Zessions

After a six-month hiatus, Zessions is back, and so are we.

We're Mandi Roarke, LMFT, and Dr. Sapna Srivastava, LMFT-A, Co-Founders of Zessio, a platform built by therapists, for therapists. We created Zessio to challenge the traditional boundaries of therapy by helping clinicians expand their impact through courses, resources, community, and collaboration, supporting both their clients and their own professional growth.

This season, we're trying something different. Instead of polished, presentation-style episodes, we're inviting you into the real conversations we have as therapists, business partners, and friends.

In this episode, Mandi shares her recent experience with catastrophic thinking and the feeling of being caught in a mental trap, even while knowing, intellectually, how to work through it. Together, we explore the relationship between anxiety, nervous system regulation, somatic healing, and why insight alone isn't always enough to create change.

Whether you're a therapist or simply someone who has found yourself spiraling into worst-case scenarios, we hope this conversation reminds you that healing isn't about perfection; it's about curiosity, connection, and learning to support ourselves with the same compassion we offer others.

In this episode:

•  Why we've been away, and what's next for Zessions 
•  Our shift toward more authentic, unscripted conversations 
•  Understanding catastrophic thinking and the nervous system 
•  Why movement and somatic practices can help interrupt the spiral 
•  The reminder that therapists need support, too 

When therapists thrive, communities can heal.

Support the show

Connect with us on Instagram @myzessio or visit our website: https://www.zessio.com.

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Continuing the Conversation: Creating Community at Your Pace
 A follow-up to Ep. 22 with Paola Ortiz, LMFT

🌟 What’s New in Zessions

We love our guest conversations on Zessions—and we’re not stopping those. But in this new “Continuing the Conversation” series, your co-hosts Mandi Roarke, LMFT and Sapna Srivastava, PhD are stepping back in front of the mic together.

Here, we get a little more personal. We revisit past episodes, bring in themes that are sticking with us, and share openly about how we are wrestling with, applying, or sometimes struggling with the same ideas that come up in conversation with our guests.

Think of these episodes as an after-the-fact reflection circle: less polished, more personal, and always tied to the collective wisdom we’ve built through Zessions.

🔎 Episode at a Glance

• Revisiting Ep. 22 with Paola Ortiz, LMFT on building community
   
• How self-care shifts from season to season (and why it’s not always spa days)
  
  
• Naming safety as a core ingredient for belonging
   
• How “community” can be one friend, a book club, your family—or just you
  
  
• Why protecting capacity helps us sustain the bigger work
   
  
  

✅ Key Takeaways

• Community is fluid. It doesn’t always mean groups; it can be solo time or one close connection.
   
• Safety shapes belonging. Choose spaces where your nervous system can settle.
   
• Capacity first. Sustainable care starts with realistic pacing and energy.
   
• Micro-moves matter. Decluttering a drawer or doing taxes with a show on counts.
   
• We’re in it too. Even as therapists, we’re learning to live out what we talk about on Zessions.
   
   

🔗 Mentions

• Ep. 22: Building Community with Paola Ortiz, LMFT
   
• Silent Book Clubs (low-pressure group reading meetups)
   
  
  

💬 Connect with Us

• Follow: @MyZessio (Instagram · TikTok · YouTube)
   
• Explore resources: zessio.com
   
  
  

If this conversation resonated, please follow, rate, and share—it helps others find Zessions and the community we’re building.

Support the show

Connect with us on Instagram @myzessio or visit our website: https://www.zessio.com.

Did you find this information helpful? Support our work here:  https://www.buzzsprout.com/2177169/support

Episode Summary
Ever felt like you and your partner are stuck in a loop—each waiting for the other to go first? That’s a bind, and it shows up in relationships far more often than you might think.

In this episode of Zessions, hosts Mandi Roarke, LMFT, and Dr. Sapna Srivastava sit down with returning guest Kendall Campbell, LMFT, to unpack the concept of binds—specifically intimacy binds, initiation binds, and the classic double bind.

We explore:

• Why binds create that “trapped” or “paralyzed” feeling in relationships
• How life transitions, shifting needs, and status quo patterns set the stage for them
• Why emotional safety—not just comfort—is key to breaking free
• The difference between massive change and small, sustainable “micro-moves”
• When direct prescriptions from a therapist can help get things moving again

Whether you’re a therapist, a partner, or someone reflecting on your own relationships, this conversation will help you spot binds in action and give you a starting point for shifting them.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode

• The anatomy of a bind — what it is and how it plays out in everyday life.
• Intimacy binds vs. initiation binds vs. double binds — and how to tell them apart.
• The role of status quo in keeping couples stuck.
• How novelty and micro-changes can help disrupt entrenched patterns.
• Why safety and comfort are not the same thing in relationship work.
• Practical ways to start creating momentum—without overwhelming yourself or your partner.

