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Building emotional security and navigating conflict with intention often defines the success of our closest relationships.  Join us for an in-depth discussion with psychologist Dr. Betsy Chung to explore these and other topics explored in her new book The Couple Skills Workbook: Manage Conflict, Increase Trust & Intimacy, and Build a Better Relationship.  In this conversation we cover: 

• how a lack of emotional security in one’s childhood impact their romantic relationships as an adult
• how old defenses from childhood can still affect us in adult relationships as well as common signs that someone is still relying on these childhood defenses
• what emotional attunement looks like in a healthy relationship and how couples can improve their emotional attunement
• what effective acknowledgment looks like in everyday interactions between partners
• the importance of unconditional acceptance and how to accept each other’s flaws and differences without feeling resentment
• tools for repairing relationship ruptures. What are the first steps a couple should take when trying to reconcile after a heated argument?

Bio: Dr. Betsy Chung, PsyD, is a licensed clinical psychologist and relationship expert with a passion for helping individuals cultivate healthier, more fulfilling relationships. She began her academic journey at the University of California, Irvine, where she earned a degree in Psychology and a minor in Education. In 2010, Dr. Chung completed her doctoral degree in clinical psychology at Alliant University and became a licensed psychologist in California in 2013. 

Dr. Chung’s diverse career includes experience in various mental health settings, from in-patient and partial hospitalization to outpatient substance abuse rehabilitation and community mental health clinics for children. Since 2015, she has focused on private practice, where she discovered her true passion for guiding individuals and couples toward stronger relationships.

Her latest book, The Couple Skills Workbook: Manage Conflict, Increase Trust & Intimacy, and Build a Better Relationship, provides a hands-on approach to building trust, communication, and emotional intimacy. Through her work, Dr. Chung continues to empower people to develop greater self-awareness and relational intelligence.

https://www.drbetsychung.com

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In this episode, we sit down with Donna Jakson Nakazawa to explore a topic at the core of many people's therapeutic journeys: recovering from the impact of adverse childhood experiences. Her new book, The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Guided Journal, offers a compassionate, science-backed approach to understanding how trauma shapes our lives—while providing actionable steps to rewire the brain for healing. Whether dealing with childhood trauma, chronic stress, or emotional adversity, Nakazawa’s work equips readers with practical tools to process their past, build resilience, and cultivate an internal sense of safety. Join us as we dive into this powerful conversation.

• Why it’s important to revisit childhood adversity to achieve a fully actualized adulthood
• How adverse childhood experiences impact brain development
• Safely managing the challenging emotions that can arise when processing past trauma
• Key reflective questions that can help uncover how childhood experiences shape adult patterns
• A helpful approach for those feeling stuck in anger or resistant to exploring this content
• The power of narrative in understanding and making sense of our personal story
• The protective role of positive childhood experiences
• How connection serves as the antidote to trauma
• Why naming emotions is essential for emotional regulation
• How to effectively create emotionally corrective experiences

Donna Jackson Nakazawa is an award-winning science journalist, author, and internationally recognized speaker whose work focuses on the intersection of neuroscience, immunology, and human resilience. With a passion for helping individuals heal from trauma, Nakazawa has written several groundbreaking books, including “Childhood Disrupted”, “The Angel and the Assassin”, “Girls on the Brink”, and her latest, “The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Guided Journal”. Drawing on over 30 years of experience in journalism and research, Nakazawa has developed science-based techniques for trauma recovery, such as her pioneering "Neural Re-Narrating" process. Her work is deeply rooted in neuroscience and the power of writing as a tool for healing. As the creator of “Your Healing Narrative”, she teaches writing-to-heal workshops that combine mindfulness, self-compassion, and neuroscience to help people transform their lives.  Nakazawa is also a regular speaker at major universities and conferences, where she shares her expertise on trauma, adversity, and emotional well-being. Her insights have been featured in numerous media outlets, including “The New York Times”, “The Washington Post”, “The Today Show”, and NPR. She is known for her compassionate, accessible approach to complex scientific topics and her dedication to empowering individuals to reclaim their health and well-being.

