On The Couch Podcast: Recent Episodes
John Dennis
An educational mental & behavioral health podcast about the in's and out's of therapy. The host, John Dennis, is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of PA. Episodes range from focusing on different mental health diagnoses and issues pertaining to parenting, couples and families to interviews with clinicians who are on the cutting edge of their fields.
Melissa Sauder, LPC (www.melissasauderlpc.com) is the owner of Emotional Wellness For Women. She and John discuss the struggle that many go through who experience infertility and the toll it takes on their lives and mental wellbeing.
Joe Sanok (host of The Practice of the Practice Podcast) is back talking about his upcoming book, Thursday Is The New Friday. His book launches on Oct 5 (Get it here - https://www.amazon.com/kindle-dbs/entity/author/B096ZJC941?_encoding=UTF8&node=283155&offset=0&pageSize=12&searchAlias=stripbooks&sort=author-sidecar-rank&page=1&langFilter=default#formatSelectorHeader). Joe looks at the rat race and living for the weekend to task as he looks for a better way to improve work-life balance, decrease burnout and live life to the fullest.
Linda Fisher is a hospital chaplain with the MedStar Washington Hospital Center. She shares her experiences of her team working during the pandemic and what the role of a hospital chaplain is.
Dr. Jenny Wang (www.jennywangphd.com) is a psychologist and speaker who has focused her resources on growing a network of clinicians that can assist members of the AAPI community through the Asians For Mental Health Directory (https://asiansformentalhealth.com). Follow her social media accounts at asiansformentalhealth. Dr. Wang and John discuss the struggles facing the AAPI community as there has been a drastic rise in violence and anti-asian rhetoric as a result of the Covid-19 Pandemic.
Dr. Katherine Ramsland is the Director of the Master of Arts in Criminal Justice Program at DeSales University. She writes a regular blog for Psychology Today and has published over 60 books on criminal psychology including Confession Of A Serial Killer and The Mind Of A Murderer.
Lynn Lyons, LICSW (www.lynnlyons.com) is a world-renowned expert on helping parents deal with their children's anxiety. She is the co-author of the book Anxious Kids Anxious Parents and the host of the Flusterclux Podcast (https://luxerecess.com/flusterclux/). She is leading a parenting retreat at Canyon Ranch October 22-24 - Register here - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/raising-courageous-independent-children-with-lynn-lyons-registration-151590185325?aff=LynnBlog
Keith Miller (www.keithmillercounseling.com) is an LCSW in the MD/DC area and is the host of the Soul of Life Podcast (www.souloflifeshow.com)
Wouldn't it be amazing to buy an RV and just drive off into the sunset?! Well Joe Sanok and his family did just that! Joe is a previous guest from Season 1 Ep. 10 and is the host of the Practice of the Practice podcast (www.practiceofthepractice.com). He and his family chronicled their adventures doing life, school and work from an RV in the Leave To Find Podcast (www.leavetofind.com).
Carrie Cole is the Director of the Love Lab and Director of Research for the Gottman Institute (www.gottman.com). In this episode she discusses important concepts for improving your relationship, what the Gottman Institute is currently researching and how you can get involved, as well as what she focuses on when working with couples.
Azizi Marshall is the CEO and Founder of the Center for Creative Arts Therapy (www.c4creativeartstherapy.com). She has dual degrees in psychology and theater. She and John discuss the creative and expressive arts and how they can help address many issues.
Sue Stuart-Smith (https://www.suestuartsmith.com) is the author of the Well-Gardened Mind, a Sunday Times Bestseller, listed as one of the 37 best books of 2020 by The Times and gardening book of the year by The Sunday Times. She shares about her research, observations and life's work in the space where mental health, plants and nature meet.
Therapist's have lives too! Sometimes they are out for extended periods of time as they get married, have surgery, have children, etc. Often client's can struggle leading up to and during this period of time as they have developed a significant connection and made progress with their counselor. Kara is an LCSW in Maryland who has a private practice and also helps therapists prepare for being out on maternity leave as the author of The Therapist's Guide To Being Pregnant www.karabolling.com
Amanda Patterson is the owner of Caring Therapists of Broward (www.caringtherapistsofbroward.com)
Kristen Ulmer (www.kristenulmer.com) has had a hall of fame career as a big mountain extreme skier. She has since devoted her life to helping others learn how to change their relationship with fear. Through her book, The Art of Fear, and her coaching and speaking engagements she has developed concepts and practices that have helped thousands of people.
