In this episode, John Cordray interviews Dr. Sharone Niv, a cognitive psychologist and co-founder of Joyous PBC, to discuss the emerging field of ketamine therapy.

They explore the benefits of low-dose ketamine treatment, the patient experience, and the integration of this therapy into clinical practice. Dr. Niv shares insights on how ketamine can facilitate self-discovery and healing, while also addressing common misconceptions and logistical aspects of telehealth. The conversation highlights the importance of proper screening and the potential for lasting change in patients' lives.

Takeaways:

1. Ketamine therapy is gaining traction in the mental health community.

2. Low-dose ketamine offers a gentle approach to self-discovery.

3. Patients report feeling more at ease and open during therapy sessions.

4. Telehealth makes ketamine therapy accessible to a wider audience.

5. Proper screening is essential to ensure patient safety.

6. The therapy can help with treatment-resistant depression and anxiety.

7. Clinicians can integrate ketamine therapy into their practices with proper training.

8. The experience of ketamine therapy can last about 45 minutes to an hour.

9. Patients are encouraged to build positive mental habits during treatment.

10. The goal is to help patients feel renewed and empowered.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Ketamine Therapy

01:38 Sharone Niv's Background and Journey

04:29 Understanding Ketamine: Mechanisms and Experiences

06:21 The Patient Experience with Ketamine Therapy

18:35 Common Patient Profiles and Conditions

23:35 The Clinician's Perspective on Ketamine Therapy

Learn more about Ketamine Treatment here:

https://joyous.team

https://joyous.team/therapy

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-niv/

https://www.sharonniv.substack.com/

My equipment:

Mic stand/arm = https://brandstore.rode.com/products/psa1-plus-black?sca_ref=9560156.5UkjDMGVPE

Mic = https://brandstore.rode.com/products/podmic-usb?sca_ref=9560156.5UkjDMGVPE

Search for more recording equipment = https://brandstore.rode.com?sca_ref=9560156.5UkjDMGVPE

John Cordray, LPC, LPCC, LMHC, NCC

Licensed Mental Health Therapist & Podcast Host

www.johncordray.com

Disclaimer: The Mental Health Today Show is for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as therapy. If you are seeking therapy, please contact a licensed therapist for help.

Some of the links in this description are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them, at no additional cost to you. These links help support this channel, allowing me to continue creating content you love. Thanks for your support!

#mentalhealthpodcast #mentalhealthtodayshow #mentalhealth

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In this episode, John Cordray interviews Dr. Anthony Mazzella, a psychoanalyst with over 20 years of experience, to explore the complexities of narcissism. They discuss the definition of narcissism, how to recognize it in oneself and others, and the impact it has on personal relationships.

Dr. Mazzella emphasizes the importance of understanding narcissistic behaviors not as malicious but as a defense mechanism for fragile self-esteem. The conversation also touches on how to navigate relationships with narcissistic individuals and the potential for change and improvement in those exhibiting narcissistic traits.

Takeaways:

1. Narcissism is often misunderstood and oversimplified.
2. Recognizing narcissism involves understanding its impact on self-esteem.
3. Narcissistic individuals may not be aware of their behaviors.
4. Relationships with narcissists can be challenging and require careful navigation.
5. It's important to approach narcissistic behaviors with curiosity, not judgment.
6. Narcissism can manifest in various ways, including grandiosity and covert behaviors.
7. The impact of living with a narcissist can lead to feelings of inadequacy and fear.
8. Change is possible for narcissists, but it requires awareness and effort.
9. Therapy can help individuals with narcissistic traits understand their behaviors.
10. Understanding the underlying vulnerabilities of narcissists can foster empathy.

https://www.drmazzella.com

https://www.youtube.com/@thenarcissismdecoder

My equipment:

Mic stand/arm = https://brandstore.rode.com/products/psa1-plus-black?sca_ref=9560156.5UkjDMGVPE

Mic = https://brandstore.rode.com/products/podmic-usb?sca_ref=9560156.5UkjDMGVPE

Search for more recording equipment = https://brandstore.rode.com?sca_ref=9560156.5UkjDMGVPE

John Cordray, LPC, LPCC, LMHC, NCC

Licensed Mental Health Therapist & Podcast Host

https://www.johncordray.com

Disclaimer: The Mental Health Today Show is for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as therapy. If you are seeking therapy, please contact a licensed therapist for help.

Some of the links in this description are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them, at no additional cost to you. These links help support this channel, allowing me to continue creating content you love. Thanks for your support!

