True Vine Talks

About

True Vine Talks is a Podcast discussing mental health and relationships. Linda and Rachel are licensed professional counselors at True Vine Counseling in Hurricane, WV. They believe emotion is the fastest and most reliable tool for lasting change. Linda and Rachel are passionate about helping individuals, couples, and families identify, understand, and change the patterns that keep them stuck. Their goal is to help people learn how to connect with themselves and others in healthy, productive ways that soothe fears and meet emotional needs (such as love and belonging).

Episodes

• Identity vs Role Confusion: Ages 12-18 2026-05-11

  This episode discusses Erik Erikson’s stage of Identity vs. Role Confusion, focusing on why adolescence is critical for developing confidence, independence, and self. It examines how parents can support identity development through encoura…

• Industry vs Inferiority: Ages 6-12 2026-04-17

  This episode of 'True Vine Talks' discusses Erikson's Industry vs. Inferiority stage in children aged 6-12. It covers how children compare themselves to peers, the importance of effort over outcome, and how caregivers can support healthy d…

• The Fawn Response, Part 3: How To Heal & Stop Fawning 2026-03-23

  This episode focuses on healing the fawn response, covering how to set boundaries without guilt, regain trust in one's own voice, and overcome people-pleasing tendencies.

• Protest Behaviors in Relationships 2026-03-18

  This episode of True Vine Talks examines protest behaviors in relationships, such as criticism and stonewalling, through the lens of Emotionally Focused Therapy. It explains that these behaviors often signal a desire for connection and how…

• The Myth of Attracting The Wrong Person: It's Not Attraction - It's Access 2026-01-26

  This episode challenges the notion of attracting the wrong people, suggesting the real issue is granting emotional and relational access. It delves into how early life experiences can create patterns of connection based on availability and…

• The Fawn Response, Part 2: CPTSD and the Need for Safety 2026-01-06

  This episode delves into the fawn response in relation to CPTSD, explaining its development as a survival mechanism in unsafe environments and the challenges in overcoming it.

• The Fawn Response, Part 1: What It Is and How It Shows Up 2025-12-15

  This episode of True Vine Talks introduces the fawn response, explaining its origins in trauma and the nervous system's survival mechanisms. It covers how fawning develops and provides examples of its presence in relationships and everyday…

• Distress Tolerance: Where Has It Gone? 2025-11-19

  This episode of True Vine Talks, featuring guest Hannah Eastman, examines the perceived decline in distress tolerance among Gen Z. They discuss cultural influences such as snowplow parenting, growing up as digital natives, fear of failure,…

• Beyond The Stoic Mask: Men's Mental Health 2025-11-13

  This Movember episode of True Vine Talks examines the cultural pressures on men to suppress emotions and be the stoic provider. It explores how these expectations can lead to loneliness and burnout, advocating for vulnerability as a positi…

• Boundary vs Grudge: The Intent Behind the Line 2025-10-29

  This episode of True Vine Talks differentiates between setting healthy boundaries and holding onto grudges. It emphasizes that the intention behind actions determines the outcome, highlighting boundaries as acts of self-respect rather than…

• Stable vs Healthy: What Makes A Relationship Truly Secure? 2025-09-24

  This episode differentiates between stable and healthy relationships. Linda and Rachel discuss how to move beyond mere stability to cultivate a secure connection where partners can thrive.

• Letting Choices Teach: Natural Consequences as Boundaries 2025-09-05

  This episode of True Vine Talks discusses how allowing natural consequences serves as a boundary. It emphasizes stepping back, letting individuals face the results of their choices, and understanding that this approach is a form of care.

• How To Meet Your Inner Child 2025-08-15

  This episode guides listeners on how to begin inner child work, offering approachable methods to visualize, nurture, and build trust with this part of themselves for a more authentic life.

• Healing Wounds From Narcissistic Parents 2025-07-21

  This episode discusses healing from the wounds of narcissistic parents, covering validation, boundaries, inner child care, and the grief of unmet expectations. It encourages self-compassion and hope.

