Life's Dirty Little Secrets Podcast | Breaking Silence Around the Secrets We All Carry

Many working parents feel that they aren’t doing a good enough job in any of the roles they fill. Instead of trying to get rid of parental guilt, in this real play, Dr. Diana Hill works with me to get more psychologically flexible with it. Diana will demonstrate each of the core processes of ACT and then debrief the role play and explore which interventions had the biggest impact.

Highlights:

• A demonstration of each of the core psychological flexibility processes
• How to develop more flexible awareness when experiencing guilt
• How to practice acceptance with parental guilt
• An exercise to increase self-compassion
• Perspective Taking to get out of your guilt story
• A metaphor to help defuse your thoughts
• The link between guilt and your values
• How parental guilt can be your mindfulness bell
• Two psychologists debrief of an ACT real play

More about Dr. Diana Hill

Diana Hill, PhD is a clinical psychologist, international trainer and sought-out speaker on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and compassion. Host of the podcast Your Life in Process and co-author of ACT Daily Journal, Diana works with organizations, high-achievers, and health professionals who are committed to becoming psychologically flexible so that they can move from striving to thriving at work, home, and around the globe. Diana blogs for Psychology Today, is a guest teacher at InsightLA, Blue Spirit Costa Rica, PESI, Praxis Continuing Education and Insight Timer Meditation. A specialist in Acceptance and Commitment Training, Diana guides high achievers, leaders, and organizations to develop psychological flexibility so that they can take wise action toward more fulfilling and meaningful lives.

Diana practices what she preaches in her daily life as a mom of two, bee guardian, and yoga practitioner.

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Reach out and let us know you are listening and what you would like to hear on the show - email:[email protected]

• ORDER Max Cross Gets Unstuck from Anger: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook series for kids)
• ORDER Justin Case Sits with Anxiety: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook Series for Kids)
• ORDER The Glumm Twins Unhook from Sadness: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook Series for Kids)

In this episode we are joined by special guest, Ana Waddington. Ana, a healthcare professional with first-hand experience in the violence reduction field, shares her insights on the challenges faced by those in the healthcare system and the toll it takes on their well-being. 

From the lack of debriefing opportunities to the housing crisis impacting patient care, Ana sheds light on the daily struggles healthcare workers face. The conversation also explores how moral injury extends beyond just healthcare professionals, affecting teachers and other helping professions. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of trauma, burnout, and compassion fatigue, as well as the importance of addressing moral injury to provide proper support and resources for those on the frontlines. Don't miss this enlightening episode as we uncover the hidden costs of caring deeply in an often overwhelming system.

Highlights:

• Debriefing and Psychological Support in Healthcare
• Moral Injury in Healthcare
• Coping with Trauma and Burnout
• Understanding Moral Injury
• Challenges in Healthcare Systems
• Finding Joy and Addressing Burnout

More About Ana Waddington:

Follow Ana on Twitter: @alwaddington

Ana Waddington is a registered paediatric nurse with extensive experience in frontline emergency care, both in paediatrics and in adults. She is particularly passionate about adolescent care. She has worked in the emergency department of Europe's largest trauma centre. During the pandemic, Ana was seconded part time as the first paediatric nurse to work for the physicians response unit. She then proceeded to work as a trauma coordinator supporting patients through their trauma journey. She spent a year working as a critical care outreach nurse, stabilising the most sickest patients in the hospital. She is now pursuing her dream of working with the most vulnerable by being seconded to help set up a rough sleeper outreach team in Camden. Throughout her time as a nurse, she set up a not-for-profit called YourStance, in response to the growing amount of young people dying from stab wounds in London. YourStance, now in its 5th year, brings experienced frontline staff directly to the most vulnerable at risk young people to train them on how to save a life. She won RCN’s nurse of the year 2020, in the year of the nurse, as a result of this initiative. She also now lecturers at Queen Mary university in adolescents for the Paediatric Emergency Medicine masters. Ana is a keen (but slow) runner and loves to take long hikes with her partner and rescue dog.

