Getting to the Couch | Mental Health, Therapy, Psychology & Emotional Wellness

Ben Santee MA, LPC-S & Flavio Da Silva LMSW, CAADC
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Biweekly

Getting to the Couch is a mental health podcast that helps people overcome the barriers to starting and staying in therapy. Hosted by Ben Santee, MA, LPC, and Flavio Da Silva, LMSW, CAADC, each episode explores the questions many people have about counseling, mental health, relationships, emotional wellness, trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD, addiction, LGBTQ+ concerns, child and family therapy, and the real-life challenges that prevent people from getting the help they deserve. Whether you're considering therapy for the first time, currently working with a therapist, supporting a loved one, or you're a mental health professional looking for practical insights, this podcast offers evidence-informed conversations, expert guests, and honest discussions that make psychology understandable and approachable. Topics include: • How to find the right therapist • What happens during your first therapy session • Anxiety and depression • ADHD in children and adults • Trauma and PTSD • Relationships and attachment styles • Parenting and child therapy • Couples counseling • Addiction and recovery • LGBTQ+ mental health • Telehealth and online therapy • Hospitalization and transitioning back to outpatient care • Insurance and financial barriers to treatment • Mental health myths and stigma • Therapy techniques and treatment approaches • Self-advocacy in therapy • Emotional resilience and personal growth Our goal is simple: remove the mystery from therapy so more people feel comfortable getting to the couch. New episodes feature licensed therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and other mental health professionals sharing practical advice you can use in everyday life. If you've ever wondered whether therapy is right for you, this podcast is for you.

  1. Mar 13

    GTTC S2 E4 Virtual Therapy, Limitations and Considerations

    Send us Fan Mail Is virtual therapy truly expanding access to care—or are we overlooking who it may not serve well? In this episode of Getting to the Couch, we take an honest look at the promise and the pitfalls of telehealth. From convenience and accessibility to privacy concerns, tech disruptions, and clinical fit, we explore how virtual therapy can be transformative for some clients—and deeply frustrating or ineffective for others. We unpack the critical question: When is virtual therapy the right tool—and when is it not? If you’re a therapist navigating clinical decisions, or a client wondering whether online therapy can truly meet your needs, this conversation will challenge assumptions and offer practical insight. Tune in for a thoughtful, nuanced discussion about making therapy fit the person—not just the platform. Referances:  Fair Health. (2025, July 17). Telehealth trends from January to March 2025. FAIR Health. https://www.fairhealth.org/article/telehealth-trends-from-january-to-march-2025  Fleddermann, K., Chwastiak, L., Fortier, A., Gotham, H., Murphy, A., Navarro, R., & Tapscott, S. (2024). Levels of telehealth use, perceived usefulness, and ease of use in behavioral healthcare organizations after the COVID-19 pandemic. PMC. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11685243/  American Telemedicine Association. (2025, November 18). Telemedicine and e-Health. Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. https://www.liebertpub.com/toc/tmj/current Support the show Thanks for listening! I hope this episode helped you in getting to therapy and utilizing therapy effectively. If you have any questions about this podcast or would like to provide comments or suggestions for its hosts, feel free to use the following links or emails: Benjamin Santee MA, LPC: Website: https://caringmindscounseling.net/ Email: bsantee@caringmindscounseling.net  Flavio Da Silva LMSW, CAADC Website: https://growingmindsgr.com/ Email: fdasilva@blueberryhillcounseling.com Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gettingtothecouchpodcast/?__pwa=1  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/106197406/admin/notifications/all/  X: https://x.com/GettingTTCouch  Song Credit:  ( for all Season 1, Episodes 5 and higeher) Name: Stronger Together Artist: Evert Zeevalkink License Crtificate #2239378 Courtesy of: bensound.com