http://donnajacksonnakazawa.com

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Many of us accept freewill as an undeniable truth, assuming that we are the architects of our own decisions and destiny. Yet, a growing body of scientific research challenges this notion, suggesting that our sense of freewill may be more of an illusion than reality. This emerging perspective carries profound implications, urging us to reconsider the foundations of personal responsibility, ethics, and the way we govern our society.  Dr. Yona Bouskila joins us to explore this provocative subject, drawing on insights from his thriller, The Unthinkable Truth, which expertly blends scientific inquiry with imaginative fiction.  In this conversation we cover: 

• the motivation behind delving into free will in The Unthinkable Truth and  how the book challenges conventional views on decision-making and destiny
• the fusion of neuroscience, philosophy, and AI in the book, with a particular focus on the Theory of Apparent Mental Causation, and the evidence that underpins this perspective
• how main character George Bennet's journey reflects the broader questions about the extent of human free will
•  the role of AI, exemplified by the character Sherlock, in the exploration of free will and contrast its capabilities with human reasoning
• the scientific tools and methods employed in the book to tackle the age-old question of free will
• the interplay between personal responsibility and free will, and consider how these concepts might influence moral and legal frameworks in society.
• the ethical dimensions of using AI to understand and potentially influence human decisions, weighing its possible dangers and benefits.
• the key philosophical arguments against the existence of free will as presented in the book, and discuss how these are either supported or refuted by scientific evidence.
• the future of free will research and its potential impact on society, both in theory and in practice.

A scientist by training, a thinker by nature, and an author by passion, Yona Bouskila has a particular fascination with the human mind in all its aspects. This enduring passion, together with his penchant for thrillers, served as the driving force behind The Unthinkable Truth, which he describes as a unique blend of thought-provoking science and thriller that culminates in an eye-opening revelation on the mind and humanity. He studied biology (with philosophy) and received a PhD in neuroscience from UCLA. He is involved in medical research and development. Before that, he conducted brain research at several institutions in the US and Europe. He writes short stories, often with a humorous slant, and his debut novel was published in May 2024. He lives in England with his wife and pets, where he enjoys the Surrey countryside and contemplating 

Buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/Unthinkable-Truth-Yona-Bouskila-ebook/dp/B0CW1N2JTJ/

Visit the author's website: https://www.yonabouskila.com/

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Whether it's in our personal relationships, at work, or even with ourselves, boundaries are essential for our well-being and peace of mind. Yet, many of us - even clinicians I might add - at times struggle with this practice, often feeling overwhelmed, guilty, or unsure of how to start. In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Sharon Martin discuss insights from your new book "Better Boundaries Guided Journal" which offerings practical advice and thoughtful discussion on how to establish boundaries that protect our time, energy, and emotional health.  In this conversation we cover: 

• what inspired her to create the "Better Boundaries Guided Journal"
• the most common misconceptions people have about setting boundaries.
• the flexible application of boundaries.
• overcoming the fear of conflict or potential for ejection that may come with setting boundaries.
• the role that guilt play in preventing people from setting boundaries, and how can someone work through these feelings?
• managing the challenge of connecting with resentment that has built up when we do start enforcing boundaries.  
• why clinicians may be particularly challenged with respect to implementing the very boundaries that they encourage for their clients.  
• the influence of family of origin on our boundary-setting abilities. 
• boundaries as an extention of self-care.  
• the importance of recognizing personal rights in boundary-setting and how someone can begin to assert these rights in a way that feels authentic to them?
• helping clients who are considering putting hard boundaries between themselves and their family, including no contact.  
• enforcing boundaries within the workplace. 
• setting realistic expectations around boundary setting and the reactions of others 
• using boundary setting to evaluate the health of a relationship. 

Bio: Dr. Sharon Martin, LCSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and psychotherapist devoted to teaching clients to love and accept themselves. She has practiced psychotherapy for over twenty years, drawing strongly on positive psychology and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques. Martin is a regular columnist for popular online publications, including Psychology Today and PsychCentral. She is a frequent guest on health and wellness podcasts. Her well-informed insights are featured on numerous websites, including The Good Men Project, Highly Sensitive Refuge, and Healthline.  Along with her extensive contributions to online media, Martin authors both e-books and printed titles. Her newest book, The Better Boundaries Workbook, helps clients find their voices and express their needs, allowing them to set limits and cultivate healthier relationships in their lives. Martin provides freely accessible affirmations and worksheets via her website, reflecting her passion for helping people learn self-compassion and self-acceptance.

