The Adaptive Mind

Ever wondered if therapy is right for you? In this episode, postdoctoral fellow Katherine Seldin breaks down everything you need to know about finding the right therapist, what to expect in your sessions, and when therapy might (or might not) be the right fit.

Katherine's expertise in emotional impulsivity, mood disorders, and evidence-based therapies makes her the perfect guide through the often confusing world of mental health care.

00:00:00 Introduction

00:00:30 Therapy's Universal Benefits

00:02:56 Finding The Right Therapist

00:08:04 Therapeutic Alliance Importance

00:14:52 Therapy Intake Process

00:22:52 Questions To Ask Therapists

00:24:59 Telehealth Vs. In-Person Therapy

00:27:11 When Therapy Isn't A Fit

00:32:35 Ending Therapy Positively

00:34:37 Alternatives To Talk Therapy

Could therapy benefit everyone? Katherine believes some form of therapy could help anyone, but finding the right match is crucial. She explains why therapy "not working" usually means the fit wasn't right—not that therapy itself is ineffective.

Discover practical tips for finding your ideal therapist, including:

• How to navigate the "alphabet soup" of credentials (PhD, LCSW, LMFT)
• Using Psychology Today and insurance websites as starting points
• When matching with a therapist who shares your background matters
• What the research says about therapeutic alliance (that chemistry between you and your therapist)
  

Katherine takes you through what to expect in your first sessions, explaining why the intake process, though sometimes daunting, is a valuable opportunity for self-reflection rather than just retelling your story.

She also addresses important questions about therapy logistics:

• Why therapy sometimes feels worse before it gets better
• The pros and cons of virtual versus in-person sessions
• Questions you should ask your therapist
• How to recognize when it's time to change therapists or end therapy
• The importance of proper closure when therapy ends

Not sure therapy is for you? Katherine shares effective alternatives, from developing strong social support networks to exploring mindfulness and meditation practices with proven benefits for mental wellbeing.

Whether you're therapy-curious or looking to get more from your current therapeutic relationship, this episode offers invaluable insights to help you navigate your mental health journey with confidence.

Connect with Katherine Seldin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-seldin/

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In this episode of The Adaptive Mind, we sit down with Eliane Boucher, a social psychologist and behavioral scientist who transitioned from academia to become a leader in digital mental health. After spending a decade in psychology education, Eliane found her calling in the digital health industry where she's worked to develop evidence-based digital interventions that make an immediate impact on people's lives.

Our conversation explores the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence in mental health applications—both the long-established uses and the revolutionary changes happening today with generative AI. Eliane provides an insider's perspective on how companies are integrating AI into their products and the ethical considerations they should prioritize.

• The distinction between traditional AI chatbots (which use predefined responses) and today's generative AI models that create unique content in real-time
• How AI is being used behind the scenes for personalization and recommendations in mental health applications
• Warning signs of "bad actors" in the digital wellness space who make unvalidated scientific claims using AI-generated content
• Practical advice for consumers on how to evaluate whether a mental health app is using AI responsibly and ethically
• The potential future of AI in creating truly personalized, integrated mental health interventions that address multiple conditions simultaneously

Eliane shares compelling insights about the challenges of responsible AI implementation, particularly regarding data privacy, algorithm bias, and the limitations of AI in replicating human empathy. She emphasizes that while AI offers tremendous opportunities for improving access to mental health support, human oversight remains essential—especially when working with high-risk populations.

Whether a mental health professional or simply interested in how technology is reshaping healthcare, this episode offers valuable guidance on AI-powered mental health solutions.

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On this episode of The Adaptive Mind, we're joined by Ron Squire, a licensed social worker with a master's degree in social work from Brigham Young University. Ron specializes in adolescent treatment and addiction recovery, offering profound insights shaped by his incredible personal journey of overcoming temporary paralysis. Join us as Ron shares his expertise in cognitive behavioral therapy and existential philosophy to help us understand how pain, shame, and compassion can be powerful catalysts for healing and personal development.

• The Dual Nature of Pain: Ron explains how pain, while often perceived as a deterrent, serves as both a warning system and a gateway to personal growth and resilience. He shares insights from his recovery journey, emphasizing the importance of embracing pain to strengthen emotional and physical endurance.

• The Brain's Response to Pain: Explore with Ron the neurophysiological aspects of pain, both emotional and physical. Learn how different regions of the brain collaborate to process pain, and how understanding this can aid in managing both physical and emotional challenges.

• The Role of Shame and Guilt: Differentiate between shame and guilt with Ron's guidance, understanding why shame can sometimes be a necessary moral compass. Discover practical strategies to harness shame constructively and prevent it from becoming a barrier to self-compassion and progress.

• Building Resilience through Discomfort: Ron advocates for doing hard things—like exercise and challenging oneself intellectually—to build mental fortitude and an inoculation against future, unchosen pain. This approach not only enhances resilience but also promotes a healthier relationship with pain.

• Cultivating Self-Compassion in the Face of Shame: Engage in a deeper discussion about balancing self-compassion with accountability. Ron shares techniques to achieve harmony, instead of mere balance, in self-evaluation and personal growth.

• Ron Squire on Instagram
• Ron Squire on YouTube
• Squire Counseling Website

Access detailed show notes at https://theadaptivemind.com/.

This episode is brought to you by Neurture, the #1 science-based app to help you cut back or break habits. Install it for free today.

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In this episode of The Adaptive Mind, we are joined by Myah Revis, a 5th year clinical psychology doctoral student specializing in trauma psychology. Myah shares her expertise on the therapeutic power of journaling and writing prompts, explaining how these tools can help process challenging experiences and promote mental wellbeing. Myah offers practical tips for both beginners and experienced journalers, addressing common questions about timing, frequency, and methods to make journaling most effective.

Access detailed show notes at https://theadaptivemind.com/.

This episode is brought to you by Neurture, the #1 science-based app to help you cut back or break habits. Install it for free today.

• Install Neurture on Android
• Install Neurture on iPhone

• Neurture on Instagram
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In this episode of The Adaptive Mind, we are joined by Dr. Sui H. Wong, a neuroscientist and neuro-ophthalmologist based in London. Dr. Wong shares her expertise on the science of sleep and its crucial role in mental health, habit formation, and overall wellbeing. Drawing from her experience as both a physician and researcher, she explains the fascinating cycles of sleep, discusses how quality rest impacts willpower and emotional regulation, and offers practical, evidence-based tips for improving sleep habits. Dr. Wong also addresses common sleep misconceptions and provides actionable strategies for establishing healthy sleep routines.

This podcast is brought to you by Neurture, the #1 science-based app to help you cut back or break habits. Install it for free on iOS (https://apps.apple.com/app/id6467687675) or Android (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bradydowling.unshame).

Access detailed show notes at https://neurtureapp.com/podcast.

Access detailed show notes athttps://neurtureapp.com/podcast.

This episode is brought to you by Neurture, the #1 science-based app to help you cut back or break habits. Install it for free today.

• Install Neurture on Android
• Install Neurture on iPhone

• Neurture on Instagram
• Neurture on X (Twitter)
• Neurture on YouTube

In this episode, we are joined by Markus Pesonen, an award-winning composer and co-founder of Olo, a wellness app that harnesses the power of sound for mental health.

We explore the science behind sound's effect on the nervous system, discussing how immersive audio experiences can reduce anxiety and stress, promote neuroplasticity, and help us reconnect with ourselves.

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In this episode of The Adaptive Mind, we are joined by Hassan Aleem, PhD in Neuroscience and co-founder of Nuance Behavior, an agency leveraging behavioral science for digital behavior change. Hassan draws upon his research in neuroaesthetics to explain how visual and interactive elements shape our moods, decisions, and motivations—especially when it comes to our phones.

We discuss the irresistible pull of smartphones, from “boredom triggers” to dopamine-driven scrolling, and share practical tips to help you reclaim your attention. Hassan also dives into the ethics of designing digital products, highlighting how companies can boost user engagement without resorting to manipulative patterns. Whether you’re looking to regain focus, build healthier tech habits, or simply understand why it’s so hard to put your phone down, this episode offers actionable strategies backed by real-world behavioral science.

This podcast is brought to you by Neurture, the #1 science-based app to help you cut back or break habits.

Access detailed show notes at neurtureapp.com/podcast.

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In this episode of The Adaptive Mind, we are joined by Aly Bullock (@relationshipswithaly), a couple and family therapist specializing in effective communication within relationships. Aly shares her expertise on navigating sensitive challenges such as alcohol or porn use within couples, offering practical advice on maintaining open communication without making your partner an accountability crutch. Listen in as we explore tips for initiating difficult conversations, the benefits of systemic therapy, and how to involve your partner in positive, supportive ways. Whether struggling with personal habits or simply aiming to enhance your relationship dynamics, this episode provides actionable strategies to foster healthier communication and shared goals as a couple.

Links

Aly on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relationshipswithaly

Aly on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@relationshipswithaly

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