A Therapist and Her Inner Circle

Aven Barbosa
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Weekly

A Therapist and Her Inner Circle offers real, unscripted conversations at the intersection of therapy, relationships, and being human. Each episode invites you into thoughtful dialogue with people from the host’s inner circle, blending therapeutic insight with lived experience. This podcast is about connection over perfection, curiosity over certainty, and the real work of being in a relationship—with ourselves and others.

  1. Healing People Pleasing & Becoming Your Authentic Self w/ Courtney Buchanan

    Jun 7

    Healing People Pleasing & Becoming Your Authentic Self w/ Courtney Buchanan

    In this episode of A Therapist and Her Inner Circle, I sit down with Courtney Buchanan for an honest conversation about identity, people-pleasing, authenticity, and the long road to healing. Courtney shares how years of therapy and intentional inner work helped her move from surviving to truly thriving — learning to stop performing for acceptance and begin living more fully as herself. Together, we explore:• Childhood roles and early attachment patterns• How people pleasing develops• The fear of disappointing others• What it means to become unapologetically authentic• The grief that can come with personal growth• Boundaries, relationships, and self-trust• How therapy helps us reconnect with who we truly are This conversation is for anyone who has ever felt like they had to shrink themselves to belong, stay quiet to keep the peace, or become who others expected them to be. Courtney speaks vulnerably about the emotional work of healing, unlearning old narratives, and discovering that authenticity does not have to cost you your worth. Whether you are in therapy, considering therapy, or simply trying to understand yourself more deeply, this episode offers a compassionate and hopeful conversation about healing, self-acceptance, and becoming fully yourself. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not therapy or medical advice.

    51 min
  2. The Wounds We Carry, The Work We Do

    May 18

    The Wounds We Carry, The Work We Do

    In this episode, I sat down with another therapist for a conversation that felt honest, reflective, educational, and deeply human. We talked about our different journeys into the therapy field, what shaped us personally before we ever became clinicians, and how our own life experiences continue to influence the way we show up in the therapy room. One part of the conversation explored her experience with religious trauma and the process of untangling identity, fear, shame, and authenticity after growing up in a high-control religious environment. We also discussed OCD, how it differs from generalized anxiety, why reassurance can unintentionally strengthen obsessive cycles, and what treatment often focuses on instead. And throughout the conversation, we touched on Internal Family Systems (IFS), protective parts, self-understanding, and the ways people learn to reconnect with themselves after years of adapting for survival. You can find Josie McClard, MS at ATL Trauma Therapy. She works with adults, young adults, teens, and couples navigating OCD, trauma (including religious and complex trauma), LGBTQIA+ identity, neurodivergence, and relational challenges.

    47 min

  3. Apr 30

    Emotions, Needs, Boundaries & Growth: A 10 Episode Podcast Check-In

    Ten episodes in and I’m taking a minute to pause, reflect, and check in. In this short solo episode, I share where I am in the podcast journey, what I’m learning, and where I hope to take it next. I also spend some time talking through the real-life overlap of emotions, needs, expectations, and boundaries—how they show up in our relationships and why they can feel so hard to untangle. This one is a little more off-the-cuff, a little more personal, and an open invitation for you to be part of what this becomes. I’d love your feedback as the podcast continues to grow. As always, I would love your feedback. Share your thoughts, episode ideas, and topics you'd like to hear about. You can leave a comment or email me at aven@keycounselingatl.com. Hey, maybe YOU can be my next guest.

    11 min
  4. Love Across Cultures: Navigating Race, Identity & Real Couple Dynamics

    Apr 1

    Love Across Cultures: Navigating Race, Identity & Real Couple Dynamics

    What happens when two people from different cultures come together—and how does that shape the way they experience the world, and each other? In this episode of A Therapist and Her Inner Circle, I’m joined by Josh and Sarah—musicians, partners, and friends—for a really honest and layered conversation about navigating a cross-cultural relationship. We explore what it’s like to move between different cultural lenses, including a powerful discussion on race, the lived reality of racism in America, and how it contrasts with Sarah’s experience growing up in Denmark. We also bring it back to the everyday moments that make relationships real—like the little pet peeves that show up in even the healthiest partnerships, and how couples can navigate those without losing connection. This episode is both meaningful and personal for me—it’s my first time having a couple on the podcast, and having Josh and Sarah contribute the music for the show makes it even more special. If you’ve ever been in a relationship where differences felt hard to navigate—or deeply meaningful—this conversation will resonate. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for therapy, diagnosis, or medical advice. Listening does not establish a therapeutic relationship. You can find Sarah on Spotify by searching Sarah West. Below you can find Josh's Discography - all of the songs he has been a part of in some way, whether that's playing or producing. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/40AtrCsc54eBk45Uerc7an?si=ux8o3VboSDqVdlZh6OV9kw

