ShrinksChat

Fans of Netflix's Bridgerton spin-off series Queen Charlotte will notice it reflects some of the modern-day challenges we face with mental illness. Monica and Annette believe the crisis, which has intensified post-Covid - especially among teenagers - means more people who are suffering, should seek help. But if we're feeling mental health challenges, we should avoid our "misery stabilizers" such as excessive drinking or high social media use. There are coping skills and self-care strategies in this episode. What are yours? Join the conversation at our Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/shrinkschat/     

In Mental Awareness Month, the Shrinkschat duo chat with Dr. Harold Shinitzky about the mental health of both therapists and the people they treat.  Harold E. Shinitzky Psy. D. is a Licensed Psychologist with offices in Clearwater and St. Petersburg, Florida. He has been helping to make a difference in the lives of others for almost 30 years. He specializes in Sport Psychology. Dr. Shinitzky works with nationally ranked junior, collegiate, Olympic and professional athletes from every major association (PGA, NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL)Dr. Shinitzky is the author of "A Champion's Mindset" a book  written for athletes, coaches and parents as well as the sports fan who is interested in understanding the underlying psychology that makes a champion athlete. Tell us how COVID affected you or your loved ones, and how you have recovered, or still suffer? What have you done to try to get things back to "normal" ?  https://www.facebook.com/shrinkschat/    

Picture: javier-allegue-barros-C7B-ExXpOIE-unsplash.jpg This week, we talk about dealing with change, be it at work, at home, or in friendships. The Shrinkschat duo discuss ways to prepare for a major life change, whether it's desired, or feared.  What's your next big change? How are you preparing from it? How did you handle the last one? Join the conversation at:  https://www.facebook.com/shrinkschat/

This week, Monica and Annette say stress is here to stay, and offer some coping skills for whatever stress you are dealing with, whether work, relationships, finances, or life in general.  Tell us what kind of stress you're facing, and how you're dealing with it? Join the conversation at: https://www.facebook.com/shrinkschat/      

Pic: Humphrey Muleba on "Unsplash" "Motivation" is derived from "Motive" (or maybe even "Motor"? :-) Annette and Monica advise us to get moving in order to make life changes. Instead of focussing on the negative in our lives,  movement encourages positivity, which provides motivation. Get motivated to listen to this episode.     

Monica and Annette chat about the importance of friendships after COVID-19, different kinds of friendships, when to sustain them, and when to give them a break in your life.  Tell us about the friendships which have sustained you, and  supported you in your life? https://www.facebook.com/shrinkschat/    

In the first of their new series, Annette and Monica focus on romantic relationships - how to focus on yourself and your own behavior and reactions, to experience the best in your relationship. Join the conversation on Facebook @Shrinkschat or at our website

Do you eat when you're hungry? Or when you can - between urgent tasks? Or when you're supposed to eat? This week, ReBecca McConville, author of "Finding Your Sweet Spot" talks to Monica and Annette about "RED-S" - Relative Energy Efficiency, and how fancy diets, weight control, and commercialism can prevent you from listening to both your body, and your brain, to provide what you need.  Tell us about your experiences with diets, weight loss programs, and family issues with nutrition and health on our Facebook Page        

Like most other social media, Tik Tok can be fun. But it can also be hazardous to your health, if you look in the wrong places for physical and mental health advice. In this episode, Monica and Annette advocate for a healthy scepticism, when it comes to believing cures, buying remedies, or self-diagnosing what ails you, via social media.   Illustration: The Wall Street Journal 

Eating disorders are the 2nd most prolific addictive medical issue in the USA, behind addiction to Opioids. Yes, really!  Monica and Annette's guest this week is Dr. Samantha Winton, a psychologist and an expert in eating disorders. She says eating orders are "diseases", rather like Alzheimers. - It's nobody's fault.  But there are simple strategies parents can use, to help their children who are "picky eaters", by introducing them to the diversity, feel, and excitement of foods, even if they insist on plain and simple every day.  Do you have a child who is a picky eater? Share the challenges you've experienced with your kids: what you've tried, what's failed and what's succeeded - and make recommendations for other parents, on the discussion with Monica and Annette on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/shrinkschat    

