Episode 40 of Friends Living Well feels a little surreal. We’ve talked about some heavy things on this podcast, and this episode is no exception.We’re talking about the Lindsay Clancy mistrial and the mental health conversations that continue to surround it, Suicide Prevention Month and what it can look like to actually check in on the people around us, the Philadelphia “House of Horrors” case and the importance of remembering the people behind the headlines, and then… naturally… we end up deep-diving into couples therapy, communication, accountability, disability, and what we can learn from watching therapists do their thing on reality TV.We also somehow manage to talk about washing machines, chocolate peanut butter fudge, and why “what’s that like for you?” has officially become an inside joke.I loved this conversation because when Kelsey and I take long car rides- our conversations bop around all over like this (serious, humorous, and ridiculous all at the same time). Episode 40 is out now wherever you listen to Friends Living Well. - Thank you for being here with us.

This is not a story about one diagnosis. It’s a story about what can happen when mental health, postpartum changes, hormones, psychosis, clinical decision-making, and a system of care intersect.

For the first time, Kelsey and I are taking on a true crime case on the podcast — the case of Lindsay Clancy.

We chose to discuss this case because of the enormous amount of conversation surrounding postpartum mental health, psychosis, women’s hormone health, suicide, medication, psychiatric treatment, and the clinical decisions made throughout Lindsay’s care.

And we wanted to slow the conversation down.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Lindsay’s postpartum mental health history and the progression of her symptoms
• Postpartum depression, anxiety & postpartum psychosis — and how they differ
• What psychosis actually is and how it can present
• The role hormones and reproductive transitions can play in mental health
• The importance of assessing risk, changes in presentation, and functional impairment
• Lindsay’s treatment history and the clinicians involved in her care
• Medication and treatment decisions
• Clinical red flags and opportunities for intervention
• Ethical considerations in mental health treatment
• What we know about the timeline leading up to the deaths of her children
• The intersection of suicide, psychosis, postpartum mental illness and violence
• The questions we believe are important to ask about the treatment she received
• And the difficult reality of trying to understand a case like this without reducing it to a single diagnosis or explanation

This conversation is not about excusing what happened. And it is not about sensationalizing it.

It is about asking difficult clinical questions.

What did the clinicians know?
What could they reasonably have known at the time?
What signs may have warranted a different response?
Where does clinical responsibility begin and end?
And what can this case teach us about the way we understand and treat severe postpartum mental illness?

We also want to acknowledge that this is our first time covering a true crime case — and this case involves an active criminal proceeding. We know there are going to be different perspectives, interpretations, and opinions about both the case and our discussion of it.

We genuinely welcome your feedback.

If there are places where you think we missed context, interpreted something differently than you did, or could have approached something more thoughtfully, tell us. We want this to be a conversation, not a declaration that we have every answer.

A note from Kelsey & Nikita:
We are mental health professionals discussing this case from a clinical and educational perspective. We are not members of Lindsay Clancy’s treatment team, we have never treated or evaluated her, and we do not have access to confidential clinical records. Our discussion is based on publicly available information and should not be interpreted as a diagnosis, clinical evaluation, legal opinion, or definitive determination of what occurred. Because this is an active legal matter, information may continue to emerge and our understanding of the case may change as additional evidence becomes available.

This episode discusses child death, suicide, postpartum mental illness, psychosis, psychiatric treatment, and violence against children. Please take care of yourself when deciding whether this conversation is appropriate for you.

We don't believe difficult conversations should be avoided because they're uncomfortable. We believe they should be approached with care, curiosity, humility, and a willingness to ask better questions.

