Authentic Beyond the Couch

Authentic Beyond the Couch
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Authentic Beyond the Couch is where real conversations about healing, growth, and transformation come alive. Hosted by Jirzia Blackman, this podcast goes deeper than traditional therapy talk—exploring mental health, self-discovery, relationships, and personal development in an authentic, judgment-free way. Whether you’re a professional, a student, or someone seeking inspiration, each episode blends storytelling, practical tools, and honest dialogue to help you live with more balance, clarity, and courage. Follow now and join the movement toward authenticity!

Episodes

  1. 1d ago

    Are Therapists Burning Out Because They’re Doing Too Much? | Michelle Bohls on Imago Therapy

    What if becoming a more effective therapist actually meant doing less? In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, Jirzia Blackman continues her conversation with **Michelle Bohls, Imago Clinical Trainer and mentor**, exploring what it really takes to create sustainable, connected, and meaningful work as a therapist. Michelle shares why so many clinicians experience **therapist burnout, imposter syndrome, emotional exhaustion, and professional isolation**—and how Imago Relationship Therapy can offer a different way of working with couples. Together, Jirzia and Michelle discuss: ✨ How Imago Clinical Training transformed Jirzia's approach to therapy ✨ Why therapists can burn out from taking too much responsibility for their clients ✨ The connection between professional development and therapist wellness ✨ How Imago helps clinicians move away from “fixing” couples ✨ Why connection—not identifying the problem—is at the heart of Imago ✨ How parts work, attachment, trauma, and relationship patterns intersect ✨ Why therapists don't have to be the expert with all the answers ✨ Imposter syndrome and the pressure to be perfect ✨ Building a more sustainable therapy practice ✨ Why *your energy is the currency of your life ✨ How therapists can invest in themselves while creating deeper impact Michelle explains that in Imago, the therapist's role isn't to solve the couple's problems, but to hold the structure and space that allows couples to discover what is happening between them and create connection. For clinicians considering **Imago Relationship Therapy**, experiencing burnout, struggling with imposter syndrome, or simply looking for a more relational approach to couples therapy, this conversation offers a powerful perspective on professional growth and sustainable practice. 🎙️ WATCH PART 2 NOW and continue the conversation with Jirzia and Michelle. 💛 Subscribe to Authentic Beyond the Couch for more honest conversations about mental health, relationships, healing, trauma, and the work we do beyond the therapy room. 👉 Like, comment, and share this episode with a therapist or clinician who needs to hear this conversation. ABOUT MICHELLE BOHLS Michelle Bohls is an **Imago Clinical Trainer, therapist, mentor, and relationship professional** dedicated to helping create a more relational world—one where meaningful connection matters more than performance, accomplishments, or status. WATCH PART 1:

  2. Aug 4

    The Couples Therapy Every Therapist Should Learn | Imago Relationship Therapy with Michelle Bohls

    What if the biggest breakthrough in couples therapy isn't another intervention—but a completely different way of seeing relationships? In this powerful episode of Authentic Beyond the Couch, licensed therapist Jirzia Blackman sits down with renowned Imago Clinical Trainer Michelle Bohls to explore how Imago Relationship Therapy transforms not only marriages—but therapists themselves. Whether you're a clinician experiencing burnout, a couple longing for deeper connection, or someone curious about the psychology behind healthy relationships, this conversation offers practical wisdom and hope. Together, they discuss why so many therapists leave the profession emotionally exhausted, how Imago shifts the focus from fixing problems to creating connection, and why healing begins when we become conscious of the stories driving our relationships. You'll also hear Jirzia's personal journey through Imago training, how it changed her marriage, motherhood, friendships, and clinical work, and why Michelle believes every therapist should invest in themselves before trying to save everyone else. In This Episode ✔ What Imago Relationship Therapy really is ✔ Why therapist burnout is so common ✔ How unconscious childhood experiences shape adult relationships ✔ The difference between fixing problems and creating connection ✔ Why therapists don't need to be the expert ✔ Healing through curiosity instead of judgment ✔ How Imago transformed Jirzia's personal life and practice ✔ Why your energy—not your knowledge—is your greatest asset Whether you're a therapist, coach, counselor, pastor, or simply someone wanting healthier relationships, this conversation will challenge the way you think about healing. About Michelle Bohls Michelle Bohls is an Imago Clinical Trainer, licensed therapist, couples therapist, workshop presenter, and mentor dedicated to helping therapists and couples create deeper, more conscious relationships through Imago Relationship Therapy. Passionate about preventing therapist burnout and fostering lasting relational healing, Michelle equips clinicians and couples with practical tools that transform the way they connect—with themselves and with one another. Connect with Michelle Bohls 🌐 Website: https://www.michellebohls.com 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michelle.bohls 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellebohls 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellebohls ❤️ Learn more about Imago Relationship Therapy & Clinical Training: https://imagorelationships.org 🎙 Connect with Authentic Beyond the Couch 🌐 Website: https://authenticbeyondthecouch.com 📩 Interested in being a guest? https://forms.gle/pn7QCKKwqBZqzAqJ6 🎤 Invite Jirzia to speak at your event: https://authenticbeyondthecouch.com/home Subscribe for weekly conversations about mental health, trauma recovery, relationships, faith, grief, and emotional wellness. Healing takes courage—and you don't have to do it alone.