As we enter another elongated (in the USA) holiday season, many of us are already feeling the stress levels rising. The season is supposed to be joyful, spiritual, and centered on friends and family. But the pressure to feel happy and celebrate also takes it toll, especially on people for whom the holidays bring painful memories of lost loved ones. This week Monica and Annette suggest a plan for making this holiday season as stress-free as possible, prioritizing YOUR physical and mental health. How do you cope with the holidays? Let us know on our Facebook page:-  http://www.facebook.com/shrinkschat  

It's Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and it's becoming more prevalent, with both women and men as victims. This week, Monica and Annette discuss the power and control dynamics in abusive relationships, how to spot the warning signs in friends and relatives, and how to support them. And if you're in a dangerous situation, how to make a plan to survive it with children.   Domestic Violence Hotline (US) (800) 799 7233  Join the discussion with Monica and Annette on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/shrinkschat Illustration by Annie Spratt on Unsplash 

Tamera offers private counseling, coaching and therapy, and  specializes in the use of Hypnosis at her practice in St. Petersburg,  Florida. Monica and Annette chat with her about how hypnosis and hypnotherapy can work in mental health therapy. Tamera is a Florida State Licensed Mental Health Counselor, a State Approved Clinical Supervisor and Adoptions Therapist. And a Nationally Certified Counselor by the NBCC. You can find her at https://www.tampabayhypnotherapy.com You can find Monica and Annette on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/shrinkschat    

Hurricane Ian brought unprecedented destruction and loss of life for southern parts of Florida. But further north in the state, the coastal region where Annette and Monica live around Tampa Bay and St. Petersburg was largely spared. This didn't prevent the stress beforehand, when the storm was originally forecast as a direct hit. Today they offer advice on how to cope with the stress of an event beyond our control, and how to make a plan and stick to it.  

Monica and Annette talk about how to react in a relationship conflict. How to channel your "inner adult" and to resist responding with child-like anger or aggression.  The conversation is inspired by Terrence Real's new book, "US"  Picture: Mehmet Turgut Kirkgoz on Unsplash  

Monica and Annette welcome back Dr. Harold E. Shinitzky Psy. D. to discuss sports and parenting. He's a Licensed Psychologist with offices in Clearwater and St. Petersburg, Florida. He has been helping to make a difference in the lives of others for nearly 30 years. Dr. Shinitzky specializes in Sport Psychology and is a highly acclaimed and sought after Motivational Speaker. He works with nationally ranked junior, collegiate, Olympic and professional athletes from every major association (PGA, NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL). He is the author of A Champion's Mindset. This book is written for athletes, coaches and parents as well as the sports fan who is interested in understanding the underlying psychology that makes a champion athlete. As a Sport Psychologist for nearly 30 years, working with Olympians, professional and nationally ranked junior athletes. What's your sports parenting story? Tell us at https://www.facebook.com/shrinkschat/ 

You know all those things you're fearful of doing, or simply don't want to do, so you put them off until next week?  If you don't deal with them, the situation has a habit of spiraling out of control. Annette and Monica discuss procrastination, and have some great tips on how to avoid it, and its ramifications.  What is YOUR biggest procrastination? What do you keep postponing? and does it get you into sticky water? Post us at https://www.facebook.com/shrinkschat/  Photo: Lucian Alexe on Unsplash  

PIC: CBS There are many perils on the internet, but none more disturbing than the story highlighted by the Netflix documentary on the "catfishing" of football star Manti Te'o. A person who pretended to be his girlfriend did not exist beyond social media.  Monica and Annette discuss the dangers of "catfishing", the lessons we can learn, and how to prevent our kids from being easily duped on social media platforms.  To leave a comment, make a suggestion, or find additional resources, join us at:- https://www.facebook.com/shrinkschat/     

In part three of the "Back to School" series, Annette and Monica are joined by Barbara Rhode, LMFT to talk about the parental challenges of "launching" your child into adulthood, and how to make the transition smooth.   

