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In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Joe Pierre, psychiatrist and author of False, to explore why people believe things that aren’t true—and why challenging those beliefs is rarely as simple as presenting the facts. Drawing from research in psychiatry, cognitive science, and social psychology, Dr. Pierre unpacks the emotional, identity-based, and relational roots of misinformation and conspiratorial thinking.  Whether you’re a clinician, educator, or simply someone trying to make sense of our “post-truth” era, this conversation offers an evidence-based look at the psychology behind false beliefs. In this conversation we discuss: 

• Why smart people believe irrational things  
• The emotional and identity functions of conspiracy theories  
• How misinformation spreads—and why it's so sticky  
• The limits of fact-checking and logic-based persuasion  
• The "prognosis" for someone who believes in conspiracy theories  
• The role of mental illness in extreme beliefs (and where the line is)  
• Online echo chambers, tribalism, and distrust in institutions  
• The psychological appeal of certainty in uncertain times  
• Strategies for promoting critical thinking and intellectual humility  

Bio: Joe Pierre, MD, is a clinical professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. With a background in both molecular biology and psychology from MIT and medical training at UCLA, Dr. Pierre’s career has focused on severe mental illness, particularly psychotic disorders. In addition to his clinical work, he’s a prolific writer and commentator on the psychology of belief, delusion, and misinformation. His Psych Unseen column for Psychology Today explores the intersection of psychiatry, media, and culture. False is his definitive exploration of why we believe things that aren’t true, and what that means for our mental health and collective future.

drjoepierre.com

psychologytoday.com/us/blog/psych-unseen

@psychunseen

@psychunseen.bsky.social

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In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Scott Waltman and Kasey Pierce coauthors, along with Trent Codd, Ed.S of The Stoicism Workbook - to explore how ancient Stoic philosophy can offer powerful tools for managing today’s challenges. From emotional resilience and anxiety to self-compassion and values-driven living, we unpack how timeless Stoic principles can help you navigate stress, uncertainty, and personal growth.

Whether you’re a mental health professional, a fan of philosophy, or just someone looking for practical ways to feel more grounded, this conversation brings Stoicism down to earth—with insights that align closely with many therapeutic frameworks.

We discuss:

• What Stoicism is and why it’s still relevant
• The Stoic approach to emotional resilience and anxiety
• The difference between values and virtues
• How to apply Stoic practices in daily life
• Building tolerance for discomfort and uncertainty
• Transforming self-criticism into self-compassion
• Socratic questioning as a tool for insight and change
• Embracing acceptance without falling into complacency
• Cultivating wisdom and living in alignment with what matters most

Scott Waltman, PsyD, ABPP, is a clinician, international trainer, and practice-based researcher. His interests include evidence-based psychotherapy practice, training, and implementation in systems that provide care to underserved populations. He is president-elect of both the Academy of Cognitive & Behavioral Therapies and  the International Association of Cognitive Behavioral Therapies. He is board certified in Behavioral and Cognitive Psychology from the American Board of Professional Psychology. Dr. Waltman, worked as a CBT trainer for one of Dr. Aaron Beck’s CBT implementation teams in the Philadelphia public mental health system. He is a practicing Stoic and the first author of The Stoicism Workbook: How the Wisdom of Socrates Can Help You Build Resilience and Overcome Anything Life Throws at You. 

Kasey Pierce is a writer and Stoicism columnist from the metro Detroit area. She has contributed as a freelance content editor for Donald Robertson's “Verissimus” (St. Martin’s Press) and serves as the editor of Tim LeBon's “365 Ways to Be More Stoic” (John Murray Press). Kasey recently coauthored “The Stoicism Workbook” with CBT practitioners Scott Waltman and R. Trent Codd. Additionally, she is the. communications director for Plato’s Academy Centre, a nonprofit in Athens, Greece, dedicated to promoting philosophy as a way of life. Kasey's passion lies in making the intersection of Stoic philosophy and cognitive behavioral therapy accessible to everyday people, using relatable examples and humor to enhance understanding and application. 

https://www.instagram.com/socraticmethodcbt/

https://www.instagram.com/kcdwrites/

www.trentcodd.com

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Building emotional security and navigating conflict with intention often defines the success of our closest relationships.  Join us for an in-depth discussion with psychologist Dr. Betsy Chung to explore these and other topics explored in her new book The Couple Skills Workbook: Manage Conflict, Increase Trust & Intimacy, and Build a Better Relationship.  In this conversation we cover: 

• how a lack of emotional security in one’s childhood impact their romantic relationships as an adult
• how old defenses from childhood can still affect us in adult relationships as well as common signs that someone is still relying on these childhood defenses
• what emotional attunement looks like in a healthy relationship and how couples can improve their emotional attunement
• what effective acknowledgment looks like in everyday interactions between partners
• the importance of unconditional acceptance and how to accept each other’s flaws and differences without feeling resentment
• tools for repairing relationship ruptures. What are the first steps a couple should take when trying to reconcile after a heated argument?

Bio: Dr. Betsy Chung, PsyD, is a licensed clinical psychologist and relationship expert with a passion for helping individuals cultivate healthier, more fulfilling relationships. She began her academic journey at the University of California, Irvine, where she earned a degree in Psychology and a minor in Education. In 2010, Dr. Chung completed her doctoral degree in clinical psychology at Alliant University and became a licensed psychologist in California in 2013. 

Dr. Chung’s diverse career includes experience in various mental health settings, from in-patient and partial hospitalization to outpatient substance abuse rehabilitation and community mental health clinics for children. Since 2015, she has focused on private practice, where she discovered her true passion for guiding individuals and couples toward stronger relationships.

Her latest book, The Couple Skills Workbook: Manage Conflict, Increase Trust & Intimacy, and Build a Better Relationship, provides a hands-on approach to building trust, communication, and emotional intimacy. Through her work, Dr. Chung continues to empower people to develop greater self-awareness and relational intelligence.

https://www.drbetsychung.com

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In this episode, we sit down with Donna Jakson Nakazawa to explore a topic at the core of many people's therapeutic journeys: recovering from the impact of adverse childhood experiences. Her new book, The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Guided Journal, offers a compassionate, science-backed approach to understanding how trauma shapes our lives—while providing actionable steps to rewire the brain for healing. Whether dealing with childhood trauma, chronic stress, or emotional adversity, Nakazawa’s work equips readers with practical tools to process their past, build resilience, and cultivate an internal sense of safety. Join us as we dive into this powerful conversation.