  3. Jul 6

    The Gut-Brain Connection: How Stress, Trauma & Gut Health Affect Your Mental Health

    What if your anxiety, chronic stress, or trauma is affecting more than just your mind? What if it's affecting your gut, too? In this eye-opening episode of Authentic Beyond the Couch, Jirzia Blackman sits down with Hannah Wood, Clinical Nutrition Specialist (CNS), to explore the powerful connection between gut health, mental health, inflammation, trauma, and the nervous system. Together, they unpack why your gut is often called your "second brain," how chronic stress impacts digestion, and why healing isn't just emotional—it can be physical too. 🎧 In this episode, you'll learn: ✨ What the gut-brain connection really is ✨ How chronic stress impacts digestion and inflammation ✨ The connection between trauma, anxiety, and gut health ✨ Why autoimmune conditions can be triggered by stress ✨ Signs your body may be stuck in survival mode ✨ How nutrition supports mental and emotional wellness ✨ The role of the vagus nerve in healing ✨ Natural ways to support gut health and reduce stress Whether you're experiencing anxiety, IBS, acid reflux, bloating, chronic inflammation, autoimmune symptoms, or simply want to understand how your body and mind work together, this conversation offers practical insights and hope. Healing isn't just about your thoughts—it starts with caring for your whole body. 👤 About the Guest Hannah Wood, CNS is a Clinical Nutrition Specialist with a Master's degree in Biochemical and Functional Nutrition. She helps clients uncover the root causes of chronic health concerns through personalized nutrition, functional medicine, and evidence-based wellness strategies. Hannah specializes in the connection between nutrition, gut health, inflammation, and mental well-being, empowering individuals to heal from the inside out. 💛 If this episode encouraged you: ✔️ Subscribe to Authentic Beyond the Couch ✔️ Leave a review and share your biggest takeaway ✔️ Share this episode with someone struggling with stress, anxiety, or gut health Follow @AuthenticBeyondTheCouch for more conversations on healing, mental health, faith, and emotional wellness.

  4. Jun 3

    Why does it feel worse before it feels better?

    Why does healing sometimes feel heavier before it finally feels peaceful? In this powerful solo episode of Authentic Beyond the Couch, Jirzia Blackmon dives into one of the most common questions people ask in therapy: “Why does it feel worse before it feels better?” Through personal stories, clinical insight, faith-based encouragement, and trauma-informed education, Jirzia explains why healing is often messy, emotional, uncomfortable — and completely normal. This episode explores: ✨ trauma responses and survival mode ✨ why therapy can feel emotionally overwhelming ✨ anxiety, panic attacks, and emotional triggers ✨ cognitive dissonance and inner conflict ✨ how trauma is stored in the body ✨ faith, healing, and emotional honesty ✨ why setbacks are part of the healing process ✨ learning to stop suppressing pain Jirzia also vulnerably shares parts of her own healing journey — including childhood trauma, anxiety, panic attacks, church hurt, emotional pain, and how therapy helped her finally understand what her body and mind had been carrying for years. If you’ve ever felt discouraged during your healing journey… this episode is your reminder that healing is not linear. 💛 Sometimes what feels like a setback is actually your body preparing for breakthrough. 🎧 Tune in now — available on all major podcast platforms 💬 Comment your biggest takeaway from this episode 🌱 Share this with someone who’s struggling in their healing journey 💛 Subscribe for more authentic conversations about mental health, trauma, faith, and emotional healing Follow on Instagram: @authenticbeyond_thecouch

