Bear Psychology Podcast

If you or someone you know receives mental health care do you feel confident in the services being provided? Or are you left with question or concerns? Mental health awareness and treatment has grown into a global priority. One in five experience mental illness in their lifetime, and those who suffer are coming forward in unprecedented numbers. As more people seek care, we must also reflect on whether providers are meeting demands through existing systems and mental health care approaches.

In their book, Managing Uncertainty in Mental Health Care, Drs. Patricia Rockman and José Silveira critically examine core assumptions informing the primary approaches currently used to assess mental illness in clinical settings, with an emphasis on clinician certainty. They illustrate how current diagnostic frameworks relate to clinician decision making and if overconfidence may lead to errors in judgment. Silveira and Rockman consider potential strategies for lessening the impact of possible errors.

This book reflects on the possibility of errors in clinical judgment, independent of competence and experience, and the need to apply mental health practices that address the needs of the client.

Rockman and Silveira address the issue of clinical error and provide a novel perspective in the application of reducing harm in practice.

DESCRIPTION OF THE AUTHORS -

Patricia Rockman Monday, CCFP, FCFP is a physician with a focused practice in mental health. She is also an associate professor at the University of Toronto, Department of Family and Community Medicine cross appointed to Psychiatry. Patricia Rockman is a co-author of a number of books on mindfulness-based programs. She is a trained Yoga teacher and has been teaching about stress, psychotherapy, mindfulness, change management and other mental health issues for over thirty-five years.

José Maria Alves da Silveira B.Sc., M.D., FRCPC, DABAM

Dr. José Silveira is currently an Associate Medical Director with the Ontario Medical Association Physician Health Program. He is certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in Psychiatry and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Addiction Medicine.

Dr. Silveira is an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto in Canada. His academic promotion recognized his Creative Professional Activity and its positive impact on aiding clinicians across multiple disciplines in managing complexity and uncertainty in mental health and addictions. José's expertise has developed over the course of 28 years and a variety of roles.

Dr. Silveira has chaired committees reviewing adverse events in clinical practice; provided oversight as Chief and Medical Director of an inner-city hospital mental health and addiction program; and has been Co-Chair of the Medical Advisory Council of one of Canada's largest academic health science centers. Throughout his roles he remained active in clinical practice. His attention to uncertainty and the impact on both clients and clinicians has also been informed by reviews of numerous client complaints relating to mental health and addiction clinician care; serving for both defense and complainants in civil and criminal cases, and review of cases for Coroner's Inquests.

He is a coauthor of the book, Managing Uncertainty in Mental Health Care, published by Oxford University Press in November 2021.

What critics are saying about the book - "This book is about coming to grips with the uncertainty and complexity inherent to the assessment of people presenting with possible mental disorders. It is an exploration of the impact of objective uncertainty on clinical judgment and decision making and its relevance to mental health care."

If you are interested in learning more about irreducible uncertainty and complexity on approaches to clinician training, then this podcast is for you.

• Link to purchase copy of the book: https://link.amazon/B05ETBUqJ
• Link to other books written by Patricia Rockman: https://www.amazon.ca/stores/author/B07QZX2RPG/allbooks?ingress=0&visitId=d0088284-ae5a-4e1a-b346-e67bdfc573a0

If you have experienced trauma or neglect as a child, you may struggle with depression, anxiety, loneliness, and low self-esteem in adulthood. You are not alone. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)—including early emotional neglect—affect millions of people and have led to many of the greatest unaddressed public health problems facing our world today. If you struggle with shame or lack of confidence, or if you have difficulty creating or sustaining healthy relationships with others, take heart. There are techniques you can learn to heal the pain of your past and take charge of your future. This workbook will help you get started.

