Permission to Heal

Alli Therapy
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  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Permission to Heal is a mental health podcast that brings the stories we often hide into the light, because shame shrinks when we share in safe spaces. Each episode offers honest conversations with real people and insights from therapists and experts, giving you practical tools for emotional wellness, healing, and healthier relationships. Hosted by Kelly Kozluk, a Registered Psychotherapist with Alli Therapy, this show invites you to connect, grow, and be fully human. Find your perfect therapist match today at alli.io.

Episodes

  1. Living with Chronic Pain with Dr. Peter Johnston

    FEB 15

    Living with Chronic Pain with Dr. Peter Johnston

    This week on Permission to Heal, Kelly sits down with Dr. Peter Johnston, chiropractor and chronic pain specialist, for an informative conversation about what chronic pain really is and why understanding the mind-body connection can change everything. Dr. Peter shares his journey into becoming a chiropractor, how he approaches his work with his clients and the patterns he sees again and again in patients navigating persistent pain. They discuss the different kinds of chronic pain, the role that stress, fear and nervous system play, what patients can actively do during recovery to support healing, how mindfulness can reduce suffering, even when pain is still present. You’ll also be guided through a practical mindfulness exercise that you can return to anytime pain or tension flares up. If you live with chronic pain, support someone who does, or simply want to better understand the powerful connection between your brain, body, and nervous system, this episode will leave you feeling informed, empowered, and less alone. Follow us, Permission to Heal, and get caught up on Youtube, Apple and Spotify. At Alli Therapy, we make mental health support accessible and affordable for everyone. Visit alli.io to book a session with an intern therapist (your first session is free, and sessions start at $45 after) or connect with an associate therapist starting at $115.

    39 min
  2. The Key to Healthy Relationships: Connection over Perfection

    FEB 9

    The Key to Healthy Relationships: Connection over Perfection

    Relationships can be hard, not because you’re doing them wrong, but because they involve two different people with two different nervous systems, histories, needs, and ways of loving. In this solo episode of Permission to Heal, Kelly explores what actually makes relationships work, and why it’s not about finding “the one,” but about choosing someone you’re willing to work through differences with while staying emotionally connected. This episode unpacks how many of our behaviours in relationships are really attempts to find connection, love, and security. Kelly invites listeners to look beyond surface-level conflict and instead understand what’s happening underneath, what we’re really asking for when we react, withdraw, argue, or shut down. You’ll also hear about the importance of listening to understand (not to win), navigating differences with compassion, and how repair, coming back together after disconnection, is one of the most powerful skills in any healthy relationship. This episode is for anyone who wants deeper connection, healthier communication, and more understanding in their relationships, especially when things feel hard. Follow us, Permission to Heal, and get caught up on Youtube, Apple and Spotify. At Alli Therapy, we make mental health support accessible and affordable for everyone. Visit alli.io to book a session with an intern therapist (your first session is free, and sessions start at $45 after) or connect with an associate therapist starting at $115.

    13 min
  3. Is ChatGTP Taking Our Therapy Jobs?

    FEB 2

    Is ChatGTP Taking Our Therapy Jobs?

    Kelly and Luisa, associate therapists at Alli Therapy, explore one of the most asked questions in mental health today, can AI and ChatGPT replace therapy with real, human therapists? They break down the pros and cons of using AI for mental health support, including where tools like ChatGPT can be helpful and where they fall short compared to human therapy. They also discuss the research, ethical considerations, limitations, risks, and the missing human to human therapeutic relationship. And just for fun, Kelly and Luisa try using ChatGPT as a therapist themselves, sharing what felt surprisingly supportive, what felt off, and why the therapeutic relationship still matters. This episode offers a grounded, realistic conversation about AI in therapy, without fear-mongering or hype. If you’ve ever wondered whether AI is replacing therapists, how ChatGPT fits into mental health, or how to use technology thoughtfully alongside therapy, this episode will help you make sense of it all. At Alli Therapy, we make mental health support accessible and affordable for everyone. Visit alli.io to book a session with an intern therapist (your first session is free, and sessions start at $45 after) or connect with an associate therapist starting at $115.