Follow us on Facebook @lifesdirtylittlesecretspodcast and on Instagram @lifesdirtylittlesecrets

Reach out and let us know you are listening and what you would like to hear on the show - email:[email protected]

• ORDER Max Cross Gets Unstuck from Anger: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook series for kids)
• ORDER Justin Case Sits with Anxiety: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook Series for Kids)
• ORDER The Glumm Twins Unhook from Sadness: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook Series for Kids)

In this episode we are joined by special guest, Ana Waddington. Ana, a healthcare professional with first-hand experience in the violence reduction field, shares her insights on the challenges faced by those in the healthcare system and the toll it takes on their well-being. 

From the lack of debriefing opportunities to the housing crisis impacting patient care, Ana sheds light on the daily struggles healthcare workers face. The conversation also explores how moral injury extends beyond just healthcare professionals, affecting teachers and other helping professions. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of trauma, burnout, and compassion fatigue, as well as the importance of addressing moral injury to provide proper support and resources for those on the frontlines. Don't miss this enlightening episode as we uncover the hidden costs of caring deeply in an often overwhelming system.

Highlights:

• Debriefing and Psychological Support in Healthcare
• Moral Injury in Healthcare
• Coping with Trauma and Burnout
• Understanding Moral Injury
• Challenges in Healthcare Systems
• Finding Joy and Addressing Burnout

More About Ana Waddington:

Follow Ana on Twitter: @alwaddington

Ana Waddington is a registered paediatric nurse with extensive experience in frontline emergency care, both in paediatrics and in adults. She is particularly passionate about adolescent care. She has worked in the emergency department of Europe's largest trauma centre. During the pandemic, Ana was seconded part time as the first paediatric nurse to work for the physicians response unit. She then proceeded to work as a trauma coordinator supporting patients through their trauma journey. She spent a year working as a critical care outreach nurse, stabilising the most sickest patients in the hospital. She is now pursuing her dream of working with the most vulnerable by being seconded to help set up a rough sleeper outreach team in Camden. Throughout her time as a nurse, she set up a not-for-profit called YourStance, in response to the growing amount of young people dying from stab wounds in London. YourStance, now in its 5th year, brings experienced frontline staff directly to the most vulnerable at risk young people to train them on how to save a life. She won RCN’s nurse of the year 2020, in the year of the nurse, as a result of this initiative. She also now lecturers at Queen Mary university in adolescents for the Paediatric Emergency Medicine masters. Ana is a keen (but slow) runner and loves to take long hikes with her partner and rescue dog.

Follow us on Facebook @lifesdirtylittlesecretspodcast and on Instagram @lifesdirtylittlesecrets

Reach out and let us know you are listening and what you would like to hear on the show - email:[email protected]

• ORDER Max Cross Gets Unstuck from Anger: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook series for kids)
• ORDER Justin Case Sits with Anxiety: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook Series for Kids)
• ORDER The Glumm Twins Unhook from Sadness: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook Series for Kids)

In this episode, we dive into the theme of subtraction with special guest, Leidy Klotz. Leidy discusses the difficulty of changing beliefs when confronted with conflicting evidence, sharing intriguing insights from a psychology study involving a doomsday cult. The conversation also explores the power of analogies in reshaping our mental models and understanding.

Tune in to this thought-provoking episode as we reveal the power of subtraction in changing beliefs, decluttering our lives, and seeking simplicity amidst the chaos.

Highlights:

• Difficulty of changing beliefs when faced with conflicting evidence
• Importance of analogies in changing beliefs
• Reflection on loss aversion and the importance of considering meaning and desired outcome before subtracting
• The role of biology and the desire to acquire things for survival
• The association of mental health with feeling overwhelmed and struggling with unhelpful thoughts and behaviors
• Tendency to add more tasks or responsibilities in times of stress instead of simplifying
• Cognitive load and the influence on relying on heuristics

About Leidy Klotz

Leidy Klotz studies the science of design, which, he reminds us, is something we all do every day. His research has appeared in both Nature and Science and his debut popular science book, Subtract, is among the most influential published in 2021 and is already on all-time reading lists for both design and behavioral science.

A professor at the University of Virginia, Leidy has authored more than 80 original research articles and secured more than $10 million dollars in competitive funding to support his and others’ work in this area. Recognized nationally as a professor who inspires, Leidy has taught thousands of students, including 21 Ph.D. advisees, whose designing and teaching shapes the world. Leidy's scholarship benefits from diversity and inclusion as more than three quarters of his advisees are from groups underrepresented in their respective fields.

