Friends Living Well

Friends Living Well Podcast 034: Relationships in Movies & Reality TV

This might be our longest episode yet- and we had so much fun recording it.In this episode, Kelsey and Nikita dive into the relationship dynamics we've been shown through movies, television, pop culture, and how those messages may have shaped what many of us thought love was supposed to look like.We take a closer look at classics like The Notebook, Fifty Shades of Grey, and Wuthering Heights, exploring the unrealistic, unhealthy, and sometimes problematic relationship dynamics they portray. We talk about the difference between intense emotions and actual emotional safety, and why many people have been taught to mistake one for the other.We also revisit one of Nikita's favorite childhood movies, Drop Dead Fred, through an Internal Family Systems (IFS) lens. What starts as a nostalgic movie discussion turns into a surprisingly meaningful conversation about parts work, coping, healing, and how some of Nikita's therapeutic approaches may have been hiding in plain sight since childhood.And because we couldn't resist, we spend a good chunk of time breaking down the couples from Love Is Blind Season 10 (Ohio). From communication patterns to red flags, green flags, and everything in between, Kelsey and Nikita share their thoughts, reactions, and plenty of laughs along the way.One of the themes woven throughout this episode is that many people don't grow up with consistent examples of healthy relationships. For some of us, movies, books, and television became our reference points. As adults, we're often left sorting through those messages and redefining what healthy love, connection, and partnership actually look and feel like.This is our first episode incorporating TikToks and video clips into the discussion, and we were very much learning as we went! You may notice a little lag and a few video cuts during the first half of the episode while we figured out all of the fun new technology. Thank you for your patience as we continue to grow, experiment, and get better at this whole podcasting thing.As always, this podcast is not therapy and is not a replacement for therapy. Friends Living Well is simply two friends having conversations, sharing perspectives, laughing together, and offering commentary on the movies, shows, and relationship dynamics that capture our attention.Grab a drink, get comfortable, and join us for a fun, thoughtful, and sometimes surprising conversation about love, relationships, and the stories we've been told about both.We end the episode by sharing a few of our favorite resources for anyone wanting to continue exploring these topics. We recommend Esther Perel's Where Should We Begin? and The Sex That Changed My Life hosted by Laura Roscioli- two podcasts that offer fascinating, honest, and deeply human conversations about relationships, intimacy, connection, and personal growth. You can find us at: FullLivingWellness.com

Friends Living Well Podcast 033: Dani Castejon and Nikita Mahon

More Human Than Mysterious. In this episode of Friends Living Well, we sit down with therapist Dani Catejon of Full Living Wellness for a conversation about the deeply human side of therapy, healing, and growth. Together, we explore what brought Dani into the field, what keeps her passionate about the work after 8 years as a therapist, and what we’ve both learned through our combined years of sitting with people in some of the most vulnerable, painful, transformative moments of their lives. Throughout this episode, we talk about post-traumatic growth, resilience, and the incredible capacity human beings have to adapt, heal, and continue becoming. We reflect on our experiences working with survivors of domestic violence, immigrant populations navigating immense uncertainty and transition, and older adults who continuously remind us that it is truly never too late to heal, grow, reconnect with yourself, or become whatever it is you need to be. This conversation is honest, grounding, emotional, and full of the kinds of reflections that remind us why human connection matters so much. Whether you’re someone currently in therapy, considering beginning your own healing journey, or simply interested in understanding people more deeply, we hope this episode leaves you feeling seen, hopeful, and connected to the reality that growth remains possible at every stage of life. Disclaimer: This podcast episode is intended for educational and conversational purposes only and is not a substitute for therapy, mental health treatment, medical advice, or crisis services. While we discuss therapeutic concepts, personal growth, trauma, and healing experiences, this conversation does not establish a therapist-client relationship. Please seek support from a licensed professional or emergency services if you are in need of individualized care or immediate support. You can find Dani at: FullLivingWellness.com

Who’s Supervising the Supervisors? | Why Clinical Supervision Matters More Than Ever

