Mentally Flexible – Details, episodes & analysis

My guest today is Dr. Russ Harris. Russ is a world-renowned trainer of Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) and author of the international best-selling self-help book The Happiness Trap. 

Since 2005, Russ has run over 700 two-day workshops and provided ACT training for almost 50,000 health professionals. He has authored four ACT textbooks (ACT Made Simple, Trauma Focused ACT, Getting Unstuck in ACT, ACT Questions & Answers), and four ACT-based self-help books (The Happiness Trap, The Reality Slap, The Confidence Gap and ACT with Love). His best-known book, The Happiness Trap, has sold over one million copies worldwide, with translations into more than 30 languages.

Some of the topics we explore in this episode include:
- Perfectionism and productive procrastination
- How the Hexaflex can potentially create unhelpful limitations in ACT
- Broadening acceptance and defusion into emotional and cognitive flexibility 
- How all of the “B” in CBT fits nicely into ACT
- “Flexible selfing” as an alternative to self-as-context 
- ACT supervision
- And misunderstanding the difference between thoughts and thinking

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Russ’s website: https://www.actmindfully.com.au/

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Thank you all for checking out the episode! Here are some ways to help support Mentally Flexible:

Sign up for PsychFlex through the Mentally Flexible link! PsychFlex.com/MentallyFlexible

You can help cover some of the costs of running the podcast by donating a cup of coffee! www.buymeacoffee.com/mentallyflexible

Please subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It only takes 30 seconds and plays an important role in being able to get new guests.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentally-flexible/id1539933988

Follow the show on Instagram: instagram.com/tomparkeslcsw

Check out my song “Glimpse at Truth” that you hear in the intro/outro of every episode: https://tomparkes.bandcamp.com/track/glimpse-at-truth

Check out my new album, Holding Space! https://open.spotify.com/album/0iOcjZQhmAhYtjjq3CTpwQ?si=nemiLnELTsGGExjfy8B6iw

My guest today is Dr. Ronald Asiimwe. Dr. Ron is an Assistant Professor at the University of Minnesota in the College of Education and Human Development. He has research and clinical experience in both the U.S. and in his home country of Uganda. His research integrates multicultural perspectives to understand and explore the mental and relational health needs of African families and communities. Driven by his passion for cross-cultural exchange knowledge of evidence-based interventions, Dr. Ron pioneered trainings in emotionally focused therapy (EFT) in Uganda and Kenya. He is currently conducting research to explore the cultural acceptability and applicability of the EFT model in these African settings. 

Some of the topics we explore in this episode include:

- The way witnessing violence during childhood in Uganda shaped Dr. Ron’s future
- What it’s like going back to Uganda to train professionals
- What Dr. Ron finds most valuable about Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
- Unique perspectives on community and connection living in Uganda and the US
- Ethical dynamics of cross cultural work
- And the traumatic impact of colonialism in Africa

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Learn more about Dr. Ron: https://fsos.umn.edu/ronald-asiimwe

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Thank you all for checking out the episode! Here are some ways to help support Mentally Flexible:

Sign up for PsychFlex through the Mentally Flexible link! PsychFlex.com/MentallyFlexible

You can help cover some of the costs of running the podcast by donating a cup of coffee! www.buymeacoffee.com/mentallyflexible

Please subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It only takes 30 seconds and plays an important role in being able to get new guests.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentally-flexible/id1539933988

Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mentallyflexible/

Check out my song “Glimpse at Truth” that you hear in the intro/outro of every episode: https://tomparkes.bandcamp.com/track/glimpse-at-truth

Check out my new album, Holding Space! https://open.spotify.com/album/0iOcjZQhmAhYtjjq3CTpwQ?si=nemiLnELTsGGExjfy8B6iw

My guest today is Dr. William Miller - Emeritus Distinguished Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry at the University of New Mexico. Dr. Miller is a codeveloper of Motivational Interviewing (MI) which has been implemented and researched in an array of settings over the past 4 decades. Dr. Miller’s research has focused particularly on the treatment and prevention of addictions and more broadly on the psychology of change. He is a recipient of two career achievement awards from the American Psychological Association and has published 65 books and over 400 articles and chapters. Dr. Miller’s new book is called 8 Ways to Hope: Charting a Path through Uncertain Times, which we discuss in this episode.