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While most of us intuitively believe that our assessment of our lives is largely objective and a direct result of what has been happening to us, it's clear that subjective perceptions of objective events play a significant role in shaping the ultimate emotional experience of those events. This highlights the importantly interplay between personality traits and life satisfaction, raising questions about how much flexibility we have to change, reinterpret events, and see things differently to enhance well-being.  Professor Dr. Rene Mõttus joins us for a discussion of his recent paper, "Most People’s Life Satisfaction Matches Their Personality Traits." In this discussion, we explore:  

• why the Big Five stands out as a widely accepted and utilized model of personality.
• an overview of the Big Five model.
• exploring the relationship between personality traits and life satisfaction, and its importance due to its implications for psychological well-being. 
• the methodology employed in the study and the challenges involved in clearly defining core concepts such as "life satisfaction" to ensure measurable and reliable outcomes.
• the particular traits that serving as stronger predictors of well-being.  
• Personality traits that exhibit varying degrees of stability over the lifespan, and changes in these traits can affect life satisfaction as people age.  
• how extraversion and neuroticism play a pivotal role in determining life satisfaction.
• moderating factors, such as life events and cultural contexts.
• the surprising correlations between specific personality traits and life satisfaction, challenging conventional wisdom in the field.  
• applying these findings in clinical practice to enhance well-being, such as guiding therapists in working with clients and understanding the potential for change and effect sizes.  

Dr. René Mõttus is a personality psychologist whose research delves into the intricacies of human individuality, encompassing personality measurement, development, and the interplay between personality traits and well-being.  Dr. Mõttus earned his Ph.D. in psychology from the University of Tartu in 2009. His doctoral research focused on the universal and specific aspects of personality traits across various representations.  In 2010, he joined the University of Edinburgh as a postdoctoral researcher. His academic trajectory at Edinburgh includes appointments as a lecturer in 2013, reader in 2019, and professor in 2024.  Since 2023, Dr. Mõttus has also served as a professor of psychology at the University of Tartu, contributing to the academic community in his home country.  Beyond his teaching and research roles, Dr. Mõttus is the Editor-in-Chief of the European Journal of Personality, where he oversees the publication of cutting-edge research in personality psychology.  He co-hosts the Personality Psychology Podcast, engaging audiences in discussions on the latest developments in the field. Additionally, he authors the blog "People Unexplained" on Psychology Today, exploring various facets of human behavior and personality.   

Blog: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/people-unexplained

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Compulsive reassurance seeking can be a challenging issue for both clients and therapists to manage. Clients are often highly adept—sometimes knowingly, sometimes unknowingly—at eliciting excessive reassurance from therapists and family members. At the same time, resisting the urge to seek reassurance can feel nearly impossible for clients. In this episode, Amanda Petrik-Gardner, LCPC, joins us to discuss core themes from her new book, "The Compulsive Reassurance Workbook". Our conversation covers:

• What compulsive reassurance seeking is and its significance across various mental health presentations.
• Differentiating between normal reassurance seeking and compulsive reassurance seeking.
• Common triggers that lead to compulsive reassurance seeking.
• The importance of distress tolerance in managing reassurance-seeking behaviors.
• Mental health disorders that are more susceptible to compulsive reassurance-seeking behaviors.
• he cycle of reassurance seeking and how it perpetuates anxiety.
• Avoiding the use of clinical interventions (e.g., a thought record) as a safety behavior.
• Key components of the reassurance-seeking cycle.
• Effective metaphors for psychoeducation.
• Guidance for family members on navigating this specific challenge.
• Treating compulsive reassurance seeking in complex situations (e.g., trauma, pandemics, checking the accuracy of completed tasks).
• The role of “extinction bursts” in exposure-based work.
• Relapse prevention and normalizing setbacks.
• Understanding when to approach versus step back from a feared stimulus.
• Managing dysfunctional beliefs about worry.