This week, Kelsey and Nikita sit down to talk all things clinical supervision- what it is, why it matters, and why the quality of supervision can have such a lasting impact on developing clinicians. As conversations continue to grow around training standards, board exam pass rates, and the preparedness of upcoming professionals, we wanted to have an honest discussion about the role supervision plays in shaping confidence, competence, ethical care, and professional identity. Kelsey shares her perspective from the ABA/BCBA world, including recent shifts within the field and changes surrounding supervision practices and skill-building expectations. We also explore different approaches to supervision, including the relational approach that both of us deeply value in our work, mentorship, and personal lives. We talk about: ✨ What supervision actually looks like in practice✨ The supervisor-supervisee relationship✨ Growth, support, accountability, and empowerment✨ Why supervision should be more than “checking boxes”✨ Helping clinicians build confidence instead of fear✨ Kelsey’s evolving supervision model and philosophy✨ The importance of feeling safe enough to learn, ask questions, and grow Supervision is something we are both incredibly passionate about, and honestly, one of the biggest reasons we each gravitated toward the work we do today. Whether you’re a therapist, BCBA, student, supervisee, future clinician, or someone curious about what happens behind the scenes of helping professions- we hope this conversation offers validation, insight, and encouragement. 🤍 Visit us at: Fulllivingwellness.com [Fulllivingwellness.com] #ClinicalSupervision #BCBA #ABA #Therapist #MentalHealth #BehaviorAnalysis #Supervision #ClinicalGrowth #TherapistLife #FriendsLivingWell #PrivatePractice #RelationalTherapy #ClinicalSupport Disclaimer: This is a casual conversation amongst two friends who happen to be clinicians. This podcast episode is not therapy, clinical supervision, behavioral consultation, or a replacement for treatment/services thereof. If you are seeking support, supervision, or mental health services, we encourage you to connect with a qualified provider that fits your needs.

Friends Living Well Podcast 031: Founding Mothers, Therapy Skills That Built Our Business

In this episode, Founding Mothers, Ashleigh and Nikita take you behind the scenes of what it really looks like to be both therapists and business partners. We share our journey from individual clinicians to co-founders of Full Living Wellness, and why we- chose partnership over building solo practices. We get honest about the challenges that come with that decision- navigating tension, making big decisions together, and learning how to show up for each other not just as professionals, but as people. Along the way, we break down the relationship skills that have been essential to making our partnership work: staying grounded in shared values, practicing mutual respect, giving each other the benefit of the doubt, and communicating openly using “I” statements and emotionally focused (EFT-informed) approaches. We also talk about repair- what it actually looks like to move through conflict and come out stronger on the other side. This conversation connects directly to the work we care deeply about, including the Human Connection Support Group at Full Living Wellness, where these same principles are explored in a supportive, real-world way. We also touch on something many clients don’t fully understand: what it means to be an out-of-network practice. We break down how superbilling and reimbursement work, and how we strive to make therapy more accessible through options like sliding scale and collaborative financial planning. Our goal is always to center autonomy- supporting clients in choosing how, where, and with whom they receive care. Disclaimer: This episode is a casual conversation intended for informational and reflective purposes only. It is not mental health advice and is not a substitute for therapy or professional services.

Episode 30: From First Impressions to Forever Friendship

In this episode, Kelsey and Nikita reflect on five meaningful questions about their friendship- exploring everything from their first impressions of one another to how they intentionally built a relationship grounded in trust, honesty, and care. Along the way, they share stories about how their bond deepened over time, the places they dream of traveling together, and the little things that make their friendship uniquely theirs (including oil paintings and a nod to Missy Elliott). Expect insight, nostalgia, and plenty of laughter. At its core, this episode is a reminder that community doesn’t just happen- it’s built with compassion, intention, and acceptance. Our friendship exists because we chose to create something rooted in safety, growth, and mutual support as women. We’re so grateful to have you along for this journey with us. Disclaimer: This episode is a casual conversation and is not a substitute for mental health treatment, therapy, or clinical advice. About the Podcast:This podcast is a production of Full Living Wellness, offering individual, couples, and family therapy, as well as clinical supervision toward licensure. Learn more at fulllivingwellness.com