Psych Up Live

Gary Wilson died this year. This Encore is a tribute to Gary and his work to understand the impact of porn. Gary Wilson was presenter of the popular TEDx talk ‘The Great Porn Experiment,’ and author of the book,Your Brain on Porn. In this show he addressed the ever-increasing problem of internet porn addiction in young male teens as well as men of every age. Drawing upon scientific research and the reports of countless men seeking help for porn related sexual dysfunction, Gary Wilson clarifies the impact of chronic overconsumption of internet porn on the brain. His message is powerful in the clarity with which he discusses the nature of the sexual problems resulting from addictive internet porn use; how and why the brain keeps us bingeing; and detailed steps to reverse compulsive use and regain control. Some will disagree, most will be informed and I hope many will be helped by hearing this important show.

We hear a great deal in the media about narcissism. If you have ever wondered if the person you work for, the man you are dating or the friend who knows everything is a narcissist, listen in. On this show Dr. Joseph Burgo, psychologist and author of the book, The Narcissist You Know: Defending Yourself Against Extreme Narcissists in an All-About Me Age, will draw upon his clinical experience and fascinating examples to discuss the Narcissist. He will make clear the tell tale signs of narcissism, the secrets the narcissist hides even from self and the parenting styles that may set the stage for narcissism. In the back and forth with host, Suzanne Phillips, Dr. Burgo will also discuss how to cope with a narcissist in a way that preserves your choice to engage or disengage. Be prepared to be informed.

If you are someone who struggles with falling asleep or staying asleep – you are not alone. An estimated 164 million Americans (68%) reported struggling with sleep at least once per week. In this show, Dr.Courtney Bancroft, Yale-trained, licensed psychologist specializing in all-natural, evidence-based insomnia treatment, offers some answers. Dr. Bancroft clarifies the nature and patterns of sleep, discusses the reality and myths associated with insomnia, and helps us to examine factors that may keep us from sleeping. She offers strategies for improved sleep hygiene and exemplifies the use of Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) with a case example. If you or someone you know suffers with insomnia or sleep difficulties– Listen in.

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, nearly 20 people per minute in the U.S. are physically abused by an intimate partner. Our guest, Betty Hafner is one of those who suffered. A teacher, counselor, and author, Betty will draw upon her beautiful but terrifying book, Not Exactly Love: A Memoir. She will give us the insider’s view of the dark and complex trap of Domestic Violence. You will hear about bruises on her wedding day, necessary denial, frozen fear, cycles of love and abuse, the reason people can’t leave, the shame and excuses, the split off professional life, the isolation, the echoes of historical roots, self-doubt, police, therapy and incremental steps of self-protection, self-esteem and a way out. Betty Hafner’s memoir reads with the power and suspense of fiction; but it is painfully true. Whether you are male or female, have suffered from domestic or intimate partner violence or tried to help someone who has, you will want to hear this show.

Whether you are newly married, a middle aged couple, the identified In-Laws or the bewildered Out-Laws of an expanded family, you need to hear this show. In it, psychologist and author Dr. Geoffrey Greif draws upon his new and acclaimed book written with Dr. Michael Woolley, “ In-law Relationships: Mothers, Daughters, Fathers, and Sons.” Dr. Greif shares research using interviews and surveys with a total of 1,500 people to illuminate why some in-laws connect and others clash and even crash. He considers the impact of interfaith, interracial, gay and lesbian couples on in-law relationships. He examines the validity of the negative cultural stereotype of mothers-in-law and reports what mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law say. He considers what happens that is different in the relationships between male in-laws and overall offers important strategies for improving any in-law relationship.

In the midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic, the world is grieving. Families are suffering the traumatic loss of loved ones. Medical professionals grieve for patients they felt responsible to heal. First Responders, caregivers, teachers, adults and children carry the grief of a world of people lost suddenly to an unknown virus. In this episode, Dr. Joanne Cacciatore’s personal and professional understanding of how to “bear the unbearable,” of how to open a space to process, integrate and deeply honor our grief, is a gift. Drawing upon her unique and powerful book, Bearing the Unbearable: Love, Loss and the Heartbreaking Path of Grief, her own experience of loss and decades of supporting individuals, families and communities, she invites a new meaning and experience of grief. She invites you to recognize grief as a natural process that unfolds in your own way and in your own time, restoring and illuminating your love and humanity. We need this show.

In this show Dr. Elisha Goldstein returns to Psych Up Live to describe, discuss and exemplify aspects of his important new program “ Uncover the Power Within”. Dr. Elisha Goldstein will share the personal journey that brings him to his tireless work of empowering people to understand the causes of depression, anxiety and unhappiness. In this episode he uncovers the battle between surviving and really living. He shares the ingredients that help us adapt practices to relax the nervous system, combat distraction, and heal self-image. He offers an understanding of the power of connection between people to enhance the use of mindfulness, the gift of self-compassion and much more. If you find Elisha very easy to hear and understand, it is because his message is both informative and always underscored with kindness and compassion. Listen in.

This show gives you the opportunity to have an insider’s view of Canine Companions for Independence. This is the organization that breeds, trains and provides amazing dogs who give the gift of independence to children and adults. Program Manager and Instructor Gwen Dudek will offer a look at the training of these dogs. Puppy raiser, Marty Marlatt will give you the inside story of raising 22 puppies and Josiah Lanning who at the time of this show had Charlice, his Service Dog for more than 5 years, shares what this wonderful dog brings to his life. If you have ever wondered about the dogs with the blue and yellow capes that seem smarter than the rest of us, listen in and be prepared to be emotionally touched.

It goes without saying that this is a stressful as well as special Holiday time of the year. For millions of divorced parents there are additional challenges they face, as they try to make the holidays a success, while splitting custody of the children. In this show, Jeffrey Scott Steiner Executive Director of the Dads' Resource Center and Central Administrator for the Pennsylvania Greater Father Family Involvement Campaign draws upon his experience to offer strategies and tips that co-parents can use to make the holiday as well as the coming year more fruitful and constructive for everyone. From planning together, dealing with the different needs of tots and teens and the different realities of parents who are recently divorced as opposed to those who divorced for years, he will offer examples and suggestions. The issues of value conflicts over gifts will be considered as well as the recognition that modeling flexibility and cooperation may be the most important gift of all. Many of have been touched by divorce and done very well. – Listen in.

Nationally and Internationally people are exposed to violence on a daily basis. We read about it in the paper. We see it in the images of violence on TV and the internet and too many people have been personally exposed to or have suffered from some form of violence in their own lives. This show addresses the prevention of violence. Experts, Dr. Sherry Hamby and Dr. Victoria Banyard draw upon their new book, Strength Prevention for Violence and Public Health Problems, to look closely at attempts to curb violence and its impact. As Professors and recognized researchers who have dedicated their careers to the study of violence, traumatization, victimization, resilience, and prevention, they discuss why some prevention methods work but others, particularly regarding interpersonal violence, need another model. They will look closely and share examples of why some attempts to motivate young people backfire and why approaches that offer strength building, succeed. They will consider the difference and overlap of resilience and prevention and discuss the value of building a Prevention Portfolio Model to address violence. They discuss new and unexpected methods of prevention including gamification, nudges, and looking beyond the specific problem to broader infrastructure and personal choices. This is a very important show for all.