Grounded in the evidence-based approach of internal family systems therapy (IFS), this workbook provides a supportive, effective framework for continued healing. By "reparenting" the parts of yourself that were affected by childhood difficulties or trauma, you'll learn to build unwavering self-compassion, overcome common relationship and communication challenges, and form healthy and lasting connections. You'll also find soothing meditations, experiential exercises, and other skills to help you regulate your nervous system, so you can break free from the survival mode you've been stuck in for years. Finally, you'll be inspired by real-life stories from other people who have been through similar experiences, and who've successfully overcome their trauma.

Join the conversation with Martina Williams and Kyle Wehrend as we explore how to reparent your inner child, move past emotional pain and trauma, and build the secure, fulfilling, and connected life we all truly deserve.

Know more about the authors:

Martina Williams, LCMHC, is a clinically licensed psychotherapist, international coach, certified internal family systems (IFS) therapist, and Approved Clinical Consultant who has been using the IFS model since 2011. She was a trauma recovery therapist for twenty-five years and now specializes in working with highly sensitive persons like herself.

Kyle Wehrend, LICSW, is a clinically licensed social worker, certified IFS therapist and the owner of Move Within LLC, a private practice that provides individual and group psychotherapy, and facilitates IFS workshops and retreats. He has been working with the IFS model since 2016 and was a co-presenter at the IFS International Conference in 2023.

This book is a supportive and empowering workbook to help you heal unresolved childhood wounds, cultivate self-compassion, and form healthy and lasting connections. If you find yourself wanting to learn more about this topic, then this podcast is for you.

• Link to copy of the book: https://link.amazon/B0d1bLOdB
• Link to Martina William's organization: https://www.theresilientsensitive.com/
• Kyle's website: https://www.movewiththerapy.com/
• Download free tools for this workbook: https://www.newharbinger.com/9781648485909/an-ifs-reparenting-workbook/#nh-book-accessories

MDMA or 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine is a synthetic psychoactive medicine that alters mood and perception. It has been shown to be highly effective for treating trauma. Some studies have shown 71% to 86% of participants achieved clinically meaningful improvements, and about half no longer met the diagnostic criteria for PTSD.

It is now being used to address relational conflict and improving relationships. The book Ecstasy for Couples was written to better understand this exploratory intervention and how couples are using MDMA to better understand each other and work on improving relationships.

In this comprehensive book written by Jonathan Robinson, one might learn:

• How a trained facilitator can help guide a couple to overcome entrenched problems
• Managing potential unpleasant side effects related to this treatment
• Why a 5-hour couples' session with MDMA may lead to rapid relational improvements

Join the conversation with Jonathan Robinson as we explore how to optimize the potential therapeutic benefit of MDMA.

Jonathan Robinson is a psychotherapist, author, and professional speaker from Northern California. He has written about happiness, emotional healing and spiritual growth reaching large audiences. He has appeared on The Oprah Show, CNN and numerous talk shows.

He is also the author of The Enlightenment Project: How I went from depressed to Blessed, and you can too.

If you are interested in learning more about the process, the power, and the use of empathy in therapy, this podcast is for you.

• Link to purchase Ecstasy for Couples: https://amzn.to/4wmZjDY (Amazon)
• Link to know more about Ecstasy for Couples: https://xtcforcouples.net/
• Link to other books written by Jonathan Robinson: https://amzn.to/4bDYGNS (Amazon)
• Link to Jonathan Robinson's website: https://findinghappiness.com/get-to-know-me/
• Link to training on how to become an MDMA facilitator: https://ecstasyasmedicine.com/mdma-facilitator-training/(Use the coupon code OFF200 and get $200 off the normal price of the training)

• Link to Jonathan's Podcast "Awareness Explorer": https://www.awarenessexplorers.com/
• Link to Jonathan's Book " The Enlightenment Project": https://www.theenlightenmentproject.net/
• Link to the 12 questions that lead to instant intimacy with anyone: https://xtcforcouples.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/12-questions-for-Intimacy.pdf

This guide for mental health professionals offers an insightful, conversational approach to mastering empathic communication with clients. Dr. Douglas Flemons invites readers to join him in a dialogue that incorporates voices from clinical research and practice, philosophy (both Eastern and Western), neuroscience, and the arts.

