Shows
ZessionsEp. 33 - Continuing the Conversation: Creating Community at Your PaceContinuing the Conversation: Creating Community at Your Pace A follow-up to Ep. 22 with Paola Ortiz, LMFT🌟 What’s New in ZessionsWe love our guest conversations on Zessions—and we’re not stopping those. But in this new “Continuing the Conversation” series, your co-hosts Mandi Roarke, LMFT and Sapna Srivastava, PhD are stepping back in front of the mic together.Here, we get a little more personal. We revisit past episodes, bring in themes that are sticking with us, and share openly about how we a...
2025-09-2633 min
ZessionsEp. 32 - Navigating Intimacy Binds: How We Get Stuck in RelationshipsEpisode SummaryEver felt like you and your partner are stuck in a loop—each waiting for the other to go first? That’s a bind, and it shows up in relationships far more often than you might think.In this episode of Zessions, hosts Mandi Roarke, LMFT, and Dr. Sapna Srivastava sit down with returning guest Kendall Campbell, LMFT, to unpack the concept of binds—specifically intimacy binds, initiation binds, and the classic double bind.We explore:Why binds create that “trapped” or “paralyzed” feeling in relationshipsH...
2025-08-2853 min
ZessionsEp. 31 - Untangling Mother-Daugher Relationships🎙️ Zessions Podcast: "Untangling Mother-Daughter Dynamics" Guest: Erica Thomas, LCSW – Founder of Vita Nova Mother-Daughter CoachingMother-daughter relationships can be deeply loving, fiercely complicated, and rich with opportunity for healing — across generations. In this episode, we sit down with therapist and expert Erica Thomas to explore the core dynamics that shape these bonds over time.Whether you’re a therapist, a mom, a daughter — or all of the above — this conversation is full of insight, compassion, and clarity.In this episode, we cover:Why mother-daughter relationships are so emotionally charged — and powerfulThe interplay of auton...
2025-07-251h 05
AdjacentAdjacent with our new friends from ZessionsWelcome Back Y'all! Welcome to Adjacent!We are so thrilled to have this great new connection with two amazing therapists, Mandi and Sapna from Zessions podcast and Zessio. Their passion and insight into helping people with mental health needs is inspiring. It brings hope to an area that at times can feel so hopeless. Make it a priority to listen to their podcast and learn how you can find different resources to meet your needs or the needs of your loved ones.https://zessio.com/zessions/YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com...
2025-07-0450 min
ZessionsEp. 30 - Let's Talk About (Talking About) Sex🎙️ Zessions Episode: Let’s Talk About Talking About SexSex is everywhere — except in the conversations we actually have. Why is that?In this episode of Zessions, we sit down with Zessio Partner and sex therapist Jess Worthington, LMFT, to explore why talking about sex is so hard — and how we can start doing it better. From early childhood messaging to religious shame, from performance anxiety to partnership pressure, we unpack it all.Together, we explore:Why most of us were never taught how to talk about sex — and why that mattersHow childhood mes...
2025-06-2754 min
ZessionsEp. 29 - Dating with Intention: Becoming the Partner You SeekDating with Intention: Becoming the Partner You SeekEpisode Summary:In this lively and insightful conversation, co-hosts (and Zessio Co-Founders) Mandi Roarke, LMFT, and Dr. Sapna Srivastava welcome special guest Dr. Sarah Kyle—licensed therapist, dating coach, and co-host of the podcast Dateable AF. Together, they dive into the complexities of dating with intention, building self-awareness, and becoming "relationship ready."Drawing from both clinical expertise and real-life experiences, they explore how internal work, nervous system awareness, character discernment, and authentic communication can all shape healthier dating experiences—and ultimately lead to m...
