What happens when a blind date turns into an entire week together?

In this episode of The Dating Counselor Podcast, I share a deeply personal dating story that still shapes how I approach modern dating today via a week-long blind date that taught me powerful lessons about chemistry, attachment, pacing, and discernment.

Joining me for this conversation is my husband, Mark Harmon, as we reflect on this experience through both a personal and professional lens. Together, we unpack what was happening emotionally at the time, what I didn’t yet understand about dating dynamics, and what I now teach singles as a licensed therapist and dating coach.

This episode blends real-life dating experience with evidence-based insight, making it especially helpful if you’ve ever felt:

• Afraid of being “too much” or asking for clarity

• Stuck wondering why dating keeps feeling emotionally exhausting

• Practical dating advice you can apply immediately

• Dating intentionally and wanting a healthy relationship

• Struggling with dating anxiety or overthinking

• Navigating dating within religious or cultural expectations

You’ll also walk away with reflection questions to help you evaluate your own dating patterns and make decisions from clarity rather than pressure.

Whether you’re single, dating, or healing from past experiences, this episode is a reminder that dating mistakes aren’t failures, they’re data. Growth comes from reflection, not perfection.

🎧 Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with someone navigating modern dating.

Welcome back, listeners, to another episode all about ENERGY! After loving what Jhill shared last week, I invited her back for round two. This time, she joins Elsa and Mallory—two of the amazing women on my team—to share their personal experiences with energy work. Jhill also offers practical tips and tricks on how to bring energy healing into your daily routine. I can’t wait for you to listen!

Please note: The guests share their personal religious beliefs in this episode. These views are their own and may not reflect those of the podcast or host. We encourage open-mindedness and respectful listening.

Want to learn more or experience Jhill’s work firsthand? Follow her on Instagram @vibes.of.light for group sessions and one-on-one coaching!

Season Sponsor:
✨ Creative Collective Market — Discover unique local treasures all year round! Support small businesses or showcase your own creations. Follow @creativecollectivemarket or visit www.creativecollectivemarket.com for details on upcoming events. Don’t miss out—support local today!

#TheDatingCounselor #EnergyWork #EnergyHealing #SpiritualGrowth #SelfCare #VibesOfLight #ModernDating #DatingPodcast #RelationshipGoals #CreativeCollectiveMarket #SupportLocal #AuthenticLiving #HealingJourney

Welcome back, beautiful listeners! I'm so glad you're here 😊 Today’s episode is packed with high vibes, thanks to my amazing guest and dear friend, Jhill Seraphina. She brought the ENERGY—and we dove deep into all things feminine and masculine energy, how they show up in dating, and what it means to find balance in your relationships. You don’t want to miss this empowering conversation! 💫

Want to learn more about Jhill and the incredible work she does? Follow her on Instagram @vibes.of.light for info on her group and 1:1 energy sessions.

Season Sponsor:
🛍️ Creative Collective Market — Discover local treasures and support small businesses year-round! Whether you’re a shopper or a maker, follow @creativecollectivemarket or visit www.creativecollectivemarket.com for upcoming events and vendor opportunities.

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✨ FLASHBACK FRIDAY ✨
If you’ve been with me since the beginning, you might remember this gem—if you’re new here, welcome! You’re definitely going to want to give this one a listen.

As summer rolls in, it’s easy to get caught up in appearances or play the “cool and casual” game. But real connection comes from showing up authentically. ⚠️ BeReal ⚠️ and build the kind of relationships that matter. Tune in to set yourself up for your best (and most honest!) summer of dating yet.

Season Sponsor:
🌟 Creative Collective Market — Discover local treasures and support small businesses all year round. Whether you’re shopping or showcasing your own creations, follow @creativecollectivemarket or visit www.creativecollectivemarket.com for all the details on upcoming events!

#TheDatingCounselor #BeReal #AuthenticDating #FlashbackFriday #DatingTips #SummerDating #ModernDating #DatingConfidence #RelationshipGoals #CreativeCollectiveMarket #SupportLocal #DatingAdvice #RealConnection

Welcome back, friends—I’m so glad you’re here! Today’s episode features a truly inspiring guest: entrepreneur and author Anjilee Ferguson. She opens up about her powerful journey through divorce, rediscovering herself, and finding love again.

Her honesty, wisdom, and vulnerability are truly a gift, and she hopes her story will offer support and hope to anyone walking a similar path. Trust me—you’ll want a pen and paper for this one. 👀✍🏻

✨ Check out Anjilee’s new book:
📖 Yes, No, Maybe So — Grab your copy here!

🎁 Giveaway Alert:
Want to win a copy of the book? Stay tuned for the giveaway details on my Instagram @thedatingcounselor!

