This Mini Meditation from The Couch Podcast invites you to reconnect with the most important relationship you have — the one with yourself.
Dr. Juan Santos gently guides you through a short meditation to cultivate self-love and compassion.
You’ll be reminded that self-love isn’t about perfection — it’s about presence, acceptance, and giving yourself permission to be enough, exactly as you are.
Listen when:
You’re struggling with negative self-talk
You need to boost your confidence or emotional well-being
You want a short guided meditation for daily self-care
Takeaway:
When you practice self-love, you become your own safe place.
Connect with Dr. Juan Santos and Santos Counseling
🎧 Listen to more episodes of The Couch Podcast wherever you stream podcasts.
The New Mental Health Podcast Episode aimed to be a resource helping you improve your mental health. To schedule a counseling appointment with Santos Counseling, click the link below:
Feeling tense or overwhelmed? In this Mini Meditation episode of The Couch Podcast, Dr. Juan Santos leads you through a calming guided meditation focused on releasing physical and emotional tension.
Through breathwork and visualization, you’ll learn how to soften your muscles, calm your nervous system, and release the weight you’ve been carrying — even if just for a few minutes.
This short mindfulness practice can be done anytime you need a moment of relief and reconnection.
Listen when:
You’re stressed after a long day
You need a quick mindfulness break
You’re carrying physical tension or anxiety
Takeaway:
Releasing tension begins with awareness — and one gentle breath at a time.
Connect with Dr. Juan Santos and Santos Counseling
🎧 Listen to more episodes of The Couch Podcast wherever you stream podcasts.
The New Mental Health Podcast Episode aimed to be a resource helping you improve your mental health. To schedule a counseling appointment with Santos Counseling, click the link below:
In this Mini Meditation episode of The Couch Podcast, Dr. Juan Santos guides you through a short, grounding meditation designed to help you embrace change with openness and calm.
Whether you’re navigating a new chapter, healing from loss, or simply adjusting to the unknown, this guided mindfulness practice will help you reconnect with courage, trust, and self-compassion.
You’ll learn to breathe through discomfort, find strength in uncertainty, and reframe change as growth.
Listen when:
You’re feeling anxious about the future
You’re starting something new
Takeaway:
Change isn’t something to fear — it’s something to grow through.
Connect with Dr. Juan Santos and Santos Counseling
🎧 Listen to more episodes of The Couch Podcast wherever you stream podcasts.
The New Mental Health Podcast Episode aimed to be a resource helping you improve your mental health. To schedule a counseling appointment with Santos Counseling, click the link below:
In this episode, Dr. Juan Santos explores the patterns that often create unnecessary stress within families — from unspoken expectations to perfectionism and avoidance. Drawing from family systems theory and current research from the American Psychological Association (APA) and Harvard University’s Center on the Developing Child, this conversation helps parents understand how subtle daily habits can either fuel stress or foster connection.
Listeners will walk away with practical, compassionate tools to reduce tension at home and create a healthier family rhythm.
Practical Shifts for Families:
Name the Pattern – Notice recurring stress points without blame.
Talk About the Invisible – Make expectations and assumptions explicit.
Share the Load – Delegate responsibilities fairly and flexibly.
Repair Often – Small “I’m sorry” or “Let’s try again” moments build long-term trust.
Choose Curiosity Over Control – Ask, “What’s this stress trying to teach us as a family?”
Connect with Dr. Juan Santos
🎧 Listen to more episodes of The Couch Podcast wherever you stream podcasts.
The New Mental Health Podcast Episode aimed to be a resource helping you improve your mental health. To schedule a counseling appointment with Santos Counseling, click the link below:
In this episode of The Couch Podcast, Dr. Juan Santos invites listeners to explore the deeper meaning of purpose — not as a distant goal or grand life mission, but as something that can be found in the small, everyday moments. Drawing inspiration from Viktor Frankl and supported by recent psychological research from institutions like Harvard and the American Psychological Association, this episode unpacks how purpose shapes our mental health, relationships, and resilience.