• Why it’s important to revisit childhood adversity to achieve a fully actualized adulthood
• How adverse childhood experiences impact brain development
• Safely managing the challenging emotions that can arise when processing past trauma
• Key reflective questions that can help uncover how childhood experiences shape adult patterns
• A helpful approach for those feeling stuck in anger or resistant to exploring this content
• The power of narrative in understanding and making sense of our personal story
• The protective role of positive childhood experiences
• How connection serves as the antidote to trauma
• Why naming emotions is essential for emotional regulation
• How to effectively create emotionally corrective experiences

Donna Jackson Nakazawa is an award-winning science journalist, author, and internationally recognized speaker whose work focuses on the intersection of neuroscience, immunology, and human resilience. With a passion for helping individuals heal from trauma, Nakazawa has written several groundbreaking books, including “Childhood Disrupted”, “The Angel and the Assassin”, “Girls on the Brink”, and her latest, “The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Guided Journal”. Drawing on over 30 years of experience in journalism and research, Nakazawa has developed science-based techniques for trauma recovery, such as her pioneering "Neural Re-Narrating" process. Her work is deeply rooted in neuroscience and the power of writing as a tool for healing. As the creator of “Your Healing Narrative”, she teaches writing-to-heal workshops that combine mindfulness, self-compassion, and neuroscience to help people transform their lives.  Nakazawa is also a regular speaker at major universities and conferences, where she shares her expertise on trauma, adversity, and emotional well-being. Her insights have been featured in numerous media outlets, including “The New York Times”, “The Washington Post”, “The Today Show”, and NPR. She is known for her compassionate, accessible approach to complex scientific topics and her dedication to empowering individuals to reclaim their health and well-being.

http://donnajacksonnakazawa.com

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Many of us accept freewill as an undeniable truth, assuming that we are the architects of our own decisions and destiny. Yet, a growing body of scientific research challenges this notion, suggesting that our sense of freewill may be more of an illusion than reality. This emerging perspective carries profound implications, urging us to reconsider the foundations of personal responsibility, ethics, and the way we govern our society.  Dr. Yona Bouskila joins us to explore this provocative subject, drawing on insights from his thriller, The Unthinkable Truth, which expertly blends scientific inquiry with imaginative fiction.  In this conversation we cover: 

• the motivation behind delving into free will in The Unthinkable Truth and  how the book challenges conventional views on decision-making and destiny
• the fusion of neuroscience, philosophy, and AI in the book, with a particular focus on the Theory of Apparent Mental Causation, and the evidence that underpins this perspective
• how main character George Bennet's journey reflects the broader questions about the extent of human free will
•  the role of AI, exemplified by the character Sherlock, in the exploration of free will and contrast its capabilities with human reasoning
• the scientific tools and methods employed in the book to tackle the age-old question of free will
• the interplay between personal responsibility and free will, and consider how these concepts might influence moral and legal frameworks in society.
• the ethical dimensions of using AI to understand and potentially influence human decisions, weighing its possible dangers and benefits.
• the key philosophical arguments against the existence of free will as presented in the book, and discuss how these are either supported or refuted by scientific evidence.
• the future of free will research and its potential impact on society, both in theory and in practice.

A scientist by training, a thinker by nature, and an author by passion, Yona Bouskila has a particular fascination with the human mind in all its aspects. This enduring passion, together with his penchant for thrillers, served as the driving force behind The Unthinkable Truth, which he describes as a unique blend of thought-provoking science and thriller that culminates in an eye-opening revelation on the mind and humanity. He studied biology (with philosophy) and received a PhD in neuroscience from UCLA. He is involved in medical research and development. Before that, he conducted brain research at several institutions in the US and Europe. He writes short stories, often with a humorous slant, and his debut novel was published in May 2024. He lives in England with his wife and pets, where he enjoys the Surrey countryside and contemplating 

Buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/Unthinkable-Truth-Yona-Bouskila-ebook/dp/B0CW1N2JTJ/

Visit the author's website: https://www.yonabouskila.com/

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Whether it's in our personal relationships, at work, or even with ourselves, boundaries are essential for our well-being and peace of mind. Yet, many of us - even clinicians I might add - at times struggle with this practice, often feeling overwhelmed, guilty, or unsure of how to start. In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Sharon Martin discuss insights from your new book "Better Boundaries Guided Journal" which offerings practical advice and thoughtful discussion on how to establish boundaries that protect our time, energy, and emotional health.  In this conversation we cover: 

• what inspired her to create the "Better Boundaries Guided Journal"
• the most common misconceptions people have about setting boundaries.
• the flexible application of boundaries.
• overcoming the fear of conflict or potential for ejection that may come with setting boundaries.
• the role that guilt play in preventing people from setting boundaries, and how can someone work through these feelings?
• managing the challenge of connecting with resentment that has built up when we do start enforcing boundaries.  
• why clinicians may be particularly challenged with respect to implementing the very boundaries that they encourage for their clients.  
• the influence of family of origin on our boundary-setting abilities. 
• boundaries as an extention of self-care.  
• the importance of recognizing personal rights in boundary-setting and how someone can begin to assert these rights in a way that feels authentic to them?
• helping clients who are considering putting hard boundaries between themselves and their family, including no contact.  
• enforcing boundaries within the workplace. 
• setting realistic expectations around boundary setting and the reactions of others 
• using boundary setting to evaluate the health of a relationship. 

Bio: Dr. Sharon Martin, LCSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and psychotherapist devoted to teaching clients to love and accept themselves. She has practiced psychotherapy for over twenty years, drawing strongly on positive psychology and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques. Martin is a regular columnist for popular online publications, including Psychology Today and PsychCentral. She is a frequent guest on health and wellness podcasts. Her well-informed insights are featured on numerous websites, including The Good Men Project, Highly Sensitive Refuge, and Healthline.  Along with her extensive contributions to online media, Martin authors both e-books and printed titles. Her newest book, The Better Boundaries Workbook, helps clients find their voices and express their needs, allowing them to set limits and cultivate healthier relationships in their lives. Martin provides freely accessible affirmations and worksheets via her website, reflecting her passion for helping people learn self-compassion and self-acceptance.

