Transforming Relationships

In this episode of Transforming Relationships, Dr. Eric Spiegel and Dr. David Alter sit down with trauma psychiatrist and author Dr. Richard Chefetz for a profound exploration of trauma, dissociation, and what it means to feel real. Together, they examine how disconnection forms amidst trauma—and how empathy, presence, and safe relational spaces help restore connection.

The discussion delves into the impact of dehumanization in enabling trauma; and the therapeutic use of hypnosis in trauma therapy. Throughout the conversation, the speakers emphasize the significance of creating safe spaces for vulnerability and the power of non-verbal communication in fostering intimacy. The episode concludes with reflections on the challenges of intimacy in therapy and the need for meaningful connection in our relationships. Through clinical insight and heartfelt dialogue, this episode illuminates how genuine presence can transform both therapy and relationships.

Hosts: Eric Spiegel and David Alter

Guest: Richard Chefetz

Watch this and all of our podcast episodes on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@transforming.relationships

Keywords: trauma, dissociation, connection, healing, empathy, hypnosis, therapy, vulnerability, non-verbal communication, intimacy

Takeaways:

• Trauma can lead to dissociation and a fear of feeling real.
• Connection is essential for healing and transformation.
• Empathy and vulnerability are crucial in therapeutic relationships.
• Dehumanization can occur in families and society, impacting relationships.
• Hypnosis can facilitate connection and healing in therapy.
• Creating safe spaces allows for open communication and vulnerability.
• Non-verbal communication plays a significant role in therapy.
• Understanding the complexity of self and other is vital for healing.
• Intimacy in therapy requires both clinician and patient to be present.
• We all need to know that we exist and matter.

Chapters:

00:22 Introduction to Transforming Relationships 02:09 Understanding Trauma and Dissociation 05:46 The Impact of Trauma on Connection 10:14 Creating Safe Spaces for Healing 14:37 The Role of Hypnosis in Therapy 19:19 The Importance of Bearing Witness 24:36 Intimacy and Vulnerability in Therapy 37:29 The Role of Vulnerability in Therapy 42:34 Understanding Nonverbal Communication 49:27 The Importance of Existence and Mattering 58:00 Navigating Shame and Humiliation 01:02:10 The Power of Presence in Therapy 01:06:15 Reflections on the Interview with Richard Chefetz

Follow Dr. Richard Chefetz:

General Info: www.richardchefetzmd.com

Follow Dr. David Alter:

General Info: www.drdavidalter.com For Couples: www.partnersatcrossroads.com Follow Dr. Eric Spiegel:

General Info: www.ericspiegelphd.com Group Practice: www.therapistsinphiladelphia.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/drericspiegel

In this episode, Eric Spiegel and David Alter sit down with Rabbi Rachel Ain (New York City) and Rabbi Aaron Weininger (Minneapolis) to explore the transformative power of community.

Together, they examine the concept of Kahal—the sacred gathering of diverse individuals—and what it means to truly show up for one another in moments of joy, grief, and crisis. Rabbi Weininger shares lessons from recent ICE actions affecting the Minneapolis community, while Rabbi Ain reflects on congregational life in New York following 9/11. Both discuss in personal ways their experiences as Rabbis leading their communities in the new landscape post-October 7th.

The conversation explores how communities navigate polarization, identity, and difficult conversations while maintaining empathy, clarity, and love. They discuss why presence matters, how boundaries strengthen relationships, and why diverse perspectives enrich communal life.

As one guest notes, "Community has the power to transform relationships."

With this in mind, this episode asks: How do we build resilient communities capable of transforming relationships in emotionally and spiritually profound ways?

Keywords: community, kahal, synagogue, faith leadership, Rabbi Rachel Ain, Rabbi Aaron Weininger, October 7th, 9/11, ICE Minneapolis, empathy, polarization, identity, relationships, resilience, grief and joy, interfaith dialogue, community crisis leadership

Hosts: Eric Spiegel and David Alter

Guests: Rabbis Rachel Ain & Aaron Weininger

Watch this and all of our podcast episodes on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@transforming.relationships

Follow Dr. David Alter:

General Info: www.drdavidalter.com For Couples: www.partnersatcrossroads.com Follow Dr. Eric Spiegel:

General Info: www.ericspiegelphd.com Group Practice: www.therapistsinphiladelphia.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/drericspiegel

Dr. Michael Osterholm joins Transforming Relationships to explore how we can face infectious threats—together.

In this powerful & emotionally resonant conversation, hosts Dr. Eric Spiegel and Dr. David Alter speak with one of the world's leading epidemiologists about the relational side of public health: how trust is built, how misinformation spreads, and how communities come together in the face of crisis.

We look at what COVID-19 revealed about our vulnerabilities, what needs to change in our communication and preparedness, and how personal and community relationships shape our ability to respond to pandemics.

Drawing from his decades of public health leadership, Dr. Osterholm discusses how trust, communication, and community relationships shape our ability to prepare for and respond to infectious diseases. The conversation dives into the impact of misinformation, the challenges of navigating a polarized public health landscape, and the lessons learned from COVID-19 that will shape future preparedness.