Feedback or comments?  Email us at: [email protected]

Amanda Petrik-Gardner, LCPC specializes in the treatment of Obsessive Compulsive and Related Disorders. Amanda is the creator of the OCD Exposure Coloring Books and The Compulsive Reassurance Workbook, now available on Amazon. Amanda is on the board for OCD Kansas, an affiliate of the IOCDF (International OCD Foundation) and the president of the Kansas Counseling Association. She has completed the Behavioral Therapy Training Institute through the IOCDF and the Professional Training Institute through the TLC Foundation for BFRBs. Amanda currently provides Teletherapy to the states of Kansas, Colorado, Nebraska, Missouri, Michigan, Maine, Arizona and Florida.

https://www.amandalcpc.com

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Behavioural activation is one of the best, if not the best treatments for depression. Clinical psychologist and author, Dr. Nina Josefowitz joins us for an in-depth discussion of themes contained in her new book The Behavioural Activation Workbook for Depression.  In this discussion we cover:    

• The basic premise of behavioral activation and how it differs from other depression treatments.
• The negative feedback loop of depression and why it is so challenging to break.
• How behavioral activation addresses the physical and emotional symptoms of depression.
• The role motivation plays in behavioral activation and how individuals can overcome a lack of motivation.
• The difference between the causes of depression and its treatment.
• The importance of individuals assessing their level of depression before starting treatment.
• The purpose of activity monitoring in the context of behavioral activation.
• Common pitfalls people encounter when trying to monitor their activities and mood.
• How detailed activity monitoring should be to be effective.
• Specific examples of mood-boosting activities.
• The importance of identifying personal values when setting goals for managing depression.
• Common avoidance behaviors that perpetuate depression.
• How the physical environment impacts an individual's ability to engage in positive activities.
• Common setbacks individuals face when engaging in behavioral activation.
• Strategies for sustaining progress in managing depression.
• The benefits of combining behavioral activation with medication for a more comprehensive treatment plan.

Nina Josefowitz, PhD, is a clinical psychologist. In addition to her clinical practice, she teaches at the University of Toronto, and has offered training in North America, Asia, and Africa. She is author of numerous professional articles on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and issues related to general clinical practice. Along with David Myran, she coauthored CBT Made Simple and has co authored the new book The Behavioural Activation Workbook Depression (available on Amazon.com). She has appeared in court numerous times as an expert witness in cases involving interpersonal violence. Dr. Josefowitz was on the Council of the College of Psychologists of Ontario for 9 years, and President of the College from 2001-2003. She has published in the area of trauma, cognitive behavior therapy, women’s issues, ethics and clinical psychology.   Dr. Josefowitz is well known for integrating years of clinical experience into a practical, actionable strategies.  

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Navigating relationships with emotionally immature parents can evoke very strong reactions, which can be difficult to navigate. In many clinician's experience, when this topic comes up, people tend to react in one of three ways: defending their parents as perfect, blaming them for all their struggles, or questioning their own perceptions entirely - all of which can create stuck points. Author and psychologist, Dr. Lindsay Gibson, who has written and lectured extensively on the topic of emotional immaturity joins us for a discussion of some of the core themes covered in her new book “Disentangling from Emotionally Immature People”.  In this discussion we cover:  

• why has this topic been such a focus over her career 
• the kinds of emotional activation in clients can that flow from discussions around emotionally immature parents.
• the key traits that distinguish emotionally immature people from those who are more emotionally mature
• developmental factors that contribute to emotional immaturity in adults
• recognizing emotional immaturity in parents to help adult children heal from past traumas
• the primary coping mechanisms that emotionally immature people use, and how these impact their relationships
• practical steps can adult children take to set and maintain healthy boundaries with emotionally immature parents
• best practices for communicating effectively with emotionally immature parents, especially during conflicts
• considering whether forgiveness is necessary for healing from the impact of emotionally immature parents, and what alternatives exist if forgiveness is not feasible
• how can adult children of emotionally immature parents focus on building healthy, fulfilling relationships outside of their family of origin

Lindsay C. Gibson, PsyD, is a clinical psychologist and psychotherapist with more than thirty years’ experience working in both public service and private practice. Her books—including the #1 Amazon best seller, Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents—have sold more than a million copies, and have been translated into thirty-seven languages. In the past, Dr. Gibson has served as an adjunct assistant professor, teaching doctoral clinical psychology students clinical theory and psychotherapy techniques. She specializes in therapy and coaching with adults to attain new levels of personal growth, emotional intimacy with others, and confidence in dealing with emotionally immature family members. Her website is available at http://www.lindsaygibsonpsyd.com.