  2. Feb 13

    GTTC Season 2, Episode 3: Impacts of Preperation for Therapy

    Send us Fan Mail What actually makes therapy work—and what happens before anyone even sits on the couch? In this episode of Getting to the Couch, we dive into how preparation shapes the therapy experience and why what happens between sessions can be just as important as what happens during them. We explore how clients and therapists both prepare for meaningful work, and how intention, reflection, and follow-through can dramatically influence outcomes. We also unpack the role of therapeutic “homework,” why it matters, and how small actions outside the therapy room can lead to big changes over time. Whether you’re thinking about starting therapy, already in the process, or simply curious about how change really happens, this episode offers practical insights that might transform the way you approach the work. Give it a listen and see what preparation can make possible. Resources:  Kazantzis, N., Deane, F. P., & Ronan, K. R. (2000). Homework assignments in cognitive and behavioral therapy: A meta-analysis. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 7(2), 189–202. https://doi.org/10.1093/clipsy.7.2.189  de Jong, K., Douglas, S., Wolpert, M., Delgadillo, J., Aas, B., Bovendeerd, B., Carlier, I., Compare, A., Edbrooke-Childs, J., Janse, P., Lutz, W., Moltu, C., Nordberg, S., Poulsen, S., Rubel, J. A., Schiepek, G., Schilling, V. N. L. S., van Sonsbeek, M., & Barkham, M. (2025). Using progress feedback to enhance treatment outcomes: A narrative review. Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research, 52(1), 210–222. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10488-024-01381-3 Support the show Thanks for listening! I hope this episode helped you in getting to therapy and utilizing therapy effectively. If you have any questions about this podcast or would like to provide comments or suggestions for its hosts, feel free to use the following links or emails: Benjamin Santee MA, LPC: Website: https://caringmindscounseling.net/ Email: bsantee@caringmindscounseling.net  Flavio Da Silva LMSW, CAADC Website: https://growingmindsgr.com/ Email: fdasilva@blueberryhillcounseling.com Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gettingtothecouchpodcast/?__pwa=1  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/106197406/admin/notifications/all/  X: https://x.com/GettingTTCouch  Song Credit:  ( for all Season 1, Episodes 5 and higeher) Name: Stronger Together Artist: Evert Zeevalkink License Crtificate #2239378 Courtesy of: bensound.com

  3. 11/28/2025

    GTTC Season 2, Episode 2.2: Challenges to the LGBTQ+ Community

    Send us Fan Mail Support the show Thanks for listening! I hope this episode helped you in getting to therapy and utilizing therapy effectively. If you have any questions about this podcast or would like to provide comments or suggestions for its hosts, feel free to use the following links or emails: Benjamin Santee MA, LPC: Website: https://caringmindscounseling.net/ Email: bsantee@caringmindscounseling.net  Flavio Da Silva LMSW, CAADC Website: https://growingmindsgr.com/ Email: fdasilva@blueberryhillcounseling.com Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gettingtothecouchpodcast/?__pwa=1  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/106197406/admin/notifications/all/  X: https://x.com/GettingTTCouch  Song Credit:  ( for all Season 1, Episodes 5 and higeher) Name: Stronger Together Artist: Evert Zeevalkink License Crtificate #2239378 Courtesy of: bensound.com

  4. 11/01/2025

    GTTC Season 2, Episode 2 Part1: Challenges to the LGBTQ+ Community

    Send us Fan Mail What happens when the very spaces meant to heal become places of uncertainty? When the professionals trained to help become sources of hesitation? Welcome back to Getting to the Couch. In this episode, we're peeling back the layers on a troubling reality: mental health care and medical treatment are becoming increasingly complicated terrain for LGBTQ+ individuals.  We're exploring how current socio-political forces are reshaping the landscape of care itself, leaving many wondering—can I trust the person sitting across from me? This is part one of our deep dive into the challenges facing the LGBTQ+ community right now. So settle in, because what we're about to discuss matters—not just for those directly affected, but for anyone who believes healthcare should be a safe harbor, not another complication. Support the show Thanks for listening! I hope this episode helped you in getting to therapy and utilizing therapy effectively. If you have any questions about this podcast or would like to provide comments or suggestions for its hosts, feel free to use the following links or emails: Benjamin Santee MA, LPC: Website: https://caringmindscounseling.net/ Email: bsantee@caringmindscounseling.net  Flavio Da Silva LMSW, CAADC Website: https://growingmindsgr.com/ Email: fdasilva@blueberryhillcounseling.com Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gettingtothecouchpodcast/?__pwa=1  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/106197406/admin/notifications/all/  X: https://x.com/GettingTTCouch  Song Credit:  ( for all Season 1, Episodes 5 and higeher) Name: Stronger Together Artist: Evert Zeevalkink License Crtificate #2239378 Courtesy of: bensound.com