Find us at: www.FullLivingWellness.com

This conversation has been a long time coming, and I’m so excited that Dr. Allison Dukes finally joined me on Friends Living Well.Allison wears A LOT of hats. She’s an MFT, PhD, practicing therapist, counselor educator, supervisor, professor, faculty director—and, apparently, part-time sourdough baker. And because of all those different roles, we had the kind of conversation that could have gone on for hours.We talked about what it really means to become a therapist- not just learning theories and checking boxes, but allowing yourself to be challenged, becoming comfortable with discomfort, receiving difficult feedback, and doing the personal work required to sit with other people's most vulnerable experiences.We talked about supervision and what good supervision actually looks like, what students often aren't prepared for when they enter practicum and internship, and what makes a student stand out when they're reaching out to a potential supervisor or practice.We talked about the ethical responsibility therapists have to examine their own biases, the dangers of prematurely diagnosing someone, and what happens when a client's story touches something in us that we thought we'd already worked through.We got into AI in counselor education, the difference between counseling, psychology, and marriage & family therapy, what all those credentials actually mean, and why professional identity matters.And then we went DEEP into the Counseling Compact- what it could mean for LPCs, why license portability is so important, and some of the complicated questions it raises about training standards and protecting the identity of professional counseling as its own distinct profession.And somehow, in the middle of all of that, we also talked about sourdough, community, nurturing ourselves, and how something as simple as baking bread can become an opportunity to practice patience, mindfulness, and care. This episode is for therapists, therapists-in-training, supervisors, educators, and anyone who has ever wondered what actually happens behind the scenes of becoming a therapist.And Allison's students—we heard you and we appreciate yous so much! We have your supervision questions, and we're already talking about bringing them into a future episode.#FriendsLivingWell #MentalHealthPodcast #TherapistLife #CounselorEducation #TherapistSupervision #LPC #CounselingStudents #MentalHealthProfessionals #CounselingCompact #TherapistCommunity #MentalHealth

This week I sat down with my friend, Suliy Melendez, and what started as catching up turned into a conversation about identity, community, friendship, and what happens when life enters a completely new season.We talked about becoming an empty nester before 40, learning how to be spontaneous again, why community doesn't magically happen (it's something we create), and how some of the most meaningful forms of self-care are actually the smallest acts of service that we gift to ourselves and others. One thing Suliy shared is that if you want community, start by finding something you genuinely enjoy. Go to the class. Join the open mat. Join the book club. Introduce yourself. Invite someone for coffee. It sounds simple, but those little moments are often where real relationships begin.We also talked about something I think we don't say enough: there is nothing wrong with finding joy in caring for other people- as long as we don't lose ourselves in the process. Sometimes taking care of yourself looks like making your bed, drinking your coffee slowly, taking a walk, or simply showing up for yourself before you show up for everyone else.Mostly, this episode is a reminder that we're always allowed to reinvent ourselves. Whether you're entering a new chapter, looking for deeper friendships, or trying to figure out who you are outside of the roles you've always played, I hope this conversation reminds you that you're not doing it alone.I'd love to hear what resonated with you most after you watch. Thanks for being here friends!

Find us at: www.FullLivingWellness.com

What if the goal of couples therapy isn’t to “fix” your partner?

In this episode of Friends Living Well, Nikita sits down with marriage and family therapist Erin Valente to explore the deeper work of relationships: understanding ourselves, learning our partner’s language, and creating a connection that is intentional rather than simply following the stories we’ve inherited about what love “should” look like. Together, we talk about:

- Why couples therapy is not about deciding who is right or wrong

- Moving from blame and fixing into curiosity and understanding

- How relationships become opportunities to better understand ourselves

- The importance of play, flirtation, touch, and small moments of connection

- Why successful relationships require flexibility, growth, and renegotiation over time

- Letting go of unrealistic expectations and creating a relationship that fits the two people in it

- How trauma, nervous system regulation, and humor impact connection

- What couples should look for when choosing a couples therapist

Relationships are constantly changing because we are constantly changing. The person you started a relationship with is not the same person you will be years later- and that doesn’t have to be a problem. It can be an invitation to reconnect, rediscover, and grow together.

A huge thank you to Erin for sharing her wisdom and perspective with us. You can find Erin at: www.healingthehumanexperience.comFor services at Full

Living Wellness visit: FullLivingWellness.com

In this episode, we sit down with Nicole Bentler of Pocono Maple Water and Pocono Maple Farms for a conversation about wellness, community, and living with purpose.

