Psychology Life Lessons is a podcast where we listen in on conversations with experts and try to extract life lessons, and maybe a little wisdom.
In this episode of “Psychology Life Lessons,” Dr. Yi Du takes over hosting duties to interview Dr. Dan Lannin about their co-authored book, “The Art and Science of Helping.” After introducing Dan’s background, they discuss how effective helping requires both artistic creativity and scientific evidence. Dan shares the powerful “help maze” metaphor from his camp counselor days, where blindfolded children walking in circles could only exit by raising their hand for help—illustrating how seeking help is often the most important first step toward healing. They explore how self-stigma creates additional suffering and prevents help-seeking, and previous negative experiences with vulnerability can further discourage people from reaching out. Both psychologists note a societal “empathy shortage,” attributing it partly to our culture of convenience and immediate gratification. Throughout their conversation, they emphasize that becoming an effective helper requires self-knowledge and intentional practice, while highlighting human resilience symbolized by their book’s cover image of a flower growing through concrete.
Dr. Yi Du is a licensed psychologist in California with a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Iowa State University and postdoctoral training at UC Berkeley. She has been training and supervising future mental health professionals since 2012, helping them develop their skills in therapy, multicultural awareness, and professional growth.
Yi’s approach to therapy is deeply rooted in human connection, blending emotion-focused and humanistic principles with self-compassion and mind-body awareness. She integrates Western psychological research with Eastern philosophical traditions, striving to create a balanced approach to mental health.
As a researcher, she explores topics like mental health interventions, cultural adaptation, and the experiences of international students. She has also taught undergraduate and graduate courses on personal growth, career development, and research methods, earning recognition for her teaching and mentorship.
Above all, Yi is passionate about helping future helpers grow, making psychological insights practical, relatable, and meaningful in real-world settings.
Learn more about Dr. Yi Du here.
Here is some more information about The Art and Science of Helping: Developing Fundamental Skills in a Multicultural Age:
Disclaimer: The content on this site is for informational or educational purposes only, and does not substitute professional medical advice or consultations with healthcare professionals. Additionally, the opinions and viewpoints expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect the entities that employ the host or guests.