In his book, "Empathic Engagement in Clinical Practice," Douglas explains the nuts and bolts of empathy and offers guidelines for how therapists can make sense of clients' thoughts, feelings, and choices from inside their worldview. He also shows how the clinician, with compassion, curiosity, and an empathic imagination, can create a heartfelt connection that allows the client to feel respected and understood and that opens the way for collaboration and therapeutic change.

Listen to the conversation with Dr. Douglas Flemons as we explore how mental health practitioners can effectively engage with clients, even those who are deeply suffering with complex emotional challenges.

Douglas Flemons PhD, is professor emeritus at Nova Southeastern University (NSU). He is an American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy clinical fellow and approved supervisor. He directed a family therapy training clinic for 5 years and created and directed the NSU Student Counseling Center for another 6 years. Douglas has authored five other books, as well as 60 articles and book chapters that develop and illuminate systemic approaches to learning and practicing brief therapy, clinical hypnosis, supervision, suicide assessment, academic writing, and qualitative research. He and his wife, with whom he coedited a handbook on brief sex therapy, live in Raleigh, NC.

If you are interested in learning more about the process, the power, and the use of empathy in therapy, this podcast is for you.

• Link to Empathic Engagement in Clinical Practice: https://amzn.to/4eE3jJP
• Other books written by Dr. Douglas Flemons: https://amzn.to/4b4vJKL

• Learn more about Context Consultants - Telehealth therapy services provided by Dr. Douglas Flemons and his wife, Dr. Shelley Green: https://contextconsultants.com/

First responders and healthcare professionals are trained to manage crisis — but repeated exposure to trauma, loss, and high-stakes decision-making can take a cumulative toll. Over time, this can lead to emotional exhaustion, sleep disruption, irritability, and disconnection — not because of weakness, but because the nervous system has been under sustained demand without adequate recovery.

In this podcast, psychologist and author Tania Bielak, Ph.D. shares insights from her book The Strength to Serve, offering practical, evidence-based strategies to support mental health in high-stress professions.

Joining the conversation is Mick Reiss, an advanced care paramedic and mental health clinician who brings a powerful dual perspective — lived experience on the front lines and clinical expertise supporting recovery.

Whether you have suffered a single traumatic experience or faced repeated difficult life events, you can be left feeling hypervigilant, irritable, and disconnected. Daily tasks like attending a work meeting or social gathering can feel overwhelming or even frightening. Most therapies for treating trauma require you to "revisit" your traumatic experience in potentially triggering ways.

Together, we examine cumulative trauma, operational stress injury, and moral injury — and explore practical strategies that help restore balance, build resilience, and support sustainable service.

We reflect on practical, real-world strategies to support recovery and resilience, including structured decompression, breathing techniques, peer support, sleep protection, and transition rituals that help individuals move safely from high-alert environments back into everyday life.

Listen to the conversation as we examine how to build sustainable mental health practices within demanding professions — and how strength can be redefined through regulation, recovery, and connection.

Tania Bielak, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist dedicated to supporting first responders, healthcare professionals, and individuals working in high-stress environments. She is the author of The Strength to Serve, which provides practical tools for managing cumulative stress, enhancing resilience, and promoting long-term mental health.

Mick Reiss is an advanced care paramedic who has transitioned into the role of mental health clinician. Drawing on years of front-line experience, he now supports first responders and others in understanding and managing the psychological impact of their work.

Together, they bring both scientific insight and lived experience to this meaningful and timely discussion.

If you are interested in understanding how repeated exposure to stress impacts the mind and body — and how to build resilience in demanding roles — this podcast is for you.

