Join your host, Debra Rachelle LCSW.
In Session is a mental health storytelling podcast that opens the therapy door to real experiences—stories often spoken out loud for the first time.
Each episode features listener-submitted stories, reflective conversations, and “The Ponder,” a dedicated segment where submitted questions, wonderings, and shared human dilemmas are explored through a trauma-informed, educational lens. Episodes offer compassionate reflection, emotional insight, and language for experiences that are often difficult to name.
Stories may be shared anonymously or by name, in writing or audio, and contributors choose how—or if—their story is used. All submissions are guided by consent, dignity, and care.
This podcast is not therapy and does not replace mental health treatment. It is a space for education, reflection, witness, and connection—where stories are honored, voices are protected, and people are reminded they are not alone.
ABOUT: The Stories Behind the Door
This space was built for the stories people carry quietly—stories that may have never had a place to be spoken out loud.
Through listener-submitted stories, reflective conversations, and The Ponder—a segment exploring shared human questions—this project offers a space for meaning-making, emotional insight, and connection.
Stories may be shared anonymously or by name, in writing or audio, and each person chooses how—or if—their story is used. All submissions are guided by consent, dignity, and care.
This is not therapy.
It is not assessment or advice.
It is a space for education, reflection, witness, and connection—where stories are honored, voices are protected, and people are reminded they are not alone.
Client Reviews
“I always wanted to tell my story but I had so much shame and felt like I was the only one that felt that way, after recording my story I felt an immense relief like I had been heard for the first time in my life.. I plan on submitting multiple chapters of my story.”
— Tess / 2026 / WA“I submitted several ponders, and now every time I have an insightful vent, question, or whatever I submit it and feel like I am being heard, thank you!”
— Gypsy / 2026 / CA“I was raised to not talk about feelings, now after several failed relationships I know how detrimental this has been on my mental health, this platform let me share my feelings anonymously with no judgment and the release has been life changing.”
— Dillon /2026 / TXIn Session Services - There are several ways to participate in In Session.
You may share as much or as little as feels right.
Every submission is guided by care, consent, and respect
Tell a story you have carried—written or audio, anonymously or by name.
Share a question, wondering, or life dilemma to be explored in a future episode.
Request a private, written educational reflection grounded in professional perspective. This offering is educational only and not therapy.
You remain in control of how—or if—your submission is shared.
Your story remains yours. Your voice is protected.
Keeping the Door Open
Stories should have a place to be heard. And the people doing the listening need a sustainable way to keep showing up.
In Session: The Stories Behind the Door was created to make room for the stories, questions, and experiences people often carry quietly.
Submitting your story or a Ponder is free. You will never be charged to share your story with In Session.
As this project grows, however, so does the work behind it. Every submission must be received with care. Stories and recordings need to be reviewed, consent choices honored, episodes researched and prepared, recordings produced, and the website and technology maintained.
That takes time—and I want to build In Session in a way that can continue for the long haul.
The Door Will Always Have a Free Side
I don't want someone's ability to pay to determine whether they can be part of this community.
There will continue to be free ways to listen, participate, submit stories and Ponders, and access selected educational content.
For those who want more—and those who simply want to help keep this project going—there will also be optional paid ways to support In Session.
Free Access
Share your story.
Submit a Ponder.
Listen to selected public episodes and content.
Be part of the conversation.
$0. No explanation needed.
Become an In Session Supporter
For approximately $4.99/month, supporters can help sustain the work behind In Session while receiving additional content such as full or bonus episodes, extended Ponders, early access, and other behind-the-door content as the project grows.
Your support helps pay for the real work required to responsibly receive stories and turn them into meaningful educational content.
Give Once
Don't want another subscription?
You can make a one-time contribution to help with production, technology, hosting, and the other costs involved in keeping In Session going.
Give what feels comfortable. There is no expectation.
What Your Support Makes Possible
Your support helps cover podcast production and hosting, secure technology and storage, website expenses, administrative help, and the time required to thoughtfully review submissions and create responsible, trauma-informed educational content.
As In Session becomes financially sustainable, one of my goals is also to develop a transparent way for this community to help expand access to mental-health resources for people who are uninsured or underinsured.
I'll share clearly how that program works once the structure is established.
Your Story Is Not the Product
This part matters to me.
You are not paying to have your story heard.
And when you share a story with In Session, your story does not suddenly belong to us.
Participation and financial support are separate choices.
Your consent matters whether you contribute financially or never spend a dollar here.
Why Charge Anything?
Because meaningful work requires time.
I could build something entirely free for a short period of time—or I can build something sustainable enough to still be here years from now.
I choose sustainable.
I want to give these stories the attention they deserve without rushing through them, exploiting them, or creating a project that eventually becomes impossible to maintain.
If you can support In Session financially, thank you.
If you can't, the door is still open.
— Debra Rachelle, LCSW
Creator & Host
In Session: The Stories Behind the Door
In Session provides educational and reflective content and is not therapy, diagnosis, assessment, treatment, or crisis care. Participation in In Session does not establish a therapist-client relationship. If you are experiencing a mental-health emergency in the United States, call or text 988 or contact emergency services.
Your support fuels progress and brings hope where it's needed most.
Why People Support In Session
Millions of people need mental health support but cannot access it due to cost, lack of insurance, stigma, or limited services in their communities. At the same time, many people are silently carrying stories they have never had a safe place to share.
In Session creates a space where lived experiences can be honored with care, consent, and dignity while directing community-supported funds toward individuals who otherwise could not afford mental health services.
Donations support:
access to therapy resources for uninsured individuals
the development of a safe storytelling platform where people can share their experiences without exploitation
public mental health education that reduces shame and isolation
Every contribution helps expand access to care while reminding people that their stories—and their healing—matter.
Make an Impact Today
Let’s Heal Together
