Shows / The Virtual Couch
The Virtual Couch
The Virtual Couch is a mental health podcast hosted by Tony Overbay, a licensed marriage and family therapist with more than two decades of experience who works with individuals and couples. Through relatable stories, practical psychology, and evidence-based tools, Tony helps listeners better understand relationships, parenting, addiction, emotional maturity, and personal growth, while also supporting those navigating faith crises and deconstruction from high-demand religions. The podcast…
Episodes
- The Virtual Couch
Shame: The Self-Absorbed, Selfish, Uninvited Guest at Your Self-Esteem Party (and how to get them to leave!)
Tony Overbay, LMFT, tackles an emotion we've all felt but rarely discuss: shame. Have you ever wondered why shame feels so personal, so all-consuming? Could it…
- The Virtual Couch
Breaking Free from the Mirror: Developing a Secure Sense of Self
Who are you? How do others view you? And why do we care so much about what others think of us, especially when they probably aren't spending as much time…
- The Virtual Couch
Shame, Certainty, Memory and Healing: An Updated Approach to Treating Betrayal Trauma
Tony Overbay, LMFT, and Marla Christensen, AMFT, APCC, dive deep into the complexities of betrayal trauma, focusing on the emotional and cognitive challenges…
- The Virtual Couch
Expectations and Emotions: A Ballet of Balance and Bliss
Understanding the interplay between expectations and emotions can not only help you stay more grounded, but it can also significantly impact your relationships…
- The Virtual Couch
Having the Courage to Connect: How to Develop Independence Within a Relationship
Tony Overbay, LMFT, discusses the critical role of differentiation in personal development and relationship growth. Sharing the story of a couple, Lisa and…
- The Virtual Couch
From Therapy Couch to Moving Trucks: A Tale of Change Through ALL the Uncomfortable Feelings!
Tony shares his recent experiences with change, moving, and personal growth. Tony discusses the unexpected lessons learned from moving out of his home after 25…
- The Virtual Couch
Death By a Thousand Cuts VII - The Rise of the Emotionally Mature!
In the 7th installment of the "Death by a Thousand Cuts" series, Tony Overbay, LMFT, presents a compelling crossover episode between The Virtual Couch and…
- The Virtual Couch
The Therapist's Guide to Strengthening Relationships Through Self-Discovery (Differentiation) and Connection (EFT/4 PIllars)
Tony navigates the intricate balance that defines successful partnerships: the harmony between deep emotional connections with your partner and the pursuit of…
- The Virtual Couch
Spoiler Alert: “NO!” to the question “Is God Disappointed in Me?” — Author Kurt Francom’s New Book!
Tony Overbay, LMFT, welcomes Kurt Francom, the executive director and podcast host of Leading Saints ([Leading Saints](https://www.leadingsaints.org)). Kurt's…
- The Virtual Couch
Understanding Grief, Loss, Growth, and Rebuilding w/Marla Christensen, AMFT
Marla Christensen, AMFT, APCC, joins Tony on the Virtual Couch to discuss dealing with grief and loss. Marla is a new associate working with Tony. Marla…
- The Virtual Couch
A New Perspective on Modern Parenting: Living in the Present (aka Herding Cats)
Tony Overbay, LMFT, offers an in-depth exploration of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and The Nurtured Heart Approach (NHA) to provide a fresh…
- The Virtual Couch
Live Relationship QA w/Sydney Overbay II
This description and the show notes are brought to you directly from AI, Sydney, and I truly wouldn't sound so silly! This dialogue-based presentation dives…
- The Virtual Couch
Unraveling, Unpacking, Understanding The Purpose of Therapy – When to Begin and Is There an End?