  5. 10/03/2025

    GTTC Season 2, Episode 1: Bridging The Gap: Hospitals to Outpatient Care

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Getting to the Couch, we take a closer look at what happens when clients move from the structure of hospitalization back into the community. Our conversation explores the essential role medical social workers play in coordinating this transition — from doctors assessing medical necessity and discharge readiness to connecting clients with outpatient supports and resources. We discuss how careful planning and communication can prevent gaps in care, reduce readmission risk, and empower clients to continue their recovery journey. Join us as we shine a light on the often-overlooked bridge between crisis and continuity — and the professionals dedicated to helping people successfully cross it. Referrances or Resoures: Articles:  Pollack, A. H., Backonja, U., Miller, A. D., Mishra, S. R., Khelifi, M., Kendall, L., & Pratt, W. (2016, May). Closing the gap: Supporting patients’ transition to self-management after hospitalization. Proceedings of the SIGCHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, 2016, 5324-5336. https://doi.org/10.1145/2858036.2858240; PMCID: PMC4973626 Newton, H., Beetham, T., & Busch, S. H. (2025, January 15). Is access to crisis teams associated with changes in behavioral health mortality? Health Affairs Scholar, 3(1), qxaf003. https://doi.org/10.1093/haschl/qxaf003 (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) Recouces: Support the show Thanks for listening! I hope this episode helped you in getting to therapy and utilizing therapy effectively. If you have any questions about this podcast or would like to provide comments or suggestions for its hosts, feel free to use the following links or emails: Benjamin Santee MA, LPC: Website: https://caringmindscounseling.net/ Email: bsantee@caringmindscounseling.net  Flavio Da Silva LMSW, CAADC Website: https://growingmindsgr.com/ Email: fdasilva@blueberryhillcounseling.com Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gettingtothecouchpodcast/?__pwa=1  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/106197406/admin/notifications/all/  X: https://x.com/GettingTTCouch  Song Credit:  ( for all Season 1, Episodes 5 and higeher) Name: Stronger Together Artist: Evert Zeevalkink License Crtificate #2239378 Courtesy of: bensound.com

  6. 09/02/2025

    Getting to the Couch Ep. 11 Capstone Conversation for Season 1

    Send us Fan Mail Season One Wrap-Up: The Conversations That Matter Most In this capstone episode, we reflect on the key themes from Season One—choosing a therapist, first sessions, treatment planning, self-advocacy, and more—while diving into new ground we haven’t explored yet: navigating insurance, crisis therapy, LGBTQ+ challenges, and gender narratives in mental health. It’s the big-picture discussion that brings it all together and sets the stage for what’s next.  Support the show Thanks for listening! I hope this episode helped you in getting to therapy and utilizing therapy effectively. If you have any questions about this podcast or would like to provide comments or suggestions for its hosts, feel free to use the following links or emails: Benjamin Santee MA, LPC: Website: https://caringmindscounseling.net/ Email: bsantee@caringmindscounseling.net  Flavio Da Silva LMSW, CAADC Website: https://growingmindsgr.com/ Email: fdasilva@blueberryhillcounseling.com Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gettingtothecouchpodcast/?__pwa=1  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/106197406/admin/notifications/all/  X: https://x.com/GettingTTCouch  Song Credit:  ( for all Season 1, Episodes 5 and higeher) Name: Stronger Together Artist: Evert Zeevalkink License Crtificate #2239378 Courtesy of: bensound.com

  7. 06/20/2025

    Getting to the Couch Ep. 10 Stages of Change

    Send us Fan Mail Before someone ever sets foot in a therapist’s office, there’s often a long internal journey already in motion. In this episode, Episode 10, of Getting to the Couch, we explore the Stages of Change model—what it is, why it matters, and how it can help us understand the push and pull between wanting change and actually making it happen. From denial to readiness, relapse to action, we break down each stage with real-world examples and clinical insight. Whether you're a provider, a client, or somewhere in between, this episode sheds light on the invisible barriers that keep people stuck—and the subtle shifts that move them forward. Change doesn’t happen in a straight line. Let’s talk about what it really takes to get to the couch. Referrances or Resoures: Articles:  Recouces: 1. https://smartrecovery.org/the-stages-of-change  2. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/toolkits/health-promotion/2/theories-and-models/stages-of-change  Support the show Thanks for listening! I hope this episode helped you in getting to therapy and utilizing therapy effectively. If you have any questions about this podcast or would like to provide comments or suggestions for its hosts, feel free to use the following links or emails: Benjamin Santee MA, LPC: Website: https://caringmindscounseling.net/ Email: bsantee@caringmindscounseling.net  Flavio Da Silva LMSW, CAADC Website: https://growingmindsgr.com/ Email: fdasilva@blueberryhillcounseling.com Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gettingtothecouchpodcast/?__pwa=1  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/106197406/admin/notifications/all/  X: https://x.com/GettingTTCouch  Song Credit:  ( for all Season 1, Episodes 5 and higeher) Name: Stronger Together Artist: Evert Zeevalkink License Crtificate #2239378 Courtesy of: bensound.com

