The Couch Dr. Juan Santos and Jacy King

In episode 5 of the Couch Podcast, mental health counselors Jacy and Dr. Juan Santos share their stories about their ongoing mental health journey as licensed professional counselors.



When you think about being authentic, what comes to mind?


Being genuine.
Feeling personal freedom.
Not worrying about judgment.



On the podcast, the host speak about being "authentic" in their profession as counselors.



2 Ways to become your authentic self:



Identify your interest.

Take time to immerse yourself in everything around you. Find out the foods you like. The colors that make you smile. The movies that make you laugh. The more you learn the better. Over time, you’ll be able to pinpoint your interest. Once you reach this level, you’ll feel a sense of satisfaction because you are able to enjoy the things you like (the things that make you, YOU). Full video here.



Take time to practice self-awareness.

This is a process in which you are able to understand why you do what you do. You are able to recognize the purpose of your actions. Often when a person struggles with being their authentic self, it’s connected to that person living a life that is disconnected from their purpose. As a simple strategy, write down why you do what you do. Then circle how many of those items connect to what gives you purpose. The goal is to feel a strong connection. A sense of true self-awareness.



Welcome to the Couch Podcast! A podcast where real therapists talk about real things. Please remember that we are therapists, but we are not your therapist and this podcast is intended for educational purposes only. On the Couch podcast, we talk about ways to improve your mental health and quality of life.



New Podcast Episode aimed to be a resource helping you improve your mental health.

In episode 3 of the Couch Podcast, we cover, Keys To Building Healthy Relationships In Life. In the podcast episode, we cover:




Learning how to love yourself.
Exploring what makes a successful relationship.
Understanding the positive habits that can improve your life.
Learning how to create boundaries and understanding why boundaries are so important.
Building a loving relationship with yourself.
Accepting who you are.
Starting the work of self-love.
Learning how to build a relationship with others.




Welcome to the Couch Podcast! A podcast where real therapists talk about real things. Please remember that we are therapists, but we are not your therapist and this podcast is intended for educational purposes only. On the Couch podcast, we talk about ways to improve your mental health and quality of life.



You care about your relationship and want to make things work. Even the best relationships need care and attention. But, sometimes we find ourselves stuck in a cycle of conflict or disconnection with our partner that we can’t seem to find a way out of.



We try and try to fix things with our partner and yet we keep finding ourselves stuck and this can be so painful and frustrating for us (and the people we love)!



One powerful way to improve your relationship:



Check in with each other. This means taking time to connect with your partner during the day for a period of 10 to 15 minutes. Use this time to explore what has taken place during the day, build love, and share words of support.

When couples are able to check in with each other space for growth is provided. What takes place is that the strategy of checking in, gives couples the opportunity (a) to engage in conversation (b) to address challenges, and (c) find space to connect.



How are you doing with creating a healthy space in your relationship?

Try the check-in strategy. In addition, use the couple’s journal to strengthen the application of the exercise. CLICK HERE to learn more about the journal.



New Podcast Episode aimed to be a resource helping you improve your mental health.

In episode 3 of the Couch Podcast, we cover, Taking Care of Your Mind, Body, and Soul. In the podcast episode, we cover:




Mental Health Counselors define self-care as a quick fix.
Explore the components of self-care.
Understand how to practice self-care in your life.
Learning Mindset techniques from counselors on positive thinking, coping skills, and affirmations.
Learning Body techniques and somatic exercises such as working out and eating well. With a focus on managing stress and taking care of your mental health.
What does self-care mean to you?
Explore how the mind and body can connect and provide space for self-care.
How has working with a counselor supported your mental health?



Welcome to the Couch Podcast! A podcast where real therapists talk about real things. Please remember that we are therapists, but we are not your therapist, and this podcast is intended for educational purposes only. On the Couch podcast, we talk about ways to improve your mental health and quality of life.



New Podcast Episode aimed to be a resource helping you improve your mental health.

In episode 2 of the Couch Podcast, we cover, How to Start Taking Care of your Mental Health.

In the podcast episode, we cover:



What are you looking for in a counselor?

Are you in the maintenance stage of counseling?

Are you seeking a counselor that can help with Trauma?

Are you wanting help with Addiction?

Who should you be looking for when searching for a counselor? 

Understanding what the different mental health credentials are LCMHCA, LCSW, PsyD, Ph.D., etc

What should I (the client) be asking the counselor?

How to find a good counselor?

What makes a good counselor?

What happens if your counselor is not a good fit?

When’s the best time to look for a mental health therapist?

What to expect at the first counseling appointment?







Welcome to the Couch Podcast! A podcast where real therapists talk about real things. Please remember that we are therapists, but we are not your therapist and this podcast is intended for educational purposes only. On the couch podcast, we talk about ways to improve your mental health and quality of life.



New Podcast Episode aimed to be a resource helping you improve your mental health.

Welcome to the Couch Podcast! A podcast where real therapists talk about real things. Please remember that we are therapists, but we are not your therapist and this podcast is intended for educational purposes only. On the Couch podcast, we talk about ways to improve your mental health and quality of life.



The first episode gives you an introduction to what to expect in the podcast. Key areas that are discussed in the Couch Podcast include:


How to prioritize your mental.
Ways to practice self-care.
Learn how to improve your mental and physical health.
How to find a good counselor.
What to expect when working with a counselor.
Understanding mood disorders.
Learning how to improve your life and relationships.
Conversations around mental health and therapy.





New Podcast Episode aimed to be a resource helping you improve your mental health.