PODCAST · health
True Vine Talks
by True Vine Counseling
True Vine Talks is a Podcast discussing mental health and relationships. Linda and Rachel are licensed professional counselors at True Vine Counseling in Hurricane, WV. They believe emotion is the fastest and most reliable tool for lasting change. Linda and Rachel are passionate about helping individuals, couples, and families identify, understand, and change the patterns that keep them stuck. Their goal is to help people learn how to connect with themselves and others in healthy, productive ways that soothe fears and meet emotional needs (such as love and belonging).
Episodes
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When Faith Becomes A Weapon: Understanding Religious Abuse
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...
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Beyond the Headlines: What the Clancy Case Teaches Us About Maternal Mental Health with Kelly Lemon
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...
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You’re Allowed to Have Limits
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.
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Healthy Relationships: Lessons from the Dark Triad
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…
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The Dark Triad
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…
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Generativity vs Stagnation: Ages 40-65
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…
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Intimacy vs Isolation: Ages 18-40
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...
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Identity vs Role Confusion: Ages 12-18
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…
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Industry vs Inferiority: Ages 6-12
In our miniseries 'Stage by Stage: A Parent’s Roadmap', we explore Erikson’s stages of Psychosocial Development. This episode focuses on Industry vs. Inferiority, a pivotal period for children ages 6 to 12. During these years, kids begin comparing themselves to peers to determine what they are…
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The Fawn Response, Part 3: How To Heal & Stop Fawning
You recognized the fawn response. You understood where it came from. Now it's time to heal. In Part 3 of our fawn response mini-series, we're diving into the real work of recovery: setting boundaries without guilt, trusting your own voice again, and breaking the people-pleasing patterns that have...
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Protest Behaviors in Relationships
Protest behaviors are some of the most misunderstood dynamics in close relationships. They can look like criticism, stonewalling, emotional outbursts, or shutdown, but beneath the surface, they're often a cry for connection. In this episode, we examine common protest behaviors through the lens of...
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The Myth of Attracting The Wrong Person: It's Not Attraction - It's Access
So many people ask, “Why do I keep attracting the wrong people?!” What if attraction isn’t the real issue at all? In this episode, we unpack a powerful (and often misunderstood) idea: it’s not about who you attract—it’s about who you give your emotional and relational access to. Drawing from...
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The Fawn Response, Part 2: CPTSD and the Need for Safety
In Part 2 of this mini-series, we explore the connection between the fawn response and complex PTSD. This episode examines how fawning develops as a survival strategy in environments where safety depends on appeasing others, remaining small, or avoiding conflict. Together, we’ll unpack why the...
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The Fawn Response, Part 1: What It Is and How It Shows Up
This first episode of our three-part mini-series explores the fawn response: what it is, how it develops, and why it exists. We discuss its roots in trauma and nervous system survival, along with real-life examples of how fawning can show up in relationships, work, and daily interactions.
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Distress Tolerance: Where Has It Gone?
In this episode, with guest and colleague, Hannah Eastman, we explore a question many counselors are asking: Where has distress tolerance gone for Gen Z? We dive into the patterns we’re seeing in the therapy room and the cultural forces that may have shaped this shift. We discuss the rise of...
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Beyond The Stoic Mask: Men's Mental Health
In this Movember episode, we’re taking a closer look at men’s mental health and the silent expectations that often shape their emotional lives. From being the “strong one” who never breaks to the provider who puts everyone else first, men are often taught to suppress their emotions and hide their...
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Boundary vs Grudge: The Intent Behind the Line
How can you be sure you are protecting your peace versus holding onto resentment? In this episode, we discuss the difference between setting boundaries with love and holding grudges with bitterness. We’ll explore how intention shapes the outcome—and why boundaries are rooted in self-respect, not...
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Stable vs Healthy: What Makes A Relationship Truly Secure?
Many relationships look “stable” from the outside—consistent, predictable, maybe even long-lasting. But stability doesn’t always mean a relationship is healthy. In this episode, Linda and Rachel unpack the differences between simply maintaining a stable bond and actually cultivating a secure...
