The Couch Next Door

Season 6: The RECAP (with Jason Fraser)

It’s a recap full of warmth, wit, and real talk—the perfect blend of heartfelt reflection and light-hearted banter. Grab your headphones and join Jason and I as we toast to an unforgettable season and gear up for whatever comes next. We unpacked mental health journeys, home reno chaos, creative ownership in the age of AI, AND highlights of this season!  BUT kept it fun, light, and delightfully all over the place. Huge love to our guests, our listeners, and every intentional conversation that made Season Six what it was.  I'd love to hear from you! Send a message to the show about the show. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285228/fan_mail/new] Follow me on Instagram: @candicefraserlpc [https://www.instagram.com/candicefraserlpc/] Find me on Substack: candice512.substack.com [https://candice512.substack.com/]

Between Belief & Betrayal: Understanding Spiritual Abuse & Religious Trauma (with Christi Garner-Bragg, LMSW)

Christi Garner-Bragg an advocate for justice in various spaces including Louder than Silence [https://www.louderthansilence.org/] & Sacred Wilderness [https://www.sacredwilderness.org/] to discuss the complexities of religious trauma and spiritual abuse. We discuss the challenges individuals face when their faith is intertwined with harmful experiences, the importance of community support, and the need for curiosity in the healing journey.  Find Christi: @christi.lmsw.emdr [https://www.instagram.com/christi.lmsw.emdr/] @mindwell.therapy [https://www.instagram.com/mindwell.therapy/?hl=en] @louderthansilenceorg  [https://www.instagram.com/louderthansilenceorg/?hl=en] @bbtbpod [https://www.instagram.com/bbtbpod/?hl=en] SPARC [https://www.stalkingawareness.org/] Book Recs [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rQg-NkZG9RQlbA9cDjDVzLcliBHnyIwa2DZBS3c9dZY/edit?tab=t.0] (There were too many, I created a Google Doc so not to leave any off the list!) Other Podcasts/Resources: Bodies Behind the Bus [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bodies-behind-the-bus/id1601586078] The Rise & Fall of Mars Hill [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-rise-and-fall-of-mars-hill/id1569401963] The Roys Report [https://julieroys.com/podcast/] Religion on the Mind [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/religion-on-the-mind/id1448000113] Faith Adjacent [https://faithadjacent.com/] The Couch Next Door: Untangling Faith [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/6-untangling-faith-donna-looper/id1686964560?i=1000631073109] Cult Expert, Steven Hassan [https://freedomofmind.com/] I'd love to hear from you! Send a message to the show about the show. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285228/fan_mail/new] Follow me on Instagram: @candicefraserlpc [https://www.instagram.com/candicefraserlpc/] Find me on Substack: candice512.substack.com [https://candice512.substack.com/]

Navigating Pet Loss: Anticipatory Grief & the Power of Continuing Bonds (with Beth Bigler)

