Podcasts about commitment therapy act

In today's episode of Psych Talk I speak with Destiny Davis, LPC, CRC about chronic illness and medical trauma. Destiny shares about her journey into specializing in chronic illness as a therapist and her personal experiences with chronic illness. Throughout the discussion, Destiny defines for listeners what chronic illness is, as well as what medical trauma is. We discuss some examples of types of medical traumas, as well as common symptoms that may indicate someone has experienced medical trauma. We discuss the intersection of chronic illness and mental health and the bidirectional nature of these things. Destiny shares how both somatic experience and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can be beneficial for those who have experienced medical trauma or live with a chronic illness. Connect with Destiny:IG: @thechronicillnesstherapistsPodcast: The Chronic Illness TherapistsWebsite: www.thechronicillnesstherapist.comMonthly Consultation GroupAtlanta Conference (CEs provided)Additional resources for therapists and allied health professionalsConnect with Me:Follow me on IG ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@jessicaleighphd⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow the podcast on IG ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@psych.talk.podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow me on TikTok ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@jessicaleighphd⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow me on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow me on Threads ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@jessicaleighphd⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Welcome to Group Therapy Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join my Facebook community: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Grow Through What You Go Through⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ways to Work With Me:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mind Over Matter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LGBTQ+ Affirming Masterclass⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Be a guest on my podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Resources:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Anti-Racism Resources⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LGBTQ+ Affirming Resources⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Helping Professional's Guide to Boundary Setting⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Intro/Outro Music⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Life of Riley⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ by Kevin MacLeod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Music License⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Send a textABA on Tap is proud to present Dr. Scott O'Donnell (Part 3 of 3):Dr. Scott O'Donnell, PhD, BCBA-D, LBA, is a dedicated behavior analyst, educator, and therapist recognized for his advocacy in expanding the reach of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) beyond traditional settings. He is the founder of SAOBA, LLC, and currently serves as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Temple University.Dr. O'Donnell's career spans over a decade, with a focus on diverse populations including inner-city youth, athletes, and individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), and Emotional and Behavioral Disorders (EBD).Dr. O'Donnell is a strong proponent of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Relational Frame Theory (RFT). He frequently utilizes behavior analytic techniques to address mental health challenges such as depression and anxiety and emphasizes the importance of data-driven, compassionate practice. His published research includes work on:Sports performance and concussion management.Integrating consumer behavior analytic models into corporate settings (e.g., Disney).A lifelong resident of Philadelphia, Dr. O'Donnell is an active volunteer, currently serving as Vice President of the Fox Chase Civic Association. He is also involved in shaping the future of the field through SEBA (Scientific Evaluation of Behavior Analysis), advocating for diverse representation within the behavior science community.Dr. Scott returns to ABA on Tap, and discusses everything from prior guests on the Tap, to the idea of freedom and human agency. This brew is flavorful and promises a delightful intellectual buzz. Pour heavy, pour more and ALWAYS ANALYZE RESPONSIBSupport the show

How can you stay present when your brain is screaming with OCD?

Hvad gør den dygtige psykolog anderledes?Hvad er det, “superterapeuten” forstår om relationen, som andre overser – selv når de bruger de samme teknikker?I dette afsnit går vi helt ind i maskinrummet i Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) og undersøger den faktor, der igen og igen viser sig at være afgørende for effekt:Relationen mellem klient og terapeut. Sammen med psykolog Morten Hedegaard og psykolog Philip Harrill Skovgaard taler vi om:Hvad den kompetente ACT-terapeut konkret gør i rummetHvordan relationen bliver en aktiv interventionDe fælles faktorer bag succesfuld psykoterapiHvad man kan gøre forkert – og hvorfor selv små relationelle brud betyder nogetHvordan man reparerer alliancen og bruger brud som drivkraft for udviklingACT er kendt for sine metaforer og øvelser.Men uden en stærk terapeutisk alliance mister selv de bedste interventioner deres kraft. Dette afsnit er til dig, der vil:✔️ styrke din relationelle bevidsthed som terapeut✔️ forstå, hvorfor dine interventioner nogle gange ikke “lander”✔️ få indblik i, hvad der faktisk skaber forandring i terapirummet✔️ kigge med under motorhjelmen på psykologens arbejdeSamtalen tager afsæt i deres bog Den terapeutiske relation i ACT, som samler teori, praksis og konkrete greb til at arbejde mere relationelt og fleksibelt i ACT.Hvis du vil udvikle din praksis og bruge relationen som et aktivt terapeutisk redskab, kan du finde bogen her:Frydenlund: https://www.frydenlund.dk/den-terapeutiske-relation-i-act-21574Saxo:https://www.saxo.com/dk/den-terapeutiske-relation-i-act_bog_9788776230357

In this episode, Annika Theodoulou speaks to Professor Jonathan Bricker, a Professor of Public Health at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and Affiliate Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington, US. The interview covers Jonathan's research article covering intersectionality in cigarette smoking cessation using a latent class analysis to predict 12-month cessation in a randomized controlled trial.Intersectionality and why it is important to explore in smoking cessation [01:19]Six factors that are well-known predictors of smoking [03:20]The aim of a latent class analysis [04:55]The key findings of the study [07:09]The differences found between smartphone apps used in the trial [11:02]The implications of the findings for policy and practice [14:49]About Annika Theodoulou: Annika is a researcher at the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences at the University of Oxford. Her work focuses on health behaviours, including smoking cessation and weight management, with an emphasis on evidence synthesis. Annika's doctoral research, funded by the Society for the Study of Addiction (SSA) and The Rotary Foundation, examined socioeconomic inequalities in smoking cessation behaviours and outcomes using quantitative and qualitative methods. She is an Associate Editor of Nicotine & Tobacco Research. Annika holds a Bachelor of Health Sciences and a Master of Clinical Science from the University of Adelaide.About Jonathan Bricker: Jonathan is an expert in the field of health behavior change interventions. He is a Full Professor of Public Health at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and Affiliate Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington. Dr. Bricker is founder and leader of the Health and Behavioral Innovations in Technology (“HABIT”) Research Group. The HABIT research group focuses on developing and testing innovative theory-based behavioral interventions for tobacco cessation and weight loss, especially those delivered in widely disseminable technology platforms. He and his team have developed a novel health behavior change intervention model based on the principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (“ACT”). The principal investigator of over $35 million US dollars in research grants, he has been leading ten NIH R01 randomized trial grants, as well as led or collaborated on multiple other Federal and private research grants. His current grants focus on testing a machine learning natural language processing chatbot for quitting smoking, several smartphone applications for tobacco cessation in the general population, among cancer patients, American Indians & Alaska Natives, Hispanics, and adolescents, and a weight loss telephone coaching program based on ACT. His “iCanQuit” smartphone app based on ACT was proven more effective than a leading National Cancer Institute smartphone app based on the US Clinical Practice Guidelines in a large, randomized trial published in JAMA Internal Medicine. iCanQuit is now publicly available. He has published over 150 peer-reviewed research articles on addictions, behavioral interventions, and technologies. Currently, he serves as a Senior Editor of the journal Addiction. Original article: Intersectionality in cigarette smoking cessation: A latent class analysis to predict 12-month cessation in a randomized controlled trial https://doi.org/10.1111/add.70185Digital Object Identifier (DOI)The opinions expressed in this podcast reflect the views of the host and interviewees and do not necessarily represent the opinions or official positions of the SSA or Addiction journal.The SSA does not endorse or guarantee the accuracy of the information in external sources or links and accepts no responsibility or liability for any consequences arising from the use of such information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

⁠HERE⁠⁠ are all the details for The Self-Worth RESET, make sure you join up todayIf you are feeling not good enough and currently working on Self-Esteem, it's very possible you get stuck in your thoughts.Perhaps overthinking what was said, worrying about a text, replaying a mistake, chasing reassurance, getting jealous, or even caring too much what someone thinks…This isn't because you're “too much”… it's because your mind is ‘hooked' and locked into the storiesIn this video, I'll teach you a simple tool from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) that helps you stop automatic thoughts from taking over - like the ones that say: • “I'm not enough” • “It's my fault and everyone knows” • “I'm going to be abandoned” • “I'm in trouble”What if I told you, you don't need to fight your thoughts?You don't need actually need more reassurance?What you do need is space from the stories your mind keeps replaying on an exhausting loopThis episode will help you:• Stop feeling controlled by insecurity• Reduce overthinking• Break the cycle/loop of rumination/worry using a simple ACT tool• Feel more grounded and able to get space instead of being on a loopIf this resonates, like and subscribe for more practical psychology tools that actually help develop self-worth & self-esteem in real life.JOIN PRIVATE TELEGRAM ⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠Sign up for Newsletter Hidden Gems for Anxious Minds ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Carly Ann on IG ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠

Send a textABA on Tap is proud to present Dr. Scott O'Donnell (Part 2 of 3):Dr. Scott O'Donnell, PhD, BCBA-D, LBA, is a dedicated behavior analyst, educator, and therapist recognized for his advocacy in expanding the reach of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) beyond traditional settings. He is the founder of SAOBA, LLC, and currently serves as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Temple University.Dr. O'Donnell's career spans over a decade, with a focus on diverse populations including inner-city youth, athletes, and individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), and Emotional and Behavioral Disorders (EBD).Dr. O'Donnell is a strong proponent of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Relational Frame Theory (RFT). He frequently utilizes behavior analytic techniques to address mental health challenges such as depression and anxiety and emphasizes the importance of data-driven, compassionate practice. His published research includes work on:Sports performance and concussion management.Integrating consumer behavior analytic models into corporate settings (e.g., Disney).A lifelong resident of Philadelphia, Dr. O'Donnell is an active volunteer, currently serving as Vice President of the Fox Chase Civic Association. He is also involved in shaping the future of the field through SEBA (Scientific Evaluation of Behavior Analysis), advocating for diverse representation within the behavior science community.Dr. Scott returns to ABA on Tap, and discusses everything from prior guests on the Tap, to the idea of freedom and human agency. This brew is flavorful and promises a delightful intellectual buzz. Pour heavy, pour more and ALWAYS ANALYZE RESPONSIBSupport the show

Questions about this episode? Want to interact with Drew, Josh, and other members of the Disordered audience? Check out the Disordered Community Space!https://disordered.fm/community-------This episode of Disordered explores the vital role of attention in anxiety recovery. Josh and Drew discuss the core skill of moving your attention while feeling high levels of fear.Many people struggling with anxiety disorders feel their attention is glued to symptoms or intrusive thoughts. Josh describes this as "threat-induced attention," which is a survival mechanism where the brain locks onto perceived danger. You always have agency over your attention. Recovery involves building an "attention muscle" to acknowledge the fear and choose a different focus.Confidence in Attention: Josh shares a personal breakthrough where he felt a massive adrenaline rush on a bus but chose to read a newspaper anyway. This desensitization happened because he trusted his ability to move his attention despite the discomfort.The "Checking State" Trap: Drew explains that many common calming techniques backfire. If you use them to force anxiety away, you end up hyper-focusing on your internal state to see if they worked. This keeps you trapped in the threat cycle.Facing the "Bear": Using a metaphor of a bear in a campsite, the hosts explain that looking away from the anxiety tells the brain the emergency is over. Staring at the anxiety only confirms to your nervous system that you are still under threat.Practical Application: Whether going to the dentist or taking a train, the goal is to move attention toward meaningful tasks rather than internal monitoring."The only way to show the brain and the amygdala that this isn't a threat is to show it with our attention... that this isn't important." — Josh"We cannot operate directly on your anxiety... we can only operate on the way you interact with it." — DrewBuilding confidence in your attention is a gradual process rooted in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Metacognitive Therapy. It requires bravery to look away from the fear to find the path to long-term psychological flexibility.

