Grove: Beyond The Couch

Most people picture therapy as two people in chairs, facing each other, talking. That image captures something true, but it's only part of the story. Melissa and Susan are joined by Marissa Fike, a therapist at Grove who has built her practice around the idea that healing can arrive through many unexpected doors: a carefully blended cup of tea, a poem you didn't know you were ready to write, a walk through the woods with a card asking what grounds you. Marissa shares her path from English teacher to therapist, the ways she weaves mindfulness and experiential work into sessions, and her belief that the skills people practice in the therapy room are most powerful when they follow someone home. Remember that listening to this podcast is not therapy. It might be therapeutic, but it isn't a replacement for good mental health treatment. We can help with getting you connected with a good therapist. Check out our website. Grove: A Healing Collective

The early days of parenthood are celebrated more than they are prepared for, and a lot of new parents end up in that season feeling like they're doing something wrong. In this conversation, Melissa and Susan dig into what postpartum mental health actually looks like: not just depression, but anxiety, anger, and intrusive thoughts that can feel alarming without being dangerous. They share their own experiences, talk about why fathers experience postpartum struggles far more than most people realize, and make the case for why connection might be the most important resource a new parent can find. If you've ever wondered whether what you were feeling was normal, or something worth bringing up with someone, this conversation is worth your time. Remember that listening to this podcast is not therapy. It might be therapeutic, but it isn't a replacement for good mental health treatment. We can help with getting you connected with a good therapist. Check out our website. Grove: A Healing Collective

In this episode, Melissa and Susan explore a timely question: can AI actually replace therapy? They talk through the pros, the limits, and the real risks of using tools like ChatGPT for emotional support, self-reflection, and mental health questions. From boundaries and human connection to the danger of relying on AI in moments of crisis, this conversation looks at where AI can be helpful as a tool and where it falls short of real therapy. Remember that listening to this podcast is not therapy. It might be therapeutic, but it isn’t a replacement for good mental health treatment. We can help with getting you connected with a good therapist. Check out our website.  Grove: A Healing Collective

In this episode, Melissa and Susan are joined by Isha and Lori of Insightful Counseling in Sparta and Cookeville for a conversation about collaboration, community care, and the growing need for support in rural mental health services. They talk about what it looks like to serve children, adults, and families in the Upper Cumberland, with a special focus on autism, caregiver stress, school support, and the challenges families face while waiting for evaluations and services. It is a thoughtful conversation about meeting people where they are, building better resources in small communities, and why supporting caregivers matters just as much as supporting the child. Remember that listening to this podcast is not therapy. It might be therapeutic, but it isn’t a replacement for good mental health treatment. We can help with getting you connected with a good therapist. Check out our website.  Grove: A Healing Collective

A snow-and-ice week brings up familiar “stuck” feelings, and Melissa and Susan use it to unpack what healing really looks like. They talk about why progress is often small, why sessions can feel heavy, how change happens outside the therapy room, and why healing isn’t linear. They also share updates on new groups and community offerings (including childcare support, yoga/sound bath, and more) connected to their new nonprofit work. Remember that listening to this podcast is not therapy. It might be therapeutic, but it isn’t a replacement for good mental health treatment. We can help with getting you connected with a good therapist. Check out our website.  Grove: A Healing Collective

This week, Melissa and Susan sit down with Seth Crabtree and Mike Giamo of Crabtree & Patterson Law Firm for a rare four-person conversation that connects the worlds of therapy and criminal defense. They talk about what it’s like to meet people at the worst moments of their lives, how attorneys compartmentalize heavy cases, why clarity often beats sugarcoating, and what “winning” really means when real lives are on the line. Plus: burnout, boundaries, stress outlets, and a few laughs along the way. Remember that listening to this podcast is not therapy. It might be therapeutic, but it isn’t a replacement for good mental health treatment. We can help with getting you connected with a good therapist. Check out our website.  Grove: A Healing Collective