2025-05-301h 05
ZessionsEp. 28 - The Sound of HealingWhat happens when rhythm, resonance, and psychotherapy meet on the same frequency?In episode 28 of the Zessions Podcast, we sit down with Dave Braham, MS, LMFT-S, a trauma-informed psychotherapist whose work lives at the intersection of healing, performance, and creative expression. As the founder of Sound Mind Austin, Dave is redefining how we understand and integrate sound into therapeutic work.With advanced training in EMDR, clinical hypnosis, and somatic mindfulness, Dave shares how sound isn’t just something we hear — it’s something we feel. We explore how he uses rhythm, music, and sound-based interventions to sup...
2025-04-251h 20ZessionsEp. 27 - Preparing for Marriage & Long-Term RelationshipsWhat does it really mean to prepare for marriage or a long-term relationship? In Zessions episode 27, we explore the different phases of commitment, emphasizing that preparation isn’t tied to a specific timeline—it’s about aligning goals, values, and expectations for the future. Whether a couple is a few months in or years together, these conversations help build a strong foundation.Key Discussion Points:Defining "preparing for marriage" – It’s not just about wedding planning but about long-term relationship growth.Relationship phases & timing – When is the right time to start these conversations? (Hint: It depends on...
2025-03-281h 03
ZessionsEp. 26 - Long-Distance RelationshipsIn Episode 26, join Mandi Roarke, LMFT, and Dr. Sapna Srivastava, with special guest and Zessio Partner Bri Craig, LMFT, as they dive into the challenges and strategies for thriving in long-distance relationships.Highlights:Defining Long-Distance Relationships: How these dynamics apply to romantic and platonic connections.Overcoming Challenges: Communication barriers, managing expectations, and handling separation anxiety.Staying Connected: Tips for using tech, creating shared rituals, and innovative virtual dates.Conflict & Communication: Navigating common cycles, balancing issues with positivity, and using the NERVE framework.Maintaining Intimacy: Creative ways to deepen connection, express gratitude, and plan future visits...
2025-02-281h 02
ZessionsEp. 25 - Skin-Focused Repetitive BehaviorsOn Zessions episode 25, we are joined by Zessio Partner Stacy Nakell, LCSW, to discuss her area of specialty: Skin-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (SFRBs). If you or someone you know struggles with hair pulling, skin picking, eyelash pulling, or similar behaviors, we hope this conversation offers insight and support.We dive into:🔹 What SFRBs look and feel like🔹 Their connection to OCD and trauma🔹 When SFRBs become harmful and when to seek help🔹 Treatment approaches and whether SFRBs can be cured🔹 Practical strategies for managing and preventing SFRBsJoi...
2025-01-3156 min
ZessionsThe Experience of a BreakupIn Zessions episode 24, we are joined by our Partner Bianca Segura, M.A., LMFT, to talk about life after a breakup. Throughout this Zession, we hope you feel a greater sense of community through something that can typically feel isolating. With Bianca, we talk about all things breaking up - from knowing when a breakup is the right step to mourning losses in a breakup to finding yourself throughout the whole process and coming out stronger on the other side.Support the showConnect with us on Instagram @myzessio or visit our website: https://www...
2024-10-271h 06ZessionsNavigating Adjustments & Life TransitionsIn Episode 23 of Zessions, Co-Founders Mandi and Sapna delve into the topic of life transitions, exploring how to navigate various changes effectively. This episode offers insights into different types of life transitions, practical strategies for managing change, and personal anecdotes from Sapna and Mandi about their own significant transitional experiences. Our aim is to help you feel more at ease with the concept of life’s evolving stages, equip you with tools to adapt alongside your transitions, and embrace the inevitability of change with confidence.Support the showConnect with us on Instagram @myzessio or vi...
2024-09-271h 34
ZessionsBuilding CommunityIn this Zessions episode, we are joined by Zessio's Partner, Paola Ortiz, LMFT, to explore the concept of community and its impact on our lives. Paola delves into what it means to build a supportive network, how connections with others can aid in healing and the various ways we can engage with those around us. She also offers practical ideas for fostering a strong sense of community. If you're looking to prioritize creating a network where you feel safe, loved, and supported, this podcast is a must-listen.Support the showConnect with us on Instagram...