An interview with Steve Hayes, originator of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), on how his struggle with panic disorder inspired his work. CME: Take the CME Post-Test for this EpisodePublished On: 02/09/2026Duration: 20 minutes, 32 secondsChris Aiken, MD, has disclosed no relevant financial or other interests in any commercial companies pertaining to this educational activity.

Why do we procrastinate — even when we know it's hurting us? In this episode, we welcome Dr. Patricia Zurita Ona (Dr. Z) back to the podcast to explore the psychology behind procrastination and the powerful tools that can help us move forward with purpose. Drawing from her latest book, The ACT Workbook for the Anxious Procrastinator, Dr. Z shares how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help people stop avoiding what matters and start building a more meaningful, action-driven life. With more than 18 years of experience and as the Director of the East Bay Behavior Therapy Center, Dr. Z combines compassion, clinical expertise, and practical strategies to help individuals overcome anxiety, perfectionism, and emotional avoidance. In this conversation, she explains why procrastination is so common, how it's tied to fear and overwhelm, and what you can do to change your patterns for good. In this episode, we discuss: ·       How Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps break procrastination habits ·       The emotional and psychological cost of putting things off ·       How to build healthier behavior patterns around productivity ·       Practical tools to manage anxiety, perfectionism, and overwhelm In addition to The ACT Workbook for the Anxious Procrastinator, Dr. Z has written six books, including Living Beyond OCD Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Skills for Perfectionism and High-Achieving Behaviors. She was also nominated as a Fellow of the Association of Contextual Behavioral Science. Stay connected with Dr. Z and learn more about her work here. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/38oMlMr  Keep up with Patricia Zurita socials here: X: https://x.com/DrZ_behaviorist  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.z.passionatebehaviorist/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Dr-Z-100063832786090/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.z.passionatebehaviorist 

On this episode of the Curious Incident Podcast, NYC special education attorney Adam Dayan sits down with Lisa Abbrecht, clinical psychologist and founder of New Orleans Anxiety and OCD, LLC.  Together, they explore the everyday realities of living with anxiety and OCD, offering a clear, practical look at Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) deepens its impact. The conversation also addresses highly stigmatized experiences with nuance and clarity - emphasizing proper understanding, thoughtful treatment, and why healing is about changing your relationship with thoughts, not trying to erase them.

Send us a textABA on Tap is proud to present Dr. Scott O'Donnell (Part 1 of 2):Dr. Scott O'Donnell, PhD, BCBA-D, LBA, is a dedicated behavior analyst, educator, and therapist recognized for his advocacy in expanding the reach of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) beyond traditional settings. He is the founder of SAOBA, LLC, and currently serves as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Temple University.Dr. O'Donnell's career spans over a decade, with a focus on diverse populations including inner-city youth, athletes, and individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), and Emotional and Behavioral Disorders (EBD).PhD in Applied Behavior Analysis: Earned from The Chicago School in 2022, focusing on the application of ABA in non-traditional areas like sports and Organizational Behavior Management (OBM).MS in Psychology and ABA: Completed at Purdue Global in 2018 under the mentorship of Dr. Antonio Harrison.BA in Psychology: Earned from Temple University, with a minor in Cognitive Neuroscience.Dr. O'Donnell is a strong proponent of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Relational Frame Theory (RFT). He frequently utilizes behavior analytic techniques to address mental health challenges such as depression and anxiety and emphasizes the importance of data-driven, compassionate practice. His published research includes work on:Sports performance and concussion management.Integrating consumer behavior analytic models into corporate settings (e.g., Disney).A lifelong resident of Philadelphia, Dr. O'Donnell is an active volunteer, curSupport the show

What if mistakes aren't something to hide or avoid. but something we can actually work with? In this episode of Stories for the Future, I'm joined by Andrea Wodniok for a playful, honest conversation about messiness, inner critics, and learning to screw up happy. Andrea works with applied improv, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and the Hero's Journey. She helps people with public speaking, communication, creativity, and confidence. always with a strong focus on playfulness, presence, and being human. Together, we explore: Why we're often so afraid of getting things wrong What improv can teach us about courage and uncertainty How ACT helps loosen the grip of the inner critic Why mistakes don't define us. but often help us grow And how a little more playfulness might help us treat both ourselves and each other better This episode is part of the Creative Space series, where I speak with members of the Creative Space community about meaningful work, good lives, and navigating change with curiosity and care for both people and planet.

ACT for Occupational Therapists: Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Any OT Setting Have you ever worked with clients who seem stuck? The ones who don't follow through on goals they set themselves, the ones often labeled with judgy terms like "non-compliant" or "unmotivated"? As occupational therapists, we're often called in when all else has failed. But when psychosocial barriers keep people from engaging in meaningful occupations, we need tools that work with the internal experiences creating those obstacles. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) offers occupational therapists a powerful, trauma-informed framework for helping clients unhook from difficult thoughts, feelings, and sensations so they can move toward the occupations that matter to them. Whether you practice in physical rehab, pediatrics, mental health, persistent pain, or community settings, ACT can integrate into your OT approach. In This Episode, I Discuss: - The experience of clients being "hooked" and moving away from meaningful occupations despite having goals they care about - The ACT choice point model: toward moves versus away moves and what that means for occupational engagement - How the six core processes of ACT break down into mindfulness-based tools and values-based action (aka meaningful occupation) - The four ACT processes that help clients be more flexibly responsive to difficult internal experiences - Why ACT feels aligned with trauma-informed, humanistic, collaborative approaches to occupational therapy practice - How "open up, be present, do what matters" translates to occupational therapy  - Practical ways ACT fits into OT sessions across different practice settings About My Practical ACT for OTs Course The Practical ACT for OTs Course is clinical education designed specifically for occupational therapists who want to integrate Acceptance and Commitment Therapy into their practice. It is a psychosocial skill for any area of practice. The course includes: Eight asynchronous video modules (approximately 4.5 hours of content with limitless access) Optional live group calls twice a month to discuss clinical applications and nuance Online community of OT peers learning and applying ACT Resource library with tools you can use immediately in practice Support for applying ACT across all OT settings  More than 150 occupational therapists have taken this course, and it's designed to help you add ACT tools to your clinical toolkit without feeling overwhelmed. Learn more and register today for our February 1, 2026 cohort: www.balanceworks.online/act-for-ots If you're listening at a later time, please check the website to see if we're actively accepting registrations for an upcoming cohort. Connect With Carlyn All my links About The BRAVE OT Podcast The BRAVE OT Podcast features occupational therapists doing innovative work and navigating the challenges of building meaningful careers in OT. Host Carlyn Neek is an occupational therapist, educator, and coach who works with OTs through clinical education, business coaching, and community support.

Today's focus is on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in treating perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs). Our expert guest will help us understand this therapy technique, its processes, and the overarching goal of this method. Join us to learn more! Dr. Carissa Gustafson, PMH-C, is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in perinatal psychology. She supports clients from preconception through parenting, with a particular focus on pregnancy and postpartum care. As the author of Reclaim Your Life: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in 7 Weeks, she utilizes Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients learn to relate to their thoughts and feelings with acceptance and compassion, while aligning their behavior with their values. Dr. Gustafson sees clients online throughout California and in person at Village Birth, a part of Heartship Psychological Services. In addition to seeing clients, she has been an adjunct professor and clinical faculty at Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology.  Show Highlights: Dr. Gustafson's path to serving perinatal mental health clients through ACT Understanding ACT as a therapy technique The unpredictable nuances of the perinatal journey align perfectly with the core processes of ACT, especially for high-achieving women. The need to be present with our difficult emotions Learning to “surf the waves” of emotions and feelings Compassion is essential because of the shame and blame we put on ourselves. ACT core processes: mindfulness, acceptance/compassion, cognitive defusion, the observer self, values, and committed/valued action  “Bringing presence to our pain brings peace.” We don't want to make an enemy of our internal experiences. ACT offers a clear path to relief for PMADs if someone is willing to use the techniques. Psychological health can be improved with flexibility in our thoughts and behaviors. Acceptance doesn't mean resignation. Advocacy and agency are vital! Learn more about Dr. Gustafson's book, training courses, and workbook (get yours for free at Dr. Gustafson's website!) Resources: Connect with Dr. Carissa Gustafson: Website, Instagram, and Reclaim Your Life: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in 7 Weeks Call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA or visitcdph.ca.gov. Please find resources in English and Spanish at Postpartum Support International, or by phone/text at 1-800-944-4773.  There are many free resources, like online support groups, peer mentors, a specialist provider directory, and perinatal mental health training for therapists, physicians, nurses, doulas, and anyone who wants to be more supportive in offering services. You can also follow PSI on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and most other platforms. Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/for information on the grief course.  Visit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today!  If you are a California resident seeking a therapist in perinatal mental health, please email me about openings for private pay clients. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Why does life feel so exhausting—even when nothing is technically “wrong”?In this solo episode, Paul explores a simple but uncomfortable truth: most of our suffering comes from wanting reality to be different than it is.Drawing from Buddhism, Stoicism, Hindu philosophy, Christianity, and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Paul explains why acceptance is not resignation—and why it's actually the foundation for real change.At the center of the episode is the Hourglass of Life metaphor:The past contains infinite storiesThe future holds infinite possibilitiesBut the present is a narrow choke point where reality can only be one wayAnd fighting that reality is a losing game.Why happiness becomes impossible when tied to outcomesDesire vs attachment (and why people confuse them)The illusion of emotional controlHow acceptance restores agency and energyWhy detaching from outcomes doesn't kill motivationHow to pursue change without sufferingTopics Covered:

Why does life feel so exhausting—even when nothing is technically “wrong”?In this solo episode, Paul explores a simple but uncomfortable truth: most of our suffering comes from wanting reality to be different than it is.Drawing from Buddhism, Stoicism, Hindu philosophy, Christianity, and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Paul explains why acceptance is not resignation—and why it's actually the foundation for real change.At the center of the episode is the Hourglass of Life metaphor:The past contains infinite storiesThe future holds infinite possibilitiesBut the present is a narrow choke point where reality can only be one wayAnd fighting that reality is a losing game.Why happiness becomes impossible when tied to outcomesDesire vs attachment (and why people confuse them)The illusion of emotional controlHow acceptance restores agency and energyWhy detaching from outcomes doesn't kill motivationHow to pursue change without sufferingTopics Covered:

In today's episode of Psych Talk I speak with Dr. Lesley Kirkpatrick, board certified psychiatrist and found of mindcomb. We start the discussion with Dr. Kirkpatrick sharing her personal journey with OCD and how she came to specialize in OCD, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and burnout. Dr. Kirkpatrick defines for listeners what OCD is and identifies some subtle signs of OCD. We discuss various treatments for OCD with a specific focus on ACT. Dr. Kirkpatrick then defines burnout for listeners and discusses some actionable steps to overcome burnout. We end the conversation by discussing Dr. Krikpatrick's mental health app mindcomb and how it can assist people on their mental health journey.Connect with Dr. Kirkpatrick:IG: @drlesleykirkpatrickIG: @mindcombappmindcombapp.comGet 10% off mindcomb using code PSYCHTALK10!Connect with Me:Follow me on IG ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@jessicaleighphd⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow the podcast on IG ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@psych.talk.podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow me on TikTok ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@jessicaleighphd⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow me on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow me on Threads ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@jessicaleighphd⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Welcome to Group Therapy Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join my Facebook community: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Grow Through What You Go Through⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ways to Work With Me:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mind Over Matter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LGBTQ+ Affirming Masterclass⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Be a guest on my podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Resources:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Anti-Racism Resources⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LGBTQ+ Affirming Resources⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Helping Professional's Guide to Boundary Setting⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Intro/Outro Music⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Life of Riley⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ by Kevin MacLeod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Music License⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Negative self-talk can quietly erode your confidence, motivation, and emotional well-being — but it's not a personality flaw. It's a learned pattern your brain can unlearn.In this episode of Your Courageous Life, Kate explores three psychology-backed ways to shift the inner critic using tools from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), cognitive reframing, and self-compassion research. You'll learn how to separate yourself from self-critical thoughts, replace judgment with curiosity, and build a “counter-evidence” list to retrain your brain for truth instead of fear.This isn't about fake positivity — it's about building real psychological safety within yourself so you can live with more courage and clarity.

In this thought-provoking episode of Breaking the Rules, the hosts explore how values and paradox show up in the therapy room—especially when working with clients who experience OCD. Drawing from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) principles, they discuss how being “fused” with one's values can keep clients stuck in rigidity, perfectionism, and fear of imperfection.The conversation dives into the art of helping clients find flexibility between competing values—like control vs trust, safety vs freedom, and perfectionism vs growth—and how learning to hold both truths can open the door to meaningful change. They also unpack how clinicians can use values-based reflection, curiosity, and compassion to move clients beyond “sitting with uncertainty” toward truly living aligned, balanced lives.

Ready to break free from burnout and discover what it truly means to thrive? In this transformative episode of the “Better Than Fine” podcast, host Darlene Marshall sits down with world-renowned clinical psychologist and expert in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dr. Diana Hill, to dive deep into her new book, Wise Effort, and the fascinating intersection of ancient Buddhist wisdom and modern psychology. You'll hear how the concept of “wise effort” offers a radical shift away from the endless grind and emotional exhaustion that so many of us feel today. Instead of pushing harder and burning out, Dr. Hill reveals how we can channel energy into actions that are aligned with our values—and create regenerative, life-giving cycles instead of relentless depletion.Together, Darlene and Diana unpack powerful practices—drawn from ACT, mindfulness, and self-compassion research—that help you break free from toxic stories, become more psychologically flexible, and start relating to yourself (and your body) with curiosity instead of criticism. Discover how seemingly simple shifts in mindset and behavior can lead to profound resilience, especially during challenging times. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, searching for practical strategies to boost energy, or curious about what it means to “show up” for yourself, this episode delivers actionable insights and heartfelt vulnerability. Lean in for a conversation packed with relatable stories, expert tips, and tools you can use today to reclaim your vitality. Tune in, subscribe, and start your journey toward wise effort—and a life better than fine! If you like what you just consumed, leave us a 5-star review, and share this episode with a friend to help grow our NASM health and wellness community! The content shared in this podcast is solely for educational and entertainment purposes. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek out the guidance of your healthcare provider or other qualified professional. Any opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of NASM. Introducing NASM One, the membership for trainers and coaches. For just $35/mo., get unlimited access to over 300 courses, 50% off additional certifications and specializations, EDGE Trainer Pro all-in-one coaching app to grow your business, unlimited exam attempts and select waived fees. Stay on top of your game and ahead of the curve as a fitness professional with NASM One. Click here to learn more. https://bit.ly/4ddsgrm

What if your New Year's resolutions keep failing because they were never really yours to begin with? Most goals we set aren't chosen—they're inherited from magazines, social media, parents, or that version of ourselves we think we're supposed to become. That's why they don't stick. In this episode, Tony shares his decades-long "pushup obsession" and how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) finally broke the cycle—not through more discipline, but by discovering what actually mattered to him. What you'll learn: - Why "socially compliant goals" sabotage your motivation before you even start - The crucial difference between values (your compass) and goals (checkboxes)—and why confusing them keeps you stuck - How to use lead measures instead of lag measures to build sustainable change - The "Passengers on the Bus" technique for moving forward even when self-doubt is loud - A simple 5-step "Get Back on the Saddle" plan for when you inevitably wobble With over 20 years of clinical experience, Tony explains why you're not broken—you're human—and offers a framework for building a life that actually feels like yours. Ready to stop beating yourself up and start driving toward what matters? This might be the last resolution episode you'll ever need. 00:00 Introduction: Are Your Goals Really Yours? 00:44 Meet Tony Overbay: Your Guide to Self-Improvement 01:57 The New Year's Resolution Dilemma 04:03 The Pushup Story: A Lesson in Values 12:34 Understanding Socially Compliant Goals 15:04 Experiential Avoidance: The Trap of Avoiding Discomfort 20:26 Lag Measures vs. Lead Measures: The Key to Achieving Goals 27:28 Values vs. Goals: The Core of Sustainable Change 38:52 Perceived Value vs. Perceived Capability 40:57 Understanding Perceived Capability and Value 41:46 Corporate America and Disengagement 42:50 New Year's Resolutions and Motivation 46:18 Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) vs. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) 54:47 The Power of ACT in Therapy 01:00:58 Practical Steps for Getting Back on Track 01:06:05 Embracing Emotions and Moving Forward 01:08:01 Conclusion: Driving the Bus Towards What Matters Contact Tony at contact@tonyoverbay.com to learn more about his Emotional Architects men's group. And visit https://julie-dejesus.com/cruise to learn more about Tony and his friend Julie De Jesus's "I See You Living" cruise, a 5-night Western Caribbean Cruise from January 24-29, 2026 aboard the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line. To learn more about Tony's upcoming re-release of the Magnetic Marriage course, his Pathback Recovery course, and more, sign up for his newsletter through the link at https://linktr.ee/virtualcouch Available NOW: Tony's "Magnetic Marriage Mini-Course" is only $25. https://magneticmarriage.mykajabi.com/magnetic-marriage-mini-course You can learn more about Tony's pornography recovery program, The Path Back, by visiting http://pathbackrecovery.com

In episode 518 Jonny Say and I practiced some Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) skills together. Jonny is a UK based therapist and co-director at The Integrative Centre for OCD Therapy.  We discuss the skill dropping anchor, how the skill dipping in and out of the stream can help us learn how to deal with rumination, Jonny and I role play a client session using dipping in and out of the stream, and much more. Hope it helps. Our ACT skills training for therapists: https://www.icocdtraining.co.uk/live-training Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/jonny-stu-518 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories Join many other listeners getting our weekly emails. Never miss a podcast episode or update: https://theocdstories.com/newsletter 