Key Quotes from this Episode

“When you’re in a bind, you can want the relationship to work, you can even know exactly what needs to change—but it feels like you can’t move without your partner moving first.”

“Binds aren’t just about needs—they’re about safety. I’ll only hand you the water if I trust it won’t be poisoned.”

“You don’t have to reinvent the wheel to break a bind. Sometimes it’s just about tweaking the routines you already have.”

Resources & Links

• Learn more about Kendall Campbell, LMFT – KendallCampbell.com
• Follow Zessio on Instagram | TikTok | YouTube
• Explore more mental health resources at Zessio.com

Listen & Subscribe
🎧 Find this episode and more on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.

Support the show

Connect with us on Instagram @myzessio or visit our website: https://www.zessio.com.

Did you find this information helpful? Support our work here:  https://www.buzzsprout.com/2177169/support

🎙️ Zessions Podcast: "Untangling Mother-Daughter Dynamics"
 Guest: Erica Thomas, LCSW – Founder of Vita Nova Mother-Daughter Coaching

Mother-daughter relationships can be deeply loving, fiercely complicated, and rich with opportunity for healing — across generations. In this episode, we sit down with therapist and expert Erica Thomas to explore the core dynamics that shape these bonds over time.

Whether you’re a therapist, a mom, a daughter — or all of the above — this conversation is full of insight, compassion, and clarity.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why mother-daughter relationships are so emotionally charged — and powerful
• The interplay of autonomy, identity, and generational patterns
• What happens when boundaries are misunderstood or unmet
• How cultural expectations shape motherhood — and what it means to redefine your role
• Ways to hold space for emotional reality without needing to “be right”
• How daughters can do healing work even when mom isn’t in the room
• Why tending to the whole woman — not just the “mom” — benefits everyone

Takeaways you'll carry with you:

"When emotionally starved women raise emotionally starved women, the cycle continues. But when we breathe life into all parts of ourselves, we raise daughters who know how to do the same."

Meet the Guest:
Erica Thomas, LCSW, is the founder of Vita Nova Counseling and Vita Nova Mother-Daughter Coaching. Based just outside of Austin, she brings over 20 years of experience helping families, teen girls, and adult women deepen their self-understanding and heal intergenerational wounds. She also trains other clinicians in the mother-daughter attachment model.

🔗 Connect with Erica:

• Vita Nova Counseling
  
  
• IG: @vita.nova.counseling
  
  
• LinkedIn: Erica G. Thomas
  
  

✨ Enjoyed this conversation?
 Leave us a review, follow @myzessio, and share with someone navigating mother-daughter dynamics. And don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more therapist-created insights and resources.

Support the show

Connect with us on Instagram @myzessio or visit our website: https://www.zessio.com.

Did you find this information helpful? Support our work here:  https://www.buzzsprout.com/2177169/support

🎙️ Zessions Episode: Let’s Talk About Talking About Sex

Sex is everywhere — except in the conversations we actually have. Why is that?

In this episode of Zessions, we sit down with Zessio Partner and sex therapist Jess Worthington, LMFT, to explore why talking about sex is so hard — and how we can start doing it better. From early childhood messaging to religious shame, from performance anxiety to partnership pressure, we unpack it all.

Together, we explore:

• Why most of us were never taught how to talk about sex — and why that matters
• How childhood messages shape our adult sexual communication
• What to do when desire feels mismatched or intimacy gets stuck
• A real-life case study on rebuilding sexual connection without focusing on intercourse
• Playful, affirming ways to reintroduce pleasure, curiosity, and consent into the conversation
• The link between emotional safety and sexual satisfaction
• How to start sex talks that don’t feel heavy, critical, or awkward
  
  

Whether you're a clinician supporting couples or someone navigating your own relationship, this conversation will help you rethink what it means to be intimate — and how to talk about it, on purpose.

💡 Featured resources:

• Come As You Are, by Emily Nagoski
• How to Have the Best Fight of Your Life by Jess Worthington & Lindley Gentile
  OMGYes.com
  Mojo Upgrade quiz: https://mojoupgrade.com/
• BEDucated - https://beducated.com/ 
• Shameless Parenting, by Dr. Tina Schermer Sellers
• It’s Not the Stork, By Robie H. Harris and Michael Emberley
  
  

🔗 Connect with Jess:
 Instagram @JessWorthingtonATX
jessicaworthingtoncounseling.com | https://www.austincouplesconcierge.com/

Support the show

Connect with us on Instagram @myzessio or visit our website: https://www.zessio.com.

