Psychology America with Dr. Alexandra

“God will not have his work made manifest by cowards”  Ralph Waldo Emerson.  Join us for this delightful conversation with Dr. Beth Rom Rymer and Neill Clark on the topic of risk taking in our lives.  We contemplate ideas by Machiavelli, Goethe, Lincoln and George Washington.    We discuss psychological and moral risks - courageous action for things aligned with our values and even better, for principles greater than ourselves.  As this episode is being recorded and released, Dr. Beth Rom Rymer is running for President Elect of the American Psychological Association.    Dr. Beth Rom-Rymer's distinguished career includes groundbreaking work with survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence advocacy, and forensic geriatrics. She had been a lecturer at The University of Chicago and Northwestern University for over two decades; led the successful legislative movement for prescriptive authority in Illinois and is a national and international leader with Prescriptive Authority Movements around the globe.  Dr. Rom-Rymer co-founded and is President of the Association of Jewish Psychologists. She has won numerous awards for her work, including:   Distinguished Illinois Psychologist from the Illinois Psychological Association (2012 and 2014);  Outstanding Psychologist of the Year from APA's Division 31 (2014); APA Presidential Citation for Outstanding Leadership (2015); APA Karl Heiser Award for Legislative Advocacy (2015); Wellner Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Register of Health Service Psychologists (2016); Social Impact Leaders Award from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology (2018). Neill W. Clark, JD, antitrust attorney, current Mayor of Sparta, New Jersey and coach to competitive runners, brings in some athletic examples of risk and reward.  This episode was recorded on August 20th, 2024Support the Show.This show was created with love on my volunteer time. One small gift you can give me back is to take the time to leave the show a comment and rating on iTunes. You can also support the production costs of the show by buying me a $3 coffee at buymeacoffee.com/dralexandra. I will be encouraged by your support, and thank you!

In this episode I share 1) What research has found about the impact of family meals2)  Tips on how to get started again for those who have gotten away from the practice 3) My own practice with our family dinners, including three conversation starters that we have used for years.  These conversation starters are helpful in other contexts, including for divorced parents and their children  when they do “phone time” when away from one another.    Enjoy!  Support the Show.This show was created with love on my volunteer time. One small gift you can give me back is to take the time to leave the show a comment and rating on iTunes. You can also support the production costs of the show by buying me a $3 coffee at buymeacoffee.com/dralexandra. I will be encouraged by your support, and thank you!

I consider agape love to be the highest form of love and I'm so excited to share this topic with you.  On this show Dr. Robert Enright, PhD, and I discuss the following and more: What is the definition of agape love and how is it different than other forms of love, such as Eros (romantic love) or love among family?  Are feelings of love necessary to practice agape love?  How does agape love fit in with justice and fairness?  How does agape love fit in with other virtues defined by psychology and religion?  Dr. Robert Enright is the 2022 recipient of the Gold Medal Award for Impact in Psychology by the American Psychological Foundation.  Dr. Enright is the Aristotelian Professor in Forgiveness Science in the School of Education's Department of Educational Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.   For his work in the peace movement, Dr. Enright has been named the Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary International.  As the founder of the scientific study of forgiveness, Dr. Enright has authored seven books and over 100 publications, including cross-cultural studies, on this and related topics.I dedicate most of my podcast episodes to non-profit groups and today's show is dedicated to:  https://www.internationalforgiveness.com.   Support the showThis show was created with love on my volunteer time. One small gift you can give me back is to take the time to leave the show a comment and rating on iTunes. You can also support the production costs of the show by buying me a $3 coffee at buymeacoffee.com/dralexandra. I will be encouraged by your support, and thank you!

Affairs, which soared during COVID,  are addictive and can cause harm all around.  In this episode psychologist guests Dr. Sharon Ryan Montgomery, Dr. Marcy Pasternak and Dr. Tamsen Thorpe share their expertise on the different types of affairs, how affairs impact children, the personality types of those who are more likely to have affairs, steps to take to heal from an affair and more.    In my practice I find that affairs can be painful and debilitating not only for the injured party but for individuals trying to get out of one.   Learn about how there are emotional affairs, virtual affairs, sexual-only affairs and fantasy affairs.  Learn about the intergenerational effects of a child being alienated (cut off) from a parent in hostile, high conflict divorces.    Our expert guests provide resources for how to heal after the effects of an affair.  Dr. Marcy Pasternak, PhD (marcypasternak@gmail.com) is a clinical and forensic psychologist who practices in New Jersey.  She obtained her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology at Duke University.  While her practice serves individuals of all ages in both the clinical and forensic arena, her special interests include marital and family therapy, divorce therapy, forensic evaluations concerning custody and parenting time, removal, refuse/resist dynamics, grandparent visitation, risk assessment, and personal injury.  She often serves as a parenting coordinator, parenting coach, and is also an accredited divorce mediator, conducting both divorce mediation and therapeutic mediation.  She conducts multi-day intensive family interventions through a program called “Building Family Resilience,” an outgrowth of her practice.  These interventions are for families in which a child resists contact with a parent.   Dr. Pasternak has served as a psychological expert in numerous counties in New Jersey.  She was a Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at New Jersey Medical School, UMDNJ, now voluntary faculty.  She is the past President of the New Jersey chapter of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts and has given numerous workshops and presentations to the mental health and legal communities in New Jersey and nationally.   Dr. Sharon Ryan Montgomery, PsyD (sharonrmpsy@gmail.com), is a licensed psychologist in New Jersey.  Dr. Montgomery completed her doctorate in psychology from Rutgers University in 1982.  Her areas of expertise are in Clinical and Forensic Psychology.  Dr. Montgomery has served as an expert in over 2000 custody disputes and has also conducted evaluations in criminal matters, personal injury, marital tort cases, and testifies in court on numerous occasions.  She also serves as an individual, couples, family and reconciliation therapist; as well as a parenting coordinator, mediator, divorce coach and supervisor of other psychologists.   Dr. Montgomery also provides intensive therapy workshops and weekend intensives for families in which a child is refusing contact with a parent through the Building Family Resilience program.   She is the Past President of the New Jersey Psychological Association and the New Jersey Chapter of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, Human Services Association and the Morris County Psychological Association.  Dr. Tamsen Thorpe (drthorpe@directions-cls.com) counsels adults, couples and families in transition.  In therapy, she assists couples rekindle their relationship using a combination of techniques, the Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT), addressing such challeSupport the showThis show was created with love on my volunteer time. One small gift you can give me back is to take the time to leave the show a comment and rating on iTunes. You can also support the production costs of the show by buying me a $3 coffee at buymeacoffee.com/dralexandra. I will be encouraged by your support, and thank you!