This episode highlights why relationships—between individuals, communities, and institutions—are at the heart of effective public health.

A timely, grounded, and deeply human conversation with one of the world's most respected voices in infectious disease.

Hosts: Eric Spiegel and David Alter

Guest: Michael Osterholm

Watch this and all of our podcast episodes on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@transforming.relationships

Keywords: Michael Osterholm, infectious diseases, epidemiology, public health, COVID-19, pandemic preparedness, virus mutations, misinformation, health communication, community trust, vulnerable populations, health equity, public health polarization, science communication, relational public health, community resilience, health messaging, disease prevention, trust in science, public health leadership

Chapters

00:00 Pre-Interview Discussion

03:08 Introducing Dr. Michael Osterholm

05:44 Dr. Osterholm's Background and Experience in Epidemiology

08:32 The Impact of Infectious Diseases on Vulnerable Populations

11:33 The Role of Misinformation in Public Health

14:23 Understanding Virus Mutations and Pandemic Preparedness

17:07 The Polarization of Public Health Responses

20:04 Challenges in Communicating Public Health Information

22:08 Building Trust in Public Health Messaging

25:22 The Importance of Humility in Public Health Communication

28:35 The Need for Clear and Tangible Public Health Messaging

31:28 The Role of Community in Public Health

34:15 Addressing the Common Foe of Infectious Diseases

37:03 The Importance of Personal Relationships in Public Health

40:02 Final Thoughts on Public Health and Community Engagement

56:46 Post-Interview Discussion

Follow Dr. Michael Osterholm:

Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP): https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/

Osterholm Update podcast: https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/osterholm-update

Follow Dr. David Alter:

General Info: www.drdavidalter.com For Couples: www.partnersatcrossroads.com Follow Dr. Eric Spiegel:

General Info: www.ericspiegelphd.com Group Practice: www.therapistsinphiladelphia.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/drericspiegel

This is the second part of our interview with Renée DiResta, author of 'Invisible Rulers', which explores the rampant and disruptive influence of misinformation and disinformation generators, and the reciprocal relationship with people who consume this social media content. In this episode, we discuss how influencers play a significant role in shaping public opinion; how generative AI complicates trust in media and information; how public health communication needs to adapt to modern engagement strategies; and how building trust requires face-to-face engagement, complex conversations, and good faith interactions.

Hosts: Eric Spiegel, Ph.D. & David Alter, Ph.D. Guest: Renée DiResta

Watch this and all of our podcast episodes on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@transforming.relationships

Keywords

Renée DiResta, social media, misinformation, public health, algorithms, generative AI, trust, political dynamics, influencers, community engagement

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Pt. 2 of our Interview with Renee DiResta 01:52 The Collapse of Society and the Need for Leadership 03:06 The Vacuum of True Leadership 05:28 The Role of Online Influencers in Politics 08:08 Generative AI: An Accelerant of Misinformation 12:06 The Importance of Face-to-Face Engagement 16:09 Navigating Trust and Skepticism in Conversations 20:35 The Value of Complex Conversations 28:18 Building Trust in Public Health Communications

Follow Renée DiResta:

General Info: https://reneediresta.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renee.diresta Follow Dr. David Alter:

General Info: www.drdavidalter.com For Couples: www.partnersatcrossroads.com Follow Dr. Eric Spiegel:

General Info: www.ericspiegelphd.com Group Practice: www.therapistsinphiladelphia.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/drericspiegel

Dr. Eric Spiegel interviews co-host Dr. David Alter about the complex emotional landscape of living in Minneapolis during a period of aggressive ICE presence and enforcement actions that have led to the killing of two civilians. They explore the impact of this social upheaval, including community safety concerns, personal stories of fear and resilience, and the psychological implications of current events. The conversation emphasizes the importance of healthy relationships, personal agency, and collective action in fostering community resilience and transformation.

Chapters

00:15 Introduction and Setting the Scene 05:00 Living in Minneapolis: A Personal Perspective 13:02 The Impact of Community and Safety 25:12 Psychological Insights on Society's Breakdown 35:23 Transforming Relationships: A Path Forward

Watch this and all of our podcast episodes on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@transforming.relationships

Follow Dr. David Alter:

• General Info: www.drdavidalter.com
• For Couples: www.partnersatcrossroads.com

Follow Dr. Eric Spiegel:

• General Info: www.ericspiegelphd.com
• Group Practice: www.therapistsinphiladelphia.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/drericspiegel

In the latest episode of Transforming Relationships, Dr. Eric Spiegel and Dr. David Alter speak with Renée DiResta, an author and Associate Research Professor at the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University, who specializes in social media and online misinformation. In Part 1 of their interview, Eric, David, and Renée discuss her experiences and insights on misinformation, public health, and the role of social media in shaping public discourse. DiResta shares her personal journey through the vaccine debates and the challenges of online harrassment, emphasizing the need for trust and community engagement in addressing misinformation. The discussion also explores the influence of algorithms and the power of influencers on public trust and communication.