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While most of us intuitively believe that our assessment of our lives is largely objective and a direct result of what has been happening to us, it's clear that subjective perceptions of objective events play a significant role in shaping the ultimate emotional experience of those events. This highlights the importantly interplay between personality traits and life satisfaction, raising questions about how much flexibility we have to change, reinterpret events, and see things differently to enhance well-being.  Professor Dr. Rene Mõttus joins us for a discussion of his recent paper, "Most People’s Life Satisfaction Matches Their Personality Traits." In this discussion, we explore:  

• why the Big Five stands out as a widely accepted and utilized model of personality.
• an overview of the Big Five model.
• exploring the relationship between personality traits and life satisfaction, and its importance due to its implications for psychological well-being. 
• the methodology employed in the study and the challenges involved in clearly defining core concepts such as "life satisfaction" to ensure measurable and reliable outcomes.
• the particular traits that serving as stronger predictors of well-being.  
• Personality traits that exhibit varying degrees of stability over the lifespan, and changes in these traits can affect life satisfaction as people age.  
• how extraversion and neuroticism play a pivotal role in determining life satisfaction.
• moderating factors, such as life events and cultural contexts.
• the surprising correlations between specific personality traits and life satisfaction, challenging conventional wisdom in the field.  
• applying these findings in clinical practice to enhance well-being, such as guiding therapists in working with clients and understanding the potential for change and effect sizes.  

Dr. René Mõttus is a personality psychologist whose research delves into the intricacies of human individuality, encompassing personality measurement, development, and the interplay between personality traits and well-being.  Dr. Mõttus earned his Ph.D. in psychology from the University of Tartu in 2009. His doctoral research focused on the universal and specific aspects of personality traits across various representations.  In 2010, he joined the University of Edinburgh as a postdoctoral researcher. His academic trajectory at Edinburgh includes appointments as a lecturer in 2013, reader in 2019, and professor in 2024.  Since 2023, Dr. Mõttus has also served as a professor of psychology at the University of Tartu, contributing to the academic community in his home country.  Beyond his teaching and research roles, Dr. Mõttus is the Editor-in-Chief of the European Journal of Personality, where he oversees the publication of cutting-edge research in personality psychology.  He co-hosts the Personality Psychology Podcast, engaging audiences in discussions on the latest developments in the field. Additionally, he authors the blog "People Unexplained" on Psychology Today, exploring various facets of human behavior and personality.   

Blog: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/people-unexplained

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Compulsive reassurance seeking can be a challenging issue for both clients and therapists to manage. Clients are often highly adept—sometimes knowingly, sometimes unknowingly—at eliciting excessive reassurance from therapists and family members. At the same time, resisting the urge to seek reassurance can feel nearly impossible for clients. In this episode, Amanda Petrik-Gardner, LCPC, joins us to discuss core themes from her new book, "The Compulsive Reassurance Workbook". Our conversation covers:

• What compulsive reassurance seeking is and its significance across various mental health presentations.
• Differentiating between normal reassurance seeking and compulsive reassurance seeking.
• Common triggers that lead to compulsive reassurance seeking.
• The importance of distress tolerance in managing reassurance-seeking behaviors.
• Mental health disorders that are more susceptible to compulsive reassurance-seeking behaviors.
• he cycle of reassurance seeking and how it perpetuates anxiety.
• Avoiding the use of clinical interventions (e.g., a thought record) as a safety behavior.
• Key components of the reassurance-seeking cycle.
• Effective metaphors for psychoeducation.
• Guidance for family members on navigating this specific challenge.
• Treating compulsive reassurance seeking in complex situations (e.g., trauma, pandemics, checking the accuracy of completed tasks).
• The role of “extinction bursts” in exposure-based work.
• Relapse prevention and normalizing setbacks.
• Understanding when to approach versus step back from a feared stimulus.
• Managing dysfunctional beliefs about worry.

Feedback or comments?  Email us at: oicbtpodcast@gmail.com

Amanda Petrik-Gardner, LCPC specializes in the treatment of Obsessive Compulsive and Related Disorders. Amanda is the creator of the OCD Exposure Coloring Books and The Compulsive Reassurance Workbook, now available on Amazon. Amanda is on the board for OCD Kansas, an affiliate of the IOCDF (International OCD Foundation) and the president of the Kansas Counseling Association. She has completed the Behavioral Therapy Training Institute through the IOCDF and the Professional Training Institute through the TLC Foundation for BFRBs. Amanda currently provides Teletherapy to the states of Kansas, Colorado, Nebraska, Missouri, Michigan, Maine, Arizona and Florida.

https://www.amandalcpc.com

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Behavioural activation is one of the best, if not the best treatments for depression. Clinical psychologist and author, Dr. Nina Josefowitz joins us for an in-depth discussion of themes contained in her new book The Behavioural Activation Workbook for Depression.  In this discussion we cover:    

• The basic premise of behavioral activation and how it differs from other depression treatments.
• The negative feedback loop of depression and why it is so challenging to break.
• How behavioral activation addresses the physical and emotional symptoms of depression.
• The role motivation plays in behavioral activation and how individuals can overcome a lack of motivation.
• The difference between the causes of depression and its treatment.
• The importance of individuals assessing their level of depression before starting treatment.
• The purpose of activity monitoring in the context of behavioral activation.
• Common pitfalls people encounter when trying to monitor their activities and mood.
• How detailed activity monitoring should be to be effective.
• Specific examples of mood-boosting activities.
• The importance of identifying personal values when setting goals for managing depression.
• Common avoidance behaviors that perpetuate depression.
• How the physical environment impacts an individual's ability to engage in positive activities.
• Common setbacks individuals face when engaging in behavioral activation.
• Strategies for sustaining progress in managing depression.
• The benefits of combining behavioral activation with medication for a more comprehensive treatment plan.

