Mental Health Conversations with Safe Harbor

Does true love mean never arguing? Should your partner automatically know what you need? In Episode 7, Jen and Erik unpack common relationship myths and explore how unrealistic expectations can shape the way we experience love, dating, and long-term relationships.

From communication and conflict to emotional connection, this conversation challenges familiar relationship advice and considers what it takes to build a healthy partnership. Whether you’re single, dating, or in a committed relationship, join Jen and Erik for a fresh look at the beliefs we carry about love—and how questioning them can create space for greater understanding, intimacy, and connection.

Tune in for Part 1 of an ongoing conversation about relationship expectations and building stronger relationships.

Talking about suicide can be difficult—but having the conversation can make a difference.

In this important episode of Mental Health Conversations with Safe Harbor, suicide prevention specialist and Safe Harbor therapist Nikole Jones, LCSW-C, joins Dr. Jennifer Maxfield DeCarlo, LCSW-C, Director of Clinical Services, for an open and compassionate conversation about suicide prevention.

Together, they discuss recognizing warning signs, approaching someone you may be concerned about, offering meaningful support, and understanding when and how to seek additional help.

Whether you're concerned about someone you love or simply want to feel better prepared to support others, this conversation offers practical guidance, greater understanding, and hope.

Sending a child off to college is a milestone filled with excitement, pride—and often more emotion than parents expect.

In this episode of Mental Health Conversations with Safe Harbor, we talk about what happens for parents when a child leaves for college and the family begins adjusting to a new normal. From the quiet of an emptier home to changing roles, shifting relationships, worry, and the challenge of knowing when to hold on and when to let go, this transition can bring a complicated mix of emotions.

We’ll discuss how parents can navigate this season in a healthy way, stay connected without holding too tightly, and begin rediscovering what life looks like in this next chapter.

Whether you're preparing to send your first child to college or facing an empty nest for the first time, this conversation offers practical perspective and encouragement for the transition ahead.

In this episode of the Mental Health Conversations with Safe Harbor podcast, we take an honest look at burnout — what it is, how it develops, and why so many people silently struggle with it. From emotional exhaustion and chronic stress to feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, or constantly “running on empty,” burnout can impact every area of life if left unaddressed.

We discuss the warning signs people often miss, the difference between stress and true burnout, and practical ways to begin restoring balance, energy, and emotional health. Whether burnout is coming from work, caregiving, relationships, ministry, or simply carrying too much for too long, this conversation is designed to help listeners feel seen, understood, and encouraged.

You can’t pour from an empty cup — and recognizing burnout is often the first step toward healing.

In Episode 3 of the Mental Health Conversations with Safe Harbor podcast, we explore the powerful difference between listening to respond and listening to truly understand. In a world filled with distractions, assumptions, and quick reactions, meaningful connection often begins with slowing down and hearing what someone is really trying to say.

Join us as we discuss how active listening impacts relationships, emotional safety, conflict resolution, and mental health. Whether you’re navigating conversations with a spouse, friend, coworker, client, or family member, this episode offers practical insight into becoming a more present, empathetic, and intentional communicator.

Sometimes the most impactful thing we can offer someone isn’t advice — it’s understanding.

In this episode of Mental Health Conversations with Safe Harbor, we explore the powerful role of the stories we tell ourselves—and how they shape our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. From early life experiences to present-day challenges, these internal narratives often influence how we see ourselves and the world around us.

We discuss how unhelpful or distorted stories can quietly hold us back, and how increasing awareness can open the door to change. You’ll hear practical insights on how to recognize these patterns, challenge them, and begin rewriting a more balanced, compassionate story that supports growth and resilience.

Hosted by: Dr. Jennifer Maxfield-DeCarlo, LCSW-C, Ph.D, and Erik Sundquist, LCSW-C of Safe Harbor Behavioral Care (based in Maryland.

In the first episode of Mental Health Conversations with Safe Harbor, we explore a question so many people wrestle with: Why is vulnerability so hard? Opening up can feel uncomfortable, risky, and even frightening, especially in a world that often rewards strength, composure, and self-protection. In this conversation, we talk about the fear of being judged, rejected, misunderstood, or hurt, and why vulnerability can feel so challenging even when we know connection matters. We also discuss how trust, emotional safety, past experiences, and personal growth all shape our willingness to be open with others. Join Safe Harbor for an honest, relatable discussion about vulnerability, healing, and the courage it takes to let people in.