This episode's guest is Dr. Sean Sullivan, psychologist and the author of The Mind Master's Silent Journey and Be Your Purpose:  10 Science Based Steps to Feeling and Performing Your Best.  Dr. Sullivan has been featured in The New York Times, Forbes, and the Huffington Post. During the pandemic, the University of California approved piloting a mode of therapy that Dr. Sullivan developed called “Shift Therapy” at the Santa Cruz campus (UCSC). After two years of successful pilots, UCSC's Health Center subscribed their entire 20,000+ member community to receive Shift Therapy in 2023.   Through this episode we discuss the following and more:   *    the value of 5 minutes of exercise before meditating to settle your mind *    A technique in which you purposely introduce your triggers in order to gain mastery over the *    Visiting “the silence” or stillness within yourself daily  *    A specific approach to meditation, which Dr. Sean Sullivan has developed into an app *    “Backward time stamping.”  This comes at the end and is pretty deep!  Enjoy!Support the showThis show was created with love on my volunteer time. One small gift you can give me back is to take the time to leave the show a comment and rating on iTunes. You can also support the production costs of the show by buying me a $3 coffee at buymeacoffee.com/dralexandra. I will be encouraged by your support, and thank you!

This is the last of a 17 part series of super brief, stand alone podcasts (5 - 10 minutes each) on the topic of forgiveness.  In each show, I will ask just one question of Dr. Robert Enright, PhD, internationally renowned expert on the science and psychology of forgiveness.   This episode answers the question: What are the physical and emotional risks of not forgiving?  The following is a complete list of episodes in this series:  What is the definition of forgiveness?  What are the benefits of forgiveness?What are the two paradoxes of forgiveness?Is forgiveness just about religion? What is it to work the “forgiveness muscle?”What are some of the criticisms of the idea of forgiveness?Why is an “eye for an eye” not the best way?If I forgive, I'm afraid I'll forget OR if I forgive, I'm afraid I won't forget.Why is forgiveness better than a neutral attitude toward the wrongdoer?Isn't forgiveness unhealthy repression?Do I forgive if the person continues to hurt me?Should I forgive immediately or should I take some time first?What if multiple people have hurt you, how do you decide who to forgive first? How long does it take to get emotional relief after forgiving, if at all?How often should one forgive?  Can forgiveness and justice happen together?  What are the physical and emotional risks of not forgiving? Dr. Robert Enright is the 2022 recipient of the Gold Medal Award for Impact in Psychology by the American Psychological Foundation.  As the founder of the scientific study of forgiveness, Dr. Enright has authored seven books and over 100 publications on the topic and related topics, including studies on cross-cultural interpersonal forgiveness.   Dr. Enright developed an early intervention to promote a model of forgiveness that can be self-taught or used in therapeutic settings.  Dr. Enright is a professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.   To learn more about forgiveness and Dr. Robert Enright, visit internationalforgiveness.com.    Support the showThis show was created with love on my volunteer time. One small gift you can give me back is to take the time to leave the show a comment and rating on iTunes. You can also support the production costs of the show by buying me a $3 coffee at buymeacoffee.com/dralexandra. I will be encouraged by your support, and thank you!

This is the 16th of a 17 part series of super brief, stand alone podcasts (5 - 10 minutes each) on the topic of forgiveness.  In each show, I will ask just one question of Dr. Robert Enright, PhD, internationally renowned expert on the science and psychology of forgiveness. This episode answers the question: Can forgiveness and justice happen together?    Dr. Enright brings in Aristotle in his answer . . . The following is a complete list of episodes in this series, which can be found at the Psychology America with Dr. Alexandra podcast: What is the definition of forgiveness?  What are the benefits of forgiveness?What are the two paradoxes of forgiveness?Is forgiveness just about religion? What is it to work the “forgiveness muscle?”What are some of the criticisms of the idea of forgiveness?Why is an “eye for an eye” not the best way?If I forgive, I'm afraid I'll forget OR if I forgive, I'm afraid I won't forget.Why is forgiveness better than a neutral attitude toward the wrongdoer?Isn't forgiveness unhealthy repression?Do I forgive if the person continues to hurt me?Should I forgive immediately or should I take some time first?What if multiple people have hurt you, how do you decide who to forgive first? How long does it take to get emotional relief after forgiving, if at all?How often should one forgive?  Can forgiveness and justice happen together?  What are the physical and emotional risks of not forgiving?  (not yet released)Dr. Robert Enright is the 2022 recipient of the Gold Medal Award for Impact in Psychology by the American Psychological Foundation.  As the founder of the scientific study of forgiveness, Dr. Enright has authored seven books and over 100 publications on the topic and related topics, including studies on cross-cultural interpersonal forgiveness.   Dr. Enright developed an early intervention to promote a model of forgiveness that can be self-taught or used in therapeutic settings.  Dr. Enright is a professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.   To learn more about forgiveness and Dr. Robert Enright, visit internationalforgiveness.com.    Support the showThis show was created with love on my volunteer time. One small gift you can give me back is to take the time to leave the show a comment and rating on iTunes. You can also support the production costs of the show by buying me a $3 coffee at buymeacoffee.com/dralexandra. I will be encouraged by your support, and thank you!

This is the 15th of a 17 part series of super brief, stand alone podcasts (5 - 10 minutes each) on the topic of forgiveness.  In each show, I will ask just one question of Dr. Robert Enright, PhD, internationally renowned expert on the science and psychology of forgiveness. This episode answers the question:  How often should one forgive?  The following is a list of the other episodes in the series:  What is the definition of forgiveness?  What are the benefits of forgiveness?What are the two paradoxes of forgiveness?Is forgiveness just about religion? What is it to work the “forgiveness muscle?”What are some of the criticisms of the idea of forgiveness?Why is an “eye for an eye” not the best way?If I forgive, I'm afraid I'll forget OR if I forgive, I'm afraid I won't forget.Why is forgiveness better than a neutral attitude toward the wrongdoer?Isn't forgiveness unhealthy repression?Do I forgive if the person continues to hurt me?Should I forgive immediately or should I take some time first?What if multiple people have hurt you, how do you decide who to forgive first? How long does it take to get emotional relief after forgiving, if at all?How often should one forgive?  Dr. Robert Enright is the 2022 recipient of the Gold Medal Award for Impact in Psychology by the American Psychological Foundation.  As the founder of the scientific study of forgiveness, Dr. Enright has authored seven books and over 100 publications on the topic and related topics, including studies on cross-cultural interpersonal forgiveness.   Dr. Enright developed an early intervention to promote a model of forgiveness that can be self-taught or used in therapeutic settings.  Dr. Enright is a professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.   To learn more about forgiveness and Dr. Robert Enright, visit internationalforgiveness.com.    Support the showThis show was created with love on my volunteer time. One small gift you can give me back is to take the time to leave the show a comment and rating on iTunes. You can also support the production costs of the show by buying me a $3 coffee at buymeacoffee.com/dralexandra. I will be encouraged by your support, and thank you!