Through reflection, grounded insights, and gentle guidance, Dr. Santos encourages you to slow down and reconnect with what truly matters — even in seasons of uncertainty or change.
Reflection Questions
What activities make you feel most alive or connected to others?
What values do you want your life to reflect right now?
When was the last time you felt proud of something you did, even if it was small?
Connect with Dr. Juan Santos
🎧 Listen to more episodes of The Couch Podcast wherever you stream podcasts.
The New Mental Health Podcast Episode aimed to be a resource helping you improve your mental health. To schedule a counseling appointment with Santos Counseling, click the link below:
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is more than stress—it’s a prolonged sense of worry, fear, or apprehension, often without a clear trigger.
Physical signs: racing heart, sweating, tension, restlessness.
Emotional signs: constant worry, irritability, difficulty focusing.
Example: Feeling nervous before a big presentation is stress; persistent worry for weeks about events that may never happen is anxiety.
Practical Tips to Manage Anxiety
Deep Breathing Exercises
Box breathing: inhale 4 sec → hold 4 sec → exhale 4 sec → hold 4 sec.
Helps regulate the nervous system and calm racing thoughts.
Grounding Techniques
5-4-3-2-1 exercise: notice 5 things you see, 4 things you touch, 3 things you hear, 2 things you smell, 1 thing you taste.
Brings focus back to the present moment.
Mindfulness and Movement
Short walks, yoga, or stretching can help release tension and reduce anxious energy.
Thought Journaling
Write down anxious thoughts and challenge them: “Is this fact or fear?”
Helps create perspective and reduces overwhelm.
The New Mental Health Podcast Episode aimed to be a resource helping you improve your mental health. To schedule a counseling appointment with Santos Counseling, click the link below:
Scrolling through Instagram, TikTok,, or Facebook can be fun—but it can also leave you feeling anxious, comparing yourself to others, or feeling like you’re “missing out.”
In this episode of The Couch, Dr. Juan Santos discusses the real impact of social media on mental health and provides strategies to use it in a way that protects your emotional well-being.
We’ll talk about practical tips, warning signs that your social media use is hurting you, and how to reclaim your time without disconnecting completely.
Why Social Media Impacts Mental Health
Constant comparison → self-esteem drops.
FOMO (fear of missing out) → anxiety and stress.
Overuse can disrupt sleep and productivity.
Yet social media also has benefits: connection, inspiration, education.
The key: balance and intentional use.
The New Mental Health Podcast Episode aimed to be a resource helping you improve your mental health. To schedule a counseling appointment with Santos Counseling, click the link below:
http://santoscounseling.com/
Practical Tips for Healthy Use
Set Time Limits
Use app timers or schedule social media breaks.
Curate Your Feed
Follow accounts that inspire, educate, or uplift you.
Unfollow accounts that cause stress or comparison.
Mindful Engagement
Pause before scrolling. Ask: “Am I scrolling for fun or out of habit?”
Replace Scrolling With Real-Life Activity
Walk, journal, or connect with a friend offline.
Check-in With Yourself
Notice mood changes after social media use.
Arguments don’t have to destroy your marriage. Learn healthy conflict strategies that improve communication, connection, and mental health in relationships.
Disagreements happen in every relationship. The difference between couples who thrive and couples who fall apart isn’t whether they argue—it’s how they argue.
In this episode of The Couch, Dr. Juan Santos explores how to navigate conflict in marriage without damaging your bond. From communication techniques to emotional regulation, you’ll learn how to transform arguments into opportunities for growth and deeper connection.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
The difference between healthy vs. toxic conflict.
Practical tools for arguing without hurting each other.
Gottman Method strategies for successful communication.
Why taking breaks during arguments can save your marriage.
How conflict, when handled well, can actually strengthen intimacy.
The Mental Health Podcast Episode aimed to be a resource helping you improve your mental health. To schedule a counseling appointment with Santos Counseling, click the link below:
http://santoscounseling.com/
Why Healthy Conflict Matters
Avoiding arguments completely builds resentment.