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Letting Choices Teach: Natural Consequences as Boundaries
In this episode, we explore how allowing natural consequences to unfold can serve as powerful boundaries that protect your peace. Learn why stepping back, letting people face the results of their choices, and resisting the urge to fix everything isn’t cold—it’s caring. Tune in for practical...
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How To Meet Your Inner Child
If you’ve been curious about inner child work but don’t know where to begin, this episode is your starting point. We’ll guide you through simple, approachable ways to meet your inner child—the often-forgotten part of you that still carries old pain. You’ll learn how to visualize this part of...
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Healing Wounds From Narcissistic Parents
Growing up with a narcissistic parent can leave deep, confusing wounds. In this episode, we talk about how to begin healing—from validating your own story, to setting boundaries, to caring for the child within you who still longs for the love you didn’t receive. We also hold space for the quiet...
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It Was Never Your Fault: Growing Up With A Narcissistic Parent
What happens when the person who was supposed to love you unconditionally makes everything about themselves? In this episode, we explore the psychological impact of being raised by a narcissistic parent. From gaslighting and guilt to the loss of identity and chronic self-doubt, we unpack the deep...
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When Parents Can't Show Up: Understanding Emotional Immaturity
Have you ever felt like you were the parent in your relationship with a caregiver? This is what happens when a parent never grew up emotionally. This episode explores the four types of emotionally immature parents, how their behavior affects children into adulthood, and how to begin healing....
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Friendship Without Fixing: Ditching Codependence
Being a good friend doesn’t mean being someone’s emotional lifeline. In this episode, we break down codependent friendships, how to recognize red flags, and how to build relationships rooted in mutual respect, independence, and balance.
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When The Past Hurts Again: Understanding Attachment Reinjury
Have you ever found yourself overreacting in a relationship and wondered, “Why did that hurt so much?” In this episode, we explore the deep and often hidden wounds of attachment reinjury—when present-day relationships awaken unresolved pain from our earliest connections. Whether it's feeling...
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Adjusting to Life Transitions
Throughout our lifetime, we are all met with various transitions. These transitions could be from education into the workforce, retirement, moving to a new location, or any major change that impacts your daily life and routine. Regardless of the type of transition, there is the potential to...
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'Let Them' by Cassie Phillips
Linda and Rachel read Cassie Phillips's poem 'Let Them'. Her words teach us that we deserve better, and when we find better, our lives improve.
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How Media Can Influence Dating
Linda and Rachel discuss how themes in popular media (television, movies, magazines, etc.) can influence behavior in romantic relationships.
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Black & White Thinking
Linda and Rachel discuss 'black and white thinking' (AKA dichotomous thinking). This cognitive distortion occurs when an individual views the world in extreme opposites. This can look like believing something is all good or all bad, perfect or terrible, always or never, etc.
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Navigating Difficult Conversations
Linda and Rachel share some helpful tips for navigating those difficult conversations with important people in your life. Though they can be uncomfortable, these conversations can also bring closeness, increase satisfaction, and deepen trust in relationships.
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Elements of Healthy Relationships
Linda and Rachel answer the question: "How do you know what healthy is if you have been in insecure attachment patterns all your life?"
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Psychology of Human Relationships
To celebrate their 100th episode together, Linda and Rachel discuss the Psychology of Human Relationships. Listen to learn about the science of human connection, how the quality of our relationships affects mental health, and some of the elements of meaningful connection that cultivate stronger...
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Self-Disclosure from your Therapist
Nobody always has everything together. Not even licensed professional counselors. Linda and Rachel discuss the appropriate use of self-disclosure during therapy sessions and how they hope it helps encourage trust and authenticity.
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Transition to Parenthood
Linda and Rachel have a candid conversation about their transitions to parenthood. They hope their transparency in sharing personal experiences during postpartum will help validate other new parents. The two hope to normalize how overwhelming and challenging bringing home a new baby can be and...
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Couples Therapy Sessions
Linda and Rachel use a clip from the movie 'Mr. and Mrs. Smith' (2005) to discuss couples therapy sessions.