Some of the topics we explore in this episode include:
- A bit of Tom’s background with Motivational Interviewing
- The many facets of hope
- Trust, optimism, and false hope 
- Some of Dr. Miller’s personal story
- Addiction, trauma, and psychedelic-assisted therapy
- And the role of meaning and purpose in hope

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Dr. Miller’s website: https://williamrmiller.net/

8 Ways To Hope: https://a.co/d/cJm9A2E

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Thank you all for checking out the episode! Here are some ways to help support Mentally Flexible:

Sign up for PsychFlex through the Mentally Flexible link! PsychFlex.com/MentallyFlexible

You can help cover some of the costs of running the podcast by donating a cup of coffee! www.buymeacoffee.com/mentallyflexible

Please subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It only takes 30 seconds and plays an important role in being able to get new guests.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentally-flexible/id1539933988

Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mentallyflexible/

My guest today is Alec Pollard, PhD. Alec 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. Alec has authored or coauthored more than one hundred publications and leads the Family Consultation Team at Saint Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute.

Some of the topics we explore in this episode include:

- The story behind writing When a Loved One Won’t Seek Mental Health Treatment

- Different types of recovery avoidance

- Creating an intentional action plan for crisis 

- Versions of accommodation that can arise within family dynamics

- The importance of staying connected to valued activity

- What it looks like to create a family recovery plan

- And how to effectively help loved ones move towards recovery 

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Saint Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute: https://slbmi.com/

When a Loved One Won’t Seek Mental Health Treatment: https://a.co/d/cDFJtBu 

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Thank you all for checking out the episode! Here are some ways to help support Mentally Flexible:

You can help cover some of the costs of running the podcast by donating a cup of coffee! www.buymeacoffee.com/mentallyflexible

Please subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It only takes 30 seconds and plays an important role in being able to get new guests.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentally-flexible/id1539933988

Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mentallyflexible/

Check out my song “Glimpse at Truth” that you hear in the intro/outro of every episode: https://tomparkes.bandcamp.com/track/glimpse-at-truth

My guest today is Stephanie Catella, PsyD. Steph is a clinical psychologist with expertise in transdiagnostic cognitive behavioral therapy for trauma, anxiety, and building emotional intelligence. After completing fellowships at the San Francisco VA and University of California San Francisco, she codirected the Berkeley Cognitive Behavioral Therapy clinic. In addition to her private practice, she is the author of an FDA approved prescription digital therapeutic for Fibromyalgia, and is a consultant and content creator for innovative mental health and tech companies. Dr. Catella is a coauthor of The Emotional Intelligence Skills Workbook which we explore in this episode.

Some of the topics we explore in this episode include:

- How Steph got into the field of psychology and mental health
- The difference between emotional intelligence and intellectual intelligence
- How emotional skills can be hindered in childhood
- Tolerating, coping, and accepting emotions
- How emotional intelligence impacts our relationships
- The importance of emotional intelligence for the therapeutic relationship 
- People pleasing and passive-aggressive behavior
- The concept of “Kid Jobs” within our family dynamics

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Dr. Catella’s website: https://drstephcatella.com/

Emotional Intelligence Skills Workbook: https://a.co/d/05G2iF0q

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Thank you all for checking out the episode! Here are some ways to help support Mentally Flexible:

You can help cover some of the costs of running the podcast by donating a cup of coffee! www.buymeacoffee.com/mentallyflexible

Please subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It only takes 30 seconds and plays an important role in being able to get new guests.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentally-flexible/id1539933988

Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mentallyflexible/

Check out my song “Glimpse at Truth” that you hear in the intro/outro of every episode: https://tomparkes.bandcamp.com/track/glimpse-at-truth