    48 min
  4. How to Survive a Divorce

    JAN 26

    How to Survive a Divorce

    Kim McAvoy-MacNeil, a Certified Divorce Coach, joins us for a practical and empowering conversation about what to expect when going through a separation and how to move through the process with clarity, confidence, and as little emotional and financial damage as possible. We walk through the separation process, including how to advocate for yourself, important decisions to consider early on, and common mistakes that can increase conflict, legal costs, and long-term stress. We talk about how to protect your emotional wellbeing, navigate co-parenting, and support your children through separation in age-appropriate, compassionate ways. This episode also explores how to rebuild your life after separation, emotionally, practically, and relationally, while setting boundaries that reduce wasted energy, prolonged conflict, and unnecessary pain. Whether you’re considering separation, in the middle of a divorce, or supporting someone who is, this episode offers grounded guidance, emotional validation, and practical tools to help you move forward with intention. At Alli Therapy, we make mental health support accessible and affordable for everyone. Visit alli.io to book a session with an intern therapist (your first session is free, and sessions start at $45 after) or connect with an associate therapist starting at $115.

    37 min
  5. Love, Loss and Everything After: Susan's Story of Caretaking and Grief

    JAN 19

    Love, Loss and Everything After: Susan's Story of Caretaking and Grief

    We sit down with Susan, a fellow therapist, to talk about love, loss, and what it means to grieve someone while they’re still here. Susan shares the story of her second marriage and the moment her husband was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. Together, they explore the reality of anticipatory grief, the quiet, complicated mourning that begins long before a goodbye and how a relationship shifts when love and partnership are suddenly entwined with caregiving. This conversation gently unpacks the emotional weight of becoming a caregiver, the ways identity and connection change under the strain of illness, and the layered grief that continues both before and after loss. Susan also speaks honestly about where she is today, how she has survived the unthinkable, and the practices that have helped her cope and continue living with meaning. This episode is for anyone navigating grief, loving someone with a life-limiting illness, supporting a partner through caregiving, or learning how to hold sorrow and love at the same time. Self Care Warning: This episode contains stories that include mental health experiences and may not be a helpful part of everyone’s journey. If stories of terminal illness, cancer, grief and loss don't serve you, please skip this episode. With care, Permission to Heal. At Alli Therapy, we make mental health support accessible and affordable for everyone. Visit alli.io to book a session with an intern therapist (your first session is free, and sessions start at $45 after) or connect with an associate therapist starting at $115.

    41 min
  6. Debunking Therapy Myths

    JAN 12

    Debunking Therapy Myths

    If you’ve ever wondered what it’s actually like to be a therapist, what goes on behind the scenes, how they really think and feel, or are curious about what's a myth and what's fact, this episode is for you. In this revealing and honest conversation on Permission to Heal, we’re joined by Christina Persaud, who shares her journey into becoming a therapist and what it truly means to hold space for others while growing as a human yourself. Christina opens up about imposter syndrome, learning how to care deeply without over-attaching and how therapists balance compassion with healthy boundaries to create transformative therapeutic relationships. Together, we debunk common myths about therapy, that it’s a sign of weakness, that something has to be “wrong” with you to go, or that therapists have everything figured out. Christina reminds us that mental health is health, and that being in therapy is one of the smartest, most courageous ways to invest in yourself. This episode is for anyone curious about therapy, thinking about starting, or wanting to better understand the person behind the therapist. At Alli Therapy, we make mental health support accessible and affordable. You can book with an intern therapist (your first session is free, with sessions starting at $45) or connect with an associate therapist starting at $115. Learn more or book a session at alli.io. Follow us on Instagram @allitherapy, TikTok @alli.therapy, on YouTube, or visit us at alli.io/podcast.