    1 hr
  5. Cousins & Friendship: Motherhood, Identity & Life Transitions

    Mar 25

    Cousins & Friendship: Motherhood, Identity & Life Transitions

    In this episode, I’m joined by my cousin, Halee, someone who has known me through so many seasons of life—for a real and honest conversation about how we grow, change, and stay connected along the way. We talk about what it was like growing up together six years apart, how our bond evolved into a true friendship, and the role our shared experiences have played in shaping who we are today. From traveling through Europe together to stepping into completely different life seasons, we reflect on how those moments quietly shaped our identities more than we realized at the time. We also explore her transition into motherhood, the emotional and identity shifts that come with it, and what it’s really like choosing to stay home in a world that often measures worth by productivity. This conversation holds space for both the beauty and the complexity of change—what we gain, what we let go of, and what remains at our core. Even though our lives look different today, this episode is a reminder that connection, shared values, and deep relationships can evolve without breaking. If you’re navigating a season of change, identity shifts, or redefining what fulfillment looks like for you, this one is for you. I’d love to hear from you—what season are you in right now? Feel free to reach out and share your thoughts or reflections. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and conversational purposes only and is not a substitute for therapy. Listening does not establish a therapist-client relationship. If you’re needing support, please reach out to a licensed professional in your area.

    53 min
  6. Real Talk with My Sister: Motherhood, Mental Health & New Beginnings

    Mar 10

    Real Talk with My Sister: Motherhood, Mental Health & New Beginnings

    In part two of the sibling mini-series on A Therapist and Her Inner Circle, I’m joined by my middle sister, Amanda, for an honest conversation about life’s unexpected transitions. We talk about what it was like growing up close in age but not always feeling close developmentally, and how our sibling relationship has evolved over time. Amanda also shares her experience navigating divorce, opening herself back up to dating as a single mom, and building a new chapter of life. We explore what it’s like to raise children with a large age gap, blend families, and now parent two little ones just 17 months apart. She also speaks candidly about the emotional challenges many mothers experience after having babies and the pressure to hold everything together. This episode is about resilience, family, and the courage it takes to begin again. As always, this podcast is intended for educational andinformational purposes only. It is not a substitute for therapy, medical care, or professional mental health treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a therapist-client relationship with me or any guests. The views expressed in this episode are our own and do not represent the positions of any affiliated organizations, employers, or licensing boards. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact your local emergency services or dial 988 in the United States for immediate support.

    56 min
  7. Adult ADHD Diagnosis in Women: A Sister Conversation About Motherhood & Identity

    Mar 1

    Adult ADHD Diagnosis in Women: A Sister Conversation About Motherhood & Identity

    In this episode, I’m sitting down with my youngest sister for an honest, laughter-filled conversation about growing up seven years apart and how our relationship has evolved over time. We talk about who we were as kids, how our personalities showed up early, and what it’s been like reconnecting as adults in completely different life seasons. She shares what motherhood to three boys has taught her, how she recently found her place working in a school, and what it’s meant to step into a career that feels aligned. We also talk openly about her ADHD diagnosis as an adult — how it reframed her childhood, motherhood, and sense of self in ways she didn’t expect. This episode is about sisterhood, identity shifts, late realizations, and the freedom that can come from finally understanding yourself more clearly. If you’ve ever felt “behind,” misunderstood, or like you were figuring things out later than everyone else — this conversation is for you. As always, this podcast is intended for educational andinformational purposes only. It is not a substitute for therapy, medical care, or professional mental health treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a therapist-client relationship with me or any guests. The views expressed in this episode are our own and do notrepresent the positions of any affiliated organizations, employers, or licensing boards. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact your local emergency services or dial or text 988 in the United States for immediate support.

    58 min
  8. Rest & Recharge

    Feb 17

    Rest & Recharge

    This week’s episode is a simple check-in. No guest, no deep dive — just a conversation about something I’ve been noticing lately: how often we push through instead of allowing ourselves to rest. I’m sharing the seven types of rest (because rest is more than sleep) and inviting you to consider where you might be running on empty — physically, mentally, emotionally, socially, creatively, spiritually, or even from sensory overload. And at the end, I’m sharing a fun preview of a new mini-series coming soon featuring me and my siblings — honest, nostalgic, and a little chaotic in the best way. If you’ve been moving nonstop, this one’s for you. As always, this podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for therapy, medical care, or professional mental health treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a therapist-client relationship with me or any guests. The views expressed in this episode are our own and do not represent the positions of any affiliated organizations, employers, or licensing boards. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact your local emergency services or dial or text 988 in the United States for immediate support.

    9 min
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About

A Therapist and Her Inner Circle offers real, unscripted conversations at the intersection of therapy, relationships, and being human. Each episode invites you into thoughtful dialogue with people from the host’s inner circle, blending therapeutic insight with lived experience. This podcast is about connection over perfection, curiosity over certainty, and the real work of being in a relationship—with ourselves and others.

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