In Between Sessions

How to Think Differently About Body Image Work with Sarah O’Keefe

Therapist and podcast host Lili Torre, LPC is joined by trauma therapist Sarah O’Keefe, LPC for a refreshing conversation on embodiment, aging, and the lifelong process of connecting with our bodies. Sarah shares how her work with trauma survivors has informed her understanding of how the body holds experience, and how practices like bird-watching, community building, and intergenerational connection can help us relate to our bodies in more compassionate and expansive ways.
This episode offers wisdom, curiosity, and a perspective you might not have heard before, especially if you’re navigating trauma, exploring your relationship with your body and aging, or looking for new ways to slow down and feel more present in your life.
Resources shared by Sarah:
The Body is Not an Apology by Sonya Renee Taylor
Virginia Sole-Smith
Burnt Toast Podcast
“You are Not Considered a Whole Person After a Certain Age” episode of Burnt Toast
Rest Is Resistance by Tricia Hersey
Let’s end ageism TedTalk
Audubon Society
Greater KC Chapter of Audubon Society website and instagram
Sarah’s Contact Info:
https://www.wonderwithincounseling.com/Sign up for her quarterly(ish) newsletter to stay up-to-date on all of her amazing work!
Lili’s Contact Info:
Email - inbetweensessionspod@gmail.comInstagram: @inbetweensessionspodcastwww.lilitorrecounseling.com - reach out to schedule a free 15-minute consult for therapy!
The conversations on this podcast are meant to support, inspire, and inform, but they’re not a substitute for therapy or medical care. Listening to this show doesn’t create a therapeutic relationship. If something you hear resonates and you’d like more support, consider connecting with a licensed mental health professional in your area.
You can search for a therapist at psychologytoday.com.
If you are in crisis or need immediate support, please call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

How to Connect Through Storytelling with Justin Barron

In this episode of In Between Sessions, host Lili Torre, LPC, explores the surprising connection between tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) and mental health. She’s joined by performer, parent, and founder of Tipsy Bard KC, Justin Barron, who shares how TTRPGs like Dungeons & Dragons have helped him build community, encourage vulnerability, and create meaningful immersive experiences for others.
Listeners will also hear insights from Darbi Keene, LCSW and Certified Therapeutic Game Master, who uses TTRPGs in her clinical work with neurodivergent and LGBTQ+ clients. Together, these conversations reveal the therapeutic potential of play, and why fantasy worlds can help us grow, heal, and connect in real life.
Resources for finding a therapist:
Psychology Today
Therapist.com
Mental Health Match
 
Justin’s Contact Info:
Website: tipsybardkc.com
Instagram: @TipsyBardKC
TikTok: @TipsyBardKC
Upcoming Tipsy Bard Events:
Sept. 20th: Return to the fun and fantastical world of Camp Wannarollacrit to explore the "Dungeon of the Death Flame." Expect tons of amazing minis and terrain, fun outdoor activities to earn scout badges, and of course, a unique homemade adventure requiring teamwork and the power of friendship to prevail! All are welcome - regardless of experience level. 
Oct. 5th: Venture into the exciting new Daggerheart system for "Into the Witherwild", a dark and whimsical world of magic and danger. The focus for this event will be on learning/teaching the system in a safe space with themed food, drink, and music. Jump on board for what many are calling the next D&D. 
Tickets for both of these events are on sale now at tipsybardkc.com. While there, be sure to sign up for their newsletter so you don't miss future events!
 
Darbi’s Contact Info: 
Fill out a consultation form at www.walkingwithwildflowers.com 
Reach out directly via email at walkingwithwildflowersllc@gmail.com
 
Lili’s Contact Info:
Email - inbetweensessionspod@gmail.comInstagram: @inbetweensessionspodcastwww.lilitorrecounseling.com - reach out to schedule a free 15-minute consult for therapy!
The conversations on this podcast are meant to support, inspire, and inform, but they’re not a substitute for therapy or medical care. Listening to this show doesn’t create a therapeutic relationship. If something you hear resonates and you’d like more support, consider connecting with a licensed mental health professional in your area.
You can search for a therapist at psychologytoday.com.
If you are in crisis or need immediate support, please call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

