Podcasts about commitment therapy act

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:

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. 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

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.

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

Show notes: (0:00) Intro (1:11) Why anxiety is on the rise and how Dr. Spitalnik got into psychology (6:21) What CBT is and why it often works faster than other therapies (10:42) The most common types of anxiety his clinic treats (13:16) What exposure therapy looks like (17:02) Parenting with anxiety and how it affects your kids (22:38) Changing how you think vs. what you think (27:34) The “manslaughter vs. man's laughter” exercise (35:29) Choosing your response instead of reacting (38:51) Mental health is health, even if you're not “sick” (42:28) Simple, weird ways to add laughter to your day (46:44) Curating your social media feed to protect your mindset (50:03) Where to find Dr. Spitalnick and his team online & get help (52:52) Outro   Who is Dr. Josh Spitalnick?   Dr. Josh Spitalnick is a licensed psychologist and board-certified expert in behavioral and cognitive psychology, serving as the CEO of Anxiety Specialists of Atlanta. He's also a faculty member at the International OCD Foundation's Behavior Therapy Training Institute (BTTI).   In his clinical work, Dr. Spitalnick uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to treat OCD, anxiety, mood disorders, phobias, trauma, and relationship difficulties. He works with children, teens, adults, families, and couples, with specialties in pediatric anxiety, health anxiety, psychosomatic and chronic health conditions, and less common OCD subtypes like harm OCD and moral scrupulosity.   He also supports executives, athletes, and media professionals facing performance anxiety, imposter syndrome, and career stress. Beyond his clinic, he runs a consulting business that helps healthcare practices improve efficiency, scalability, and profitability.   Dr. Spitalnick is the co-author of two books: The Complete Guide to Overcoming Health Anxiety and Raising Resilience: 25 Tips for Parenting Your Child with Anxiety or OCD, both recognized internationally.   Connect with Dr. Josh: Website: https://www.anxietyspecialistsofatlanta.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/anxietyatldoc   Resources: https://www.overcominghealthanxiety.com/ Links and Resources: Peak Performance Life Peak Performance on Facebook Peak Performance on Instagram  

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

In this episode, Jeff Greenwald—world champion tennis player, licensed therapist, and sports psychology consultant—offers a rare glimpse into the intersection of clinical therapy and high-performance coaching. Jeff highlights how anxiety has become the predominant struggle both inside and outside of sport, often crippling athletes and families alike. Drawing on nearly three decades of experience, he explains how his dual training allows him to work not only on performance enhancement but also on the deeper roots of anxiety, perfectionism, and family dynamics that shape an athlete's experience. He shares how he integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing, and Somatic Psychotherapy, tailoring each to the unique needs of athletes. Jeff clarifies how sports psychology typically focuses on attention control, motivation, and performance skills, while clinical practice digs into family systems, emotional regulation, and underlying anxiety. Listeners will also hear about Jeff's practical frameworks, including the four dimensions of focus (narrow/broad, internal/external) and his “remote control” metaphor from The Mental Edge for Young Athletes. These models help young athletes understand they have multiple tools at their disposal—but it's their responsibility to choose and apply them in the heat of competition. A major theme of the conversation is Jeff's emphasis on the “permission to miss.” With statistics showing that 70% of kids quit sports by age 16, Jeff underscores the importance of helping athletes reframe mistakes, embrace imperfection, and cultivate a mastery mindset focused on growth and process rather than outcome. Over time, athletes learn to anchor their confidence in the skills they can control—their routines, effort, and perspective—rather than in outcomes they can't. This framework not only reduces anxiety but also fosters resilience, freedom, and joy in sport. He also shares how parents can best support their children—not by rushing in to fix, but by validating their experiences and normalizing their anxiety. As a competitive athlete himself, and still competing internationally, Jeff has demonstrated how you can transform from a tentative, perfectionistic mindset to a full realization of your ability through the mastery mindset, which also catapulted him to world No. 1 in his age group. He shares how this breakthrough was instrumental to his work and how grateful he is to be in a position to help the thousands of athletes he has worked with over the past 27 years. Jeff Greenwald, MFT, is a world champion athlete, licensed psychotherapist, best-selling author, and one of the world's leading mental coaches for athletes. With over 25 years of experience helping youth, college, and professional competitors thrive under pressure, Jeff brings a rare blend of elite performance insight and clinical expertise to his work. He is the author of the international bestseller The Best Tennis of Your Life, which has sold over 80,000 copies worldwide, and the new book The Mental Edge for Young Athletes—a groundbreaking guide for building confidence, emotional resilience, and a stronger mindset in sports and life. Jeff has worked with athletes across every major sport and consulted for national teams, Fortune 500 leaders, top junior academies, and competitive athletes at all levels of sport. He is a two-time ITF World Champion and was inducted into the Northern California Tennis Hall of Fame in 2019 for his contribution in the field of sports psychology and success as a world-ranked tennis player. Through his writing, coaching, and speaking, Jeff empowers athletes and their families to navigate the mental game with clarity, courage, and lasting confidence.

