What happens when you spend your whole life taking care of others, and suddenly realize you’ve lost yourself in the process? In this powerful episode, we sit down with Debbie R. Weiss, bestselling author, entrepreneur, and inspirational speaker, who shares how she spent decades as a family caregiver—first to her father, then to her son with autism, and later to her husband battling mental illness and cancer. At 50, she had an epiphany: if she didn’t start prioritizing herself, she’d keep putting her own life on hold.

Debbie opens up about her journey of shifting from a victim mentality to taking ownership of her life, making small mindset shifts that led to massive transformation. We dive into breaking limiting beliefs, overcoming life’s toughest challenges, and chasing dreams—even when you’re not sure what they are yet. If you’ve ever felt stuck in your circumstances, this conversation will leave you inspired and ready to take action.

Episode Highlights:

[0:02] – Meet Debbie R. Weiss: Author, speaker, and lifelong caregiver.
[2:28] – Becoming a caregiver at 17: navigating life after her father’s stroke.
[5:41] – Running a business while balancing caregiving and family responsibilities.
[9:39] – The devastating moment when her husband was diagnosed with terminal cancer.
[12:12] – Breaking free from the victim mentality and taking responsibility.
[17:43] – The mindset shift that finally led to lasting weight loss.
[24:55] – How small, consistent actions can transform your life.
[31:16] – What Debbie’s life looks like now: embracing new possibilities.
[38:35] – The power of saying yes and how it led her to writing.
[41:22] – Debbie’s best advice for women who feel stuck in their circumstances.

Resources:

Debbie Weiss’s Website: https://www.debbierweiss.com

Make sure to visit the “Resources” page on our website www.insightsfromthecouch.org to download the worksheet and take ways that accompany each episode. This is hugely important as we are now creating a download that is unique to each episode and working hard to create an email list to support our programming offerings moving forward.

In this heartfelt episode, we’re joined by our dear friend and fellow therapist, Helen Keeling-Neal, as she bravely shares her journey through grief after the sudden loss of her husband. Helen opens up about the profound and unexpected challenges that come with navigating life as a young widow and single mom, all while finding ways to heal, grow, and embrace a new path forward. Whether you’ve experienced a similar loss or simply want to support a loved one going through grief, Helen’s story is full of insights, compassion, and real-life wisdom.

We explore the complexities of grief, from the early shock and survival mode to the ongoing journey of healing and finding purpose. Helen discusses the tools and support systems that helped her, including therapy and community, and she offers invaluable advice on how to be there for someone experiencing loss.

Episode Highlights:
[0:00] - Introducing Helen Keeling-Neal and her story of sudden loss.
[2:00] - The immediate impact of losing a spouse and going into “survival mode.”
[3:26] - Dealing with the “business of death” and the logistics of loss.
[6:54] - Finding support: How friends, family, and community showed up.
[9:36] - Coping strategies: Therapy, EMDR, and the importance of avoiding quick fixes.
[12:58] - Raising young children through grief and balancing career shifts.
[17:51] - Understanding attachment and compound grief in the healing process.
[23:31] - Moving forward in new relationships and dealing with fears of loss.
[29:19] - Top tips for navigating grief and healing after losing a loved one.

Resources:

• For EMDR therapy: https://www.emdria.org/
• For ART: https://acceleratedresolutiontherapy.com/
• To find a therapist for grief near you: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists
• 🔥Get Clear on What You Want in Your Sex Life: Free Download!

For more on this topic visit our website insightsfromthecouch.org If you have questions please email us at info@insightsfromthecouch.org we would love to hear from you!

If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!

Do you find yourself saying “yes” when you really want to say “no”? Do you feel responsible for keeping the peace, even at your own expense? If any of that sounds familiar, this episode is for you. From childhood conditioning and gender expectations to how this behavior shows up in our adult relationships—romantic, professional, and personal—we’re talking about it all.

In this episode, we get real about our own struggles and growth around people pleasing. We explore the line between kindness and self-abandonment, how saying “no” can actually strengthen relationships, and the subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways we’ve learned to reclaim our voices. If you’ve ever wrestled with resentment, vagueness, or fear of being “the bad guy,” you’re not alone—and there’s a way out. Tune in as we share stories, insights, and actionable strategies for building healthier boundaries without losing your sense of connection.