Tony Overbay, LMFT, dives into an article by Dr. Richard Friedman titled 'Plenty of People Could Quit Therapy Right Now.' Tony reads the article and comments…
- The Virtual Couch
Why We Care What Other People Think: Unraveling Our Need for Approval and Validation
Tony Overbay, LMFT, tackles the timeless question, "Why do we care so much about what others think?" Offering insights on halting the cycle of worrying over…
- The Virtual Couch
Live Relationship QA w/Sydney Overbay I
(Description provided by AI, i.e., we’re really not this stuffy) On this TikTok live session, a father-daughter duo - Tony, a licensed Marriage and Family…
- The Virtual Couch
Tackling Marriage Challenges Head-On - Understanding Relationship Dynamics and Emotional Growth
Tony shares the story of Hudson and Bailey, a couple working towards improving their marriage, particularly around communication patterns and how they deal…
- The Virtual Couch
Rewiring Emotions: From Humor to Honesty in Therapy
Tony takes inspiration from Carolyn Steber's article, "Is Everyone Out Here Lying To Their Therapist," https://www.bustle.com/wellness/lying-to-therapist using…
- The Virtual Couch
"Sacred Rest” Author Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith: How to Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, and Restore Your Sanity
Did you know there are several different types of rest beyond just sleeping? Coming from a 'we don’t know what we don’t know' standpoint, today’s episode has…
- The Virtual Couch
Yes, We're Talking New Year’s Resolutions (and Goals, and Kale) – But Stick with Me, It's Not What You Think!
Tony addresses why so many New Year’s resolutions don’t last and explores the concept of value-based goals and the importance of aligning them with personal…
- The Virtual Couch
24 Life Lessons From 24 Years: Mackie Overbay's Special Birthday Episode
In this special bonus episode of The Virtual Couch, Tony shares the latest episode of “The Mind, The Mirror and Me,” a podcast he co-hosts with his daughter…
- The Virtual Couch
Does a Partner's Sadness Cast a Shadow on Your Joy Over Time?
What happens when an optimist and a pessimist are in a long-term relationship? According to new research from the article “Can an Unhappy Partner Erode Your…
- The Virtual Couch
Embracing Your Unique Self: Making Peace with Imperfection
Tony tackles the misconception of perfection and the fear of making a mistake. He emphasizes the importance of differentiating ourselves, pursuing our genuine…
- The Virtual Couch
Self-Awareness: 95% Of People Think They Are, But Only 15% Actually Are - Unveiling Emotional Intelligence
Research shows that 95% of adults believe they are self-aware, yet only 10-15% actually are. Where do you fit into this equation? Tony delves into the world of…
- The Virtual Couch
It’s a Me Thing, Dang It! - Strengthening Parent-Child Relationships From Changing Their Diapers to (Hopefully!) Them Changing Yours
Have you ever wished for a better relationship with your parents? As a parent, do you worry that how you're raising your kids now might make them feel…
- The Virtual Couch
Processing the Unthinkable: Hours After Lewiston, Maine Neighborhood Mass Murder
Last Wednesday evening, October 25, 2023, Tony Overbay, LMFT, and Joshua Shea traded text messages as they often do on Wednesday to discuss whether or not they…
- The Virtual Couch
When Therapy/Coaching Does More Harm Than Good - The Destructive Nature of Shame and Blame
Tony tackles the alarming issue of unhealthy practices in therapy, spurred by a recent news article detailing the unethical behavior of therapist Jody…
- The Virtual Couch
Worry Less, Live More: How to Hit the Happiness Jackpot by Letting Go
Have you ever wondered why chasing happiness often leaves you feeling unfulfilled? Or why your need for control seems to be controlling you? Tony answers these…
- The Virtual Couch
Wounded by Words? Healing the Scars of Internal Negativity
Dive deep with Tony as he unravels the origins and implications of our "inner critic." From the evolutionary roots that kept our ancestors safe from predators…
- The Virtual Couch
Do Babies and Robots Dream? How Dreams Improve Mental Health!