It’s guest episode #2 in a row, and we’re joined by Noelle as she approaches one year at Grove. Noelle shares her path from 10 years in nursing, to stepping away because of burnout, to finding her way back into a helping role in a healthier, more sustainable environment. We talk about what burnout can really look like, the value of boundaries and self-care, and why the front desk can be its own kind of “first stop” support. Plus: the story behind the Grovey Awards, how Noelle became the team’s go-to “chaos tamer,” and a few exciting hints about what’s coming in 2026 as Grove continues to grow. Remember that listening to this podcast is not therapy. It might be therapeutic, but it isn’t a replacement for good mental health treatment. We can help with getting you connected with a good therapist. Check out our website.  Grove: A Healing Collective

It’s the first episode of 2026, and Melissa and Susan kick off the year with a special guest from their own team: Sarah. She shows up with fidgets, an emotional-support Furby, and a whole lot of honesty about what it’s like to do the thing you’ve been avoiding… even when your therapeutic philosophy is literally “avoid avoidance.” Together, they unpack why motivation can tank in the winter, how to tell the difference between needing rest and needing a push, and why shame-based “hustle” strategies might work short-term but rarely stick. Sarah shares practical tools she uses with clients (and herself), including the “even if” mindset, body-doubling, and the INCUP framework (interest, novelty, challenge, urgency, pressure) to make hard things more doable. The conversation also takes some delightful detours—quirky clothes, a Dr. Seuss office, pet crows, and plans for bees at Grove—while staying grounded in one central theme: learning how to move through discomfort with kindness, not punishment. Remember that listening to this podcast is not therapy. It might be therapeutic, but it isn’t a replacement for good mental health treatment. We can help with getting you connected with a good therapist. Check out our website.  Grove: A Healing Collective

Susan and Melissa wrap up the year with a honest, hopeful conversation about growth, change, and what’s coming next for Grove. They look back on the big projects of the past year—renovations, new partnerships, and a whole lot of hard work—while talking about why they prefer intentions over rigid New Year’s resolutions and how to carry the right things into 2026. Then they open up about their own experiences with ketamine-assisted therapy: what it actually felt like, why they were skeptical at first, how it connects with trauma work and brain plasticity, and why they now see it as one more powerful tool in the mental health toolbox—not a magic fix, and not something for everyone, but a real option with real impact. They also share how Grove is working toward offering ketamine-assisted therapy in-house and what that could mean for clients in the Upper Cumberland. If you’ve ever wondered what psychedelic-assisted therapy is really like, or you just need some company as you reflect on your own year, this episode is a grounded, thoughtful place to start. Remember that listening to this podcast is not therapy. It might be therapeutic, but it isn’t a replacement for good mental health treatment. We can help with getting you connected with a good therapist. Check out our website.  Grove: A Healing Collective

Susan and Melissa kick off the holiday season with a fun — and surprisingly insightful — conversation about common myths surrounding therapy. From the idea that “something must be wrong with you” to the misconception that therapists give advice or can read minds, they break it all down with humor, real talk, and a peek behind the scenes of what counseling is actually like. Whether you’re already in therapy or have been curious about what it’s like, this episode helps clear up the stereotypes and makes the whole process feel a lot more human. Plus, there’s a little Christmas chaos, some friendly rivalry, and the promise of exciting guest conversations coming in the new year. Tune in, learn a little, laugh a lot — and Merry Christmas from the “Grows Beyond the Couch” crew! Remember that listening to this podcast is not therapy. It might be therapeutic, but it isn’t a replacement for good mental health treatment. We can help with getting you connected with a good therapist. Check out our website.  Grove: A Healing Collective

In this episode of Grove: Beyond the Couch, Melissa and Susan welcome therapist and yoga instructor Elizabeth Mounts to talk about what it really looks like to blend clinical work with yoga, somatic processing, and sound baths. Elizabeth shares her story of burning out in traditional mental health settings, stepping away from therapy, and then finding her way back with much clearer boundaries: knowing her style, honoring her schedule, and being honest about who she is a good fit for (and who she is not). They dig into what somatic therapy actually is: tuning into where emotions live in the body, using breath, imagery, parts work, and even sound bowls to help complete the stress cycle and regulate the nervous system. They talk about discomfort in silence, why lying on a couch with your eyes closed can feel like torture at first, and how the body will often tell the truth before the mind catches up. Elizabeth also tackles common hesitations around yoga, especially from Christians, explaining how yoga can be a neutral, flexible tool for nervous system regulation, pain relief, and spiritual connection (or not), depending on what you bring to the mat. The episode wraps with practical details about her weekly yoga class and monthly sound baths at Grove, plus encouragement to try something “weird,” give it at least three tries, and trust that you already carry more wisdom in your body than you realize. Remember that listening to this podcast is not therapy. It might be therapeutic, but it isn’t a replacement for good mental health treatment. We can help with getting you connected with a good therapist. Check out our website.  Grove: A Healing Collective