Toxic arguing (yelling, blame, name-calling) damages trust.
Healthy arguments allow couples to:
Understand each other’s needs.
Problem-solve effectively.
Strengthen emotional connection.
In this episode of The Couch, Dr. Juan Santos dives into the critical role boundaries play in mental health. From saying “no” without guilt to recognizing when your energy is being drained, we break down how healthy boundaries can transform your relationships, work-life balance, and overall well-being.
Boundaries aren’t walls—they’re acts of self-respect and self-care. Tune in to discover practical strategies you can start using today.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
The connection between boundaries and mental health.
Signs of weak or unhealthy boundaries in daily life.
Practical tips for saying “no” without guilt.
How boundaries improve relationships and reduce stress.
Why Boundaries Matter:
Without boundaries, it’s easy to overcommit, feel resentful, or experience burnout. Healthy boundaries:
Reduce stress and anxiety
Boost self-esteem and confidence
Improve personal and professional relationships
Give you space to prioritize your own needs
The New Mental Health Podcast Episode aimed to be a resource helping you improve your mental health. To schedule a counseling appointment with Santos Counseling, click the link below:
Podcast Description:
Join Jacy King and Dr. Juan Santos in Calm Within, a transformative episode dedicated to emotional regulation, stress relief, and mindful self-control.
This mental health podcast episode aims to provide you with evidence-based tools like deep breathing, cognitive reappraisal, and mindfulness exercises to navigate emotional triggers at work, in relationships, and daily challenges.
Whether you're managing anxiety, overwhelm, or reactivity, this episode offers practical therapist-backed solutions to build resilience and cultivate inner calm.
The New Mental Health Podcast Episode aimed to be a resource helping you improve your mental health. To schedule a counseling appointment with Santos Counseling, click the link below:
http://santoscounseling.com/
Podcast Description:
This summer, The Couch podcast brings Summer Shift, an essential conversation for parents navigating the transition into summer break.
Podcast hosts Jacy King and Dr. Juan Santos share emotional regulation strategies, daily structure tips, and mindful parenting tools to help families find balance between freedom and routine.
This podcast episode is ideal for stressed parents, juggling schedules, emotional outbursts, summer anxiety, or screen-time struggles.
Learn how to co-regulate with your kids, set calming rituals, and preserve your child’s & your own mental wellness all summer long.
Thank you for listening to the Couch Podcast a mental health podcast with topics aimed at helping listeners move forward in life. Each episode provides practical strategies to improve mental wellness, mindset, and quality of life.
The New Mental Health Podcast Episode aimed to be a resource helping you improve your mental health. To schedule a counseling appointment with Santos Counseling, click the link below:
Welcome to today's episode of The Couch Podcast. The Podcast offers real conversations on mental health topics aimed at helping listeners move forward in life. Each episode provides practical strategies to improve mental wellness, mindset, and quality of life.
Episode Description:
In this mental health episode of The Couch Podcast, licensed mental health counselors Jacy King and Dr. Juan Santos dive into the essential process of repairing relationships after conflicts.
They discuss how addressing issues promptly and effectively can strengthen bonds and foster deeper connection and understanding between partners.
Drawing from their extensive experience, they explore:
The importance of healthy and sincere apologies.
Tips for rebuilding trust and commitment.
Ways to recognize when issues can be resolved and when they may not be.
Identifying red and green flags in the repair process.
Hosts: Jacy King and Dr. Juan Santos, licensed mental health counselors in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Episode Focus: Mending the Relationship: The Art of Repairing Relationships
This episode provides practical tools and compassionate guidance to help you and your partner move forward together.
Disclaimer: While Jacy and Dr. Santos are licensed therapists, this podcast is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute therapeutic advice.
The New Mental Health Podcast Episode aimed to be a resource helping you improve your mental health. To schedule a counseling appointment with Santos Counseling, click the link below:
Hosts: Jacy King and Dr. Juan Santos, licensed mental health counselors in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Episode Focus: Living with Adult ADHD: Understanding the Mind That Won’t Sit Still
Welcome to today's episode, of the Couch. A mental health podcast aimed to help listeners move their mental wellness forward one day at a time.