2024-08-301h 08ZessionsHow to Have Vulnerable & Productive ConversationsIn this Zessions podcast episode, our Co-Founders Mandi and Sapna discuss how they help their clients in session to have vulnerable and productive conversations in their important relationships. Throughout this Zession, we hope you’ll gain insight into what it means to be vulnerable and how to understand your own emotions to navigate the relationship with yourself and others. Through this podcast, we aim to increase understanding of the potential challenges of being vulnerable along with how to plan for vulnerable conversations: finding the right time and place to have them and how to prepare emotionally to have these co...
2024-07-261h 04
ZessionsUnderstanding Addiction & How to Treat ItIn Zessions Episode 20, we dive into the intricacies of addiction with friend and colleague, Kendall Campbell, LMFT. In this episode, Kendall defines what addiction is, different types of addiction, the spectrum it can fall on, and how to pinpoint if you may be struggling with an addiction. This episode may also be extremely helpful for friends and family of someone who may be experiencing addiction, as Kendall talks about how to help and guide those you love, as well as a detailed outline of various resources depending on the resources they may need.To contact Kendall, visit...
2024-06-2840 min
ZessionsGetting to Know AnxietyIn Zessions Episode 19, Zessio’s Co-Founders Mandi and Sapna dive into the topic of anxiety. In this episode, we invite you to explore anxiety and how it may be playing a role in your everyday life. Sapna and Mandi talk more about the definition of anxiety, the difference between stress and anxiety, why anxiety may be present in your life, and the purpose that it serves. We hope that through this Zession, you will begin to build a healthier relationship with anxiety and use it to your benefit by utilizing strategies and tools to help put it in the pa...
2024-05-311h 09
ZessionsTrauma Informed Care & SuicidalityIn Zessions Episode 18, we are joined by Dr. Gabriela Hurtado Alvarado, Licensed Psychologist and Co-Founder of Prickly Pear Therapy and Training, to discuss trauma-informed care and suicidality. Through this Zession, you can learn about trauma, trauma-informed care, and suicidal ideations. You can also gain an understanding of how to navigate those conversations as a therapist, family member, or friend of a loved one who may be experiencing trauma and suicidal ideations. We hope that this Zession will be helpful for those who have gone through trauma, as well as those who are supporting someone who has experienced trauma.
2024-04-261h 15
ZessionsNavigating Grief & HolidaysIn Zessions Episode 17, we are joined by our Partner Kendall Campbell, LMFT to discuss grief during the holidays. In this Zession, we discuss the different types of grief one may face, supporting yourself and others through times of grief, and how therapy can be an aid in your journey through the grieving process. Through this conversation, we hope to help you find ways to support this process and encourage you to surround yourself with people who will lessen the burden of grief that you may be experiencing during the holiday season. To Connect With Kendall:
2023-12-1437 min
ZessionsAdulting 101In Zessions Episode 16, we are joined by fellow therapist and Zessio Partner Zoe Thomas, LPC to unpack all things adulting! In this Zession, we discuss the ups and downs of becoming an adult, forming your own identity, being comfortable in your own skin, and more. Regardless of how far along you are in your adulting journey, if you are struggling with adulting expectations and how to cope, this Zession may help you understand how to better support yourself and others while moving through these ever-changing stages of life. We hope this Zession helps you feel less alone in this...
2023-11-301h 03
ZessionsFamily & HolidaysIn Zessions Episode 15, we talk with our Partner Kendall Campbell, LMFT about how to navigate family and the holidays. Holidays with family can bring up mixed feelings and experiences and we hope this conversation is helpful as you prepare for the holidays. We discuss how you can consider your expectations, intentions and boundaries that you may need to set individually (or within your relationship) to help you have the "Happy Holidays" you deserve.To Connect With Kendall: www.kendallcampbell.comPlease note: this Zession was pre-recorded and references an upcoming Zession, "...