In this episode, Melissa and Susan start with some lighter talk - fresh paint on the Grove building, skeletons in Santa hats, and small ways they’re trying to brighten the darker months - before gently shifting into a heavy but necessary conversation: domestic violence. They walk through the Power and Control Wheel, unpacking how abuse isn’t just physical, but can look like emotional abuse, financial control, isolation, gaslighting, threats, and using children as leverage. They talk about why it’s never as simple as “why doesn’t she just leave,” how trauma bonding and intermittent kindness keep people stuck, and why safety planning and support are so crucial. Melissa and Susan also offer ideas for what to say (and what not to say) when someone you love may be in an abusive relationship, and share both national and local resources like Avalon and Genesis for those in the Upper Cumberland. The episode closes with an invitation to regulate, move your body, find connection, and remember: you deserve to be treated with dignity and respect - always. Remember that listening to this podcast is not therapy. It might be therapeutic, but it isn’t a replacement for good mental health treatment. We can help with getting you connected with a good therapist. Check out our website.  Grove: A Healing Collective

Happy Halloween! 🎃 Melissa (Halloween superfan) and Susan (hard pass on haunted houses) swap stories about spooky décor, jump scares, and why some of us crave adrenaline while others avoid horror at all costs. Then they get therapist-y about fear: what phobias are, how our brains learn them (sometimes from family or one-off moments), and why finishing the stress cycle matters more than “just breathe” in the moment. You’ll hear practical ways to discharge that surge (walks, dancing, music, movement), when grounding does help, and how approaches like gradual exposure and EMDR can untangle fears—whether it’s snakes, flying, or scary movies that felt a little too real. They also touch on parenting with anxiety (protecting vs. over-protecting), reframing the parts of Halloween you actually enjoy, and giving yourself permission to skip the rest. Remember that listening to this podcast is not therapy. It might be therapeutic, but it isn’t a replacement for good mental health treatment. We can help with getting you connected with a good therapist. Check out our website.  Grove: A Healing Collective

Susan and Melissa welcome Grove therapist Desi to celebrate her two-year anniversary on the team. They swap origin stories (and office décor tips), then get real about what actually makes therapy work: the person of the therapist, the culture behind the scenes, and finding the right client–therapist fit—sometimes that means a warm handoff to a different provider. They dig into the unique parts of practicing in a rural/micropolitan community—running into clients at Publix, confidentiality in close-knit towns, and why advocacy and resource-hunting matter here more than ever.   Desi shares how she balances a full caseload while nearing completion of her PhD (hello, “Dr. D” 👋) and previews her dissertation on the experiences of Black counselors working in rural areas—why the research gap exists, what she’s learning, and how it can shape better care. The trio also talk groups, community offerings, and why it’s okay (and healthy) to choose the therapist and space that feel right to you. Remember that listening to this podcast is not therapy. It might be therapeutic, but it isn’t a replacement for good mental health treatment. We can help with getting you connected with a good therapist. Check out our website.  Grove: A Healing Collective

As the days get shorter, Susan and Melissa unpack Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)—how it differs from “winter blues,” what to watch for (sleep and appetite shifts, low energy, persistent low mood), and why time change and circadian rhythms matter. They talk holiday pressure, grief triggers, and isolation—and share practical ways to buffer the season: light strategies (twinkle lamps to light boxes), cozy routines (hello, crockpots), small social goals, and building regular community touchpoints (coffee shops, gyms, book clubs). They also outline when it’s time to loop in a therapist, primary care, or psychiatrist, and highlight Grove offerings—from yoga and Healing Through Words to upcoming groups. Listening isn’t therapy, but it can be therapeutic. If seasonal shifts hit hard for you, you’re not alone—and help is close by. Check Grove’s calendar for classes, groups, and counseling options. We can help with getting you connected with a good therapist. Check out our website.  Grove: A Healing Collective  