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.

In this episode, Kamini Wood explores the concept of high-functioning anxiety, which she describes as an internal struggle often hidden behind a facade of success and productivity. While not a formal DSM-5 diagnosis, it's a recognized experience among high achievers characterized by persistent worry and a fear of failure, despite outward appearances of being composed and successful. Kamini explains that this anxiety is often rooted in societal pressures that tie self-worth to accomplishments, leading individuals to mask their struggles for fear of appearing weak. She introduces Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as a powerful framework to help anxious achievers by focusing on accepting anxiety, clarifying core values, and taking purposeful action.Discover more powerful tips and guidance here: https://www.kaminiwood.com/blog/Learn more about my coaching services: https://www.kaminiwood.com/services/Follow me for more empowering inspiration and guidance:https://www.instagram.com/itsauthenticme/https://www.facebook.com/itsauthenticme/https://www.pinterest.com/itsauthenticme/

Send us a textAcceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a proven approach that helps you stop fighting your thoughts and feelings, make peace with what you can't control, and start living a life guided by what truly matters to youThis episode is for those of you who feel like life just isn't going your way right now. Maybe you're stuck in overthinking, worrying if someone is pulling away, or replaying conversations in your head. Perhaps you're caught up in anxious attachment, struggling to let go of what you can't control. In this video, I'm sharing some key principles from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) that can help you move forward, make peace with your feelings, and start creating the life and love you deserveSupport the showOther useful links: Join the Free Workshop Book a Free consult call with me (for online therapy & coaching) Follow Carly Ann on Instagram To discuss how I can support your team or audience, email: carly@carly-ann.co.uk

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.

Discover what's possible when you flex your mind.  How can we stay in the present moment and open our mind to difficult thoughts and feelings? If you want to know how to enhance your emotional and cognitive flexibility, stay with us for this episode with Dr. Steven C. Hayes. Steven Hayes is a clinical psychologist, a researcher, the originator of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Relational Frame Theory, and a co-developer of Process-Based Therapy. He has spent the past four decades studying how to ease human suffering and is one of the most cited psychologists in the world, having published 47 books and nearly 700 scientific articles. This episode is part two of my conversation with Steven Hayes. We discuss: How Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help autistic people  Where the concept of “normal” came from and how it's been harmful to the autistic community Why Steven thinks Behavior Analysts should care about ACT How ACT can help families Tips for clinicians seeking to integrate ACT into their practice To learn more about Dr. Steven Hayes and his work, please visit  advocacy work, please visit stevenchayes.com. ----more---- We appreciate your time. If you enjoy this podcast and you'd like to support our mission, please take just a few seconds to share it with one person who you think will find value in it too. Follow us on Instagram: @autismpodcast Join our community on Mighty Networks: Global Autism Community Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Global Autism Project We would love to hear your feedback about the show. Please fill out this short survey to let us know your thoughts: Listener Survey

This episode is brought to you by Alma. Visit https://helloalma.com/dg/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=paid&utm_campaign=privatepractice to learn more Get the Couples Therapy 101 course: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/ Join the Couples Therapist Inner Circle: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/inner-circle-new Join The Couples Therapist Couch Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/295562197518469/ In this episode, Shane talks with Dr. Diana Hill about Wise Effort. Diana is a clinical psychologist, international trainer, and sought-out speaker on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and compassion. Hear how to practice Wise Effort, how to help your clients create a stronger connection with their partner, the most common types of regret, why people lose connection with the things they want, and why you should find a tree. To learn more about Dr. Diana Hill, her book Wise Effort: How to Focus Your Genius Energy on What Matters Most, and her programs, visit: WiseEffort.com  

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.

