We’re unpacking a topic that quietly impacts so many relationships but rarely gets talked about: Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD). We break down what it actually is (and what it’s not), especially how it differs from OCD, and why it can go undiagnosed for years. If you’ve ever felt stuck in patterns of perfectionism, control, or rigidity—either in yourself or a partner—this conversation might feel very familiar.

We also get into how OCPD shows up in real life and relationships—from communication struggles to feeling like you can’t quite measure up. And while we don’t shy away from the challenges, we also explore the strengths, the nuance, and what growth can realistically look like. There’s a lot here that might shift how you understand yourself, your partner, and your dynamic.

Episode Highlights

[0:03] - Welcome + why OCPD is such an important and overlooked topic

[2:30] - Reframing “personality disorder” and removing the stigma

[5:00] - Why OCPD often goes unnoticed until relationships are impacted

[6:30] - Key differences between OCD and OCPD

[9:30] - Core traits: rigidity, control, perfectionism, and overwork

[14:00] - Real-life relationship dynamics and relatable examples

[18:00] - How OCPD affects communication, compromise, and connection

[22:00] - Signs this might be showing up in your relationship

[24:00] - The internal experience: self-criticism, shame, and pressure

[26:30] - Strengths of OCPD and why these traits are often rewarded

[28:30] - What actually helps in therapy: building emotional flexibility

[31:00] - Growth for both partners + navigating differences

[34:30] - Why relationships can be both challenging and healing

If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!

Ever stayed quiet to keep the peace and felt yourself disappear? The Cost of Quiet is for anyone who avoids conflict and pays the price. Reclaim your voice, strengthen your relationships, and experience real peace. Order your copy and join the movement: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book

🎙️ Love the podcast? Come talk about episodes with us inside The Midlife Chat. It’s a free, private community just for women at midlife who want to keep these conversations going. We’ve created this space for real talk, fresh resources, and honest connection—where you can share ideas and resources, ask questions, and get support from women navigating the same season. Come join us—we’d love to have you!

👉 Join The Midlife Chat here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/795863256460970/

Order The Cost of Quiet now! Colette’s new book, The Cost of Quiet: How to Have the Hard Conversations that Create Secure, Lasting Love, launched February 3rd. Order your copy today: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book

Recognized by FeedSpot:
Top 60 Couples Therapy Podcasts | Top 100 U.S. Mental Health Podcasts | Top 100 Relaxation Podcasts

Grief has a way of cracking everything open—and in this conversation, we sit down with Laing Rikkers to explore what can emerge from that opening. From unexpected loss to creative awakening, we unpack how life’s hardest moments can become invitations to reconnect with yourself, your purpose, and what truly matters. This is a deeply human conversation about courage, identity, and what it really means to begin again.

We also get honest about fear—why it keeps so many of us stuck in midlife—and how to gently move through it without needing all the answers. Whether you're navigating loss, burnout, or simply feeling the pull for “something more,” this episode offers grounding insights, practical tools, and a refreshing reminder: you don’t have to choose just one version of yourself.

Episode Highlights

[00:00] - Welcoming Laing and setting the stage for rewriting your life after major transitions

[01:40] - Laing shares the unexpected loss of her sister and how grief reshaped her path

[04:11] - Discovering “morning pages” and the healing power of creative expression

[07:05] - The surprising emotions of grief beyond sadness—anger, loneliness, and reevaluation

[11:43] - “Talk it, walk it, write it” — a simple, powerful framework for moving through grief

[13:02] - The biggest mistake in grief: isolation and the importance of connection

[14:58] - Fear, identity, and stepping into a multi-dimensional life in midlife

[18:54] - Why doing hard things becomes the actual journey of growth

[21:22] - Behind the scenes of publishing a first book and navigating creative risk

[25:17] - Creating a new chapter: blending business, creativity, and meaningful work

[29:14] - Writing through grief vs. making meaning after it

[33:05] - The healing power of nature, movement, and simply taking the next step

Links & Resources

• Website: www.laingrikkers.com
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/laing-rikkers
• Instagram: @morning_leaves_and_poetry

If today's discussion resonated with you

Ever stayed quiet to keep the peace and felt yourself disappear? The Cost of Quiet is for anyone who avoids conflict and pays the price. Reclaim your voice, strengthen your relationships, and experience real peace. Order your copy and join the movement: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book

🎙️ Love the podcast? Come talk about episodes with us inside The Midlife Chat. It’s a free, private community just for women at midlife who want to keep these conversations going. We’ve created this space for real talk, fresh resources, and honest connection—where you can share ideas and resources, ask questions, and get support from women navigating the same season. Come join us—we’d love to have you!

