Susan and Melissa welcome Grove therapist Desi to celebrate her two-year anniversary on the team. They swap origin stories (and office décor tips), then get real about what actually makes therapy work: the person of the therapist, the culture behind the scenes, and finding the right client–therapist fit—sometimes that means a warm handoff to a different provider. They dig into the unique parts of practicing in a rural/micropolitan community—running into clients at Publix, confidentiality in close-knit towns, and why advocacy and resource-hunting matter here more than ever.

Desi shares how she balances a full caseload while nearing completion of her PhD (hello, “Dr. D” 👋) and previews her dissertation on the experiences of Black counselors working in rural areas—why the research gap exists, what she’s learning, and how it can shape better care. The trio also talk groups, community offerings, and why it’s okay (and healthy) to choose the therapist and space that feel right to you.

Remember that listening to this podcast is not therapy. It might be therapeutic, but it isn’t a replacement for good mental health treatment. We can help with getting you connected with a good therapist. Check out our website. 

Grove: A Healing Collective

As the days get shorter, Susan and Melissa unpack Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)—how it differs from “winter blues,” what to watch for (sleep and appetite shifts, low energy, persistent low mood), and why time change and circadian rhythms matter. They talk holiday pressure, grief triggers, and isolation—and share practical ways to buffer the season: light strategies (twinkle lamps to light boxes), cozy routines (hello, crockpots), small social goals, and building regular community touchpoints (coffee shops, gyms, book clubs). They also outline when it’s time to loop in a therapist, primary care, or psychiatrist, and highlight Grove offerings—from yoga and Healing Through Words to upcoming groups.

Listening isn’t therapy, but it can be therapeutic. If seasonal shifts hit hard for you, you’re not alone—and help is close by. Check Grove’s calendar for classes, groups, and counseling options.

We can help with getting you connected with a good therapist. Check out our website. 

Grove: A Healing Collective

In this episode of Beyond The Couch, hosts Susan and Melissa sit down with their colleague, Abigail (Abby) Nesbitt, to explore her personal and professional journey into the world of counseling. Abby opens up about her early path toward medicine, her struggles with anxiety and OCD in graduate school, and the life-changing decision to step away from PA school and pursue counseling instead.

The conversation dives deep into Abby’s experiences with EMDR and ERP, modalities that not only helped her heal but now shape the way she walks with her clients. She shares openly about the challenges of perfectionism, intrusive thoughts, and learning to face fear head-on—and how those struggles became the foundation for her compassionate, relatable approach as a therapist.

Together, Susan, Melissa, and Abby discuss the courage it takes to “be on the couch,” the importance of therapists doing their own work, and the power of embracing our humanity—flaws and all. Whether you’re a therapist, someone curious about counseling, or walking your own journey with anxiety or OCD, this episode offers encouragement, honesty, and hope.

Remember that listening to this podcast is not therapy. It might be therapeutic, but it isn’t a replacement for good mental health treatment. We can help with getting you connected with a good therapist. Check out our website. 

Grove: A Healing Collective

In this episode, Susan and Melissa talk with therapist Regina Beach about the deep impact therapy can have on children—and the adults they become.

Regina shares what it’s like to work with young clients through play therapy, helping them name emotions, build confidence, and develop healthy coping skills. The conversation explores how early experiences shape our beliefs about ourselves and the world, and why giving kids space to feel seen and heard is so powerful.

Grounded in compassion and honesty, this episode offers a glimpse into how healing starts young—and why that work matters more than ever.

Remember that listening to this podcast is not therapy. It might be therapeutic, but it isn’t a replacement for good mental health treatment. We can help with getting you connected with a good therapist. Check out our website. 

Grove: A Healing Collective

In this episode, Susan and Melissa talk candidly about what it looks like when life forces you to pause—whether through illness, stress, or simply hitting capacity.

They share stories of burnout and learning to listen to your body instead of pushing through. From letting go of guilt around rest to finding unexpected moments of clarity in stillness, this episode is an honest look at what happens beyond the hustle.

