Kusnacht Practice Podcast

In a world where nicotine addiction looms large, the battle against tobacco and electronic cigarettes is a journey marked by challenges and triumphs in the pursuit of a healthier life. In this article, we explore the challenges and triumphs associated with quitting smoking, shedding light on the path to a smoke-free life.

Nicotine is a highly addictive substance that is known to hold individuals in its grip, making it extremely difficult to quit smoking, whether it's through traditional cigarettes or e-cigarettes. The process of quitting is a physical and mental challenge, requiring great determination and support to navigate its hurdles.

In this interview, Margje de Rooij, a Relapse Prevention Specialist at The Kusnacht Practice, provides valuable insights into understanding, treating, and overcoming depression. With a compassionate approach, Margje discusses the nuances of depression and shares practical strategies for preventing relapses. She highlights the personalised and holistic methodologies employed at The Kusnacht Practice, emphasising the importance of tailored interventions for individuals. Join us as Margje de Rooij guides us through the journey of conquering depression, offering hope and inspiration for those seeking a path to mental well-being.

 “They get stuck in a cycle, maybe dieting or exercising or both. Or ‘I'm going to lose weight a little bit more quickly so that when lockdown is over I'll look better’. And before you know it, you're in an eating disorder and you're stuck in a pattern of restricting and bingeing.”– Melissa Nobile, Clinical Operations Manager Geneva.

In the latest podcast from The Kusnacht Practice, Global Sales and Marketing Director Philippe Rovere talks with Melissa Nobile, Clinical Operations Manager Geneva, about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on eating and body image disorders.

Melissa explores the various factors that have contributed to the dramatic rise in incidence, underlining the overwhelming and harmful influence of social media. 

She discusses the difficulties for families to recognise the illness, the hidden signs and subtle clues that often go unnoticed, as well as the importance of seeking professional treatment to break the obsessive cycle and ease the suffering.

 “It's one of those difficulties that, just in the space of weeks, as I said a little earlier, can go from being afraid to going to Starbucks, to being afraid to leave their bed.”– Melissa Nobile, psychologist MSc.

In the latest podcast from The Kusnacht Practice, Global Sales and Marketing Director Philippe Rovere talks with Melissa Nobile – psychologist MSc - about the rising incidence of agoraphobia and its effect on mental health.

Melissa explains the complex nature of the disorder, the signs to initially look out for and the rapid progression that follows.

She addresses the damaging impact of the pandemic and lockdown on those affected and the ‘other risk factors’ that can lead to the development, as well as the urgency in seeking help to avoid any advancement of the illness.

 “Many people are going to feel long term effects. I expect for, maybe around 15 to 25% of the population, life will not return to normal when we come through the other side of this pandemic. If and when that happens.”– Dean Gustar, Relapse Prevention Specialist.  

In the latest podcast from The Kusnacht Practice, Global Sales and Marketing Director Philippe Rovere and Relapse Prevention Specialist Dean Gustar discuss the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic and reflect on the year gone by.

Dean analyses the increase in alcohol consumption, illegal and prescription drug use, and the ripple effects of the escalation. 

He addresses the rise in cases of depression and anxiety, the fear of infection that’s preventing many from seeking treatment, and the preparations required to better cope in the future.

“So, if it happens for a few nights, where someone's not sleeping so well, humans have resources, so they'll manage to compensate. But, if it becomes more chronic, over time, it's going to create problems on lots of different psychological and physical factors.” – Melissa Nobile, psychologist MSc. 

 A recent survey from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine suggests that an overwhelming proportion of American adults don’t get enough sleep. In the latest podcast from The Kusnacht Practice, Global Sales and Marketing Director Philippe Rovere talks with Melissa Nobile - psychologist MSc - about sleep deprivation and its effect on mental health. 

Melissa discusses the importance of sleep, and the damaging effects of short- and long-term deprivation. She addresses the external factors that influence sleeping habits, and the natural variations, within an individual, throughout the course of their life.  As well as providing advice and methods on how to improve the quality of your sleep, and the things to avoid in order to promote a peaceful night's rest. 

"It’s not the pandemic in itself that has a direct causal link to the increase in mental health problems, but the pandemic has changed our day to day life.” – Melissa Nobile, psychologist MSc. 

A new survey released by UK children’s charity the NSPCC has revealed a troubling increase in mental health concerns in young people, with counselling sessions for eating and body image disorders skyrocketing. 

In the latest podcast from The Kusnacht Practice, Global Sales and Marketing Director Philippe Rovere talks with Melissa Nobile - psychologist MSc - about  the effects of the pandemic on the mental health of young people. 

Melissa discusses the ‘mediating factors’ that have led to the development of mental health issues, and the value of communication and creativity in providing a solution.

She addresses the prevalence and severity of eating and body image disorders, underlining the importance of early intervention. As well as the significance of the NSPCC’s Childline  service ‘Nobody is Normal’ campaign and the positive message it conveys.

 “It's going to be just all these signs that show that it's no longer a child or teen wanting or asking to play, but it's a child or teen needing to play. And that's where all the difference is going to be.” – Melissa Nobile, psychologist MSc.

The popularity of video games has risen dramatically since the start of the pandemic, with lockdowns and restrictions only increasing the appeal. But while the interest among consumers has multiplied, so too has the development of addictive patterns.

In the latest podcast from The Kusnacht Practice, Global Sales and Marketing Director Philippe Rovere talks with Melissa Nobile – psychologist MSc about the effects of gaming on mental health.

Melissa explores the indiscriminate nature of gaming dependence. The manifestation of combined factors that can lead to an addictive pattern. The obsessive and neglectful behaviours exhibited, as well as advice to parents on methods of early interventions.

 “And now that it's become a longer-term problem, this pandemic, we're starting to actually look at how it's impacting people, including the younger generation and it does feel like it's a time bomb that’s emerging.”– Melissa Nobile, psychologist MSc.

“While the pandemic shows no signs of slowing down, the effects on our youth are becoming increasingly apparent.”

In the latest podcast from The Kusnacht Practice, Global Sales and Marketing Director Philippe Rovere talks with Melissa Nobile – psychologist MSc - about the exponential rise in mental health issues affecting young people.

Together, they discuss the rapid escalation in the demand for mental health assistance that has led to services being overwhelmed and rendered ineffective.

The absence of counsellors and reduced mental health support in schools, and the behavioural changes and subtle clues that indicate that someone is struggling.