Explore every episode of the podcast Psych With Mike

Have we returned to our pre-pandemic normal? Should we even be able to expect that to happen? What do the answers to those questions mean to the psychology of our society going forward?

https://news.gallup.com/poll/612230/four-years-say-covid-pandemic.aspx

Even those in the professional field of psychology may not know much about cluster A personality disorders. This episode is a must-watch if you want to learn more about them and how to identify them.

What is the difference between indoctrination and brainwashing? Are they interchangeable terms and what is the agenda of those using this language?

https://medium.com/bouncin-and-behavin-blogs/the-differences-between-indoctrination-and-brainwashing-092b8c18ce3e

Setting up a new therapy practice, whether you're just out of school, leaving an agency, or separating from a group, can be nerve-racking and scary. Here are some thoughts on how to navigate these challenges. Brett and I wish great success and prosperity for all the souls on the journey.

Personality are the enduring characteristics and behaviors that we use to adapt to life (this is the clinical psychology definition). Defense mechanisms are then a part of our personality. When defense mechanisms become malignant and maladaptive, this can become a personality disorder. In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manuel 5-TR, personality disorders are grouped into clusters that represent a common pattern of maladaptive thoughts and behaviors. Narcissism is in cluster B on the DSM.

Our society has a significant issue with age and a negative perception about getting older. As you can see by the title, this is so prevalent that there is actually a term for this fear, Gerascophobia. The real problem and even irony of this is that the only solution is to NOT get older which is unrealistic or even impossible. So, we condemn ourselves to a perpetual state of anxiety and dread. But this need not be the case. There is a growing body of research about getting older, maintaining our quality of life, and maybe even being happy.

https://psyche.co/ideas/rather-than-fearing-getting-old-heres-how-to-embrace-it

The therapeutic relationship is intense by definition. Clients have to be courageous enough to make themselves vulnerable by sharing information about themselves that they may not share with any other person. Sometimes this leads to the client developing feelings for the therapist and in some cases, these feelings may be sexualized. In psychology, we call this sexualized transference. Practitioners need to know how to handle such situations with care and professionalism.

It is also important for clients to know that this situation is fairly common. And that they can express such feelings in a way that can be therapeutically helpful. The article below can help clients understand and process these feelings.

https://www.verywellmind.com/help-ive-fallen-in-love-with-my-therapist-2337585#:~:text=What%20Is%20Transference%3F,positive%2C%20negative%2C%20or%20sexualized

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders edition 5 Text Revision (DSM 5-TR) is the current version of the diagnostic manual for mental health professionals in the U.S. The DSM is published by the American Psychiatric Association. Codes in the DSM 5-TR have been revised to be compliant with the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) published by the World Health Organization (WHO). There are over 70 diagnoses in the DSM, however, only 15 are routinely used by mental health professionals. The top ten most frequently diagnosed mental health disorders of 2023 are listed in the Definitive Healthcare article below.

Introduction to the DSM and ICD https://nbcc.org/exams/dsm#:~:text=The%20preface%20to%20the%20DSM,%2D5%2DTR%2C%20pp.

Includes list of the top ten diagnoses in mental health in 2023 https://www.definitivehc.com/blog/most-common-mental-health-diagnoses 

The US Surgeon General recognized loneliness as an epidemic in 2023. The report is linked below. Why is this the case? People are more connected through electronic media than ever before, yet they feel more isolated and lonely. Clearly, these online connections cannot take the place of real in-person experiences. This is a lesson that is important for us to understand and accept to be able to work towards a resolution to the epidemic of loneliness.

 https://www.hhs.gov/surgeongeneral/priorities/connection/index.html

Self-esteem is clinically defined as the global perception of self—that is, how one sees oneself. It is difficult to access/change self-esteem itself because it is a global perception. So when therapists work with clients on issues of self-esteem, what we do is work on issues of self-confidence, or as Albert Bandura called it, self-efficacy. Self-confidence/self-efficacy is the domain-specific perception of self. For example, an individual may have played a sport from a very young age. In high school this person may be fairly confident in their ability in the domain of the sport they play but still have low overall self-esteem because in the majority of other domains, the individual operates in, they feel very insecure. When any individual has high confidence in the majority of domains they operate in, their self-esteem will rise significantly.

Brett and I have discussed existential psychology and Viktor Frankl many times. Every time, I say, "We need to do a show about that." Well, today is that day! We will discuss Dr. Frankl and his experiences in the concentration camps. We will also explore how Dr. Frankl's theories help inform us as therapists to help clients deal with/process their pain, trauma, and frustration.

In a recent episode, Brett and I talked about ethics in the practice of counseling. A corollary topic is that of boundaries. Helping clients find their own boundaries is a fundamental task in therapy. However, therapists need good boundaries themselves to create a healthy therapeutic environment as well as model boundaries for the client. In this episode, Brett and I will explore how to help clients find their own boundaries.