This is the 14th of a 17 part series of super brief, stand alone podcasts (5 - 10 minutes each) on the topic of forgiveness.  In each show, I will ask just one question of Dr. Robert Enright, PhD, internationally renowned expert on the science and psychology of forgiveness.    This episode answers the question:  How long does it take to get emotional relief after forgiving, if at all?     Stay tuned for the 15th episode:  How often should one forgive?  Dr. Robert Enright is the 2022 recipient of the Gold Medal Award for Impact in Psychology by the American Psychological Foundation.  As the founder of the scientific study of forgiveness, Dr. Enright has authored seven books and over 100 publications on the topic and related topics, including studies on cross-cultural interpersonal forgiveness.   Dr. Enright developed an early intervention to promote a model of forgiveness that can be self-taught or used in therapeutic settings.  Dr. Enright is a professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.   To learn more about forgiveness and Dr. Robert Enright, visit internationalforgiveness.com.    Support the showThis show was created with love on my volunteer time. One small gift you can give me back is to take the time to leave the show a comment and rating on iTunes. You can also support the production costs of the show by buying me a $3 coffee at buymeacoffee.com/dralexandra. I will be encouraged by your support, and thank you!

This is the 13th of a 17 part series of super brief, stand alone podcasts (5 - 10 minutes each) on the topic of forgiveness.  In each show, I will ask just one question of Dr. Robert Enright, PhD, internationally renowned expert on the science and psychology of forgiveness. Stay tuned for the 14th episode:  How long does it take to get emotional relief after forgiving, if at all?Dr. Robert Enright is the 2022 recipient of the Gold Medal Award for Impact in Psychology by the American Psychological Foundation.  As the founder of the scientific study of forgiveness, Dr. Enright has authored seven books and over 100 publications on the topic and related topics, including studies on cross-cultural interpersonal forgiveness.   Dr. Enright developed an early intervention to promote a model of forgiveness that can be self-taught or used in therapeutic settings.  Dr. Enright is a professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.   To learn more about forgiveness and Dr. Robert Enright, visit internationalforgiveness.com.    Support the showThis show was created with love on my volunteer time. One small gift you can give me back is to take the time to leave the show a comment and rating on iTunes. You can also support the production costs of the show by buying me a $3 coffee at buymeacoffee.com/dralexandra. I will be encouraged by your support, and thank you!

This is the 12th of a 17 part series of super brief stand alone podcasts (5 - 10 minutes each) on the topic of forgiveness.  In each show, I will ask just one question of Dr. Robert Enright, PhD, internationally renowned expert on the science and psychology of forgiveness. Stay tuned for the 13th episode:  What if multiple people have hurt you, how do you decide who to forgive first?Dr. Robert Enright is the 2022 recipient of the Gold Medal Award for Impact in Psychology by the American Psychological Foundation.  As the founder of the scientific study of forgiveness, Dr. Enright has authored seven books and over 100 publications on the topic and related topics, including studies on cross-cultural interpersonal forgiveness.   Dr. Enright developed an early intervention to promote a model of forgiveness that can be self-taught or used in therapeutic settings.  Dr. Enright is a professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.   To learn more about forgiveness and Dr. Robert Enright, visit internationalforgiveness.com.    Support the showThis show was created with love on my volunteer time. One small gift you can give me back is to take the time to leave the show a comment and rating on iTunes. You can also support the production costs of the show by buying me a $3 coffee at buymeacoffee.com/dralexandra. I will be encouraged by your support, and thank you!

This is one of a 17 part series of super brief podcasts (5 - 10 minutes each) on the topic of forgiveness.  In each stand-alone show, I will ask just one question of Dr. Robert Enright, PhD, internationally renowned expert on the science and psychology of forgiveness. Stay tuned for the 12th episode as Dr. Robert Enright answers this question: Should I forgive immediately or should I take some time first?Dr. Robert Enright is the 2022 recipient of the Gold Medal Award for Impact in Psychology by the American Psychological Foundation.  As the founder of the scientific study of forgiveness, Dr. Enright has authored seven books and over 100 publications on the topic and related topics, including studies on cross-cultural interpersonal forgiveness.   Dr. Enright developed an early intervention to promote a model of forgiveness that can be self-taught or used in therapeutic settings.  Dr. Enright is a professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.   To learn more about forgiveness and Dr. Robert Enright, visit internationalforgiveness.com.    Support the showThis show was created with love on my volunteer time. One small gift you can give me back is to take the time to leave the show a comment and rating on iTunes. You can also support the production costs of the show by buying me a $3 coffee at buymeacoffee.com/dralexandra. I will be encouraged by your support, and thank you!

This is the tenth of a 17 part series of super brief podcasts (5 - 10 minutes each) on the topic of forgiveness.  In each show, I will ask just one question of Dr. Robert Enright, PhD, internationally renowned expert on the science and psychology of forgiveness. Stay tuned for the 11th episode as Dr. Robert Enright answers this question:  Do I forgive if the person continues to hurt me?  Dr. Robert Enright is the 2022 recipient of the Gold Medal Award for Impact in Psychology by the American Psychological Foundation.  As the founder of the scientific study of forgiveness, Dr. Enright has authored seven books and over 100 publications on the topic and related topics, including studies on cross-cultural interpersonal forgiveness.   Dr. Enright developed an early intervention to promote a model of forgiveness that can be self-taught or used in therapeutic settings.  Dr. Enright is a professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.   To learn more about forgiveness and Dr. Robert Enright, visit internationalforgiveness.com.    Support the showThis show was created with love on my volunteer time. One small gift you can give me back is to take the time to leave the show a comment and rating on iTunes. You can also support the production costs of the show by buying me a $3 coffee at buymeacoffee.com/dralexandra. I will be encouraged by your support, and thank you!

This is the ninth of a 17 part series of super brief podcasts (5 - 10 minutes each) on the topic of forgiveness.  In each show, I will ask just one question of Dr. Robert Enright, PhD, internationally renowned expert on the science and psychology of forgiveness. Stay tuned for the tenth episode as Dr. Robert Enright answers this question:  Isn't forgiveness just unhealthy repression?  Dr. Robert Enright is the 2022 recipient of the Gold Medal Award for Impact in Psychology by the American Psychological Foundation.  As the founder of the scientific study of forgiveness, Dr. Enright has authored seven books and over 100 publications on the topic and related topics, including studies on cross-cultural interpersonal forgiveness.   Dr. Enright developed an early intervention to promote a model of forgiveness that can be self-taught or used in therapeutic settings.  Dr. Enright is a professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.   To learn more about forgiveness and Dr. Robert Enright, visit internationalforgiveness.com.    Support the showThis show was created with love on my volunteer time. One small gift you can give me back is to take the time to leave the show a comment and rating on iTunes. You can also support the production costs of the show by buying me a $3 coffee at buymeacoffee.com/dralexandra. I will be encouraged by your support, and thank you!

