In part two, Mike and Morgan finish their discussion on the effects of shame and explore strategies to alleviate the array of emotions it may bring about. Shame is often held onto as deeply personal and something to be cloaked in secrecy, which further exacerbates the problem. Societal pressures and expectations my deter someone from seeking help, or even acknowledging their own feelings; however, with self-disclosure and seeking personal truth, confronting shame directly can lead to a release and renewed sense of self.

Ways of Addressing and Overcoming Shame:

• Acknowledge and Evaluate: Pay attention to situations, thoughts, or memories that bring on feelings of shame and identify triggers.
• Practice Self-Compassion and Self-Talk: Treat yourself with kindness and challenge negative thoughts.
• Engage with Others and Seek Support: Talk about your feelings, build connections, and seek professional help.
• Incorporate Mindfulness and Acceptance: Welcome difficult emotions, remember that actions do not define a persons entire worth.

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Recommended Reading:

The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma : https://www.amazon.com/Body-Keeps-Score-Healing-Trauma/dp/0143127748

Brené Brown: https://brenebrown.com/

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Mike and Morgan welcome questions and comments Email: A PsychoDelicous Conversation

Related Podcast: Mike & Morgan on Behind the Connection

Mike Stratton's A Groove Supreme

Spotify: Mike's Podcast, The Little Green Book

In part one of a two part series, Mike and Morgan unpack the intricate phenomenon of shame. Sometimes shame can help us know when we've made an error; however, shame can also lead to internalizing a negative self-image, clouding our ability to see ourselves as worthy. This episode discusses different types of shame, how shame manifests from our experiences and trauma, and how the nature of shame can feel isolating and deeply personal.

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Mike and Morgan welcome questions and comments Email: A PsychoDelicous Conversation

Related Podcast: Mike & Morgan on Behind the Connection

Mike Stratton's A Groove Supreme

Spotify: Mike's Podcast, The Little Green Book

In part two, Mike and Morgan continue to explore the topic of media consumption and its psychological effects on our well being, emphasizing how excessive exposure can exacerbate feelings of anxiety and depression. Through the conversation, they aim to illuminate the potential for media to both positively and negatively influence mental well-being, particularly in the context of doom scrolling and the compulsive nature of digital engagement. They advocate for mindfulness in media consumption, encouraging listeners to evaluate their habits and consider healthier alternatives if needed.

Conditions that can be impacted by media:

• Anxiety disorders (catastrophic thinking, hypervigilance)
• Depression (social comparison, helplessness)
• PTSD/vicarious trauma (exposure to disturbing content)
• OCD (compulsive checking, reassurance seeking)
• ADHD (impulsivity, difficulty focusing)
• BDD/eating disorders (filtered images, comparison)

Treatment approaches:

• Psychoeducation around media literacy
• Digital hygiene: screen-time boundaries, app settings
• CBT/ACT strategies (e.g., cognitive distortions, values-based actions)
• Medications when warranted (SSRIs, stimulants, etc.)
• Peer and group support

Reclaim control:

• Curate your feed intentionally
• Build media-free rituals
• Stay informed without being overwhelmed

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Mike and Morgan welcome questions and comments Email: A PsychoDelicous Conversation

Related Podcast: Mike & Morgan on Behind the Connection

Mike Stratton's A Groove Supreme

Spotify: Mike's Podcast, The Little Green Book

This episode delves into the intricate relationship between media consumption and mental health. Mike and Morgan explore their own personal media consumption habits and offer insights into how media influences our psychological well-being, discussing the effects of various forms of information—ranging from traditional news to social media.

• Pew Research (2023): 61% of U.S. adults feel worn out by the amount of political news.
• APA Stress in America Survey (2022): Nearly 1 in 3 Americans reported social media as a significant source of stress.
• Journal of Behavioral Addictions (2020): Excessive social media use associated with increased symptoms of depression and anxiety in young adults.

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Mike and Morgan welcome questions and comments Email: A PsychoDelicous Conversation

Related Podcast: Mike & Morgan on Behind the Connection

Mike Stratton's A Groove Supreme

Spotify: Mike's Podcast, The Little Green Book

Part 2 of this episode delves deeper into the intricate dynamics of childhood experiences and their profound implications on mental health. Mike and Morgan engage in a penetrating dialogue that explores the concept of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), elucidating how such factors can significantly influence one's emotional and physical well-being throughout life. Through the lens of personal anecdotes, they examine the ways in which our formative years shape our identities and interpersonal relationships. The conversation further emphasizes the necessity of recognizing and addressing these past traumas to facilitate healing and promote healthier patterns in future generations.

PDF Quiz: Adverse Childhood Experience Questionnaire for Adults

Website Quiz: Adverse Childhood Experience Questionnaire for Adults

Website: Cleveland Clinic (What is EMDR Therapy?)