If you've been dragging some of last year around with you, or you've been feeling that strange mix of excitement and pressure that shows up every January, this episode is calling your name. Closing out the year, the POTC cohosts are bringing you a conversation about how creativity can be a lifeline, a mindset shift, and a really enjoyable way to start 2026 feeling more like yourself.Walking you through simple ways to reflect on the past year, we share some creative exercises that spark real insight and explore how tuning into your creative side can help you make meaning, connect with people, and better handle the tough stuff life throws at you. If you're craving more joy, connection, or just a new angle on the year ahead, you're bound to find something that resonates.So settle in, and join us in starting the year with intention, curiosity, and a little touch of creativity.Listen and Learn: Reflection Exercises, including: Finding Meaning: Reflecting on the past year, where were you last New Year's, and what were your biggest highs and lows since thenMeaningful Moments: Reflecting on two or three meaningful moments from the past year and vividly recalling the sights, sounds, and feelings of each experienceLessons, Wins and Moving Forward: Reflecting on your past year to uncover lessons from mistakes, celebrate achievements, and clarify what truly matters to you as you move into 2026Vision for the Year Ahead: Reflecting on what you truly want, the areas you've neglected, and the values you want to prioritize in the year aheadHow incorporating creative, life-affirming activities can boost your well-being and help you navigate life's challengesPractical exercises and tips to spark more creativity in your life in the new yearResources: Access the New Year's Reflection Questions from this episode (.pdf or editable MS Word versions available) Debbie's Guided Journaling Substack with writing prompts and a 30-day journaling challengeYear Compass worksheets: https://yearcompass.com/Word of the Year and Unravel Your Year worksheets by Susannah Conway: https://www.susannahconway.com/unravel Creative Mornings: https://creativemornings.com/ Jill | Betrayal Weekly: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jill-betrayal-weekly/id1615637724?i=1000726003078 If you have a story connected to trauma, crime, or someone who's caused harm—and you feel ready to share it—Jill would love to hear from you. You can book a free 30-minute consult at:https://jillstoddard.com/contact-us About the POTC CoHosts: Debbie Sorensen, PhD, Co-hostDebbie (she/her) is a clinical psychologist in private practice in Denver, Colorado with a bachelor's degree in Psychology and Anthropology from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and a Ph.D. in Psychology from Harvard University. She is author of the book ACT for Burnout: Recharge, Reconnect, and Transform Burnout with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and co-author of ACT Daily Journal: Get Unstuck and Live Fully with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. She loves living in Colorado, her home state, with her husband, two daughters, and dog. When she's not busy working or podcasting, she enjoys reading fiction, cooking, traveling, and getting outdoors in the beautiful Rocky Mountains! You can learn more about Debbie, read her blog, and find out about upcoming presentations and training events at her webpage, drdebbiesorensen.com.Jill Stoddard, PhD, Co-hostJill Stoddard is passionate about sharing science-backed ideas from psychology to help people thrive. She is a psychologist, writer, TEDx speaker, award-winning teacher, peer-reviewed ACT trainer, bariatric coach, and co-host of the popular Psychologists Off the Clock podcast. Dr. Stoddard is the founder and director of The Center for Stress and Anxiety Management, an outpatient practice specializing in evidence-based therapies for anxiety and related issues. She is the author of three books: The Big Book of ACT Metaphors: A Practitioner's Guide to Experiential Exercises and Metaphors in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy; Be Mighty: A Woman's Guide to Liberation from Anxiety, Worry, and Stress Using Mindfulness and Acceptance; and Imposter No More: Overcome Self-doubt and Imposterism to Cultivate a Successful Career. Her writing has also appeared in The Washington Post, Psychology Today, Scary Mommy, Thrive Global, The Good Men Project, and Mindful Return. She regularly appears on podcasts and as an expert source for various media outlets. She lives in Newburyport, MA with her husband, two kids, and disobedient French Bulldog. Michael Herold, Co-HostMichael (he/him) is a confidence trainer and social skills coach, based in Vienna, Austria. He's helping his clients overcome their social anxiety through Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and fun exposure exercises. (Though the jury is still out on whether they're mostly fun for him). He is also a certified therapeutic game master, utilizing the Dungeons&Dragons tabletop roleplaying game to train communication, assertiveness, and teamwork with young adults. Or actually, anyone ready to roll some dice and battle goblins in a supportive group where players want to level up (pun!) their social skills. Michael is the head coach of the L.A. based company The Art of Charm, running their confidence-building program “Unstoppable” as well as workshops on small talk, storytelling, vulnerability, and more. He is the scientific advisor and co-producer of their large podcast with more than 250 million downloads. As a member of the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science (ACBS), Michael is the current President of the ACT Coaching Special Interest Group with nearly 1,000 coaches worldwide, and the co-founder of the ACT in Austria Affiliate of ACBS, a nationwide meetup for ACT practitioners in Austria. He's a public speaker who has spoken at TEDx, in front of members of parliament, universities, and once in a cinema full of 500 kids high on sugary popcorn. In a previous life, he was a character animator working on award-winning movies and TV shows such as “The Penguins of Madagascar” and “Kung Fu Panda”. That was before he realized that helping people live a meaningful life is much more rewarding than working in the film business – even though the long nights in the studio allowed him to brew his own beer in the office closet, an activity he highly recommends. Michael grew up with five foster kids who were all taken out of abusive families. His foster sisters showed him how much positive change is possible in a person if they have the love and support they need.Emily Edlynn, PhD, Co-HostEmily (she/her) is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in pediatric health psychology who works in private practice with children, teens, and adults. She has a BA in English from Smith College, a PhD in clinical psychology from Loyola University Chicago, and completed postgraduate training at Stanford and Children's Hospital Orange County. Emily spent almost ten years working in children's hospitals before pivoting to private practice, which allowed her to start a writing career. Emily has written her blog, The Art and Science of Mom, since 2017 and a parenting advice column for Parents.com since 2019. Emily's writing has also appeared in the Washington Post, Scary Mommy, Good Housekeeping, Motherly, and more. She recently added author to her bio with her book, Autonomy-Supportive Parenting: Reduce Parental Burnout and Raise Competent Confident Children and has a Substack newsletter. Emily lives with her husband, three children, and two rescue dogs in Oak Park, IL where she can see Chicago's skyline from her attic window. Yael Schonbrun, PhD, Co-hostYael (she/her) is a licensed clinical psychologist who wears a number of professional hats: She has a small private practice specializing in evidence-based relationship therapy, she's an assistant professor at Brown University, and she writes for nonacademic audiences about working parenthood. She has a B.A. from Washington University in St. Louis, a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and completed her postgraduate training at Brown University. In all areas of her work, Yael draws on scientific research, her clinical experience, ancient wisdom (with an emphasis on Taoism), and real life experiences with her three little boys. You can find out more about Yael's writing, including her book, Work, Parent, Thrive, and about her research by clicking the links. You can follow Yael on Linkedin and Instagram where she posts about relationship science or subscribe to her newsletter, Relational, to get the science of relationships in your email inbox!Related Episodes: 410. Creativity and Making Things with Kelly Corrigan and Claire Corrigan Lichty345. Writing for Personal Growth with Maureen Murdock211. Subtract with Leidy Klotz73. Essentialism with Greg McKeown257. The Gift of Being Ordinary with Ron Siegel 37. Post-Traumatic Growth with Diana and Debbie375. Midlife: From Crisis to Curiosity with Meg McKelvie and Debbie Sorensen 285. What Do You Want Out of Life? Values Fulfillment Theory with Valerie Tiberius 351. You Only Die Once with Jodi Wellman 138. Exploring Existence and Purpose: Existentialism with Robyn Walser 329. The Power of Curiosity with Scott ShigeokaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Diana Hill, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist, international trainer, and sought-out speaker on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and compassion. Diana is the host of the podcast Wise Effort and author of The Self-Compassion Daily Journal, The ACT Daily Journal, I Know I Should Exercise But…, and her newest book Wise Effort. Diana works with organizations and individuals to develop psychological flexibility so that they can grow fulfilling and impactful lives. Some of the topics we explore in this episode include:Struggles with change and concept of experiential attachmentThe intersection of ACT and Buddhism in Diana's bookHow our environment impacts our energyThe our genius can be under or over-utilized The importance of feedback and honesty—————————————————————————Diana's website: https://drdianahill.com/Wise Effort: https://a.co/d/81mws9E—————————————————————————Thank you all for checking out the episode! Here are some ways to help support Mentally Flexible:You can help cover some of the costs of running the podcast by donating a cup of coffee! www.buymeacoffee.com/mentallyflexiblePlease subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It only takes 30 seconds and plays an important role in being able to get new guests.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentally-flexible/id1539933988Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mentallyflexible/Check out my song “Glimpse at Truth” that you hear in the intro/outro of every episode: https://tomparkes.bandcamp.com/track/glimpse-at-truthCheck out my new album, Holding Space! https://open.spotify.com/album/0iOcjZQhmAhYtjjq3CTpwQ?si=nemiLnELTsGGExjfy8B6iw

In this episode of the Food Junkies Podcast, Clarissa and Molly sit down with psychologist Dr. Carrie Wilkens to unpack what it really means to help people change without shame, stigma, or power struggles. Drawing from decades of work in substance use, eating disorders, trauma, and family systems, Carrie invites us to rethink "denial," "relapse," "codependency," and even the disease model itself, while still honoring the seriousness of addiction and the depth of people's pain. Together, we explore how self-compassion, curiosity, and values-based behavior change can transform not only individual recovery but also how families, helpers, and communities show up for the people they love. In this episode, we explore: Lived experience & professional work How Carrie's own long-term healing around food and her body continues to shape the compassion and curiosity she brings to her work. The idea that our relationship with food and our bodies changes across the lifespan—and why "lifelong relationship management" matters more than perfection. Do you have to be "in recovery" to help? The pressures clinicians face when they're asked, "Are you in recovery?" and how that question can be loaded with judgment and assumptions. Why personal experience with a specific substance or behavior is not a prerequisite to being deeply effective as a helper. How Carrie talks with clients and families about her own history in a way that's honest, boundaried, and clinically useful. Rethinking 'denial' and harmful language Why words like "denial," "addict," "codependent," "chronic relapser," and "it's a slippery slope" can shut people down rather than open them up. A more curious approach: asking "What do you mean by that?" and unpacking the real story underneath labels. How language can either invite people into self-understanding—or reinforce shame, fear, and disconnection. Softening the disease model without minimizing the problem Nuanced ways to honor addiction as a serious, complex disorder without collapsing everything into a rigid disease frame. How fear (of overdose, loss, chaos, or death) drives a lot of rigid thinking in systems and professionals. Why behavior change is slow, non-linear, and rarely a straight line—and how accepting that can actually make care more effective. Relapse as an "old solution that once worked" Carrie's reframe of relapse as returning to an old behavior that, at one time, made sense and worked on some level. How naming the function of a behavior (soothing, numbing, regulating, connecting) opens the door to new, less harmful solutions. The difference between "You didn't want it enough" and "Your brain reached for an old strategy that once helped you survive." The Invitation to Change Approach (ITC) The core elements of ITC: Motivational interviewing–informed curiosity and ambivalence exploration. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and values-based living. A deep commitment to self-compassion as a foundation for behavior change. Why ITC was originally developed for family members and then adapted for people with substance use concerns themselves. How the "wheel" of ITC lets people step in wherever they are—self-awareness, values, behavior strategies, or compassion—and build over time. Families, shame, and staying engaged without "tough love" Inviting family members to ask: "How does my loved one's behavior make sense?" instead of "What's wrong with them?" How this shift helps parents and partners move from fear and control into strategy, support, and skillful engagement. Concrete examples of how families can respond to return to use with curiosity, concern, and clearer communication instead of lectures or ultimatums. Codependency and other overused labels Why Carrie has never formally diagnosed anyone with "codependency." What often lives underneath that label: trauma histories, cultural norms, attachment dynamics, fear of loss, and learned survival strategies. How flattening all of that into "codependent" erases nuance and blocks meaningful change. Neurodivergence, trauma, and substance use/eating behaviors The high rates of PTSD and ADHD among people seeking help for substance use—and why that matters for treatment design. Carrie's reflection on her own undiagnosed ADHD and how it likely drove much of her earlier eating disorder behavior. How binges, purging, and substance use can function as powerful nervous system regulators, especially for neurodivergent and trauma-impacted brains. Why we need more ground-up, neurodivergent- and trauma-informed approaches that focus on emotion regulation, executive functioning, and skill-building. Self-compassion as a behavior change superpower Carrie's journey from skepticism ("this sounds too woo") to seeing self-compassion as essential, research-backed behavior-change work. How self-compassion reduces shame, helps people tolerate slow progress, and makes it safer to look honestly at their own behavior. Using both "tender" and "fierce" self-compassion to choose boundaries, seek support, and keep moving through discomfort. Reimagining 'expert' roles and community care Why Carrie is skeptical of rigid expert hierarchies in addiction treatment. Inviting families, community leaders, and lay helpers into the work through accessible tools like ITC groups and trainings. The power of giving non-clinicians simple, evidence-based language and frameworks so they can respond with compassion instead of panic or shame. About Dr. Carrie Wilkens Carrie Wilkens, PhD, is a psychologist with more than 25 years of experience in the practice and dissemination of evidence-based treatments for substance use and post-traumatic stress. She is the Co-President and CEO of CMC: Foundation for Change, a nonprofit dedicated to bringing evidence-based ideas and strategies to families, communities, and professionals supporting people struggling with substances. Carrie is a co-developer of the Invitation to Change (ITC) Approach, an accessible, skills-based framework that helps families stay engaged, reduce shame, and effectively support a loved one's behavior change. ITC is now used across the U.S. and internationally in groups, trainings, and community programs. She is co-author of the award-winning book Beyond Addiction: How Science and Kindness Help People Change, which adapts the Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) model for families, and co-author of The Beyond Addiction Workbook for Family and Friends, a practical, evidence-based guide for loved ones who want concrete tools to support change without sacrificing their own wellbeing. Carrie is also Co-Founder and Clinical Director of the Center for Motivation and Change (CMC), a group of clinicians providing evidence-based care in New York City, Long Island, Washington, DC, San Diego, and at CMC: Berkshires, a private residential program for adults. She has served as Project Director on a large SAMHSA-funded grant addressing college binge drinking and is frequently sought out by media outlets including CBS This Morning, the Katie Couric Show, NPR, and HBO's Risky Drinking to speak on substance use and behavior change. Resources Mentioned CMC: Foundation for Change – Family-focused trainings, groups, and resources: cmcffc.org The Invitation to Change Approach – Overview of the ITC model and its core topics. Beyond Addiction: How Science and Kindness Help People Change (Book) The Beyond Addiction Workbook for Family and Friends (Workbook) The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship and direction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder, or mental health concern.  