• Learn more about Mick Reiss: https://bearpsychology.ca/mick-reiss/
• Learn more about Dr. Tania Bielak: https://www.wisemindpsychology.com/psychologists/#1481199504131-3d6ece1f-53q3
• Get your copy of The Strength to Serve: https://amzn.to/3S2A9eJ

• Explore additional resources and insights from Wise Mind Psychology: https://www.wisemindpsychology.com/
• The Strength to Serve, an evidence-based resource for first responders and health care professionals: https://www.wisemindpsychology.com/book/

Addiction isn't just about pain—it can also be a call to something greater. The darkest paths can sometimes lead to the brightest truths by walking the path from suffering to self-discovery. In his book, "The Shadow of a Figure of Light: The Archetype of the Alcoholic and the Journey to Enlightenment" (2024) Cody Peterson explores the essence of Psycho-Spiritual transformation. Peterson looks at addiction as a pathway to wholeness. His book serves as both a guide and a mirror for those seeking to understand the hidden patterns behind self-destruction and the redemptive power of self-discovery.

Listen to our conversation with author Cody Peterson as we discuss Addiction and the steps toward personal growth embedded with spiritual crisis.

Cody Peterson is a recovering alcoholic/drug addict and author with over 11 years of sobriety under his belt. Cody had been intrigued by spirituality and religion since his teenage years, although the path has not always been easy. After a six-month imprisonment and a period of homelessness in Las Vegas, Nevada, Cody achieved lasting sobriety in 2013. Along with Twelve Step programs, Cody revived his passion for spirituality and religion, and in 2019, discovered the works of C.G. Jung, famous Swiss psychiatrist. Jung's foundational concepts inspired Cody to begin writing at part of a daily routine and aid to sobriety. Cody continues to share the message of the Twelve Steps with newcomers through volunteering at various drug and alcohol rehab centers and detox facilities whenever possible.

Cody Peterson's book uncovers a hidden historical connection between famous psychiatrist C.G. Jung and Bill Wilson, co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, illustrating how their approaches originate from an ancient shamanistic source represented by what he terms the archetype of the Alcoholic.

Listen to our conversation with Cody Peterson to learn about the paradoxical image that is the "alcoholic".

If you are interested in learning about Cody Peterson's personal journey and his unique insights on alcoholism and addiction, this podcast is for you.

• To purchase the book visit: https://amzn.to/3QRm9nl
• See reviews for Cody Peterson's book: https://www.cody-peterson.com/blurbs
• Learn more about Cody Peterson: https://www.cody-peterson.com/cody-peterson-bio

• Check out Cody Peterson's past podcasts and videos: https://www.cody-peterson.com/videos
• Check out Cody Peterson's blog: https://www.cody-peterson.com/blog
• Check out Cody's tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alkyarchetype
• https://www.seba.health/

Listen to us as we discuss how you can rewire your nervous system for lasting calm, connection, and resilience with cutting-edge, polyvagal theory-based activities.

Whether you have suffered a single traumatic experience or faced repeated difficult life events, you can be left feeling hypervigilant, irritable, and disconnected. Daily tasks like attending a work meeting or social gathering can feel overwhelming or even frightening. Most therapies for treating trauma require you to "revisit" your traumatic experience in potentially triggering ways.

Best-selling author Dr. Arielle Schwartz provides a cutting-edge approach for trauma healing in "The Polyvagal Theory Workbook". Her practical, body-based methods help you address trauma symptoms—without reliving trauma or being exposed to triggers.

Dr. Schwartz offers evidence-based activities to help you heal trauma, rewire your nervous system, and return to a state of balance and calm.

We discuss nervous system disruption, explore polyvagal theory, and the vagus nerve in post trauma response. We will reflect on the use of soothing, body-based practices to help you rewire your nervous response, including rhythmic movements (EMDR and tapping), conscious breathing, mindful movement, and more. We will review some of the useful strategies that help with trauma recovery.

Listen the conversation with Dr. Arielle Schwartz as we explore how to take charge of one's mental health, build resilience and rewire our nervous systems without revisiting triggering memories.

Dr. Arielle Schwartz, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist, certified complex trauma professional, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) consultant, and Kripalu yoga teacher. She is an internationally sought-out speaker, leading voice in the field of trauma recovery, and award-winning author. As a faculty member at the Polyvagal Institute, she is a course instructor on mind-body approaches that apply polyvagal theory for trauma recovery.

