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Carl Hampton is a seasoned psychotherapist, community leader, and supervisor at the Family Institute at Northwestern University. With over four decades of experience spanning criminal justice, rehabilitation, mental health, and private practice, Carl brings a deep well of wisdom, humility, and presence to his work. He is known for his lifelong commitment to mindfulness, relational attunement, and fostering authentic human connection, both in therapy rooms and supervision spaces.

In this episode, Carl shares stories from his early days working in prisons and victim advocacy to his current work as a therapist and supervisor. He talks about the foundational role of mindfulness in his life and clinical practice—starting with a strawberry-scented mantra at age 14—and how humility, curiosity, and trust are essential tools in therapeutic relationships. Together, we explore how mindfulness isn’t just a technique, but a way of being present with others, with ourselves, and with the unpredictable flow of life and learning.

For more about Carl, visit About Carl — Phoenix Clinic.

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Co-Hosted by Corina Teofilo Mattson and Mariana Reyes Daza. Show art by Jae Avilez and Corina. Music by Brandon Acosta.

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Nancy Tartt, LMFT, is a therapist, leader, and founder of Inspirational Synergy, a practice rooted in helping individuals, couples, and families live authentically. With nearly a decade at Live Oak Chicago and a long-standing career in higher education at UIC, Nancy brings a unique blend of organizational leadership and therapeutic depth to her work. Her practice is grounded in feminist, relational, narrative, and emotionally focused therapy, and she is especially passionate about attachment theory and the role it plays in our healing and connection. Through her initiative Sojourner Speak, she also offers space for BIPOC individuals and groups to name and respond to microaggressions with confidence, authenticity, and voice.

In this episode, we explore Nancy’s journey from higher education leadership into full-time therapy and community-building work. She shares how she’s always been drawn to helping people find their voice—whether in couples therapy, the workplace, or social justice settings. We talk about attachment theory, what makes couples work meaningful to her, and how she holds space without rushing to fix or offer answers. Nancy reflects on spiritual knowing, learning to trust herself, and how personal history—including witnessing her mother’s organizing—has shaped her commitment to justice and purpose. We also talk about the launch of Inspirational Synergy and what it means to live aligned with your gifts.

For more about Nancy, visit ABOUT | Inspirational Synergy or Nancy Tartt • Live Oak Chicago.

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Co-Hosted by Corina Teofilo Mattson and Mariana Reyes Daza. Show art by Jae Avilez and Corina. Music by Brandon Acosta.

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Chris Aguirre is a bilingual Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who brings over a decade of experience working with individuals, couples, and families. Based in Illinois and trained at Northwestern University, Chris blends clinical expertise with a warm, down-to-earth approach that makes clients feel truly seen. His work draws from a variety of modalities, with a strong emphasis on collaboration, self-awareness, and personal growth. Whether supporting clients through anxiety, life transitions, family stress, or identity exploration, Chris shows up with humility, humor, and a deep respect for each person’s unique story. Outside the therapy room, he’s a father, partner, and community coach, continually informed by his own lived experiences.

In this conversation, Chris joins Corina and Mariana to explore the transformative power of Internal Family Systems Therapy, both as a therapeutic model and a personal healing path. Chris shares moving stories about his journey through OCD and healing, and how IFS allowed him to connect with a sense of unconditional love. The episode highlights how parts work has shifted his relationships with his family, his clients, and himself. From skeptical beginnings to dancing in his living room with joy, Chris reflects on what it means to live and lead from self-energy. Whether you’re a therapist or a healing-centered human, this episode is rich with insight, vulnerability, and hope.

For more about Chris, visit Center for Psychology & Wellness — Chris Aguirre, MS, LMFT.

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Co-Hosted by Corina Teofilo Mattson and Mariana Reyes Daza. Show art by Jae Avilez and Corina. Music by Brandon Acosta.

Click here to view the episode transcript.

Angelica Magana is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over a decade of experience supporting individuals and couples through complex trauma, attachment wounds, and relational challenges. Her work is grounded in attunement, depth, and a deep respect for the protective mechanisms people develop in response to pain. With clinical roots in Chicago, Angelica has since practiced in California, New York, and now the Netherlands, where she continues to see clients internationally. She draws from a range of modalities including EMDR, IFS, and somatic experiencing, integrating body-based and relational approaches to help clients rebuild trust and safety both within themselves and in relationship.