Are you wisely using your genius energy? In this episode, Michael reconnects with Diana Hill, a therapist and author who has recently explored the concept of focusing your genius energy on what matters most through her book Wise Effort.Their discussion spans from insights from ancient Buddhist wisdom to the application of commitment therapy to the practice of finding one's unique 'genius energy.' If you're interested in practical ways to maximize your strengths, handle emotional challenges, and cultivate a meaningful and balanced life, you'll want to join them to unearth actionable tips and exercises for making the most out of your efforts and ultimately enhancing your well-being.Listen and Learn: What is “Wise Effort” and how can this practice reshape your energy, choices, and well-being?Identifying and using your unique “genius energy” while also recognizing how overusing those strengths can become a stumbling block, and how cultivating awareness, curiosity, and context helps direct those strengths with wisdomPractical self-reflection questions to uncover your geniusA simple four-question “energy audit” for knowing when to dial your genius up or downWhere true wisdom really comes from, and what if rethinking how growth happensAdopting “Wise Effort” helps you understand your struggles in context, align your actions with your values, and transform both self-judgment and relationshipsBringing mindful intention to even mundane tasks to transform how you use your time, connect with yourself, and balance structure with flexibility in a meaningful lifeResources: Wise Effort: How to Focus Your Genius Energy on What Matters Most: https://bookshop.org/a/30734/9781649633361 Diana's Website: drdianahill.comConnect with Diana on Social Media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdianahillhttps://www.facebook.com/drdianahill/https://www.youtube.com/drdianahillhttps://www.instagram.com/drdianahill/https://insighttimer.com/drdianahill FREE Energy Audit guide: https://drdianahill.com/energy Wise Effort: The Business Of Therapy Program: https://drdianahill.com/wise-effort-the-business-of-therapy Michael's Real Play Episode on The Wise Effort Podcast: https://wiseeffortshow.com/episode/living-life-on-your-own-terms-with-michael-herold-real-play About Diana HillDr. Diana Hill, PhD is a clinical psychologist, author, international trainer, and recognized expert in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), compassion-based interventions, and psychological flexibility. With a background that bridges neuroscience, mindfulness, and behavioral science, she is known for making complex psychological concepts both practical and inspiring.A summa cum laude graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara, where she majored in Biopsychology, Dr. Hill earned her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Colorado at Boulder. She later collaborated with Dr. Debra Safer at Stanford University, researching Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Appetite Awareness Training (AAT) for bulimia nervosa. She completed her clinical internship at the University of California, Davis, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at La Luna Intensive Outpatient Center, where she later served as Clinical Director and developed their ACT- and AAT-based treatment program.A leading voice in the evolution of ACT and Process-Based Therapy, Dr. Hill works closely with pioneers in the field. She co-leads ACT BootCamp Training for Therapists with ACT founder Dr. Steven Hayes and is actively involved in shaping the future of therapy—including applications of AI, advances in diagnostic systems, network modeling, and process-based approaches. She serves as a senior meditation teacher and curriculum developer for the University of California's Climate Resilience Initiative, integrating ACT and mindfulness into interdisciplinary environmental education.Dr. Hill has contributed to publications in the International Journal of Eating Disorders and co-authored a seminal article on Process-Based Therapy, advancing evidence-based clinical practice. She is a contributor to PsychFlex, a digital platform that helps clinicians incorporate ACT into their work and track client outcomes in real time through ecological measurements. She also speaks regularly at global conferences including the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science (ACBS) World Conference, Innovations in Psychotherapy, and the Evolution of Psychotherapy Conference.In addition to her clinical and academic work, Dr. Hill teaches at organizations and retreat centers such as InsightLA, Blue Spirit Costa Rica, PESI, and PraxisCET. She serves on the clinical advisory board of Lightfully Behavioral Health and is a board member of the Institute for Better Health.She is the author of Wise Effort: How to Focus Your Genius Energy on What Matters Most (Sounds True, 2025), The Self-Compassion Daily Journal, I Know I Should Exercise But…, and ACT Daily Journal. Her insights have been featured in NPR, The Wall Street Journal, Psychology Today, Mindful, Prevention, Real Simple, Woman's Day, and other leading media outlets. She is also the host of the Wise Effort podcast.With more than 20 years of study and practice in yoga and meditation—including training in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh—Dr. Hill integrates contemplative practice into her approach to healing and growth. She lives in California, where she raises two sons, cares for bees, and embodies the Wise Effort principles she teaches—living a life guided by presence, purpose, and compassion.Related Episodes:48. Practical Wisdom with Barry Schwartz349. The Hunger Habit with Judson Brewer188. Unwinding Anxiety with Judson Brewer122. Taking in the Good with Rick Hanson138. Exploring Existence and Purpose: Existentialism with Robyn Walser320. Anger and Forgiveness with Robyn Walser346. Self-compassion Daily Journal with Diana Hill301. Seven Daily ACT Practices for Living Fully with Diana Hill and Debbie SorensenSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

About Diana:Short Bio:Diana Hill, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist, international trainer, and a leading expert on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)—a revolutionary approach to psychology that is changing our understanding of mental health. Drawing from the most current psychological research and contemplative wisdom, Diana bridges science with real-life practices to help people grow fulfilling and impactful lives. She is the author of four books including I Know I Should Exercise, But…, The Self-Compassion Daily Journal, ACT Daily Journal, and her latest Wise Effort: How to Focus Your Genius Energy on What Matters Most (September 2025). She's the host of the Wise Effort Podcast and her insights have been featured by NPR, Wall Street Journal, Psychology Today, Real Simple, and other national media.Long Bio: Dr. Diana Hill, PhD is a clinical psychologist, author, international trainer, and recognized expert in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), compassion-based interventions, and psychological flexibility. With a background that bridges neuroscience, mindfulness, and behavior science, she is known for making complex psychological concepts both practical and inspiring.A summa cum laude graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara, where she majored in Biopsychology, Dr.Hill earned her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Colorado at Boulder, in collaboration with Dr. Debra Safer at Stanford University where she researched Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Appetite Awareness Training (AAT) for bulimia nervosa. She completed her clinical internship at the University of California, Davis, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at La Luna Intensive Outpatient Center, where she later served as Clinical Director and developed their ACT and AAT-based treatment program.A leading voice in the evolution of ACT and Process-Based Therapy, Dr. Hill works closely with pioneers in the field. She co-leads ACT BootCamp Training for Therapists with ACT founder Dr. Steven Hayes, and is actively involved in shaping the future of therapy—including the applications of AI, revolutionizing the diagnostic system, network modeling, and process-based approaches. She serves as a senior meditation teacher and curriculum developer for the University of California's Climate Resilience Initiative, helping integrate ACT and mindfulness into interdisciplinary environmental education.Dr. Hill has contributed to publications in the International Journal of Eating Disorders and co-authored a seminal article on Process-Based Therapy, advancing evidence-based clinical practice. She is a contributor to PsychFlex, a digital platform that helps clinicians incorporate ACT into their work and track client outcomes in real time with ecological measurements, and she regularly speaks at global conferences, including the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science (ACBS) World Conference, Innovations in Psychotherapy, and the Evolution of Psychotherapy Conference.In addition to her clinical and academic work, Dr. Hill teaches at organizations and retreat centers such as InsightLA, Blue Spirit Costa Rica, PESI, and PraxisCET. She is on the clinical advisory board of Lightfully Behavioral Health and a board member of the Institute for Better Health.She is the author of Wise Effort: How to Focus Your Genius Energy on What Matters Most (Sounds True, 2025), The Self-Compassion Daily Journal, I Know I Should Exercise But…, and ACT Daily Journal, and her insights have been featured in NPR, The Wall Street Journal, Psychology Today, Mindful, Prevention, Real Simple, Woman's Day, and other leading media outlets. She is also the host of the Wise Effort podcast.With over 20 years of study and practice in yoga and meditation, including studying in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh, Dr. Hill integrates contemplative practice into her approach to healing and growth. She lives in California where she raises two sons, cares for bees, and embodies the Wise Effort principles she teaches—living a life guided by presence, purpose, and compassion.Links:Connect with her at drdianahill.com or on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Insight Timer @drdianahill.

How can you live a compassion-focused life while navigating high-performance environments? In this episode of the Wise Effort Show, Dr. Diana Hill hosts Dr. Dennis Tirch, founder of the Center for Compassion Focused Therapy. They discuss integrating Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) for actionable wisdom and flourishing. Dr. Tirch shares insights from his experience working with high-level clients in finance and leadership roles, accentuating the importance of compassion and mindfulness.Listen and learn:Compassion in LeadershipEmbodied Wisdom and CompassionThe Power of Concentration PracticesEffortless Action and FlowRelated ResourcesGet enhanced show notes for this episodeOrder my book, Wise Effort: How to Focus Your Genius Energy on What Matters Most, and receive special bonus gifts.Want to become more psychologically flexible? Take Diana's "Foundations of ACT" course.Diana's EventsReserve your spot in Diana's Costa Rica retreat in 2026!See Diana at an upcoming eventConnecting With DianaSubscribe for free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.Leave a 5-star review on Apple so people like you can find the show.Sign up for the free Wise Effort Newsletter.Become a Wise Effort member to support the show.Follow Diana on YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Diana's website.Thanks to the team, Craig and Ashley Hiatt, and Benjamin Gould of Bell & Branch for your beautiful music.

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! In this episode of Thoughts on Record, we're joined by Drs. Robyn D. Walser and Darrah Westrup—two of the world's leading experts in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and trauma treatment. Their new book, You Are Not Your Trauma, offers a compassionate and practical guide to healing that helps readers move beyond symptom management and toward a life anchored in meaning, connection, and psychological flexibility.  In this conversation we explore the book's three-phase model of trauma recovery:Building safety and foundational skillsEngaging in exposure and experiential workReconnecting with values, identity, and life directionThroughout the conversation, Drs. Walser & Westrup discuss the central ACT principle that healing is not about erasing traumatic memories but changing our relationship with them. They emphasize how trauma often narrows a person's world—through avoidance, emotional numbing, and self-protective habits that once served a purpose but now limit growth. ACT offers a path toward gently expanding one's life again, guided by values rather than fear.This episode is ideal for clinicians, trauma survivors, and anyone interested in a more flexible, humane approach to trauma recovery.BiosDr. Robyn D. Walser is Director of TL Consultation Services, Associate Director at the National Center for PTSD, and Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of California, Berkeley. A leading figure in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dr. Walser has co-authored multiple books and over 60 peer-reviewed articles. Her work focuses on trauma, mindfulness, and clinical innovation, and she is widely regarded as one of the foremost experts in ACT for trauma recovery.Dr. Darrah Westrup is a licensed clinical psychologist, trainer, and author with decades of experience in treating trauma and anxiety-related disorders. She previously served as the Director of Training and Dissemination at the National Center for PTSD and has been instrumental in adapting ACT principles for wide-scale use in both clinical and non-clinical settings. Dr. Westrup brings a clinician's nuance and a trainer's clarity to her writing and therapeutic work.