Follow us on Facebook @lifesdirtylittlesecretspodcast and on Instagram @lifesdirtylittlesecrets

Reach out and let us know you are listening and what you would like to hear on the show - email:[email protected]

• ORDER Max Cross Gets Unstuck from Anger: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook series for kids)
• ORDER Justin Case Sits with Anxiety: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook Series for Kids)
• ORDER The Glumm Twins Unhook from Sadness: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook Series for Kids)

Discover the shocking truth about self-esteem that challenges everything you thought you knew. Enter a world where comparisons and evaluations are replaced with self-acceptance and compassion. Brace yourself for an unexpected twist that will leave you questioning the very foundation of your beliefs. Are you ready to embark on a journey of personal growth and well-being? Get ready to unlock the secret to true fulfillment, as we unravel the mysteries of self-esteem...

Highlights:

• Research Findings on Self-Esteem
• The Downside of Boosting Self-Esteem
• The Fragility of Self-Esteem
• The Importance of Flexible Self-Esteem
• Changing Self-Esteem Over Time
• Threats to Self-Esteem in Different Contexts
• The Role of Self-Doubt in Growth and Learning

More about Joe Oliver:

Joe is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist and director for Contextual Consulting, an ACT based consultancy in the UK, offering training, coaching and therapy.Joe is joint-director for the University College London Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in Psychosis Post Graduate Diploma, whilst also holding a post within the NHS. He is a peer reviewed ACBS ACT trainer and regularly trains professionals both nationally and internationally. Joe is co-editor of the textbook, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Mindfulness for Psychosis and co-author of the ACT self-help book, ACTivate Your Life.

Visit Joe’s website: http://actforpsychosis.com/joe-oliver

Follow us on Facebook @lifesdirtylittlesecretspodcast and on Instagram @lifesdirtylittlesecrets

Reach out and let us know you are listening and what you would like to hear on the show - email:[email protected]

• ORDER Max Cross Gets Unstuck from Anger: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook series for kids)
• ORDER Justin Case Sits with Anxiety: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook Series for Kids)
• ORDER The Glumm Twins Unhook from Sadness: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook Series for Kids)

On this episode of Life’s Dirty Little Secrets, we dive deep into the taboo of sex with our special guest Kristen Campbell. We explore the importance of pleasure and the varied ways in which it can be expressed and experienced. We discuss the challenges that arise from the societal taboo around discussing pleasure and how having open conversations is necessary for our understanding and exploration of it. We debunk myths and misconceptions about what is considered normal or healthy in terms of pleasure, and emphasize the importance of communication and understanding individual needs in relationships. We also examine the roots of the taboo of sex in religion, societal structures, and fear, and the impact it has on individuals and communities. Our guest shares their insights as a sex therapist, and highlights the importance of knowledge and education in empowering individuals to have healthier and more fulfilling sexual experiences. Tune in to this thought-provoking episode as we challenge the silence and stigma surrounding sex and delve into the complexities of human sexuality.

Highlights:

• Taboo on sex: cultural, religious, and individual factors
• Normal sexual responses and societal influences
• Pleasure, taboo, myths, desire, arousal, intimacy
• Taboos around healthy sexual relationships, diverse expressions

Resources discussed in this episode:

• Emily Nagoski: Book and podcast. Both titled, “Come as you are”.   www.emilynagoski.com
• Research on the impact of porn on our brains, especially males.  www.yourbrainonporn.com.au
• Sex education resource for adults. www.beducated.com
• Talking to children about sexual development. www.healthywa.wa.gove.au/Articles/S-T/Talk-soon-Talk-often
• Sex education for teens, www.bishuk.com
• An education resource for females. www.omgyes.com

About Kristen Campbell

Visit Kristen’s website: http://www.kristencampbell.com.au/about

I have been working as a Social Worker for 15 years and have worked in a range of settings including mental health (inpatient & community services) and interpersonal trauma (sexual assault & domestic violence). In the last 7-8 years I have been working in Private Practice, providing therapy to both individuals and couples. I currently specialise in Sex & Relationship therapy, but continue to be passionate about the impact of trauma and adverse events in people’s lives and how this impacts attachments to other people and effects day to day functioning. I also hold a teaching role with the University of Sydney, within the Sexual & Reproductive Health faculty.

Follow us on Facebook @lifesdirtylittlesecretspodcast and on Instagram @lifesdirtylittlesecrets

Reach out and let us know you are listening and what you would like to hear on the show - email:[email protected]

• ORDER Max Cross Gets Unstuck from Anger: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook series for kids)
• ORDER Justin Case Sits with Anxiety: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook Series for Kids)
• ORDER The Glumm Twins Unhook from Sadness: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook Series for Kids)

Being a working parent is a balancing act that requires juggling numerous roles and responsibilities. It's a challenging situation, marked by the constant tension between work commitments and parental responsibilities. However, this tension can also offer opportunities for personal growth, learning, and skill development. With the right perspective, our experiences as working parents can positively influence our parenting style and enrich our ability to navigate conflicts and challenges with grace. Chris McCurry and Emma Waddington bring this topic to life during their conversation with Dr. Yael Schonbrun. Dr. Schonbrun points out how dealing with the role tension of being a working parent has helped her develop valuable skills such as multitasking, perspective-taking, and flexibility.

Highlights:

• Unravel effective strategies for creating harmony between parenting responsibilities and career aspirations.
• Tap into the healing power of storytelling as an integral part of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
• Imbibe the art of cherishing minimal yet profound moments of joy and resilience within parenthood.

About Dr. Yael Schonbrun

Purchase Work Parent Drive by Dr. Yael Schonbrun on Amazon or at your local bookstore to gain valuable insights and strategies for navigating the tension between being a parent and working. https://www.amazon.com/Work-Parent-Thrive-Science-Backed-Strategies/dp/1611809657

Yael Schonbrun, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist, assistant professor at Brown University, co-host of Psychologists Off the Clock: A podcast about the science and practice of living well, and mother of three. Yael’s academic research explores the interaction between relationship problems and mental health conditions.

Follow us on Facebook @lifesdirtylittlesecretspodcast and on Instagram @lifesdirtylittlesecrets

Reach out and let us know you are listening and what you would like to hear on the show - email:[email protected]

• ORDER Max Cross Gets Unstuck from Anger: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook series for kids)
• ORDER Justin Case Sits with Anxiety: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook Series for Kids)
• ORDER The Glumm Twins Unhook from Sadness: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook Series for Kids)

Join Emma and Chris as they delve into the often overlooked topic of grief. 

In this episode, they are joined by Mahima Gupta, a clinical psychologist with over 10 years of experience. Mahima shares her personal experiences of grief, including the loss of her best friend to suicide and a devastating family tragedy. Through her story, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the complex emotions and challenges that come with grief. This episode provides valuable insights and offers support for those who may be experiencing their own grief or seeking to better understand the grieving process.

Highlights:

• Understanding Grief and the Need for Support
• Mahima Gupta's Personal Experience with Grief
• The Complexity of Grief and Trauma
• The Importance of Allowing Grief to Be Felt and Expressed

About Mahima:

Lean more about Mahima here

Mahima is a Clinical Psychologist, Integrated Clinical Hypnotherapist, Regression Therapist and Advanced EFT (Tapping) Practitioner educated in India, with training from the U.K., U.S., Holland and Australia. She is registered with the Singapore Register of Psychologists (SRP), is a member of Singapore Psychological Society (SPS), Singapore Association of Counsellors (SAC) and American Psychological Association (APA).

Mahima is trained in schema therapy, Gottman’s couples therapy, clinical hypnotherapy, regression, emotional freedom techniques (EFT tapping), matrix re-imprinting, neuro-linguistic programming (NLP), coaching, play therapy, REBT for children, reiki and disaster counselling. Mahima has nine years of clinical experience in psychological assessment, counselling and therapy.

She has a client-centred, action-oriented, psycho-spiritual therapeutic style, with a special interest in inner child work and positive psychology.

Follow us on Facebook @lifesdirtylittlesecretspodcast and on Instagram @lifesdirtylittlesecrets

Reach out and let us know you are listening and what you would like to hear on the show - email:[email protected]

• ORDER Max Cross Gets Unstuck from Anger: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook series for kids)
• ORDER Justin Case Sits with Anxiety: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook Series for Kids)
• ORDER The Glumm Twins Unhook from Sadness: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook Series for Kids)

On this episode of Life’s Dirty Little Secrets Podcast, we dive into the topic of body shame with guest Emily Sandoz. Our bodies are intimately tied to our experiences and can greatly affect our adaptability and flexibility. We discuss how chronic negative experiences can lead to rigidity and inflexibility when it comes to our body image. We explore the impact of social media on body awareness and how to cultivate mindfulness to focus on meaningful experiences rather than our appearance. Additionally, we touch upon striking a balance between body acceptance and the desire to change our appearance. Our relationship with our bodies requires intentionality and starting small, just like building a relationship with a friend. Tune in to learn more about body image flexibility and moving through life with freedom, dignity, and pleasure.

Dr. Sandoz is the Emma Louise LeBlanc Burguieres/BORSF Endowed Professor of Social Sciences in the Psychology Department at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Emily is the Director of the Louisiana Contextual Science Research Group and the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science. She has co-authored three books on acceptance and commitment therapy for struggles with eating and body image, along with chapters and journal articles on ACT, Relational Frame Theory, values, the therapeutic relationship, and psychological flexibility.

Highlights:

• The Effects of Negative and Positive Body Experiences
• Challenges and Pressures of Body Experience
• Social Media and Body Image
• Building a Healthy Relationship with Our Bodies

More about Emily Sandoz:

Emily has led more than 70 professional training workshops around the world, and serves as a peer-reviewed ACT trainer. She also practices as a Clinical Psychologist, focusing on clinical behavior analysis of body-related difficulties.

Read Emily’s book: Living with Your Body and Other Things You Hate: How to Let Go of Your Struggle with Body Image Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy - https://www.amazon.com/Living-Your-Body-Other-Things/dp/1608821048/ref=sr_1_1?qid=1686081293&refinements=p_27%3AEmily+K.+Sandoz+PhD&s=books&sr=1-1

Emily’s Email: [email protected]

Follow us on Facebook @lifesdirtylittlesecretspodcast and on Instagram @lifesdirtylittlesecrets

Reach out and let us know you are listening and what you would like to hear on the show - email:[email protected]

• ORDER Max Cross Gets Unstuck from Anger: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook series for kids)
• ORDER Justin Case Sits with Anxiety: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook Series for Kids)
• ORDER The Glumm Twins Unhook from Sadness: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook Series for Kids)

On this episode of Life's Dirty Little Secrets, hosts Emma Waddington and Chris McCury are joined by Jim Lucas. The topic of discussion: self-doubt.  Despite years of experience and professional development, all three still struggle with feelings of insecurity and uncertainty. hey discuss how self-doubt can hold us back, but also how it can be a useful tool for growth and exploration. From parenting to professional development, they explore the importance of being open and honest about what we don't know, and how it can actually help us become better at what we do.

Highlights:

• Understanding Self-Doubt in Clinical Work
• The Importance of Acknowledging Self-Doubt
• Facing Therapeutic Mistakes and Self-Doubt
• The Problem with Striving for Constant Confidence

More about Jim Lucas:

I’m Jim Lucas, and I live and work in Birmingham, UK.

I am a man in midlife who loves to learn and go on new adventures with fellow travellers.

I love helping people develop as a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist and ACT Trainer.

My career started young, so I’ve developed the expertise to help many people.

Using the skills I learned as a therapist, I’ve improved my life significantly (after thinking, “it will never work for me”).

I’ve helped 1000s of people transform their lives (after thinking, “I’ll never be able to help them”).

I’ve taught 1000s of therapists how to effectively do Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (after thinking, “I’ll never be as good as my teachers”).

More recently, I’ve decided to do less therapy and more teaching. I decided to grow my team and give them my trust to care for people who want our help. Our therapists have knowledge, qualifications and skills in evidence-based therapies

Where to find Jim:

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVMvl8_IFLV8oX1fjSazazQ

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimlucasopenforwards/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/openforwards/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/openforwardsLtd

Website: https://openforwards.com/

Follow us on Facebook @lifesdirtylittlesecretspodcast and on Instagram @lifesdirtylittlesecrets

Reach out and let us know you are listening and what you would like to hear on the show - email:[email protected]

• ORDER Max Cross Gets Unstuck from Anger: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook series for kids)
• ORDER Justin Case Sits with Anxiety: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook Series for Kids)
• ORDER The Glumm Twins Unhook from Sadness: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook Series for Kids)