Insights from the Couch - Real Talk for Women at Midlife

Colette Fehr, Laura Bowman
  • 4.9 (54)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Weekly

Insights from the Couch is your go-to podcast for smart, self-aware women in midlife navigating perimenopause, burnout, marriage shifts, identity changes, and the emotional chaos of “What now?” Hosted by best friends and seasoned therapists Colette Fehr and Laura Bowman, this is where therapy meets real life — bold conversations, hard truths, and powerful tools to help you get unstuck and come alive.Whether you're questioning your relationship, struggling with empty nest, battling people-pleasing or perfectionism, or just feeling flat and disconnected from yourself — this show is for you.Colette and Laura bring decades of clinical experience (and lived midlife wisdom) to every episode. Expect real talk on the things no one prepares you for: midlife reinvention, perimenopause and hormone shifts, marriage and divorce, boundaries, friendships, confidence, identity loss, and what it actually takes to build a life you want at this stage — not just one you tolerate.This is where smart women get unstuck and come alive.🎧 New episodes every week🌟 Join the Midlife Masterclass: insightsfromthecouch.org/group-coaching-program🩷 Grab your free guide: The Midlife Roadmap — 7 Skills to Get Unstuck and Come Alive👉 Follow us on Instagram: @insightsfromthecouch

  1. 2d ago

    Ep. 110: Motherf*cked: Healing from Complicated and Toxic Mother Wounds with Ashley Oerman

    What happens when the relationship that's supposed to feel the safest becomes the one that keeps you stuck? In this episode, we sit down with journalist and author Ashley Oreman to explore the complicated reality of mother wounds, dysfunctional parent-child relationships, and the healing that becomes possible when we stop waiting for someone else to change. Together, we unpack why setting boundaries can feel so difficult, how childhood attachment shapes our adult relationships, and what it really looks like to grieve the mother you wish you had while creating a healthier future for yourself. Whether you've struggled with people-pleasing, emotional enmeshment, or simply wondered why certain relationship patterns keep repeating, this conversation offers compassion, insight, and hope. Episode Highlights [0:03] - Welcome back! We introduce today's powerful conversation on motherhood, healing, and midlife growth. [1:08] - Ashley shares the inspiration behind her book and how her own experiences led her to write about mother wounds. [3:01] - Discover how childhood experiences can quietly shape self-worth, relationships, and emotional patterns in adulthood. [8:15] - We explore why understanding a parent's history may bring clarity—but doesn't erase the impact of emotional neglect. [12:59] - What happens when you finally speak your truth? Ashley shares her journey of communicating boundaries and what followed. [18:12] - The difficult reality of low contact, honoring yourself, and accepting what someone else may never be able to give. [21:54] - How creating healthy distance reduced rumination, anxiety, and emotional overwhelm. [24:25] - We dive into attachment theory, relational templates, and how early family dynamics influence adult partnerships. [26:07] - Ashley discusses family reactions, navigating guilt, and staying grounded after setting firm boundaries. [30:14] - Why grieving the relationship you hoped for is an essential part of healing. [31:50] - Ashley explains the interactive exercises in her book and practical ways readers can process difficult emotions. [35:41] - We talk about the pressure of "but it's your mom," and why every relationship deserves healthy boundaries. [39:03] - An important reminder: this isn't about blaming mothers—it's about accountability, healing, and breaking unhealthy cycles. [43:47] - Where to find Ashley, her book, and more of her work. Links & Resources Ashley Oerman is a health and wellness journalist, editor, and author of Motherfcked: How to Stop Your Mother's Toxic Drama From Ruining Your Life. Book: Motherfcked: How to Stop Your Mother's Toxic Drama From Ruining Your Life https://www.amazon.com/Motherf-cked-Mothers-Toxic-Ruining/dp/1637748612/Substack: https://ashleyoerman.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleyoerman/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleyoerman/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! Ever stayed quiet to keep the peace and felt yourself disappear? The Cost of Quiet is for anyone who avoids conflict and pays the price. Reclaim your voice, strengthen your relationships, and experience real peace. Order your copy and join the movement: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book 🎙️ Love the podcast? Come talk about episodes with us inside The Midlife Chat. It’s a free, private community just for women at midlife who want to keep these conversations going. We’ve created this space for real talk, fresh resources, and honest connection—where you can share ideas and resources, ask questions, and get support from women navigating the same season.  Come join us—we’d love to have you! 👉 Join The Midlife Chat here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/795863256460970/ Order The Cost of Quiet now! Colette’s new book, The Cost of Quiet: How to Have the Hard Conversations that Create Secure, Lasting Love, launched February 3rd. Order your copy today: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book Recognized by FeedSpot: Top 60 Couples Therapy Podcasts | Top 100 U.S. Mental Health Podcasts | Top 100 Relaxation Podcasts