2023-11-1636 min
ZessionsThe Complexity of Pet Loss—Loving & Grieving a PetIn Zessions Episode 14, we are sitting down with fellow therapist and Zessio Partner, Christine Henry, to talk about pet loss and the process of grieving your pet. Throughout this Zession, we talk about the complexities of understanding your pet’s needs, your own needs, and how to properly deal with the grief of losing your pet. Christine explains why it’s okay to let yourself feel the emotion of grief and how losing a pet can mean so much more than just the pet itself. To hear more from Christine:Website - https://thera...
2023-11-0246 min
ZessionsWhat Support Can Look Like for Individuals Who Identify as AutisticIn Zessions Episode 13, we are sitting down with fellow therapist Julie Burke, LPC to talk about what support can look like for individuals who identify as autistic. During this Zession, we define what it means to be on the spectrum, the intersectionality between trans identities and autistic identities, and many other topics about autism’s role in society. We hope that through this Zession, you are able to learn more about how to best support individuals who identify as autistic and how it may play a role in many of the interactions you may have day-to-day. To...
2023-10-1953 min
ZessionsPregnancy & Infant LossIn Zessions Episode 12, we are sitting down with Cheryl Reeley, LCSW to discuss the complexity of pregnancy and infant loss. Pregnancy and infant loss often can leave parents and families feeling isolated in their grief as it is a loss that is not always talked about openly. In this Zession, Cheryl explains how she helps clients process, grieve and cope with this challenging loss. We hope this Zession will offer validation and tips on how to manage the pain many are left to confront and experience without always having a clear direction. To contact Cheryl visit https://w...
2023-10-0549 min
ZessionsPeople Pleasing & BoundariesIn Zessions Episode 11, we are joined by Zessio’s Partner Zoe Thomas, Licensed Professional Counselor, to talk about people pleasing and boundary setting. In this Zession, Zoe outlines what it means to people please and why it can be damaging for us to only show up for others and not for ourselves. We also discuss the process of setting boundaries, what it can look like, as well as what it does not look like. We hope this Zession will help highlight the importance of prioritizing yourself and how setting boundaries can help not only you but also the well-being of...
2023-09-2150 min
ZessionsCulturally Grounded Care for NeurodiversityIn Zessions Episode 10, we talk with Josie Serrata, Licensed Clinical and Community Psychologist and Co-Founder of Prickly Pear Therapy and Training. In this Zession, Josie shares her expertise on neurodiversity and neuroaffirmative care. She explains her personal connection to this topic and the benefits of integrating a neuroaffirmative perspective. We also talk about the intersectionality of different identities and how individuals with neurodiversity navigate the experience within themselves and the society that surrounds them.Neurodivergent Resources:Books:Uniquely Human by Barry M. PrizantUnmasking Autism: Discovering the New Faces of Neurodiversity...
2023-09-0755 min
ZessionsCuriosity as a Super Power in RelationshipsIn Zession Episode 9, Zessio Co-Founders Mandi Roarke, LMFT, and Sapna Srivastava, RMFTI talk about the importance of staying curious in your relationship. While it is common for us to be curious about our partners in the first few years, this episode touches on the reason why staying curious about your partner in the long term is crucial in maintaining a connection. While it may be natural to stay on autopilot and mentally take a step back from your relationship, remaining curious helps us with intentionality, proper communication, and so many other themes explored in this episode. By listening to...
2023-08-2441 min
ZessionsPositive Discipline versus Punitive DisciplineIn Zessions Episode 8 with Katie Bates, LPC, we are talking about the difference between punitive punishment and positive discipline. Katie defines what it means to positively discipline your kids and explains why it’s important to evolve into having parent-child relationships that have mutual trust and respect.When listening to this Zession, we hope you’ll gain an understanding of how to identify your own triggers and boundaries as a parent in order to better control your emotions in order to have adaptive and growth-oriented conversations with your kids. If you feel like you and your kids are...