  5. May 4

    Choosing Yourself Isn’t Selfish | Healing, Identity & Growth w/ Candice Terrazas

    What happens when you finally choose yourself — after years of putting everyone else first? This week on Authentic Beyond the Couch, Jirzia Blackmon sits down with special guest Candice Terrazas for a powerful and honest conversation about healing, identity, and what it really means to choose yourself. In this episode, Candice opens up about her personal journey — navigating emotional challenges, unlearning patterns, and stepping into a more authentic version of herself. Together, Jirzia and Candice explore the deeper layers of healing that often go unseen, but are necessary for real transformation. This conversation touches on: ✨ self-worth and identity healing ✨ breaking unhealthy patterns ✨ emotional healing and personal growth ✨ navigating life transitions ✨ doing the inner work ✨ learning to choose yourself without guilt If you’ve ever felt stuck, disconnected, or unsure of who you are becoming… this episode will meet you exactly where you are. Because healing isn’t just about fixing what’s broken — it’s about discovering who you are underneath it all. 🎧 Tune in now — available on all major platforms 💛 Subscribe for more real, unfiltered conversations on healing and growth 💬 Comment your biggest takeaway — we’d love to hear from you 🌱 Share this episode with someone who needs this message Follow on Instagram: @authenticbeyond_thecouch for more insights, clips, and behind-the-scenes moments. About the Guest Candice TerrazasCandice Terrazas is a health and mindset coach dedicated to helping driven women reclaim their energy, confidence, and consistency through a sustainable approach to wellness. With training in International Coaching Federation (ICF) standards and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), she blends science-backed strategies with real-world experience as a competitive bodybuilder. Candice specializes in supporting women as they build strength — both physically and mentally — while balancing demanding careers, family life, and personal growth. Her coaching is intentional, personalized, and focused on creating long-term, sustainable results. 🌐 Website: candiceterrazas.com 📸 Instagram: @candiceterrazas 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/candiceterrazas

  6. Mar 30

    Doing the Hard Work in Therapy: Healing Church Hurt & Father Wounds (Part 2)

    You can’t heal what you keep avoiding. This is Part 2 of Jirzia Blackmon’s powerful conversation with her former therapist, Kami Roberts, LCSW — and this is where the real work begins. In Part 1, we named the wounds. In Part 2, we talk about what it actually takes to confront them. Together, Jirzia and Kami go deeper into the process of healing — challenging long-held beliefs, unpacking emotional patterns, and stepping into growth even when it feels uncomfortable. This episode dives into: ✨ confronting the pain you’ve been avoiding ✨ breaking through limiting beliefs ✨ doing the hard work in therapy ✨ healing from church hurt and father wounds ✨ choosing growth over comfort Healing isn’t just about awareness — it’s about action. And sometimes, that means facing truths you’ve spent years trying to avoid. If you’ve been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or hesitant to go deeper in your healing journey… this conversation is for you. 🎧 This is Part 2 — if you haven’t listened to Part 1 yet, start there for full context. 🎧 Tune in now — available on all major platforms 💛 Save this episode for when you’re ready to go deeper 🌱 Share this with someone who’s doing the hard work of healing Follow @authenticbeyond_thecouch for more real conversations on healing, faith, and growth.