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Narcissism and Its Complexity

02:35 Understanding Narcissism: Definitions and Traits

05:50 Recognizing Narcissism in Relationships

12:46 The Impact of Narcissism on Personal Relationships

19:48 Navigating Relationships with Narcissistic Individuals

30:02 Hope and Change: Can Narcissists Improve?

34:45 Parting Words of Encouragement

#mentalhealthpodcast #mentalhealthtodayshow #mentalhealth

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In this conversation, John Cordray and Sophia Vale Galano discuss the pressing issue of teenage anxiety, exploring its causes, communication barriers, and the challenges parents face in supporting their teens.

They emphasize the importance of understanding the unique pressures today’s teenagers encounter compared to previous generations. The discussion covers practical strategies for parents to help their teens cope with anxiety, the distinction between normal adolescent behavior and concerning signs, and the various levels of care available for those who need more support.

Ultimately, they encourage hope and resilience for both teens and parents navigating these challenges together.

Sophia's Book: Calming Teenage Anxiety: A Parent's Guide to Helping Your Teenage Cope with Worry. Available on Amazon https://a.co/d/1HkxU6e

www.sophiagalano.com

https://www.instagram.com/sophiavale_galano/

Takeaways:

• Teen anxiety is a growing concern that requires attention.
• Parents often struggle to communicate effectively with their teens.
• Understanding the difference between normal teenage behavior and anxiety is crucial.
• School avoidance can be a significant issue stemming from anxiety.
• Parents should seek a balance between enabling and pushing their teens.
• Higher levels of care may be necessary for some teens struggling with anxiety.
• Therapy is not a one-size-fits-all solution; different approaches work for different teens.
• Empathy and understanding are key in parent-teen relationships.
• It's important for parents to remain hopeful and open to different solutions.
• Teens need to feel empowered to navigate their own challenges. 

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Teenage Anxiety

02:53 Understanding the Landscape of Teen Anxiety

06:02 Communication Gaps Between Teens and Parents

08:57 The Role of Empathy in Parenting

11:59 Identifying Normal vs. Concerning Behavior

14:52 Navigating School Avoidance and Anxiety

18:03 Finding the Right Support for Teens

20:58 The Importance of Parental Involvement

24:00 Exploring Higher Levels of Care

27:05 Diverse Therapeutic Approaches

30:00 Final Thoughts and Hope for Families

Host: John Cordray, LPC, NCC

www.johncordray.com

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In this conversation, John Cordray interviews Dr. Will Dobud, a researcher and educator specializing in adolescent mental health. They discuss the cultural differences and similarities in teen mental health across various countries, the challenges of engaging teenagers in therapy, and insights from Dr. Dobud's book, 'Kids These Days.'

The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding youth from a holistic perspective and the need for meaningful engagement to support their mental health.

https://www.willdobud.com

https://www.kidsthesedaysbook.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-dobud-5209ab74/ https://x.com/WillDobud https://www.facebook.com/WillDobudPhD https://www.instagram.com/willdobud https://www.instagram.com/kids_these_days_book/

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Adolescent Mental Health Research

01:37 Cultural Perspectives in Psychotherapy

06:35 Engaging with Teenagers in Therapy

10:53 Understanding Youth Mental Health Challenges

13:46 Insights from the Book 'Kids These Days'

20:28 Target Audience for Youth Mental Health Resources

25:42 Empowering Youth as Active Participants

John Cordray, LPC, LPCC, LMHC, NCC

Licensed Mental Health Therapist & Podcast Host

www.johncordray.com

Disclaimer: The Mental Health Today Show is for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as therapy. If you are seeking therapy, please contact a licensed therapist for help.

#mentalhealthpodcast #mentalhealthtodayshow #mentalhealth

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In this episode, John Cordray interviews Shruti Trivedi, a certified life coach who specializes in helping working mothers prioritize self-care and find balance in their lives. Shruti shares her personal journey from IT to life coaching, emphasizing the importance of mental health and self-care.

The conversation explores the differences between life coaching and therapy, the significance of accountability, and the process of starting life coaching sessions. Shruti encourages listeners to consider their current life situations and the potential benefits of seeking a life coach.

Takeaways:

Life coaching helps individuals set and achieve their goals.

Self-care is essential for maintaining balance in life.

Accountability plays a crucial role in personal growth.

Life coaching focuses on future goals rather than past issues.

The first discovery call is a complimentary opportunity to assess fit.

Life coaches provide structured support and strategies for clients.

It's important for working mothers to prioritize their own needs.

Certification in life coaching adds credibility and structure to the practice.

Life coaching can be done virtually, making it accessible to anyone.

Taking the first step towards change can lead to significant improvements in life.