Nina Josefowitz, PhD, is a clinical psychologist. In addition to her clinical practice, she teaches at the University of Toronto, and has offered training in North America, Asia, and Africa. She is author of numerous professional articles on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and issues related to general clinical practice. Along with David Myran, she coauthored CBT Made Simple and has co authored the new book The Behavioural Activation Workbook Depression (available on Amazon.com). She has appeared in court numerous times as an expert witness in cases involving interpersonal violence. Dr. Josefowitz was on the Council of the College of Psychologists of Ontario for 9 years, and President of the College from 2001-2003. She has published in the area of trauma, cognitive behavior therapy, women’s issues, ethics and clinical psychology.   Dr. Josefowitz is well known for integrating years of clinical experience into a practical, actionable strategies.  

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Navigating relationships with emotionally immature parents can evoke very strong reactions, which can be difficult to navigate. In many clinician's experience, when this topic comes up, people tend to react in one of three ways: defending their parents as perfect, blaming them for all their struggles, or questioning their own perceptions entirely - all of which can create stuck points. Author and psychologist, Dr. Lindsay Gibson, who has written and lectured extensively on the topic of emotional immaturity joins us for a discussion of some of the core themes covered in her new book “Disentangling from Emotionally Immature People”.  In this discussion we cover:  

• why has this topic been such a focus over her career 
• the kinds of emotional activation in clients can that flow from discussions around emotionally immature parents.
• the key traits that distinguish emotionally immature people from those who are more emotionally mature
• developmental factors that contribute to emotional immaturity in adults
• recognizing emotional immaturity in parents to help adult children heal from past traumas
• the primary coping mechanisms that emotionally immature people use, and how these impact their relationships
• practical steps can adult children take to set and maintain healthy boundaries with emotionally immature parents
• best practices for communicating effectively with emotionally immature parents, especially during conflicts
• considering whether forgiveness is necessary for healing from the impact of emotionally immature parents, and what alternatives exist if forgiveness is not feasible
• how can adult children of emotionally immature parents focus on building healthy, fulfilling relationships outside of their family of origin

Lindsay C. Gibson, PsyD, is a clinical psychologist and psychotherapist with more than thirty years’ experience working in both public service and private practice. Her books—including the #1 Amazon best seller, Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents—have sold more than a million copies, and have been translated into thirty-seven languages. In the past, Dr. Gibson has served as an adjunct assistant professor, teaching doctoral clinical psychology students clinical theory and psychotherapy techniques. She specializes in therapy and coaching with adults to attain new levels of personal growth, emotional intimacy with others, and confidence in dealing with emotionally immature family members. Her website is available at http://www.lindsaygibsonpsyd.com.

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Assessing & treating adult ADHD can be both very challenging as well as highly rewarding for client and clinician alike. Psychologist & author, Dr. Russell Ramsay joins us for an in-depth discussion of the assessment and treatment of adult ADHD building on themes in his new workbook, The Adult ADHD and Anxiety Workbook.  In this discussion we cover: 

• why Dr. Ramsay wanted to write a workbook focused on both ADHD and anxiety and why individuals with ADHD may be particularly prone to anxiety
• a brief description of the symptom clusters of ADHD and why a dimensional approach can be helpful
• an evolutionary angle to understanding ADHD
• an extensive discussion of tricky diagnostic issues including: nuance around contextualizing the later emergence of childhood symptoms; assessing ADHD in female clients; understanding the impact of "masking" on the presentation of symptoms; the impact of high trait agreeableness and pleasing behaviours on functional impacts; the course of symptoms over the lifetime
• the contribution of undiagnosed ADHD to treatment resistance around other co-morbid conditions
• addressing the interpersonal challenges that can come with ADHD
• understanding rejection sensitivity in the context of ADHD  
• a strengths-based lens on ADHD
• the so-called "ADHD tax"

Comments or feedback?  Email the podcast at: oicbtpodcast@gmail.com

J. Russell Ramsay, PhD, ABPP, is a licensed psychologist specializing in the assessment and psychosocial treatment of adult attention deficit/hyperactive disorder (ADHD). Before embarking on his solo virtual practice, he was cofounder and clinical director of the University of Pennsylvania’s Adult ADHD Treatment and Research Program, where he was professor of clinical psychology in psychiatry. Ramsay is widely published, including five books on adult ADHD; lectures internationally and virtually; and is in the Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) Hall of Fame. He is from the Greater Philadelphia, PA, area.

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Many clinicians experience a sense of helplessness around effectively managing calls from loved ones of an individual living with a mental illness who is not willing to engage in treatment.  There is frequently an impression that little can be done until the affected individual wants to change.  Dr. Alec Pollard joins us for a discussion of he and his co-authors new book "When a Loved One Won't Seek Mental Health Treatment".  In this conversation we cover:    

• why Dr. Pollard and co-authors wanted to write this book
• the challenge for clinicians in fielding calls from loved ones seeking treatment for a loved one who is not motivated to engage in change
• where traditional approaches to a treatment avoidant loved one have fallen short
• operationally defining "treatment avoidance" through a lens of non-blame
• teasing apart the impact of symptoms vs. treatment avoidance
• understanding how the loop of accomodation-minimization within the "family trap" can keep an individual stuck in treatment avoidance
• contextualizing the counterintuitive impact of accommodation 
• considering the extent to which family members are realistically positioned to provide assistance to family members given the complexities involved and the slippery slope of the family trap
• parallels to the family trap within the client-therapist relationship
• the line between clear, transparent boundaries and minimization on the part of the family member and the temporal course matters
• why their approach focuses almost exclusively on the family member as opposed to the loved one that won't seek treatment
• creating a recovery friendly environment
• the complications that personality challenges in either a family member and/or client can present
• understanding when a family when should enlisting professional assistance
• how to discuss this conundrum with a family member who calls for assistance with a loved one

C. Alec Pollard, PhD, is founding director of the Center for OCD & Anxiety-Related Disorders at Saint Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute, and professor emeritus of family and community medicine at Saint Louis University School of Medicine. He is a licensed psychologist with a special interest in the study and treatment of individuals with anxiety and emotional disorders who refuse or otherwise fail to benefit from evidence-based treatment. Pollard, codeveloper of the family well-being approach (FWBA), has authored or coauthored more than one hundred publications and leads the Family Consultation Team at Saint Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute.