  2. Jul 22

    Ep. 109: Your Clutter Is Costing You More Than You Think

    Clutter isn't just about having too much stuff—it's about what that clutter may be doing to your mind. In this episode, we explore the psychology behind why clutter can increase stress, drain your energy, contribute to decision fatigue, and make it harder to focus. We also share our own very different relationships with clutter, from compulsive purging to sentimental keepsakes, and how life experiences can shape the way we hold onto things. Whether you're staring at an overflowing closet, hanging onto items that no longer serve you, or simply craving a little more peace in your home, this conversation offers practical strategies and science-backed insights to help you create more space—both physically and mentally. If you've been feeling overwhelmed or weighed down, this episode may be exactly what you need. Episode Highlights [0:03] – Why clutter is so much more than a housekeeping issue—and how it may be quietly impacting your stress, focus, and overall well-being. [1:08] – We share our very different relationships with clutter, from compulsive purging to growing up around hoarding, and how those experiences shaped us. [3:45] – The surprising sense of peace that comes from simplifying your surroundings—and the science that explains why it feels so good. [6:53] – How visual clutter increases cognitive load, decision fatigue, and even cortisol levels without you realizing it. [10:37] – Why major life transitions, grief, and emotional wounds often show up in the way we accumulate and hold onto our belongings. [15:28] – The emotional pull of sentimental items, why it's so hard to let go, and how to curate what truly matters. [20:10] – What we learned from downsizing, moving, and starting over—and why owning less can create more emotional freedom. [23:48] – Practical decluttering strategies you can actually stick with, even if you're feeling completely overwhelmed. [29:20] – A fresh perspective on minimalism, consumer culture, and becoming more intentional about what you bring into your home. [33:07] – Why decluttering during busy seasons of life can feel impossible—and the small changes that make the biggest difference. [36:19] – We leave you with a simple challenge to consume less, create more space, and protect your peace. 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! Ever stayed quiet to keep the peace and felt yourself disappear? The Cost of Quiet is for anyone who avoids conflict and pays the price. Reclaim your voice, strengthen your relationships, and experience real peace. Order your copy and join the movement: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book 🎙️ Love the podcast? Come talk about episodes with us inside The Midlife Chat. It’s a free, private community just for women at midlife who want to keep these conversations going. We’ve created this space for real talk, fresh resources, and honest connection—where you can share ideas and resources, ask questions, and get support from women navigating the same season.  Come join us—we’d love to have you! 👉 Join The Midlife Chat here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/795863256460970/ Order The Cost of Quiet now! Colette’s new book, The Cost of Quiet: How to Have the Hard Conversations that Create Secure, Lasting Love, launched February 3rd. Order your copy today: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book Recognized by FeedSpot: Top 60 Couples Therapy Podcasts | Top 100 U.S. Mental Health Podcasts | Top 100 Relaxation Podcasts

  3. Jul 15

    Ep. 108: The #1 Predictor of Divorce (And How to Stop It)

