia: Lifeline at 13 11 14
• Or find local resources through findahelpline.com

You’re not alone. Let’...

Welcome! To become a client or connect, visit catiaholm.com or call/text 956-249-7930.

In today's episode, From Rio De Janeiro To Texas: How One Man Rebuilt His Life with Gleidson Cutis, We sit down with Gleidson “Poney” Cutis and trace the long road from a violent childhood near Rio de Janeiro to building a new life in Texas through discipline, faith, and community. We talk honestly about transition stress, identity beyond achievement, and how bravery is built one uncomfortable decision at a time. 

• transition stress and why connection predicts emotional well-being 
• growing up around violence in Brazil and how “normal” can still be traumatic 
• bullying, early martial arts training, and finding confidence through competition 
• the identity trap of trophies and the grief of never celebrating wins 
• choosing a college “plan B” while pursuing professional MMA 
• a faith turning point in the US that breaks an old family pattern 
• arriving in Texas with almost no money and almost no English 
• marriage strain, divorce, depression, and home not feeling like rest 
• losing a job tied to visa status and getting unexpected support to start again 
• a promise to share what God has done and the start of a bigger purpose

Show Guest:

Gleidson Moraes Cutis ("Poney") is the Founder, Head Coach, and Professor whose life story is a testament to the transformative power of faith, discipline, and martial arts. Born in Belford Roxo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil—one of the country's most challenging communities—he overcame a childhood surrounded by violence, bullying, and limited opportunities by dedicating himself to martial arts from an early age.

A graduate with a Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education, Gleidson combines academic knowledge with decades of elite competitive and coaching experience. He is also a Certified Life Coach through Febracis, holds certifications in Emotional Intelligence and Business High Performance, and is an accomplished public speaker. His passion for personal growth and faith is reflected in his books, On the Mat With Christ and A Verdadeira Luta, where he shares the lessons that have shaped his life and purpose.

A devoted Christian, husband, and father, Gleidson believes that true strength is built through character, perseverance, and service to others. His coaching philosophy extends far beyond competition, focusing on helping students develop confidence, resilience, discipline, and integrity both on and off the mat.

Gleidson began training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2002 and Kickboxing in 2006. He has been teaching martial arts since 2008 and holds the rank of 3rd Degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and 1st Dan Black Belt in Kickboxing. He has also served as a multiple-time IBJJF referee, contributing to the sport at the highest levels.

Throughout his competitive career, Gleidson has earned numerous prestigious titles, including World Champion in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, NAGA World Champion, Brazilian Cup No-Gi Champion, two-time Brazilian Champion, two-time Rio de Janeiro Champion, three-time Fight 2 Win Pro Champion, three-time Submission Hunter Champion, multiple-time AJP Champion, and multiple-time IBJJF Champion.

In mixed martial arts, he compiled an amateur record of 2-0 before achieving a professional record of 7-4, competing internationally across Brazil, the United States, Canada, and Italy for respected organizations including WOCS, GSF, WebFight, Hero FC, RFA, LFA, ACB, and the UFC.

Today, Gleidson's greatest passion is helping others discover the same life-changing benefits that martial arts gave him. Having experienced firsthand how training can provide purpose, confidence, and hope, he is committed to empowering students of all ages and skill levels to become stronger physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

He lives by two guiding principles: "We are what we allow ourselves to be; we make our choices, and our choices make us," and "You are not special—you are unique." Through every class, seminar, and mentorship opportunity, Gleidson strives to help others realize their unique potential and begin their own journey of transformation.

You can connect with Poney at: Fighteria,  On Instagram, and on Facebook. You can also find his books, The Fighteria Way Collection, on Amazon. 

Support the show

Show hosted by: 

Catia Hernandez Holm, LMFT, CCTP, CCPC

Bright Light Marriage and Family Therapy

Founder and Lead Therapist

Specializing in Trauma and Relationships

brightlightmft.com , catiaholm.com 

You can connect with Catia at couchtimewithcat.com 

To become a client, visit brightlightmft.com or call/text 956-249-7930. 

Follow us on:

Instagram @couchtimewithcat and Facebook @couchtimewithcat

Sign up for our newsletter here.

--

Couch Time with Cat isn’t therapy—it’s real conversation designed to support your journey alongside any personal or professional help you're receiving. If you're in emotional crisis or need immediate support, please get in touch with a professional or reach out to a 24/7 helpline like:

• US: 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)
• UK: Samaritans at 116 123
• Australia: Lifeline at 13 11 14
• Or find local resources through findahelpline.com

You’re not alone. Let’...

Welcome! To become a client, visit catiaholm.com or call/text 956-249-7930.