Adam Alter is a Professor of Marketing at New York University’s Stern School of Business with an affiliated appointment in the NYU’s Psychology Department. Adam is the New York Times bestselling author of two books: Irresistible (March, 2017), which considers why so many people today are addicted to so many behaviors, from incessant smart phone and internet use to video game playing and online shopping, and Drunk Tank Pink (2013), which investigates how hidden forces in the world around us shape our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. His latest book, Anatomy of Breakthrough, explores how people get stuck in life and ways to free themselves to thrive. Adam has also written for places like the New York Times, New Yorker, Washington Post, and The Atlantic.

Some of the topics we explore in this episode include:
- Adam’s background and how it led to his research interests
- How vulnerability creates shared bonds 
- The different types of “stuckness” and their ubiquitous nature
- The heart, head, and habit levels of getting unstuck
- The concept of “lifequakes” 
- Stuckness in our professional lives
- The value in holding things lightly and making space for silence 
- And the trap of “more is better”

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Adam’s website: https://adamalterauthor.com/

Anatomy of a Breakthrough: https://a.co/d/0e0yJYXt

Irresistible: https://a.co/d/07Yf02Q6

Drunk Tank Pink: https://a.co/d/05zQPeok

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Thank you all for checking out the episode! Here are some ways to help support Mentally Flexible:

You can help cover some of the costs of running the podcast by donating a cup of coffee! www.buymeacoffee.com/mentallyflexible

Please subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It only takes 30 seconds and plays an important role in being able to get new guests.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentally-flexible/id1539933988

Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mentallyflexible/

Check out my song “Glimpse at Truth” that you hear in the intro/outro of every episode: https://tomparkes.bandcamp.com/track/glimpse-at-truth

My guest today is Dr. Frank Anderson, MD. Frank is a Harvard Medical School school trained psychiatrist, therapist, speaker, author, and trauma specialist. He has spent the past three decades studying neuroscience and trauma treatment, serving as a leader within the Internal Family Systems therapy model. His latest book is an incredible memoir called, To Be Loved: A Story of Truth, Trauma, and Transformation.

Some of the topics we explore in this episode include:

- How truth and authenticity guided the writing of Frank’s memoir 
- How shame can be an indicator of our level of healing
- How working on ourselves enriches our ability to support others
- The need to unite and integrate the different models of therapy and healing
- The transition from being mentored to mentoring others
- Frank’s thoughts on the use of social media for teaching and healing 
- What it means to truly heal a wound
- The Three R’s: repeating, repressing, or repairing

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Dr. Anderson’s website: https://www.frankandersonmd.com/

To Be Loved: https://a.co/d/7jWLggv

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Thank you all for checking out the episode! Here are some ways to help support Mentally Flexible:

You can help cover some of the costs of running the podcast by donating a cup of coffee! www.buymeacoffee.com/mentallyflexible

Please subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It only takes 30 seconds and plays an important role in being able to get new guests.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentally-flexible/id1539933988

Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mentallyflexible/

Check out my song “Glimpse at Truth” that you hear in the intro/outro of every episode: https://tomparkes.bandcamp.com/track/glimpse-at-truth

My guest today is Dr. Mark G. Shrime, MD. Dr. Mark is the International Chief Medical Officer at Mercy Ships and a Lecturer in Global Health and Social Medicine at the Harvard Medical School. He is the author of Solving for Why: A Surgeon's Journey to Discover the Transformative Power of Purpose (Hachette 2022).

He has spoken at the United Nations, WHO, Harvard, Princeton, and around the world addressing issues of healthcare inequity, moral injury in the healthcare workforce, and the non-health outcomes of health policies. In 2018, he was awarded the Arnold P. Gold Humanism in Medicine Award by the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery.