    What happens when frustration quietly turns into contempt—and what does that mean for the future of your relationship? In this conversation, we sit down with relationship therapist and author Zach Brittle to unpack one of the most destructive dynamics couples experience and why it’s often misunderstood. Together, we explore where contempt comes from, how unrealistic expectations and unspoken needs fuel disconnection, and what it really takes to rebuild trust and intimacy. If you've ever wondered whether your relationship is stuck in a painful cycle—or how to shift it—this episode is full of practical insights that will challenge the way you think about connection. Episode Highlights [0:03] – Welcoming Zach Brittle and introducing why contempt is one of the biggest threats to healthy relationships. [1:20] – The Gottman Method, the Four Horsemen, and why contempt stands apart from the rest. [5:25] – How contempt develops over time and why it's far more than simply feeling annoyed with your partner. [7:50] – Expectations, comparison, and the hidden ways resentment begins to grow. [10:37] – Solvable versus perpetual relationship problems—and why acceptance matters. [13:19] – Losing positive sentiment and how couples begin viewing everything through a negative lens. [15:50] – Recognizing the warning signs before contempt becomes the default dynamic. [18:40] – The importance of asking clearly for what you need instead of expecting your partner to read your mind. [20:41] – When your needs aren't being met: accepting reality, setting boundaries, and making difficult relationship decisions. [22:08] – Why trying to "win" or change your partner often creates even more distance and frustration. [24:27] – A memorable analogy using sexual communication to explain why direct feedback strengthens connection. [26:13] – What being a responsive partner really looks like and why assumptions get couples into trouble. [28:36] – The "pasta and mailbox" examples: how neutral everyday actions can be interpreted through either appreciation or resentment. [30:02] – Negative sentiment override, confirmation bias, and why we often assume the worst of the people we love. [32:00] – Challenging the stories we tell ourselves and taking responsibility for how we show up in conflict. [35:28] – Practical ways to intentionally cultivate appreciation and prevent resentment from becoming contempt. [36:52] – Zach shares his latest book, his Substack, final relationship wisdom, and where listeners can connect with him. Links & Resources Marriage Therapy Radio Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/marriage-therapy-radio/id1295458667Zach Brittle's Books: https://zachbrittle.com/writing/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marriagetherapyradio/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marriagetherapyradio/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marriagetherapyradioIf 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! Ever stayed quiet to keep the peace and felt yourself disappear? The Cost of Quiet is for anyone who avoids conflict and pays the price. Reclaim your voice, strengthen your relationships, and experience real peace. Order your copy and join the movement: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book 🎙️ Love the podcast? Come talk about episodes with us inside The Midlife Chat. It’s a free, private community just for women at midlife who want to keep these conversations going. We’ve created this space for real talk, fresh resources, and honest connection—where you can share ideas and resources, ask questions, and get support from women navigating the same season.  Come join us—we’d love to have you! 👉 Join The Midlife Chat here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/795863256460970/ Order The Cost of Quiet now! Colette’s new book, The Cost of Quiet: How to Have the Hard Conversations that Create Secure, Lasting Love, launched February 3rd. Order your copy today: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book Recognized by FeedSpot: Top 60 Couples Therapy Podcasts | Top 100 U.S. Mental Health Podcasts | Top 100 Relaxation Podcasts

  4. Jul 8

    Ep. 107: Do You Have Emotional Intelligence-Or Do You Just Think You Do?

    Emotional intelligence isn't something you're born with—it's a skill you can strengthen, and it has the power to transform your relationships, your confidence, and your overall well-being. In this episode, we're unpacking what high EQ really looks like (hint: it's probably different than you think) and sharing the key markers of emotional maturity that help people thrive at work, at home, and within themselves. Join us as we explore practical ways to become more self-aware, regulate emotions, communicate with greater clarity, and navigate relationships with more compassion and confidence. Whether you're looking to grow personally or strengthen your connections with others, this conversation will leave you with plenty to reflect on—without giving away all the insights before you hit play. Episode Highlights [0:00] – Why emotional intelligence matters more than ever in midlife. [1:25] – What EQ really is—and the common misconceptions people have about it. [5:44] – The difference between sensing something is wrong and assuming you know why. [8:58] – Learning to recognize, name, and express emotions in healthy ways. [13:54] – Self-compassion, emotional regulation, and why feeling your emotions matters. [17:00] – Understanding your needs and learning to ask for them. [20:10] – Conflict, repair, and why emotionally healthy relationships can handle hard conversations. [24:52] – Receiving feedback without shame or defensiveness. [28:54] – Why your words, body language, and emotions need to align. [30:38] – Emotional intelligence is built through intentional practice—not just age. 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! Ever stayed quiet to keep the peace and felt yourself disappear? The Cost of Quiet is for anyone who avoids conflict and pays the price. Reclaim your voice, strengthen your relationships, and experience real peace. Order your copy and join the movement: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book 🎙️ Love the podcast? Come talk about episodes with us inside The Midlife Chat. It’s a free, private community just for women at midlife who want to keep these conversations going. We’ve created this space for real talk, fresh resources, and honest connection—where you can share ideas and resources, ask questions, and get support from women navigating the same season.  Come join us—we’d love to have you! 👉 Join The Midlife Chat here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/795863256460970/ Order The Cost of Quiet now! Colette’s new book, The Cost of Quiet: How to Have the Hard Conversations that Create Secure, Lasting Love, launched February 3rd. Order your copy today: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book Recognized by FeedSpot: Top 60 Couples Therapy Podcasts | Top 100 U.S. Mental Health Podcasts | Top 100 Relaxation Podcasts

