In this episode, we welcome Dr. Laura Meyers, a seasoned clinical psychologist specializing in anxiety-related disorders, PTSD, OCD, and high-risk populations. Dr. Meyers shares her profound insights on the impacts of menopause on mental health, drawing from her personal and professional experiences. We delve into the emotional upheavals that come with menopause, the societal stigmas surrounding it, and the importance of finding the right support. This conversation is packed with valuable information for anyone navigating this significant life transition.

Episode Highlights:

[01:32] The importance of specialization in therapy and Dr. Meyers' approach to high-risk populations.

[06:04] Discussing effective therapy approaches for anxiety and depression.

[14:31] Understanding the emotional functions of anxiety and depression.

[22:35] Dr. Meyers shares her personal menopause experience and its emotional impact.

[34:36] How menopause can change women's perceptions and life priorities.

[41:33] The effectiveness of hormone replacement therapy and CBT techniques during menopause.

[48:40] The empowering aftermath of menopause and finding balance in life.

Resources:

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!

In this compelling episode of Insights from the Couch, we discuss addiction and its impact on relationships. Our special guest, Aaron Moore, a licensed mental health counselor specializing in addiction and recovery, shares invaluable insights on navigating the choppy waters of substance abuse within marriages.

We explore the cultural normalization of alcohol use, the subtle signs of problematic drinking, and the importance of compassionate honesty in addressing addiction. Aaron offers a unique perspective on the arrested emotional development often seen in long-term substance users and provides hope for those struggling to find connection in their relationships. Whether you're dealing with addiction personally or supporting a loved one, this episode offers a beacon of hope and practical advice for moving forward.

Episode Highlights:

[2:07] - Aaron's experience working with couples and addiction.

[5:04] - Discussing the cultural acceptance of alcohol and its impact on recognizing problematic use.

[7:04] - Signs of substance use disorder and the progressive nature of addiction.

[9:54] - The role of denial in addiction and how it affects relationships.

[15:29] - Laura shares her personal experience with alcohol issues in her marriage.

[20:04] - The importance of individual work and setting boundaries in addiction recovery.

[27:30] - How to approach conversations about substance use with your partner.

[32:35] - The potential for a better relationship after working through addiction issues.

[38:02] - Understanding arrested emotional development in long-term substance users.

[43:18] - Balancing honesty and compassion when addressing addiction.

[47:27] - The importance of seeking support and professional help.

[53:48] - Aaron's inspiring thoughts on discovering one's inner emotional life in recovery.

Resources:

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 all need supportive, fulfilling friendships in our lives - but making new friends and sustaining existing bonds can be challenging, especially as we navigate the middle years. In this engaging conversation, we explore the dynamics of platonic female relationships, emphasizing vulnerability, shared experiences, and emotional intimacy as key ingredients. Discover strategies for overcoming obstacles like envy, differing attachment styles, and the distractions of family life to forge deeper connections that enrich your world.

Episode Highlights:

[0:32] - We set the stage on why relationships matter for happiness and longevity.

[2:41] - The dangers of loneliness and appearance vs. true connectivity in social circles.

[4:15] - Have you outgrown certain friendships? Nurturing real emotional bonds is key.

[6:00] - Personality differences: Laura's more introverted while Colette is extraverted.

[9:04] - The challenges of getting enough "exposure" to make new friends as adults.

[10:48] - Colette's proactive approach leads to valuable new connections at an event.

[13:48] - Laura's concern about emotional overwhelm from adding new friends.

[16:36] - Navigating expectations in friendships - what's too much to ask?

[19:12] - The toxic role envy can play, even among caring friends at different life stages.

[22:01] - Handling feelings of jealousy and resilience from a secure self.

[25:21] - Examples of when socioeconomic or fertility factors strain friendships.

[27:20] - How attachment styles shape friendship patterns and boundaries.

[30:52] - The lasting impact of "mean girl" trauma into adulthood.

[32:57] - Earning trusted vulnerability and Colette's "cardboard box test" for quality friends.

[35:37] - Editing draining friendships and ending unhealthy bonds when needed.

Resources:

For more on this topic visit our website at insightsfromthecouch.org.

If you have questions, please email us at info@insightsfrothecouch.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!