Episode Highlights:

[0:00] - Why people pleasing hits so close to home for both of us.
[1:14] - The difference between being genuinely kind vs. being "nice" to your own detriment.
[3:49] - Laura's story: Growing up flanked by strong personalities and learning to placate.
[6:46] - How family patterns condition our conflict tolerance in adulthood.
[8:32] - Colette’s evolution in romantic relationships and the fear of losing love.
[10:11] - Assertiveness is a muscle: why it takes time and practice to break the habit.
[11:02] - People pleasing ≠ being confident and kind. It often leads to resentment.
[12:51] - Key signs of people pleasing from Psychology Today’s checklist.
[13:31] - Natural boundaries: how structure and routine can minimize people pleasing.
[15:25] - Boundaries at work: why therapy helped us develop clear limits.
[17:21] - Practicing assertiveness in safe relationships and why that matters.
[22:08] - The real cost of people pleasing on your mental and emotional health.
[23:17] - Gabor Maté and the connection between chronic niceness and physical illness.
[26:06] - Practical tips: writing out your thoughts, using scripts, and buying time.
[30:38] - Parenting and people pleasing: where we still struggle (and how we’re working on it).
[33:59] - The importance of learning to self-define, and why assertiveness isn’t aggressiveness.
[34:33] - The Giving Tree metaphor and recognizing when you’ve become the stump.
[36:05] - Final tips: Practice, write it out, externalize, and invest in safe relationships.
[37:12] - Where to take the “Are You a People Pleaser?” test and how to connect with us.

Resources:

• Take the “Are You a People Pleaser?” quiz at: https://insightsfromthecouch.org
• Learn more about the podcast and access show archives at: Insights From the Couch

Make sure to visit the “Resources” page on our website www.insightsfromthecouch.org to download the worksheet and take ways that accompany each episode. This is hugely important as we are now creating a download that is unique to each episode and working hard to create an email list to support our programming offerings moving forward.

In this eye-opening episode, we sit down with Nicole Swartz, a licensed therapist specializing in helping people heal from the damaging effects of diet culture and generational body-image trauma. Nicole shares her personal story of overcoming an eating disorder, offers insights into her revolutionary coaching program, and explains how shifting mindsets around food and body image can create lasting, positive change for both individuals and families. This conversation dives into how diet culture infiltrates our lives, generational differences in attitudes toward body image, and the transformative power of self-compassion and acceptance.

Episode Highlights:

[0:03] - Meet Nicole Swartz: Therapist, coach, and passionate advocate for breaking free from diet culture.
[5:00] - Nicole’s personal journey: From a childhood steeped in diet culture to finding healing and creating her coaching program.
[8:35] - How generational differences shape body image and food habits.
[13:28] - The rise of body positivity among Gen Z and its cultural impact.
[18:24] - Navigating the fine line between self-acceptance and the desire for change.
[25:52] - Addressing the challenges of an obesogenic culture and finding balance in food choices.
[29:12] - Transforming inner dialogue: How to move from self-criticism to self-compassion.
[34:00] - Teaching children a balanced approach to food and body acceptance.
[47:51] - Letting go of the shame around food and embracing a healthier narrative.

Resources:

Connect with Nicole Swartz: https://www.instagram.com/antidiet_therapist

Make sure to visit the “Resources” page on our website www.insightsfromthecouch.org to download the worksheet and take ways that accompany each episode. This is hugely important as we are now creating a download that is unique to each episode and working hard to create an email list to support our programming offerings moving forward.

Are you navigating the tricky world of dating after divorce? In this heartfelt and hilarious episode, we sit down with the incredible Andrea Baker, an actor, voiceover artist, and co-host of the pet-centric podcast Tales to Tell. Andrea opens up about her personal journey through divorce, the unexpected twists of dating midlife, and the surprising lessons learned along the way. Together, we explore the challenges of rediscovering yourself, setting boundaries, and embracing both independence and connection.

Andrea’s candid and relatable storytelling will leave you inspired and laughing, while her practical insights might just reshape how you think about love, self-worth, and new beginnings.