  5. Jul 1

    Ep. 106: Stop Putting Your Life on Hold: How to Start Living on Purpose with Claudia Noriega-Bernstein

    What if happiness isn't something you find—but something you create? In this episode, we sit down with author, speaker, coach, and three-time cancer survivor Claudia Noriega-Bernstein for a powerful conversation about choosing authentic happiness from the inside out. We explore why so many of us unknowingly hand our happiness over to other people and circumstances—and what it really takes to reclaim it. Together, we unpack the power of personal responsibility, gratitude, healthy relationships, purpose, and becoming the highest version of yourself. Whether you're navigating midlife, healing from life's challenges, or simply wondering what's next, this conversation is full of practical wisdom and inspiring perspective that will leave you thinking differently about what it means to truly thrive. Episode Highlights [0:03] - Welcoming Claudia Noriega-Bernstein and introducing the journey to authentic happiness [2:11] - Why no one else is responsible for your happiness but you [3:01] - How surviving cancer three times changed Claudia's perspective on living with purpose [5:06] - Why waiting for the "right time" keeps us from living fully today [7:58] - The difference between temporary pleasure and authentic happiness [9:37] - Daily habits that help you intentionally create more joy [13:45] - Teaching children gratitude and emotional resilience from an early age [14:50] - Why your partner isn't responsible for making you happy [18:43] - Becoming the person you're hoping to attract in your relationships [20:55] - Building inner abundance instead of seeking external validation [23:41] - Creating an avatar of your highest self to guide everyday decisions [26:46] - Growing individually while building stronger relationships [28:18] - Claudia's nonprofit mission to support and empower single mothers [33:15] - Finding your purpose by reconnecting with your "why" [35:27] - Choosing radical responsibility as the path to lasting happiness [36:22] - Where to connect with Claudia and support her Author of the Year nomination Links & Resources ClaudiaNoriegaBernstein.com Instagram: @Claudia_Noriega_Bernstein Facebook: @ClaudiaNoriegaBernstein LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudia-noriega-bernstein/ Vote for Claudia for the International Impact Book Awards – Author of the Year: https://apply.internationalimpactbookawards.com/public-voting-form 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!     Ever stayed quiet to keep the peace and felt yourself disappear? The Cost of Quiet is for anyone who avoids conflict and pays the price. Reclaim your voice, strengthen your relationships, and experience real peace. Order your copy and join the movement: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book 🎙️ Love the podcast? Come talk about episodes with us inside The Midlife Chat. It’s a free, private community just for women at midlife who want to keep these conversations going. We’ve created this space for real talk, fresh resources, and honest connection—where you can share ideas and resources, ask questions, and get support from women navigating the same season.  Come join us—we’d love to have you! 👉 Join The Midlife Chat here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/795863256460970/ Order The Cost of Quiet now! Colette’s new book, The Cost of Quiet: How to Have the Hard Conversations that Create Secure, Lasting Love, launched February 3rd. Order your copy today: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book Recognized by FeedSpot: Top 60 Couples Therapy Podcasts | Top 100 U.S. Mental Health Podcasts | Top 100 Relaxation Podcasts