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Dialectical behavior therapy or DBT is a wonderful suite of tools that help people to be more effective with respect to managing their emotions and becoming more interpersonally effective.  These are challenges that often loom especially large for those who are highly sensitive.  Emma Lauer, LCSW joins us for a discussion of her workbook DBT Skills for Highly Sensitive People.  In this conversation we cover:   

• what inspired Emma to speak about the implementation of DBT in a way that is tailored specifically to sensitive individuals.
• defining a highly sensitive person in the context of mental health and therapy and how this construct has been empirically defined.
• tell-tale life experiences that are typical of a highly sensitive individual.
• the biggest myths, misconceptions or “lore” about highly sensitive people.
• contrasting sensitivity with weakness.
• why emotional sensitivity can be a super power.
• current self-defeating cultural narratives, behaviours and values around emotional experiences.
• the unique challenges that highly sensitive individuals face that DBT can help address.
• distress tolerance vs. an unhealthy escape from difficult emotions.
• the importance of the so-called "window of tolerance" and top strategies for expanding the window of tolerance.
• some of the unique interpersonal challenges that highly sensitive people experience and how DBT can help to address this.
• managing uncertainty as a central challenge of managing a highly sensitive temperament.
• Laura's favourite emotion regulation strategies.
• some of the challenges of implementing mindfulness for highly sensitive individuals. 

Emma Lauer, LCSW, is a therapist specializing in the treatment of eating disorders, self-harming behaviors, and trauma. Emma is an eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)-certified therapist, an EMDR Consultant-in-Training, and she has taught both undergraduate and graduate-level courses at Arizona State University. She currently practices therapy and oversees interns and other staff therapists as clinical supervisor at Find Your Shine Therapy, a group private practice in Tempe, AZ.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/emma-lauer-tempe-az/418090

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In addition to being a topic that appears frequently in the realm of pop psychology, emotional intelligence is a subject of serious, rigorous academic inquiry.  Clinical psychologist & author, Dr. Stephanie Catella joins for us for a discussion of core-themes in her new book  The Emotional Intelligence Skills Workbook: Improve Communication and Build Stronger Relationships.  In this conversation we cover:   

• why Dr. Catella wanted to create a workbook specifically focused on Emotional Intelligence (EI)
• the current operational definition of EI
• common misconceptions people have about EI
• clinical presentations where it may be particularly useful to address EI
• the importance of providing psychoeducation around emotions 
• reacting v.s responding 
• a values-driven path to EI
• radical acceptance as an advanced EI skill 
• mentalizing  & attunement in the context of EI
• defining genuine, effective, values-driven empathy and differentiating this from more manipulative concepts like agentic extraversion
• a consideration of fact vs. fiction around the emotional intelligence of narcissistic individuals 
• the effective ingredients around effective, values-driven assertiveness and the value of being kind  
• the benefit to improve one's mental health and overall well-being
• the evoking of schemas that can occur in the context of this work

Comments or feedback?  Email us oicbtpodcast@gmail.com.  

Stephanie Catella, PsyD, is a clinical psychologist with expertise in transdiagnostic cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for trauma, anxiety, and building emotional intelligence. After completing fellowships at the San Francisco VA and the University of California, San Francisco, she codirected the Berkeley Cognitive Behavioral Therapy clinic with Dr. Matt McKay. In addition to her private practice, she authored an FDA-cleared prescription digital therapeutic for fibromyalgia, and serves as an advisor to HealthTech companies.

www.drstephcatella.com 

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Bipolar disorder is often thought of as a mental disorder that is treated exclusively with medication when in fact there are a number of evidence-based psychotherapeutic techniques that can be used to complement traditional pharmacotherapy.  Dr. Holly Swartz joins us for a discussion of the core themes in her new book, Social Rhythm Therapy for Bipolar Disorder.  In this conversation we cover:

• a brief overview of bipolar disorder
• what Social Rhythm Therapy (SRT) is and how it is used to treat bipolar disorder
• the key principles and components of SRT
• challenges or considerations when implementing SRT with adolescents or young adults with bipolar disorder
• how SRT complements other treatments for bipolar disorder
• how SRT addresses the relationship between daily routines, sleep patterns, and mood regulation
• implementing SRT within a family system
• addressing challenges related to sleep from a behavioural vs. pharmacological route
• the unique challenge that technology, screen-time etc. pose to forming healthy biological routines
• advice for mental health professionals who are interested in incorporating SRT into their practice for bipolar disorder

Comments or feedback?  Email the podcast: oicbtpodcast@gmail.com

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Holly A. Swartz is Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. She received her undergraduate degree from Harvard College, medical degree from Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and completed her psychiatric residency training at New York Hospital / Cornell University School of Medicine. Dr. Swartz’s research focuses on understanding and optimizing treatments for mood disorders. She is well known for her work evaluating Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) and Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT) as treatments for depression and bipolar disorder. Her research focuses on the role of IPSRT and pharmacotherapy in the management of bipolar II depression and IPT in the management of maternal depression. She is engaged in collaborative projects to develop computational frameworks to model dyadic interpersonal behaviors in relation to psychotherapy process and outcomes and to understand neural correlates of change in chronotherapeutic behavioral interventions. Her research has been funded by the National Institute of Health, National Science Foundation, and the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation.

Dr. Swartz has held elected leadership positions for national and international professional organizations, including serving as President of the International Society of Bipolar Disorders (ISBD ; 2024-2026), President of the International Society for Interpersonal Psychotherapy (ISIPT ; 2015-17), and Board Member of the American Society of Clinical Psychopharmacology (ASCP ; 2021-2029).  She is the 2018 recipient of the Depression and Bipolar Association (DBSA) Gerald L. Klerman Senior Investigator Award in recognition of outstanding research contributing to the understanding, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of mood disorders. She is the author of over 100 publications, co-author of Bipolar II Disorder: Recognition, Understanding and Treatment (American Psychiatric Association Publishing, 2019), author of The Social Rhythm Therapy Workbook for Bipolar Disorder: Stabilize Your Circadian Rhythms to Reduce Stress, Manage Moods, and Prevent Future Episodes (New Harbinger Press, 2024), and Editor-in-Chief of the American Journal of Psychotherapy. She serves as a member of the Scientific Advisory Boards of DBSA and the International Bipolar Foundation.