• It Was Never Your Fault: Growing Up With A Narcissistic Parent 2025-07-01

  This episode discusses the psychological effects of having a narcissistic parent, covering issues like gaslighting, guilt, and loss of identity. It also explores paths to healing and offers validation for those on their journey.

• When Parents Can't Show Up: Understanding Emotional Immaturity 2025-06-10

  This episode of True Vine Talks discusses emotional immaturity in parents, its effects on children throughout their lives, and offers guidance for healing. It covers four types of emotionally immature parenting behaviors and their long-ter…

• Friendship Without Fixing: Ditching Codependence 2025-06-02

  This episode explores codependent friendships, discussing how to recognize red flags and foster healthier relationships characterized by mutual respect, independence, and balance.

• When The Past Hurts Again: Understanding Attachment Reinjury 2025-05-29

  This episode discusses attachment reinjury, explaining how current relationships can trigger past emotional wounds from early connections. It offers insights and tools for recognizing signs and initiating the healing process to foster heal…

• Adjusting to Life Transitions 2025-05-04

  Linda and Rachel explore the commonality of life transitions, such as starting a career, retiring, or relocating. They discuss the potential for grief and anxiety during these changes and offer strategies for adaptation.

• 'Let Them' by Cassie Phillips 2025-04-03

  Linda and Rachel discuss Cassie Phillips's poem 'Let Them'. The reading focuses on the poem's message that recognizing one's worth and seeking better leads to a better life.

• How Media Can Influence Dating 2025-03-20

  Linda and Rachel explore the influence of popular media, including television, movies, and magazines, on romantic relationship behaviors.

• Black & White Thinking 2025-03-06

  Linda and Rachel discuss 'black and white thinking,' also known as dichotomous thinking. This cognitive distortion involves viewing the world in absolute extremes, such as everything being either entirely good or bad, or occurring always o…

• Navigating Difficult Conversations 2025-02-17

  Linda and Rachel offer advice on navigating difficult conversations. These discussions, while potentially uncomfortable, can lead to greater closeness, satisfaction, and trust in relationships.

• Elements of Healthy Relationships 2025-02-03

  The episode addresses how to recognize healthy relationship dynamics, even when past experiences involve insecure attachment patterns. Hosts Linda and Rachel provide guidance on this topic.

• Psychology of Human Relationships 2025-01-20

  For their 100th episode, Linda and Rachel explore the Psychology of Human Relationships, covering the science of connection, its effect on mental health, and factors contributing to meaningful bonds.

• Self-Disclosure from your Therapist 2025-01-08

  In this episode of True Vine Talks, hosts Linda and Rachel discuss how therapists can use self-disclosure appropriately in sessions to foster trust and authenticity, acknowledging that therapists also have challenges.

• Transition to Parenthood 2024-12-05

  Linda and Rachel share candid conversations about their transitions to parenthood. Their transparency aims to validate other new parents' experiences and normalize the overwhelming and challenging aspects of bringing home a new baby.

• Couples Therapy Sessions 2024-10-29

  This episode of True Vine Talks features Linda and Rachel discussing couples therapy sessions. They use a scene from the 2005 film 'Mr. and Mrs. Smith' as a reference point.

• Silence during therapy sessions 2024-10-14

  Linda and Rachel explore silence during therapy sessions, referencing a scene from 'Good Will Hunting' to discuss how professional counselors might approach these moments.

• Dissociative Identity Disorder 2024-10-07

  This episode of True Vine Talks features Linda and Rachel discussing the DSM-5 diagnosis of Dissociative Identity Disorder. They utilize a clip from the 2016 movie 'Split' to illustrate the topic.

• Superpowers of The Dismissive Avoidant Attachment Style 2024-06-16

  In part two of a mini-series, Linda and Rachel discuss the dismissive avoidant attachment style, focusing on the strengths associated with it.

• Superpowers of the Anxious Preoccupied Attachment Style 2024-06-03

  This episode of True Vine Talks features Linda and Rachel discussing the anxious preoccupied attachment style. They focus on the inherent strengths associated with this attachment style. This is part one of a two-part series.

• Emotionally Immature People 2024-05-28

  Linda and Rachel explore the frustrations of dealing with emotionally immature people. They cover identifying characteristics, understanding the roots of adult emotional immaturity, and strategies for self-care when supporting an emotional…

• A Tribute to Dr. Sue Johnson 2024-05-06

  Linda and Rachel pay tribute to Dr. Sue Johnson, the founder of Emotionally Focused Therapy. They reflect on her research concerning love and attachment, sharing insights gained from her work.

• Stigma as a Barrier to Mental Health Care 2024-04-09

  This episode of True Vine Talks features Linda and Rachel discussing the persistent stigma around mental health care. They explore how this stigma acts as a barrier, preventing people from accessing beneficial therapy services, and referen…

• Codependency 2024-04-02

  Linda and Rachel discuss codependency, defining it as an unhealthy dynamic between a 'taker' and a 'giver.' They explain how such relationships develop and provide guidance for individuals who recognize themselves in a codependent dynamic.

• Leading Cause of Divorce 2024-03-18

  Linda and Rachel discuss the leading cause of divorce: poor communication and unrealistic expectations. They explain how these issues can foster loneliness and resentment in relationships.

• Have you ever dated a 'project' ? 2024-03-11

  This episode of True Vine Talks features Linda and Rachel discussing the concept of 'project dating,' where individuals are attracted to a person's potential rather than their current self. They explore the reasons behind this pattern and…

• Managing Rejection within Relationships 2024-02-13

  Linda and Rachel discuss how rejection manifests in relationships, detailing four types and their origins. They offer insights on working with oneself to manage feelings of rejection.

• How Trauma Impacts Relationships 2024-01-22

  Linda and Rachel explore the profound effects of past trauma on current romantic relationships. They discuss how experiences like suspicion, distrust, and fear of abandonment can hinder emotional openness and trust with a current partner.

• Common Obstacles to Change 2024-01-08

  Linda and Rachel explore common obstacles that individuals face when trying to make changes in their lives, particularly concerning mental health progress.

• Is it Burnout? Or is it Betrayal? 2023-12-04

  This episode of True Vine Talks discusses burnout, questioning if betrayal by employers, evidenced by lack of support and unrealistic expectations, is a more significant cause than previously thought. It references a NY Times article and t…

• "The Woman in Me" by Britney Spears 2023-11-20

  Linda and Rachel discuss Britney Spears' memoir "The Woman in Me," exploring the honesty and bravery in her life story. The episode touches on recognizing toxic relationships and understanding who genuinely supports you.

• Jungian Archetypes 2023-10-24

  Linda and Rachel discuss Carl Jung's theories on personalities, focusing on the 12 archetypes. A link to a quiz to identify one's strongest archetypes is provided.

• Birth Order & Personality 2023-10-03

  This episode of True Vine Talks features hosts Linda and Rachel discussing Alfred Adler's birth order personality theory. They explore how birth order might influence the unique traits observed in only children, oldest children, middle chi…

• The Big Five Personality Traits 2023-09-19

  The Big Five personality traits (Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, Neuroticism) are discussed. These broad dimensions are stable throughout life and influenced by both genetic and environmental factors.

• Lessons in the 'Barbie' Movie 2023-09-05

  Linda and Rachel explore themes and mental health lessons from the 'Barbie' Movie. They discuss concepts like self-worth, the challenges of adulthood, the dangers of concentrated power, and navigating life's inherent contradictions.

• Being Authentic in a World of AI 2023-09-05

  This episode of True Vine Talks discusses the importance of living an authentic life, the difficulties involved, and the skills needed to achieve true authenticity in a world increasingly influenced by AI.

• Transitioning to Adulthood 2023-06-17

  Linda and Rachel explore the confusing and overwhelming transition from adolescence to adulthood for individuals aged 18-20. They discuss the challenges of establishing identity, finding love, parental support, and managing conflict relate…

• Anger 2023-06-01

  Linda and Rachel discuss anger, an emotion they believe is often misread and feared due to associated behaviors. They argue that anger is healthy and expressing it respectfully is key to setting boundaries and advocating for justice.