Zessions

Zessio

In Zessions, clinicians discuss a mental health challenge and talk through the way they would process it with clients and how they would aim to help. Just as change can take place during a therapy session by hearing things you’ve never considered, new meaning can be found by hearing how others consider and work through a commonly shared problem. 

  1. Ep. 32 - Navigating Intimacy Binds: How We Get Stuck in Relationships

    AUG 28

    Ep. 32 - Navigating Intimacy Binds: How We Get Stuck in Relationships

    Episode Summary Ever felt like you and your partner are stuck in a loop—each waiting for the other to go first? That’s a bind, and it shows up in relationships far more often than you might think. In this episode of Zessions, hosts Mandi Roarke, LMFT, and Dr. Sapna Srivastava sit down with returning guest Kendall Campbell, LMFT, to unpack the concept of binds—specifically intimacy binds, initiation binds, and the classic double bind. We explore: Why binds create that “trapped” or “paralyzed” feeling in relationshipsHow life transitions, shifting needs, and status quo patterns set the stage for themWhy emotional safety—not just comfort—is key to breaking freeThe difference between massive change and small, sustainable “micro-moves”When direct prescriptions from a therapist can help get things moving againWhether you’re a therapist, a partner, or someone reflecting on your own relationships, this conversation will help you spot binds in action and give you a starting point for shifting them. What You’ll Hear in This Episode The anatomy of a bind — what it is and how it plays out in everyday life.Intimacy binds vs. initiation binds vs. double binds — and how to tell them apart.The role of status quo in keeping couples stuck.How novelty and micro-changes can help disrupt entrenched patterns.Why safety and comfort are not the same thing in relationship work.Practical ways to start creating momentum—without overwhelming yourself or your partner.Key Quotes from this Episode “When you’re in a bind, you can want the relationship to work, you can even know exactly what needs to change—but it feels like you can’t move without your partner moving first.” “Binds aren’t just about needs—they’re about safety. I’ll only hand you the water if I trust it won’t be poisoned.” “You don’t have to reinvent the wheel to break a bind. Sometimes it’s just about tweaking the routines you already have.” Resources & Links Learn more about Kendall Campbell, LMFT – KendallCampbell.comFollow Zessio on Instagram | TikTok | YouTubeExplore more mental health resources at Zessio.comListen & Subscribe 🎧 Find this episode and more on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Support the show Connect with us on Instagram @myzessio or visit our website: https://www.zessio.com. Did you find this information helpful? Support our work here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2177169/support

    53 min
  2. Ep. 31 - Untangling Mother-Daugher Relationships

    JUL 25

    Ep. 31 - Untangling Mother-Daugher Relationships

    🎙️ Zessions Podcast: "Untangling Mother-Daughter Dynamics"  Guest: Erica Thomas, LCSW – Founder of Vita Nova Mother-Daughter Coaching Mother-daughter relationships can be deeply loving, fiercely complicated, and rich with opportunity for healing — across generations. In this episode, we sit down with therapist and expert Erica Thomas to explore the core dynamics that shape these bonds over time. Whether you’re a therapist, a mom, a daughter — or all of the above — this conversation is full of insight, compassion, and clarity. In this episode, we cover: Why mother-daughter relationships are so emotionally charged — and powerfulThe interplay of autonomy, identity, and generational patternsWhat happens when boundaries are misunderstood or unmetHow cultural expectations shape motherhood — and what it means to redefine your roleWays to hold space for emotional reality without needing to “be right”How daughters can do healing work even when mom isn’t in the roomWhy tending to the whole woman — not just the “mom” — benefits everyoneTakeaways you'll carry with you: "When emotionally starved women raise emotionally starved women, the cycle continues. But when we breathe life into all parts of ourselves, we raise daughters who know how to do the same." Meet the Guest: Erica Thomas, LCSW, is the founder of Vita Nova Counseling and Vita Nova Mother-Daughter Coaching. Based just outside of Austin, she brings over 20 years of experience helping families, teen girls, and adult women deepen their self-understanding and heal intergenerational wounds. She also trains other clinicians in the mother-daughter attachment model. 🔗 Connect with Erica: Vita Nova Counseling IG: @vita.nova.counseling LinkedIn: Erica G. Thomas ✨ Enjoyed this conversation?  Leave us a review, follow @myzessio, and share with someone navigating mother-daughter dynamics. And don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more therapist-created insights and resources. Support the show Connect with us on Instagram @myzessio or visit our website: https://www.zessio.com. Did you find this information helpful? Support our work here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2177169/support

    1h 6m
  3. Ep. 30 - Let's Talk About (Talking About) Sex

    JUN 27

    Ep. 30 - Let's Talk About (Talking About) Sex

    🎙️ Zessions Episode: Let’s Talk About Talking About Sex Sex is everywhere — except in the conversations we actually have. Why is that? In this episode of Zessions, we sit down with Zessio Partner and sex therapist Jess Worthington, LMFT, to explore why talking about sex is so hard — and how we can start doing it better. From early childhood messaging to religious shame, from performance anxiety to partnership pressure, we unpack it all. Together, we explore: Why most of us were never taught how to talk about sex — and why that mattersHow childhood messages shape our adult sexual communicationWhat to do when desire feels mismatched or intimacy gets stuckA real-life case study on rebuilding sexual connection without focusing on intercoursePlayful, affirming ways to reintroduce pleasure, curiosity, and consent into the conversationThe link between emotional safety and sexual satisfactionHow to start sex talks that don’t feel heavy, critical, or awkward Whether you're a clinician supporting couples or someone navigating your own relationship, this conversation will help you rethink what it means to be intimate — and how to talk about it, on purpose. 💡 Featured resources: Come As You Are, by Emily NagoskiHow to Have the Best Fight of Your Life by Jess Worthington & Lindley Gentile OMGYes.com Mojo Upgrade quiz: https://mojoupgrade.com/BEDucated - https://beducated.com/ Shameless Parenting, by Dr. Tina Schermer SellersIt’s Not the Stork, By Robie H. Harris and Michael Emberley 🔗 Connect with Jess:  Instagram @JessWorthingtonATX jessicaworthingtoncounseling.com | https://www.austincouplesconcierge.com/ Support the show Connect with us on Instagram @myzessio or visit our website: https://www.zessio.com. Did you find this information helpful? Support our work here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2177169/support

    55 min
  4. Ep. 29 - Dating with Intention: Becoming the Partner You Seek

    MAY 30

    Ep. 29 - Dating with Intention: Becoming the Partner You Seek

    Dating with Intention: Becoming the Partner You Seek Episode Summary: In this lively and insightful conversation, co-hosts (and Zessio Co-Founders) Mandi Roarke, LMFT, and Dr. Sapna Srivastava welcome special guest Dr. Sarah Kyle—licensed therapist, dating coach, and co-host of the podcast Dateable AF. Together, they dive into the complexities of dating with intention, building self-awareness, and becoming "relationship ready." Drawing from both clinical expertise and real-life experiences, they explore how internal work, nervous system awareness, character discernment, and authentic communication can all shape healthier dating experiences—and ultimately lead to more fulfilling relationships. Key Topics Discussed: What it means to "date with intention" How to become the partner you’re seeking Decoding nervous system cues: butterflies, anxiety, and green flags The difference between chemistry and character The myth of the "perfect partner" and avoiding settling out of fatigue Redefining your dating "list": what’s truly a dealbreaker vs. a preference Recognizing limerence (infatuation) vs. sustainable love Building self-trust after heartbreak or bad relationships The power of maintaining friendship and kindness in long-term relationships Why growth is a lifelong, spiraling process—not a final destination Actionable ways to "do the work" outside of therapy Why being your authentic self is the ultimate dating strategy Resources Mentioned: Book: You Are the One You’ve Been Waiting For by Dr. Richard Schwartz (IFS founder) Book: Mating in Captivity by Esther Perel Book: Wired for Dating by Stan Tatkin Concepts: Spiral staircase of growth, sound relationship house by John Gottman, the importance of kindness and generosity in maintaining connection Guest Links: Website:  www.sarahkyle.com Podcast: Dateable AF (available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more) Dateability Assessment & Resources: getdateable.com Connect with Zessio: Instagram: @myzessio Website & Resources: zessio.com If you enjoyed this episode: Please rate, review, and subscribe! Sharing helps more people find our content and supports us in continuing to create conversations that uplift, empower, and connect. Thank you for being part of the Zessions community! Support the show Connect with us on Instagram @myzessio or visit our website: https://www.zessio.com. Did you find this information helpful? Support our work here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2177169/support

    1h 5m
  5. Ep. 28 - The Sound of Healing

    APR 25

    Ep. 28 - The Sound of Healing

    What happens when rhythm, resonance, and psychotherapy meet on the same frequency? In episode 28 of the Zessions Podcast, we sit down with Dave Braham, MS, LMFT-S, a trauma-informed psychotherapist whose work lives at the intersection of healing, performance, and creative expression. As the founder of Sound Mind Austin, Dave is redefining how we understand and integrate sound into therapeutic work. With advanced training in EMDR, clinical hypnosis, and somatic mindfulness, Dave shares how sound isn’t just something we hear — it’s something we feel. We explore how he uses rhythm, music, and sound-based interventions to support trauma recovery, nervous system regulation, peak performance, and connection in couples and family systems. Whether you're a clinician, creative, or simply curious about the science and soul of healing through sound, this conversation will tune you into new ways of listening — and healing. In this episode, we explore: How Dave’s background in music and psychotherapy laid the foundation for his integrative practice The science behind sound healing: entrainment, resonance, and nervous system regulation Using rhythm in experiential modalities like hypnosis and narrative therapy Sound as a communication tool in couples and family therapy How somatic sound therapy can support trauma recovery and emotional depth About Our Guest: Dave Braham, MS, LMFT-S, is a licensed psychotherapist, educator, and founder of Sound Mind Austin, a practice dedicated to supporting the mental health of musicians and music industry professionals. He brings over two decades of experience to his work, blending traditional and experiential therapies with creativity, rhythm, and sound. Dave is passionate about expanding access, reducing stigma, and creating sustainable healing practices that resonate. How to Find Dave: Website: https://soundmindaustin.com/ IG/Facebook: @soundmindaustin Like what you hear? Follow @myzessio on IG, TikTok, and YouTube for more Zessions content Explore mental health resources created by clinicians at zessio.com Like, follow, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform to help others discover Zessions Note: Internal Family Systems (IFS) was referenced several times in this episode and we want to provide a quick definition of IFS: What is Internal Family Systems (IFS)? Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a therapeutic model that views the mind as made up of distinct "parts," each with its own voice, role, and perspective. These parts — such as inner critics, protectors, or wounded inner children — form a kind of internal family. At the core of each person is the Self, a calm, compassionate, and curious inner leader who can help heal and harmonize these parts. IFS helps people build awareness of their internal system, understand the purpose behind their parts’ behaviors, and work toward greater inner balance, self-leadership, and emotional healing. Support the show Connect with us on Instagram @myzessio or visit our website: https://www.zessio.com. Did you find this information helpful? Support our work here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2177169/support

    1h 21m
  6. MAR 28

    Ep. 27 - Preparing for Marriage & Long-Term Relationships

    What does it really mean to prepare for marriage or a long-term relationship? In  Zessions episode 27, we explore the different phases of commitment, emphasizing that preparation isn’t tied to a specific timeline—it’s about aligning goals, values, and expectations for the future. Whether a couple is a few months in or years together, these conversations help build a strong foundation. Key Discussion Points: Defining "preparing for marriage" – It’s not just about wedding planning but about long-term relationship growth. Relationship phases & timing – When is the right time to start these conversations? (Hint: It depends on the couple!) A proactive approach – How reflecting on the past, engaging in the present, and planning for the future strengthens relationships. Beyond the religious context – While pre-marital counseling often has a religious connotation, this discussion applies broadly to all couples. Essential Topics for Relationship Readiness: This episode breaks down key relational areas couples should address: Relationship origin story – Understanding how your journey began.  Family & History – How past experiences shape relationships. Values – Where personal, cultural, and spiritual beliefs fit in. Finances – Splitting expenses, financial goals, and money mindset.  Intimacy – Emotional and physical connection.  Home & lifestyle – Living preferences and shared responsibilities.  Conflict & communication – Navigating disagreements productively. Future planning – Aligning visions for life together. Takeaway: Relationships require ongoing adjustments, and many changes often happen at once! This episode helps couples build awareness and set intentional foundations for a healthy, lasting partnership. Listen now to start the conversation about your future together!  For more support, check out Mandi’s Zessio Marriage Prep Course:  https://zessio.com/product/marriage-prep/ Support the show Connect with us on Instagram @myzessio or visit our website: https://www.zessio.com. Did you find this information helpful? Support our work here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2177169/support

    1h 3m

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

In Zessions, clinicians discuss a mental health challenge and talk through the way they would process it with clients and how they would aim to help. Just as change can take place during a therapy session by hearing things you’ve never considered, new meaning can be found by hearing how others consider and work through a commonly shared problem.