Join Melanie Freeland, Kevin Dykstra, and the founders of Restore Therapy Collective: Jen Hutchings and Lindsey Afton, as they explore the journey of creating a heartfelt mental health practice. Discover how their shared values shape a supportive, trauma-informed environment that aims to reduce stigma and increase accessibility to therapy.

Episode Chapters

01:33 - The origins of Restore Therapy Collective

18:03 - Challenges and surprises in growing the practice from the ground up - from office aesthetics to snacks

25:07 - Evolution of services at Restore and the systemic approach to therapy

33:00 - The intention behind the podcast and its role in reducing mental health stigma

45:12 - Recommended books on relationships, grief, and trauma

49:00 - Closing remarks and the founders' gratitude for the team

Recommended Resources

• The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work: A Practical Guide from the Country’s Foremost Relationship Expert (John Gottman & Nan Silver)
• It’s OK That You’re Not OK: Meeting Grief and Loss in a Culture that Doesn’t Understand (Megan Devine)
• Man’s Search for Meaning (Victor Frankl)
• Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving (Pete Walker)

Note: Books mentioned in this episode contain affiliate links to Bookshop.org. Purchases made through these links support the podcast and independent bookstores!

Learn more about us at www.restoretherapycollective.com

Follow us on Instagram: @restoretherapycollective

Connect with the Hosts

• Melanie Freeland - Website | Psychology Today
• Kevin Dykstra - Website | Psychology Today
• Jen Hutchings - Website | Psychology Today
• Lindsey Afton - Website | Psychology Today

Restoring Us is a space to slow down, take a breath, and explore topics related to mental health, therapy, and self-care. In each episode, therapists with Restore Therapy Collective in Grand Rapids, Michigan, explore ways to restore yourself and your relationships. Whether you're navigating a tough chapter, looking to understand how you function in the world, or just need a reminder that you're not alone - you are welcome here.

Please follow us here as well as on our Instagram @restoretherapycollective. You can find out more about our practice at www.restoretherapycollective.com.

Music Attribution: 2.22.2026 - 3 guitars, uplifting buildup by RhysTemple54 -- https://freesound.org/s/846011/ -- License: Creative Commons 0