👉 Join The Midlife Chat here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/795863256460970/

Order The Cost of Quiet now! Colette’s new book, The Cost of Quiet: How to Have the Hard Conversations that Create Secure, Lasting Love, launched February 3rd. Order your copy today: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book

Recognized by FeedSpot:
Top 60 Couples Therapy Podcasts | Top 100 U.S. Mental Health Podcasts | Top 100 Relaxation Podcasts

In this energizing conversation, we sit down with Allison Walsh—business consultant, personal branding expert, and founder of She Believes She Could—to unpack what it really takes to build confidence, scale your impact, and turn your personal brand into a meaningful business. From pivoting out of law school to helping grow unicorn startups, Allison shares how bold moves and consistent action shaped her journey.

We dive into being mission-driven in midlife, aligning purpose with profit, and why so many women feel called to something more. If you’re ready to build your brand, monetize your expertise, and step confidently into your next chapter—this episode is for you.

Episode Highlights:

[0:03] – Welcome back to Insights from the Couch and an introduction to today’s guest, Allison Walsh.

[3:03] – Allison reflects on hearing her own bio and the grit behind the highlight reel.

[4:20] – From law school to healthcare leadership: how one unexpected opportunity sparked her first big pivot.

[6:34] – Scaling companies, leading massive teams, and building influence behind the scenes.

[8:35] – The birth of She Believes She Could during the pandemic—and creating opportunity in uncertainty.

[13:13] – Laura opens up about feeling behind on “business skills” and why so many women relate.

[14:06] – Who Allison serves: mission-driven women ready to turn their brand into a business.

[19:08] – Where to start when you want “more” but don’t know what that looks like yet.

[20:48] – The 5 M’s framework: Mindset, Messaging, Marketing, Monetization, and Momentum.

[24:48] – What a personal brand really is (hint: it’s your reputation).

[29:45] – Allison’s definition of confidence—and why action is the ultimate builder.

[31:30] – Where to find Allison and what’s next for She Believes She Could.

Links and Resources:

• Allison Walsh Consulting: www.allisonwalshconsulting.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/allisonwalsh
• Podcast: www.shebelievedshecouldpodcast.com

Ever stayed quiet to keep the peace and felt yourself disappear? The Cost of Quiet is for anyone who avoids conflict and pays the price. Reclaim your voice, strengthen your relationships, and experience real peace. Order your copy and join the movement: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book

🎙️ Love the podcast? Come talk about episodes with us inside The Midlife Chat. It’s a free, private community just for women at midlife who want to keep these conversations going. We’ve created this space for real talk, fresh resources, and honest connection—where you can share ideas and resources, ask questions, and get support from women navigating the same season. Come join us—we’d love to have you!

👉 Join The Midlife Chat here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/795863256460970/

Order The Cost of Quiet now! Colette’s new book, The Cost of Quiet: How to Have the Hard Conversations that Create Secure, Lasting Love, launched February 3rd. Order your copy today: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book

Recognized by FeedSpot:
Top 60 Couples Therapy Podcasts | Top 100 U.S. Mental Health Podcasts | Top 100 Relaxation Podcasts

Family cutoffs, estrangement, and going “no contact” are everywhere right now—and they’re stirring up a lot of strong opinions. We’re unpacking what’s really going on beneath the surface of this cultural moment, and why this topic is so much more complex than it seems. From media conversations to what we’re seeing in therapy rooms, we’re exploring when cutting ties might actually be necessary—and when it might be a reaction to something deeper.

We also get into the emotional and generational ripple effects of these decisions, the role of boundaries versus disconnection, and how to navigate relationships that feel difficult without immediately going to extremes. If you’ve ever questioned whether to step back, speak up, or walk away entirely, this conversation will give you a lot to think about.