Episode Highlights:

[0:01] - Welcoming Andrea Baker and diving into her unique journey post-divorce.
[3:09] - The harsh realities of starting to date again after a major breakup.
[8:55] - Andrea’s wisdom on healing from infidelity and the importance of self-care.
[14:25] - The lessons learned from dating younger men and embracing new experiences.
[19:52] - Andrea’s “onboarding process” for dating—grammar checks included!
[28:31] - How Andrea turned her divorce into an empowering “freedom tour.”
[37:24] - The ultimate takeaway: love yourself first, and live your best life—partner or not.

Resources:

• Connect with Andrea on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andreaebaker
• Listen to Andrea’s podcast: Tales to Tell (For pet lovers and professionals alike!): https://open.spotify.com/show/099CknEDl92F3ANh9HFSrz

For more on this topic visit our website insightsfromthecouch.org If you have questions please email us at info@insightsfromthecouch.org we would love to hear from you!

If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!

Make sure to visit the “Resources” page on our website www.insightsfromthecouch.org to download the worksheet and take ways that accompany each episode. This is hugely important as we are now creating a download that is unique to each episode and working hard to create an email list to support our programming offerings moving forward.

Buckle up. In this episode, we get real about what it's like to raise kids between the ages of 10 to 18 in a world that looks nothing like the one we grew up in. From the emotional rollercoaster of middle school years to navigating social media, anxiety, and the constant pressure to be “on,” we break down the mental load parents are carrying—and what actually helps. Spoiler: It’s not control, and it’s definitely not panic.

Join us as we unpack what long-leash parenting really looks like, why emotional regulation (yours and theirs) is key, and how to create that solid, secure attachment your kids need—without micromanaging them into dysfunction. Whether you’re dealing with defiance, withdrawal, or just trying to keep your cool through the chaos, this episode will leave you feeling seen, supported, and maybe even a little more sane.

Episode Highlights:

[0:03] - Why parenting tweens and teens feels harder than ever.
[1:43] - Understanding adolescent brain development and modern challenges.
[4:35] - Colette shares her anxious “blue dot” tracking phase and why it’s so relatable.
[6:13] - The “long leash, large corral” approach to parenting.
[10:29] - Replacing lectures with Socratic conversations to foster trust and independence.
[13:49] - Colette’s unforgettable car ride convo and why staying calm matters.
[16:50] - How to view misbehavior as a lack of skills—not a reason to punish.
[17:33] - Why regulating your emotions is the parenting superpower.
[19:50] - The horse whisperer metaphor that’ll change how you parent forever.
[24:32] - Parenting the “Polaroid” child: Navigating confusing or unclear behavior.
[26:35] - Laura’s Life360 obsession and the new realities of teen safety.
[30:18] - Why social kids might actually fare better than isolated ones.
[33:41] - The dangerous rise of incel ideology and digital radicalization.
[34:50] - The case for no phones in schools and delayed access to social media.
[36:13] - Rejection in the age of Instagram: why it hits harder now.
[38:59] - Talking to your teen about the long game and giving them vision.
[40:50] - The crushing pressure of college admissions and why it’s unsustainable.
[41:41] - Final takeaways: connection over control, collaboration over lecturing.
[44:32] - Letting go: Adolescence as labor and the importance of separation.
[44:57] - One last reminder: regulate your emotions and help them learn to do the same.

Resources:

📝 Download the Parenting Tweens & Teens Worksheet: insightsfromthecouch.org

📺 Watch “The Horse Whisperer”

📚 The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt

📺 The Netflix series “Adolescence”

📱 Life360 (for those who love a little tracking reassurance)

💌 Reach out to us anytime at: info@insightsfromthecouch.org

Make sure to visit the “Resources” page on our website www.insightsfromthecouch.org to download the worksheet and take ways that accompany each episode. This is hugely important as we are now creating a download that is unique to each episode and working hard to create an email list to support our programming offerings moving forward.

In this episode of Insights from the Couch, we’re joined by Dr. Kelly Kessler, a physical therapist and transformation coach, who’s on a mission to help high-achieving women break free from self-abandonment and stress. Kelly shares her own journey of moving from a life of chronic self-sacrifice to one of self-honor and balance, offering strategies that can help you find your way back to yourself. She talks about nervous system regulation, the power of breath work, and why setting boundaries is essential to reclaiming your well-being.

