Authentic, honest and insightful — A Light Forward dives into the conversations about mental health. Hosted by two clinical mental health graduate students, this podcast shares the information we wish we had before seeking a therapist, insights from the latest developments in mental health research and powerful stories of real struggles and triumphs. Our mission is to equip listeners with the tools and knowledge to take charge of their mental, physical and spiritual well-being.
Licensed therapist Stephanie Smith defines trauma, explains EMDR therapy, and explores the mind-body connection for healing in this interview on trauma and its impact.
7 Apr 2025
Episode 6: Gen Z Mental Health (Avonley Whitsitt)
Episode 6 – Gen Z, Mental Health and Social Media Boundaries with Avonley Whitsitt
In this episode of A Light Forward Podcast, we sit down with Avonley Whitsitt, licensed therapist and creator behind The Gen Z Therapist. We explore the unique mental health challenges Gen Z is navigating—from anxiety and identity struggles to the pressure of always being online.
Avonley dives into how social media deeply impacts Gen Z’s sense of self, relationships, and emotional well-being, and offers tools to set boundaries, manage screen time, and develop healthier habits.
We also discuss how Gen Z is redefining mental health conversations and breaking generational cycles in powerful ways.
Whether you're Gen Z yourself or simply want to better understand what this generation is facing, this episode is full of meaningful takeaways.You can find Avonley at https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/avonley-whitsitt-boise-id/1317140or on her Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/discover/avonley-%7C-gen-z-therapist
24 Mar 2025
Episode 5: Attachment Styles (Krysteena Wilson)
Episode 5 – Attachment Styles, Relationships, and Millennial Challenges with Krysteena Wilson
In this episode of A Light Forward Podcast, we sit down with Krysteena Wilson, owner of Tree City Wellness and a therapist specializing in couples therapy. We dive deep into Attachment Theory, exploring how different attachment styles develop, how they influence relationships, and whether it’s possible to shift toward a more secure attachment.
Krysteena breaks down common misconceptions, explains which attachment styles tend to be drawn to each other, and shares how to recognize your own and your partner’s attachment style—plus what to do with that knowledge.
We also take a closer look at millennials and relationships, discussing the unique challenges this generation faces in dating and marriage, from shifting societal expectations to financial and emotional stressors that previous generations may not have encountered.
Whether you’re curious about your own attachment style or want to strengthen your relationships, this episode is packed with valuable insights!You can find Krysteena at https://www.treecitywellnessid.com/Or... on the instagrams @treecitywellnessidahoWant to know your attachment style? Take the quiz https://www.web-research-design.net/cgi-bin/crq/crq.pl
9 Mar 2025
Episode 4: Highly Sensitive Person (Sara Gourley)
Episode 4 – Understanding Highly Sensitive People: Traits, Challenges, and Support with Sara Gourley
In this episode of A Light Forward Podcast, we sit down with Sara Gourley, a licensed professional counselor who specializes in working with Highly Sensitive People (HSPs). We explore what it truly means to be highly sensitive, how to recognize the traits in yourself or others, and the key differences between HSPs and conditions like autism. Sarah also shares practical insights on how to navigate the world as an HSP and how loved ones can offer meaningful support. Whether you identify as highly sensitive or want to better understand someone in your life who is, this conversation is for you.You can find Sara at https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/sara-gourley-boise-id/1158183Do you believe you or a loved one is a highly sensitive person? Take the quiz to get more clarity https://www.hsperson.com/test/highly-sensitive-test/
17 Feb 2025
Episode 3: Therapy Theory and Modalities (Nick & Hannah)
Episode 3 – Theory and Modalities: IFS, EMDR, DBT, and SFT with Nick and Hannah
In this episode of A Light Forward Podcast, Nick and Hannah dive into the world of therapeutic modalities, breaking down the essentials of Internal Family Systems (IFS), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT). They explore what each therapy is, how it works, and the unique benefits they offer for personal growth and healing. Throughout the episode, Nick and Hannah also share practical tidbits from each modality that you can incorporate into your own life for improved emotional well-being and mental resilience.
3 Feb 2025
Episode 2: Professional Athlete (Alex Kopp)
Episode 2 – Strength Beyond the Barbell: Identity, Hypnosis and Community with Alex Kopp
In this episode of A Light Forward Podcast, we sit down with Alex Kopp—professional strongman, owner of Iron Legacy Barbell Gym and dedicated strength and conditioning coach—to explore the deeper aspects of strength beyond the physical. We dive into the role of identity in athletic performance, the power of hypnosis in mental conditioning, and how community can make or break you. Alex shares his journey through strength sports, the philosophy behind his coaching and the importance of building an environment where people can grow both physically and mentally.
21 Jan 2025
Episode 1: Introduction
Welcome to the first episode of A Light Forward Podcast! In this episode, your hosts introduce themselves, sharing their unique journeys into the world of clinical mental health graduate school. Listeners will also get a sneak peek at what’s to come, including honest conversations, emerging research insights and powerful personal stories of resilience.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
4 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
6 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 12 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
4
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
51
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