In this episode, I’m joined by therapists-turned-podcasters Jazmin Crookes and Karen Jennett of Therapy Tea podcast, as we dive into the beauty and complexities of friendship. What started as a friendship of convenience for them blossomed into something deep and meaningful—though not without its challenges.

We discuss:

• Friendship Reciprocity 
• Vulnerability 
• Friendship Awareness 

Follow: @therapyteapod 

My episode on Therapy Tea

Our Mutual Connection: 

Bobbie Melton on TCND

Bobbie Melton on Therapy Tea

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When your partner is a firefighter, or a first responder of any kind, life looks a little different. But one thing that makes it easier? Friendship. In this episode, we’re diving into the incredible bond between fire wives—the sisterhood that forms when you share the unique challenges of fire life. 

This episode is not ONLY for those in the first responder lifestyle but is also an encouragement to all of us to not let our own unique circumstances get in the way of finding connection within our community.  

Join us as we hear from Sarah, Darlene, Rachel, and Amber chatting all about their experiences finding friendship in the midst of a consistently inconsistent lifestyle.  

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My three best friends from high school join me today to talk about our long standing friendship.  We have had ups and downs in our friendship but one thing we can all agree on is that we can count on each other no matter what!   You’ll hear in this episode what conflict has looked like in our relationship and how low maintenance doesn’t mean low effort.  I will warn you there are tears but most of all lots of laughter. 

Previous episodes of the girls on The Couch Next Door:

Erin on TCND

Leilani on TCND

Brittany on TCND:

Season 1

Ennea-Season

Ennea-Season Mistyping

Invisible String Song

Attached book

Attachment theory

Marco Polo

Carols Whitaker: How to Human

Brene Brown Marble Jar Friendship

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On February 27th, The Couch Next Door is launching a brand-new season, and this time, we’re diving deep into friendships! 

I’ll be exploring all the different types of friends that shape our lives.

Mark your calendars and get ready for some heartwarming (and maybe eye-opening) conversations.

Listen to the trailer TODAY! 

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Points to Ponder as you listen:

• How can you be gentle with yourself during this season?
• How can you honor your loved one during this season?
• How can you create new memories or traditions to help cope with a loss of a season?
• How can you be less judgmental with your ideas of grief?

Support Groups:
GriefShare
Christi Center
The Austin Center for Grief & Loss

Follow me @candicefraserlpc

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

Points to Ponder as you listen:

• What are safe topics to talk about?
• What are your boundaries regarding talking topics?
• How can you communicate your boundaries preventatively?
• How can you connect with someone of different views (human to human)?

Remember if there is harrassment and verbal abuse or aggression that is unacceptable.  Refer back to the emotiionally immature people episode.  These suggestions are for those that are not in extreme conflict.

Follow me @candicefraserlpc

“All I know is that my life is better when I assume that people are doing their best. It keeps me out of judgment and lets me focus on what is, and not what should or could be.”― Brené Brown, Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead

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

Points to Ponder as you listen:

• Has there been a change in the family that would require a shift in traditions?
• How can flexibility occur to support these changes?
• How can you communicate with the family well to honor these changes?
• What is the "why" for your holiday needs?
• What are the boundaries to respect?

Follow me @candicefraserlpc

― Brené Brown, Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead

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

Points to Ponder as you listen:

• What traditions do you want to establish as you start a family?
• What is most important to your kids' memories of the holidays?
• How do you want your kids to remember you around the holidays?
• How can you let your kids weigh in on holiday traditions?
• What is your ultimate goal as a parent around the holidays?

Follow me @candicefraserlpc

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

Points to Ponder as you listen:

• When can you schedule a calendar meeting with your partner?
• What topics need to be included (budget, division of labor, connection time)?
• Are there holiday chores you can reframe as events or fun activities in order to intentionally connect with one another? 

Fair Play
Couple's Therapy episode

Follow me: @candicefraserlpc

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Points to Ponder as you listen: 

• What's most importnat to you during the holidays?
• What causes you stress? 
• Do you judge how you feel during the holidays?
• What are your expectations?  Have you communicated these?

The Lazy Genius Collective (just peruse her episodes--guarantee you'll find something of interest)
Quick Check In: Self Care episode

Follow me: @candicefraserlpc

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