In this episode of Beyond The Couch, hosts Susan and Melissa sit down with their colleague, Abigail (Abby) Nesbitt, to explore her personal and professional journey into the world of counseling. Abby opens up about her early path toward medicine, her struggles with anxiety and OCD in graduate school, and the life-changing decision to step away from PA school and pursue counseling instead. The conversation dives deep into Abby’s experiences with EMDR and ERP, modalities that not only helped her heal but now shape the way she walks with her clients. She shares openly about the challenges of perfectionism, intrusive thoughts, and learning to face fear head-on—and how those struggles became the foundation for her compassionate, relatable approach as a therapist. Together, Susan, Melissa, and Abby discuss the courage it takes to “be on the couch,” the importance of therapists doing their own work, and the power of embracing our humanity—flaws and all. Whether you’re a therapist, someone curious about counseling, or walking your own journey with anxiety or OCD, this episode offers encouragement, honesty, and hope. Remember that listening to this podcast is not therapy. It might be therapeutic, but it isn’t a replacement for good mental health treatment. We can help with getting you connected with a good therapist. Check out our website.  Grove: A Healing Collective

In this episode, Susan and Melissa talk with therapist Regina Beach about the deep impact therapy can have on children—and the adults they become.   Regina shares what it’s like to work with young clients through play therapy, helping them name emotions, build confidence, and develop healthy coping skills. The conversation explores how early experiences shape our beliefs about ourselves and the world, and why giving kids space to feel seen and heard is so powerful. Grounded in compassion and honesty, this episode offers a glimpse into how healing starts young—and why that work matters more than ever. Remember that listening to this podcast is not therapy. It might be therapeutic, but it isn’t a replacement for good mental health treatment. We can help with getting you connected with a good therapist. Check out our website.  Grove: A Healing Collective

In this episode, Susan and Melissa talk candidly about what it looks like when life forces you to pause—whether through illness, stress, or simply hitting capacity. They share stories of burnout and learning to listen to your body instead of pushing through. From letting go of guilt around rest to finding unexpected moments of clarity in stillness, this episode is an honest look at what happens beyond the hustle. If you’ve ever felt like life hit the brakes just when you were gaining speed, this one’s for you. Remember that listening to this podcast is not therapy. It might be therapeutic, but it isn’t a replacement for good mental health treatment. We can help with getting you connected with a good therapist. Check out our website.  Grove: A Healing Collective

Melissa and Susan sit down with Olivia Martin, therapist at The Grove, to talk about the power of community, authenticity, and movement as a form of healing. Olivia shares her journey from post-grad burnout to rediscovering joy and connection through queer spaces, dance parties, and the creation of Lavender Club—a weekly arts-and-crafts gathering for queer teens. They discuss the challenges and beauty of working with neurodivergent clients, the importance of sober community events, and how movement-based healing—like dancing—can be both research-backed and deeply personal. Olivia also opens up about her inspiration, including her late Uncle Joe, and how honoring her identity has shaped her life and her work as a therapist. Whether you’re looking for new ways to heal, curious about inclusive therapy spaces, or just need a reminder that joy is resistance—this episode is a celebration of all that. Remember that listening to this podcast is not therapy. It might be therapeutic, but it isn’t a replacement for good mental health treatment. We can help with getting you connected with a good therapist. Check out our website.  Grove: A Healing Collective

Melissa and Susan welcome special guest Emma Crabtree, founder of Glass Tangerine, for a heartfelt and humorous conversation about her journey from being a licensed therapist to owning a successful flower shop and flower farm. Emma opens up about the burnout she experienced during COVID, the surprising leap she made into entrepreneurship, and how her counseling background still plays a role in her business today. They discuss the unexpected challenges of retail, the realities of small business finances, and the beauty of building something that blends personal passion with community impact. You’ll also hear stories about squirrel-related office disasters, pet-assisted therapy, and plans for a future “cut-your-own” flower experience on the Grove’s farm. Whether you’re a fellow small business owner, someone considering a career pivot, or just need a good laugh and some encouragement—this one’s for you. Remember that listening to this podcast is not therapy. It might be therapeutic, but it isn’t a replacement for good mental health treatment. We can help with getting you connected with a good therapist. Check out our website.  Grove: A Healing Collective

