What happens when the therapist gets on the couch? On this episode of Conversations with Coach LA, licensed psychotherapist Coach LA (Lakisha R. Austin, LICSW, MSW, MBA) sits down with Alphonso Nathan, MS, LPC — better known as Phonz the Therapist — for an unfiltered Therapist Spotlight conversation about therapy, Black mental health, culture, vulnerability, and breaking the stigma surrounding mental health care. Phonz is a licensed therapist, speaker, author, futurist, and mental health advocate who uses therapy, humor, media, and culturally relevant conversations to make mental wellness more accessible—particularly within Black and Brown communities. But this conversation goes beyond credentials. Therapists are human, too. Coach LA and Phonz pull back the curtain on what it means to be the person helping others heal while navigating your own emotions, relationships, boundaries, stress, and personal growth. Together, they explore: 🛋️ What does therapy really mean? 🧠 Why mental health stigma continues to impact Black and Brown communities ✊🏾 Black men, vulnerability, emotional wellness, and asking for help 💭 Mental health stigma vs. legitimate mistrust of systems ❤️ Why culturally responsive therapy and representation matter 👀 The reality that therapists need therapy too 📱 Social media, mental health influencers, and self-diagnosis 🤖 AI and the future of therapy and mental health care 🔥 What graduate school can’t teach you about being a therapist 🎯 Phonz’s personal BET on SELF™ journey And Coach LA asks the question at the heart of the Therapist Spotlight series: “Who is Alphonso Nathan when Phonz the Therapist clocks out?” This episode is for anyone who has ever considered therapy, questioned whether therapy is for them, struggled to find a therapist who understands their culture, or wondered what happens emotionally on the other side of the therapist’s couch. Whether you’re a therapist, social worker, counselor, mental health professional—or simply somebody doing your own healing work—this conversation is a reminder that seeking support is not a weakness. Healing is human. About the Guest Alphonso Nathan, MS, LPC (Phonz the Therapist) is a licensed therapist, speaker, author, futurist, and mental health advocate based in the Philadelphia area. His work centers on breaking mental health stigma, promoting self-care, creating safe spaces for healing, and making conversations about mental wellness accessible, relatable, and empowering. Follow Phonz:Instagram: @phonzthetherapistTikTok: @PhonzTheTherapist About Conversations with Coach LA Hosted by licensed psychotherapist and executive life coach Lakisha R. Austin — Coach LA, Conversations with Coach LA brings real talk, real healing, and real-life conversations to the virtual couch. 🎙️ Listen, subscribe, share, and leave a review. 📺 Follow @conversations_withcoachla 💜 Follow Coach LA @therapist_coachla And remember: Believe in yourself. Empower yourself. Transform yourself. It’s time to BET on SELF™. 🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to Conversations with Coach LA! Don’t forget to subscribe and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new episode—dropping every Thursday wherever you get your podcasts. You can also listen live every Sunday at 11 AM on Urban Heat 98.1FM or via iHeartRadio. Want to join the conversation or share your story? We’re always looking for inspiring voices! Email us at admin@weroclives.com to be considered as a future guest. This show is brought to you by Resiliency and Optimism Changes Lives, LLC, where we champion self-awareness, mental wellness, and transformational growth through therapeutic coaching and community empowerment. If you're looking for a therapist or support on your healing journey, visit our website or reach out—we're here to help you BET on SELF: 🌱 Believe. Empower. Transform. Because when you bet on yourself, you invest in your peace, your power, and your purpose. Opening Theme song created by Daniel Laurent www.daniellaurent.com Closing Theme Song created by Nancia produced by Jay Hunt -SmokeHouse Media