Episode Description:
ADHD—stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder—is more than just being “distracted” or “hyper.”
It’s a neurodevelopmental condition that affects kids and adults . On this episode of The Couch, we talk about what adult ADHD really looks like and why so many people don’t get diagnosed until later in life.
The podcast episode will cover:
ADHD kids often become ADHD adults
Jacy and Dr. Santos share how their ADHD story.
If you've ever felt like your brain works a little differently—or if you love someone who struggles with attention, focus, or impulsivity—this episode is for you.
To read more about ADHD use the link below:
https://santoscounseling.com/adhd-counseling-in-greensboro
The New Mental Health Podcast Episode aimed to be a resource helping you improve your mental health. To schedule a counseling appointment with Santos Counseling click the link below:
Hosts: Jacy King and Dr. Juan Santos, licensed mental health counselors in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Episode Focus: Finding Balance: Navigating Work, Life, and Everything In Between
Welcome to today's episode, of the Couch. A mental health podcast aimed to help listeners move their mental wellness forward one day at a time.
In this episode of The Couch, we dive into the concept of work-life balance. Whether you're a busy professional, a parent juggling multiple roles, a college student, or someone simply trying to feel less overwhelmed, this conversation is for you.
Tune in to the mental health podcast episode as we unpack what balance really looks like—and how to find it in a world that rarely slows down.
The New Podcast Episode aimed to be a resource helping you improve your mental health.
If you are interested in counseling. We are located in Greensboro, North Carolina. To schedule a counseling appointment with Santos Counseling click the link below:
Hosts: Jacy King and Dr. Juan Santos, licensed mental health counselors in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Episode Focus: Understanding and overcoming overthinking.
Welcome to today's episode, of the Couch. A mental health podcast aimed to help listeners move their mental wellness forward one day at a time.
This podcast episode of The Couch explores the intricacies of overthinking—what it is, why we do it, and how to manage it effectively.
Understanding Overthinking
Overthinking takes place when a person engages in excessive rumination on thoughts, decisions, or situations.
This often leads to increased stress and worry. Overthinking is a common issue that can negatively impact decision-making and mental well-being.
Causes of Overthinking:
Strategies to Overcome Overthinking:
To learn more about how to stop overthinking use the link below:
https://santoscounseling.com/blog/what-to-do-when-you-start-overthinking
Welcome to the Couch Podcast!
A podcast where real therapists talk about real things. Please remember that we are therapists, but we are not your therapist and this podcast is intended for educational purposes only.
On the Couch podcast, we talk about ways to improve your mental health and quality of life.
The New Podcast Episode aimed to be a resource helping you improve your mental health. To schedule a counseling appointment with Santos Counseling click the link below:
Hosts: Jacy King and Dr. Juan Santos, licensed mental health counselors in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Episode Focus: Strategies to enhance motivation, particularly during challenging times.
Episode Overview:
In this episode of The Couch, Jacy and Dr. Santos explore practical techniques to improve motivation.
The hosts discuss the types of motivation and navigating motivation when facing obstacles or during times in life where there is low energy.
They provide steps to help listeners of the mental health podcast initiate and maintain momentum toward their personal and professional goals.
Key Discussion Points:
Set Realistic and Achievable Goals:
Establish a Consistent Routine:
Practice Self-Compassion:
Break Tasks into Manageable Steps:
Engage in Physical Activity:
Utilize Positive Self-Talk:
Seek Support and Accountability:
Celebrate Small Wins:
Welcome to the Couch Podcast!
A podcast where real therapists talk about real things. Please remember that we are therapists, but we are not your therapist and this podcast is intended for educational purposes only.
On the Couch podcast, we talk about ways to improve your mental health and quality of life.
The New Podcast Episode aimed to be a resource helping you improve your mental health. To schedule a counseling appointment with Santos Counseling click the link below:
Hosts: Jacy King and Dr. Juan Santos, licensed mental health counselors in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Episode Focus: Understanding the various types of mental health professionals and to determine the best fit for individual needs.