In this deeply compassionate conversation, Candice Fraser sits down with Beth Bigler, a pet loss grief counselor, to explore the often overlooked and misunderstood world of pet loss and anticipatory grief. Beth opens up about her personal journey into this work and the profound, unique bond humans share with their animals—one that often rivals or surpasses our human relationships. Together, we unpack the emotional terrain of anticipatory grief, the distress that accompanies knowing a beloved pet’s time is limited, and the complicated feelings—especially guilt—that frequently arise both before and after loss. Connect with Beth: Honoring Our Animals [https://honoringouranimals.com/] @honoringouranimals [https://www.instagram.com/honoringouranimals/] Beth's Book: Honoring Our Animals [https://www.amazon.com/Honoring-Our-Animals-Meditations-Healing/dp/1577155149/ref=sr_1_1?adgrpid=181574026210&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Dk1oTxgXkDadNQbby1GJ3MgcLwXqlx6UBnOe_gl-FiXGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.PXrvc7X2hwYIDapQyMRvIfaeJ-rNkWO1ecFo7W2UhUk&dib_tag=se&hvadid=779664909788&hvdev=c&hvexpln=0&hvlocphy=9028237&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=13487658537099743436--&hvqmt=e&hvrand=13487658537099743436&hvtargid=kwd-2424626230785&hydadcr=22593_13730688_8237&keywords=honoring+our+animals+beth+bigler&mcid=befd5fb9f5de3af589791bbd7fe5919f&qid=1764168599&sr=8-1] Other recommended books:  The Grieving Brain [https://www.amazon.com/Grieving-Brain-Surprising-Science-Learn/dp/0062946242/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2DFSF1RT2ZGL1&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.CN-8VrvZRfJqDivZRZX3du1bzGiUQIrE7LaXEKmRHvXof-9IopRTG7JcZi4cKzLZmGVyH8US6ekhF6baXMryvGb2e4GJV_8YWhHBobMBZmWlKJ-WcR9GfSmkoxSGXKKxoEvPge0mFJHwjFPui3-k8A.qBwjc0Eu8xzkJAeIl_QSnGOyvB3gpdktvxCbrXYMcgo&dib_tag=se&keywords=The+Grieving+Brain+%28O%27Connor&qid=1764168644&sprefix=the+grieving+brain+o%27connor%2Caps%2C243&sr=8-1] The Grieving Body [https://www.amazon.com/Grieving-Body-Stress-Opportunity-Healing/dp/B0D4B2SFYW/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2DFSF1RT2ZGL1&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.CN-8VrvZRfJqDivZRZX3du1bzGiUQIrE7LaXEKmRHvXof-9IopRTG7JcZi4cKzLZmGVyH8US6ekhF6baXMryvGb2e4GJV_8YWhHBobMBZmWlKJ-WcR9GfSmkoxSGXKKxoEvPge0mFJHwjFPui3-k8A.qBwjc0Eu8xzkJAeIl_QSnGOyvB3gpdktvxCbrXYMcgo&dib_tag=se&keywords=The+Grieving+Brain+%28O%27Connor&qid=1764168644&sprefix=the+grieving+brain+o%27connor%2Caps%2C243&sr=8-2] Self Compassion [https://www.amazon.com/Self-Compassion-Kristin-Neff-audiobook/dp/B005SA69UM/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3PXJB0NTBQ4LR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.QT5hm25OIgbpYfDkwsbVpBOKfFrDWQQMSV0poghK8wfuEzsgWgpi6sPpRERInW0g9YH7F-65coRWlpGJqrnx9LINxSn-IaqXFFRLzD4QM23ixp3YeujilRw4ufJ_hYb-5ir5fOcpI9WDNSSnI7oLbHMrQ7aXlnFacWKkGSkMmNYIdlrHRdKtwe1p4dmjcCr0.lmF6-5tyhUBvCHMexNkAmitRJbsmPlZHfqYphQ97Rsg&dib_tag=se&keywords=self+compassion+neff&qid=1764168721&s=audible&sprefix=self+compassion+nef%2Caudible%2C146&sr=1-1] Signs [https://www.amazon.com/Signs-Laura-Lynne-Jackson-audiobook/dp/B07S7F5HPX/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1Y4G77POME5N4&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.nF6bg7qbxJaPGR3SIzyEiPLax6BLpVb-59DmrUzXeo5WFo-hFIhHoWBgtA6_vtsuZDHy3SxFzyq4Ao2OpYcxV-8H4o6prs0Jwn6t8qa2rlexRAiLX2lAvNn6zQt-IeiewGXZXWosjEKvrjbvP_MCUQ.GJvsoNIYgveP0dVAlRVTWTQmnYqCYrvJfyoNVa7jX7E&dib_tag=se&keywords=signs+jackson&qid=1764168758&s=audible&sprefix=signs+jackson%2Caudible%2C123&sr=1-1] I'd love to hear from you! Send a message to the show about the show. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285228/fan_mail/new] Follow me on Instagram: @candicefraserlpc [https://www.instagram.com/candicefraserlpc/] Find me on Substack: candice512.substack.com [https://candice512.substack.com/]