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Mike and Morgan welcome questions and comments Email: A PsychoDelicous Conversation

Related Podcast: Mike & Morgan on Behind the Connection

Mike Stratton's A Groove Supreme

Spotify: Mike's Podcast, The Little Green Book

This episode delves into the intricate relationship between ancestry, culture, and identity, illuminating how our familial histories shape our present selves. We, Michael Stratton and Morgan Bowen, alongside our producer Daedalian Lowry, engage in a profound exploration of these themes, prompted by a listener's inquiry into the significance of ancestry. Throughout the conversation, we reflect upon personal experiences with ancestry research, revealing patterns of behavior and health that echo through generations. The dialogue is enriched by anecdotes and insights into how our respective family histories inform our professional practices in mental health. Ultimately, we seek to understand the broader implications of these familial legacies on our identities and mental well-being.

YouTube: What is a Genogram?

Google Search: The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk

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Mike and Morgan welcome questions and comments Email: A PsychoDelicous Conversation

Related Podcast: Mike & Morgan on Behind the Connection

Mike Stratton's A Groove Supreme

Spotify: Mike's Podcast, The Little Green Book

This second part of A PsychoDelicious Conversation explores the intricate dynamics of stress management, elucidating various strategies that individuals may employ to navigate the pervasive challenges associated with stress. We invite listeners to consider both external and internal approaches to mitigate stressors, emphasizing the importance of self-reflection and problem-solving in therapeutic contexts. Our discussion further explores the significance of establishing a sustainable practice of stress management, incorporating techniques such as meditation, physical exercise, and fostering community connections.

Website: Mayo Clinic - Stress Relievers

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Mike and Morgan welcome questions and comments Email: A PsychoDelicous Conversation

Related Podcast: Mike & Morgan on Behind the Connection

Mike Stratton's A Groove Supreme

Spotify: Mike's Podcast, The Little Green Book

This podcast episode delves into the multifaceted nature of stress, a ubiquitous phenomenon that permeates the human experience. This episode delves into the complexities surrounding stress and its implications for mental well-being. We begin by examining the definition of stress, exploring its dual nature as both a potential catalyst for growth and a source of overwhelming tension. Through personal anecdotes and professional insights, we illustrate how individuals can respond variably to stress, whether by externalizing their emotions or internalizing them.

Website: Cleveland Clinic, What is Stress?

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Mike and Morgan welcome questions and comments Email: A PsychoDelicous Conversation

Related Podcast: Mike & Morgan on Behind the Connection

Mike Stratton's A Groove Supreme

Spotify: Mike's Podcast, The Little Green Book

The central theme of our discourse revolves around the profound journey of individuals who experience the disorientation of being lost, ultimately seeking to be found. Mike and Morgan aspire to illuminate this intricate process by exploring the human consciousness and the myriad factors contributing to mental health challenges. This episode serves as the concluding segment of a two-part series, wherein we delve into the nuances of personal identity, emotional well-being, and the significance of interpersonal relationships in navigating one’s mental landscape. We engage in a thoughtful examination of the therapeutic process, emphasizing that the path to rediscovery often necessitates a collaborative effort between the individual and their support system.

Website: Stutz on Netflix

Phil Stutz's model of Life Force:

1. Body (Increase life force, nutrition, exercise, and rest)
2. People (Relationships, family, friends, and partners)
3. Self (Deep work, self-awareness, self-compassion, and understanding)

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Mike and Morgan welcome questions and comments Email: A PsychoDelicous Conversation

Related Podcast: Mike & Morgan on Behind the Connection

Mike Stratton's A Groove Supreme

Spotify: Mike's Podcast, The Little Green Book

In this episode, Mike and Morgan address a listener's inquiry regarding the concept of "being lost." This experience is a common occurrence that many individuals encounter at various points in their lives. The discussion delves into the complex nature of loss, viewing it not simply as a source of disorientation, but also as a potential impetus for personal growth and self-exploration. Through the sharing of personal experiences and professional observations, the episode highlights how mental health practitioners assist their clients in navigating the challenging emotions associated with feelings of being adrift while underscoring the universality of this phenomenon, asserting that all individuals face periods of uncertainty and aimlessness throughout their existence.

Website: Barbie on IMDb

Website: Stutz on Netflix

The Three inescapable aspects of reality according to Stutz:

1. Pain
2. Uncertainty
3. Constant Work

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Mike and Morgan welcome questions and comments Email: A PsychoDelicous Conversation

Related Podcast: Mike & Morgan on Behind the Connection

Mike Stratton's A Groove Supreme

Spotify: Mike's Podcast, The Little Green Book