This is the eighth of a 17 part series of super brief podcasts (5 - 10 minutes each) on the topic of forgiveness.  In each show, I will ask just one question of Dr. Robert Enright, PhD, internationally renowned expert on the science and psychology of forgiveness. Stay tuned for the ninth episode:  Why is forgiveness better than a neutral attitude toward the wrongdoer?   Dr. Robert Enright is the 2022 recipient of the Gold Medal Award for Impact in Psychology by the American Psychological Foundation.  As the founder of the scientific study of forgiveness, Dr. Enright has authored seven books and over 100 publications on the topic and related topics, including studies on cross-cultural interpersonal forgiveness.   Dr. Enright developed an early intervention to promote a model of forgiveness that can be self-taught or used in therapeutic settings.  Dr. Enright is a professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.   To learn more about forgiveness and Dr. Robert Enright, visit internationalforgiveness.com.    Support the showThis show was created with love on my volunteer time. One small gift you can give me back is to take the time to leave the show a comment and rating on iTunes. You can also support the production costs of the show by buying me a $3 coffee at buymeacoffee.com/dralexandra. I will be encouraged by your support, and thank you!

This is the seventh of a 17 part series of super brief podcasts (5 - 10 minutes each) on the topic of forgiveness.  In each show, I will ask just one question of Dr. Robert Enright, PhD, internationally renowned expert on the science and psychology of forgiveness. Stay tuned for the eighth episode, which answers the question:  If I forgive, I'm afraid I'll forget OR if I forgive, I'm afraid I won't forget. . . Dr. Robert Enright is the 2022 recipient of the Gold Medal Award for Impact in Psychology by the American Psychological Foundation.  As the founder of the scientific study of forgiveness, Dr. Enright has authored seven books and over 100 publications on the topic and related topics, including studies on cross-cultural interpersonal forgiveness.   Dr. Enright developed an early intervention to promote a model of forgiveness that can be self-taught or used in therapeutic settings.  Dr. Enright is a professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.   To learn more about forgiveness and Dr. Robert Enright, visit internationalforgiveness.com.    Support the showThis show was created with love on my volunteer time. One small gift you can give me back is to take the time to leave the show a comment and rating on iTunes. You can also support the production costs of the show by buying me a $3 coffee at buymeacoffee.com/dralexandra. I will be encouraged by your support, and thank you!

This is the sixth of a 17 part series of super brief podcasts (5 - 10 minutes each) on the topic of forgiveness.  In each show, I will ask just one question of Dr. Robert Enright, PhD, internationally renowned expert on the science and psychology of forgiveness. Stay tuned for the seventh episode, which answer the question:  Why is "an eye for an eye" not the right way?  Dr. Robert Enright is the 2022 recipient of the Gold Medal Award for Impact in Psychology by the American Psychological Foundation.  As the founder of the scientific study of forgiveness, Dr. Enright has authored seven books and over 100 publications on the topic and related topics, including studies on cross-cultural interpersonal forgiveness.   Dr. Enright developed an early intervention to promote a model of forgiveness that can be self-taught or used in therapeutic settings.  Dr. Enright is a professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.   To learn more about forgiveness and Dr. Robert Enright, visit internationalforgiveness.com.    Support the showThis show was created with love on my volunteer time. One small gift you can give me back is to take the time to leave the show a comment and rating on iTunes. You can also support the production costs of the show by buying me a $3 coffee at buymeacoffee.com/dralexandra. I will be encouraged by your support, and thank you!

This is the fifth of a 17 part series of super brief podcasts (5 - 10 minutes each) on the topic of forgiveness.  In each show, I will ask just one question of Dr. Robert Enright, PhD, internationally renowned expert on the science and psychology of forgiveness.    In this show you will learn about how resentment has physical effects on the body!  Stay tuned for the sixth episode, which answer the question:  What are some of the criticisms of the idea of forgiving?  Dr. Robert Enright is the 2022 recipient of the Gold Medal Award for Impact in Psychology by the American Psychological Foundation.  As the founder of the scientific study of forgiveness, Dr. Enright has authored seven books and over 100 publications on the topic and related topics, including studies on cross-cultural interpersonal forgiveness.   Dr. Enright developed an early intervention to promote a model of forgiveness that can be self-taught or used in therapeutic settings.  Dr. Enright is a professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.   To learn more about forgiveness and Dr. Robert Enright, visit internationalforgiveness.com.    Find this show wherever you find your podcasts!  Support the showThis show was created with love on my volunteer time. One small gift you can give me back is to take the time to leave the show a comment and rating on iTunes. You can also support the production costs of the show by buying me a $3 coffee at buymeacoffee.com/dralexandra. I will be encouraged by your support, and thank you!

This is the fourth of a 17 part series of super brief podcasts (5 - 10 minutes each) on the topic of forgiveness.  In each show, I will ask just one question of Dr. Robert Enright, PhD, internationally renowned expert on the science and psychology of forgiveness.    Stay tuned for the fifth episode, which answer the question:  What is it to work the forgiveness muscle?     In this episode learn about the wonderful concept of "bearing the pain."  Dr. Robert Enright is the 2022 recipient of the Gold Medal Award for Impact in Psychology by the American Psychological Foundation.  As the founder of the scientific study of forgiveness, Dr. Enright has authored seven books and over 100 publications on the topic and related topics, including studies on cross-cultural interpersonal forgiveness.   Dr. Enright developed an early intervention to promote a model of forgiveness that can be self-taught or used in therapeutic settings.  Dr. Enright is a professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.   To learn more about forgiveness and Dr. Robert Enright, visit internationalforgiveness.com.    Find this show wherever you find your podcasts!  Support the showThis show was created with love on my volunteer time. One small gift you can give me back is to take the time to leave the show a comment and rating on iTunes. You can also support the production costs of the show by buying me a $3 coffee at buymeacoffee.com/dralexandra. I will be encouraged by your support, and thank you!

I'm excited to share the third of a 17 part series of super brief podcasts on the topic of forgiveness.  In each show, I will ask just one question of Dr. Robert Enright, PhD, internationally renowned expert on the science and psychology of forgiveness.   The following brief episode answers the question:   What are the two paradoxes of forgiveness?    Dr. Robert Enright is the 2022 recipient of the Gold Medal Award for Impact in Psychology by the American Psychological Foundation.  As the founder of the scientific study of forgiveness, Dr. Enright has authored seven books and over 100 publications on the topic and related topics, including studies on cross-cultural interpersonal forgiveness.   Dr. Enright developed an early intervention to promote a model of forgiveness that can be self-taught or used in therapeutic settings.  Dr. Enright is a professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.   To learn more about forgiveness and Dr. Robert Enright, visit internationalforgiveness.com.    Find this show wherever you find your podcasts!  Support the showThis show was created with love on my volunteer time. One small gift you can give me back is to take the time to leave the show a comment and rating on iTunes. You can also support the production costs of the show by buying me a $3 coffee at buymeacoffee.com/dralexandra. I will be encouraged by your support, and thank you!