Did you find this information helpful? Support our work here:  https://www.buzzsprout.com/2177169/support

Dating with Intention: Becoming the Partner You Seek

Episode Summary:
In this lively and insightful conversation, co-hosts (and Zessio Co-Founders) Mandi Roarke, LMFT, and Dr. Sapna Srivastava welcome special guest Dr. Sarah Kyle—licensed therapist, dating coach, and co-host of the podcast Dateable AF. Together, they dive into the complexities of dating with intention, building self-awareness, and becoming "relationship ready."

Drawing from both clinical expertise and real-life experiences, they explore how internal work, nervous system awareness, character discernment, and authentic communication can all shape healthier dating experiences—and ultimately lead to more fulfilling relationships.

Key Topics Discussed:

• What it means to "date with intention"
  
  
• How to become the partner you’re seeking
  
  
• Decoding nervous system cues: butterflies, anxiety, and green flags
  
  
• The difference between chemistry and character
  
  
• The myth of the "perfect partner" and avoiding settling out of fatigue
  
  
• Redefining your dating "list": what’s truly a dealbreaker vs. a preference
  
  
• Recognizing limerence (infatuation) vs. sustainable love
  
  
• Building self-trust after heartbreak or bad relationships
  
  
• The power of maintaining friendship and kindness in long-term relationships
  
  
• Why growth is a lifelong, spiraling process—not a final destination
  
  
• Actionable ways to "do the work" outside of therapy
  
  
• Why being your authentic self is the ultimate dating strategy
  
  
  

Resources Mentioned:

• Book: You Are the One You’ve Been Waiting For by Dr. Richard Schwartz (IFS founder)
  
  
• Book: Mating in Captivity by Esther Perel
  
  
• Book: Wired for Dating by Stan Tatkin
  
  
• Concepts: Spiral staircase of growth, sound relationship house by John Gottman, the importance of kindness and generosity in maintaining connection
  
  

Guest Links:

• Website:  www.sarahkyle.com
  
  
• Podcast: Dateable AF (available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more)
  
  
• Dateability Assessment & Resources: getdateable.com
  
  
  

Connect with Zessio:

• Instagram: @myzessio
  
  
• Website & Resources: zessio.com
  
  

If you enjoyed this episode:
Please rate, review, and subscribe! Sharing helps more people find our content and supports us in continuing to create conversations that uplift, empower, and connect. Thank you for being part of the Zessions community!

Support the show

Connect with us on Instagram @myzessio or visit our website: https://www.zessio.com.

Did you find this information helpful? Support our work here:  https://www.buzzsprout.com/2177169/support

What happens when rhythm, resonance, and psychotherapy meet on the same frequency?

In episode 28 of the Zessions Podcast, we sit down with Dave Braham, MS, LMFT-S, a trauma-informed psychotherapist whose work lives at the intersection of healing, performance, and creative expression. As the founder of Sound Mind Austin, Dave is redefining how we understand and integrate sound into therapeutic work.

With advanced training in EMDR, clinical hypnosis, and somatic mindfulness, Dave shares how sound isn’t just something we hear — it’s something we feel. We explore how he uses rhythm, music, and sound-based interventions to support trauma recovery, nervous system regulation, peak performance, and connection in couples and family systems.

Whether you're a clinician, creative, or simply curious about the science and soul of healing through sound, this conversation will tune you into new ways of listening — and healing.

In this episode, we explore: How Dave’s background in music and psychotherapy laid the foundation for his integrative practice The science behind sound healing: entrainment, resonance, and nervous system regulation Using rhythm in experiential modalities like hypnosis and narrative therapy Sound as a communication tool in couples and family therapy How somatic sound therapy can support trauma recovery and emotional depth

About Our Guest:
Dave Braham, MS, LMFT-S, is a licensed psychotherapist, educator, and founder of Sound Mind Austin, a practice dedicated to supporting the mental health of musicians and music industry professionals. He brings over two decades of experience to his work, blending traditional and experiential therapies with creativity, rhythm, and sound. Dave is passionate about expanding access, reducing stigma, and creating sustainable healing practices that resonate.