In today's episode, Supporting Dyslexia with Casey Harrison, we name dyslexia as a different way the brain processes language and talk about how misunderstanding it can create shame, anxiety, and nightly homework blowups. We share practical ways to spot early signs, use tech without letting it replace learning, and support kids with accommodations while protecting their sense of self. 

• dyslexia as a language-based learning difference that is common and often misunderstood 
• early indicators in speech and language plus why early intervention helps 
• the brain circuitry of reading and why structured literacy builds a faster pathway 
• tech pros and cons, including handwriting, audiobooks, and cognitive offloading with AI 
• day-to-day impacts beyond reading class, including word retrieval and social confidence 
• what to look for at school, screeners, and why dyslexia varies by person 
• home strategies for homework fatigue, smaller chunks, reading questions aloud, and more grace 
• trauma-informed “iceberg” view of dyslexia, anxiety, negative self-talk, and identity 
• “glows and grows” to balance strengths with skill-building 
• adults recognizing dyslexia later and the way it can run in families 
• Casey’s framework from Teaching Beyond the Diagnosis, including metacognition and self-advocacy 

Show Guest:

Casey Harrison is recognized both nationally and internationally as a dyslexia specialist and literacy educator, with more than 28 years of experience supporting individuals with language-based learning differences. She holds credentials as a Licensed Dyslexia Therapist (TX), Certified Academic Language Therapist (ALTA), and Certified Structured Literacy Dyslexia Specialist (IDA). Harrison currently serves as Vice President of Outreach on the Executive Board of the Academic Language Therapy Association (ALTA).

Harrison received the Aylett R. Cox Educator Award from ALTA in recognition of her significant contributions to academic language therapy. She is the founder of The Dyslexia Classroom® and Wimberley Dyslexia & Learning Center, where her work is based on evidence-based, multisensory structured language education and informed by extensive clinical experience.

Harrison is the author of Teaching Beyond the Diagnosis: Empowering Students with Dyslexia, and her work has been published in various professional magazines and educational websites focused on dyslexia, literacy development, and inclusive instructional design. She shares across social media under @thedyslexiaclassroom as the number 2 global dyslexia influencer, raising awareness of dyslexia and supporting the whole child. She also co-hosts the Together in Literacy podcast, which was ranked third among the Best 60 Literacy Podcasts of 2025.

Casey is known for integrating research, practice, and purpose by employing a student-centered, diagnostic, and emotionally supportive approach that reflects the scientific, technical, and creative aspects of academic language therapy.

You can connect with Casey on:

Instagram - www.instagram.com/thedyslexiaclassroom

FB - www.facebook.com/thedyslexiaclassroom

YouTube - www.youtube.com/@thedyslexiaclassroom

And find her book, Teaching Beyond the Diagnosis and listen to her podcast, Together in Literacy

Support the show

Show hosted by: 

Catia Hernandez Holm, LMFT, CCTP, CCPC

Bright Light Marriage and Family Therapy

Founder and Lead Therapist

Specializing in Trauma and Relationships

brightlightmft.com , catiaholm.com 

You can connect with Catia at couchtimewithcat.com 

To become a client, visit brightlightmft.com or call/text 956-249-7930. 

Follow us on:

Instagram @couchtimewithcat and Facebook @couchtimewithcat

Sign up for our newsletter here.

--

Couch Time with Cat isn’t therapy—it’s real conversation designed to support your journey alongside any personal or professional help you're receiving. If you're in emotional crisis or need immediate support, please get in touch with a professional or reach out to a 24/7 helpline like:

• US: 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)
• UK: Samaritans at 116 123
• Australia: Lifeline at 13 11 14
• Or find local resources through findahelpline.com

You’re not alone. Let’...

Welcome! To connect or become a client, visit catiaholm.com or call/text 956-249-7930. 

In today's episode, Invisible Loss and Grief with Roxanne Watson, we name the quiet grief that hides under a good life and talk about why burnout, numbness, and restlessness can be signs of unacknowledged loss. We sit down with Roxanne Watson to put language to invisible grief and share gentle ways to start healing without judging yourself.

• disenfranchised grief and why unsupported loss lingers
• invisible loss in motherhood, midlife, and the mental load
• marriage erosion as a real form of grief
• the imagined future that quietly becomes impossible
• how grief disguises itself as burnout, anxiety, or emotional flatness
• why naming a loss can feel scary and why it often brings relief
• first steps like journaling, silence, and talking to someone you trust
• meaning-making as a way to live with grief over time

Show Guest:

Roxanne Watson is a Licensed Professional Counselor based in Austin, Texas, specializing in grief, particularly the losses that go unacknowledged. She primarily works with women carrying what she calls invisible grief, such as the slow erosion of a marriage, the loss of identity within motherhood, and futures that quietly become impossible. She is the creator of The Invisible Loss, a clinical and public framework for the grief that lives beneath high-functioning lives, and the founder of @withroxannewatson on Instagram.