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Challenges related to attachment in relationships - especially in the context of romantic relationships - can evoke very strong emotions and behavioral urges that can often backfire, sometimes causing the very thing we fear most; namely, the dissolution of a relationship.  Psychologist, author, speaker & teacher, Dr. Leslie Becker-Phelps joins us for a discussion of her latest release, The Insecure In Love Workbook.  In this discussion we cover:    

• what inspired Dr. Becker-Phelps to write The Insecure in Love Workbook and the clinical realties of this challenge that she had in mind when constructing her approach
• a brief overview attachment and how it relates to our relationships 
• how early life experiences influence our attachment styles in adulthood
• differentiating between normal relationship challenges and issues stemming from insecure attachment patterns
• the most common self-defeating patterns that people engage in when an attachment feels threatened 
• the critical importance of self-awareness in managing issues related to attachment
• Dr. Becker-Phelps' STEAM model (5 domains of self-awareness: Sensations, Thoughts, Emotions, Actions, Mentalizing)
• helping clients navigate challenges related to self-acceptance and compassionate self-awareness
• what determines sustainable compatibility 
• whether it is healthy to accommodate or even “give in” to one’s attachment style
• navigating an intense attraction to someone from the lens of attachment 
• the line between co-regulation & subjugation/unhealthy accommodation in a relationship 

Comments or feedback?  Email us at: oicbtpodcast@gmail.com 

Dr. Leslie Becker-Phelps is dedicated to helping people understand themselves and what they need to do to become emotionally and psychologically healthy. She is in private practice, hosts a YouTube channel, and is a prolific writer. She has authored The Insecure in Love Workbook, Insecure in Love, and Bouncing Back from Rejection. She also writes the Authentically You blog and the Making Change blog on Psychology Today.

To learn more about Dr. Becker-Phelps, visit www.drbecker-phelps.com

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The last decade has seen the ascendency of a number of "public intellectuals" who have come under increasing scrutiny around allegations of misinformation, conspiracy mongering, grifting & intellectual inconsistency.  Importantly, many have achieved "guru" status with millions of followers and devotees on YouTube and other social media platforms.  Professors & podcasters, Drs. Matt Browne & Chris Kavanagh joins us for a conversation in which we cover their critical consideration of the "guru-sphere" in their podcast Decoding the Gurus.  In this conversation we cover:    

• why they started the Decoding the Gurus podcast and the ethos of the podcast
• why they have chosen to focus on secular gurus 
• a consideration of their "gurometer" with pertinent examples
• guru "adjacent" individuals who frequently host discussions with the gurus
• the guru mindset: Machiavellian bad actors or delusional self-belief (or both)?  
• the natural history of the guru from anonymity to ascendency 
• what gurus tell us about ourselves
• why gurus curry command so much loyalty in their followers 
• factors in the current landscape that may be contributing to the rise of the guru
• why more gurus have not taken up the "right to reply" opportunity on Decoding The Gurus

Feedback or comments?  Email us at: oicbtpodcast@gmail.com

An Australian psychologist and numbers-guy, Dr. Matt Browne is a research professor in psychology at CQU where he does research on all manner of things, but particularly enjoys looking into why people believe the things they do: religion, conspiracy theories, alternative medicine and stuff. He's into social media in the same way people slow down for car accidents.

Dr. Chris Kavanagh is Northern Irish cognitive anthropologist who occasionally moonlights as a social psychologist. Chris has long standing interests in the psychology of conspiracy theorists and pseudoscience. His academic research focuses on the Cognitive Science of Religion and ritual psychology.. Chris is an Associate Professor in Psychology at Rikkyo University and a Researcher at the University of Oxford Centre for the Study of Social Cohesion.

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Mindfulness is an area of clinical and intellectual focus which has grown tremendously in popularity and includes many secular practices such as breath work, body scanning & self-compassion.  OICBT psychologist Dr. Kiran Vadaga joins us for an in-depth conversation in which explore observations around the importance, and potential benefits, of being a more mindful observer of our feelings (particularly those which are pleasant.  In this conversation we cover:  

• a quick primer on some of the assumptions of Buddhist Psychology; namely, the impermanent nature of reality and the impersonal nature of reality
• why are so quick to struggle against these assumptions
• the four Noble truths (1. there is suffering, 2. there are causes for suffering, 3. there is a way out of suffering 4. the way out of suffering is by following the eightfold noble path)
• contrasting buddhist psychology with the three waves of Western psychology (behavior therapy, cognitive therapy, and secular mindfulness practices)
• current secular mindfulness practices 
• current evidence for mindfulness-based interventions
• mindfulness of feelings
• Buddha’s discourse on the Four establishments of mindfulness (i.e., mindfulness of mind, mindfulness of body, mindfulness of feelings, and mindfulness of phenomena
• the law of dependent origination
• a self-inquiry approach around the investigation of the four establishments of mindfulness and the law of dependent origination
• findings and implications in treating different mental ailments (i.e., depression, mania, anxiety, inattention, and addictions)

Comments or feedback?  Email us at: oicbtpodcast@gmail.com

Dr. Kiran Vadaga obtained his Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Concordia University, Montreal. He completed his pre-doctoral internship at the McGill University Health center and supervised practice at the Ottawa Institute of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (OICBT). He provides Psychodiagnostic assessment and treatment for adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and Borderline personality disorder (BPD). He also provides treatment for adults and the elderly struggling with mood and anxiety-related disorders. Dr. Vadaga uses an integrative approach to treatment drawing from cognitive, behavioral, interpersonal, and mindfulness traditions.

https://www.ottawacbt.ca/mr-kiran-vadaga

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CBT interventions are often favoured for being empirically supported; however, it is not always clear how efficacy of these interventions maps to the actual functioning of the brain.  Esteemed neuropsychologist and psychoanalyst, Dr. Mark Solms, joins us for an in-depth discussion of the clinical implications of his research into the biological underpinnings of consciousness as discussed in in his wonderful book, The Hidden Spring: A Journey to the Source of Consciousness.   In this discussion we cover : 

• why Dr. Solms gravitated towards a psychoanalytic framework to explore the underlying neuroscience of brain function
• the definition of consciousness that Dr. Solms employs when considering matters related to consciousness
• the brain's "workflow" with respect to constructing conscious experience
• how the brain weighs the importance of various competing needs 
• the unexpected role of the brain stem and cortex in consciousness 
• levering critical implications of this model of information processing to enhance standard CBT interventions 
• consideration of therapeutic potential of the therapeutic alliance through the lens of Dr. Solm's system of consciousness
• what his model can teach us about the origins of psychopathology and challenges with personality
• leveraging the content of our dreams knowing their biological basis (Dr. Solms elucidated the specific neurobiological origins of dreaming, beyond REM sleep)