Send us a textABA on Tap is proud to present Matt Tapia (Part 2 of 2):Matt Tapia is a dually-credentialed professional, holding licenses as both a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Arizona and California and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). This unique background allows him to offer a comprehensive, integrated perspective on mental health and behavior, drawing from both clinical counseling and applied behavior analysis.Matt's therapeutic approach is heavily influenced by third-wave behavioral therapies, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). His work focuses on helping individuals, couples, and families navigate a broad spectrum of challenges, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, life transitions, and caregiving stress, particularly for those within the autism and neurodivergent communities.In addition to his clinical practice, Matt serves as a Subject Matter Expert for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) where he helps develop and review national exam questions for aspiring BCBAs and RBTs. He holds a master's degree in Counseling Psychology from Santa Clara University and is an active member of several professional organizations, including the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science (ACBS). With a commitment to meeting clients where they are, Matt uses a collaborative, team-based approach to help people build meaningful and fulfilling lives.Support the show

Send us a textABA on Tap is proud to present Matt Tapia (Part 1 of 2):Matt Tapia is a dually-credentialed professional, holding licenses as both a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Arizona and California and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). This unique background allows him to offer a comprehensive, integrated perspective on mental health and behavior, drawing from both clinical counseling and applied behavior analysis.Matt's therapeutic approach is heavily influenced by third-wave behavioral therapies, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). His work focuses on helping individuals, couples, and families navigate a broad spectrum of challenges, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, life transitions, and caregiving stress, particularly for those within the autism and neurodivergent communities.In addition to his clinical practice, Matt serves as a Subject Matter Expert for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) where he helps develop and review national exam questions for aspiring BCBAs and RBTs. He holds a master's degree in Counseling Psychology from Santa Clara University and is an active member of several professional organizations, including the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science (ACBS). With a commitment to meeting clients where they are, Matt uses a collaborative, team-based approach to help people build meaningful and fulfilling lives.Support the show

Teaching social skills isn't just about steps, it's about helping kids understand why connection matters and how to cope when things don't go as planned. In this episode, Sharlee Dixon sits down with Melissa Connor-Santos, MA, BCBA, Founder and CEO of Oceanview Behavior Solutions and a nationally recognized expert in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). With over 15 years of experience, Melissa works at the intersection of clinical excellence and compassionate care, consulting with schools, training professionals, and mentoring families. She's also a full-time ABA faculty member at Felician University, a certified PFA/SBT Level 6 Supervisor, and a leading voice in school-based behavioral support. As a parent of a child with a behavioral disorder, Melissa brings a deeply personal perspective to her work, one grounded in empathy, ethics, and strengths-based practice. Together, Sharlee and Melissa explore how ACT can bridge the gaps in traditional social skills instruction for children with autism and behavioral differences, blending evidence-based practice, personal insight, and emerging research to reimagine how we support emotional regulation, self-narratives, and long-term well-being.   For more information about Melissa Connor-Santos and Oceanview Behavior Solutions, please visit: https://www.oceanviewbehaviorsolutions.com For more information about supervision for aspiring BCBAs, please visit: https://www.oceanviewbehaviorsolutions.com/services For more information about “The Happiness Trap” by Russ Harris, please visit: https://www.amazon.com/Happiness-Trap-Struggling-Start-Living/dp/1590305841 For more information about “Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life” by Steven C. Hayes, PhD., please visit: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/noresults/get-out-of-your-mind-and-into-your-life-steven-c-hayes-phd/1129445963 Connect with Melissa on Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-connor-santos/

Are you letting anxiety and the need to play it safe hold you hostage in your relationships and personal growth? Too often, fear—of rejection, failure, or the unknown—becomes the invisible fence shaping our actions. Perfectionism, procrastination, overthinking, and the constant urge to avoid discomfort can shrink our lives, leaving us disconnected from our true selves and the people we care about most. In this episode, we explore how fear influences perfectionism, anxiety, and avoidance in our relationships and daily lives. Discover compassionate approaches to working with anxiety—learning why fighting it doesn't work, and how, instead, our willingness to acknowledge, understand, and even befriend discomfort can become a gateway to deeper connection and greater freedom. Through practical tools and real-world strategies like "uncertainty workouts," values-based action, and self-compassion, this episode aims to help you navigate the messy, beautiful process of showing up more authentically for yourself and those you care about. Dr. Patricia Zurita Ona is on a mission to help people break free from ineffective, play-it-safe patterns so they can begin living rich, purposeful, and meaningful lives. A trained psychologist, she is the author of seven books and co-author of two more. Her expertise has led her to present workshops at both national and international conferences. She also runs a boutique therapy and coaching practice that specializes in the application of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for anxiety. Passionate about her work, she delights in creating personalized resources for every client she serves.   Episode Highlights 06:03 The interconnectedness of anxiety and its impact on life. 09:07 The importance of accepting anxiety instead of fighting it. 10:02 Using values to guide responses and reduce anxiety's control. 13:50 The need to tolerate discomfort in relationships. 18:53 Navigating fear of commitment and embracing uncertainty. 22:49 Building tolerance for ambiguity and uncertainty. 24:32 How avoiding uncomfortable emotions can increase suffering and relates to trauma and emotional regulation. 29:52 Values-based exposure and compassionate approaches to fear. 33:41 Developing micro skills for managing difficult conversations. 35:41 Integrating self-compassion and Wise Moves for anxiety management. 38:01 Practical resources, parenting insights, and closing reflections.   Your Check List of Actions to Take Take a moment to pause with a deep inhale and exhale, noticing sensations in your body before engaging in difficult conversations or when feeling anxious. Instead of fighting anxiety, recognize it as a protective part of your humanity and make room for it. When anxiety arises, ask yourself what truly matters to you in that moment to guide your response. Embrace uncomfortable feelings in relationships without avoidance, viewing them as essential for growth and authenticity. Intentionally expose yourself to uncertainty in small, manageable ways (like trying a new restaurant or activity) to build tolerance. When fear surfaces, actively choose actions that align with your core values—even if they feel difficult. Treat yourself with gentleness during moments of avoidance, procrastination, or anxiety, recognizing your effort and courage. When facing a fearful situation, pause and check in with your body and thoughts, then proceed with intentionality rather than rushing through.   Mentioned The ACT Workbook for Teens with OCD (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book) Living Beyond OCD Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book) Escaping the Emotional Roller Coaster (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book) Parenting a Troubled Teen (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book) Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Borderline Personality Disorder (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book) Acceptance and Commitment Skills for Perfectionism and High-Achieving Behaviors (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book) The ACT Workbook for the Anxious Procrastinator (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book) Dr. Z's Online Classes (link) ERP 461: How to Increase Psychological Flexibility for Healthy Relationships — An Interview with Dr. Steven Hayes ERP 238: How To Find Your Emotional Balance In Relationship 12 Relationship Principles to Strengthen Your Love (free relationship guide) (pdf)   Connect with Dr. Patricia Zurita Ona Websites: thisisdoctorz.com | eastbaybehaviortherapycenter.com Facebook: facebook.com/EastBayBehaviorTherapyCenter | facebook.com/Dr-Z-102029237841421 X: twitter.com/DrZ_behaviorist YouTube: linkedin.com/in/patricia-e-zurita-ona-psy-d-949b5a15 Instagram: instagram.com/dr.z.passionatebehaviorist  

How to focus your "genius energy" on what matters most.   Diana Hill, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist, international trainer, podcast host, and a leading expert on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)—a revolutionary approach to psychology that is changing our understanding of mental health. She is the author of four books including I Know I Should Exercise, But…, The Self-Compassion Daily Journal, ACT Daily Journal, and her latest, Wise Effort.   In this episode we talk about: The concept of "Wise Effort" ( aligning your energy and actions with your core values) The practice of diffusing your thoughts Three things that get in the way of "Wise Effort"  The role of radical acceptance How to spot "energy depletors"  A practice she calls  "Yes, yes, thank you, thank you"  And much more Join Dan's online community here Follow Dan on social: Instagram, TikTok Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Tickets are now on sale for a special live taping of the 10% Happier Podcast with guest Pete Holmes! Join us on November 18th in NYC for this benefit show, with all proceeds supporting the New York Insight Meditation Center. Grab your tickets here!   Tickets are now available for an intimate live event with Dan on November 23rd as part of the Troutbeck Luminary Series. Join the conversation, participate in a guided meditation, and ask your questions during the Q&A. Click here to buy your ticket!   To advertise on the show, contact sales@advertisecast.com or visit https://advertising.libsyn.com/10HappierwithDanHarris   Thanks to our sponsors:  AT&T: Staying connected matters. That's why AT&T has connectivity you can depend on, or they will proactively make it right. Visit att.com/guarantee for details. Function: Our first 1000 listeners get a $100 credit toward their membership. Visit www.functionhealth.com/Happier or use the gift code Happier100 at signup to own your health.  

Can anxiety about food safety quietly shape the way an entire family eats, lives, and loves? In this episode of Dr. Marianne-Land: An Eating Disorder Recovery Podcast, Dr. Marianne Miller, LMFT, talks with Tamara Hubbard, LCPC, founder of The Food Allergy Counselor and The Academy of Food Allergy Counseling. Together, they explore how food allergy anxiety can affect both children and parents, sometimes leading to ARFID-like eating patterns and significant emotional distress. Tamara shares her journey from being a parent of a child with a peanut allergy to becoming a national leader in the field of food allergy mental health. She discusses how chronic fear and misinformation can cause families to become trapped in cycles of hypervigilance and restriction. She and Dr. Marianne also examine how therapy can help families move toward flexibility, autonomy, and connection at the table. Listeners will hear how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and values-based approaches support parents in balancing safety with freedom, and how addressing anxiety can improve both emotional well-being and quality of life. Key Topics Covered The difference between food allergies and food intolerances and why accurate understanding matters How food allergy anxiety can spread through families and mimic ARFID symptoms The role of parental fear in shaping a child's own food relationship and daily life The risks of restriction-based medical advice, including some functional medicine practices How ACT and mindfulness tools can help parents tolerate fear and stay connected to their values Ways to calm the fight-or-flight response and reduce hypervigilance around food and safety Why collaboration between therapists and allergists creates stronger, safer support for families Who This Episode Is For This episode is for parents and caregivers who want to understand how food allergies, anxiety, and ARFID intersect in family life. It is also for therapists, dietitians, and healthcare providers who want to learn how to support families with evidence-based, trauma-informed, and values-driven care. Food Allergy Resources Mentioned Book: May Contain Anxiety: Managing the Overwhelm of Parenting Children With Food Allergies by Tamara Hubbard, LCPC (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2025) Website: The Food Allergy Counselor for educational articles, therapeutic resources, and directories of food allergy-informed therapists Organization: The Academy of Food Allergy Counseling for clinician training and professional community Article: Allergic Living Magazine Airline Allergy Travel Guide for details on how major airlines handle food allergy policies Advocacy Resource: No Nut Traveler by Leanne Mandelbaum, advocating for safer air travel for people with food allergies Therapeutic Framework: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for managing anxiety and values alignment Cultural Reference: We Can Do Hard Things by Glennon Doyle as a reminder of resilience and self-compassion Content Caution This episode includes discussions of allergic reactions, anaphylaxis, and eating challenges. Please take care while listening if these topics may feel activating or distressing. Learn More and Get ARFID and Selective Eating Support Visit ARFID and Selective Eating Course. This virtual program provides a compassionate, neurodivergent-affirming framework that helps families and clinicians create safety, flexibility, and understanding around food.