Ciara Gorby, a registered mental health intern with Sunshine City Counseling, joins Annette and Monica to discuss the challenges teenagers face as they return to school for the new year.  To leave a comment, make a suggestion, and find additional resources:- https://www.facebook.com/shrinkschat/   

(Episode One of a three-part series) As a new school year begins in the US and around the world, Monica and Annette offer advice for parents who may be anxious about Covid, separation after a long summer, school violence, and other concerns which can be alleviated by good communication and expressions of love.  To leave a comment, make a suggestion, and find additional resources:- https://www.facebook.com/shrinkschat/  Picture: National Cancer Institute on Unsplash   

Pic: PHOTOHOLGIC on Unsplash Monica and Annette offer some smart strategies for dealing with escalating arguments in relationships. How to abandon "being right" , and how to use timing, language, and love to settle a dispute.  

Pic: Zdenek Machacek on Unsplash Sometimes a heated argument can be turned into a constructive discussion with the use of the right listening and language skills. Monica and Annette discuss how to celebrate differences in relationships to resolve conflict. 

Pic: Luis Villas-Mil on Unsplash Our lives have changed in unexpected ways, with Covid-19, War in Ukraine, and seismic decisions in courts and governments. In this episode, Monica and Annette offer some coping skills to maintain balance and still enjoy life.     

Pic: Renee Thompson on Unsplash Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation, in which the abuser tries to sow self-doubt and confusion in their victim's mind. Typically, gas lighters seek to gain power and control over the other person, by distorting reality and forcing them to question their own judgment and intuition. This week, Monica and Annette chat about different forms of "gaslighting" and, if you're a victim of it, how to support yourself and seek help. 

Dr. Harold rejoins Monica and Annette to discuss how to parent teenagers post-Covid. How to address issues presented by social media, depression, reluctance to express themselves, and how to re-engage with friends face-to-face following our pandemic isolation.  Dr. Harold Shinitzky Psy.D. is a highly sought-after presenter, and the developer of "A Champion's Mindset", and "The Winning Zone". He also co-authored the book, "Your Mind: An Owner's Manual for a Better Life" and works with nationally ranked junior, collegiate, Olympic and professional athletes (PGA, NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL). He's located in Clearwater and St. Petersburg Florida.     

Following a series of mass shootings in the United States, Annette and Monica meet Dr. Anna Lisa De Lima, Ph.D., LMHC, NCC, to talk about the mental health impact on children, families, and first responders who are either directly involved, or impacted by watching the media coverage.  Dr. De Lima is the Clinical Director at the Hanley Center at Origins, based in West Palm Beach, Florida. She brings a wealth of clinical expertise and well-rounded specialization in trauma and crisis.  Dr. De Lima completed her Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision with a specialization in trauma and crisis. She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida as well as a National Certified Counselor (NCC). In her work as a clinician, Dr. De Lima utilizes a variety of evidenced based protocols in the treatment of mental health disorders, SUDs, and trauma. These protocols include Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and other trauma-informed interventions. Dr. De Lima has worked with first responders from a variety of backgrounds and specialties in her work as a clinician. Having worked closely with first responders in a variety of roles, and through her years of research on this population, Dr. De Lima is well-versed in the unique concerns that this population faces. Dr. De Lima has also presented extensively on this topic around the country.

Pic: Sebastian Leon Prado on Unsplash Ever felt that warm glow of attention at the beginning of a new romance? You may be being "lovebombed". As Monica and Annette discuss this week, it's good to be prepared when real life intervenes :-)    

 CHARLIE FOSTER on UNSPLASH  Is vulnerability a feeling to be denied, or embraced? When both partners admit to being vulnerable, a combative argument can become a meaningful and productive discussion, as Annette and Monica explain this week.   

Image: Kristina Tripkovic on Unsplash Who hasn't been through a painful breakup? Losing a friend, a lover, you go through many of the stages of grief. Monica and Annette talk about how to cope with the collision of feelings and emotions, what to tell yourself, and what action you can take to help you move on.     