Susan and Melissa dig into a variety of topics from tele-health, staying present, and responding to world events. Susan introduces a new element to the podcast where they look at some current news stories and discuss their intersection with mental health. whew... buckle in! Special guest: P-Diddy (in thought only). Remember that listening to this podcast is not therapy. It might be therapeutic, but it isn’t a replacement for good mental health treatment. We can help with getting you connected with a good therapist. Check out our website.  Grove: A Healing Collective

Susan and Melissa sit down for a discussion on what it looks like to be a therapist and what someone can expect when they walk into a session with their provider. The truth is that therapists are real people, with real lives and they have real problems - just like you. Obviously, we all know this - but did you know that therapists have training on how they can walk into a situation and check their own stuff at the door? Melissa talks more about conflict and clients - and how that is navigated. Such a great chat today - and a quick one! Remember that listening to this podcast is not therapy. It might be therapeutic, but it isn’t a replacement for good mental health treatment. We can help with getting you connected with a good therapist. Check out our website.  Grove: A Healing Collective

Susan and Melissa welcome in Nathan to talk Addiction Recovery. Nathan talks about his story moving from extreme addiction, finally getting clean and even on to a position with the State of Tennessee providing prevention and recovery services to groups all over the State. Nathan's impact in recovery in Tennessee can not be overstated and he shares a little about that work with us today. Nathan jumps into his efforts to validate and educate communities so they can better come along side those who are suffering with addiction; even when the emotions around addition are complicated. Remember that listening to this podcast is not therapy. It might be therapeutic, but it isn’t a replacement for good mental health treatment. We can help with getting you connected with a good therapist. Check out our website.  Grove: A Healing Collective

Melissa and Susan sit down and chat with Deon, a service provider that practices at Grove. With a long background working in Community Mental Health, Deon joined the team at Grove 5 years ago.  Deon talks about how he engages the trauma experienced by clients, and helps them to process that. Deon talks about "Big T trauma and Small t trauma" and the differences in those - but also the similar impact they can have on how someone thinks. Deon really specializes in creating a safe space that lets people share deeply - and this helps clients move through emotions. More importantly, Deon is an Alabama fan - Roll Tide! Remember that listening to this podcast is not therapy. It might be therapeutic, but it isn’t a replacement for good mental health treatment. We can help with getting you connected with a good therapist. Check out our website.  Grove: A Healing Collective

Susan and Melissa have the conversation that parents need: How do we lower the anxiety of while parenting in this modern world? Expectations are high for parents, and it seems like we are forced to make big decisions for our children every day. How do we manage this? They talk about the pressure, acknowledging it is hard, and also give some practical ways to help you manage the anxiety. One of the major themes that Susan brings up is the guilt/shame parents can feel when they ever consider taking care of themselves. Melissa also talks about that weight we can get crushed under when we wonder if we are doing enough to launch the young humans we are trusted with. Remember that listening to this podcast is not therapy. It might be therapeutic, but it isn’t a replacement for good mental health treatment. We can help with getting you connected with a good therapist. Check out our website.  Grove: A Healing Collective

Annie joins Melissa and Susan as they discuss the mental health needs of new mothers - from body image struggles to postpartum depression. Share this with a friend. Remember that listening to this podcast is not therapy. It might be therapeutic, but it isn’t a replacement for good mental health treatment. We can help with getting you connected with a good therapist. Check out our website.  Grove: A Healing Collective

We sit down today and walk through some of the most popular tools used by therapists to help their clients do the work. Therapists don't "Just Listen", but listening and prompting is a big part - teamed with specific tools that help people focus and work on their mental health. Okay - we talk about some woo-woo tools as well - we are looking at you "Brainspotting". Share this with a friend. Remember that listening to this podcast is not therapy. It might be therapeutic, but it isn’t a replacement for good mental health treatment. We can help with getting you connected with a good therapist. Check out our website.  Grove: A Healing Collective

