A Therapist and Her Inner Circle

Healing People Pleasing & Becoming Your Authentic Self w/ Courtney Buchanan

In this episode of A Therapist and Her Inner Circle, I sit down with Courtney Buchanan for an honest conversation about identity, people-pleasing, authenticity, and the long road to healing. Courtney shares how years of therapy and intentional inner work helped her move from surviving to truly thriving — learning to stop performing for acceptance and begin living more fully as herself. Together, we explore: • Childhood roles and early attachment patterns • How people pleasing develops • The fear of disappointing others • What it means to become unapologetically authentic • The grief that can come with personal growth • Boundaries, relationships, and self-trust • How therapy helps us reconnect with who we truly are This conversation is for anyone who has ever felt like they had to shrink themselves to belong, stay quiet to keep the peace, or become who others expected them to be. Courtney speaks vulnerably about the emotional work of healing, unlearning old narratives, and discovering that authenticity does not have to cost you your worth. Whether you are in therapy, considering therapy, or simply trying to understand yourself more deeply, this episode offers a compassionate and hopeful conversation about healing, self-acceptance, and becoming fully yourself. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not therapy or medical advice.

The Wounds We Carry, The Work We Do

In this episode, I sat down with another therapist for a conversation that felt honest, reflective, educational, and deeply human. We talked about our different journeys into the therapy field, what shaped us personally before we ever became clinicians, and how our own life experiences continue to influence the way we show up in the therapy room. One part of the conversation explored her experience with religious trauma and the process of untangling identity, fear, shame, and authenticity after growing up in a high-control religious environment. We also discussed OCD, how it differs from generalized anxiety, why reassurance can unintentionally strengthen obsessive cycles, and what treatment often focuses on instead. And throughout the conversation, we touched on Internal Family Systems (IFS), protective parts, self-understanding, and the ways people learn to reconnect with themselves after years of adapting for survival. You can find Josie McClard, MS at ATL Trauma Therapy. She works with adults, young adults, teens, and couples navigating OCD, trauma (including religious and complex trauma), LGBTQIA+ identity, neurodivergence, and relational challenges.

Emotions, Needs, Boundaries & Growth: A 10 Episode Podcast Check-In

Ten episodes in and I’m taking a minute to pause, reflect, and check in. In this short solo episode, I share where I am in the podcast journey, what I’m learning, and where I hope to take it next. I also spend some time talking through the real-life overlap of emotions, needs, expectations, and boundaries—how they show up in our relationships and why they can feel so hard to untangle. This one is a little more off-the-cuff, a little more personal, and an open invitation for you to be part of what this becomes. I’d love your feedback as the podcast continues to grow. As always, I would love your feedback. Share your thoughts, episode ideas, and topics you'd like to hear about. You can leave a comment or email me at aven@keycounselingatl.com. Hey, maybe YOU can be my next guest.

Love Across Cultures: Navigating Race, Identity & Real Couple Dynamics

What happens when two people from different cultures come together—and how does that shape the way they experience the world, and each other? In this episode of A Therapist and Her Inner Circle, I’m joined by Josh and Sarah—musicians, partners, and friends—for a really honest and layered conversation about navigating a cross-cultural relationship. We explore what it’s like to move between different cultural lenses, including a powerful discussion on race, the lived reality of racism in America, and how it contrasts with Sarah’s experience growing up in Denmark. We also bring it back to the everyday moments that make relationships real—like the little pet peeves that show up in even the healthiest partnerships, and how couples can navigate those without losing connection. This episode is both meaningful and personal for me—it’s my first time having a couple on the podcast, and having Josh and Sarah contribute the music for the show makes it even more special. If you’ve ever been in a relationship where differences felt hard to navigate—or deeply meaningful—this conversation will resonate. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for therapy, diagnosis, or medical advice. Listening does not establish a therapeutic relationship. You can find Sarah on Spotify by searching Sarah West. Below you can find Josh's Discography - all of the songs he has been a part of in some way, whether that's playing or producing. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/40AtrCsc54eBk45Uerc7an?si=ux8o3VboSDqVdlZh6OV9kw

Cousins & Friendship: Motherhood, Identity & Life Transitions

In this episode, I’m joined by my cousin, Halee, someone who has known me through so many seasons of life—for a real and honest conversation about how we grow, change, and stay connected along the way. We talk about what it was like growing up together six years apart, how our bond evolved into a true friendship, and the role our shared experiences have played in shaping who we are today. From traveling through Europe together to stepping into completely different life seasons, we reflect on how those moments quietly shaped our identities more than we realized at the time. We also explore her transition into motherhood, the emotional and identity shifts that come with it, and what it’s really like choosing to stay home in a world that often measures worth by productivity. This conversation holds space for both the beauty and the complexity of change—what we gain, what we let go of, and what remains at our core. Even though our lives look different today, this episode is a reminder that connection, shared values, and deep relationships can evolve without breaking. If you’re navigating a season of change, identity shifts, or redefining what fulfillment looks like for you, this one is for you. I’d love to hear from you—what season are you in right now? Feel free to reach out and share your thoughts or reflections. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and conversational purposes only and is not a substitute for therapy. Listening does not establish a therapist-client relationship. If you’re needing support, please reach out to a licensed professional in your area.