Together, we uncover why it’s crucial for women to prioritize their emotional and physical health, even in the midst of busy, driven lives. From techniques like the physiological sigh to embracing your inner critic with compassion, Dr. Kessler’s approach is both gentle and transformative. Tune in for practical tips, grounding insights, and actionable steps to start putting yourself first.

Episode Highlights:
[0:00] – Welcome and introduction to Dr. Kelly Kessler’s background and mission.[1:14] – Kelly shares her journey from self-abandonment to self-care and transformation.
[4:33] – Defining self-abandonment and how it impacts high-functioning women.[6:51] – Recognizing patterns of perfectionism and external validation in personal and professional lives.
[9:48] – Breathwork as a gateway to slowing down and self-connection.
[12:33] – Starting small: how breathwork and gentle exercise initiated Kelly’s healing journey.
[15:39] – Introducing the “physiological sigh” breath technique and its calming effects.
[20:30] – Exploring the connection between body, mind, and anxiety management.
[23:38] – Taming the inner critic and cultivating self-compassion through daily practices.
[27:46] – The role of boundaries in self-care and why they’re essential for personal peace.
[34:08] – The grief of setting boundaries and the empowerment it brings.
[38:27] – Final takeaways: honoring yourself as a non-negotiable priority.

Resources:

• Dr. Kelly Kessler’s Website – Optimal You Health and Wellness – Find resources, coaching, and programs for personal transformation.
• Free Guide: Eight Daily Practices for Self-Loyalty and Nervous System Harmony – Available on her website.
• Follow Dr. Kelly on Instagram: @drkellykessler
• 🔥Get Clear on What You Want in Your Sex Life: Free Download!

For more on this topic visit our website insightsfromthecouch.org If you have questions please email us at info@insightsfromthecouch.org we would love to hear from you!

If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!

We’re back for Season 4 of Insights From the Couch: Mental Health at Midlife, and we’re kicking things off with a juicy deep dive into the twisted psychological underpinnings of HBO’s The White Lotus. As therapists and mega-fans of the show, we couldn’t resist unpacking the layers of sex, power, betrayal, and just downright messed-up family dynamics in this season. From the uncomfortably intimate Ratcliffe family to the passive-aggressive unraveling of a trio of longtime female friends, we’re peeling back the layers and asking—what’s really going on beneath the surface?

In this episode, we explore themes of toxic relationships, sibling incest, sociopathy, competitive female dynamics, and intergenerational trauma—all through a therapist’s lens. We’re talking character analysis, psychological patterns, and the emotional truth hiding beneath the satire.

Episode Highlights:

[0:02] - Kicking off Season 4 and diving into the dark psychology of The White Lotus.
[2:38] - Introducing the Ratcliffe family and the incest bombshell no one saw coming.
[6:25] - Power, rivalry, and the emerging sociopathic traits in Lachlan.
[11:15] - Southern charm, status obsession, and the mother’s fragile identity.
[14:21] - Over-the-top satire: suicide, wealth, and emotional unraveling.
[16:19] - Incest in pop culture and real-world psychological roots.
[19:58] - The intergenerational transmission of incest and suicidality.
[21:46] - Capitalism and class anxiety: when status is life-or-death.
[22:29] - The unraveling of female friendship: Lori, Kate, and Jacqueline.
[27:57] - Confrontation, gaslighting, and covert female aggression.
[30:58] - Who are these women now? Friendship vs. shared history.
[33:17] - Jacqueline’s betrayal: narcissism, jealousy, and dominance.
[36:53] - Competition, attention-seeking, and the hunger for power.
[38:16] - Amy Lou and Chelsea: emotional honesty and groundedness.
[40:56] - Does Gary have an agenda? The mysterious billionaire’s next move.
[43:07] - Frank’s dark monologue and Rick’s wake-up call.
[45:19] - Looking ahead to the finale and how it might all unfold.
[47:01] - A toast to The White Lotus and a possible finale viewing party.

Resources:

💻 Download our free guide: Toxic Relationships & Power Dynamics: How to Recognize, Manage & Break Free → insightsfromthecouch.org

📧 Got thoughts or theories? Email us at: info@insightsfromthecouch.org

Make sure to visit the “Resources” page on our website www.insightsfromthecouch.org to download the worksheet and take ways that accompany each episode. This is hugely important as we are now creating a download that is unique to each episode and working hard to create an email list to support our programming offerings moving forward.