You can connect with Roxanne at: counselingaustin.com
and on Instagram: @withroxannewatson

Support the show

Show hosted by: 

Catia Hernandez Holm, LMFT, CCTP, CCPC

Bright Light Marriage and Family Therapy

Founder and Lead Therapist

Specializing in Trauma and Relationships

brightlightmft.com , catiaholm.com 

You can connect with Catia at couchtimewithcat.com 

To become a client, visit brightlightmft.com or call/text 956-249-7930. 

Follow us on:

Instagram @couchtimewithcat and Facebook @couchtimewithcat

Sign up for our newsletter here.

--

Couch Time with Cat isn’t therapy—it’s real conversation designed to support your journey alongside any personal or professional help you're receiving. If you're in emotional crisis or need immediate support, please get in touch with a professional or reach out to a 24/7 helpline like:

• US: 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)
• UK: Samaritans at 116 123
• Australia: Lifeline at 13 11 14
• Or find local resources through findahelpline.com

You’re not alone. Let’...

Welcome! To connect or become a client, visit catiaholm.com or call/text 956-463-0871. 

In today's episode, we talk about everyday courage and the quiet moment when a long-held dream stops being “someday” and becomes a real choice. Vanessa Longoria shares how she left a successful medical path to open The Mac, a process-based arts and crafts studio in McAllen built on joy, alignment, and community. 

• noticing the “Is this it?” whisper and taking it seriously 
• carrying a creative dream for over a decade while raising a child 
• pausing a goal without abandoning it, then using the years as preparation 
• navigating the cultural and emotional weight of leaving a family business 
• moving fast once the match is lit, from idea to leases and an LLC 
• handling imposter syndrome, low attendance days, and the vulnerability of workshops 
• building self-concordance, where values and daily life finally match 
• holding boundaries around discounts, pricing, and the value of women’s work 
• leaning on a supportive partner and sharing the load at home and at work 
• creating a community table that helps kids and adults feel seen and connected 

Show Guest: Vanessa Castañeda Longoria

Vanessa is a mom, former medical professional, and creative entrepreneur who proves that it's never too late to pursue the dream that's been waiting on your heart. After more than 15 years in the medical field, she made the courageous decision to leave behind a successful career and step into a vision she had nurtured for over a decade.

Together with her husband, Vanessa recently opened The MAC: The Main Arts and Craft Studio in McAllen, Texas—a vibrant, process-based art studio where children are encouraged to explore, create, and engage their senses in a joyful, judgment-free environment. The MAC has quickly become a welcoming space for families seeking meaningful, creative experiences that foster imagination and connection.

Today, Vanessa joins us to share her inspiring journey of rewriting her career story, balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, and building a thriving community through the transformative power of art. Whether you're dreaming of a career change, looking for encouragement to take a leap of faith, or simply believe in the importance of creativity, this conversation is sure to inspire.

You can connect with her at: Facebook @theMACmcallen, Instagram @theMACmcallen , www.theMACmcallen.com

Support the show

Show hosted by: 

Catia Hernandez Holm, LMFT, CCTP, CCPC

Bright Light Marriage and Family Therapy

Founder and Lead Therapist

Specializing in Trauma and Relationships

brightlightmft.com , catiaholm.com 

You can connect with Catia at couchtimewithcat.com 

To become a client, visit brightlightmft.com or call/text 956-249-7930. 

Follow us on:

Instagram @couchtimewithcat and Facebook @couchtimewithcat

Sign up for our newsletter here.

--

Couch Time with Cat isn’t therapy—it’s real conversation designed to support your journey alongside any personal or professional help you're receiving. If you're in emotional crisis or need immediate support, please get in touch with a professional or reach out to a 24/7 helpline like:

• US: 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)
• UK: Samaritans at 116 123
• Australia: Lifeline at 13 11 14
• Or find local resources through findahelpline.com

You’re not alone. Let’...

Welcome! To connect or become a client, visit catiaholm.com or call/text 956-249-7930.

Today's Episode: Perimenopause can feel like you’re unraveling at 3 a.m., but the changes are often hormonal and deeply explainable. We talk with Mary Parker about the biology behind mood swings, sleep problems, rage, brain fog, and the confusing reality of “normal” labs that still don’t match how you feel. 

