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The Aurora Sessions Beyond The Couch

The Aurora Sessions Beyond The Couch

by Aurora Sun Counseling

Episode 22 - The Woman Behind Miss New Jersey

Behind the crown is a woman with a story. 👑✨ In this episode of The Aurora Sessions: Beyond the Couch, we sit down with Belle Nicholas, Miss New Jersey 2025, graduate student in clinical psychology, mental health advocate, and founder of Shout Our Struggle. Together, we talk about the realities behind the title — balancing leadership, advocacy, graduate school, mental health, and the pressure that often comes with being seen as “put together.” Belle opens up about her journey through anxiety and depression, how she turned struggle into purpose, and what authenticity truly looks like behind the spotlight. This conversation is honest, empowering, emotional, and deeply human. 🤍 🎧 Listen now wherever you stream podcasts. #AuroraSessions #BeyondTheCouch #MentalHealthAwareness #MissNewJersey #BelleNicholas #MentalHealthAdvocate #Podcast #WomenEmpoweringWomen #TherapyConversations #Authenticity #Healing #AuroraSunCounseling

Episode 21 - Beyond Achievement

In this episode of The Aurora Sessions: Beyond the Couch, Theresa sits down with Jackie Ramos — performer, high-achieving student, mental health advocate, and former Miss New Jersey Teen Volunteer 2025 — for an honest conversation about identity, pressure, and growing up under high expectations. Jackie opens up about balancing academics, theatre, dance, leadership, and pageantry while navigating the emotional weight that often exists behind achievement. Together, they explore the “tiger cub” mentality, the connection between performance and self-worth, and what it means to redefine success on your own terms. The conversation moves beyond titles and accomplishments into the realities many young people quietly carry: anxiety, perfectionism, burnout, and the pressure to always appear okay. Jackie shares how she’s learning to give herself compassion, find balance, and embrace authenticity both on and off the stage. With warmth, humor, and vulnerability, this episode reminds listeners that even the most accomplished people are still learning who they are beyond the applause. 🎧 Topics include: • High achievement & mental health • Identity beyond performance • Theatre, dance & pageantry life • Family expectations & self-worth • Anxiety, stress & perfectionism • Self-compassion & authenticity • Growing up in today’s emotional climate Whether you’re a parent, performer, student, or someone trying to untangle your worth from your productivity, this conversation offers honesty, insight, and connection.

Episode 20 Part 1 - A Night with Nor'Easter Nick

At The Aurora Sessions: Beyond the Couch, we create space for the conversations people don’t always say out loud. With Nor’Easter Nick Pittman, we talked about identity, early life experiences, resilience, and the moments that quietly shape who we become. There were laughs. There were real moments. And there were stories that remind us we’re not alone in any of it. This is just the beginning.

Episode 19 - Part 2 Life After The Big Leagues

Episode 19 Part 2 with Brandon Duckworth ⚾️ The conversation continues… and this one goes deeper. From Opening Day memories to the mindset it takes to stay in the game — Brandon shares real, unfiltered insight on resilience, pressure, and what it actually means to show up when it matters most. Plus, advice for parents raising athletes, lessons from the highs and lows, and why your identity has to be bigger than the spotlight. 🔥 This episode also features a special Q&A with rising athletes — real questions from youth in the game, answered with honesty, perspective, and advice they can carry both on and off the field. If you caught Part 1, you already know… Part 2 is where it all connects. 🎧 Link below or get it wherever you stream. #AuroraSessions #BeyondTheCouch #MentalHealthMatters #AthleteMindset #OpeningDay #ParentingAthletes #NextGeneration

Episode 19 - Life After The Big Leagues

In Episode 19 of The Aurora Sessions: Beyond the Couch, we sit down with former MLB pitcher Brandon Duckworth to talk about what happens after the dream. From the highs of playing in the big leagues to the identity shifts that come with stepping away from the game, Brandon opens up about: ⚾ Transitioning out of professional sports ⚾ Finding purpose beyond performance ⚾ Reinventing yourself when your role changes ⚾ The mental side of success, pressure, and starting over ⚾ Valuable advice for parents supporting their children through sports and life transitions This conversation goes far beyond baseball — it’s about resilience, growth, and navigating change. If you’ve ever faced a life pivot, or you’re a parent guiding your child through theirs, this one is for you. 🎧 Now streaming on all platforms #TheAuroraSessions #BeyondTheCouch #MentalHealthMatters #LifeTransitions #AthleteMindset #Resilience #BrandonDuckworth #ParentingSupport