Comments or feedback?  Email us at: oicbtpodcast@gmail.com

Mark Solms, PhD, is Director of Neuropsychology at the University of Cape Town. He is Director of Training of the South African Psychoanalytical Association, Member of the British Psychoanalytical Society and Honorary Member of the New York Psychoanalytic Society. He is Director of the Science Department of the American Psychoanalytic Association and Co-Chair of the International Neuropsychoanalysis Society. He was Research Chair of the International Psychoanalytical Association.  He was awarded the Sigourney Prize in 2012. He has published more than 350 papers in both neuroscientific and psychoanalytic journals, and six books, including The Brain and the Inner World (2002), which was a bestseller translated into 12 languages and his latest book The Hidden Spring. His selected writings were published as The Feeling Brain (2015). He is the editor of the Revised Standard Edition of the Complete Psychological Works of Sigmund Freud (24 volumes) and the Complete Neuroscientific Works of Sigmund Freud (four volumes). 

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There has been increasing discussion of the metabolic basis of mental disorders and the potential benefit a low-carb/ketogenic approach could hold with respect to the treatment of mental disorders.  Psychiatrist Dr. Georgia Edes joins us for a discussion of major themes of her new book Change Your Diet, Change Your Mind.  In this conversation we cover: 

• why Dr. Edes wanted to write this book
• the underlying evidence to suggest that there is likely a fundamentally metabolic mechanism underlying mental disorders
• what contributes to the evolution of developing a metabolic disorder within the brain
• signs that one could be in a danger zone from a metabolic perspective
• controversies and emerging views around cholesterol and other markers of metabolic health from an energy balance perspective
• what a brain healthy diet looks like from a metabolic perspective
• the role inflammation plays a potentially in the development and maintenance of mental disorders
• Dr. Edes staged model or algorithm of progression through paleo to keto to carnivore to evaluate what benefits a metabolic approach might offer measures beyond nutritional factors that could impact upon metabolic health
• discriminating between a metabolically-based depression vs. depression precipitated by loss of a job, relationship or similar (i.e., perhaps an expected and reasonable response to a stressor)
• safely and effectively combining pharmacological and nutritional strategies 
• how can psychologists & psychotherapists, how can we leverage knowledge of the underlying metabolic processes to optimize their clinical - mainly psychotherapeutic - interventions

Feedback or comments?  Email the podcast: oicbtpodcast@gmail.com

Dr. Georgia Ede is an internationally recognized expert in nutritional and metabolic psychiatry. Her twenty-five years of clinical experience include twelve years at Smith College and Harvard University Health Services, where she was the first to offer students nutrition-based approaches as an alternative to psychiatric medication. Dr. Ede co-authored the first inpatient study of the ketogenic diet for treatment-resistant mental illness, developed the first medically accredited course in ketogenic diets for mental health practitioners, and was honored to be named a recipient of the Baszucki Brain Research Fund’s first annual Metabolic Mind Award. Her new book Change Your Diet, Change Your Mind was released on January 30, 2024.

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Female involvement with the criminal justice system can prompt significant internal dissonance as well as challenge conceptualizations around female violence, motherhood, mental illness etc.  Forensic psychotherapist Anna Motz joins us for a fascinating discussion of her book “If Love Could Kill: The Myths & Truths of Women Who Commit Violence”.   In this discussion we cover:  

• why Anna wanted to write this book and the underlying message of the title (“If Love Could Kill”)
• why Anna has gravitated to the psychodynamic model for working with female offenders
• the role that trauma plays in these clinical cases 
• how myths, assumptions & expectations about motherhood/woman in general  play into the way we see & conceptualize these clients within the justice system as well as media
• media coverage of female sexual offenders
• media portrayal of female custodial environments e.g. Orange is the New Black
• the added complications of having children involved in these cases
• the absolute need to be able to hold opposites/dialectics in considering these cases with humanity/objectivity
• the relegation of these woman to society’s “shadow" and how we might integrate them as individuals
• managing vicarious/secondary trauma when working with this population 
• maintaining positive regard in the context of some very challenging client behaviour 
• a brief meditation on the implications of the cases for conceptualizations of free will
• the rise of the True Crime genre and what it might say about us as a society 

Feedback of comments?  Email us at oicbtpodcast@gmail.com. 

Anna Motz was born in Oxford, England, and raised in New York City. She received a degree in psychology from Oxford University. She lives and works in Oxfordshire as a consultant clinical and forensic psychologist and psychotherapist for Central and North West London NHS Trust, providing specialist consultation, assessment, and treatment for high-risk women, in partnership with His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service. Motz is a member of the Advisory Board for Female Offenders, under the UK Ministry of Justice.

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Host note: folks, I invite you to pay very close attention to what Dr. Hollis has to say...could change your life.

Jungian/Depth psychology provides a wonderful framework for exploring questions related to meaning and the self that can at time fall outside of boundaries of what is typically explored in cognitive behavioural therapy.  Esteemed author and Jungian analyst Dr. James Hollis joins us for an in-depth discussion of core themes explored in his new book, A Life of Meaning: Relocating Your Center of Spiritual Gravity.  In this conversation we cover:  

• defining depth/Jungian psychology 
• knowing the wants, needs & agendas our unconscious might have
• a consideration of whether the desires of the unconscious be used as a compass with respect to where to take one’s life
• comparing and contrasting the wisdom of the unconscious vs. that of the ego and what each mode has to teach the other 
• the importance of a constant bidirectional conversation/negotiation between the unconscious and the ego
• defining the shadow and the value of shadow work
• knowing when we have aligned the will of our unconscious and conscious minds  
• developing flexibility in tolerating an emergent, incongruent sense of self   especially if our unconscious makes conscious a particularly challenging fork in the road that would potentially upset others or ourselves.  
• recognizing key opportunities for change/departures in one's life