Episode Highlights

[01:14] – Why family estrangement has become such a hot (and controversial) topic right now

[03:28] – The cultural shift toward “protecting your peace” and what it’s costing us

[07:41] – When going no contact is actually warranted—and the key factor most people skip

[10:03] – The “dial method” for relationships: a middle ground between closeness and cutoff

[14:47] – The real emotional fallout of estrangement—for both sides of the relationship

[21:05] – Why every family needs an emotional leader (and what happens when no one steps up)

[30:01] – A healthier alternative: taking space without permanently shutting the door

[34:13] – How family cutoffs get passed down through generations

If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!

Ever stayed quiet to keep the peace and felt yourself disappear? The Cost of Quiet is for anyone who avoids conflict and pays the price. Reclaim your voice, strengthen your relationships, and experience real peace. Order your copy and join the movement: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book

🎙️ Love the podcast? Come talk about episodes with us inside The Midlife Chat. It’s a free, private community just for women at midlife who want to keep these conversations going. We’ve created this space for real talk, fresh resources, and honest connection—where you can share ideas and resources, ask questions, and get support from women navigating the same season. Come join us—we’d love to have you!

👉 Join The Midlife Chat here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/795863256460970/

Order The Cost of Quiet now! Colette’s new book, The Cost of Quiet: How to Have the Hard Conversations that Create Secure, Lasting Love, launched February 3rd. Order your copy today: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book

Recognized by FeedSpot:
Top 60 Couples Therapy Podcasts | Top 100 U.S. Mental Health Podcasts | Top 100 Relaxation Podcasts

In this episode, we sit down with the incredible Dr. Rachel Goldman to unpack how small, intentional shifts can create powerful change in your life—without the overwhelm of a full overhaul. We dive into the real mechanics behind Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and why understanding the connection between your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors can be a total game changer.

We also explore body image, perfectionism, and the sneaky ways our inner dialogue keeps us stuck. From “all-or-nothing” thinking to building confidence through simple daily tweaks, this conversation is packed with practical insights that will leave you thinking, okay… maybe I can do this differently. Press play—you’re going to want to hear this.

Episode Highlights

[0:00] - Introducing Dr. Rachel Goldman and her new book When Life Happens

[2:30] - Why small “tweaks” (not overhauls) are the key to lasting change

[6:40] - Breaking down CBT: how thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are connected

[10:30] - Where to start—changing your thoughts vs. changing your actions

[12:15] - Why body image always shows up (even when it’s not the main issue)

[14:00] - A simple confidence boost: how what you wear impacts how you feel

[16:30] - Becoming aware of your inner dialogue (and why it matters)

[20:50] - Real-life example: all-or-nothing thinking and getting “unstuck”

[25:00] - Perfectionism and why waiting until it’s “just right” keeps you stuck

[27:30] - Planning for when life happens (instead of reacting to it)

[31:20] - Why you don’t need a life overhaul—just one small step today

[34:20] - Normalizing food noise and emotional eating

Links & Resources

• Dr. Rachel Goldman Instagram: @DrRachelNYC

If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!

Ever stayed quiet to keep the peace and felt yourself disappear? The Cost of Quiet is for anyone who avoids conflict and pays the price. Reclaim your voice, strengthen your relationships, and experience real peace. Order your copy and join the movement: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book

🎙️ Love the podcast? Come talk about episodes with us inside The Midlife Chat. It’s a free, private community just for women at midlife who want to keep these conversations going. We’ve created this space for real talk, fresh resources, and honest connection—where you can share ideas and resources, ask questions, and get support from women navigating the same season. Come join us—we’d love to have you!

👉 Join The Midlife Chat here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/795863256460970/

Order The Cost of Quiet now! Colette’s new book, The Cost of Quiet: How to Have the Hard Conversations that Create Secure, Lasting Love, launched February 3rd. Order your copy today: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book

Recognized by FeedSpot:
Top 60 Couples Therapy Podcasts | Top 100 U.S. Mental Health Podcasts | Top 100 Relaxation Podcasts

Parenting teens today isn’t just challenging—it’s a completely different landscape than what we grew up in. In this episode, Colette explores what it really looks like to raise teenagers in a world shaped by social media, constant comparison, and higher stakes than ever before alongside parenting expert Keesha Scott. From body image struggles to the pressure of being “always on,” this conversation reveals why today’s teens are navigating an intensity many of us never experienced.