Adam Heckmann joins us to talk about how to listen and engage in a session with those who are sharing some deep emotions and feelings. Adam shares that clients really lead how the sessions go, and they set the pace. The truth about therapy is that the therapist isn't the one doing the work - the client is the one doing the work. "You are the expert on you - I hope to look from different perspectives and help you organize thoughts - but the work happens on the client side." Share this with a friend. Remember that listening to this podcast is not therapy. It might be therapeutic, but it isn’t a replacement for good mental health treatment. We can help with getting you connected with a good therapist. Check out our website.  Grove: A Healing Collective

We decided to talk a little bit self-esteem and how we can love ourselves well. Melissa said "How we deal with other people, many times, can be informed by how we deal with ourself", so although some people look at "showing love to yourself" as selfish - it really isn't. The discussion talks about Guilt and Shame and we talk about how those are different things. Also - on the front end of the episode, we share a lot about the group events we have coming up. We would love to have you join us for those! Share this with a friend. Remember that listening to this podcast is not therapy. It might be therapeutic, but it isn’t a replacement for good mental health treatment. We can help with getting you connected with a good therapist. Check out our website.  Grove: A Healing Collective

It's the day after Valentine's Day and we have the LOVE DOCTOR in the studio today. Isaac Evans joins us to talk about relationships, couple's counseling and all that goes into working with two clients at once.  Share this one with a friend! For more information about Isaac, and the rest of the services Grove offers, check out www.grovehealingcollective.com Remember that listening to this podcast is not therapy. It might be therapeutic, but it isn’t a replacement for good mental health treatment. We can help with getting you connected with a good therapist.

Melissa and Susan are joined by Office Manager Dalila Lobato. Most people know that Dalila is the reason the lights stay on and that the practice runs smoothly. This episode is a joy to be able to check in with her and let her voice be heard.  Share this with a friend.  Remember that listening to this podcast is not therapy. It might be therapeutic, but it isn’t a replacement for good mental health treatment. We can help with getting you connected with a good therapist. Check out our website.  Grove: A Healing Collective

Susan and Melissa sit down and talk about what healthy resolutions look like, and what they don’t. Setting goals for ourselves isn’t bad - but we shouldn’t beat ourselves up if it doesn’t go quite as planned. Share this with a friend. Remember that this podcast isn’t a replacement for proper medical treatment. Mental health is a deeply personal thing, we hope you’ll seek out a one-on-one connection with a mental health professional if you feel you need it     Grove: A Healing Collective  

We made it through December, so maybe now is a good time to check in on our stress level. Are you heading towards burnout? What does that look like and how can we manage stress before it boils over.  We are so glad you are here listening, but remember that this is not a replacement for seeing a mental health professional. It’s important to make the appointment and see someone if you are struggling or just need to have a mental health check in.  Grove, a healing collective   Crisis Lines: 988 - emergency mental health (call or text) Text: TN to 741741 TN Crisis Line: 1-855-274-7471

Melissa and Susan venture into the topic of suicide. This time of year (holidays/winter) this can be a tough time for us - and our depression can sneak in. Talking about suicide is important - so that’s what we are doing.  Crisis Lines: 988 - national emergency mental health (call or text) Text: TN to 741741 TN Crisis Line: 1-855-274-7471 Remember, our podcast shouldn’t be a replacement for seeking help through therapy.  Grove, a healing collective  

In episode one you learned about where Grove is now and what they are up to - today Melissa and Susan talk about how they ended up working in therapy and starting a business! They also discuss, "is therapy becoming a more normal part of people's health journey?" (the answer is yes - and that is good!) Subscribe now and let’s start healing together. Grove: A Healing Collective - Website

Susan and Melissa jump right in and introduce you to their story of how "Grove: A Healing Collective" has arrived where they are today. Their new name and their new environment now is more in line with the heart of the work they want to do in creating a community that values, and encourages, positive mental health. Hit play and learn more about your new favorite therapists - HIT SUBSCRIBE so you won't miss their next episode. Also - share this with a friend if you think they should subscribe. For more information about Grove: A Healing Collective, check out their website.

Welcome to Beyond The Couch! Melissa and Susan dive into real conversations on mental health, healing, and the challenges of everyday life. Join us here twice a month as we explore what it means to live fully, feel deeply, and grow intentionally. Whether you’re new to therapy or a seasoned pro, we’re here to help you go beyond the couch. Subscribe now and let’s start healing together. Grove: A Healing Collective - Website