Hosts: Eric Spiegel, Ph.D. & David Alter, Ph.D. Guest: Renée DiResta

Watch this and all of our podcast episodes on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@transforming.relationships

Follow Renée DiResta:

• General Info: https://reneediresta.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renee.diresta

Follow Dr. David Alter:

• General Info: www.drdavidalter.com
• For Couples: www.partnersatcrossroads.com

Follow Dr. Eric Spiegel:

• General Info: www.ericspiegelphd.com
• Group Practice: www.therapistsinphiladelphia.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/drericspiegel

In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Carolyn Daitch discusses the pervasive issue of anxiety in today's society, exploring it's roots, the impact of social media, and the importance of attunement, validation and connection in relationships. She emphasizes the dual nature of anxiety, highlighting both its survival benefits and the challenges it poses. Techniques for managing anxiety, including the use of hypnosis, are shared, along with the significance of gratitude and presence in mitigating anxious feelings. The discussion concludes with key takeaways for listeners to apply in their own lives.

Watch this and all of our podcast episodes on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@transforming.relationships

Follow Dr. Carolyn Daitch:

• General Info: https://carolyndaitchphd.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolyn.daitch

Follow Dr. David Alter:

• General Info: www.drdavidalter.com
• For Couples: www.partnersatcrossroads.com

Follow Dr. Eric Spiegel:

• General Info: www.ericspiegelphd.com
• Group Practice: www.therapistsinphiladelphia.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/drericspiegel

In this episode, we discuss why we are vulnerable to trance states when we are anxious, worried, afraid, and uncertain. We discuss our deep hunger for safety and security and how that hunger makes us vulnerable to overt or indirect manipulation.

This episode also prepares us for our upcoming interview of Dr. Carolyn Daitch, a best-selling author and renowned expert on the effective management of different anxiety-based conditions. She will focus on why the use of clinical hypnosis is especially useful in learning to effectively manage all manner of fears.

If you care to share your thoughts, reactions, or questions, please contact us at [email protected].

More info on Dr. David Alter: General Info: www.drdavidalter.com For Couples: www.partnersatcrossroads.com Natural Healing Resources: www.natures-medicine.com More info on Dr. Eric Spiegel: General Info: www.ericspiegelphd.com Group Practice: www.therapistsinphiladelphia.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/drericspiegel

The words 'trance' and 'hypnosis' are often used indistinguishably. But what do they each mean - and how do they apply to your life? In the second episode of 'TRANCEforming Relationships', David and Eric describe in vivid detail the many contexts that evoke trance states - and the neurological foundations of the brain states associated with trance. They also explain how the process of therapeutic hypnosis evokes trance & the therapeutic relationship to facilitate healing. Finally, they share how they became hypnosis practitioners - and what you can learn from their experiences. Become a part of our growing podcast community by contacting us at [email protected]. More info on Dr. David Alter: General Info: www.drdavidalter.com For Couples: www.partnersatcrossroads.com Natural Healing Resources: www.natures-medicine.com More info on Dr. Eric Spiegel: General Info: www.ericspiegelphd.com Group Practice: www.therapistsinphiladelphia.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/drericspiegel Facebook: www.facebook.com/drericspiegel

Relationships have the power to transform people's lives - individually and collectively, positively and negatively. And this power can often be felt resonantly in the first few seconds of an interaction, through key factors like the tone of someone's voice and their non-verbal cues.

Join co-hosts Dr. Eric Spiegel and David Alter - two seasoned health psychologists, relational therapists, and hypnotherapists - as they introduce you to a wide-ranging podcast about how trance forms in relationship, and how relationship transforms lives.

In this first episode, Eric and David will provide an overview of the many forms of relationship that contain elements of trance, and with them, the capacity for transformation.

These include our relationships with...

• Our neurobiology, where the role of curiosity, discovery, the known, and the novel are explored
• The process of change, a process deeply connected to the nature of trance and entrancing experience
• Ourselves, whether between mind and body, or between parts of self
• Our partners/spouses/friends, where themes of safety, security, attachment, and connection in the presence of difference are examined
• The world of ideas, beliefs, attitudes, and fear, where the hosts explore polarization, alienation, demonization, and risk of violence
• The global wisdom traditions that speak to core truths about life, love, and connection that, sadly, we too often disregard at our own peril
• The world of nature and the larger world within which we all co-evolved, and how our evolutionary endowments still contain important keys for physical, emotional, mental, and relational health.

Join us for a journey into the transformative nature of relationships by tuning into Trance-forming Relationships, with Dr. Eric Spiegel and Dr. David Alter.

Watch this episode on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/37yhfWpKgD8

Learn more about Dr. Alter:

https://www.drdavidalter.com/

Learn more about Dr. Spiegel:

https://therapistsinphiladelphia.com/meet-us/eric-spiegel/

https://www.ericspiegelphd.com/