Colette and Keesha also dig into what it takes to parent effectively in this climate—letting go of one-size-fits-all approaches, meeting your child where they are, and knowing when to bring in outside support. It’s an honest, eye-opening conversation filled with practical insight and a powerful reminder that even the most challenging teens can grow into strong, resilient adults.

Episode Highlights

[00:03] - Introducing the episode and why parenting teens can feel harder than ever

[01:23] - Keesha’s story and how her teenage years shaped her path

[06:41] - The modern teen experience: social media, body image, nonstop pressure

[10:02] - Why teens today never fully “escape” stress like past generations

[12:15] - Substance use today vs. the past—and why parents must stay alert

[13:09] - Warning signs a teen may be struggling beyond typical behavior

[14:13] - Why outsourcing support can be a game-changer for families

[17:15] - Fear-based parenting and how it creates distance, not connection

[21:47] - The myth of the “perfect” parenting style—and why flexibility matters

[24:41] - Giving teens freedom with boundaries—and letting them earn trust

[27:35] - Strong-willed vs. compliant kids: completely different approaches

[28:18] - Growing challenges for teen boys: isolation and digital addiction

[30:25] - Collaboration over control: how to better connect with your teen

[31:36] - Speaking your teen’s language to build trust and understanding

[32:41] - Reframing “difficult” teens as confident, resilient adults

Links & Resources

· Website: https://www.keeshascott.com

· Instagram:

Ever stayed quiet to keep the peace and felt yourself disappear? The Cost of Quiet is for anyone who avoids conflict and pays the price. Reclaim your voice, strengthen your relationships, and experience real peace. Order your copy and join the movement: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book

🎙️ Love the podcast? Come talk about episodes with us inside The Midlife Chat. It’s a free, private community just for women at midlife who want to keep these conversations going. We’ve created this space for real talk, fresh resources, and honest connection—where you can share ideas and resources, ask questions, and get support from women navigating the same season. Come join us—we’d love to have you!

👉 Join The Midlife Chat here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/795863256460970/

Order The Cost of Quiet now! Colette’s new book, The Cost of Quiet: How to Have the Hard Conversations that Create Secure, Lasting Love, launched February 3rd. Order your copy today: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book

Recognized by FeedSpot:
Top 60 Couples Therapy Podcasts | Top 100 U.S. Mental Health Podcasts | Top 100 Relaxation Podcasts

Health anxiety is one of those things that can quietly take over your mind—and before you know it, you’re stuck in a loop of symptoms, spiraling thoughts, and constant checking. We’re unpacking what this actually looks like in real life, from those sudden “something’s wrong with me” moments to the deeper patterns that keep the cycle going.

We also get into the why behind it all—the underlying fears, life stressors, and emotional experiences that can trigger health anxiety in the first place. Along the way, we talk about what actually helps, how to break out of the loop, and how to find your way back to feeling grounded in your body and your life.

Episode Highlights

[0:00] - Welcome back + introducing health anxiety

[1:00] - Laura shares her personal experience with health anxiety

[2:30] - What health anxiety is (and what it’s not)

[3:45] - Health anxiety vs. hypochondriasis

[6:30] - How physical symptoms turn into obsessive focus

[9:30] - The reassurance trap: doctors, Google, and ChatGPT

[11:15] - The feedback loop between anxiety and body sensations

[15:45] - The deeper roots: core fears, grief, and life stressors

[18:00] - Why reassurance-seeking keeps the cycle going

[20:45] - Intuition vs. anxiety—how to tell the difference

[24:30] - Avoidance, fixation, and how anxiety pulls us out of life

[25:30] - The role of boredom and ADHD in anxiety patterns

[28:00] - Why health anxiety connects to existential fear

[29:15] - What actually helps: breaking cycles and shifting focus

[31:00] - Engagement and healthy distraction as a way out

[32:00] - Normalizing health anxiety and learning to navigate it

If you saw yourself in any part of this conversation, you’re not alone—this is such a human experience, even when it feels overwhelming. Take what resonates, leave what doesn’t, and be gentle with yourself as you navigate it.