Nicole shares her story, what led her to farming maple trees and sourcing maple water, and her passion for water quality and education. We also discuss the wellness practices that support her own mental health, the importance of staying connected to community, and what it looks like to build a life and business that reflect your values.

Nicole has been such a caring and supportive presence for us at Friends Living Well and Full Living Wellness, and it was a pleasure to learn more about the person behind the work. Throughout our conversation, we found so much alignment between the values of Pocono Maple and our own belief that wellness is about more than individual health- it's about connection, learning, community, and creating meaningful experiences.

We also talk about the many ways families and visitors can experience Pocono Maple Farms, including educational opportunities, tasting tours, glamping experiences, and event spaces that bring people together in nature.

If you're interested in wellness, entrepreneurship, community building, sustainability, or simply hearing the story of someone following their passion, we hope you'll tune in.

Find us at: www.FullLivingWellness.com

Pocono Maple Water: www.poconomaplewater.com

Pocono Mountain Farm: www.poconomtnmaple.com

This might be our longest episode yet- and we had so much fun recording it.In this episode, Kelsey and Nikita dive into the relationship dynamics we've been shown through movies, television, pop culture, and how those messages may have shaped what many of us thought love was supposed to look like.We take a closer look at classics like The Notebook, Fifty Shades of Grey, and Wuthering Heights, exploring the unrealistic, unhealthy, and sometimes problematic relationship dynamics they portray. We talk about the difference between intense emotions and actual emotional safety, and why many people have been taught to mistake one for the other.We also revisit one of Nikita's favorite childhood movies, Drop Dead Fred, through an Internal Family Systems (IFS) lens. What starts as a nostalgic movie discussion turns into a surprisingly meaningful conversation about parts work, coping, healing, and how some of Nikita's therapeutic approaches may have been hiding in plain sight since childhood.And because we couldn't resist, we spend a good chunk of time breaking down the couples from Love Is Blind Season 10 (Ohio). From communication patterns to red flags, green flags, and everything in between, Kelsey and Nikita share their thoughts, reactions, and plenty of laughs along the way.One of the themes woven throughout this episode is that many people don't grow up with consistent examples of healthy relationships. For some of us, movies, books, and television became our reference points. As adults, we're often left sorting through those messages and redefining what healthy love, connection, and partnership actually look and feel like.This is our first episode incorporating TikToks and video clips into the discussion, and we were very much learning as we went! You may notice a little lag and a few video cuts during the first half of the episode while we figured out all of the fun new technology. Thank you for your patience as we continue to grow, experiment, and get better at this whole podcasting thing.As always, this podcast is not therapy and is not a replacement for therapy. Friends Living Well is simply two friends having conversations, sharing perspectives, laughing together, and offering commentary on the movies, shows, and relationship dynamics that capture our attention.Grab a drink, get comfortable, and join us for a fun, thoughtful, and sometimes surprising conversation about love, relationships, and the stories we've been told about both.We end the episode by sharing a few of our favorite resources for anyone wanting to continue exploring these topics. We recommend Esther Perel's Where Should We Begin? and The Sex That Changed My Life hosted by Laura Roscioli- two podcasts that offer fascinating, honest, and deeply human conversations about relationships, intimacy, connection, and personal growth.

You can find us at: FullLivingWellness.com

More Human Than Mysterious.

In this episode of Friends Living Well, we sit down with therapist Dani Catejon of Full Living Wellness for a conversation about the deeply human side of therapy, healing, and growth. Together, we explore what brought Dani into the field, what keeps her passionate about the work after 8 years as a therapist, and what we’ve both learned through our combined years of sitting with people in some of the most vulnerable, painful, transformative moments of their lives.

Throughout this episode, we talk about post-traumatic growth, resilience, and the incredible capacity human beings have to adapt, heal, and continue becoming. We reflect on our experiences working with survivors of domestic violence, immigrant populations navigating immense uncertainty and transition, and older adults who continuously remind us that it is truly never too late to heal, grow, reconnect with yourself, or become whatever it is you need to be.