We're excited to welcome Dr. Patricia Zurita Ona (FKA Dr. Z) back to the podcast for another thought-provoking conversation. In her first appearance, we explored how fear-based struggles can keep us stuck. Today, we take that discussion even deeper as we dive into her latest book, The ACT Workbook for the Anxious Procrastinator: How to Accept Yourself, Get Things Done, and Do More of What Matters – a guide that helps readers understand why we put things off, and how to break these patterns… Click play for fresh insights into: How Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help overcome procrastination. The negative impacts of postponing tasks. How to build a new pattern of behavior surrounding procrastination. Practical tools for managing anxiety, overwhelm, and perfectionism. Dr. Z is the Director of the East Bay Behavior Therapy Center and has over 18 years of experience helping children, adolescents, and adults break free from anxiety, perfectionism, and emotional avoidance. Beginning her career as a school psychologist before becoming a clinical psychologist, she brings an effective combination of both compassion and science to her work.  In addition to The ACT Workbook for the Anxious Procrastinator, Dr. Z has written six books, including Living Beyond OCD Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Skills for Perfectionism and High-Achieving Behaviors. She was also nominated as a Fellow of the Association of Contextual Behavioral Science. Stay up to date with Dr. Z and her work at East Bay Behavior Therapy Center here!

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit abbieattwoodwellness.substack.comI'm joined by Dr. Regina Lazarovich, a clinical psychologist, Health at Every Size (HAES)–aligned provider, and someone with lived experience of binge eating and perfectionism. Together, we unpack the lesser-discussed connection between high achievement, perfectionism, and binge eating, and how shame and restriction can keep us stuck in painful cycles with food.Tune in as a paid subscriber for more on:*The connection between perfectionism and binge eating — and why it's rarely talked about.*Why restriction (mental, emotional, and physical) often drives binge eating, not “lack of willpower.”*Regina's story of developing binge eating disorder amid academic and cultural pressures.*The shame cycle: how guilt after binge eating fuels renewed restriction and perfectionistic resolve.*Why binge eating is a protective response from the body — not a personal failure.*The impact of immigrant identity, family expectations, and internalized achievement pressure on self-worth and body image.*The moral hierarchy of eating disorders — and how fatphobia shapes which struggles get compassion.*Tangible ways to interrupt the binge–restrict cycle and begin to bring compassion to our relationship with food.*Approaching binge eating through a body-trusting, HAES-aligned lens.This is a bonus episode for paid Substack subscribers. Paid members receive:*Extra full-length conversations like this one*Bonus in-depth essays on body image, food, and movement*Access to the entire archive of paywalled episodes and newsletters*Deeper, more personal reflections and behind-the-scenes insightsSupport the show: Enjoying this podcast? Please support the show on Substack for bonus episodes, community engagement, and access to "Ask Abbie" at abbieattwoodwellness.substack.com/subscribeApply for Abbie's Group Membership:Already been at this anti-diet culture thing for a while, but want community and continued learning? Apply for Abbie's monthly membership: https://www.abbieattwoodwellness.com/circle-monthly-groupSocial media:Find the show on Instagram: @fullplate.podcastFind Abbie on Instagram: @abbieattwoodwellnessPodcast Cover Photography by Anya McInroyPodcast Editing by Brian WaltersThis podcast is ad-free and support comes from your support on Substack. Subscribe HERE.About Regina: Dr. Regina Lazarovich, PhD, is a clinical psychologist, trained teacher of Mindful Self-Compassion, and the founder of the private practice Compass CBT, serving clients across California, New York, and Florida. Dr. Lazarovich has dedicated her fifteen-year career to helping individuals break free from anxiety, panic attacks, OCD, disordered eating, binge eating disorder, body image struggles, people-pleasing, and perfectionism.With a wealth of expertise in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Dr. Lazarovich approaches each client's mental health journey with kindness and understanding. As a Health at Every Size (HAES®) aligned therapist, she wholeheartedly believes that every body deserves care, compassion, and respect.

In this episode, Kelly Wilson explains how to move from avoidance to acceptance: a new way to live with anxiety. He delves into how our vulnerabilities show us what matters to us, and that the goal isn't to win a war inside. It's to keep coming back to the next honest action that moves you towards what matters. That is at the core of acceptance and commitment therapy. Not chasing perfect feelings, but choosing the next right move towards your values, again and again.Exciting News!!! Coming in March, 2026, my new book, How a Little Becomes a Lot: The Art of Small Changes for a More Meaningful Life is now available for pre-orders!Key Takeaways:Exploration of psychological struggles, particularly anxiety, and their impact on life.Introduction to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and its core principles.Discussion of the six core processes of ACT: present moment awareness, cognitive defusion, acceptance, values, committed action, and self as context.Examination of the relationship between vulnerability and personal growth.Critique of traditional diagnostic labels and their limitations in understanding psychological experiences.Emphasis on the importance of values in guiding meaningful actions and decisions.Insights into the nature of human suffering and the commonality of psychological pain.The concept of redemption and its role in personal development and therapy.Reframing commitment as a moment-to-moment process rather than a rigid promise.Encouragement of compassion and understanding in the face of psychological challenges.d understanding.For full show notes, click here!Connect with the show:Follow us on YouTube: @TheOneYouFeedPodSubscribe on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyFollow us on InstagramIf you enjoyed this conversation with Kelly Wilson, check out these other episodes:Steven C. HayesRuss Harris (Part 1)Russ Harris (Part 2)By purchasing products and/or services from our sponsors, you are helping to support The One You Feed and we greatly appreciate it. Thank you!This episode is sponsored by:Persona Nutrition delivers science-backed, personalized vitamin packs that make daily wellness simple and convenient. In just minutes, you get a plan tailored to your health goals. No clutter, no guesswork. Just grab-and-go packs designed by experts. Go to PersonaNutrition.com/FEED today to take the free assessment and get your personalized daily vitamin packs for an exclusive offer — get 40% off your first order.Grow Therapy – Whatever challenges you're facing, Grow Therapy is here to help. Sessions average about $21 with insurance, and some pay as little as $0, depending on their plan. (Availability and coverage vary by state and insurance plans. Visit growtherapy.com/feed today!Delivering the WOW; Check out Richard Fain's new book, a behind-the-scenes look at how he transformed Royal Caribbean into a world-class company through culture, innovation, and intentional leadership. Available now on Amazon and wherever you get your books.AGZ – Start taking your sleep seriously with AGZ. Head to drinkag1.com/feed to get a FREE Welcome Kit with the flavor of your choice that includes a 30 day supply of AGZ and a FREE frother.Smalls – Smalls cat food is protein-packed recipes made with preservative-free ingredients you'd find in your fridge… and it's delivered right to your door. For a limited time, get 60% off your first order, plus free shipping, when you head to Smalls.com/FEED! No more picking between random brands at the store. Smalls has the right food to satisfy any cat's cravings.LinkedIn: Post your job for free at linkedin.com/1youfeed. Terms and conditions apply.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Kelly Wilson explains how to move from avoidance to acceptance: a new way to live with anxiety. He delves into how our vulnerabilities show us what matters to us, and that the goal isn't to win a war inside. It's to keep coming back to the next honest action that moves you towards what matters. That is at the core of acceptance and commitment therapy. Not chasing perfect feelings, but choosing the next right move towards your values, again and again. Exciting News!!!Coming in March, 2026, my new book, How a Little Becomes a Lot: The Art of Small Changes for a More Meaningful Life is now available for pre-orders! Key Takeaways: Exploration of psychological struggles, particularly anxiety, and their impact on life. Introduction to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and its core principles. Discussion of the six core processes of ACT: present moment awareness, cognitive defusion, acceptance, values, committed action, and self as context. Examination of the relationship between vulnerability and personal growth. Critique of traditional diagnostic labels and their limitations in understanding psychological experiences. Emphasis on the importance of values in guiding meaningful actions and decisions. Insights into the nature of human suffering and the commonality of psychological pain. The concept of redemption and its role in personal development and therapy. Reframing commitment as a moment-to-moment process rather than a rigid promise. Encouragement of compassion and understanding in the face of psychological challenges. If you enjoyed this conversation with Kelly Wilson, check out these other episodes: Steven C. Hayes Russ Harris (Part 1) Russ Harris (Part 2) For full show notes,⁠ click here⁠! Connect with the show: ⁠Follow us on YouTube: ⁠⁠@TheOneYouFeedPod⁠ Subscribe on ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ or ⁠Spotify⁠ Follow us on ⁠Instagram⁠ By purchasing products and/or services from our sponsors, you are helping to support The One You Feed and we greatly appreciate it. Thank you! This episode is sponsored by: ⁠Uncommon Goods ⁠has something for everyone – you'll find thousands of new gift ideas that you won't find anywhere else, and you'll be supporting artists and small, independent businesses. To get 15% off your next gift, go to ⁠UNCOMMONGOODS.com/FEED⁠ ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠: Post your job for free at linkedin.com/1youfeed. Terms and conditions apply. ⁠Persona Nutrition ⁠delivers science-backed, personalized vitamin packs that make daily wellness simple and convenient. In just minutes, you get a plan tailored to your health goals. No clutter, no guesswork. Just grab-and-go packs designed by experts. Go to ⁠PersonaNutrition.com/FEED⁠ today to take the free assessment and get your personalized daily vitamin packs for an exclusive offer — get 40% off your first order. ⁠Grow Therapy ⁠– Whatever challenges you're facing, Grow Therapy is here to help. Sessions average about $21 with insurance, and some pay as little as $0, depending on their plan. (Availability and coverage vary by state and insurance plans. Visit ⁠growtherapy.com/feed ⁠today! ⁠AGZ⁠ – Start taking your sleep seriously with AGZ. Head to ⁠drinkag1.com/feed⁠ to get a FREE Welcome Kit with the flavor of your choice that includes a 30 day supply of AGZ and a FREE frother. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Everyone has creative genius, says Diana Hill, PhD, and in her new book, Wise Effort: How to Focus Your Genius Energy on What Matters Most, she explores how to best explore and nurture that genius. We speak about how she battled some of her own demons while writing the book–the committee arguing in her head. We talk about wise effort–not trying too hard, and the three main practices that fuel wise effort–getting curious, opening and focusing. It's a practical, vulnerable, lighthearted episode.Diana Hill, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist, international trainer, and a leading expert on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)—a revolutionary approach to psychology that is changing our understanding of mental health. Drawing from the most current psychological research and contemplative wisdom, Diana bridges science with real-life practices to helppeople grow fulfilling and impactful lives. She is the author of four books including I Know I Should Exercise, But..., The Self-Compassion Daily Journal, ACT Daily Journal, and her latest Wise Effort: How to Focus Your Genius Energy on What Matters Most. She's the host of the Wise Effort Podcast and her insights have been featured by NPR, Wall Street Journal, Psychology Today, Real Simple, and other national media.Website: www.wiseeffort.compodcast: www.wiseeffortshow.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit emergingform.substack.com/subscribe

Gaslighting, guilt-tripping, and emotional neglect don't just leave scars — they leave you doubting your own instincts. Many people walk away from manipulative relationships asking, “Can I ever trust myself again?” In this episode, we explore how manipulation erodes self-trust, why trauma creates cycles of self-doubt and people-pleasing, and — most importantly — how to rebuild your confidence in your intuition. Using insights from psychology, trauma research, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), you'll learn step-by-step practices for reconnecting with your body, honoring your decisions, and setting boundaries without guilt.

