The Couch Next Door

Generational trauma is definitely a buzz term in the mental health space — and although that opens up the door for more conversation on the topic, it can also leave us feeling unsure of what to do with the information.  That’s why I knew it was so important to explore this topic on the podcast.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Alyssa Scarano, LPC Founder and Clinical Director of The Collective Therapy & Wellness and unpack what generational trauma actually looks like, how to recognize it in your own life, and how we may still be participating in patterns that were passed down to us. 

One powerful takeaway to keep in mind as you listen:

“Two opposing thoughts can be true at the same time.”
 This concept comes up throughout our conversation and is key to navigating the complexities of generational trauma and also guiding the next steps toward healing.

Find Alyssa Scarano, LPC 

@live.collective.wellness 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/collective.therapy.wellness

www.collective-therapy.com

Related episodes from The Couch Next Door: 

Story Work (with Chassie Anders)

Reparenting the Inner Child (Quick Check-In) 

Related Reading: 

Here Be Dragons: Treading the Deep Waters of Motherhood, Mean Girls, and Generational Trauma by Melanie Shankle 

I'd love to hear from you! Send a message to the show about the show.

Follow me on Instagram: @candicefraserlpc

Find me on Substack: candice512.substack.com

BONUS EPISODE!  In this episode, I explore with fellow Swiftie Therapist, Lauren McKay the profound impact of Taylor Swift's music on mental health and therapy. We discuss how Taylor’s lyrics resonate with personal experiences, the importance of music in therapeutic settings, and the supportive community of Swifties. Lauren and I dive into the evolution of Swift's themes over the years, her influence on vulnerability in music, and the anticipation surrounding her upcoming album release: the Life of A Showgirl. Through personal anecdotes and insights, we highlight the therapeutic power of music, community, and the artistry that is Taylor Swift.

Lauren’s website

Lauren’s book recommendation No Bad Parts

Spotify Playlist  (TCND Version)

Lauren’s Episode on Therapy Tea

I'd love to hear from you! Send a message to the show about the show.

Follow me on Instagram: @candicefraserlpc

Find me on Substack: candice512.substack.com

Today’s episode is a bit different.   We're diving into Adolescence, a limited Netflix series that, while not based on a specific true story, holds striking emotional truths about youth, trauma, and the complexities of the human experience.

To help unpack it all, I’m joined by fellow therapist and friend, Ruth Clark. Together, we reflect on the series and explore how it mirrors the real-life challenges we've witnessed in our work with teens, families, and communities.

 There will be spoilers. So if you haven’t watched the series yet and want to experience it firsthand, I recommend hitting pause, watching the show, and then coming back to join us. Also, please be aware—this series is intense and includes several trigger warnings, particularly around violence, trauma, and adolescent mental health.

Show recommended by Ruth: Win or Lose on Disney+

Book recommendation from Ruth: Are My Kids on Track? 

Other episodes on The Couch Next Door:

Digital Health

Advice for the Grown Ups

Young Voices

I'd love to hear from you! Send a message to the show about the show.

Follow me on Instagram: @candicefraserlpc

Find me on Substack: candice512.substack.com

Here's an episode drop of me on another podcast, Therapy Tea!  I had the honor of being on the Therapy Tea podcast with my new friends Jazmin and Karen.  If you listened to the Friendship series you’ll be familiar with their voices when they shared their journey of friendship as 2 therapists.  While I was on their show I talked about my journey to becoming a therapist and what I didn’t know until I jumped into this profession.  So if you’ve ever wondered how I got here, this show is for you.  Be sure to find and subscribe to their podcast Therapy Tea Podcast. 

Jazmin & Karen on the Friendship Seres:  The Friendship Tea

I'd love to hear from you! Send a message to the show about the show.

Follow me on Instagram: @candicefraserlpc

Find me on Substack: candice512.substack.com

If you are connected in any way to a school-aged student—whether you're a parent, educator, family member, or the student yourself—this episode is for you.

Nicole Santiago from Family ADDventures joins me for a powerful conversation about navigating the school system and advocating for students who may need additional support. We dive into why early intervention is a game changer, how to know when it’s time to advocate for your student, and the first steps in getting connected to services.  

Nicole brings an incredible passion and energy to this work, and her insights will leave you feeling empowered and informed. If you've ever felt stuck, frustrated, or unsure about how to help a student thrive—this episode will speak directly to you.

This episode was packed with actionable advice and compassionate guidance. Remember: just because a student is doing well on paper doesn’t always mean they’re thriving. If you're seeing signs of struggle, don't wait—ask questions, gather data, and advocate for support. And if you’re feeling overwhelmed, Nicole is here to help. You're not alone.