Pic: Cheron James on Unsplash Oftentimes, you don't even realize when your relationship is "stuck". You become used to the dynamic of the day-to-day, or you're fearful of a big life change and just hope for improvement. This week, Monica and Annette discuss how to spot the signs, and how to act to improve life for you and your loved ones. 

Image: Inna Podolska on Unsplash Monica and Annette explore "shame" this week: "I can't afford to buy a house" or "My partner left me". What provokes it, how it feels, how to counteract it, and how empathy and understanding can help.  

Picture: Julien-I on Unsplash This week, Monica is on the receiving end of "Road Rage" in a Florida parking lot. And Monica has to explain the "mask requirement" to clients in her office. A discussion on "Reactionary Rudeness": Why it's on the increase, and what strategies we can use to defuse it in others, or when we feel it ourselves.  

This week the Shrinkschat duo discuss addiction with Dr. John Dyben, Chief Clinical Officer at Origins Behavioral Healthcare in West Palm Beach, Florida. He says misconceptions and judgmental attitudes prevent many people from seeking treatment. And they offer help, support and resources if you are a sufferer, or a loved one is experiencing addiction.  Dr. John holds a Bachelor's in Psychology, a Master's in Conflict Management, a Master's in Management, and a Doctorate in Health Science. He has completed postgraduate studies in psychology, philosophy, and religion. John is a Master Certified Addictions Professional, a Certified Mental Health Professional in Florida, an Internationally Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, and a Substance Abuse Professional. John is also a musician, a writer, and a private pilot, and he enjoys spending time with his family.  

Dr. Samantha Winton joins Annette and Monica to discuss how to recognize the symptoms in a loved one, and how to seek help. She's a Clinical Psychologist and Eating Disorder Specialist licensed in Florida. Relationship Therapists Monica Burton and Annette Reiter, long-time friends from St. Petersburg, Florida, bring more than 30 years of certified counseling experience to this new discussion about diverse medical and mental health concerns. These conversations will help educate and inform the audience of mental health issues affecting life in our American culture and the human experience. They talk about how to improve dialogue between partners in simple ways, how to resolve conflicts, and how to seek help.   

This week, Annette and Monica meet Cherie Monarch, who runs the Facebook Group "MomToMom", a platform for people caring for eating disorder sufferers. She talks about the myths surrounding eating disorders, and the challenges of finding the right treatment when health insurers often refuse to help.  Relationship Therapists Monica Burton and Annette Reiter, long-time friends from St. Petersburg, Florida, bring more than 30 years of certified counseling experience to this new discussion about diverse medical and mental health concerns. These conversations will help educate and inform the audience of mental health issues affecting life in our American culture and the human experience. They talk about how to improve dialogue between partners in simple ways, how to resolve conflicts, and how to seek help.   

Dr. Debbie Manigat, DMFT, LMFT, is a mental health practitioner and activist. Her practice is focused on infant mental health, cultural humility, and holistic wellness. This week, Monica and Annette chat with Dr. Debbie about the effects of racism on children of all creeds and colors, and how dialogue and respect between people and communities leads to greater understanding.  

The theme music from "Encanto", the latest Disney epic, has displaced Adele at the top of the charts. With the song "We Don't Talk About Bruno" in mind, Monica and Annette discuss what the movie teaches about the perils of keeping secrets within families.  How hiding issues, and failing to confront fears, will lead to  further trouble down the line. And how to deal with those demons with families and friends.  

This week, Monica and Annette discuss the take-aways from Gary Chapman's best-selling book, and how we can revive, improve or sustain our loving relationships with simple steps.   https://www.amazon.com/Love-Languages-Secret-that-Lasts/dp/080241270X This episode first aired in April, 2021  

Pic: Anthony Tran on "Unsplash" There's been an alarming rise in the numbers of teenage suicides, accentuated by the Covid-19 pandemic. This week, Monica and Annette discuss how to spot the signs of a teen in trouble, and suggest strategies and resources for reaching out, starting a conversation, and offering help. 