Comments or feedback?  Email us at: oicbtpodcast@gmail.com

James Hollis, PhD was born in Springfield, Illinois, and graduated from Manchester University in 1962 and Drew University in 1967. He taught Humanities 26 years in various colleges and universities before retraining as a Jungian analyst at the Jung Institute of Zurich, Switzerland (1977-82). He is presently a licensed Jungian analyst in private practice in Washington, D.C. He served as Executive Director of the Jung Educational Center in Houston, Texas for many years, was Executive Director of the Jung Society of Washington until 2019, and now serves on the JSW Board of Directors. He is a retired Senior Training Analyst for the Inter-Regional Society of Jungian Analysts, was first Director of Training of the Philadelphia Jung Institute, and is Vice-President Emeritus of the Philemon Foundation. Additionally he is a Professor of Jungian Studies for Saybrook University of San Francisco/Houston. He has written a total of seventeen books, which have been translated into 19 languages

https://jameshollis.net/welcome.htm

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Existential boredom is a challenge for many that can lead to a pathological engagement with shallow amusements (which may only deepen the despair and lead to more boredom).  Dr. Kevin Gary joins us for a discussion of some of the core themes covered in his book Why Boredom Matters: Education, Leisure, and the Quest for a Meaningful Life.  In this discussion we cover: 

• why Dr. Gary wanted to write this book 
• situational vs. existential boredom 
• comparing and contrasting existential boredom and depression 
• the benefits of making our boredom explicit rather than pushing it away 
• the relationship between boredom and despair 
• the despair of possibility vs. despair of necessity and the impact on mood 
• the unique challenges that aging might pose with respect to boredom 
• identifying constructive & nonconstructive ways of coping crafting an effective leisure practice 
• how to "fall back in love" with an activity or passion that used to drive us but we have become disenchanted with  
• healthy boredom vs. unhealthy boredom (like something that might arise with ADHD) 

Comments or feedback?  Email the podcast: oicbtpodcast@gmail.com

Bio: Kevin Gary is a professor at Valparaiso University, where he teaches theology, education, and in the Christ College Honors Program. Kevin's work addresses questions about meaning and purpose, focusing especially on human flourishing. His book Why Boredom Matters: Education, Leisure, and the Quest for a Meaningful Life was published by Cambridge University Press in 2022. Kevin examines the problem of boredom and related problems associated with boredom avoidance. Rather than avoid or resign ourselves to boredom, he charts a middle way that guides us to how to productively and wisely contend with this troubling mood state.

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Understanding the evolutionary significance of depression can quite helpful in its conceptualization and treatment.  Founder in the field of evolutionary medicine, Dr. Randy Nesse, joins us for an encore discussion in which we consider how striving, motivation and desire for control can play into the evolution of depressive symptoms. In this conversation we cover:  

• why failure to give up an unachievable goal may be a central cause of some forms of depression and why low mood might be advantageous in these situations
• how understanding dynamics around food-foraging can give us insight into how our nervous system cues us to disengage from various activities at the best cost-benefit ratio  
• the types of stressors that might be particularly likely to evoke a response of “ceaseless striving” that can potentially cause depression
• some of the other causes of depression that exist outside of this model
• how this model can inform our assessment and treatment of depression
• mania through the lens of an evolutionary model
• the compassionate consideration of grief (and complicated grief) from an evolutionary lens
• differentiating between the “necessary” pain of to alert oneself to a life circumstance that needs remediation vs. the opposite – where perhaps the mood problem is causing the life circumstance (i.e., the normal emotion regulation mechanisms have broken down)   
• the role of medication in treating depression given some of the caveats around the evolutionary origins of depression

Randolph M. Nesse, MD, is a founder of the field of evolutionary medicine and co-author with George C. Williams of Why We Get Sick. He served for many years as Professor of Psychiatry, Professor of Psychology and Research Professor at the University of Michigan. He was the Founding Director of the Center for Evolution & Medicine at Arizona State University and Foundation Professor in the School of Life Sciences from 2014 to 2019, where he is now a Research Professor.  He is a Fellow of the Association for Psychological Science, a distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, and an elected Fellow of the AAAS.

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For many mental health clinicians, crafting resilience is an afterthought to managing the day-to-day demands of their professional life.  Psychologist, consultant & author, Dr. Marie-Hélène Pelletier, joins us to discuss some of the themes explored in her new book: The Resilience Plan: A Strategic Approach to Optimizing Your Work Performance and Mental Health.

• the ethos behind the Resilience Plan 
• what is burnout and what makes someone vulnerable
• some of the unique traps around burnout that are laid for clinicians in private practice /mental health, including the temperament of clinicians
• strategies for developing a sustainable model of practice based on a realistic audit of one's current demands 
• resilience as a process of validating our experience, being realistic and remaining forward looking. 
• why we need to be strategic about our resilience 
• creative problem-solving with respect to allocation of our time, money and other resources
• why pushing yourself to be more resilient may cause more burnout
• some of the common rationalizations that clinicians employ to avoid self-care and how to flip some of these same rationalizations around to actually enhance self-care
• crafting resilience in the face of some of the more challenging realities of the health care system
• how clinicians in solo practice can create a source of community 
• how to create a resilience plan 
• strategies for those running practices to build an environment where teams (or the individual) can thrive and are less prone to burnout
• considering when it might be appropriate to take a leave of absence (with a specific focus on clinicians who may be self-employed) 

Throughout her career in business management and psychology, Dr. Marie-Hélène Pelletier has spearheaded a dialogue on the crucial issues of leadership resilience and workplace health. Drawing on her extensive background in corporate, insurance, governance and public sectors, she brings national and international perspectives and expertise on mental health and resilience as a key pillar of overall health. She is a bilingual practicing psychologist with over 20 years of experience in clinical psychology and advisory workplace psychology and holds a Ph.D. and an MBA from the University of British Columbia. Marie-Hélène  is a Member of the Global Clinical Practice Network of the World Health Organization, and past Director on the boards of the Canadian Psychological Association and the International Association of Applied Psychology. She has presented, authored and co-authored a number of industry and academic publications and has won numerous academic and industry awards. In 2024, Dr. Pelletier will release her new book, The Resilience Plan: A Strategic Approach to Optimizing Your Work Performance and Mental Health.

Pre-Order the Book: https://theresilienceplan.com/

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