The Rise Up Sessions – Rise Up Counseling

The Rise Up Sessions Podcast

The Rise Up Sessions Podcast is a psychology and personal growth podcast hosted by Zisa Levine, LCSW—therapist, entrepreneur, and former Israeli police officer. The show explores the intersection of psychology, business, mental health, and the decisions that shape our lives.

Episodes combine real stories with practical insights from therapy approaches such as CBT, EMDR, DBT, and ERP, helping listeners better understand how people navigate loss, risk, growth, and major life decisions.

Topics include psychology, entrepreneurship, relationships, trauma, and the moments when we have to decide whether to stay comfortable or move forward.

Episode 1: Risk Is the Price of Admission

In the first episode of The Rise Up Sessions Podcast, Zisa Levine explores why many of the most meaningful decisions in life involve risk.

Through personal stories and psychological insight, the episode looks at why people often wait to feel ready before taking action—and why clarity usually comes after the decision, not before.

Episode 2: New and Uncertain

In Episode 2, Zisa dives into the fears, risks, and growing pains of being a new clinician. From her very first client—who just happened to be a high-ranking gang member (no big deal)—to navigating imposter syndrome, using humor in session, and learning the business side of therapy, this episode offers an honest look at early clinical life.

Episode 3: No One Cares, Work Harder

Starting a private practice with no financial safety net isn’t talked about enough. In this episode, we break down the real emotional and financial realities of entrepreneurship—pressure, uncertainty, fear of failure, and the hustle it takes to keep going anyway. From $50 sessions and Craigslist offices to almost shutting down, this is the unfiltered story of building a therapy practice from nothing. We also dive into what made it worth it: independence, creating a values-driven team, hiring clinicians, and growing into a sustainable business. If you’re a therapist or entrepreneur building something from scratch—this one’s for you.

Episode 4:Understanding trauma

What trauma really is—and how it impacts the brain, body, and daily life. In this episode of The Rise Up Sessions, we break down how trauma shapes emotional responses, relationships, and behavior—and why its effects can last long after the experience. We also talk about resilience—how people endure difficult circumstances and still build strong, meaningful lives.

Listen and Subscribe

Subscribe to The Rise Up Sessions Podcast for conversations about psychology, mental health, business, and personal growth.

Listen and watch on:
Spotify: The Rise up Sessions
YouTube: @riseup.counseling

Listen to The Rise Up Sessions Podcast

If you’re interested in psychology podcasts, therapy insights, mental health, and personal growth, The Rise Up Sessions Podcast offers thoughtful conversations about the decisions and risks that shape our lives.