Find Nicole

Instagram: @familyADDventures

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/familyADDventures

Nicole’s Book:  Give Grace and Reject Shame: An ADHD Parenting Guide

Nicole’s Company: Family ADDVentures

ALL THE RESOURCES

Council of Parent Attorneys & Advocates (COPAA)

Center for Neurodiversity at the Winston School San Antonio

Brain Body Parenting by Mona De la Hook  

Is This Autism? A Guide for Clinicians and Everybody Else by Henderson, Wayland and White

From Emotions to Advocacy by Pam and Pete Wright

Special Education Law by Pam and Pete Wright  

Adayinourshoes.com 

Amber Olson: Shine Behavior Consulting

Amber’s episode on The Couch Next Door : Neurodiversity & Friendship

Nicole on Amber's Podcast: The Pause That Connects 

I'd love to hear from you! Send a message to the show about the show.

Follow me on Instagram: @candicefraserlpc

Find me on Substack: candice512.substack.com

I'm calling this season A Little Bit of This & A Little Bit of That.

From generational trauma to ADHD diagnoses later in life, from pet grief to partner intimacy—and even a few surprise episodes—you’ll hear real conversations that remind you: you are not alone.

Like previous seasons, Season 6 is about connection, reflection, and giving ourselves permission to be humans full of emotion. New and familiar voices, laughter, learning, and those “me too” moments are all waiting for you here.

✨ Season 6 starts September 18th. Subscribe now and join us on The Couch Next Door.

I'd love to hear from you! Send a message to the show about the show.

Follow me on Instagram: @candicefraserlpc

Find me on Substack: candice512.substack.com

We're closing out the Friendship Season with a very special guest—the one and only hubs, Jason Fraser! 

In this heartfelt and honest episode, we dive into the complexities of friend breakups, the ways we each approach friendship differently, and what we’ve learned about friendship throughout our life. From the big takeaways to the small moments that matter most—we're bringing it all together.

Expect real talk, behind-the-scenes stories, and yes... a surprise guest (hint: another Fraser joins us!).

Whether you’ve been riding with us since the very first episode or just found your way here, this finale is for YOU. Let’s celebrate the magic of connection and everything we’ve uncovered together.

 Tune in, reflect, and maybe even laugh a little—because friendship is worth talking about.

Season 1 Recap

Season 2 Recap

Ennea-Season Recap

Season 4 Recap

Kam & Beau episode

Kid Friend Episode

Follow me on Instagram: @candicefraserlpc

I'd love to hear from you! Send a message to the show about the show.

Follow me on Instagram: @candicefraserlpc

Find me on Substack: candice512.substack.com

In this heartwarming BONUS episode,  kids were asked what friendship means to them—and their answers will make you smile and feel a sense of connection to the next generation.  Kids reveal the simple, honest truths about what it takes to be a good friend.  Lean in as you hear remarkable wisdom and encouragement from these YOUNG VOICES.   

Brene Brown Marble Jar Friendship

Follow me on Instagram: @candicefraserlpc

I'd love to hear from you! Send a message to the show about the show.

Follow me on Instagram: @candicefraserlpc

Find me on Substack: candice512.substack.com

In this episode, we talk to Kamden Ross and Beau Cervantes about the tight bond that originally formed through the game of basketball. However, it’s become so much more than that.  Growing up together, on and off the court, you’ll get to hear about the loyalty, unspoken trust, and mutual respect that has made this friendship last through the years.

The Last Dance

Schreiner’s Men’s Basketball

See a pic of Beau and Kam on my Instagram: @candicefraserlpc

I'd love to hear from you! Send a message to the show about the show.

Follow me on Instagram: @candicefraserlpc

Find me on Substack: candice512.substack.com

In this episode, we dive into a heartfelt conversation between two friends—Kristen and Laura—who developed and maintain friendship in different seasons of life. These two friends remind us that friendship doesn’t require matching life circumstances. In fact, it’s often the differences that add richness and depth. You are invited to take what you hear today and let it challenge you: seek out someone in a different season of life, be curious, be intentional—and see how that connection can bring unexpected encouragement and value into your world.

MOMCO

Book Recs from the Friends:

Soul of Shame by Curt Thompson.

Here Be Dragons by Melanie Shankle 

Find Your People by Jennie Allen

Laura's previous episodes:

Season 1, Episode 1

Season 2, Episode 10

I'd love to hear from you! Send a message to the show about the show.

Follow me on Instagram: @candicefraserlpc

Find me on Substack: candice512.substack.com