I'm excited to share the second of a 17 part series of super brief podcasts on the topic of forgiveness.  In each show, I will ask just one question of Dr. Robert Enright, PhD, internationally renowned expert on the science and psychology of forgiveness.   The following brief episode answers the question:   What are the benefits of forgiveness?  (What's in it for the person forgiving?)  Stay tuned for the third question, which answer the question:  What are the two paradoxes of forgiveness?  Dr. Robert Enright is the 2022 recipient of the Gold Medal Award for Impact in Psychology by the American Psychological Foundation.  As the founder of the scientific study of forgiveness, Dr. Enright has authored seven books and over 100 publications on the topic and related topics, including studies on cross-cultural interpersonal forgiveness.   Dr. Enright developed an early intervention to promote a model of forgiveness that can be self-taught or used in therapeutic settings.  Dr. Enright is a professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.   To learn more about forgiveness and Dr. Robert Enright, visit internationalforgiveness.com.    Find this show wherever you find your podcasts!  Support the showThis show was created with love on my volunteer time. One small gift you can give me back is to take the time to leave the show a comment and rating on iTunes. You can also support the production costs of the show by buying me a $3 coffee at buymeacoffee.com/dralexandra. I will be encouraged by your support, and thank you!

Is there someone from your life that you need to forgive? The following super brief episode is one of a  17 part series on the topic of forgiveness.  In each show, Dr. Alexandra asks just one new question of Dr. Robert Enright, PhD, internationally renowned expert on the science and psychology of forgiveness.  The following brief (five minute) episode answers the question:  What is the definition of forgiveness?   Stay tuned for the next brief episode, which answers:  What are the benefits of forgiveness?  (What's in it for the person forgiving?)  Dr. Robert Enright is the 2022 recipient of the Gold Medal Award for Impact in Psychology by the American Psychological Foundation.  As the founder of the scientific study of forgiveness, Dr. Enright has authored seven books and over 100 publications on the topic and related topics, including studies on cross-cultural interpersonal forgiveness.   Dr. Enright developed an early intervention to promote a model of forgiveness that can be self-taught or used in therapeutic settings.  Dr. Enright is a professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.   To learn more about forgiveness and Dr. Robert Enright, visit internationalforgiveness.com.    Would you like to be sent an article on how to forgive when someone has been unfaithful? E-mail dralexandra@psychologyamerica.com and in the subject line write “forgiveness article.”   Support the showThis show was created with love on my volunteer time. One small gift you can give me back is to take the time to leave the show a comment and rating on iTunes. You can also support the production costs of the show by buying me a $3 coffee at buymeacoffee.com/dralexandra. I will be encouraged by your support, and thank you!

I **really** enjoyed my conversation with Dr. Paul Coleman on the topic of intuition.    Some of the studies he shared are fascinating!  Our conversation went from psychology to quantum physics to the esoteric concept of the future affecting the past. Paul Coleman is a psychologist in private practice specializing in intuition development, rebuilding relationships, grief, anxiety and trauma.  I had a chance to meet Dr. Coleman after I heard him give a beautiful talk at the International Forgiveness Institute's 2022 Agape Love conference.  Dr. Coleman, the author of Finding Peace When Your Heart is in Pieces, has appeared on national television, including Today, and Fox's The Morning Show.    Dr. Coleman will be a delight to "spend time with" through this show.  May you enjoy this conversation as much as I did! Support the showThis show was created with love on my volunteer time. One small gift you can give me back is to take the time to leave the show a comment and rating on iTunes. You can also support the production costs of this show through buying me a coffee for $3 on buymeacoffee.com/dralexandra

Those who are rejection sensitive notice very small slights and interpret them in the worst way.  Rejection sensitive people either need to constantly present themselves in a positive light to earn the approval of others or the complete opposite . . .they withdraw socially so they can remove the risk of rejection.  Rejection sensitive people might also be be fear based perfectionists - their fear is that of somehow being rejected for not getting everything right.  Life is better without so much worry about rejection - learn more about this topic, attachment theory and how to get relief from expert guest Dr. Leslie Becker-Phelps.  Dr. Leslie Becker-Phelps, psychologist, has authored Bouncing Back from Rejection and Insecure in Love.  She also shares her expertise through YouTube and the blog Making Change in Psychology Today. To learn more about Dr. Becker-Phelps and for free resources she offers, visit www.drbecker-phelps.com. Note:  Chris Fraley's survey, mentioned in this episode, can be found at:  http://drbecker-phelps.com/home/insecure-in-love-resourcesPlease enjoy the following poem by Rumi which was read on this show:  The Guest House This being human is a guest house. Every morning a new arrival.A joy, a depression, a meanness, some momentary awareness comes as an unexpected visitor.Welcome and entertain them all! Even if they're a crowd of sorrows, who violently sweep your house empty of its furniture, still, treat each guest honorably. He may be clearing you out for some new delight.The dark thought, the shame, the malice, meet them at the door laughing, and invite them in.Be grateful for whoever comes, because each has been sent as a guide from beyond.This episode is dedicated to the nonprofit group internationalforgiveness.com  where you can learn about how forgiveness is not for the person you're forgiving, it's for you, and how the burden of resentment causes fatigue.Support the show

Beth Rom-Rymer, PhD is the Chair and President of the Board of Directors of the National Register of Health Service Psychologists, the co-founder and co-chair of the International Movement for Prescriptive Authority (a movement supporting psychologists ability to prescribe medications) and at the time of this recording, a current candidate for the presidency of the American Psychological Association (APA).  Through her leadership and her ability to bring together multiple groups, Dr. Rom-Rymer has greatly increased access to mental health care in the United States.    I hope you will enjoy learning from her as much as I did through this interview!  Support the show

This is a “bonus” short form episode offers practical skills that you can apply today so that you can focus less on anxiety and more on the things that matter most.  Guest Hillary Grennan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in working with clients struggling with anxiety, depression and trauma.  She has over ten years of clinical experience working with young children, adolescents, adults, and families.  As a Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP) with a certificate in Intensive Cognitive Therapy, Hillary's theoretical approach is rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Recently she completed the ACT Immersion course taught by Dr.Steven Hayes.  Hillary guides her clients on how to utilize their strengths and inner resilience to overcome the challenges of life with compassion, creativity and empowerment.This episode is dedicated to InternationalForgiveness.comSupport the show