Episode 18 - A Lada Love

Raising emotionally strong kids starts earlier than we think In this episode, I sit down with Anne Lada — pediatric oncology nurse, mom of four, and founder of A Lada Love — to talk about why children’s mental health deserves our attention now, not later. We discuss the power of early intervention, how parents can nurture emotional intelligence at home, and the small but meaningful ways we can build resilience in our kids. Anne also shares insight on body image, self-esteem, and raising confident children in today’s social media world. This conversation is practical, hopeful, and deeply needed for any parent who wants to protect their child’s peace while strengthening their voice.

Episode 17 - Let's Talk About Codependence (Without The Shame)

Let’s Talk About Codependency (Without the Shame) In this episode, Fern shares her powerful journey from salesperson and buyer to therapist — and the moment in her mid-30s when she finally spoke up for herself after years of over giving without being valued. That shift didn’t just change her career… it changed her relationship with her own voice. We unpack what codependency really is (beyond the buzzword), how it quietly shows up in high-achieving and caregiving adults, and why so many of us repeat relationship patterns even when we know better. Fern helps us connect the dots between attachment wounds, boundaries, identity, and the deep-rooted fear of disappointing others. We also talk about: • How codependency plays out in couples • Why boundaries feel so hard (and so necessary) • What healing actually looks like in day-to-day life • And what real self-care means when you’re doing emotionally heavy work This conversation is honest, compassionate, and completely shame-free. If you’ve ever felt responsible for everyone else’s emotions, struggled to say no, or lost yourself in relationships — this one is for you.

Episode 16 - Love Without Limits

Love Without Limits In this episode, I sit down with Kimberly for a powerful conversation about what it really means to create relationships that are affirming, intentional, and expansive. We explore her journey into becoming a therapist, how she found her niche supporting neurodivergent and LGBTQ+ clients, and why this work matters so deeply. We dive into the unique strengths and challenges within neurodivergent couples, how communication can look different (and still be deeply connected), and what “success” in therapy truly means beyond societal norms. We also unpack polyamorous relationships—what they are, the biggest misconceptions, and how approaches like the Gottman Method can be adapted to support love structures outside of the traditional mold. Kimberly shares what she wishes more people understood about consensual non-monogamy, and guidance for therapists who want to practice more inclusively. This conversation is about curiosity over judgment. Compassion over assumption. And love without limits. If you’ve ever felt “different” in how you love, connect, or relate—this episode is for you.

Episode 15 - Her Haven, Her Story

In this episode, we’re joined by Alicia Day, LPC, founder of Waves of Change Counseling and Healing, for a powerful conversation about growth, healing, and building a practice rooted in connection. Alicia shares her journey into mental health—from inpatient psychiatry and school-based programs to opening her own private practice—and how those experiences shaped her client-centered, strengths-based approach. We dive into the importance of therapeutic relationships, supporting clients across the lifespan, and what it really takes to balance clinical work, supervision, and practice ownership. We also talk honestly about self-care, boundaries, preventing burnout, and maintaining your own mental health while supporting others through life’s hardest moments. Whether you’re a therapist, aspiring practice owner, or someone passionate about mental wellness, this episode is full of insight, heart, and practical wisdom.

Episode 14 - Love, Labor, and Healing

In this episode, we’re joined by Angela, a Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and Licensed Associate Counselor, for a meaningful conversation about maternal mental health, relationships, and therapy through a multicultural lens. Angela shares her journey into the mental health field, her passion for working with couples and families, and her current training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy. We discuss the unique challenges parents of color face during pregnancy and postpartum, how cultural expectations and stigma impact mental health, and ways partners and families can offer better support. The conversation also explores what helps couples feel “unstuck,” how relationships can stay strong through parenthood, and how Angela’s own experience as a mother shapes her work as a therapist. We wrap up with reflections on balance, self-care, and a fun personal note—including how Angela became fluent in Italian.

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