How are ethics different from statutes and/or laws? Why do ethics matter? How do you know if your interpretation of ethics is correct? This episode will answer all those questions and more!

Adolescence has only been considered a stage of human development for about 125 years. H Stanley Hall is credited with defining this stage of development in 1904. Prior to the Industrial Revolution, most societies viewed individuals as adults when they were able to procreate (were going through puberty. In what ways is the adolescent brain different from that of a child or an adult?

Death and dying is difficult for most people to talk about or even think about, even though it is the only experience other than birth that every human is guaranteed to experience. In this episode, Brett and I share our thoughts about having an empathic conversation about this difficult topic. We also share our views on how to treat/work with those who have experienced loss.

Empathy is defined as the ability to feel the emotions of another as if they were your own. It is a powerful tool for understanding and improving our relationships. It is also an essential quality in the therapist-client relationship. 

Emotional Intelligence is a concept in psychology that describes the capability to regulate one's own emotions and to accurately interpret the emotions of others. The four pillars of Emotional Intelligence are:

1. Perceiving emotions
2. 2. Reasoning/labeling emotions
3. 3. Understanding emotions
4. 4. Managing emotions

Attachment and bonding are essential to the health of our relationships and play a vital role in the development of emotional regulation. To find out more, check out this episode. 

As psychotherapists, Brett and I have had literally thousands of conversations with clients about guilt. It is one of the most common issues that people deal with. But what do you know about guilt and its cousin, remorse? In this episode, Brett and I will break =down the difference between guilt and remorse and common sense ways to cope with both.

It is now universally accepted that trauma (both acute and chronic) has real biological impacts on the brain. Today Brett and I discuss how to treat and even heal trauma.

Rollo May (1909-1994) is one of the true greats in the annals of psychology. Even though he was integral in the evolution of existential and humanistic psychology, he remain a grounded and modest man. This may be why his name is so well known but his achievements may not be. He routinely brushed shoulders with men like Maslow, Rogers, and Frankl, true legends of psychology. His writings, especially the book, "Love and Will" sound like they were written today and not in the mid-1960s. Enjoy.

https://www.rollomay.net/

In therapy, clients often disclose significant/important information just as a session is ending. Today we discuss why this happens and what therapists must know to handle these situations appropriately/therapeutically.

In Kohut's Self Psychology, mirroring is an important concept integral to developing self-esteem and emotional regulation. Mirroring is also important in the therapeutic relationship. Listen to find out more.

Rumination, or feeding thoughts (usually negative) back on themselves in a vicious loop, is something all of us have experienced in our lives. Sometimes, rumination can become a stumbling block, and when that happens, people may need help getting out of that rut.

Because of the way the human brain is designed, it feeds resources to the most basic functions first. This is for survival, so our autonomic functions (breathing, heartbeat) are first. Emotions and survival instincts are second. Finally, last is our cortex and rational thinking.

While writing the book we are working on, Brett and I often use terms familiar to those who work in psychology but may not be familiar to others. The Parental Introject is an example of one such term. In this episode, we discuss the parental introject and provide answers about how to correct/change introjects that may be problematic or harmful.

Big boys don't _____________. Fear is a sign of _______________. If you know the answers to these questions, then you know that the way our culture conditions men and women to process their emotions is different.

What are emotions? Brett and I delve into the biology of how emotions work in the human body.

Do you know what an emotion is? Well listen to the next two Psych with Mike and Brett episodes and see if your definition changes. 

According to the Census Bureau, this year (2024) the largest proportion of the baby boomer generation will turn 65. By 2030 all baby boomers will be 65 or older. This means that in 2030 the 65 and older population will comprise 20% of the total population in the US. This is the largest percentage of elderly persons in the US population in the country's history. This has profound implications for the workforce, economy, and every aspect of life in the nation. What are the significant psychological issues this poses for those living longer in the US? https://www.census.gov/library/storie... 

We usually think that all stress is bad, but that is actually not true!

This is the most listened-to Psych with Mike that Brett and I did. The episode is all about Transactional Analysis. When reviewing the numbers it was not even close. Enjoy!

This was the first Psych with Mike that Brett and I ever did. The audio is horrible and there was no video but the conversation was great!

With Brett no longer on the show, I am looking for the path forward for the show!

It is often very difficult to say goodbye. Whether the result of life passing, ending a relationship, or, moving far away, there is a period of our lives that are ending. On the other hand, there is a new period of life that is beginning. As for my friend, Brett Newcomb, I will forever be grateful for the contributions he made to the show and for being my friend!

 https://www.apa.org/pubs/highlights/spotlight/issue-135 

You make the decision to go to therapy. Good on you! Now make sure you are ready to make it a useful and rewarding experience!

https://psychcentral.com/lib/therapists-spill-tips-for-making-the-most-of-therapy

https://www.healthline.com/health/what-to-talk-about-in-therapy

This is a revisit of one of the most downloaded episodes of Psych with Mike. This is a topic close to my heart since I believe that emotional regulation is the central issue is all psychotherapy. 