Episode Overview:
In this episode of The Couch Podcast, Jacy and Dr. Santos discuss the diverse landscape of mental health professionals.
They provide insights to help listeners understand the roles, qualifications, and specialties of each type of mental health professional.
Key Discussion Points:
Psychiatrists:
Psychologists:
Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs):
Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) and Mental Health Counselors:
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners:
Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs):
Keys To Choosing the Right Professional:
To learn more about finding the right counselor for you use the link below:
https://santoscounseling.com/blog/picking-a-good-therapist
Welcome to the Couch Podcast!
A podcast where real therapists talk about real things. Please remember that we are therapists, but we are not your therapist and this podcast is intended for educational purposes only.
On the Couch podcast, we talk about ways to improve your mental health and quality of life.
The New Podcast Episode aimed to be a resource helping you improve your mental health. To schedule a counseling appointment with Santos Counseling click the link below:
This mental health podcast episode of The Couch podcast is all about helping you improve your relationship.
In this week's episode of The Couch, we tackle the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse for relationships, based on Dr. Gottman's groundbreaking research:
1. Criticism.
2. Contempt.
3. Stonewalling.
4. Defensiveness.
These unhealthy and destructive communication patterns can hurt even the strongest relationships.
1. Practical tips to recognize and combat these patterns
2. Strategies to improve communication.
3. Ways to build emotional intimacy.
4. How to use healthy practices in your relationship.
Whether you’re in a new relationship or celebrating decades together, this episode is packed with tools to help you and your partner thrive.
Tune in on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone in your life.
To learn more about how counseling can help couples use the link below:
https://santoscounseling.com/a-greensboro-counseling-practice
Welcome to the Couch Podcast!
A podcast where real therapists talk about real things. Please remember that we are therapists, but we are not your therapist and this podcast is intended for educational purposes only.
On the Couch podcast, we talk about ways to improve your mental health and quality of life.
The New Podcast Episode aimed to be a resource helping you improve your mental health. To schedule a counseling appointment with Santos Counseling click the link below:
Welcome back to The Couch Podcast! In this episode, we’re diving into a topic that hits home for many: Managing Mental Health During the Holidays.
The holiday season can be a wonderful time, and it can also be one of the most stressful times of the year. From family conflict and financial pressures to loneliness and emotional challenges, it’s easy to feel off-balance.
Join us as we explore practical strategies to help you navigate this holiday season with greater peace and resilience. We’ll talk about:
Tune in on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone in your life.
To learn more about managing mental health during the holidays read the article below:
https://santoscounseling.com/blog/mental-health-tips-during-the-holidays
Welcome to the Couch Podcast!
A podcast where real therapists talk about real things. Please remember that we are therapists, but we are not your therapist and this podcast is intended for educational purposes only.
On the Couch podcast, we talk about ways to improve your mental health and quality of life.
The New Podcast Episode aimed to be a resource helping you improve your mental health. To schedule a counseling appointment with Santos Counseling click the link below:
Have you ever felt the pressure to fit in or mold yourself into someone you’re not?
On this podcast episode of The Couch, we’re exploring the transformative power of embracing authenticity.
In this episode, we’ll unpack:
Join us as we discuss ways authenticity can lead to deeper connections, better decision-making, and a life that feels meaningful.
You’ll learn actionable tips to overcome societal pressures, strengthen your trust in yourself, and live in alignment with who you truly are.
Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone in your life.
To learn more about being authentic read the article below:
https://santoscounseling.com/blog/discover-your-authentic-self-through-counseling-2
Welcome to the Couch Podcast!
A podcast where real therapists talk about real things. Please remember that we are therapists, but we are not your therapist and this podcast is intended for educational purposes only.
On the Couch podcast, we talk about ways to improve your mental health and quality of life.
The New Podcast Episode aimed to be a resource helping you improve your mental health. To schedule a counseling appointment with Santos Counseling click the link below: