Psych Up Live

In this show Dr. Lori Brotto, Executive Director of the Women's Health Research Institute of British Columbia and the University of British Columbia's Sexual Health Laboratory discusses the problems of sexual arousal and sexual desire reported by 10 to 40% of women. She clarifies the misconceptions and confusion about female sexual desire, the differences between men and women and why the "Female Viagra Drug" fizzled. She draws upon the psychological interventions she has research for the management of sexual arousal, desire and genital pain and makes it clear that for women the sexual response involves the mind being in sync with the body. She draws upon the strategies in her upcoming self-help book " Better Sex Through Mindfulness" to discuss the powerful results found when women are guided to use mindfulness to attend to and identify triggers, context and the kind of stimuli that elicits sexual desire and arousal for them.

In this show, Dr. Gary Slutkin world known epidemiologist, senior advisor to the World Health Organization (WHO) and founder of Cure Violence, the organization ranked 1st among organizations devoted to reducing violence, invites us to recognize Violence as a Contagious Disease. Dr. Slutkin shares his background of reversing contagious diseases like TB and Cholera in Somalia and the AIDS epidemic in over 25 countries in central and East Africa and Uganda. Drawing upon this knowledge, he describes that the study of violence reveals the same exposure, susceptibility, mutation and transmission patterns, as a contagious disease. He then describes the Cure Violence Method, a program working in over 60 communities in 25 cities in the U.S. and on five continents with dramatic results. As he describes, we may have different manifestations of violence from gun shootings to domestic violence; but all are part of the Violence Disease Syndrome, which we are showing can be cured.

In this episode Dr. Kristin Neff, widely recognized as one of the world's leading experts on self-compassion, draws upon her personal introduction to self-compassion, her years of pioneering research, and her book Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself, to offer listeners an understanding of this powerful but often misunderstood and overlooked resource. In an interesting and useable way she defines self-compassion and compares it with self- pity and self-esteem. She demonstrates the power of self-compassion to enhance self-knowledge and motivation and describes and exemplifies its use of self-kindness, human connection and mindfulness to offset self-criticism and the trap of self-loathing. To hear Kristin Neff, is to receive an insider's understanding of a powerful resource for coping, healing and growing in every day life. Self- Compassion is within our grasp.

On this show you will have the opportunity to learn about Canine Companions for Independence. This is the organization that breeds, trains and provides amazing dogs for people. Be they children, adults, veterans, or facilities, these dogs give the gift of independence. You will hear about the many programs, volunteers and services of Canine Companions from Executive Director Megan Koester. 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 being a puppy raiser. She is raising her 22nd puppy and Josiah Lanning who received Service Dog, Charlice more than 5 years ago, will give you a close and personal look at what a service 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, this is the show to hear. This is an opportunity to ask questions. Don’t miss this show.

In this episode, William Pullen, psychotherapist, author and runner, captures the therapeutic power of movement. Drawing upon his interactive workbook, Running With Mindfulness, he guides listeners in the three simple steps of Dynamic Running Therapy, which he applies not only to running; but to walking, pedaling, hiking, or any form of exercise movement, alone or with a companion. His combination of movement, mindfulness, information and self-inquiry (on stress reduction, decision making, expectations, relationships, anger, depression etc.) with the natural environment, maximizes on the proven benefits of each of these modalities. As you will hear, his approach provides us with a simple, available and powerful therapeutic tool. Joining us from the UK, William Pullen is someone you will want to hear.

In this episode, Dr. Andrew Smiler, licensed therapist and an expert on boys, men, and masculinity, will discuss his new and important book, Dating and Sex: A Guide for the 21st Century Teen Boy. In a culture of easy access to porn, sexual violence on campus and the condemnation of sexual predators, there is both mystification and intimidation for male teens about sexuality and dating. As such, Dr. Smiler addresses the topics and the questions that too often go unanswered: What is sexual consent? What are the differences between dating vs. hooking up? What are the differences between the stereotype of male sexuality as focused only on sex vs. the reality of male sexuality as mostly an aspect of relationships. What Dr. Smiler offers boys is help in determining what sexual activities they are ready for. What he offers parents is the information they need to know when they talk to their sons about dating and sex. Don’t miss this show.

In this show Dr. Dawn Buse, Director of Behavioral Medicine for the Montefiore Headache Center and Associate Professor of Neurology at Albert Einstein College of Medicine draws upon her extensive experience to discuss living well with migraine. She demystifies migraine and shares important treatment possibilities. Drawing upon her recent research, she addresses what has often been overlooked, the impact of migraine on a family. She offers strategies for managing migraine and living well as a parent and/or spouse with this chronic suffering. Her shared expertise will benefit the many people who cope with migraine and the families who love them.

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.

In this episode, Dr. Geoffrey Greif, discusses, Two Plus Two: Couples and their Couple Relationships, a book he co-authored with Dr. Kathleen Holtz Deal, which is the first book to explore the meaning of couples' friendships with other couples. Drawing upon research with 400 couples, Dr. Greif reports on findings and invites listeners to consider whether they are Seekers, Keepers or Nesters? Who are their couple friends? Do their couple friendships impact their relationship in a positive or negative way? Do couple friendships change over the course of a couple's marriage? How do couples balance the demands on their time with couple friends? What does it mean if a couple mostly has separate friendships? Do men and women value couple friendships in different ways? What happens when a couple's couple friends break up? This is a very interesting show, which informs and invites self-reflection and couple discussion.

In this episode Dr. Andrea Brandt, psychologist and author draws upon her latest book, Mindful Aging: Embracing Your Life After 50 to Find Fulfillment, Purpose, and Joy, to refute the notion of aging as chronic deterioration and decline and invite us to be " On top of the hill rather than over the hill!" Toward this end, she draws upon research and offers specific strategies for knowing ourselves better, accepting our passions and truths, letting go of regrets and making a plan for bringing our dreams to life. She discusses the use of realistic positivity and guides us through the use of emotional mindfulness. She challenges us to look back in our history for forgotten joys and offers inspiring examples and methods for replacing loss and rethinking limits. You will be as energized as you are inspired by her use of a mind-body-heart connection for well being at any age.