Outside of Session

Carrying the Mental Load: The Invisible Weight of Family Life

Ever feel like you're the one keeping track of everything—appointments, grocery lists, school events, and that one sock no one can seem to find? In this episode, I sat down with maternal mental health expert, Stephanie Landrum, to talk about the mental load—the often invisible, exhausting responsibility of managing a household and family life. We’ll explore why this burden tends to fall unevenly, how it impacts mental health, and most importantly, what we can do about it. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed or looking for ways to redistribute the load, this conversation is for you. About today's guest:  Stephanie Landrum is a licensed professional counselor in the state of Georgia and a national certified counselor. She is the owner of Mind in Bloom Counseling in the Metro Atlanta area and has been practicing for over a decade. She specializes in work with clients who struggle with anxiety disorders, OCD, stress and burnout, life transitions, self-esteem and perfectionism. Stephanie also enjoys working with college students, young adults, and high-achieving professionals.  She has extensive training in perinatal mental health and enjoys helping parents at all stages of life. She is currently the mental health advisor for the NICU Parent Club, which is a non-profit organization in South Metro Atlanta helping to support the parents during and after a NICU stay. She also provides consultation and assessments for local parents through the Community Action for Improvement and Head Start programs in several Metro Atlanta counties. Stephanie provides consultation services for both licensed therapists as well as community and corporate programs. Get in touch: Website: www.mindinbloomcounseling.com [http://www.mindinbloomcounseling.com/] Instagram: @mindinbloomcounseling

Building Your Anxiety Toolkit

This week on Outside of Session, Julie is diving into her Top 10 Tips for managing anxiety. Whether you're facing daily stress or moments of overwhelming worry, these practical tools can help you take control. From grounding techniques to breathing exercises, you'll learn how to build your own anxiety toolkit to use whenever you need it. Join Julie as she shares effective strategies for finding calm, improving mental clarity, and navigating anxious moments with confidence.

Integrative and Holistic Psychiatry

This week on Outside of Session, we’re tackling an incredibly important topic: the intersection of psychiatry and mental health. Joining me is Dr Ata, a board-certified psychiatrist, as we explore how psychiatry fits into the bigger picture of healing, break down common misconceptions, and discuss how medication and therapy can work hand-in-hand.  In this episode, we’ll break down what holistic psychiatry is, how it differs from conventional approaches, and why more people are turning to this integrative method. What happens when we look beyond traditional prescriptions and start considering the whole person—their lifestyle, diet, sleep, and even spiritual well-being? Holistic psychiatry seeks to connect those dots, aiming to treat the mind, body, and soul together. About today's guest: Dr. Ata is a psychiatrist currently based in Georgia whose goal is to provide a holistic approach to treating mental health. After completing his residency training in General Psychiatry in Texas through  Texas Institute for Graduate Medical Education and Research (TIGMER), he has moved to Georgia and  currently holds an adjunct faculty appointment with the Augusta University/UGA Medical Partnership and also is an attending psychiatrist providing education and training to current residents. Dr. Ata has extensive training in treating all mental health paying specific attention to holistic/integra psychiatry. Holistic psychiatry is a mental health treatment approach that focuses on the patient as a whole, not just their symptoms. Holistic psychiatrists consider a patient’s physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being. He has a special interest in mood and anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorders, ADHD, OCD, integrative medicine. Connect with Dr. Ata: https://www.instagram.com/altumpsychiatry/# https://altumpsychiatry.com/

Couples Counseling 101

In this episode, we dive into what it truly takes to build and maintain a successful relationship, with a special focus on how couples counseling can play a pivotal role. With couples expert, Allison Caffyn, we explore essential components like effective communication, emotional vulnerability, trust-building, and conflict resolution. Our discussion highlights the tools and strategies that therapists use to help couples understand each other’s needs and navigate life’s challenges together. Whether you're seeking ways to strengthen your relationship or simply curious about the dynamics of long-lasting partnerships, this episode offers valuable insights into creating a resilient and fulfilling relationship. About Allison: Allison Caffyn is a senior psychotherapist with over 25 years of experience. She specializes in body-centered psychotherapy and couples therapy. She has extensive couples training in the Gottman method, Terry Reals' real-life therapy, and Sue Johnson’s emotionally focused therapy. For Allison, couples work is a highly personal passion stemming from her struggles with intimacy and difficulties she experienced in her 36-year partnership with her husband, Wayne. Her passion is helping couples discover the joy of deep intimacy, safe connection, and relational equity in long-term partnerships.  Connect: https://www.thecouplescollege.com/allie-caffyn/ info@thecouplescollege.com

Deconstructing Evangelicalism & Mental Health

In this week's episode, Julie sits down with Liz Mall, host of the podcast Deconstructing the Myth, to discuss how religious trauma, church hurt, and deconstructing evangelicalism impacts mental health. We explore how deeply ingrained teachings can shape identity, self-worth, and emotional well-being, and discuss the challenges and breakthroughs people experience as they begin to question and redefine their faith. Liz also shares strategies for protecting your peace, healing, and finding hope along the way.  About today's guest: Liz is the host of Deconstructing the Myth, and holds a M.A. in Christian Apologetics. Connect with Liz: Instagram: @deconstructingthemyth Support DTM's work! Patreon- Patreon.com/deconstructingthemythPatreon-Patreon.com/deconstructingthemyth