Authentic Beyond the Couch

Authentic Beyond the Couch

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. 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

    49 min
  2. 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

    32 min
  3. 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. 🌿

    40 min

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!