  7. Mar 2

    Doing the Hard Work in Therapy: Healing Church Hurt & Father Wounds

    Healing isn’t easy — and the hardest part is facing the truth about where your pain really comes from. This is Part 1 of a powerful two-part conversation on Authentic Beyond the Couch. In this episode, host Jirzia Blackmon reunites with her very first therapist, Kami Roberts, LCSW, to unpack the emotional and spiritual wounds many people carry but are afraid to confront: ✨ church hurt ✨ father wounds ✨ childhood trauma ✨ religious guilt ✨ emotional avoidance ✨ and the fear of leaving familiar environments Kami was the therapist who walked Jirzia through one of the most difficult seasons of her life — helping her confront painful truths, challenge unhealthy beliefs, and begin rebuilding her identity with honesty and courage. Part 1 sets the foundation. It names the wounds. It uncovers the patterns. It opens the door to the deeper work. This conversation is raw, real, and deeply healing — especially for anyone who has struggled with faith, emotional pain, or the fear of doing “the hard work” in therapy. If you’ve been avoiding what hurts… this episode will speak directly to your soul. 🌿 🎧 This is Part 1 — Tune in to Part 2 to continue the conversation and go even deeper. 👤 About the Guest — Kami Roberts, LCSW Kami Roberts is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and clinical supervisor based in New York. With a grounded, compassionate, and direct approach, he helps clients work through trauma, emotional wounds, church hurt, identity struggles, and major life transitions. Connect with Kami: 🌐 Website: www.kindcounseling.com 📸 Instagram: @kindcounseling 📘 Facebook: @kindcounseling 💼 LinkedIn: Kami Roberts As the therapist who guided Jirzia during her early healing journey, Kami played a pivotal role in helping her heal father wounds, break through religious guilt, and step into a healthier, more authentic life. If this episode spoke to you: ✔️ Subscribe for more healing conversations ✔️ Share this episode with someone who needs it ✔️ Comment your biggest takeaway or “aha” moment Follow the show on Instagram: @AuthenticBeyondTheCouch

  8. Feb 2

    The Valley: When Healing Hurts Before It Helps

    What do you do when healing hurts? When the process feels heavier than the pain you’re trying to let go of?In this heartfelt episode of Authentic Beyond the Couch, Jirzia Blackmon, EMDR therapist and founder of Rhapsody Counseling & Wellness Center, opens up about her personal valley season — a time marked by deep pain, confusion, and the struggle to reconcile faith with emotional healing. 🌿Through her story and the song “Thy Will” by Hillary Scott, Jirzia shares how she learned one of the hardest truths about healing: you can’t skip the valley. You have to feel it to heal it.This episode is for anyone walking through a difficult season, questioning their faith, or learning to embrace the messy middle of healing. 💛🎧 What You’ll Learn:Why healing often feels harder before it gets betterHow to allow yourself to feel before rushing to “fix”The connection between crying and emotional releaseHow faith and therapy can work together in the healing processFinding peace and hope even in the lowest valleysIf this episode spoke to your heart, don’t keep it to yourself —✅ Subscribe for more authentic conversations✅ Comment below and share what “your valley” looks like✅ Share this with someone who needs encouragement todayFollow @AuthenticBeyondTheCouch on Instagram for more healing conversations, insights, and behind-the-scenes moments. 🌱

  9. Jan 5

    From Ashes to Beauty: Resilience, Mental Health & Authentic Healing (PART 1)

    Many people see your strength — but few know the story behind it. This is Part 1 of a special feature episode of Authentic Beyond the Couch, where host Jirzia Blackman appears as a guest on the Untamed & Unapologetic Podcast with Jeanette Lira for one of her most vulnerable and powerful conversations yet. In Part 1, they begin unpacking the journey — the moments that shaped the strength others see today — and the valleys that came before it. Together, they talk about: ✨ resilience through divorce and young motherhood ✨ emotional abuse and survival ✨ faith, healing, and rediscovering purpose ✨ dissociation, over-functioning, and trauma responses ✨ rebuilding identity after painful seasons ✨ community vs. isolation ✨ the power of therapy for women of color ✨ following God’s light through the darkest moments This conversation is raw, honest, faith-centered, and grounded in real-life wisdom for anyone navigating heartbreak, trauma, or the process of rebuilding. This story continues in Part 2, where the conversation goes deeper into healing, restoration, and what it truly means to rise after the ashes. 🎧 Be sure to tune in to Part 2 when you’re ready to continue the journey. If you’re in a valley, this episode is a reminder that beauty can rise — even from ashes. 🌿