  6. Jun 24

    Ep. 105: Stress or Burnout? How to Tell the Difference

    Are you exhausted no matter how much you sleep? Feeling detached from things you used to enjoy? In this episode of Insights from the Couch, we’re diving into a topic that so many midlife women experience but often misunderstand: burnout. We unpack the clinical signs of burnout, how it differs from everyday stress, and why so many high-achieving, people-pleasing women are especially vulnerable. We also explore the surprising role that hopelessness plays in burnout and share practical ways to recharge when life feels heavy, overwhelming, and out of your control. If you've been running on empty, this conversation may help you recognize the warning signs—and start finding your way back to yourself. Episode Highlights [0:40] - What burnout really is—and why it’s different from being stressed or busy [1:38] - The World Health Organization’s three key markers of burnout [6:34] - Why hopelessness often becomes the hidden driver of burnout [8:50] - Reduced effectiveness, brain fog, and losing the ability to focus [10:54] - The difference between a difficult day and a true season of burnout [12:35] - Fantasizing about escape and other warning signs to watch for [13:21] - The personality traits that make some people more susceptible to burnout [15:35] - How self-improvement culture can accidentally fuel burnout [18:17] - A powerful story illustrating what happens when hopelessness takes over [23:49] - Why midlife women are especially vulnerable to burnout [25:06] - Finding purpose and meaning when life feels overwhelming [26:34] - The first step to recovery: subtraction, not addition [27:22] - The healing power of connection, laughter, and community [30:15] - Returning to the basics: sleep, nature, movement, and self-care [32:20] - The “knitting needles” metaphor and why letting go is so difficult [34:45] - Questions to ask yourself if you think burnout may be creeping in [36:03] - Why the mindset that created burnout won’t necessarily get you out of it 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!   Ever stayed quiet to keep the peace and felt yourself disappear? The Cost of Quiet is for anyone who avoids conflict and pays the price. Reclaim your voice, strengthen your relationships, and experience real peace. Order your copy and join the movement: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book 🎙️ Love the podcast? Come talk about episodes with us inside The Midlife Chat. It’s a free, private community just for women at midlife who want to keep these conversations going. We’ve created this space for real talk, fresh resources, and honest connection—where you can share ideas and resources, ask questions, and get support from women navigating the same season.  Come join us—we’d love to have you! 👉 Join The Midlife Chat here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/795863256460970/ Order The Cost of Quiet now! Colette’s new book, The Cost of Quiet: How to Have the Hard Conversations that Create Secure, Lasting Love, launched February 3rd. Order your copy today: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book Recognized by FeedSpot: Top 60 Couples Therapy Podcasts | Top 100 U.S. Mental Health Podcasts | Top 100 Relaxation Podcasts

  7. Jun 17

    Ep. 104: How the Fasting Mimicking Diet Can be a Midlife Tool for Longevity and Wellness with Renee Fitton, RD

    What if one simple nutrition strategy could support healthy aging, improve metabolic health, boost energy, and even help your skin look better? In this episode of Insights from the Couch, Laura sits down with Renee Fitton, VP of Growth at Prolon and a leading voice in nutrition and longevity science, to unpack the research behind fasting and the fasting mimicking diet. We explore the growing confusion around nutrition in midlife, from protein overload to supplement fatigue, and discuss a more balanced approach to health, longevity, and wellness. Renee shares how fasting mimicking works, why autophagy matters, and what the science says about supporting your body through midlife and beyond. If you've been curious about fasting but overwhelmed by conflicting advice, this conversation is a great place to start. Episode Highlights [0:03] - Laura introduces Renee Fitton and the science-backed world of fasting and longevity [2:13] - Why so many midlife women feel overwhelmed by health and nutrition advice [2:52] - What Prolon is and how a fasting mimicking diet works [6:30] - The current protein craze: what's helpful, what's excessive, and what longevity research suggests [13:36] - Understanding autophagy and the body's natural repair and rejuvenation process [15:44] - The surprising health benefits linked to fasting mimicking, from metabolic markers to skin health [17:28] - How long the benefits last and why fasting may improve your relationship with food [19:30] - Renee shares her personal experience completing multiple fasting mimicking cycles [22:19] - What you actually eat during a Prolon fast and how manageable it feels day-to-day [24:02] - The real-world changes Renee notices in energy, sleep, skin, and mental clarity [27:01] - Who should avoid fasting mimicking and important safety considerations [28:24] - Fasting, cancer recovery research, and resources for survivors [30:18] - Why a gentle 12-hour circadian fast may be more effective than extreme intermittent fasting [32:35] - The hidden impact of skipping breakfast and relying on coffee [34:03] - Why fasting mimicking can be especially beneficial for women in midlife [37:43] - Where to learn more about Prolon and how to get started Links & Resources Prolon Life: https://prolonlife.comRenee Fitton on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fittonnutritionRenee Fitton on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reneefitton/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! Ever stayed quiet to keep the peace and felt yourself disappear? The Cost of Quiet is for anyone who avoids conflict and pays the price. Reclaim your voice, strengthen your relationships, and experience real peace. Order your copy and join the movement: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book 🎙️ Love the podcast? Come talk about episodes with us inside The Midlife Chat. It’s a free, private community just for women at midlife who want to keep these conversations going. We’ve created this space for real talk, fresh resources, and honest connection—where you can share ideas and resources, ask questions, and get support from women navigating the same season.  Come join us—we’d love to have you! 👉 Join The Midlife Chat here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/795863256460970/ Order The Cost of Quiet now! Colette’s new book, The Cost of Quiet: How to Have the Hard Conversations that Create Secure, Lasting Love, launched February 3rd. Order your copy today: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book Recognized by FeedSpot: Top 60 Couples Therapy Podcasts | Top 100 U.S. Mental Health Podcasts | Top 100 Relaxation Podcasts

  8. Jun 10

    Ep. 103: Is This Friendship Over? How to Know, and How to Handle It.