Have you ever heard that when a baby, or a dog, or basically any animal is twitching, they are dreaming? But what if that twitching occurs in the womb or from…
- The Virtual Couch
Julie Lee on Losing Her Sister, Navigating Divorce, Embracing ADHD - Using Humor to Heal
Tony reconnects with Julie Lee, who opens up about a tumultuous year marked by personal challenges, including her divorce and the heartrending loss of her…
- The Virtual Couch
Discovering Self-Assured Motherhood with Rachel Nielson, Host of 3 in 30 Takeaways for Moms
Rachel Nielson joins Tony Overbay from the 3 in 30 Podcast for Moms to share the details of Rachel’s time-sensitive once-a-year program, “Self-Assured…
- The Virtual Couch
Balancing Heartbeats, Hashtags and Postpartum Depression: Modern-Day Motherhood w/Gayane Aramyan, LMFT
Tony welcomes Gayane Aramyan, LMFT (https://www.therapywithgayane.com/, https://www.instagram.com/therapywithgayane/), for an enlightening exploration of…
- The Virtual Couch
Differentiation for Dummies: Finding Your Voice in the Relationship Choir
Tony explains what the psychology “buzzword” differentiation means and why it is essential to not only be differentiated in your key relationships but also how…
- The Virtual Couch
Why We Misunderstand Each Other: An Exploration of Relational Frames
Tony explains why it is so easy to be misunderstood. He delves deep into the intricate world of Relational Frame Theory, shedding light on the pivotal role…
- The Virtual Couch
Introducing The Mind, The Mirror & Me: Be Afraid and Do It Anyway
Tony introduces a brand new podcast to The Virtual Couch Podcast Network, "The Mind, The Mirror & Me." Tony co-hosts the podcast with his daughter Mackie…
- The Virtual Couch
Every, and I Mean EVERY Conversation Can Help You Grow - Holding the “Assertive Frame”
Tony explains how every conversation and interaction with the right tools can be for your good. He discusses the importance of effective communication and…
- The Virtual Couch
Exploring the Enneagram, Mental Health and Self-Discovery with Artist Mikenzi Mitchell
Tony sits down with graphic artist Mikenzi Mitchell to delve into her personal journey and creative process. Mikenzi reveals her fascination with Enneagrams…
- The Virtual Couch
Embracing Change, Discomfort, and Connection in Parenting w/Mackie Overbay
Tony welcomes his daughter Mackie Overbay, a licensed cosmetologist and new podcast host, to the Virtual Couch. They delve into the multifaceted parenting…
- The Virtual Couch
You're Not Broken, You're Human: Exploring Rising Depression Rates w/Nate Christensen, APCC
In this candid episode of 'The Virtual Couch,' host Tony Overbay, LMFT, is joined by his colleague, Nate Christensen, APCC. Together, they dissect the trend…
- The Virtual Couch
Grief to Growth: Aurora Florence and Jeff Dickamore on their Movie ‘Too Soon’
Join host Tony Overbay, LMFT, on The Virtual Couch podcast as he sits down with filmmakers Aurora Florence and Jeff Dickamore, the creative minds behind the…
- The Virtual Couch
Building Bridges, Not Walls: Exploring the Four Pillars of Connected Conversations
Tony Overbay, LMFT, delves into his Four Pillars of a Connected Conversation and introduces the acronym BASE to help listeners better remember the pillars…
- The Virtual Couch
Unearthing Emotional Scars: Director Reed Harkness Discusses 'Sam Now' and the Impacts of Discomfort and Childhood Abandonment
Tony interviews filmmaker Reed Harkness, the film Sam Now's director and co-star. From reviewer Matt Zoller Seitz, “Sam Now" is a gentle, empathetic movie that…
- The Virtual Couch
Beyond the Comfort Zone: Unmasking True Feelings - A Dive into Anxiety's Root Causes (Part 2)
Today’s episode is part 2 of 2 on dealing with the concepts around discomfort and certainty. In episode 1, Tony broke down the importance of acknowledging and…
- The Virtual Couch
Craig Perra - Strength Over Disease: Challenging Traditional Models of Pornography Addiction Recovery
Tony shares some sad news about the loss of his friend and colleague, Shawna Roberts. She was the one who introduced him to today's guest, Craig Perra. Craig…
- The Virtual Couch
Navigating Challenges: Lessons of Love and Resilience from Emma's Story
Duff and Keirra Dyer join Tony to share a deeply vulnerable story of their daughter Emma's loss and their journey of unconditional love, parenting, and…
- The Virtual Couch
Beyond the Comfort Zone: The Brain's Belief About Discomfort, Memory, and Certainty (1 of 2)
In today’s episode, Tony embarks on a fascinating exploration of the human mind's seemingly paradoxical inclinations. Our discussion begins with an intriguing…
- The Virtual Couch
Shauna Roberts, LMFT on Anger, Therapy, and the "Tale of Pierre Santray!"