• perimenopause as a hormonal transition that affects sleep, mood, and focus 
• why many women start noticing symptoms earlier than expected 
• how long perimenopause can last and why symptoms come in cycles 
• why women get caught off guard and dismissed as “too young” 
• perimenopause rage and how it can strain marriages and family life 
• andropause and how men’s hormone shifts can collide with ours 
• surprising symptoms and the reality of 300-plus possible signs 
• lab ranges versus optimal levels and why symptom tracking matters 
• functional mental health basics, gene SNPs, and root-cause thinking 
• a simple daily practice: morning walks, sunlight, and nature time 

Show Guest:

Mary Parker, LPC-S is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor, functional mental health practitioner, author, and educator based in Round Rock, Texas. As the Clinical Director of Infinite Potential Counseling, she brings more than 15 years of experience helping individuals uncover the biological factors that often drive anxiety, ADHD, burnout, and other mental health challenges.

A Certified Integrative Mental Health Provider and Certified Neurofeedback Provider, Mary takes a whole-person approach that blends traditional counseling with functional medicine, neurofeedback, nutrition, genetics, and lifestyle interventions. Her work is grounded in a simple but powerful belief: many mental health struggles have underlying biological roots that are frequently overlooked in conventional care.

Mary is the author of The Basics of Functional Mental Health and Wired for the Wild: How ADHD Is Your Biological Superpower, and she is a co-author of The Perimenopause Prescription. Through her writing, clinical work, and speaking, she challenges the over-medicalization of everyday life and empowers people to better understand their brains, bodies, and unique strengths.

She is also the host of the Reinventing Mental Health podcast, where she explores innovative and evidence-informed approaches to emotional wellness, brain health, and personal growth.

In addition to her clinical work, Mary is passionate about supporting women through midlife transitions. She is a leader in the upcoming Perimenopause Reset 2026 Retreat, a transformative week-long experience focused on hormone health, longevity, emotional wellness, and helping women reclaim their energy, clarity, and confidence.

Learn more about Mary and her work:

• Infinite Potential Counseling: https://www.infinitepotentialinctx.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/infinitepotentialcounseling
• Reinventing Mental Health Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@Reinventingmentalhealth
• The Basics of Functional Mental Health: https://a.co/d/06MpzVu8
• Wired for the Wild: How ADHD Is Your Biological Superpower: https://a.co/d/02udXcE5
• Infinite Life Wellness & Perimenopause Reset Retreat: https://infinitelifewellness.com
• Perimenopause Community: https://www.infinitelifecommunity.com/communities/groups/perimenopause-community/home?invite=69b1def023dcc8264f43ebf6

Support the show

Show hosted by: 

Catia Hernandez Holm, LMFT, CCTP, CCPC

Bright Light Marriage and Family Therapy

Founder and Lead Therapist

Specializing in Trauma and Relationships

brightlightmft.com , catiaholm.com 

You can connect with Catia at couchtimewithcat.com 

To become a client, visit brightlightmft.com or call/text 956-249-7930. 

Follow us on:

Instagram @couchtimewithcat and Facebook @couchtimewithcat

Sign up for our newsletter here.

--

Couch Time with Cat isn’t therapy—it’s real conversation designed to support your journey alongside any personal or professional help you're receiving. If you're in emotional crisis or need immediate support, please get in touch with a professional or reach out to a 24/7 helpline like:

• US: 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)
• UK: Samaritans at 116 123
• Australia: Lifeline at 13 11 14
• Or find local resources through findahelpline.com

You’re not alone. Let’...

Welcome!! To connect or become a client, visit catiaholm.com or call/text 956-249-7930. 

In today's episode - we name the hidden roles that keep our conflicts on repeat and explain why the drama triangle can feel impossible to quit even when it hurts. We share simple ways to step out of victim, rescuer, and persecutor patterns and build self-trust in the moment. 
• the drama triangle as a relationship pattern driven by nervous system protection 
• the three roles and what they sound like under stress 
• how high achievers and helpers get pulled into overgiving and resentment 
• intermittent reinforcement and the “payoff” that keeps the cycle going 
• why the triangle creates intensity instead of intimacy 
• practical role shifts from victim to creator, persecutor to challenger, rescuer to coach 
• the interrupting question “What is the most loving thing I can do for myself right now?” 

Support the show

Show hosted by: 

Catia Hernandez Holm, LMFT, CCTP, CCPC

Bright Light Marriage and Family Therapy

Founder and Lead Therapist

Specializing in Trauma and Relationships

brightlightmft.com , catiaholm.com 

You can connect with Catia at couchtimewithcat.com 

To become a client, visit brightlightmft.com or call/text 956-249-7930. 

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Couch Time with Cat isn’t therapy—it’s real conversation designed to support your journey alongside any personal or professional help you're receiving. If you're in emotional crisis or need immediate support, please get in touch with a professional or reach out to a 24/7 helpline like:

• US: 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)
• UK: Samaritans at 116 123
• Australia: Lifeline at 13 11 14
• Or find local resources through findahelpline.com

You’re not alone. Let’...