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Silence during therapy sessions
Linda and Rachel use the silent session scene from the movie 'Good Will Hunting' (1997) to discuss silence during therapy sessions and how they might handle it as professional counselors.
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Dissociative Identity Disorder
Linda and Rachel discuss the DSM-5 Dissociative Identity Disorder diagnosis using a clip from the movie 'Split' (2016).
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Superpowers of The Dismissive Avoidant Attachment Style
Linda and Rachel discuss the dismissive avoidant attachment style and the many strengths of individuals with this type of attachment. This podcast episode is a mini-series, part 2 of 2.
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Superpowers of the Anxious Preoccupied Attachment Style
Linda and Rachel discuss the anxious preoccupied attachment style and the many strengths of individuals with this type of attachment. This podcast episode is a mini-series, part 1 of 2.
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Emotionally Immature People
Linda and Rachel discuss how frustrating it can be to interact with an emotionally immature person. Listen to learn the characteristics of an emotionally immature person, why individuals might be emotionally immature adults, and what to do for yourself if you care for an emotionally immature...
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A Tribute to Dr. Sue Johnson
Linda and Rachel honor the passing of Dr. Sue Johnson, creator of Emotionally Focused Therapy by sharing what they have learned through Sue's research on love and attachment.
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Stigma as a Barrier to Mental Health Care
On February 28, 2024, Elon Musk posted on X (previously Twitter): "Put Never Went to Therapy" on my gravestone. In this episode of True Vine Talks, Linda and Rachel discuss how the stigma around mental health care remains and creates barriers to those who could benefit from receiving therapy.
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Codependency
Codependency is a term used to describe an unhealthy relationship dynamic between a ‘taker’ and a ‘giver.’ In this episode of True Vine Talks, Linda and Rachel explain codependency, how the codependent relationship is created, and the steps to take if you realize you are in a codependent...
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Leading Cause of Divorce
Linda and Rachel discuss the leading cause of divorce - lack of communication and unrealistic expectations. Listen and learn how poor communication in relationships leads to loneliness and resentment.
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Have you ever dated a 'project' ?
In this episode, Linda and Rachel discuss why so many people get stuck in cycles of dating ‘projects.’ Project dating refers to the habit of falling in love with someone’s potential and feeling like you aren’t enough when that individual doesn’t change, improve, or grow in the relationship. If…
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Managing Rejection within Relationships
Linda and Rachel discuss how rejection can show up in any relationship. Listen and learn about the four types of rejection, where perceived rejections stem from, and how to work with parts of yourself to help manage feelings of rejection.
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How Trauma Impacts Relationships
Linda and Rachel discuss how past trauma can impact current relationships, especially romantic relationships. Previous relational trauma can lead to feeling suspicious, distrusting others, questioning intentions, and fear of harsh consequences or abandonment. Listen and learn how the trauma…
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Common Obstacles to Change
Have you ever wondered what keeps some people stuck, unable to change? In this episode, Linda and Rachel discuss some common obstacles individuals must overcome to obtain the mental health progress they seek.
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Is it Burnout? Or is it Betrayal?
Most of us have heard about burnout. A state of physical and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress. Many employees have experienced this within the workplace. When an individual experiences burnout, others are quick to suggest they weren’t taking good enough care of themselves. Our…
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"The Woman in Me" by Britney Spears
Linda and Rachel honor Britney's life story by discussing the honesty and bravery she has expressed in her memoir "The Woman in Me". Listen to learn about toxic relationships and how to tell if someone has your best interest at heart.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
True Vine Talks is a Podcast discussing mental health and relationships. Linda and Rachel are licensed professional counselors at True Vine Counseling in Hurricane, WV. They believe emotion is the fastest and most reliable tool for lasting change. Linda and Rachel are passionate about helping individuals, couples, and families identify, understand, and change the patterns that keep them stuck. Their goal is to help people learn how to connect with themselves and others in healthy, productive ways that soothe fears and meet emotional needs (such as love and belonging).
HOSTED BY
True Vine Counseling
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