Find out more about Shurti here:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tulsihealslifecoaching

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tulsiheals_life_coaching/

Substack: https://substack.com/@tulsihealslifecoaching

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEuJzTER4Lz2u42KQIg2X9w

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/shruti-trivedi-pmp-acc-8793671a

***

Host: John Cordray, LPC, NCC

www.johncordray.com

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Join us on the Mental Health Today Show as John Cordray welcomes Estefana Johnson, a licensed clinical social worker, to discuss the transformative power of Critical Memory Integration (CMI) in rewiring trauma responses.

Estefana shares her personal experiences with childhood adversity and how they led her to develop CMI, a therapeutic approach that prioritizes integration over desensitization. Discover how CMI helps individuals connect with their authentic selves, offering a path to healing that acknowledges the complexity of trauma beyond traditional definitions.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in innovative approaches to mental health and personal development.

More about Estefana:

Estefana Johnson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and experienced trauma therapist with over two decades of experience in mental health. She began her career in 2001 as a Behavioral Health Technician, briefly stepping away in 2005 to teach in Japan. Her diverse background spans multiple roles and settings, including residential treatment for at-risk youth and medical social work, giving her a well-rounded perspective on mental health care.

As the Director of Clinical Training for ARISE Alliance Institute, Estefana Johnson oversees the professional development and training of clinicians on Critical Memory Integration (CMI™). Her role involves designing and implementing comprehensive training curricula for mental health professionals to enhance clinical skills, particularly in trauma-focused care, PTSD treatment, and therapeutic interventions. Estefana also develops and delivers trauma-informed programming tailored to the needs of at-risk populations, bringing these services directly into community-based settings to ensure accessible, responsive care where it’s needed most.

She is currently a practicing clinician and Dosing Session Monitor at Lighthouse Psychiatry and TMS in Gilbert, Arizona, contributing both to clinical care and research trials exploring the therapeutic use of psychedelics.

Estefana’s work in community mental health, coupled with her personal experiences as a first-generation child of immigrants, has deeply influenced her therapeutic approach. Passionate about supporting foster and adoptive children, Estefana serves as Lead Volunteer, Board Member, and Clinical Director for ASA Now, a nonprofit organization that provides critical assistance, support, and advocacy for foster and adoptive children and their families. Her role with ASA extends to Shade Tree Academy, a therapeutic school designed for children impacted by foster care and adoption who have not thrived in traditional school settings. There, she provides trauma-informed staff training and has contributed to program development to support healing-centered education.

With a commitment to education, advocacy, and compassionate care, Johnson continues to make a lasting impact in the mental health field and in the communities she serves.

Learn more about CTI here:

https://arisealliance.org/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5MyzV9KBg0eJ0uY88N-zCw https://www.instagram.com/ariseallianceinstitute/ https://www.facebook.com/AriseAllianceInstitute/

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In this episode of The Mental Health Today Show, John Cordray and Daniel Packard explore the complexities of mental health, focusing on the root causes of anxiety and other emotional struggles. Daniel shares his personal journey from suffering with anxiety to creating a system that helps others achieve permanent results.

They discuss the importance of understanding fear as a primary issue, the role of the nervous system, and the need for practical solutions that go beyond traditional therapy. The conversation emphasizes the significance of results in mental health and encourages listeners to seek approaches that address the root causes of their struggles.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Mental Health Challenges

02:45 Daniel's Journey and Motivation

05:15 The Improvement Industrial Complex

08:03 Engineering Solutions for Mental Health

10:53 The Role of Fear in Mental Health

13:21 Understanding Symptoms vs. Root Causes

15:44 The Pathway to Permanent Results

27:35 Overcoming Fear: Short-Term vs Long-Term Solutions

30:35 The Quest for Freedom from Fear

34:46 Mind-Body Connection: Understanding Fear's Origin

38:09 The Nervous System: Key to Emotional Health

42:42 Hygiene for the Nervous System: A New Approach

GET THE FREE VIDEO TRAINING: If you’re curious about what Daniel shared, go to www.danielpackard.com and download the free video training Pathway To Permanent Results, where you can try one of their innovative techniques and see for yourself if this can help you.

https://www.facebook.com/danielpackardpublic/

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In this episode of the Mental Health Today show, host John Cordray interviews Ellen Wood, a columnist, artist, and author who shares her inspiring journey of facing early symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.

Ellen discusses her mother's battle with Alzheimer's, her own experiences with memory issues, and the spiritual practices that helped her regain her mental clarity. She introduces the Tibetan Rites of Rejuvenation, a series of exercises that she credits for her youthful vitality at the age of 88.

Ellen emphasizes the importance of positive thinking, mindfulness, and gratitude in maintaining mental health and longevity. She also shares insights from her upcoming book on growing younger and offers practical tips for listeners to enhance their well-being.

Takeaways:

Ellen Wood faced early symptoms of Alzheimer's after watching her mother suffer from the disease.

She developed a personal process to combat negative thoughts and promote mental health.

The Tibetan Rites of Rejuvenation have been a key part of her daily routine for over 20 years.

Positive thinking and gratitude are essential for mental health and longevity.

Ellen emphasizes the importance of community and accountability in maintaining health practices.

She believes in the power of spiritual practices to enhance well-being.

Ellen's upcoming book will detail her seven practices for growing younger.

Mindfulness and being present are crucial for enjoying life.

Ellen encourages listeners to love everyone and let go of grudges.

She shares that she has no gray hair at 88, attributing it to her health practices.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Ellen Wood's Journey

01:54 Facing Alzheimer's: A Personal Story

06:09 The Tibetan Rites of Rejuvenation

12:03 The Power of Positive Thinking and Mindfulness

17:58 Living a Full Life: Family and Legacy

23:55 Practical Tips for Growing Younger

29:50 Final Thoughts and Resources

Learn more about Ellen:

www.howtogrowyounger.com

Facebook: ellen.wood.33

Instagram ellenwoodusa1

YouTube practicing the Five Tibetans: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjtslbrFbLY&t=13s

***

Host: John Cordray, LPC

www.johncordray.com

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In this conversation, Alex Feinberg shares his journey from aspiring professional baseball player to navigating the high-stress corporate world, ultimately finding success as a fitness coach. He discusses the importance of mindset, motivation, and tailored coaching in achieving personal and professional goals. Alex emphasizes the need for a sustainable approach to fitness that aligns with individual lifestyles, advocating for a system that is enjoyable and effective. He concludes with a powerful reminder about the compounding effects of our choices on health and well-being.

Learn more about Alex at https://www.feinbergsystems.com

Takeaways:

Alex Feinberg transitioned from a baseball career to corporate roles, learning valuable lessons about stress and performance.

He emphasizes the importance of mindset in overcoming challenges and achieving success.

Fitness should be enjoyable and sustainable, not a grueling task.

Tailored coaching is essential for individual success in fitness and health.

Motivation can be enhanced through lifestyle choices like sleep and nutrition.

Alex's fitness system focuses on protein-dominant meals and enjoyable workouts.

He believes that effort should yield tangible results to build trust with clients.

The compounding effect of lifestyle choices can significantly impact long-term health.

Alex's approach to fitness is rooted in behavioral economics and understanding human motivation.

He encourages individuals to take control of their health and make positive changes.

Keywords:

fitness, motivation, mindset, coaching, health, lifestyle, entrepreneurship, stress management, personal development, success

00:00 The Journey Begins: From Baseball Dreams to Corporate Realities

04:34 Navigating Stress: The High Stakes of Performance

10:21 Mindset Matters: The Key to Overcoming Challenges

12:12 Motivation and Lifestyle: Building a Foundation for Success

17:46 Tailored Coaching: The Feinberg System Explained

24:23 Sustainability in Fitness: A Lifestyle Approach

26:38 Final Thoughts: Compounding Change for a Better Life

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John Cordray, a Licensed Professional Counselor, explores the pervasive issue of comparison in our lives, highlighting three main syndromes: Imposter Syndrome, Envy Syndrome, and Grass is Greener Syndrome. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing these patterns and their impact on our self-worth and happiness. Drawing on Steve Jobs' wisdom, Cordray encourages listeners to focus on their own lives and find contentment rather than comparing themselves to others.

Takeaways:

Don't waste your time living someone else's life.

Imposter syndrome is wishing you were better.

Envy is called the thief of joy for a reason.

The Grass is Greener syndrome keeps you stuck.

Recognizing these syndromes can change your life forever.

Focus on the good things and the things you're thankful for.

Your time is limited, so don't waste it.

It's about being content with who you are.

Each moment spent wishing you were someone else is lost.

Therapy can help reframe negative thinking patterns.

Notable Quotes:

"Imposter syndrome is wishing you were better."

"It's about being content with who you are."

"Your time is limited, so don't waste it."

Chapters:

00:00 The Desire for Another Life

02:47 Understanding the Three Comparison Syndromes

06:03 Imposter Syndrome: The Fraud Within

08:45 Envy Syndrome: The Thief of Joy

12:04 Grass is Greener Syndrome: The Restless Yearning

14:47 Finding Contentment in Your Own Life

Grab a copy of John's ebook - "Finding Calm Amid The Storm" at www.johncordray.me/ebook

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