This conversation is honest, grounding, emotional, and full of the kinds of reflections that remind us why human connection matters so much. Whether you’re someone currently in therapy, considering beginning your own healing journey, or simply interested in understanding people more deeply, we hope this episode leaves you feeling seen, hopeful, and connected to the reality that growth remains possible at every stage of life.

Disclaimer: This podcast episode is intended for educational and conversational purposes only and is not a substitute for therapy, mental health treatment, medical advice, or crisis services. While we discuss therapeutic concepts, personal growth, trauma, and healing experiences, this conversation does not establish a therapist-client relationship. Please seek support from a licensed professional or emergency services if you are in need of individualized care or immediate support.

You can find Dani at: FullLivingWellness.com

This week, Kelsey and Nikita sit down to talk all things clinical supervision- what it is, why it matters, and why the quality of supervision can have such a lasting impact on developing clinicians.

As conversations continue to grow around training standards, board exam pass rates, and the preparedness of upcoming professionals, we wanted to have an honest discussion about the role supervision plays in shaping confidence, competence, ethical care, and professional identity.

Kelsey shares her perspective from the ABA/BCBA world, including recent shifts within the field and changes surrounding supervision practices and skill-building expectations. We also explore different approaches to supervision, including the relational approach that both of us deeply value in our work, mentorship, and personal lives.

We talk about:
✨ What supervision actually looks like in practice✨ The supervisor-supervisee relationship✨ Growth, support, accountability, and empowerment✨ Why supervision should be more than “checking boxes”✨ Helping clinicians build confidence instead of fear✨ Kelsey’s evolving supervision model and philosophy✨ The importance of feeling safe enough to learn, ask questions, and grow

Supervision is something we are both incredibly passionate about, and honestly, one of the biggest reasons we each gravitated toward the work we do today.

Whether you’re a therapist, BCBA, student, supervisee, future clinician, or someone curious about what happens behind the scenes of helping professions- we hope this conversation offers validation, insight, and encouragement. 🤍

Visit us at: Fulllivingwellness.com

#ClinicalSupervision #BCBA #ABA #Therapist #MentalHealth #BehaviorAnalysis #Supervision #ClinicalGrowth #TherapistLife #FriendsLivingWell #PrivatePractice #RelationalTherapy #ClinicalSupport

Disclaimer: This is a casual conversation amongst two friends who happen to be clinicians. This podcast episode is not therapy, clinical supervision, behavioral consultation, or a replacement for treatment/services thereof. If you are seeking support, supervision, or mental health services, we encourage you to connect with a qualified provider that fits your needs.

In this episode, Founding Mothers, Ashleigh and Nikita take you behind the scenes of what it really looks like to be both therapists and business partners.

We share our journey from individual clinicians to co-founders of Full Living Wellness, and why we- chose partnership over building solo practices. We get honest about the challenges that come with that decision- navigating tension, making big decisions together, and learning how to show up for each other not just as professionals, but as people.

Along the way, we break down the relationship skills that have been essential to making our partnership work: staying grounded in shared values, practicing mutual respect, giving each other the benefit of the doubt, and communicating openly using “I” statements and emotionally focused (EFT-informed) approaches. We also talk about repair- what it actually looks like to move through conflict and come out stronger on the other side.

This conversation connects directly to the work we care deeply about, including the Human Connection Support Group at Full Living Wellness, where these same principles are explored in a supportive, real-world way.

We also touch on something many clients don’t fully understand: what it means to be an out-of-network practice. We break down how superbilling and reimbursement work, and how we strive to make therapy more accessible through options like sliding scale and collaborative financial planning. Our goal is always to center autonomy- supporting clients in choosing how, where, and with whom they receive care.

Disclaimer: This episode is a casual conversation intended for informational and reflective purposes only. It is not mental health advice and is not a substitute for therapy or professional services.