Purpose, Mindfulness, & a Little Glam: Creating an Inspired Work Life (with Tona Restine)

In this inspiring and insightful conversation, my friend in real life joins me! Life and business coach Tona Restine is here! We explore the power of purpose, mindfulness, and intentionality in work life.  Tona introduces us to the concept of “Glam to the Grind,” discussing how we can elevate our daily routines, create a special work environment, and establish healthy boundaries between work and home life. Overall it's a super fun episode! Life Imagined [https://lifeimagined.info/] (Tona's Website)  @tonarestine [https://www.instagram.com/tonarestine/] Recommended Reading [https://docs.google.com/document/d/14Ud8jnzapN-L1jO-phMfzpZGkUc5330x3xD1c75bUC4/edit?usp=sharing]  Related Episodes to further your listening: Quick Check- In: Values episode [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285228/episodes/14959248] Worth Ethos: Rethinking Burnout, Passion, & Team Dynamics [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285228/episodes/18006893] Integrating Life Coaching & Therapy  [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285228/episodes/15722692] I'd love to hear from you! Send a message to the show about the show. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285228/fan_mail/new] Follow me on Instagram: @candicefraserlpc [https://www.instagram.com/candicefraserlpc/] Find me on Substack: candice512.substack.com [https://candice512.substack.com/]

True Partner Intimacy: Building Trust, Safety, & Connection (with Matthew & Joanna Raabsmith)

In this insightful conversation, I chat with Joanna and Matthew Raabsmith, relationship coaches dedicated to helping couples deepen intimacy and strengthen connection. Together, they explore the foundations of lasting relationships—honesty, safety, shared adventure, and mutual growth. The Raabsmiths introduce their Intimacy Pyramid, a framework that maps out the essential steps toward achieving true intimacy. They emphasize that intimacy extends far beyond the physical—it’s built through emotional honesty, trust, and consistent effort. Listeners will learn about the transformative power of daily check-ins, how individual growth plays a part in your relationship, and why play, shared goals, and small daily choices are crucial to keeping love alive. True intimacy is not accidental—it’s a daily practice rooted in honesty, safety, and shared commitment. Joanna and Matthew are authentic speakers on the topic of relationships and intimacy and some of the memories they share I hope will remind you to notice the ways silly moments in our relationships can create connection for years to come.  Follow: @theraabsmithteam  [https://www.instagram.com/theraabsmithteam/?hl=en] The Raabsmith Team website [https://raabsmithteam.com/] HONEST check in: https://raabsmithteam.com/free [https://raabsmithteam.com/free] Get their book:  Building True Intimacy: Creating a Connection That Stands the Test of Time by Matthew & Joanna Raabsmith and Dan Drake [https://www.amazon.com/Building-True-Intimacy-Creating-connection/dp/B0C2RX95WN] Other recommended reading: Intimate Deception: Healing the Wounds of Sexual Betrayal by Dr. Sheri Keffer [https://www.amazon.com/Intimate-Deception-Healing-Wounds-Betrayal/dp/0800729129] Healing the Wounds of Sexual Addiction: Discover the Practical and Spiritual Steps to Lasting Recovery by Dr. Mark Laaser  [https://www.amazon.com/Healing-Wounds-Sexual-Addiction-Laaser/dp/0310256577] Additional Resources on the topic: Dr. Sue Johnson [https://drsuejohnson.com/] Attachment theory [https://www.attachmentproject.com/] The Gottmans [https://www.gottman.com/] The Couch Next Door episodes: Couple’s Therapy  [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285228/episodes/16114713] Betrayal Trauma [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285228/episodes/14092134] I'd love to hear from you! Send a message to the show about the show. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285228/fan_mail/new] Follow me on Instagram: @candicefraserlpc [https://www.instagram.com/candicefraserlpc/] Find me on Substack: candice512.substack.com [https://candice512.substack.com/]