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Assessing & treating adult ADHD can be both very challenging as well as highly rewarding for client and clinician alike. Psychologist & author, Dr. Russell Ramsay joins us for an in-depth discussion of the assessment and treatment of adult ADHD building on themes in his new workbook, The Adult ADHD and Anxiety Workbook.  In this discussion we cover: 

• why Dr. Ramsay wanted to write a workbook focused on both ADHD and anxiety and why individuals with ADHD may be particularly prone to anxiety
• a brief description of the symptom clusters of ADHD and why a dimensional approach can be helpful
• an evolutionary angle to understanding ADHD
• an extensive discussion of tricky diagnostic issues including: nuance around contextualizing the later emergence of childhood symptoms; assessing ADHD in female clients; understanding the impact of "masking" on the presentation of symptoms; the impact of high trait agreeableness and pleasing behaviours on functional impacts; the course of symptoms over the lifetime
• the contribution of undiagnosed ADHD to treatment resistance around other co-morbid conditions
• addressing the interpersonal challenges that can come with ADHD
• understanding rejection sensitivity in the context of ADHD  
• a strengths-based lens on ADHD
• the so-called "ADHD tax"

Comments or feedback?  Email the podcast at: [email protected]m

J. Russell Ramsay, PhD, ABPP, is a licensed psychologist specializing in the assessment and psychosocial treatment of adult attention deficit/hyperactive disorder (ADHD). Before embarking on his solo virtual practice, he was cofounder and clinical director of the University of Pennsylvania’s Adult ADHD Treatment and Research Program, where he was professor of clinical psychology in psychiatry. Ramsay is widely published, including five books on adult ADHD; lectures internationally and virtually; and is in the Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) Hall of Fame. He is from the Greater Philadelphia, PA, area.

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Many clinicians experience a sense of helplessness around effectively managing calls from loved ones of an individual living with a mental illness who is not willing to engage in treatment.  There is frequently an impression that little can be done until the affected individual wants to change.  Dr. Alec Pollard joins us for a discussion of he and his co-authors new book "When a Loved One Won't Seek Mental Health Treatment".  In this conversation we cover:    

• why Dr. Pollard and co-authors wanted to write this book
• the challenge for clinicians in fielding calls from loved ones seeking treatment for a loved one who is not motivated to engage in change
• where traditional approaches to a treatment avoidant loved one have fallen short
• operationally defining "treatment avoidance" through a lens of non-blame
• teasing apart the impact of symptoms vs. treatment avoidance
• understanding how the loop of accomodation-minimization within the "family trap" can keep an individual stuck in treatment avoidance
• contextualizing the counterintuitive impact of accommodation 
• considering the extent to which family members are realistically positioned to provide assistance to family members given the complexities involved and the slippery slope of the family trap
• parallels to the family trap within the client-therapist relationship
• the line between clear, transparent boundaries and minimization on the part of the family member and the temporal course matters
• why their approach focuses almost exclusively on the family member as opposed to the loved one that won't seek treatment
• creating a recovery friendly environment
• the complications that personality challenges in either a family member and/or client can present
• understanding when a family when should enlisting professional assistance
• how to discuss this conundrum with a family member who calls for assistance with a loved one

C. Alec Pollard, PhD, is founding director of the Center for OCD & Anxiety-Related Disorders at Saint Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute, and professor emeritus of family and community medicine at Saint Louis University School of Medicine. He is a licensed psychologist with a special interest in the study and treatment of individuals with anxiety and emotional disorders who refuse or otherwise fail to benefit from evidence-based treatment. Pollard, codeveloper of the family well-being approach (FWBA), has authored or coauthored more than one hundred publications and leads the Family Consultation Team at Saint Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute.