Living with a chronic illness changes everything — your body, your routines, your relationships, and even your sense of self. In this episode, mental health therapist Karen Helmes, founder of Anam Cara Counseling and Supervision, shares how her personal journey with a neuromuscular disease shapes the way she helps others navigate the realities of ongoing illness.

We talk about the grief that comes with losing your “pre-illness” self, how to build a toolbox of coping strategies, and ways to reclaim meaning and joy — even when life looks different than you imagined. Whether you’re living with a chronic condition, caring for someone who is, or simply seeking inspiration on resilience, this conversation is both real and hopeful.

🎧 Listen in and discover how acceptance, boundaries, and small daily choices can help you live fully — beyond the diagnosis.

#ChronicIllness #MentalHealth #PodcastLife #ChronicIllnessSupport #CaregiverSupport #Resilience #HealingJourney #GriefAndGrowth #AnamCaraCounseling #KarenHelmes #LivingWithIllness #MindsetMatters #HealthAndWellnessPodcast #BeyondTheDiagnosis

Maria Ramos shares a powerful story of resilience, sacrifice, and love—starting with her parents’ immigration to the U.S., her experience growing up with a dedicated ER doctor father and a mother who took on multiple jobs to show up for every moment of Maria’s childhood.

Now, as she navigates the challenges of caring for both her elderly parents—Mom with vascular dementia—and raising her daughter Jackie, Maria reflects on how culture, caregiving, and compassion shape her family legacy.

💬 A must-listen for anyone balancing caregiving and parenting, or seeking connection in multigenerational stories.

#CaregiverLife #FilipinoAmericanStories #ParentingAndCaregiving #MentalHealthMatters #FamilyLegacyPodcast

✨ New Episode: “Healing Your Relationship With Food”

What if your body was never the problem—and food was never the enemy?

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Amy Ray, registered dietitian, certified eating disorder specialist, and founder of Ray of Hope Nutrition, to talk about healing our relationship with food, body image, and the messages diet culture has fed us for far too long.

We explore:

🍽️ How to rebuild body trust

🧠 The mental health side of disordered eating

💬 Why shame isn’t a nutrition strategy

🌱 How to support yourself—or someone you love—through recovery

If you’ve ever struggled with food, body image, or felt stuck in the cycle of shame and self-blame, this episode is for you.

🎧 Tune in now and share with someone who needs a little hope today.

#TheAuroraSessions #AmyRay #RayOfHopeNutrition #EatingDisorderRecovery #IntuitiveEating #HAES #MentalHealthMatters #BodyTrust #BeyondTheCouch #FoodFreedom

In this heartfelt episode, Michele Fecht, LPC, opens up about her deeply personal journey growing up alongside her “Irish Twin” brother, who faced multiple co-occurring challenges including Apraxia, Autism, PTSD, Major Depressive Disorder, and Anxiety. Michele shares how his experiences navigating school systems, addiction, and recovery profoundly influenced her path as a mental health professional.

She discusses how families and caregivers can find the support they need, the increased risk of substance use among individuals with autism and mental health diagnoses, and what resources are available for young people. Michele also speaks directly to how others—friends, extended family, and community members—can better support caregivers and families of those living with substance abuse or mental health challenges.

Her story is a moving tribute to her brother, who passed away suddenly from a heart attack, and a powerful message for anyone who has loved someone living with complex mental health needs. This episode is a must-listen for those seeking connection, understanding, and hope.

An introduction to The Aurora Sessions Beyond the Couch podcast.