What is bravery and does bravery always have to be “big?”  We have the opportunity to challenge ourselves with small acts of bravery in our every day world.  Bravery can mean psychological bravery, such as getting ourselves to speak to someone when we'd normally avoid them, or taking a first action step on a creative endeavor that feels like a risk.My guest on this show is Dr. Kristen Lee, Ed.D, a 2022 Next Big Idea Club nominee and the author of 2022 book “Worth the Risk:  How to Microdose Bravery and Grow Resilience, Connect More and Offer Yourself to the World.”    Dr. Kris leads the Behavior Science program at Northeastern University and is the author of “RESET:  Make the Most of your Stress.”  She is the winner of the Next Generation Indie Book Awards Motivational Book 2015.  Lastly, Dr. Kris has over two decades of experience as a mental health clinician.Support the show

This episode is about an area that has *not* been researched very much in psychology, but which I think is worthy of a conversation:  our hair and its impact on our self esteem.  We will hear about the experience of folks with thick frizzy hair texture as well as those that have completely lost their hair.   The show features interviews with two hairdressers, a woman who has lost her hair to cancer and my husband, Neill Clark, attorney, who will share his non psychologist “regular guy” perspective on some of these topics.  I'm happy to share that at the release of this episode 12 states have passed laws to ban race based hair discrimination and last month the US House of Representatives passed federal legislation (the “CROWN Act”) that bans race based hair discrimination, such as telling folks they can't wear braids or cornrows because it looks “unprofessional.”I like to dedicate each of these shows to a non-profit and today's show is dedicated to The International Forgiveness Institute.  Learn all about research that supports the mental and physical health benefits of forgiveness by visiting internationalforgiveness.com.  Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dralexandra)

“I've had a lot of worries in my life, most of which never happened.”  Mark TwainSpend time with myself and guest Dr. Simon Rego as we discuss the latest strategies psychologists are using to help those who worry too much.    Dr. Simon Rego, is Chief of Psychology, Director of Psychology Training and Director of the CBT Training Program at Montefiore Medical Center in NYC and Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.  Simon has been sought out as an expert by the media, with appearances on CBS News TV, Fox News TV, and in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal and more. He is the author (along with Sarah Fader) of the #1 Amazon Best seller: The 10 Step Depression Relief Workbook, which has now been translated into German, Polish, Russian and Simplified Chinese, and most recently he and Sarah Fader released another book, which also hit #1 on Amazon's best sellers if cognitive psychology, The CBT Workbook for Mental Health: Evidence-Based Exercises to Transform Negative Thoughts and Manage Your Well Being.  I like to dedicate each of these shows to a non-profit and today's show is dedicated to the International Forgiveness Institute.  Learn all about research that supports the mental and physical health benefits of forgiveness by visiting internationalforgiveness.com.   I create this show out of love and a wish to freely share access to psychology.   To support the production costs of this show, please visit buymeacoffee.com/dralexandra.  If you choose to buy me a coffee for $3 you have the option to leave me a message with a comment, a show idea or just to say something nice!  Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dralexandra)

Learn about symptoms of adult ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), what research has found about consequences of untreated ADHD, structural brain differences for those diagnosed with it and natural and pharmaceutical approaches to treatment.     My guests are Heidi Keller, PhD and Tiffany Heineman, JD .  Tiffany Heineman bravely shares her personal story and experience with having ADHD and Heidi Keller, PhD, psychologist, shares her favorite natural treatment approach to improving executive skills.  This episode is dedicated to Girls on the Run non-profit (www.gotr.org) - an organization dedicated to teaching girls service, social and emotional skills and the value of exercise, all at once.    Note that guest Tiffany Heineman is the Chair of the Board of our local chapter of Girls on the Run - I asked her to talk about it at the end of the show.  Enjoy!  Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dralexandra)

If it's true that the average American adult has about about five hours of free time per day. . . why do so many of us still feel as if we have no free time to get things done?  This short episode offers a practical technique that will help avoiders and procrastinators get things done. Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dralexandra)

Dr. Malik Boykin, aka Malik Starx, is the first Black professor in the Department of Cognitive, Linguistic, and Psychological Sciences (CLPS) at Brown University.  He is also a hip-hop artist and we feature his song “Dancing for Freedom,” a jazzy, Afro-Carribbean single, early in the show.   An insight is a beautiful thing . . . someone once described it as holding a candle in a dark room and then suddenly the lights are turned on.   I am grateful to have gained some new insights that will stick with me as a result of this conversation.    Dr. Boykin and I discuss Black America, and reflect on myths and research about Black America (especially as found in the 2020 book From Here to Equality: Reparations for Black Americans in the Twenty-First Century by William Darity and Kirsten Mullen) .   Throughout the episode Dr. Boykin shares heartwarming stories, including his strategy for raising his GRE (Graduate Record Exam) score by 550 points in about 100 days.  Learn more about Dr. Malik Boykin at https://www.boykinlab.com , https://www.malikstarx.com)Enjoy!  Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dralexandra)

In this show we discuss the push and pull between the budding independence of young adults in college and the task parents have of “letting go,” among other related topics, including: Self starting and procrastination tips for studentsComing back home:  sleep pattern differences and messy roomsDr. Shane Owens answers direct questions from some students about their current worriesGuest Dr. Shane Owens, PhD had a wonderful "dad voice" that I believe will comfort anyone interested in this topic.  Dr. Owens is a board-certified behavioral and cognitive psychologist dedicated to helping college students, young adults, and parents.  He has been serving campus mental health services at Farmingdale State College for many years and holds a private practice in Commack, New York.   Dr. Owens is frequently a contributor/speaker at professional conferences and is an editorial board member of Evidence-Based Practice in Child and Adolescent Mental Health.This show is dedicated to internationalforgiveness.com where you can learn all about research that supports the mental and physical health benefits of forgiveness, practical steps on how to forgive and more.  I create this show out of love and a wish to freely share access to psychology.   To support the production costs of this show, please visit buymeacoffee.com/dralexandra.  If you choose to buy me a coffee for $3 you have the option to leave me a message with a comment, a show idea or just to say something nice!  Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dralexandra)

Are you narrowing your life by “managing” your worries and obsessions for a good portion of your day? Listen to this episode while folding your laundry or doing your dishes and learn about: What it’s like for people who experience “sticky” thoughts that don’t go awayHow feelings are like waves in the ocean . . . they come and go. We can’t always control our feelings, but we can control how we respond to them.How to use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to live your deepest values while getting relief from “sticky thoughts” and compulsions from OCD and moreToday’s guest is psychologist Dr. Patricia Zurita Ona, known as “Dr. Z,” author of six books including Escaping the Emotional Roller Coaster, ACT for the Emotionally Sensitive and The ACT Workbook for Teens with OCD: Unhook Yourself and Live Life to the Full. Dr. Z has led over 140 workshops at national and international conferences and runs a private practice in San Francisco where she works with children through adults that struggle with anxiety, perfectionism, procrastination, and with managing their emotions. Dr. Z is also the host of Playing it Safe Podcast - learn more about her at www.thisisdoctorz.com.Click here or find Psychology America with Dr. Alexandra wherever you listen to podcasts. I create these podcasts out of love and service - if you leave a rating on iTunes it helps to share the episodes with more people. You can also help me with production costs by buying me a coffee and leaving me a personal comment, question or topic request! Visit buymeacoffee.com/dralexandra Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dralexandra)