Shane Birkel (https://shanebirkel.com) is the host of the Couples Therapy Couch Podcast and discusses his experience as a couples therapist.
Aaron Potratz, LPC is the owner of Discover Counseling (www.discovercounseling.com) and the co-host of the Shrink Think Podcast (www.shrinkthinkpodcast.com). He and John discuss the topic of boundaries and the concept of the Fear Triangle
Dr. Margaret Rutherford (drmhrgaretrutherford) is the author of Perfectly Hidden Depression: How to Break Free from the Perfectionism That Masks Your Depression and host of the SelfWork Podcast.
Coral Sanchez (https://www.coral-counseling.com) is a California-based clinician who specializes in providing services with both the Latinx and First Responder communities.
Ian Laidlaw is the co-host of the Practice Imperfect Podcast (www.practiceimperfectpodcast.com). He and John discuss psychotherapy and the impact that Imposter Syndrome can have.
Sheri van Dijk, MSW is the author of Don't Let Your Emotions Run Your Life - For Teens, a workbook that teaches DBT skills. She sits down with John Dennis to discuss her workbook and the skills she teaches. www.sherivandijk.com
Dr. Daniel LeGoff is the founder of Lego Based Therapy. It's use in working with those dealing with Autism Spectrum has been groundbreaking! Dr. LeGoff explains how he came to realize the importance of using Legos in teaching social skills and interaction and where his work is at presently.
Lauren Selfridge, LMFT (www.laurenselfridge.com) is the host of the podcast This Is Not What I Ordered. In her personal; and professional life she has worked hard to create a positive space for those dealing with Chronic Illness. Lauren and John discuss what some in the CI community face and ways she recommends for them to cope with their diagnosis.
Jason Boes is the founder and co-owner of Parenting & Family Solutions (www.parentfamilysolutions.com) and has 15+ years of experience working with teens, parents and families. He and John discuss what a lot of families and students face as they have begun to return to college campuses and schools across the country.
Sydney Jensen (www.sydney-jensen.com) was the 2019 Nebraska Teacher of the Year. Her recent Ted Talk focusing on the importance of Teacher Mental Health made her a must-have guest on the OTC Podcast. Sydney and John discuss her experiences as a teacher on the front lines of a diverse high school population and how important it is for teachers to care for themselves and their colleagues.
Duane France has served in the military and continues to serve his country as a mental health clinician. He sits down to talk with John Dennis about his newest book, Military In The Rear View Mirror, and the 2 podcasts that he is a part of (www.veteranmentalhealth.com).
Dr. Stephanie Sarkis (www.stephaniesarkis.com) discusses Gaslighting, how to spot it and the impact it can have on a person. This common form of emotional abuse can sometimes be so subtle as the perpetrator turns up the heat.
Shardae Washington, LMFT (www.swashingtoncounseling.com) discusses the impacts of racial trauma and racial injustice with John Dennis in light of the recent racial tension in the US. The importance of validating one's experience can't be overstated. This is a long-overdue and on-going conversation.
Dr. Lisa Damour (www.drlisadamour.com) sits down to talk with John Dennis about the immense pressure and anxiety that girls and women face in American culture and what we can do about it.
Kristen Boice, Owner of Pathways To Healing Counseling (www.pathwaystohealingcounseling.com) and host of the Close the Chapter Podcast (www.kristendboice.com) talks with John about her experience working for a Fortune 500, her group practice and their focus on EMDR therapy and her training in Brene Brown's The Daring Way.
Staying connected is crucial for mental health. Dr. Christine Moutier and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (www.afsp.org) are doing everything that they can to make sure that people are caring for their mental health. Their #RealConvo campaign is helping loved ones have important conversations about with one another.
Dr. Les Parrott is 1/2 of the dynamic relationship expert duo of Dr. Les and Leslie Parrott (www.lesandleslie.com). He shares about their latest projects including their book - Healthy Me, Healthy Us, the YADA Assessment and their Save Your Marriage Before It Starts (SYMBIS) program. Dr. Les explains the key to a healthy, happy relationship lies in getting healthy as an individual. Their book is packed with great information to help individuals do just that.
