In this episode of the Integral Health Resources Podcast, I discuss my personal struggle to embrace a professional identity as a “counselor,” given my unconventional views on certain mental health issues. Here are some other media resources that may be helpful/relevant to this discussion: 20/20: A Vision for the Future of Counseling (from the American …

Continue reading "IHR Podcast #9: Professional Identity in Counseling"

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In this episode of the Integral Health Resources Podcast, I discuss an important paper by Noel Hunter and William Schultz called A Response to the Hyper-focus on Brain-based Research and “Disease”. Here are some other media resources that may be helpful/relevant to this discussion: A Response to the Hyper-focus on Brain-based Research and “Disease” By …

Continue reading "IHR Podcast #8: Doubling down on the brain-based model of mental illness"

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In this episode of the Integral Health Resources Podcast, I discuss the limits of psychological science and the role creativity can play in living the good life. Topics include: An interesting discussion between Sam Harris and Paul Bloom on the drawbacks of empathy The appropriate weight of scientific research in guiding personal behavior and professional …

Continue reading "IHR Podcast #7: Knowing most about what matters least"

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In this episode of the Integral Health Resources Podcast, I describe and explore the potential benefits, issues, and challenges involved in implementing mindfulness-based interventions with students in K-12 schools. Topics include: Clinical applications of mindfulness The use of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) with both adults and children A review of the research on MBIs, with a …

Continue reading "IHR Podcast #6: Mindfulness in Schools"

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In this episode of the Integral Health Resources Podcast, I reflect on various views of addiction, specifically focusing on a recent article by Johann Hari, who has a new book out called Chasing the Scream:The First and Last Days of the War on Drugs. Topics include: Various ways of understanding the concept of “addiction” Johann …

Continue reading "IHR Podcast #5: Addiction and Connection"

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In this episode of the Integral Health Resources Podcast, I reflect on the notion of “evidenced-based” treatments and practice. Topics include: Evidence-based treatment of mental health problems The process of conducting research (especially in the field of mental health counseling) The process of “peer review” in scientific publishing Summary: Helping people using “evidence-based” treatments is …

Continue reading "IHR Podcast #4: Evidence-Based Treatment"

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In this episode of the Integral Health Resources Podcast, I rant about Paxil, bulging discs, and having one’s head lodged in an elephant’s bum. Topics include: The “chemical imbalance” model of psychopathology The biopsychosocial or “integral” approach to health Tigers on porches Elephant butts Summary: Anything less than an integral, bio-psycho-social-cultural way of understanding mental …

Continue reading "IHR Podcast #3: Anxiety and Elephants"

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In this episode of the Integral Health Resources Podcast, I get on the floor so that I can get some sleep. Topics include: Unwinding Somatic/Body-oriented practices “Resisting what is happening is a major cause of suffering” – Pema Chodron Engaging with electronic media in a healthy manner Summary: Buddhist teacher Pema Chodron recently said the …

Continue reading "IHR Podcast #2: Unwinding"

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In this –the inaugural episode of the Integral Health Resources Podcast– I flounder about trying to figure out what on earth I’m doing. Topics include: “Precision psychiatry” NIMH Director Thomas Insel Integral/Biopsychosocial models of health Summary: In the May issue of Science, Dr. Thomas Insel (Director of the National Institute of Mental Health) makes his …

Continue reading "IHR Podcast #1: Precision Psychiatry"

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Dr. Roger Walsh recently wrote a landmark article in the American Psychological Association’s flagship journal, American Psychologist. The article, Lifestyle and Mental Health, outlines eight major lifestyle factors that are woefully under-appreciated in the field of mental health, despite overwhelming … Continue reading →