And if this episode supported you in any way, don’t forget to rate, follow, share, and leave a review—it means so much to us and helps others find their way to these conversations.

Ever stayed quiet to keep the peace and felt yourself disappear? The Cost of Quiet is for anyone who avoids conflict and pays the price. Reclaim your voice, strengthen your relationships, and experience real peace. Order your copy and join the movement: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book

🎙️ Love the podcast? Come talk about episodes with us inside The Midlife Chat. It’s a free, private community just for women at midlife who want to keep these conversations going. We’ve created this space for real talk, fresh resources, and honest connection—where you can share ideas and resources, ask questions, and get support from women navigating the same season. Come join us—we’d love to have you!

👉 Join The Midlife Chat here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/795863256460970/

Order The Cost of Quiet now! Colette’s new book, The Cost of Quiet: How to Have the Hard Conversations that Create Secure, Lasting Love, launched February 3rd. Order your copy today: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book

Recognized by FeedSpot:
Top 60 Couples Therapy Podcasts | Top 100 U.S. Mental Health Podcasts | Top 100 Relaxation Podcasts

In this episode, we sit down with writer, producer, and longtime friend Maylen Dominguez to talk about what it really looks like to pursue creativity in midlife. From leaving a stable career to producing her independent film Ethan Bloom, Maylen shares what it means to listen to that inner creative voice—even when the path forward feels uncertain.

Together, we explore the messy middle of reinvention, the courage it takes to follow a creative calling, and how small daily commitments can lead to extraordinary outcomes. If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s too late to pursue something meaningful or creative, this conversation is the reminder you didn’t know you needed. Press play and join us as we talk about fear, commitment, creativity, and trusting the process.

Episode Highlights

[00:39] – We introduce our guest, Maylen Dominguez, and her impressive journey as a writer, producer, and educator.

[03:32] – Maylen opens up about being in the “messy middle” of a career transition and choosing to fully commit to her creative work.

[07:38] – The simple habit that changed everything: writing three screenplay pages a day and how small commitments create big results.

[10:31] – Why “done is better than perfect” and how letting the work be messy helped move the creative process forward.

[18:40] – Maylen shares how she’s embracing uncertainty, writing a novel, and learning to trust the natural seasons of life and creativity.

[28:55] – The behind-the-scenes journey of turning a screenplay into an independent film—and how the right creative partnership made it possible.

[32:32] – The power of commitment: pushing through obstacles, raising funds, and refusing to give up on bringing the film to life.

[37:14] – Why it’s never too late to create, pivot, or pursue something meaningful—and the importance of supporting independent film.

Links & Resources

• Maylen Dominguez: https://instagram.com/maylendo
• Follow Ethan Bloom: https://instagram.com/ethanbloom

Ethan Bloom will be at the Enzian Theater on March 25th (now sold out!). Maylen Dominguez and the film’s director, Herschel Faber, will return for another screening on April 6th, and the film will begin playing at Regal Winter Park Village on April 17th.

• Enzian Theater tickets: https://enzian.org/film/ethan-bloom
• Future Screenings: https://w

Ever stayed quiet to keep the peace and felt yourself disappear? The Cost of Quiet is for anyone who avoids conflict and pays the price. Reclaim your voice, strengthen your relationships, and experience real peace. Order your copy and join the movement: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book

🎙️ Love the podcast? Come talk about episodes with us inside The Midlife Chat. It’s a free, private community just for women at midlife who want to keep these conversations going. We’ve created this space for real talk, fresh resources, and honest connection—where you can share ideas and resources, ask questions, and get support from women navigating the same season. Come join us—we’d love to have you!

👉 Join The Midlife Chat here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/795863256460970/

Order The Cost of Quiet now! Colette’s new book, The Cost of Quiet: How to Have the Hard Conversations that Create Secure, Lasting Love, launched February 3rd. Order your copy today: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book