Laura Heck, LMFT is the co-host of the Marriage Therapy Radio show (https://marriagetherapyradio.com/), leads The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work workshop for couples, coaches women through the Epic Wives Experiment, speaks and trains for The Gottman Institute and is a regular media expert on the topic of intimate relationships. Safe to say, she knows her stuff!
She talks with John about the Epic Wives Experiment, and how to care for your relationship both during quarantine and after.
Dr. Frank Sileo (www.drfranksileo.com) is a licensed psychologist and award-winning children's author who uses his books to teach children about mindfulness and how to deal with difficult conditions and issues they may face in life. He's covered things like bullying, mindfulness, spreading gossip and his newest series about Bentley Bee. He talks with John about the importance of teaching mental health and self-care concepts to our youth.
Mike Michalowicz (Author of Profit First - www.mikemichalowicz.com) sits down to talk with John about small businesses, mental health and stress in a Covid-19 landscape and his upcoming book - Fix This Next (www.fixthisnext.com)
Schuyler Cunningham, LICSW is the Director for the Cancer Trauma Project (www.cancertrauma.com). He talks about the impact and trauma that a cancer diagnosis can have on the person receiving the diagnosis and how the Cancer Trauma Project is trying to help support those navigating a cancer diagnosis.
Megan Hunter, co-founder of the High Conflict Institute (www.highconflictinstitute.com), talks with John about her book Dating Radar (www.dating-radar.com) and how to spot high conflict personalities (like Borderline Personality Disorder and Narcissistic Personality Disorder) before committing to them.
Carrie Nicklas, LPC with Parenting & Family Solutions (www.parentingfamilysolutions) talks with host, John Dennis, about the in's and out's of child and adolescent therapy. Working with children, teens and families to help them through difficult issues using a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Behavior Modification and elements of play therapy.
What happens when therapy goes wrong?! Amy Lynne Johnson (www.amylynnejohnson.com) is a counselor and advocate responder with TELL the Therapeutic Exploitation Link Line (www.therapyabuse.org). They help victims of therapeutic abuse in their journey towards healing.
Lori Gottlieb (New York Times Bestselling Author of the book Maybe You Should Talk To Someone - www.lorigottlieb.com) sits down to talk with John Dennis about mental health, the banner year her book is having, her Ted Talk on therapy as a process in editing our poor narrations, her book being turned into a TV show and her upcoming podcast.
Julie Ohana and John Dennis discuss her Culinary Art Therapy practice and the benefits of the Family Meal. https://www.culinaryarttherapy.com/
Buck Black, LCSW (www.buckblack.com) provides Teletherapy to truckers Indiana. He and John talk about the issues that many workers throughout the country face and ways that teletherapy can make a positive impact in their mental health, communication and relationships.
The lack of education and awareness about sleep is an epidemic in the US. Dr. Matt Carter is a professor of Biology at Williams College and talks about the importance of changing the education about sleep.
Reina Lombardi, Owner and Founder of Florida Art Therapy Services (www.floridaarttherapyservices.com), talks with host John Dennis about the in's and out's of Art Therapy.
Lori Breece and Kristy Smith of the United Disabilities Services Foundation (https://udservices.org/services/service-dogs/) talk about their Service Dog programs and the impact that they can make in our lives. (www.psonthecouch.com)
Dr. Jonathan Singer is the President of the American Association of Suicidology (https://suicidology.org). He and OTC host, John Dennis, have a conversation about youth suicide, why it is on the rise and what parents can do to help their kids.
Kristi Peterson is a school psychologist in western Pennsylvania who discusses the in's and out's of the role a school psychologist plays in the mental and behavioral health of their students. www.pfsonthecouch.com
John Dennis talks about preparing your grade schoolers to return for the new school year. Helping parents to acclimate their households for the coming school year by adjusting their sleeping and eating patterns. www.pfsonthecouch.com
John Dennis gives tips on talking with your rising college student to help them with a smooth transition and navigating any struggles while at college. www.pfsonthecouch.com
Don Mann knows a lot about mental toughness, setting goals and persevering through pain. He was a Navy Seal and member of Seal Team Six, has written multiple books, has attempted to summit Mt. Everest, has completed multiple races of varying kinds including Iron and Double IronMan competitions, and has recently completed an endurance race called the Brigade which was featured on the Outdoor Channel. Don and John discuss the importance of mental toughness and goal setting in reaching your objectives. www.usfrogmann.com
Bill Eddy, founder of the High Conflict Institute www.highconflictinstitute.com and author of Splitting: Protecting Yourself While Divorcing Someone With Borderline or Narcissistic Personality Disorder talks about how to navigate difficult relationships. www.pfsonthecouch.com
Clay Cockrell, LCSW is the founder of Walk And Talk Therapy and practices in New York City. His outside-the-box thinking and desire to reach clients where they are at, led him to start walk and talk therapy and online counseling practices. John and Clay discuss the benefits and things to consider with both methods of treatment.
