The Shrink Is In- The Podcast Voice of Psychology

Todays podcast is a conversation between two therapists. I was contacted by Kirk Honda a therapist from Seattle who also produces his own vidcast called “Psychology In Seattle”(http://www.psychologyinseattle.com). Kirk has been a licensed therapist therapist in Seattle since 1996. He taught graduate-level psychology courses at Antioch for nine years. He also supervises therapists-in-training. Today we talk about therapy on the two different coasts, our practices and some specific questions Kirk has from his audience. Listen in and see what you think.

Today I talk about a research study that was undertaken starting in 1961 by Dr. Stanley Milgram which was designed try to ascertain what kind of people were capable of carrying out the atrocities during the Nazi regime and the Holocaust. Surprisingly, the study showed regular people could be coerced into doing terrible things. The research showed one does not have to have a pathological personality disorder to be inhuman to others. Studies similar to Dr. Milgram’s have not been initiated for many years due to ethical concerns. However, I came across a more recent study that has revealed similar findings. The findings and the implications are discussed.

Today’s podcast is a conversation with Dr. Karen Sherman on mindfulness and making choices in ones life. We discuss the reasons she wrote her new book called Mindfulness and the Art of Choice: Transform your Life. Dr. Sherman’s book offers the reader the tools to stop living a life that is burdened by old, repetitive feelings and patterns that keep people stuck and unhappy.
Dr. Karen Sherman, a NYS licensed psychologist, who has been in private practice for over 20 years on Long Island. In addition to her private practice, Dr. Sherman has been taking her skills to groups and organizations with her Art of choice workshops and seminars. In Art of Choice workshops and lectures, Dr. Sherman helps people examine how they make choices, what motivates those choices, and whether those motivating factors are really, what the people themselves want. She also examines the conditions under which people sometimes accidentally give up their ability or right to choose.
Dr. Sherman is also an expert in relationship counseling and an author on the topic. Her book, Marriage Magic! Find It, Keep It, and Make It Last, co-authored with communications expert Dale Klein, is a compendium of wisdom about making marriages better.
Dr. Sherman has two websites where you can find out more about her books, programs and offerings: www.ChoiceRelationships.com and www.Drkarensherman.com.

Parenting issues come up in my practice everyday. I have been giving advice to parents for over 25 years. I came across a great resource for parents and today I talk to the author of one of the best parenting books I have seen in years, The A to Z Guide to Raising Happy, Confident Kids, Dr. Jenn Berman.
Dr. Jenn Berman is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in private practice in Beverly Hills and has been working in the field of psychology for more than 15 years. She has made appearances as a psychological expert on more than one hundred television shows including: The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Today Show, Intervention, 48 Hours, and The Tyra Banks Show. She has been heard on various different radio stations including on her call in advice show "On the Couch”. Her “Dr. Jenn” column, which is printed in Los Angeles Family Magazine and four other magazines, won the 2005 Parenting Publication of America silver medal in the area of Child Development and Parenting. She has been quoted as an expert in such publications as: The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, US Weekly, The Boston Herald, Cosmopolitan Magazine, Chicago Tribune, Good Housekeeping, and Parents Magazine. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and two children. She has done consulting for child-oriented organizations such as A Minor Consideration, The Actors' Fund, and USA Gymnastics. Her website is www.DoctorJenn.com.

In today's podcast I talk with Dr. Richard Nicastro, a psychologist and relationship coach with fifteen years experience helping couples build stronger, more fulfilling relationships, about the most common problems in relationships today, relationship coaching, and the difference between relationship coaching and more formal relationship counseling.

Dr. Nicastro has lectured at several universities and now conducts workshops for couples on a wide range of relationship issues. His relationship advice has appeared on television, radio and in national magazines. His goal is to guide individuals and couples as they implement the skills that will allow their relationships to flourish.

Dr. Nicastro has developed The Healthy Relationship Program: A Comprehensive E-Workbook Series for Couples. The program is designed for individuals and couples eager to acquire the essential relationship tools needed to create a meaningful, lasting union. You can read Dr. Nicastro's relationship articles by visiting his website (www.StrengthenYourRelationship.com). Dr. Nicastro also offers individuals and couples a free 30-minute relationship check-up conducted over the phone. Visit his website for details about how to schedule a relationship checkup.

Today's podcast is a conversation with Dr. Leah Klungness on the effect of divorce on children. Leah Klungness is a psychologist and recognized authority on single parenting and relationship issues.She is the co-founder of the recently launched www.singlemommyhood.com and the co-author of the award winning book “The Complete Single Mother”, which is the only comprehensive and best selling self-help book ever written for single parents.

Leah is in private practice in Locust Valley, Long Island, New York. She specializes in working with families during and after divorce, and offers expert testimony.

Today, I briefly talk about the 2008 Mental Health Parity Act that was dropped into the big billion dollar bail out plan. I give a brief history of mental health parity and the impact this new act will have for those who need mental health services and for those who provide those services.

Today, I talk about what is in the pipeline for mental health problems. There are some new leads, but more research and development is needed.

Today's podcast is a conversation between Dr. Gurr and Mr. Gazley about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder(PTSD) and a variety approaches to treat this disorder. Mr. Gazley has practiced psychotherapy for over thirty years and is the owner operator of www.asktheinternettherapist.com since 1998. He is the author of eight mental health educational videos and DVD's and is currently writing a book on distance counseling. Jef is State Licensed in General Counseling, Marriage/Family, and Substance Abuse counseling. In his private practice in Scottsdale, Arizona, Jef specializes in ADD, love addiction, hypnotherapy, dysfunctional families, codependency, and trauma issues. He is a trained counselor in EMDR, NET, TFT, Applied Kinesiology, and a certified hypnotist and hypnotherapist. Jef received his B.A. in Psychology, History, and Teaching from the University of Washington and his Masters in Counseling from the University of Oregon. He is a member in good standing with the American Society for Clinical Hypnosis, the International Society for Clinical Hypnosis, a Clinical Member of the Norton Prince Institute of Hypnosis, a member of the National Board of Certified Hypnotherapists, and a member of the American Psychotherapy and Medical Hypnosis Association.

Today’s podcast is conversation between Dr. Howard Gurr and Michael J. Connelly, M.Ed., NCC, LPC on Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Michael J. Connelly is a Licensed Professional Therapist and President of Positive Pathways, Mr. Connelly’s treatment philosophy is quite eclectic with concentration on Cognitive Behavior Therapy, (CBT). Mr. Connelly's professional experience has been with clients suffering with depression and anxiety disorders, especially those with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, (OCD) by means of using Exposure Therapy. He has been a personal and academic counselor at a local University. Mr. Connelly is trained in treating Problem and Pathological Gambling issues. Mr. Connelly received his training for treating Problem Gambling at the University of Pittsburgh.