  10. 12/08/2025

    The Unspoken Side of Grief: A Conversation with Renee Samuel

    Grief doesn’t look the same for everyone — and sometimes, the hardest parts are the ones no one talks about. 💔 In this powerful episode of Authentic Beyond the Couch, host Jirzia Blackmon sits down with her sister-in-love, Renee Samuel, for a deeply moving and honest conversation about grief, loss, loneliness, and finding strength after losing a spouse. Renee opens up about her experience with widowhood, motherhood, and rediscovering purpose while navigating unimaginable pain. Together, she and Jirzia explore how grief reshapes faith, identity, and relationships — and how grace and community make healing possible. This episode is raw, real, and necessary — for anyone who’s ever faced loss or loved someone through it. 💛 🌿 About the Guest — Renee Samuel Renee Samuel is the proud mother of London Rayne Samuel and the Owner and Creative Director of Essentials in Harmony. A native of Brooklyn, NY, Renee carries both the strength and resilience of her city and the deep compassion of her faith. Recently widowed, she continues to walk with grace and courage, finding purpose in creating spaces that bring healing, balance, and inspiration to others. As a devoted Christian and believer in the Word of God, Renee’s life and work are grounded in faith, love, and service. Through Essentials in Harmony, she channels her creativity and heart for people into meaningful expressions that leave an amazing aroma on the body as well as the soul. Renee’s journey reflects her unwavering commitment to family, community, and living in alignment with God’s purpose. Her story is one of perseverance, faith, and dedication to helping others find harmony in their own lives. 📸 Instagram: @iamrenee.s 🌸 Business: @Essentials_in_Harmony 🎧 What You’ll Hear: The loneliness and confusion of losing a spouse Why grief doesn’t always look like what people expect The struggle to balance motherhood while grieving How faith and anger toward God can coexist Learning to show up — even when you’re not okay Why emotional intelligence and grace matter during grief If this episode resonated with you or reminded you of someone walking through grief, please: ✅ Subscribe for more real and healing conversations ✅ Share this with someone who needs to know they’re not alone ✅ Comment your biggest takeaway from Renee’s story Follow @AuthenticBeyondTheCouch on Instagram for more healing stories, mental health insights, and behind-the-scenes conversations. 🌿

  11. 12/01/2025

    The Journey Begins: Healing Beyond the Therapy Room

    Welcome to the very first episode of Authentic Beyond the Couch — the space where healing, growth, and authenticity meet. 💛 In this episode, Jirzia Blackman, CEO of Rhapsody Counseling and Wellness Center, shares the heart behind creating Authentic Beyond the Couch and what listeners can expect from this brand-new podcast. You’ll hear her story of healing through trauma, EMDR, faith, marriage, and the courage to normalize therapy. Whether you’re in therapy, thinking about it, or simply curious about mental health and personal growth, this episode is your invitation to go deeper — to heal and live authentically, beyond the couch. 🎧 What You’ll Learn: Why Jirzia created Authentic Beyond the Couch The mission to break the stigma around therapy The importance of healing from trauma and religious hurt How growth and authenticity are ongoing journeys If this episode resonates with you, don’t forget to: ✅ Subscribe to the channel ✅ Leave a comment about what healing means to you ✅ Share this with someone who needs encouragement today Follow @AuthenticBeyondTheCouch on Instagram for more healing conversations and behind-the-scenes updates. 🌱

  12. 10/01/2025

    Welcome to Authentic Beyond the Couch with Jirzia

    This channel is all about healing, growth, and authenticity — taking therapy outside the four walls of a traditional office. Here, we’ll dive into real and raw conversations about mental health, relationships, personal growth, and breaking free from the patterns that hold you back.I’m Jirzia, therapist, speaker, and founder of Authentic Beyond the Couch. My mission is to make mental health accessible, relatable, and empowering, especially for those who might never set foot in a therapist’s office.On this channel, you’ll find:🎙 Inspiring podcast episodes💬 Honest conversations about life and healing💡 Practical tools to help you embrace your authentic self🤝 Stories and insights to remind you that you are not aloneIf you’re ready to heal, grow, and live authentically, you’re in the right place. Hit Subscribe and join our community as we take therapy beyond the couch.

  • 12 Episodes

About

Authentic Beyond the Couch is where real conversations about healing, growth, and transformation come alive. Hosted by Jirzia Blackman, this podcast goes deeper than traditional therapy talk—exploring mental health, self-discovery, relationships, and personal development in an authentic, judgment-free way. Whether you’re a professional, a student, or someone seeking inspiration, each episode blends storytelling, practical tools, and honest dialogue to help you live with more balance, clarity, and courage. Follow now and join the movement toward authenticity!

Information

  • Creator
    Authentic Beyond the Couch
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Authentic Beyond the Couch
  • Show Website
    Authentic Beyond the Couch