If you’ve ever felt like life hit the brakes just when you were gaining speed, this one’s for you.

Remember that listening to this podcast is not therapy. It might be therapeutic, but it isn’t a replacement for good mental health treatment. We can help with getting you connected with a good therapist. Check out our website. 

Grove: A Healing Collective

Melissa and Susan sit down with Olivia Martin, therapist at The Grove, to talk about the power of community, authenticity, and movement as a form of healing. Olivia shares her journey from post-grad burnout to rediscovering joy and connection through queer spaces, dance parties, and the creation of Lavender Club—a weekly arts-and-crafts gathering for queer teens.

They discuss the challenges and beauty of working with neurodivergent clients, the importance of sober community events, and how movement-based healing—like dancing—can be both research-backed and deeply personal. Olivia also opens up about her inspiration, including her late Uncle Joe, and how honoring her identity has shaped her life and her work as a therapist.

Whether you’re looking for new ways to heal, curious about inclusive therapy spaces, or just need a reminder that joy is resistance—this episode is a celebration of all that.

Remember that listening to this podcast is not therapy. It might be therapeutic, but it isn’t a replacement for good mental health treatment. We can help with getting you connected with a good therapist. Check out our website. 

Grove: A Healing Collective

Melissa and Susan welcome special guest Emma Crabtree, founder of Glass Tangerine, for a heartfelt and humorous conversation about her journey from being a licensed therapist to owning a successful flower shop and flower farm. Emma opens up about the burnout she experienced during COVID, the surprising leap she made into entrepreneurship, and how her counseling background still plays a role in her business today.

They discuss the unexpected challenges of retail, the realities of small business finances, and the beauty of building something that blends personal passion with community impact. You’ll also hear stories about squirrel-related office disasters, pet-assisted therapy, and plans for a future “cut-your-own” flower experience on the Grove’s farm.

Whether you’re a fellow small business owner, someone considering a career pivot, or just need a good laugh and some encouragement—this one’s for you.

Remember that listening to this podcast is not therapy. It might be therapeutic, but it isn’t a replacement for good mental health treatment. We can help with getting you connected with a good therapist. Check out our website. 

Grove: A Healing Collective

Susan and Melissa dig into a variety of topics from tele-health, staying present, and responding to world events. Susan introduces a new element to the podcast where they look at some current news stories and discuss their intersection with mental health. whew... buckle in! Special guest: P-Diddy (in thought only).

Remember that listening to this podcast is not therapy. It might be therapeutic, but it isn’t a replacement for good mental health treatment. We can help with getting you connected with a good therapist. Check out our website. 

Grove: A Healing Collective

Susan and Melissa sit down for a discussion on what it looks like to be a therapist and what someone can expect when they walk into a session with their provider. The truth is that therapists are real people, with real lives and they have real problems - just like you. Obviously, we all know this - but did you know that therapists have training on how they can walk into a situation and check their own stuff at the door? Melissa talks more about conflict and clients - and how that is navigated. Such a great chat today - and a quick one!

Remember that listening to this podcast is not therapy. It might be therapeutic, but it isn’t a replacement for good mental health treatment. We can help with getting you connected with a good therapist. Check out our website. 

Grove: A Healing Collective

Susan and Melissa welcome in Nathan to talk Addiction Recovery.

Nathan talks about his story moving from extreme addiction, finally getting clean and even on to a position with the State of Tennessee providing prevention and recovery services to groups all over the State. Nathan's impact in recovery in Tennessee can not be overstated and he shares a little about that work with us today. Nathan jumps into his efforts to validate and educate communities so they can better come along side those who are suffering with addiction; even when the emotions around addition are complicated.

Remember that listening to this podcast is not therapy. It might be therapeutic, but it isn’t a replacement for good mental health treatment. We can help with getting you connected with a good therapist. Check out our website. 

Grove: A Healing Collective