In her book, Dr. Arielle Schwartz gives you practical, embodied tools along with compassionate guidance to support your healing journey. She makes the complexity of trauma recovery understandable and accessible while creating a wellspring of hope.

If you are interested in learning more about the profound role our nervous system plays in both saving and helping us heal, this show is for you!

• Get your own copy of Dr. Schwartz's book: https://amzn.to/3Oj6bBo
• Other books written by Dr. Schwartz: https://drarielleschwartz.com/books-by-dr-schwartz/
• Learn more about Dr. Schwartz: https://drarielleschwartz.com/dr-arielle-schwartz/

• See what Dr. Schwartz has to say about Therapeutic Yoga for Trauma Recovery: https://drarielleschwartz.com/vagus-nerve-yoga/
• Watch various podcasts featuring Dr. Schwartz: https://drarielleschwartz.com/podcast-appearances/

The Relationships Workbook for BPD - Bear Psychology Radio hosted by Dr. Anna Baranowsky with guest Dr. Daniel J. Fox.

When intense emotions, fear of abandonment, or distorted expectations consume you, relationships can slowly erode, replaced by feelings of resentment and hostility. Unstable and high-conflict relationships are a hallmark of borderline personality disorder (BPD). In his book, "The Relationships Workbook for BPD", Daniel J. Fox guides you step-by-step to help explore beliefs, behaviours and patterns that sabotage connection. Instead you learn how to repair relationships and build strong connections. You will learn about Borderline Personality Disorder and how to navigate intense emotions and conflict. You will gain strategies to remain centered, retain reasonable expectations and manage relational insecurity. This conversation will help you establish healthy relationship habits in the future.

Listen to our conversation with Dr. Daniel J. Fox as we explore why people struggle in relationships and what skills are needed to build deeper, healthier bonds with loved ones.

Dr. Daniel J. Fox, PhD, is a licensed psychologist in Texas, speaker, and award-winning author. He has specialized in the treatment and assessment of individuals with personality disorders for more than twenty years. His online content has been recognized as a valuable resource for both professionals and individuals seeking to understand and manage psychological conditions.

Daniel J. Fox's workbook is a compassionate, much-needed guide for individuals with borderline personality disorder who long for meaningful relationships but feel overwhelmed by fear, shame, or emotional volatility.

If you are interested in learning more about practical tools and exercises that build progressively towards developing steadier relationships, this podcast is for you!

• Get your own copy of Dr. Fox's book: https://amzn.to/3P1OExA
• Other books written by Dr. Fox: https://drdfox.com/books/
• Learn more about Dr. Daniel J Fox: https://drdfox.com/about/

• Check out Dr. Fox's website: https://drdfox.com/
• Watch Dr. Fox's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC932vfOwTbFni3GRrvVA6IQ
• Download Dr. Fox's helpful worksheets: https://drdfox.com/worksheets/

Many people associate the term "enlightenment" with images of a solitary figure sitting atop a distant mountain peak or a monk focused intently on meditation, but what does this concept look like when navigating our lives in today's complex society? Enlightment, at its core, is about gaining awareness and awakening ourselves to the interconnected nature of existence. Dr. Steve Taylor, a renowned spiritual psychologist, has devoted his life to investigating spiritual awakening. His previous bestselling books provided case histories of dozens of people who experienced profound shifts in consciousness.

In his book, "The Adventure: A Practical Guide to Spiritual Awakening" Dr. Steve Taylor draws upon groundbreaking research and his own awakening experiences, to provide guided meditations, reflective exercises, and various methods aimed at fostering spiritual growth, in addition to lyrical poetry and motivational narratives.

Listen to our conversation with Dr. Steve Taylor as we explore his step-by-step practices for cultivating spiritual awakening.