Special thanks to this season’s sponsor:
🛍️ Creative Collective Market — Discover local treasures and support small businesses all year round! Whether you're a shopper or a maker, follow @creativecollectivemarket or visit www.creativecollectivemarket.com for upcoming events.

#TheDatingCounselor #DivorceRecovery #SecondChances #DatingAfterDivorce #WomenSupportingWomen #RelationshipPodcast #ModernDating #HealingJourney #LoveAfterLoss #CreativeCollectiveMarket #SupportLocal #DatingAdvice

Welcome back, friends! This week, I’m joined by my favorite guest—my sweet husband, Mark! 💕 Together, we’re diving deep into some of your most pressing (and juicy!) anonymous dating questions submitted on Instagram.

I answer your questions every Sunday on @thedatingcounselor, but sometimes they deserve more than a quick reply. Tune in to hear Mark’s take and our candid conversation about the realities of modern dating, love, and connection. You won’t want to miss this one! 👀✨

Have a question of your own? Submit it anonymously every Sunday at @thedatingcounselor!
#TheDatingCounselor #DatingAdvice #DeepDatingDives #AskMeAnything #RelationshipGoals #LoveAndMarriage #DatingQuestions #RelationshipPodcast #ModernLove #DatingTips #DatingSupport #OnlineDating

✨ FLASHBACK FRIDAY ✨
If you’ve been with me since 2020, you might remember this powerful episode—and if you’re new here, welcome!

We’re revisiting one of the most talked-about topics: Relationship OCD (ROCD). It’s still just as relevant today as it was when we first aired it, and I continue to see it show up in the dating journeys of so many people. That’s why I’m bringing this episode back—to help you recognize the signs, understand the patterns, and learn how to move forward with clarity and confidence.

Tune in—you won’t want to miss this one.

Season Sponsor:
✨ Creative Collective Market — Discover local treasures, support small businesses, and find one-of-a-kind creations all year long! Follow @creativecollectivemarket or visit www.creativecollectivemarket.com to learn more about their next event.

#TheDatingCounselor #ROCD #RelationshipOCD #FlashbackFriday #DatingAnxiety #DatingAdvice #TherapyTools #ModernDating #RelationshipPodcast #SingleLife #SupportLocal #CreativeCollectiveMarket #MentalHealthAwareness

I'm so glad you're here! This week, I sat down with my dear friend Hayley Jensen as she opened up about her dating journey, how she met her husband, and the real-life challenges they’ve faced along the way. Her story is honest, relatable, and full of insight—and she shares some heartfelt advice you won’t want to miss.

Tune in for a refreshing reminder that love stories don’t have to be perfect to be real and lasting.

Special thanks to our season sponsor:
✨ Creative Collective Market — Discover local treasures and support small businesses all year round! Whether you're shopping or showcasing your own creations, follow @creativecollectivemarket or visit www.creativecollectivemarket.com for upcoming events.

#TheDatingCounselor #DatingJourney #RealLoveStories #ModernMarriage #DatingAdvice #RelationshipGoals #AuthenticLove #SupportLocal #CreativeCollectiveMarket #LoveAndGrowth #PodcastForSingles

Have you ever wondered what your personality types are? Well Melissa joined me on the podcast today to teach us about the 4 personality types. Knowing these will not only help YOU be your ✨authentic✨ self, but it will help you understand the people you are dating. So make sure to give this episode a listen!

For more information on what Melissa does day-to-day, make sure to follow her on Instagram @theprettyfarm!

This season is sponsored by Creative Collective Market. Discover local treasures all year round at the Creative Collective Market! Shop small businesses or showcase your own creations. Follow them on Instagram @creativecollectivemarket or visit online at www.creativecollectivemarket.com for details on the next event! Don't miss out - support local today!

#TheDatingCounselor #PersonalityTypes #KnowYourself #AuthenticDating #DatingAdvice #SelfAwareness #ModernDating #RelationshipGoals #ThePrettyFarm #CreativeCollectiveMarket #SupportLocal #EmotionalIntelligence #DatingWithClarity

I’m so excited for you to hear this one! I’ve known Austin for years, and in this episode, I finally get to sit down with him and his beautiful fiancée, Victoria Covey. These two share the heartwarming journey of how their relationship grew into something truly special—from friendship to forever. 💕

Want to see more of their love story? Follow them on Instagram @austin_simkins and @covey_lovey. Cheers to new beginnings and lasting love! 🥂

Special thanks to our season sponsor:
✨ Creative Collective Market — Discover local treasures, support small businesses, and shop with purpose! Whether you’re a maker or a market-goer, follow @creativecollectivemarket or visit www.creativecollectivemarket.com for the latest event details.

#TheDatingCounselor #RealLoveStory #FromFriendsToFiancés #EngagementStory #ModernLove #DatingJourney #RelationshipGoals #LoveAndGrowth #CouplesThatInspire #SupportLocal #CreativeCollectiveMarket