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We often think of self-care as something we do when we’re running on empty — a quick break, a bath, a quiet night in. But true self-care isn’t about temporary relief. It’s about consistent habits that keep our minds and bodies strong enough to face life as it comes.

In this episode, Carly explores why self-care isn’t meant to be easy or glamorous — it’s a practice that takes work, awareness, and commitment. From movement and nutrition to connection and sleep, she reframes self-care as maintenance rather than indulgence, and as one of the most powerful tools for resilience.

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In this insightful podcast episode, I chat with Dr. Shahrzad Jalai, an accomplished clinical psychologist with a rich background in linguistics and a deep interest in holistic therapy approaches. Our conversation traverses her personal and professional journey, offering profound insights into the nuances of trauma, innovative therapy techniques, and the fascinating convergence of the body and the psyche.

What You'll Learn:

• Integration of Linguistics in Psychology: Discover how Dr. Jalai transitioned from linguistics to psychology and how her background enriches her clinical practice.
• Understanding Soul Searching: Hear Dr. Jalai's personal story of transformation through therapy and her eventual foray into psychology.
• Current Trends in Psychological Health: Insights into the growing trend of emotional dysregulation and the quest for safety among clients.
• Psyche-Body Connection: Explore the role of the nervous system in mental health and Dr. Jalai's holistic approach to therapy.
• Jungian Psychology & Dreams: Learn about Jung's philosophies, the interplay of dreams and the unconscious, and how they shape therapeutic strategies.
• Psychoanalytic vs. Cognitive Therapies: A clear distinction between the objective, structured cognitive approaches and the depth-oriented psychoanalytic therapies.
• Spotlight on Complexes: Uncover the understated influence of complexes from childhood on our adult life, and the therapeutic exploration of these hidden forces.
• Somatic Approaches to Trauma: Dive into the methodologies like EMDR and Brainspotting used to integrate physiological responses in treating psychological traumas.

Key Takeaways:

• Trauma is not only processed through the mind but is deeply stored within the body, necessitating a holistic treatment approach.
• Therapies focused on unity and compassion are vital in bridging human chaos and disconnect, offering pathways to greater personal and societal harmony.
• Exploring personal traumas and histories provides an opportunity not only for healing but also for uncovering the wisdom and strengths gained through adversity.
• Professionals must navigate transference carefully to maintain personal well-being and effective therapeutic outcomes.
• Acknowledging and addressing the interconnectedness of body and mind can significantly enhance the efficacy of psychological interventions.

Resources

For those interested in delving deeper into Dr. Jalai's transformative work, her book "The Fire That Makes Us" weaves personal and clinical insights into a compelling narrative of healing through trauma. Additionally, her upcoming course "Regulate to Rise" offers practical strategies for nervous system regulation, providing tangible tools for those seeking to improve their mental health.

Further information, educational materials, and resources from Dr. Jalai can be found on her website and through her social media platforms, aligning the learnings from this podcast into actionable steps for personal growth and healing.

• https://alignremedy.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/alignremedy
• https://www.youtube.com/@alignremedy
• Tiktok: @Dr.jalalipsyd

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shahrzad-jalali-psyd-2b547320/

Support the Podcast

If you found this conversation enriching and beneficial, subscribe, rate, and review us on your favourite podcast platform. Your support spreads these essential dialogues, offering more individuals the opportunity to embark on their healing journeys.

Share this episode with anyone navigating their own struggles—this discussion could be the guiding light they seek in understanding and overcoming personal trauma.

00:23 Transition from Linguistics to Psychology

02:51 Trends in Clinical Psychology

04:06 The Role of the Nervous System in Mental Health

06:50 Jungian Psychology and Dream Analysis

10:29 Cognitive vs. Analytical Psychology

14:14 Childhood Influences on Adult Complexes

19:38 Somatic Approaches to Trauma

22:16 Understanding EMDR and Brainspotting

25:00 Understanding PTSD and EMDR

25:43 Introduction to Brainspotting

27:32 Self-Spotting Techniques

28:35 Breath Work and Emotional Release

31:21 Holotropic Breathing and Trauma

36:10 Personal Journey and Writing

41:57 The Healing Power of Therapy

44:57 Future of Psychology and Personal Growth

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This week, Carly invites you to run an Attentional Audit - a simple but powerful practice to see where your mental energy is really going.

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In Part Two of my  conversation, with Professor Jeremy Jamieson we explore the fascinating dynamics of stress and resilience, specifically emphasising the roles parents can play in helping their children grow up resilient and strong. We discuss the importance of fostering a positive relationship with stress and understanding the biological and psychological factors that play into this often misunderstood aspect of life.

What You'll Learn:

• Understanding Stress: Discover how stress functions as a natural response and how it can be beneficial rather than detrimental.
• Challenge vs. Threat Mindsets: Learn why perceiving stress as a challenge rather than a threat can completely alter the physiological response.
• Parenting Techniques for Resilience: Get insights into how parents can prepare their children for life's challenges by encouraging them to tackle difficult situations head-on.