Allison Puryear talks about being a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS), the work she does in her practice Asheville Eating Disorder Treatment (www.allisonpuryear.com), and how to help someone in your life that may be struggling with an eating disorder.
John Israel (Author of the Mr. Thank You Project www.mrthankyou.com) explains the importance of gratitude and his efforts to increase gratitude throughout the world even by 1%.
Kasey Compton of Mindsight Behavioral Group (www.mindsightbehavioral.com)and KC Consulting (www.consultwithkc.com) talks about work-life balance and how she combats works stress as a business owner and therapist.
Dr. Jeremy Sharp, host of the Testing Psychologist Podcast (www.thetestingpsychologist.com/) explains the basics of Psychological Testing.
Heather Jay Boardman of Blanc Counseling (http://www.blanccounseling.com/) talks about her role as a co-parenting counselor and how she tries to help divorced former partners navigate parenting together for the benefit of the kids.
The power of positive talk and what David Beard (Assistant Principal in SoLanCo School District) calls "Positive Brainwashing" is discussed in this epsiode. Helping kids learn the power of positive affirmations to inoculate against anxiety and depression.
What to do in your relationship to repair after there's been an argument. John explains about the Gottman's Aftermath of an Incident technique as well as Dr. Gary Chapman's 5 Love Languages of an Apology.
What do the 5 Love Languages, emotional flooding and deer hunting have in common?
John talks about the importance of knowing your partner's Love Languages and communicating about your definitions of Dr. Gary Chapman's 5 Love Languages (www.5lovelanguages.com). In addition, he explains the importance of a 6-month checkin as explained by Steve and Mary Prokopchak (www.calledtogether.org)
John Dennis talks about the importance of investing into your relationship regularly. John has Level-2 training in Gottman Counseling and shares tips, techniques and observations from his work with couples using Gottman Counseling. www.pfsonthecouch.com
Joe Sanok (host of the Practice of the Practice Podcast) has mastered the art of slowing down to create AHA moments and maximize productivity with his clients. He explains how Vigilance Decriment and taking breaks are vital in today's world. Through these concepts Joe has created Slow Down School to help his clients learn these skills and get the most out of themselves and their businesses.
Jennifer Seletzky-Davidson is the Director of the Amazing Kids Club with True North Wellness Services. She and John talk about the focus of the program and the services they provide to children and families living with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Rachael Norman is the co-founder of the app Better (www.getbetter.co) who is working to make healthcare reimbursement simple. They have the mission of out-giving John Oliver by forgiving $16 Million in medical debt. She and John sit down to discuss the ins and outs of the app as well as the issues she sees in the healthcare system.
Love them or hate them, video games can be an important part of kids lives. They can teach social skills, social activism and help build community. John sits down to talk with Josh Bound, teacher and founder of the Video Game Clubs of America to talk about how he used video gaming to connect with his autistic son.
John Dennis and Alison Pidgeon sit down to talk about the importance of maternal mental health services. Specifically Postpartum Depression and Anxiety.
John and Lauren Eckert (owner of Lauren Eckert Coaching) talk about the struggle that students and adults are having these days with executive functioning and how her team of life coaches come alongside these individuals and help them to optimize their potential.
John Dennis sits down to talk with Joanna Dennstaedt of Radiant Hope to discuss her organization and how they support cancer patients and their families.
John Dennis sits down with Jason Boes, LPC to discuss why it's important to talk about ending therapy with your counselor
John Dennis goes over what to expect from your first therapy session. www.parentfamilysolutions.com/podcast
In this episode I launch the introductory episode for the podcast and explain that the aim of the show is to teach listeners about concepts in mental health and interviewing professionals in the field in order to connect listeners to them.