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
  • 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. 16h ago

    GTTC S2 Ep. 6 Finances as a Barrier to Therapy.

    Send us Fan Mail Episode 6: Finances as a Barrier to Therapy | Featuring Julie Houghmaster What happens when someone is ready to seek help, but the cost of therapy or the confusion surrounding medical billing stands in the way? And how can therapists better navigate a billing system that can sometimes make it difficult to advocate for the care they provide? In this episode of Getting to the Couch, we welcome Julie Houghmaster, Owner and CEO of Julie Houghmaster Medical Billing, for an honest and insightful conversation about the financial barriers that can make starting and staying in therapy challenging. We explore the realities of balancing mental health care with competing financial demands, uncover some of the complexities of the billing process, and discuss how clients and therapists can work together to make the journey a little less overwhelming. Whether you are considering therapy, currently navigating the process, or a therapist looking for a better understanding of the business side of care, this conversation offers practical insight, greater understanding, and a reminder that asking for help should not have to feel like another financial burden. Join us as we explore what happens behind the scenes of therapy and how greater transparency, communication, and advocacy can help more people get the support they deserve. Referneces:  No Surprise Billing:    Behavioral Health Michigan. (n.d.). No surprises act: Billing disclosures and        patient protections. https://behavioralhealthmi.com/no-surprises-act/ 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. Oct 9

    GTTC S2 E4: Barriers to therapy for men

    Send us Fan Mail Why do so many men struggle to get to the couch? For some men, seeking therapy can feel like admitting weakness, while cultural expectations around masculinity, self-reliance, and emotional control can make vulnerability uncomfortable. Add demanding careers, parenting, relationships, and the constant challenge of work-life balance—and when does a man finally make time for his own mental health? What happens when stress, loneliness, anger, relationship problems, or emotional exhaustion become too difficult to manage alone? Can therapy actually fit into a man's life without asking him to become someone he's not? In this episode of Getting to the Couch, we explore the barriers men face when seeking mental health treatment, therapy, and emotional support, and what can make therapy feel more approachable, practical, and relevant for men. Referances: CDC Sudy in 2022 Liddon L, Kingerlee R, Barry JA. Gender differences in preferences for psychological treatment, coping strategies, and triggers to help-seeking. Br J Clin Psychol. 2018 Mar;57(1):42-58. doi: 10.1111/bjc.12147. Epub 2017 Jul 9. PMID: 28691375. Choi-Allum, L., & Rainville, G. (2025, December). Disconnected: The escalating challenge of loneliness among adults 45-plus. AARP Research. https://doi.org/10.26419/res.00983.001  Choi-Allum, L., & Rainville, G. (2025). Disconnected: The escalating challenge of loneliness among adults 45-plus. AARP Research. https://doi.org/10.26419/res.00983.001 Seidler, Z. E., Rice, S. M., Ogrodniczuk, J. S., Oliffe, J. L., Dhillon, H. M., & others. (2018). Engaging men in psychological treatment: A scoping review. American Journal of Men’s Health, 12(6), 1882–1900. https://doi.org/10.1177/1557988318792157 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. 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 Claystone Clinical Associates PLC has been committed to the community for over 55 years!  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. 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 Claystone Clinical Associates PLC has been committed to the community for over 55 years!  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. 11/28/2025

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

    Send us Fan Mail Claystone Clinical Associates PLC has been committed to the community for over 55 years!  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. 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. Claystone Clinical Associates PLC has been committed to the community for over 55 years!  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. 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: Claystone Clinical Associates PLC has been committed to the community for over 55 years!  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. 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.  Claystone Clinical Associates PLC has been committed to the community for over 55 years!  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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