Get out your pen, there are so many helpful and practical morsels of wisdom offered in this episode! Expert guest Brittany Wool shares with listeners Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) concepts such as “wise mind,” “opposite action” and how to “pause” with mindfulness. Hear stories about a married couple getting angry over dishes, a middle schooler learning to tame their reactions to “mean girls” and what to do when feeling absolutely exasperated. Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dralexandra)

How can we stop uncontrollable and unintentional weight gain? What can we do about it, what works and how do we stick to it? Should those with serious weight problems consider bariatric surgery and medication?I recently learned so much about obesity from incredibly informed health psychologist Dr. Dina Goldstein Silverman. After watching her excellent presentation at the 2020 NJPA Conference I asked her if she would be a guest on podcast. We are joined in this conversation by attorney and my husband, Neill W. Clark.Expert guest Dr. Dina Goldstein Silverman is the recipient of the Frank and Mary Ann Dattilio Education Award from the Pennsylvania Psychological Association. She was recently recognized by South Jersey Magazine for the Reader's Choice Award in 2019 and 2017. She is an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Psychology at Cooper University Hospital where she teaches evidence-based psychotherapy and provides individual supervision to psychiatry residents, medical students, and post-doctoral and pre-doctoral clinical health psychology residents. If you have found any value from this show, please show your encouragement by buying me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dralexandraEnjoy! Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dralexandra)

How do exceptional leaders use emotions to effectively lead and persuade? Enjoy stories and new learning about these topics and more, including: * The EQ characteristics of outstanding leaders* Authenticity versus strategically bringing in emotion* Emotional contagion* Daydreaming in the workplaceMy guests on this episode are Cary Cherniss and Cornelia Roche, authors of Leading with Feeling, Nine Strategies of Emotionally Intelligent Leadership (2020), a book based on their in depth study of 25 outstanding leaders. Cary Cherniss, PhD was my dissertation chair at Rutgers, where he serves as Professor of Applied Psychology Emeritus. Cary spent much of his professional life studying Emotional Intelligence and he has published seven books, including Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace, and over 70 scholarly articles, many on this same topic. Dr. Cherniss is the Director of the Emotional Intelligence Consortium for Research on Emotional Intelligence in Organizations. Cornelia Roche, PsyD was a classmate of mine when I was in graduate school. She is an organizational psychologist and management coach serving various types of organizations, including corporate settings, schools, small businesses and non profits. Cornelia has served the Emotional Intelligence Consortium for Research on Emotional Intelligence in Organizations since its inception. We are also joined in this episode by attorney (and my husband) Neill W. Clark, who always enhances the conversation with his wisdom and curiosity.

It surprised me to learn that we have over two million people in prison in the United States. The majority of individuals in prison will eventually be released into the community. . . and who will they become after the prison experience? This episode presents the results of research just completed on a novel therapy for rehabilitating men in a maximum security prisons. Learn the elements of an approach which seeks to address the root of the problem, and in the process learn techniques for healing and breaking free of anger and resentment.Guest Dr. Maria Gambaro is a licensed psychologist who has dedicated the last twelve years of her life to forgiveness counseling, research and assessment. She is one of the principle authors of the research and paper we will cover today. Guest Dr. Robert Enright is the founder of the International Forgiveness Institute and has been featured in Time Magazine and ABC’s 20/20 as the pioneer of the scientific study of forgiveness. Dr. Enright is a professor of psychology at the University of Wisconsin, Madison and is the author of the Eight Keys to Forgiveness. This is the second time I have had Dr. Enright on the show - find him in a previous very popular episode entitled “How to Forgive.”

Historical figures like George Washington and Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus can teach us about humility and virtue in politics and life. Host Randolph "Wolf" Shipon and I discussed these topics and more on the American Unity Radio podcast, in which Dr. Shipon seeks to bring a divided America closer together. He talks about putting red, white and blue together to form “purple people.” Enjoy!

Google Scholar data ranked Steven C. Hayes among the top 1,500 most cited scholars on the planet, in all areas of study, living and dead. He is the founder of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) which brings in mindfulness, acceptance and value based methods to relieve human suffering. I enjoyed and recommend his most recent book “A Liberated Mind: How to Pivot Toward What Matters.” Learn more about him at stevenchayes.com. May you enjoy the wisdom of Steven C. Hayes as much as I did!

In this episode Dr. Kendahl Shortway shares the results of her recent study entitled: “New Jersey Coaches and Athletic Directors Perspectives: Gender Nonbinary Athletes.” Dr. Shortway, Neill Clark and I also discuss: Important definitions, including the meaning of “nonbinary,” transgender, genderfluid, cisgender LGBTQA+ and more for listeners who are unfamiliarConcepts and questions about the psychology and biology of genderWhat the NCAA and Olympic Committee rules state as it relates to participation by transgender athletes. Dr. Kendahl Shortway, PsyD is the co-author of the Routledge Handbook of Clinical Sport Psychology (in publication 2020) and much of her research has focused on sports psychology. She teaches and serves as research coordinator at Kean University.Neill Clark, formerly a NCAA Division 1 Track and Field athlete and currently a master’s competitive athlete in running and swimming, offers his perspective as an athlete and an attorney. Yesterday (6-15-20) the United States Supreme Court ruled that the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VII, protects transgender & homosexual people from workplace discrimination. Listen to this podcast for a primer on LBGTQA+ terms, definitions and concepts and learn about the controversial topic of transgender athletes competing in sports.

In this recorded talk Dr. Alexandra shares wisdom from Rumi, Petrarch, Nelson Mandela, positive psychology and more. A special thank you to Mr. Gary Kitchell for his photo of the sunrise.

This episode is about identifying our values and living according to them, including strategies to help us from getting distracted and derailed. In this episode Tom Russo, author of There are no Politics in Heaven, shares some of the life lessons he has learned including overcoming his earlier years of being bullied, escaping into the unsavory aspects of political power, finding and living according to his deepest values and transforming into a servant-leader. Dr. Alexandra teaches listeners about Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) along the way. Thomas Russo, a former elected official in two NJ municipalities, currently serves as town manager of Newton NJ in addition to teaching at Seton Hall University and Pillar College.

Dr. Alexandra, Dr. Michelle Pievsky and Neill Clark share seven practical tips on how to cope with stressful and unexpected circumstances.For further podcasts that may be particularly helpful for coping during COVID 19, search Psychology America with Dr. Alexandra for. . . .Caring for our Immune System:#31. Mind Your Microbiota#16. Your Best SleepGeneral Coping: #4. Facing Our Fears#25. Resilience, Overcoming and Fortitude#20. For Couples: The Second Shift#5. When Our Thoughts Get in the Way (and How to Get Relief)#19. Facing the Unknown Part 1#29. GriefThank you to my 5th grade son George for the cover artwork. Find his artwork and photography on toads and more at his artwork (@grego.andrew).