Damon West, M.S. Criminal Justice, is a college professor, nationally known keynote speaker and best-selling author (with best-selling author and motivational speaker Jon Gordon) of The Coffee Bean: A Simple Lesson to Create Positive Change. His first book and autobiography, The Change Agent: How a Former College QB Sentenced to Life in Prison Transformed His World, was published just three years after his release from a Texas maximum-security prison. Monica and Annette chat with him about his fall, and subsequent rise to become a sought-after motivational and inspiring speaker.  Check out the video version at Monica's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyySJp_fCPmnYCBTV2R7jVw  Join Annette and Monica on Facebook and Instagram @Shrinkschat

Sarah Phinney is an Emmy Award-winning traffic anchor for ABC Action News (WFTS) in Tampa, Florida.  When the Pandemic hit, she launched "Sarah's Walking Club" on Facebook to encourage people to get healthy outdoor exercise, while visiting new places in their area. Now, the group has more than 15-thousand members sharing stories, experiences and pictures of the local wildlife and countryside.  She tells Monica and Annette how the Club has changed lives during Covid-19.  Join, or start your own walking club here! https://www.facebook.com/groups/469330897365577/ Or check out Monica and Annette's FB page here: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=shrinks%20chat            

The Shrinkschat ladies are joined by Kelli Cross, MD, FAAP, from Complete Wellness Pediatrics in St. Petersburg, Florida, USA.  Dr. Cross says the "typical" American diet can damage not just our physical health, but our mental wellbeing as well. And she has great suggestions for alternative foods for both adults and kids, and how to gain buy-in from our children for healthy dinner-time changes.    

Monica and Annette celebrate the New Year with some practical optimism about the benefits of mindfulness from Dr. Stacy Grossman, Psy.D.  Doctor Stacy is a licensed clinical psychologist, and the Director of the Center for Brain Recovery at Hanley Center at Origins.  They discuss some of the amazing tools to enable effective meditation and mindfulness, and how to better connect our bodies with our brains.    

Pic: Spenser Sembrat on Unsplash We're celebrating our 100th episode of ShrinksChat ! And we realized our show launch coincided with the beginning of the Covid pandemic, which has changed everyone's lives. We look back at the advice we have given, how it has changed through the pandemic, and discuss what it's like to be a therapist experiencing the same challenges as many of our clients.  

Pic: Mathilde Langevin on Unsplash.com The rollercoaster ride of Covid-19 strains has made many people feel they're simply "languishing". In this episode, which first aired in May 2021, Annette and Monica discuss how to convert that feeling into "flourishing" by taking simple steps to rejuvenate your daily life.  

Rachel chats with Monica and Annette about relationships and mental survival during the holiday season. She has more than ten years of experience in the field of mental health. She works with adults and older adolescents in the areas of relationship struggles, trauma, anxiety, abuse, mood disorders including depression and bipolar disorders. Using a holistic approach, her modalities include, but are not limited to EMDR, Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), cognitive behavioral, mindfulness, and solution focused.  

Photo by Alex McCarthy on Unsplash This week, Monica and Annette discuss how accepting and enduring pain can sometimes be productive, and lead to better experiences down the road. And confronting and overcoming challenging situations can generate satisfaction. https://www.facebook.com/shrinkschat/ 

Photo by Roman Kraft on Unsplash Monica and Annette reflect on grief, and how it can often be magnified at holiday times, when families get together, sometimes surfacing memories of those we have lost. This could be especially magnified this year, as we continue to cope with the Covid pandemic.  

(This show first aired in November, 2020) Annette and Monica meet Dr. John Dyben to talk about the holidays, and how to cope with the accompanying stress, especially under COVID-19.  Dr. John is the Clinical Fellow for Origins Behavioral Healthcare in Florida. He provides both academic and clinical supervisory support to Origins͛ programs. His academic background includes degrees in Psychology (BS), Conflict (MA), Management (MS), and a Doctor of Health Science. Dr. John is an ordained pastor, clinically trained chaplain, and board-certified as both a Master Addictions Professional and a Mental Health Professional in the State of Florida.  

Photo by krakenimages on Unsplash This week, navigating the hopes, expectations and pressures of the holiday season by expressing and communicating real love.