In this episode of True Vine Talks, we’re exploring religious abuse, inspired by the Netflix documentary 'Death of a Pastor’s Wife'. Joined by our fellow counselor, Hannah Eastman, who also brings the perspective of a pastor’s wife, we discuss what religious abuse can look like, why it can be so difficult to recognize, and what makes speaking up so hard. Together, we explore how faith communities can foster safety, accountability, and healing, and how people can begin to recover without losing the parts of their faith that matter to them.

In this episode, we look beyond the headlines of the Clancy case to have a deeper conversation about maternal mental health. Joined by Board-Certified Midwife and Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Kelly Lemon, we explore postpartum mental health, the warning signs that can be overlooked, the gaps between physical and mental healthcare, and how we can better support women during one of the most vulnerable seasons of their lives. This is a conversation about compassion, awareness, and the importance of taking women’s mental health seriously.

What happens when your plate is full, but you keep saying yes anyway? In this episode, we’re talking about overcommitment, people-pleasing, and the difficulty of tolerating other people’s disappointment.

In this episode, we explore what psychology can teach us about recognizing healthy relationships through the lens of the Dark Triad, which includes narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy. Rather than focusing on spotting "bad people," we examine the deeper qualities that distinguish genuine character from surface-level appeal. Learn why charm is not the same as kindness, confidence is not the same as competence, and intelligence is not the same as wisdom. We also discuss the importance of empathy, consistent behavior, and healthy boundaries, offering practical insights to help you build relationships rooted in trust, respect, and emotional safety.

In this episode, we explore the "Dark Triad" of personality: narcissism, psychopathy, and Machiavellianism. We discuss what these three personality constructs have in common, how they differ, and the ways they can show up in everyday relationships, workplaces, and society. Join us as we break down the basics and clear up common misconceptions.

In this episode of True Vine Talks, we explore Erik Erikson's stage of Generativity vs. Stagnation (ages 40–65) through the lens of Emotionally Focused Therapy. We discuss what it means to cultivate genuine care for the next generation by mentoring, sharing wisdom, and building a meaningful legacy. We also examine how feelings of stagnation, isolation, or being "stuck" can emerge when connection is missing. Join us as we explore how secure relationships, community, and emotional connection can foster generativity and help us live lives marked by purpose, impact, and belonging.

In this episode of our Erikson's Psychosocial Stages mini-series, we explore the stage of Intimacy vs. Isolation (ages 18–40). From an Emotionally Focused Therapy perspective, we discuss how our ability to form close, secure, and meaningful relationships is shaped by earlier developmental experiences. Join us as we unpack the challenges of vulnerability, connection, attachment, and loneliness, and consider what helps people move toward intimacy rather than isolation during this important season of life.

In this episode, we explore Erik Erikson’s stage of psychosocial development known as Identity vs. Role Confusion and discuss why adolescence is such a critical time for developing confidence, independence, and a strong sense of self. Designed for caregivers of teens, this episode examines healthy ways parents can support identity development through encouragement, communication, and appropriate autonomy, while also addressing how overly strict or controlling parenting styles may unintentionally interfere with a teen’s ability to discover who they are.