The Surgeon General of the US recently released a report on loneliness. In it, the physiological effects of loneliness were found to be equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. These kinds of physiological findings just affirm what all of us already know, loneliness hurts! It hurts us both psychologically and physically.

 Surgeon General's Report

 https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2023/05/03/new-surgeon-general-advisory-raises-alarm-about-devastating-impact-epidemic-loneliness-isolation-united-states.html#:~:text=Disconnection%20fundamentally%20affects%20our%20mental,levels%20comparable%20to%20smoking%20daily.

Articles of Loneliness

 https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/how-be-yourself/202001/7-ways-feel-less-lonely-and-more-connected

https://ggia.berkeley.edu/practice/feeling_connected

 Link to Epidemic of Loneliness from Psych with Mike

https://psychwithmike.com/the-epidemic-of-loneliness

Many people find it harder to forgive themselves than they do to forgive others. We may feel like we do not deserve forgiveness or that if we forgive ourselves then we were never truly sorry for the behavior. Whatever the reason, when we do not forgive ourselves we remain in perpetual psychological bondage. 

https://psyche.co/guides/how-to-forgive-yourself-and-move-past-a-hurtful-mistake?utm_source=Aeon+Newsletter&utm_campaign=f4ecbb6ed5-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2023_03_29&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-66d1b44a50-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D

What is nihilism and what does it have to do with psychology? Most of us have heard of the philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche and some know that he is credited with promoting the ideas of nihilism. But how many actually know what nihilism is and how it plays a role in psychology?

https://psyche.co/ideas/for-nietzsche-nihilism-goes-deeper-than-life-is-pointless?utm_source=Aeon+Newsletter&utm_campaign=639b69be36-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2023_04_06&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-0a72083c10-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D

Does our personality change and evolve over the lifespan? Or does personality remain consistent and static from adolescence?

https://psyche.co/ideas/theres-a-reason-some-of-us-find-it-easier-to-change-than-others?utm_source=Aeon+Newsletter&utm_campaign=8e4e0f2ec4-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2023_03_10&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-b1f49aa884-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D

The term "Brain Fog" has been around for a long time but has gained increased significance during the pandemic. What IS brain fog and can we do anything about it? 

https://www.cnbc.com/2023/01/31/neuroscientist-how-to-avoid-brain-fog.html

Communication is the most basic way that humans connect. Good knowledgeable skills are the foundation of good interactions!

https://www.inc.com/minda-zetlin/3-things-people-who-are-good-at-conversation-dont-do-according-to-a-research-psychologist.html

Research is building an indisputable record of evidence supporting the belief that the experience of trauma changes the way the brain is wired. Trauma that is low-level over a long period of time (chronic) can be just as transformative as trauma that is intense and sudden (acute)

https://www.sciencenews.org/article/trauma-distorts-time-self-new-therapy

The introduction of concepts like "mindfulness" and "positive psychology" is only helpful if they can be defined. In science, this is called operational definition. Is Positive Psychology an actual theoretical orientation or just a new-wave fad? 

https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-positive-psychology-2794902

As long-time educators, Brett and I have always accepted the concept that different people learn in different ways. A recent article in Aeon magazine challenges this long-held belief. 

https://aeon.co/essays/the-evidence-is-clear-learning-styles-theory-doesnt-work?utm_source=Aeon+Newsletter&utm_campaign=83087b53bc-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2023_01_24_05_07&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-83087b53bc-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D 

Heinz Kohut and Self Psychology establish the foundational understanding of the development of emotional regulation. But perhaps his most impressive contribution to the field was his introduction of empathy into the therapy relationship.  

https://www.selfpsychologypsychoanalysis.org/about.html 

Clients are often very curious about the private lives of their therapists. But therapists are educated to present themselves as a blank slate. The amount of self-disclosure that a therapist engages in therefore is a balance between what is most therapeutic for the client and the therapist's presentation as genuine and sincere. 

https://aeon.co/videos/pondering-the-peculiar-one-sided-intimacy-of-the-client-therapist-relationship?utm_source=Aeon+Newsletter&utm_campaign=974bf7efe0-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2023_01_16_06_08&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-974bf7efe0-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D

Breathwork is a core technique in counseling and psychotherapy. It has also been a central tenet of practices as old as Zen meditation. But what are the therapeutic and/or health benefits of breathwork? 

https://www.inc.com/jeff-haden/science-says-use-relaxing-breath-method-to-fall-asleep-faster-starting-tonight.html

Otto Kernberg is one of the most influential theorists responsible for our understanding of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)!  

https://www.verywellmind.com/borderline-personality-disorder-meaning-425191