Just a few days ago, my friend and former colleague Shauna Roberts, LMFT, suffered an A-Com Aneurysm - a swelling within the anterior communicating artery in…
- The Virtual Couch
The Trust Fall: Catching Hope in Relationships Again
Have you ever felt like a tightrope walker trying to balance your relationship on a fraying rope of trust? Or perhaps you're more of a DIY enthusiast who feels…
- The Virtual Couch
Love's Rough Draft: Rewriting Unhappy Marriages (aka Relationships Shouldn't Suck!)
Tony dissects the article “Divorce Probably Won’t Make You Happier, Study Says”…
- The Virtual Couch
Making Sense of the Senseless: Unveiling the World of Apophenia
Tony explores the concept of apophenia and its relevance in mental health. Apophenia refers to the tendency of the human brain to perceive patterns…
- The Virtual Couch
Simple Phrases that Indicate the Health of your Relationship PLUS Murder on the Couch Preview!
Tony discusses the 9 phrases that, if used daily, are strong indicators that “your relationship is more successful” than most from the article “Harvard-trained…
- The Virtual Couch
Pain is Unavoidable - Suffering...Not So Much (aka Optional)
Pain is unavoidable; suffering, on the other hand, is apparently an option. Most people prefer neither pain nor suffering, but if suffering indeed is an…
- The Virtual Couch
Introducing "Murder on the Couch" - True Crime Meets Therapy...Follow Today!
Murder on the Couch, a True Crime Meets Therapy Podcast co-hosted by Tony Overbay, LMFT, host of the award-winning The Virtual Couch podcast, as well as Waking…
- The Virtual Couch
All These Fears Will Be For Your Good - Facing the Fear Trap
True or false? You only use 10 percent of your brain? Albert Einstein was a lousy student, and look how he turned out! Positive affirmations will lead you to…
- The Virtual Couch
Intimacy (aka S-E-X) w/Dan Purcell of "Get Your Marriage On!"
Let's talk about S to the E-X, aka "intimacy." Dan Purcell, host of the "Get Your Marriage On" podcast as well as the "Intimately Us" app…
- The Virtual Couch
Teaching Our Kids (and our inner-child) Emotional Intelligence
Childhood abandonment and neglect issues can manifest in seemingly unrelated ways in adulthood. In this episode, Tony helps you identify how they show up and…
- The Virtual Couch
Alexa Lovell - One Year After a Devastating Accident, Surviving Setbacks and Diving into the Details
Alexa (Overbay) Lovell survived a near-fatal accident a little over one year ago. She dives into the details of what the past year has been like, including…
- The Virtual Couch
Entrepreneur, Podcaster, Writer or D) All of the Above - Zlatko Bijelic On Taking What Life Gives You
Zlatko "Z" Bijelic is an entrepreneur, podcaster, app developer, dog dad, former college soccer player, and foodie. He has now journaled daily for over a year…
- The Virtual Couch
The Power of Community to Combat Addiction - Chandler Rogers on How the Relay App Repels Porn
Tony gives a "state of the union" address on working with people struggling with turning to pornography as a coping mechanism. He then interviews Chandler…
- The Virtual Couch
Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife on Modeling Healthy Relationships, Trust, ADHD, Narcissism, and EFT vs. Differentiation
Tony welcomes Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife back to The Virtual Couch for the 5th time! They discuss a variety of topics, including ADHD, the challenge of…