2023-08-0958 min
ZessionsUnderstanding the EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) ModalityIn Zessions Episode 7, we are discussing all things EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) with Rochelle Hoffler, LCSW-S. Throughout this episode, you will learn what EMDR therapy entails, how it is practiced, and the different ways in which you can personalize EMDR in order to best suit your needs. If you’re new to the world of therapy, we hope this Zession will be helpful in guiding your understanding of how personal trauma and/or distressing life events may be best treated through EMDR, and whether or not it is the right therapy for you!To contact Ro...
2023-07-2753 min
ZessionsHow to Prevent Infidelity or Grow After It HappensIn Zessions Episode 6, we are sitting down with friend and fellow therapist, Kendall Campell, LMFT, to discuss the ins and outs of infidelity. In this Zession, Kendall explains what infidelity really entails, how to understand the different types of infidelity, and setting boundaries in our relationships. Kendall builds on his experience supporting clients working through the difficulties of experiencing infidelity and fostering growth through the process. This Zession can offer perspectives to help understand the warning signs of infidelity, ways to prevent it from occurring in your own relationship, or how to strengthen your relationship after experiencing it.
2023-07-1042 min
ZessionsCollectivist Culture Impact on Mental HealthIn Zessions Episode 5, we are sitting down with Adriana Rodriguez to discuss collectivist culture. In this podcast, we discuss collectivist cultures versus individualistic cultures. We hope you will gain an understanding of how to balance your own identity with the one that was given to you by your family, how to balance who you were and who you are becoming, and how to even have these difficult conversations with your family. Adriana explains her own emergence from collectivist culture and how she helps others peel back ‘threads of their own rope’ and see what works for them from their cult...
2023-06-2651 min
ZessionsBlack and White ThinkingIn Zession Episode 4, Zessio's Co-Founders, Sapna and Mandi, sit with one another to discuss a common cognitive distortion, black and white thinking. They discuss how easy it can be to fall into black and white thinking as you interact with yourself and the world. Sapna and Mandi talk through how to recognize when you may be falling into this thought trap and how to begin increasing cognitive flexibility- or finding more of the gray and staying open to more enriching perspectives. Support the showConnect with us on Instagram @myzessio or visit our website: https://w...
2023-06-1241 min
ZessionsCollaborative TherapyIn Zession Episode 3, we sit down with fellow therapist, Bri Craig to discuss their journey as a collaborative therapist. Through this form of therapy, there is a huge focus on client-therapist relations, and an emphasis on the therapist being a helping hand in their client’s journey. In this podcast episode, we talk a lot with Bri about their goal to remove the hierarchical relationship between the client and therapist, and rather, aid in the growth of their client in the space they have created together. In collaborative therapy, the therapist urges their client to communicate their needs and co...
2023-05-2950 min
ZessionsNormalizing Postpartum AnxietyIn Zessions Episode 2, we meet with Cheryl Reeley, LCSW, who specializes in supporting new parents perinatal, postpartum and beyond. During this conversation, we normalize how common and unacknowledged postpartum anxiety is and how parents can feel empowered to reach out to their community and professionals for support. Cheryl also shares tips on managing postpartum anxiety and the intrusive thoughts that tend to accompany it.Find Cheryl on IG @cherylreeleylcsw and on her website: https://www.cherylreeleylcsw.com/Please note: In this episode, we referenced a previously recorded Zession with Cheryl that will be released on t...
2023-05-1546 minZessionsIntroducing Zessions by Zessio In our first debut episode, Zessio welcomes you to the Zessions Podcast. Zessio's Co-Founders Mandi and Sapna introduce themselves along with sharing everything they hope to offer with Zessions. This first episode will give you insight into how Zessions aim to help clinicians share their expertise more broadly and how Zessio believes these intentional conversations about important mental health-related topics can help create new meaning for anyone who is talking or listening. You'll hear how Mandi and Sapna are two lifelong learners who are committed to providing a safe, affirming and inclusive space for all identities - especially for u...
2023-04-2121 min