    46 min
  7. Breast Cancer, Surrogacy and Spark with Sarah DiMuro

    JAN 5

    Breast Cancer, Surrogacy and Spark with Sarah DiMuro

    In this moving and joyful episode of Permission to Heal, we sit down with Sarah DiMuro as she shares her journey through breast cancer, mastectomy, and surrogacy with honesty, courage, and vibrant life energy. Sarah opens up about receiving her diagnosis at a relatively young age, learning to be her best advocate, using a surrogate to grow her family and the power of sharing her story. She reflects on how illness changed her relationship with her body, her identity, perspective on life and what truly matters. With warmth and humour, Sarah reminds us that even in the hardest seasons, it is possible to create a life that is meaningful, purposeful and joyful. This episode is a reminder that you don't have to pretend that everything is okay and that living fully, honestly and connected to others is what matters most. Self Care Warning: This episode includes discussions of breast cancer, surgery, fertility, and medical experiences that may be activating or emotionally intense for some listeners. Please take care of yourself and skip this episode if these topics do not feel supportive for you right now. At Alli Therapy, we make mental health support accessible and affordable. You can book with an intern therapist (your first session is free, with sessions starting at $45) or connect with an associate therapist starting at $115. Learn more or book a session at alli.io. Follow us on Instagram @allitherapy, TikTok @alli.therapy, on YouTube, or visit us at alli.io/podcast.

    49 min
  8. The New Year Shift You Need to Achieve Your Goals

    12/31/2025

    The New Year Shift You Need to Achieve Your Goals

    Why do New Year’s resolutions so often fall apart by February, even when we really want to change? In this episode of Aha Moments from Permission to Heal, Kelly, Registered Psychotherapist, explores why most goals fail and how to create change that actually lasts. Instead of setting resolutions based on pressure, comparison, or what we think we “should” want, Kelly invites you to connect your goals to your identity, values, and a deeper sense of purpose. You’ll learn why motivation isn’t enough, how intentional action creates real change, and how self-trust, self-compassion, and sustainable habits are the true foundations of growth. From redefining your “why” to setting mini-goals that fit your real life, this episode offers a gentler, more effective way to approach New Year’s intentions. If you’ve ever felt stuck in an all-or-nothing cycle, fallen off your goals, or struggled to follow through, this episode will help you reset, without the shame. This episode is for anyone who wants to feel better, live more intentionally, and make meaningful change without burning out or beating themselves up. At Alli Therapy, we make mental health support accessible and affordable for everyone. Visit alli.io to book a session with an intern therapist (your first session is free, and sessions start at $45 after) or connect with an associate therapist starting at $115. Follow us on Instagram @allitherapy, TikTok @alli.therapy, on YouTube, or visit us at alli.io/podcast.

    9 min
  9. Ava's Strength, Culture and Starting Fresh

    12/29/2025

    Ava's Strength, Culture and Starting Fresh

    We speak with Ava, an associate therapist at Alli Therapy, about immigrating from Iran to Canada, navigating her cultural identity, the demands of adolescence and rebuilding a sense of belonging. She shares her lived experience of growing up as an immigrant, adjusting to Canadian culture and witnessing her parents struggle to restart their careers in a new country. Ava also brings her clinical perspective as a therapist who works with immigrants, newcomers, and first-generation clients. She offers insight into the grief, anxiety, and identity confusion that can come with immigration, while emphasizing self-compassion, emotional validation, and connection as essential parts of healing. If you’ve ever struggled with immigration, cultural adjustment, family separation, or feeling like you don’t fully belong, this conversation will resonate deeply. At Alli Therapy, we make mental health support accessible and affordable for everyone. Visit alli.io to book a session with an intern therapist (your first session is free, and sessions start at $45 after) or connect with an associate therapist starting at $115. Follow us on Instagram @allitherapy, TikTok @alli.therapy, on YouTube, or visit us at alli.io/podcast. Self-Care Warning: This episode discusses themes of cultural identity, immigration trauma, generational stress and the search for belonging. If these conversations don’t serve you right now, please skip this one. With care, Permission to Heal.

    31 min
  10. Mastering Your Anger with Julie Christiansen

    12/22/2025

    Mastering Your Anger with Julie Christiansen

    We sit down with Julie Christiansen, author, speaker, and Registered Psychotherapist, to explore one of the most misunderstood emotions: anger. From a quiet simmer to an explosive outburst, anger shows up in our bodies long before it shows up in our behaviours, and it often reveals far more about our internal world than we realize. Julie breaks down how anger functions in the nervous system and in our minds, why so many of us carry complicated relationships with it and how we can finally move towards mastering it. She shares grounded, compassionate tools to help you understand your triggers, regulate in the moment, and channel anger in ways that are healthy, protective, and aligned with your values. Whether you find yourself snapping under pressure, shutting down when overwhelmed, or struggling to express your needs, this episode offers practical insights to help you respond differently, with clarity, intention, and self-understanding. At Alli Therapy, we make mental health support accessible and affordable for everyone. Visit alli.io to book a session with an intern therapist (your first session is free, and sessions start at $45 after) or connect with an associate therapist starting at $115. Follow us on Instagram @allitherapy, TikTok @alli.therapy, on YouTube, or visit us at alli.io/podcast. Self-Care Warning: This episode discusses themes of anger and emotional dysregulation. If conversations about conflict or emotional intensity don’t serve you right now, please skip this one. With care, Permission to Heal.

    45 min
  11. The Queer Question: Luisa's Search for Identity

    12/15/2025

    The Queer Question: Luisa's Search for Identity

    Join us as Luisa, one of Alli’s associate therapists, walks us through her journey of queerness, starting with growing up in Peru where queerness was taboo and often met with judgment. After immigrating to Canada, she found the space to explore her identity more freely, but also discovered the pressure to define herself within neat labels. She shares the beauty and the struggle of finding identity, belonging and full acceptance of her sexuality, fluid, evolving, and authentically hers. At Alli Therapy, we make mental health support accessible and affordable for everyone. Visit alli.io to book a session with an intern therapist (your first session is free, and sessions start at $45 after) or connect with an associate therapist starting at $115. Take the first step toward healing today! Follow us on instagram @allitherapy, tiktok, on YouTube or visit us at alli.io/podcast. Self Care Warning: This episode contains stories that include mental health experiences and may not be a helpful part of everyone’s journey. If stories of finding sexual identity don’t serve you, please skip this episode. With care, Permission to Heal.

    51 min

  12. 12/07/2025

    Crossing Borders and Finding Self: Hastee’s Healing Journey

    We’re kicking off Permission to Heal with a powerful story of resilience and transformation. In this episode, Hastee shares her journey of immigrating to a new country, navigating acculturation, managing complex family dynamics, and facing the quiet weight of mental health challenges, including depression and borderline personality disorder. Through therapy, she found healing, purpose, and ultimately the path to becoming a psychotherapist herself. This raw and honest conversation offers hope, guidance, and a reminder that you are never alone in your mental health journey. At Alli Therapy, we make mental health support accessible and affordable for everyone. Visit alli.io to book a session with an intern therapist (your first session is free, and sessions start at $45 after) or connect with an associate therapist starting at $115. Take the first step toward healing today! Follow us on instagram @allitherapy, tiktok @alli.therapy, on YouTube or visit us at alli.io. Self Care Warning: This episode contains stories that include serious mental health experiences and may not be a helpful part of everyone’s journey. If stories of bullying, familial control & manipulation or overdose don’t serve you, please skip this episode. With care, Permission to Heal.

    35 min
  • 12 Episodes

About

Permission to Heal is a mental health podcast that brings the stories we often hide into the light, because shame shrinks when we share in safe spaces. Each episode offers honest conversations with real people and insights from therapists and experts, giving you practical tools for emotional wellness, healing, and healthier relationships. Hosted by Kelly Kozluk, a Registered Psychotherapist with Alli Therapy, this show invites you to connect, grow, and be fully human. Find your perfect therapist match today at alli.io.

Information

  • Creator
    Alli Therapy
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Alli Therapy
  • Show Website
    Permission to Heal

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