Some of the topics we explore in this episode include:
- Moving to the US from Lebanon as a child
- What it was like growing up within an immigrant family context
- Pressures faced to go into medicine
- Dr. Mark’s process of finding his purpose
- How fear and uncertainty keep us from making changes in life
- And how embracing failure can be a catalyst for growth

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Dr. Shrime’s website: https://www.markshrime.com/

Solving for Why: https://a.co/d/7jWLggv

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Thank you all for checking out the episode! Here are some ways to help support Mentally Flexible:

You can help cover some of the costs of running the podcast by donating a cup of coffee! www.buymeacoffee.com/mentallyflexible

Please subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It only takes 30 seconds and plays an important role in being able to get new guests.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentally-flexible/id1539933988

Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mentallyflexible/

Check out my song “Glimpse at Truth” that you hear in the intro/outro of every episode: https://tomparkes.bandcamp.com/track/glimpse-at-truth

My guest today is Dr. Carrie Hayward. Carrie is a clinical psychologist and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) specialist from Australia dedicated to helping individuals lead more meaningful lives. Carrie is also an author and has recently published the amazing Being Human series, a collection of four narratives that delve into the complexities of our shared human experience. The Being Human series seeks to equip readers with the psychological resilience and flexibility needed to live meaningful lives even through difficulty. The four books each focus on a different aspect of the human condition, providing teachings and practical processes for readers to implement.

Some of the topics we explore in this episode include:
- How Carrie first got into ACT
- What it was like training with Russ Harris
- The inspiration for the Being Human collection
- How focusing on the process versus outcomes changes the nature of our experiences
- Ways validating seeking can be seen from many different levels 
- And we end with Carrie walking us through the Being Human Method

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Dr. Hayward’s website: https://www.carriehayward.com/

The Being Human Collection: https://a.co/d/2zampofd

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Thank you all for checking out the episode! Here are some ways to help support Mentally Flexible:

You can help cover some of the costs of running the podcast by donating a cup of coffee! www.buymeacoffee.com/mentallyflexible

Please subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It only takes 30 seconds and plays an important role in being able to get new guests.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentally-flexible/id1539933988

Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mentallyflexible/

Check out my song “Glimpse at Truth” that you hear in the intro/outro of every episode: https://tomparkes.bandcamp.com/track/glimpse-at-truth

My guests today are Brian Thompson, PhD and Brian Pilecki, PhD, two of the authors of ACT-Informed Exposure for Anxiety

Brian L. Thompson, PhD, is a licensed psychologist; and director of the anxiety clinic at Portland Psychotherapy in Portland, OR. He specializes in working with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive and related disorders, and has published research in these areas.

Brian C. Pilecki, PhD, is a clinical psychologist at Portland Psychotherapy who specializes in the treatment of anxiety disorders, trauma, and matters related to the use of psychedelics. Brian also has extensive experience in the areas of mindfulness and meditation, and incorporates them into his therapy with clients. He is an active researcher and has published on topics such as anxiety disorders, mindfulness, and psychedelic-assisted therapy.

Some of the topics we explore include:
- How both Brians were first introduced to ACT
- What inspired writing ACT Informed Exposure for Anxiety
- The importance of willingness in exposure work
- The types of challenges people face where exposure may be helpful
- How exposure can be fluidly integrated into a much broader scope of clinical challenges
- Helpful and unhelpful ways to consider values in exposure work
- Exposure Hierarchies vs Menus 
- Overlaps and differences between traditional habituation and ACT approaches to exposure

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Portland Psychotherapy: https://portlandpsychotherapy.com/

ACT-Informed Exposure for Anxiety: https://a.co/d/5qAh5O7

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Thank you all for checking out the episode! Here are some ways to help support Mentally Flexible:

You can help cover some of the costs of running the podcast by donating a cup of coffee! www.buymeacoffee.com/mentallyflexible

Please subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It only takes 30 seconds and plays an important role in being able to get new guests.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentally-flexible/id1539933988

Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mentallyflexible/

Check out my song “Glimpse at Truth” that you hear in the intro/outro of every episode: https://tomparkes.bandcamp.com/track/glimpse-at-truth