In today’s episode, we are joined by Psychiatrist Dr. Adam Woods to discuss the five steps to well-being. In this two-part episode, we learn about Dr. Adam’s background and how he came to be a Psychiatrist. We discuss the importance of adding self-care to a routine, especially amid a divorce, loss, or a significant life change. During this episode, we focus on step 1 of his 5 step process, which is Therapy. Tune in today to learn more about how medicine is only a small portion of working through trauma and tips for finding the right therapist for you.

In this episode:

[3:40] Dr. Adam Woods's journey and story of how he became a psychiatrist. [17:25] What are the five steps of well-being? [21:22] Why Dr. Adam approaches treatment with wellbeing, not just medication. [24:37] The number one thing to help with well-being: Therapy.

Key Takeaways:

Medication is a tool that can be used to help through a difficult time, but it is not the only tool to use. Self-care and the five steps Dr. Adam goes through are necessary for healing. When we are not feeling well, mentally or physically, it is our body trying to talk to us. Don’t just numb yourself; listen to what your body is telling you and work through the feelings. Therapy is different for every person, sometimes, it only takes a couple of sessions, and sometimes it takes years to work through what your mind needs. If therapy doesn’t seem to be working, seek out another therapist.

Quotes:

“I tell people when they are in the process of divorce, or they’ve lost a job or a loved one has died, it's very much the same kind of loss. If you look at the physiological literature it's identical.” -Dr. Adam Woods

“We forget in the midst of a crisis to do normal things to take care of ourselves, and here is the problem: our body can’t talk to us, so all it can do is make us feel bad. When our body makes us feel bad, it hopes we’ll pay attention.” -Dr. Adam Woods

Guest Bio:

Dr. Adam Woods is a "Family Psychiatrist" (a term of his own invention, meaning he sees both children and adults) who practices in North Liberty, Iowa.  Touting a somewhat unusual resume, Adam attended Drake University for undergraduate school and obtained his BFA in Acting & Playwriting before embarking on a career as a professional actor and singer in various venues all over the world.  After deciding the world of theater was an avocation and not a vocation, Adam got a Masters of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary and served as a Presbyterian Chaplain in the United States Air Force.  During his time in the military, Adam found himself doing hospital chaplain work and absolutely fell in love with medicine, ultimately deciding to leave the Air Force and attend the prestigious Duke University School of Medicine, where he got his MD in 2012.  A proud Iowa native with deep family roots, Adam decided to return to his home State and do his Psychiatry Residency at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.  Adam currently lives in Coralville, Iowa with his wife, Laurie, and their 6 year old daughter, Mackenzie.

Dr. Adam Woods is the executive producer of an AWESOME theater project which will be happening in December to raise money for some amazing non-profits.  It's called the Iowa RENT Project.

Resources:

Dr. Adam Woods Email

Lesa Koski Website

Iowa RENT Project

Mentioned in this episode:

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