    Have you ever found yourself wondering whether a friendship has run its course—or if a difficult conversation could actually save it? In this episode, we’re diving into one of the hardest relationship challenges women face in midlife: friendship breakups. We explore what happens when a friendship feels one-sided, when trust has been broken, or when life changes reveal who’s truly in your corner. We also share our own experiences with friendship loss, hurt feelings, resentment, and the courage it takes to have honest conversations. If you’ve been struggling with a friendship that no longer feels good, this episode will help you think through what’s really happening beneath the surface and whether repair, distance, or closure is the next right step. Episode Highlights [0:40] - Why friendship breakups are so difficult—and why they matter in midlife [1:14] - The powerful role female friendships play in creating a meaningful life [3:28] - What healthy friendships look like: support, reciprocity, honesty, and emotional safety [5:06] - How major life events reveal who your true friends are [8:18] - Outgrowing friendships, one-sided relationships, and evaluating where your energy goes [10:21] - A candid look at reciprocity and what keeps friendships strong over time [14:53] - Signs that something may be wrong in a friendship [16:02] - Laura shares the heartbreak of losing a friendship without closure [18:33] - Colette opens up about having a difficult conversation after feeling deeply hurt by a friend [20:57] - Can friendships recover after honest confrontation? [24:31] - Why speaking up may be the only chance a wounded friendship has to heal [26:02] - Practical steps to take before deciding to end a friendship [27:19] - Don’t mistake a difficult season for the end of a relationship [28:38] - The importance of reciprocity, honesty, and emotional investment [31:09] - Why midlife may be a season of pruning relationships [31:32] - How to confront a friendship issue with clarity, kindness, and vulnerability [33:33] - The mistake many adults make when pulling away from friendships [34:43] - Why difficult conversations are usually easier than we imagine [36:09] - How repair can deepen and strengthen meaningful friendships 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! Ever stayed quiet to keep the peace and felt yourself disappear? The Cost of Quiet is for anyone who avoids conflict and pays the price. Reclaim your voice, strengthen your relationships, and experience real peace. Order your copy and join the movement: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book 🎙️ Love the podcast? Come talk about episodes with us inside The Midlife Chat. It’s a free, private community just for women at midlife who want to keep these conversations going. We’ve created this space for real talk, fresh resources, and honest connection—where you can share ideas and resources, ask questions, and get support from women navigating the same season.  Come join us—we’d love to have you! 👉 Join The Midlife Chat here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/795863256460970/ Order The Cost of Quiet now! Colette’s new book, The Cost of Quiet: How to Have the Hard Conversations that Create Secure, Lasting Love, launched February 3rd. Order your copy today: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book Recognized by FeedSpot: Top 60 Couples Therapy Podcasts | Top 100 U.S. Mental Health Podcasts | Top 100 Relaxation Podcasts

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Insights from the Couch is your go-to podcast for smart, self-aware women in midlife navigating perimenopause, burnout, marriage shifts, identity changes, and the emotional chaos of “What now?” Hosted by best friends and seasoned therapists Colette Fehr and Laura Bowman, this is where therapy meets real life — bold conversations, hard truths, and powerful tools to help you get unstuck and come alive.Whether you're questioning your relationship, struggling with empty nest, battling people-pleasing or perfectionism, or just feeling flat and disconnected from yourself — this show is for you.Colette and Laura bring decades of clinical experience (and lived midlife wisdom) to every episode. Expect real talk on the things no one prepares you for: midlife reinvention, perimenopause and hormone shifts, marriage and divorce, boundaries, friendships, confidence, identity loss, and what it actually takes to build a life you want at this stage — not just one you tolerate.This is where smart women get unstuck and come alive.🎧 New episodes every week🌟 Join the Midlife Masterclass: insightsfromthecouch.org/group-coaching-program🩷 Grab your free guide: The Midlife Roadmap — 7 Skills to Get Unstuck and Come Alive👉 Follow us on Instagram: @insightsfromthecouch

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