How to Find Dave:
Website: https://soundmindaustin.com/
IG/Facebook: @soundmindaustin

Like what you hear? Follow @myzessio on IG, TikTok, and YouTube for more Zessions content Explore mental health resources created by clinicians at zessio.com Like, follow, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform to help others discover Zessions

Note: Internal Family Systems (IFS) was referenced several times in this episode and we want to provide a quick definition of IFS:

What is Internal Family Systems (IFS)?
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a therapeutic model that views the mind as made up of distinct "parts," each with its own voice, role, and perspective. These parts — such as inner critics, protectors, or wounded inner children — form a kind of internal family. At the core of each person is the Self, a calm, compassionate, and curious inner leader who can help heal and harmonize these parts.

IFS helps people build awareness of their internal system, understand the purpose behind their parts’ behaviors, and work toward greater inner balance, self-leadership, and emotional healing.

Support the show

Connect with us on Instagram @myzessio or visit our website: https://www.zessio.com.

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What does it really mean to prepare for marriage or a long-term relationship? In  Zessions episode 27, we explore the different phases of commitment, emphasizing that preparation isn’t tied to a specific timeline—it’s about aligning goals, values, and expectations for the future. Whether a couple is a few months in or years together, these conversations help build a strong foundation.

Key Discussion Points:

Defining "preparing for marriage" – It’s not just about wedding planning but about long-term relationship growth.
Relationship phases & timing – When is the right time to start these conversations? (Hint: It depends on the couple!)
A proactive approach – How reflecting on the past, engaging in the present, and planning for the future strengthens relationships.
Beyond the religious context – While pre-marital counseling often has a religious connotation, this discussion applies broadly to all couples.

Essential Topics for Relationship Readiness:
This episode breaks down key relational areas couples should address: Relationship origin story – Understanding how your journey began. 

Family & History – How past experiences shape relationships. Values – Where personal, cultural, and spiritual beliefs fit in. Finances – Splitting expenses, financial goals, and money mindset. 

Intimacy – Emotional and physical connection. 

Home & lifestyle – Living preferences and shared responsibilities. 

Conflict & communication – Navigating disagreements productively. Future planning – Aligning visions for life together.

Takeaway: Relationships require ongoing adjustments, and many changes often happen at once! This episode helps couples build awareness and set intentional foundations for a healthy, lasting partnership.

Listen now to start the conversation about your future together! 

For more support, check out Mandi’s Zessio Marriage Prep Course: 

https://zessio.com/product/marriage-prep/

Support the show

Connect with us on Instagram @myzessio or visit our website: https://www.zessio.com.

Did you find this information helpful? Support our work here:  https://www.buzzsprout.com/2177169/support

In Episode 26, join Mandi Roarke, LMFT, and Dr. Sapna Srivastava, with special guest and Zessio Partner Bri Craig, LMFT, as they dive into the challenges and strategies for thriving in long-distance relationships.

Highlights:

• Defining Long-Distance Relationships: How these dynamics apply to romantic and platonic connections.
• Overcoming Challenges: Communication barriers, managing expectations, and handling separation anxiety.
• Staying Connected: Tips for using tech, creating shared rituals, and innovative virtual dates.
• Conflict & Communication: Navigating common cycles, balancing issues with positivity, and using the NERVE framework.
• Maintaining Intimacy: Creative ways to deepen connection, express gratitude, and plan future visits.
• Nervous System Care: Managing anxiety, aligning goals, and making the most of in-person time.

Follow Bri Craig, LMFT, for more insights, and stay connected with Zessio on all platforms for mental health resources.
https://www.brctherapy.com/
@therapywithbri

Support the show

Connect with us on Instagram @myzessio or visit our website: https://www.zessio.com.

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On Zessions episode 25, we are joined by Zessio Partner Stacy Nakell, LCSW, to discuss her area of specialty: Skin-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (SFRBs). If you or someone you know struggles with hair pulling, skin picking, eyelash pulling, or similar behaviors, we hope this conversation offers insight and support.

We dive into:

🔹 What SFRBs look and feel like
🔹 Their connection to OCD and trauma
🔹 When SFRBs become harmful and when to seek help
🔹 Treatment approaches and whether SFRBs can be cured
🔹 Practical strategies for managing and preventing SFRBs

Join us for an insightful discussion on understanding, treating, and navigating life with SFRBs.

To Find Stacy:

Visit Stacy's website: https://stacynakell.com/

Check out Stacy's course on Skin-Focused Repetitive Behaviors: https://zessio.com/product/understanding-body-focused-repetitive-behaviors/

Access Stacy's book here: https://www.routledge.com/Treatment-for-Body-Focused-Repetitive-Behaviors-An-Integrative-Psychodynamic/Nakell/p/book/9781032284880

Support the show

Connect with us on Instagram @myzessio or visit our website: https://www.zessio.com.

Did you find this information helpful? Support our work here:  https://www.buzzsprout.com/2177169/support