I so enjoyed this conversation on the “Love and Psychology of Dogs” and am excited to share it with you! The guests on this podcast episode are Dr. Nancy Shay, veterinarian and Jeannette Carpenter, dog walker. Join us as we discuss the following and more:our thoughts on recent research on the “intelligence,” including emotional intelligence, of dogs dogs’ emotions and sense of moralityamazing research on the effects dog ownership has on the health of children and adults Dr. Nancy has worked at the Highlands Veterinary Hospital in Sparta, New Jersey for 22 years. She has a special interest in physical rehabilitation and animal behavior. She earned her veterinary degree from University College Dublin Veterinary School of Ireland and is currently working toward her certification in canine rehabilitation.Jeannette Carpenter has owned her own dog walker/pet sitter business for 10 years. I have aways enjoyed and appreciated her funny and moving stories about her “clients.” In this recorded conversation I especially enjoyed learning about her two styles of walks she gives her dogs. Enjoy!

I am grateful to have experienced joy and even bliss when my children were infants and toddlers, but this is not always the case. In fact, on this show I learned that 80% of mothers experience postpartum blues. In this episode you’ll also learn: Advice on screen time for infants and toddlersInfants, toddlers and sleepThe best way for little ones to learn languageHow to discipline a toddlerWhat both she and I might do differently in raising our infants and toddlersDr. Michelle Arkow Pievsky, PhD is an expert on the psychology of infants and toddlers and serves as a fellow at both Youth Consultation Service Institute for Infant and Preschool Mental Health in East Orange, NJ and at Mindful Assessment and Psychological Services in Pequannock, NJ. Her many publications include a meta analysis on the neurocognitive profile of ADHD. Last year Dr. Pievsky presented on many topics, including “Autism Spectrum Disorder in Primary Care” and “A Behavioral Health Toolbox for Pediatricians.” Enjoy!

This episode inspired me to change the way I eat and I’m excited to share this topic with others. Guest Jeanne Petrucci and I discuss the connection between our mood, our health and the gut, including: * Promising research on how our gut impacts our mood and vice versa* What it means for the gut to be “leaky” and its relation to inflammation and the immune system* The gut and the increase in food sensitivities * What to feed the gut for your health and cancer prevention* The role of fecal transplants* What pregnant women and parents of young children need to know about the gutJeanne Petrucci is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and the founder of Living Plate (livingplate.org), an organization which seeks out the latest scientific research on nutrition and then shares that information through educational and culinary programs. Enjoy!

With compassion and elegance the guest on today’s episode, Dr. Nancy McWilliams, helps listeners understand the following and more: What is healthy versus pathological narcissism? Can certain parenting create narcissistic personalities?What are some practical suggestions for those in a romantic relationship with a partner with narcissistic tendencies?What does it feel like if you have narcissistic personality disorder and what can help?What is overt, covert and psychopathic narcissism?What if you work for someone with narcissistic tendencies? How can companies spot narcissistic tendencies when hiring leaders?Dr. Nancy McWilliams (nancymcw@aol.com) teaches at Rutgers University’s Graduate School of Applied & Professional Psychology and practices in Lambertville, New Jersey. She is author of Psychoanalytic Diagnosis (1994, rev. ed. 2011), Psychoanalytic Case Formulation (1999), and Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy (2004) and is associate editor of the Psychodynamic Diagnostic Manual, 2nd ed. (2017). A former president of Division 39 (Psychoanalysis) of the American Psychological Association, she has been featured in three APA videos of master clinicians, the most recent being “Three Approaches to Psychotherapy.” Her books are available in 20 languages; she lectures widely both nationally and internationally.Enjoy!

Guest Dr. Deb Bernstein (drdebbernstein.com) endured the loss of her young brother, her young romantic love and most recently both her mother and father. As a clinical psychologist she has specialized in grief through research and through her 35 year private practice in Warwick, NY. In this episode Dr. Deb and I discuss the following and more: The many and varied symptoms of acute grief and how long it lasts How our relationship with the deceased affects our grief, such as when we have mixed feelings about them How Elizabeth Kubler-Ross apologized about how her “Stages of Grief” were misconstrued How to respond to a grieving friend Strategies for copingSome books and authors we brought up in our conversation include: When the Bough Breaks: Forever After the Death of a Son or Daughter by Judith R. Bernstein, Ph.D.Grief Counseling and Grief Therapy, Fifth Edition: A Handbook for the Mental Health Practitioner by J. William Worden PhDThe Other Side of Sadness: What the New Science of Bereavement Tells Us About Life After Loss by George A. Bonanno Ph.D.

Did you know that most people with dementia don’t notice that they’ve had memory loss or personality changes? It tends to be relatives and close friends that notice it and then encourage the individual to seek an evaluation. I learned from the guest on this episode that the “self awareness” part of the brain is likely to be one of the areas harmed by dementia! In this episode, also learn: How do Dementia symptoms differ from normal aging? How can one tell the difference between Dementia and depression? What does research recommend on how to prevent dementia?What steps should you or family take once a Dementia diagnosis has been made?What is the latest technology on identifying Alzheimer’s Disease?What is it like for those caring for the Dementia patient? The guest on today’s episode is Dr. Michelle Papka (www.thecrcnj.com, 973-850-4622), who has nearly 25 years' combined experience as a researcher and clinician specializing in the field of aging, Alzheimer’s disease, and dementia. She practices as a neuropsychologist, psychotherapist, and researcher, and has served as the Principal Investigator on over 20 recent clinical trials for Alzheimer’s disease, memory impairment, or mild cognitive impairment.She’s had numerous publications of her work and is an active public speaker, invited editor, grant reviewer, consultant, and committee member of multiple specialized organizations and publications in the field of aging and Alzheimer’s Disease.

Your heart is racing, your hands are tingling, you can’t breathe and you wonder: “Is this a heart attack? Why does it feel like the world is crashing down on me?”In this episode learn: * What a panic attack is and is not* Evidence-based strategies for overcoming panic* The role of medication when treating panic disorder * The treatment approach for Tourette’s syndrome, a disorder related to motor and vocal tics, another expertise held by the episode guest. Expert guest for this episode is Dr. Rob Zambrano, a psychologist at Stress and Anxiety Services of New Jersey (stressandanxiety.com). Dr. Zambrano, who specializes in panic, Tourette’s syndrome and the anxiety spectrum disorders, will surprise listeners with what may seem like a paradoxical strategy to overcoming a panic attack. This episode is dedicated to Ginnie’s House, a non-profit organization which provides 100% free therapy to abused children and their caregivers. Learn more at ginnieshouse.org. Thank you _geogre.art_ , my son, for the photograph.