How to Use Food as Self-Care and Rebuild Trust with Your Body with Janean Gardea

In this episode of In Between Sessions, Lili sits down with non-diet, weight-inclusive dietitian Janean Gardea to talk about what it means to rebuild your relationship with food and body from a place of compassion and care. With humor, warmth, and real-life examples, Janean explains how diet culture can disconnect us from our hunger cues, how to tune back in, and why Intuitive Eating isn’t about doing it “perfectly,” it’s about learning to trust yourself again.
They explore how food impacts mental health, how to notice when your inner critic is driving your eating choices, and how to reframe care from control to connection. Janean shares thoughtful, actionable insights on how to feel more grounded and less overwhelmed in your relationship with food.
Interested in working with Janean? She’s currently licensed to work with clients in MO, KS, IL, CO, TX, and CA. You can reach out to her here: https://thetastybalance.com/about-tasty-balance-dietitians/#jenean
Lili’s contact info:
Email - inbetweensessionspod@gmail.comInstagram: @inbetweensessionspodcastwww.lilitorrecounseling.com - reach out to schedule a free 15-minute consult for therapy!
The conversations on this podcast are meant to support, inspire, and inform, but they’re not a substitute for therapy or medical care. Listening to this show doesn’t create a therapeutic relationship. If something you hear resonates and you’d like more support, consider connecting with a licensed mental health professional in your area.
You can search for a therapist at psychologytoday.com.
If you are in crisis or need immediate support, please call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

How to Use Journaling to Stay Creative and Connected with Mikey Wessells

In this episode of In Between Sessions, Lili chats with performer, producer, and longtime journaler Mikey Wessells, who has kept a journal every day for the past 12 years. What started as a way to process daily life has become a deeply grounding mental health practice, as well as a creative archive of the ups, downs, and everything in between.
They talk about how journaling helps Mikey stay present through unpredictable routines, why consistency doesn’t have to mean perfection, and how small rituals can keep you connected to yourself and the people you love. Mikey shares candidly about how journaling has supported his mental health, boosted his creativity, and helped him navigate life on the road.
Mikey’s reflections offer inspiration, warmth, and a few laughs for anyone looking to bring more presence and creativity into their everyday life…especially in the moments between therapy sessions.
Mikey on Instagram: @MikeyWessMy Best Friend’s Journal: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-best-friends-journal/id1469933785
Resources Mentioned:
Marco Polo: https://www.marcopolo.me/Anne Lamott’s Bird by BirdStephen King On Writing 
Lili’s contact info:
Email - inbetweensessionspod@gmail.comInstagram: @inbetweensessionspodcastwww.lilitorrecounseling.com
The conversations on this podcast are meant to support, inspire, and inform, but they’re not a substitute for therapy or medical care. Listening to this show doesn’t create a therapeutic relationship. If something you hear resonates and you’d like more support, consider connecting with a licensed mental health professional in your area.
You can search for a therapist at psychologytoday.com.
If you are in crisis or need immediate support, please call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

How to Start (and Keep) Habits That Support Your Mental Health with Beth DeMichele

In the very first episode of In Between Sessions, Lili sits down with actor, voice teacher, and habit coach Beth DeMichele to explore how building supportive habits can improve our mental health without the pressure of perfection. They talk about the power of starting small, the importance of self-compassion, and how community and creativity can help us follow through on our goals.
Beth shares her experience moving to a new city and reimagining her routines, the difference between discipline and rigidity, and how just ten minutes a day can be enough to shift your mindset. This episode offers gentle, actionable insight into making sustainable changes, one small step at a time!
Beth's Website: https://bethdemichele.com
10 Minutes a Day Club website: https://www.bethdemichele.com/10minutes
Promo Code: Use code LILI20 for 20% off your first 3 months at any tier
Beth on Instagram & TikTok: @10MinADayClub
Lili’s contact info:
Email - inbetweensessionspod@gmail.com
Instagram: @inbetweensessionspodcast
www.lilitorrecounseling.com
The conversations on this podcast are meant to support, inspire, and inform, but they’re not a substitute for therapy or medical care. Listening to this show doesn’t create a therapeutic relationship. If something you hear resonates and you’d like more support, consider connecting with a licensed mental health professional in your area.
You can search for a therapist at psychologytoday.com.
If you are in crisis or need immediate support, please call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Welcome to the In Between Sessions Podcast!

In this trailer, host Lili Torre, Licensed Professional Counselor based in Kansas City, introduces In Between Sessions, a podcast about how to care for your mental health in the 167 hours between therapy sessions.
You’ll hear what inspired the podcast, what kinds of guests and topics to expect, and why mental health work outside the therapy room matters just as much (if not more) than the work done inside it.
Follow now to get new episodes every Monday starting later this month, and share this trailer with someone who could use a little more support In Between Sessions.
Instagram: @inbetweensessionspodcast
Lili's therapy practice: Lili Torre Counseling