Dr. Taylor is a senior lecturer in psychology at Leeds Beckett University, and the chair of the Transpersonal Psychology section at the British Psychological Society. He is also the bestselling author of several books including Extraordinary Awakenings, The Clear Light, The Fall, Out of the Darkness, The Calm Center, The Leap, and Spiritual Science. Dr. Taylor also writes blog articles for Science American, The Conversation, and Psychology Today. His work has been described by Eckhart Tolle as "an important contribution to the shift in consciousness which is happening on our planet at present."

In his book, Dr. Taylor outlines how to identify and develop the eight qualities that define wakefulness, such as presence, acceptance, gratitude, and disidentification from the ego, use practical exercises and meditation to calm the mind and increase awareness, go beyond the "thought mind" and our typical "sleep" condition to reach ever-higher and deeper levels of spiritual awakening, and use the difficulties of daily life—at home, at work, and in relationships—as opportunities for insight.

If you are interested in learning more about the process and journey of enlightenment, this podcast is for you!

• Purchase Dr. Taylor's book: https://amzn.to/4l8M9FH
• Information about Dr. Taylor's Books: https://www.stevenmtaylor.com/books/
• Visit Dr. Steve Taylor's Website: http://www.stevenmtaylor.com/

• Information about Dr. Steve Taylor: https://www.stevenmtaylor.com/about-steve-taylor/
• Read Dr. Taylor's blogs and articles: https://www.stevenmtaylor.com/essays/
• Events with Steve Taylor: https://www.stevenmtaylor.com/events/
• Online programs with Steve Taylor: https://www.stevenmtaylor.com/online-courses/

From alleviating recurring nightmares to finding oneself by discovering your family's secret past, psychoanalysis is a turbulent but rewarding form of psychotherapy. Sigmund Freud was the founder of psychoanalysis establishing it in the 1890's. The approach includes a focus on the unconscious mind, dream interpretation and talk therapy for addressing mental disturbances. Psychoanalysis continues to be a valuable path for gaining inner freedom from a host of mental struggles. In her book, "Untangling: A Memoir of Psychoanalysis" Joan Peters takes us through her journey of self-understanding through psychoanalysis – a long practiced but not well understood psychological intervention.

Listen to our conversation with author and Professor Joan Peters as we discuss the many mysteries that lurk just beneath the surface of our psyches.

Joan Peters is a Professor Emeritus of Literature and Writing at California State University, an author, and animal lover. Peters has a Ph.D. in Comparative Literature from the University of Chicago. She began her career with a focus on 17th Century European and British literature, but quickly developed a passion for women´s fiction. She has taught English literature and women´s studies at Middlebury College, Rutgers University and The City College of New York. She is the author of "Not your mother's life" and "When Mothers Work", which tackles the unique struggles young women in the working world face and the challenges of creating healthy work/life balance. She continues to write and lecture about psychoanalysis, sharing her expertise with eager minds as well as write articles for Psychology Today. She currently resides in California with her husband, and their dogs, and chickens.

Joan Peters' book is a groundbreaking memoir offering an in-depth look into her first-hand experience with psychoanalysis. The inner workings of this intricate treatment are rarely discussed, and mostly unknown outside of professional circles. Using skill, creativity, and humour, she shines her light on this deep modality. Her book includes everything from heated conflicts to intense connection that can blossom between patient and analyst, offering readers an inside look into her transformative experience.

Listen to our conversation with Joan Peters to hear about the many ups and downs of psychoanalysis.

If you are interested in learning about Joan Peters' exploration of her own mind, this podcast is for you.

• To purchase the book visit: https://amzn.to/4rgStwH
• Read reviews of the book: https://www.joankpeters.com/praise-1

• Videos of Podcasts featuring Joan Peters: https://www.joankpeters.com/media
• To read more of Joan Peters work:https://www.joankpeters.com/all#past-works
• Read Joan Peters articles on Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/transformative
• Read Joan's article, On the 13th Day of Christmas: How We Intersect With the Holidays https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/transformative/202512/on-the-13th-day-of-christmas-how-we-intersect-with-the-holidays