Dr. Steven C. Hayes is an Emeritus Professor of Psychology at the University of Nevada, Reno, and President of the Institute for Better Health. He is the founder of Contextual Behavioral Science, which includes Relational Frame Theory (RFT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). His work has shaped modern understandings of psychological flexibility, process-based therapy, and human cooperation through Prosocial.Author of 47 books and nearly 700 scientific articles, Dr. Hayes is among the most cited psychologists in the world. His contributions have earned him numerous honors, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies.What a privilege to have spoken with Dr. Hayes. In this episode, we talk about all things ACT. Dr. Hayes shares about his personal experiences that inspired him to get into the field, the importance of honoring our human side and pain as therapists, along with the ways ACT relates to our everyday human experiences. This was a real treat - hope you enjoy!FOLLOW DR. HAYES:INSTA: @drstevenchayesWEBSITE: https://stevenchayes.com/STAY CONNECTED:INSTA: @trustandthriveTIKOK: @trustandthriveTHREADS: @trustandthriveFACEBOOK: bit.ly/FBtaramontEMAIL: trustandthrive@gmail.com

Do you constantly overthink, overcommit, or over-care about things that drain your energy? In this week's episode, I break down the psychology of why we care too much, what it really means to “not give a f*ck,” and how to apply this mindset in a way that creates freedom — without turning cold or indifferent. We'll dive into science-backed strategies from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), cognitive reframing, and Stoic philosophy to help you stop wasting energy on what doesn't matter and start building resilience, clarity, and peace.

Robyn D. Walser, PhD, is a clinical psychologist, educator, and internationally recognized expert in trauma and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), serving as Assistant Clinical Professor at UC Berkeley, Director of Research at Bay Area Trauma Recovery, and staff member at the National Center for PTSD. Darrah Westrup, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and ACT expert based in Durango, Colorado, known for her work with complex trauma, international training workshops, and leadership roles at the VA Palo Alto's women's mental health and trauma programs.Today we're going to be talking about their new book You Are Not Your Trauma: An ACT Guide for Healing from Within, Robyn D. Walser, Ph, and Darrah Westrup, PhD.In This EpisodeRobyn's websiteDarrah's website@walser.robyn (IG)@The Heart of ACT (FB)@Robyn D. Walser (LinkedIn)‪@robynwalser.bsky.social‬@Darrah Westrup (FB)@Darrah Westrup, Ph.D. (LinkedIn)@drdarrah.bsky.social‬A giant thank you to our sponsors:Jane App: A free data import? Now that's what we're talking about!

In this episode, Dr. David Puder is joined by OCD specialist Kevin Foss to dive deep into Real Event OCD, which is a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder where real past experiences become the focus of endless rumination, guilt, and shame. Together, they unpack the symptoms, real-life examples, and how this subtype differs from PTSD, moral injury, and other forms of OCD. The discussion highlights evidence-based treatments like Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and medication options, while also offering guidance for loved ones supporting someone with OCD.

Can your focus on getting better actually make things worse? In this episode, we explore what happens when the recovery process itself becomes an obsession - coining the term "Recovery OCD" to describe the fixation many people develop around their anxiety recovery journey.We dig into the counterintuitive reality that constantly checking "Am I recovered yet?" or "Am I doing this right?" can actually signal to your brain that anxiety is still something urgent and important to monitor. When recovery becomes the thing you're obsessing about, complete with checking behaviors, rumination, and compulsive information-seeking, you may have fallen into this particular trap.What we cover:The obsessive-compulsive patterns that can emerge around recoveryWhy asking "Am I recovered?" might mean you've answered your own questionHow metrics and comparisons can feed the recovery obsessionThe difference between recovery as a state versus recovery as functionWhy uncertainty tolerance is the real skill being developedPractical ways to recognize when you've become obsessed with recovery itselfKey insights:Recovery isn't about reaching a perfect state - it's about building distress tolerance skillsThe more you fixate on recovery, the more you're teaching your brain that anxiety mattersReal progress often looks boring and unmeasurableSometimes the question "Am I recovered?" isn't the right question to askWe also share inspiring "Did It Anyway" stories from listeners who demonstrate what it really looks like to move forward while uncertain, anxious, and imperfect - including someone who performed on stage despite a massive adrenaline flood and another who went to a Pokemon card convention while experiencing depersonalization.This episode challenges common assumptions about what recovery should look and feel like, offering a more realistic and sustainable approach to anxiety recovery that doesn't require constant self-monitoring or perfect emotional states.The content in this episode aligns with evidence-based, third-wave therapeutic approaches including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and mindfulness-based treatments for anxiety disorders.---Want a way to ask questions about this episode or interact with other Disordered listeners?  The Disordered app is nearing release! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit our home page and get on our mailing list for more information..---Struggling with worry and rumination that you feel you can't stop or control? Check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Worry and Rumination Explained⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, a two hour pre-recorded workshop produced by Josh and Drew. The workshop takes a deep dive into the mechanics of worrying and ruminating, offering some helpful ways to approach the seemingly unsolvable problem of trying to solve seemingly unsolvable problems.-----Want to ask us questions, share your wins, or get more information about Josh, Drew, and the Disordered podcast? Send us an email or leave a voicemail on our website.

College life can be exciting, but it's also full of unique challenges that can really take a toll on mental health. In this episode, Debbie sits down with Colleen Ehrnstrom, Audrey Gilfillan, and Alison West to break down what's really going on with students' mental well-being. They talk about the ups and downs of transitions, gaining independence, and handling academic pressure, all while navigating bigger societal stressors like the pandemic. The conversation highlights why it's so important to have mental health support built right into academic departments, and the guests share practical tips that both students and faculty can use. You'll also hear about topics like college culture expectations, the Dunning-Kruger effect, imposter feelings, and why showing yourself self-compassion and understanding your emotions matters. By the end, you'll come away with insights that can help anyone in a college community foster better mental health and overall well-being.Listen and Learn: Why college is such a challenging transition for students, who must create structure, discover their values, and learn through mistakes while adapting to new freedoms and pressuresUnderstanding individual stress matters in college counseling, which can help normalize challenges and guide appropriate mental health supportHow young adulthood is a powerful time for growthEmbracing uncertainty and connecting through shared human experiences helps us navigate overwhelming and unpredictable timesEmbedding mental health clinicians directly in university departments helps faculty support students effectively, bridging academic and emotional needsUnderstanding and “decompiling” your thoughts and emotions helps you work with them instead of against themWhy the imposter phenomenon is widespread, especially among high achievers and those stepping outside their comfort zone, and how comparing your inner doubts to others' outward confidence can intensify itTrue growth comes from building competence, not chasing confidence, and feeling uncomfortable is part of the learning processTips for navigating college, including managing your expectations, giving yourself grace for mistakes, seeking support when needed, and starting small with healthy habitsResources: Decompile Your Mind: An Engineer's Guide to Thoughts and Emotions: https://www.amazon.com/Decompile-Your-Mind-Engineers-Thoughts/dp/B0DPXB17MV Connect with Colleen Ehrnstrom, Audrey Gilfillan, and Alison Westhttps://www.colorado.edu/counseling/about-caps/our-providers/colleen-ehrnstrom https://www.colorado.edu/counseling/about-caps/our-providers/audrey-gilfillanhttps://www.colorado.edu/counseling/about-caps/our-providers/alison-westImposter No More: Overcome Self-Doubt and Imposterism to Cultivate a Successful Career: https://bookshop.org/a/30734/9781538724804 About Dr. Colleen EhrnstromDr. Colleen Ehrnstrom, PhD is a licensed clinical psychologist and one of the managers of the Embedded Program at the Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) at the University of Colorado Boulder. She specializes in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and enjoys working with college students, supporting their mental health during a critical time of personal and academic development. She is the co-author of End the Insomnia Struggle: A Step-by-Step Guide to Help You Get to Sleep and Stay Asleep and regularly presents and trains on ACT and behavioral sleep strategies. Dr. Ehrnstrom is dedicated to supporting mental health through evidence-based, mindfulness-informed care.About Audrey GilfillanAudrey Gilfillan is a licensed professional counselor and works as an Embedded Therapist in the College of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Colorado at Boulder. With a background in academic coaching, career counseling, and college mental health, Audrey specializes supporting college students as they navigate the intersection of their academic goals and mental health. Audrey co-authored Decompile Your Mind: An Engineer's Guide to Thoughts and Emotions. She co-founded Applied Wellness Initiatives to help educators and managers effectively support mental health and performance in the workplace.About Alison WestAlison West is a licensed professional counselor and addiction specialist who works as an Embedded Therapist in the College of Engineering and Applied Science at CU Boulder. Prior to working in higher education, Alison worked in community mental health, providing direct support through ongoing therapy, crisis response, and case management. Alison is passionate about supporting young adults as they navigate the challenges of an ever-changing world. She is the co-author of Decompile Your Mind: An Engineer's Guide to Thoughts and Emotions and the co-founder of Applied Wellness Initiatives. She finds fulfillment in helping professionals bring mental health awareness and practices into their work and academic communities.Related Episodes: 7. Insomnia: Strategies to Stop Struggling with Sleep with Alisha Brosse189. Imposter Syndrome with Jill and Debbie321. Imposter No More with Jill Stoddard274. Quarterlife: The Search for Self in Early Adulthood with Satya Doyle Byock – Psychologists Off the Clock324. Toxic Achievement Culture with Jennifer Wallace 303. Both/And Thinking with Marianne LewisSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dr. Andrew Hartz is a practicing clinical psychologist and the founder of the Open Therapy Institute, an organization dedicated to overcoming sociopolitical bias in the mental health field. He was last here in 2023 and returns now to talk about what's changed—and what hasn't—in the mental-health landscape since then. We discuss the rise of “everyday dissociation,” how screens and Zoom relationships dull presence and feeling, and why talk therapy can miss the mark when the problem is disconnection from the body. Andrew also explains how anxiety became a form of social currency (from dating to testing accommodations), the overuse of diagnostic labels online, and why Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) offers a saner path than endless self-rumination. Guest Bio: Andrew Hartz is the Founder, President, and Executive Director of the Open Therapy Institute. He's also a practicing clinical psychologist and was formerly a professor in the clinical psychology doctoral program at Long Island University, where he also completed his Ph.D. He's been featured in the New York Times, on The Dr. Drew Podcast, on Dr. Phil Primetime, and in The Free Press and has written about political issues and mental health for outlets such as the Wall Street Journal, City Journal, Discourse, Heterodox Academy, the New York Post, and Quillette.