Key Takeaways:

• Stress is Not the Enemy: Stress, when approached properly, can be a tool for growth and resilience rather than a harmful force. It’s about perception and management.
• Parents as Guides, Not Rescuers: Instead of removing obstacles for your children, teach them to navigate these challenges. Encourage them to be proactive and resilient.
• Develop a Toolbox for Stress Management: Different situations require different responses—having a flexible approach to managing stress is crucial.
• The Role of Physiology in Stress: Understanding and managing physiological responses through activities such as regular exercise, sleep hygiene, and possibly cold immersion sessions can help in dealing with stress effectively.
• Importance of a Healthy Lifestyle: Adequate sleep, nutrition, and limiting technology use can have profound impacts on mental health, influencing stress levels and resilience capacity.

Resources

• Explore more about the extraordinary work at Mount Hope Family Center, which is helping children overcome trauma through innovative research on biological embedding.
• Connect with Professor Jeremy Jamieson on LinkedIn
• University of Rochester - Professor Jeremy Jamieson
• Social Stress Lab

Support the Podcast

If you found this discussion insightful, consider subscribing, rating, and leaving a review of our podcast. Your support allows us to continue sharing impactful conversations that inspire change.

Share this episode with someone who might benefit from understanding stress as a tool for growth—knowledge like this can truly make a difference in navigating life's challenges.

01:08 Building Resilience in Children

02:12 The Role of Social Connections in Stress Management

04:15 Understanding Stress Responses

06:20 Boosting Stress Capacity

07:44 The Impact of Educational Systems on Stress

09:33 Physiological Approaches to Stress Management

14:36 The Role of Virtual Reality in Stress Management

17:28 Tailoring Stress Management Techniques

18:31 Future Directions in Social Media and AI Interventions

19:10 Challenges and Promising Interventions

20:02 The Role of AI in Stress Management

21:57 Parental Advice for Raising Resilient Kids

28:59 The Importance of Sleep and Diet

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On this week's Mojo Monday, Carly talks about performance anxiety, or what is sometimes knows as stage fright. We've all experienced it at some point, whether it's speaking out in a meeting, presenting in front of a group or even going out on a date, but for some of us, it can be so intense it stops us from reaching our full potential. Carly explains what it is and provides some strategies to help manage it.

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In this enlightening conversation on hardiness, I sit down with Professor Jeremy Jamieson to delve into the intricate world of stress, mindset, and neuroscience. The discussion explores how our perceptions of stress can influence both mental and physical well-being and the potential for science to reshape these experiences. This session unpacks the ways in which mindset coaching can transform stress from a debilitating factor into a powerful tool for growth.

What You'll Learn:

• The Role of Stress: Discover why experiencing stress is essential for personal growth and peak performance, whether on the field or in everyday challenges like exams and job interviews.
• Mindset Matters: Learn how shifting your psychological orientation can have profound effects on your physiology and engagement with challenges.
• The Science of Stress Responses: Understand how chronic stress affects the brain, particularly through changes in the amygdala and frontal lobes, and how interventions like acceptance and commitment therapy can reverse some of these changes.
• Epigenetics Explained: Dive into how epigenetic factors play a role in stress responses, and the surprising ways stress can impact not just the individual, but subsequent generations.
• Mother-Baby Connection: Explore how a mother's stress levels can affect her child, reinforcing the subtle yet powerful ways in which our environments are communicated from parent to offspring.
• Neuroplasticity and the Brain: Gain insights into how the brain adapts and changes in response to stress, highlighting the potential for positive transformation.

Key Takeaways:

1. Stress should be viewed as a challenge to refine and expand our capabilities, rather than a purely negative experience.
2. Transforming your mindset can significantly alter both your physiological responses and your overall engagement with life’s challenges.
3. Genetic dispositions aren’t permanent; understanding and manipulating the epigenome can open pathways to healthier stress responses.
4. The connection between mothers and their babies exemplifies how our nervous systems communicate stress, affecting development from a very young age.
5. Neuroplasticity offers hope that we can rewire our brains through informed practices and change the path of our stress responses.

Resources

• Explore more about the extraordinary work at Mount Hope Family Center, which is helping children overcome trauma through innovative research on biological embedding.
• Connect with Professor Jeremy Jamieson on LinkedIn
• University of Rochester - Professor Jeremy Jamieson
• Social Stress Lab

Support the Podcast

If you found this discussion insightful, consider subscribing, rating, and leaving a review of our podcast. Your support allows us to continue sharing impactful conversations that inspire change.

Share this episode with someone who might benefit from understanding stress as a tool for growth—knowledge like this can truly make a difference in navigating life's challenges.

03:09 Understanding Stress in Different Contexts

29:04 Mindset Coaching for Athletes

30:18 Factors Influencing Stress Responses

31:10 Trauma and Stress Regulation

33:00 Workplace Stress and Brain Changes

34:46 Epigenetics and Stress

37:36 Mother-Child Stress Communication

41:24 Nervous System Communication

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This week on Mojo Monday, Carly talks about commitment - what it really means, and why it matters more than motivation. 

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