In this episode, Angelica joins us to reflect on her journey as a trauma therapist, a parent, and a global clinician. We talk about what it means to build safety in therapeutic relationships, how attachment injuries can shape how we show up with others, and how being a parent has deepened her ability to show up authentically in her work. Angelica shares what it's been like to work across continents, how volunteering in refugee camps shaped her understanding of systemic trauma, and how she’s continued to adapt, grow, and connect through a career grounded in relational healing. It’s a conversation about showing up—imperfectly but consistently—and the radical power of attunement in healing work.

For more about Angelica, visit About Angelica Rossin | MindfulMFT.

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Co-Hosted by Corina Teofilo Mattson and Mariana Reyes Daza. Show art by Jae Avilez and Corina. Music by Brandon Acosta.

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Jake Penrod (he/him, they/them) is a Couple and Family Therapist at Live Oak who specializes in working with queer and kinky clients, as well as those in non-monogamous relationships. His work is deeply informed by both personal and professional immersion in these communities. In addition to their clinical work, Jake hosts the podcast I Hate James Dobson alongside our colleague Brooke, where they explore the harms of evangelical culture, particularly its messages around parenting, queerness, and morality.

In this episode, we sit down with Jake to explore how he came into his clinical identity with a strong sense of purpose and clarity, as well as the complexities of expertise, queerness, and therapeutic presence. Jake shares their journey of integrating personal history (especially his experiences with religious trauma and queer community) into his professional work. We discuss what all therapists can learn from kink and leather communities, including lessons on consent, aftercare, and expansive definitions of sex and intimacy. Jake also reflects on what it means to live in the tension between idealism and pragmatism, and how humility and curiosity shape his approach to both therapy and learning. Whether you’re a new therapist or a seasoned one, there’s something here for anyone wanting to think more critically and expansively about their role.

For more about Jake, visit Jacob Penrod • Live Oak Chicago. Don’t forget to check out Jake’s podcast “I Hate James Dobson”.

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Co-Hosted by Corina Teofilo Mattson and Mariana Reyes Daza. Show art by Jae Avilez. Music by Brandon Acosta.

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Farrah Walker is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and the founder of Enriched Living Counseling, where she provides care to high-conflict couples, interracial and interfaith partnerships, and African-American women. She is dually licensed in Illinois and Michigan and serves as the President-Elect of the Illinois Affiliation of Marriage and Family Therapists. With a background in criminal justice and social services, Farrah brings a grounded, pragmatic, and compassionate presence to both her clinical and supervisory work. She is also a clinical manager for The Restorative Project and a passionate advocate for mentoring future therapists.

In the first episode of our new season, we sit down with Farrah to explore how her previous career in criminal justice unexpectedly prepared her for a specialty in working with high-conflict couples. Farrah shares how she came into the field as a career changer, what expertise means to her, and why patience, flexibility, and boundary-setting are central to her approach. We talk about the emotional toll of therapy, the behind-the-scenes work therapists do to show up fully, and the importance of staying grounded in emotionally charged sessions. Farrah reflects on her supervisory and leadership roles, her passion for supporting students and early-career clinicians, and the personal rituals she practices to sustain herself in this demanding yet rewarding field.

For more about Farrah, visit Enriched Living Counseling.

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Co-Hosted by Corina Teofilo Mattson and Mariana Reyes Daza. Show art by Jae Avilez. Music by Brandon Acosta.

Click here to view the episode transcript.
We are back with a new season of Lessons from the Couch! Tune in to hear co-hosts, Corina and Mariana, chat to various therapists about their areas of knowledge and expertise, and their journeys to finding these.

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In this special episode, co-hosts Corina and Mariana step away from guest interviews and sit down for an open conversation with each other. They reflect on the lessons learned throughout the season—from navigating leadership roles to healing from perfectionism—and share how hosting the podcast has changed them both personally and professionally. Together, they explore the power of slowing down, staying grounded in connection, and growing alongside community. This rare co-host chat offers an intimate behind-the-scenes look at the evolution happening off the mic and closes out the season with honesty, laughter, and care.

Follow Lessons from the Couch on Spotify, Apple Music, or wherever you get your podcasts to listen to new episodes.

Co-Hosted by Corina Teofilo Mattson and Mariana Reyes Daza. Show art by Jae Avilez. Music by Brandon Acosta.