  8. 06/06/2025

    Getting to the Couch Ep. 9 Confidentiality in Therapy

    Send us Fan Mail Confidentiality is one of the cornerstones of therapy—but what does it actually mean, and where does it begin and end? In this episode of Getting to the Couch, we break down the purpose of confidentiality, the legal and ethical boundaries around it, and how breaches—intentional or not—can shake a client's sense of safety and trust. We talk about what therapists are required to protect, when they're legally obligated to break that promise, and why these boundaries matter more than most people realize. Whether you're in therapy, considering it, or providing it, this episode explores how the privacy of the therapeutic space can make or break the healing process. Because before change can happen, safety has to come first. Referrances or Resoures: Articles:  Mina. (2024, February 12). Collaborative care and patient satisfaction: What the data says. Medium. https://medium.com/@mina_5584/collaborative-care-and-patient-satisfaction-what-the-data-says-9a533a6b9d3f Agarwal, R., Connors, E., Mauriello, A., Gutierrez, D., & Fuhlbrigge, A. (2024). Care coordination engagement patterns in long-term patients: A 9-year cohort study. The American Journal of Managed Care. Retrieved from https://www.ajmc.com/view/care-coordination-engagement-patterns-in-long-term-patients Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. (n.d.). Care coordination. Retrieved April 27, 2025, from https://www.ahrq.gov/ncepcr/care/coordination.html Olfson, M., Mojtabai, R., Sampson, N. A., Hwang, I., Druss, B., Wang, P. S., & Kessler, R. C. (2009). Dropout from outpatient mental health care in the United States. Psychiatric Services, 60(7), 898–907. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2774713/ Recouces: HIPAA: https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/privacysummary.pdf  Support the show Thanks for listening! I hope this episode helped you in getting to therapy and utilizing therapy effectively. If you have any questions about this podcast or would like to provide comments or suggestions for its hosts, feel free to use the following links or emails: Benjamin Santee MA, LPC: Website: https://caringmindscounseling.net/ Email: bsantee@caringmindscounseling.net  Flavio Da Silva LMSW, CAADC Website: https://growingmindsgr.com/ Email: fdasilva@blueberryhillcounseling.com Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gettingtothecouchpodcast/?__pwa=1  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/106197406/admin/notifications/all/  X: https://x.com/GettingTTCouch  Song Credit:  ( for all Season 1, Episodes 5 and higeher) Name: Stronger Together Artist: Evert Zeevalkink License Crtificate #2239378 Courtesy of: bensound.com

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About

Getting to the Couch is a mental health podcast that helps people overcome the barriers to starting and staying in therapy. Hosted by Ben Santee, MA, LPC, and Flavio Da Silva, LMSW, CAADC, each episode explores the questions many people have about counseling, mental health, relationships, emotional wellness, trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD, addiction, LGBTQ+ concerns, child and family therapy, and the real-life challenges that prevent people from getting the help they deserve. Whether you're considering therapy for the first time, currently working with a therapist, supporting a loved one, or you're a mental health professional looking for practical insights, this podcast offers evidence-informed conversations, expert guests, and honest discussions that make psychology understandable and approachable. Topics include: • How to find the right therapist • What happens during your first therapy session • Anxiety and depression • ADHD in children and adults • Trauma and PTSD • Relationships and attachment styles • Parenting and child therapy • Couples counseling • Addiction and recovery • LGBTQ+ mental health • Telehealth and online therapy • Hospitalization and transitioning back to outpatient care • Insurance and financial barriers to treatment • Mental health myths and stigma • Therapy techniques and treatment approaches • Self-advocacy in therapy • Emotional resilience and personal growth Our goal is simple: remove the mystery from therapy so more people feel comfortable getting to the couch. New episodes feature licensed therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and other mental health professionals sharing practical advice you can use in everyday life. If you've ever wondered whether therapy is right for you, this podcast is for you.

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