This episode features Drs. Robyn Walser and Darrah Westrup discussing the application of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for trauma, highlighting approaches from their book, You Are Not Your Trauma: An ACT Guide to Healing from Within. Through an exploration of ACT's core processes—including psychological flexibility, self-as-context, and committed action—the conversation provides advanced practitioners with evidence-based strategies for supporting trauma survivors beyond symptom reduction. Walser and Westrup address differentiating trauma from general distress, navigating the sequencing of safety, exposure, and reconnection, and deploying practical defusion techniques. The presenters emphasize actionable, compassion-driven skills for fostering client autonomy, meaning-making, and long-term healing. The content equips clinicians with concrete tools to deepen client engagement, tailor interventions for complex trauma, and reinforce lifelong practices of resilience within and beyond the therapy setting.Darrah and Robyn's new book: https://a.co/d/21XUIox To hear more and stay up to date with Paul Wagner, MS, LPC and Ray Christner, Psy.D., NCSP, ABPP visit our website at: http://www.psychedtopractice.com Please follow the link below to access all of our hosting sites. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2007098/share “Be well, and stay psyched” #mentalhealth #podcast #psychology #psychedtopractice #counseling #socialwork #MentalHealthAwareness #ClinicalPractice #mentalhealth #podcast

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.

Discover what's possible when you flex your mind.  How can we navigate life's inevitable challenges more effectively? If you'd like to know how to be flexible and adapt to changing circumstances, instead of rigidly resisting them, stick around for this episode with Dr. Steven C. Hayes.  Steven Hayes is a clinical psychologist, a researcher, the originator of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Relational Frame Theory, and a co-developer of Process-Based Therapy. He has spent the past four decades studying how to ease human suffering and empower people towards a life based on their own values. With 47 books and nearly 700 scientific articles published, Dr. Hayes is one of the most cited psychologists in the world, and his work has been celebrated with several prestigious awards. This episode is part one of my conversation with Steven Hayes. We discuss: How Acceptance and Commitment Therapy works The true meaning of acceptance Psychological flexibility and self-awareness as key to well-being and personal growth The importance of honoring your own personal journey To learn more about Dr. Steven Hayes and his work, please visit  advocacy work, please visit stevenchayes.com. ----more---- We appreciate your time. If you enjoy this podcast and you'd like to support our mission, please take just a few seconds to share it with one person who you think will find value in it too. Follow us on Instagram: @autismpodcast Join our community on Mighty Networks: Global Autism Community Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Global Autism Project We would love to hear your feedback about the show. Please fill out this short survey to let us know your thoughts: Listener Survey

In this episode of Men of Influence, host Tim Holloway welcomes David Good, who shares his transformative journey through loss, grief, and social challenges to become a global connector of people. Diagnosed with Asperger's last year, David reflects on overcoming severe bullying, a career-ending car accident, and treatment-resistant depression following family losses in 2010. Hitting rock bottom in 2011, he found resilience through Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Internal Family Systems (IFS), which helped him rebuild his life and discover a purpose in connecting others. From founding West Michigan Geeks to launching 47 global meetup chapters during the COVID lockdown, David's story culminated in being recognized as a Point of Light by the George H.W. Bush Points of Light organization.David emphasizes building psychological resilience by identifying a “why” stronger than pain, using mindfulness and grounding techniques to manage intense emotions, and celebrating small wins to counter negative thinking. He shares his “Friend Magnet Instant Connection Formula,” which uses feel-good questions and active listening to build rapport quickly. For men struggling with isolation or social anxiety, David advocates starting small by attending local meetups, embracing discomfort, and listening actively to foster meaningful connections. His mission now focuses on teaching soft skills to IT workers, helping them communicate effectively and manage emotions to thrive in professional and personal settings.Key Takeaways:Resilience Through Purpose: Find a “why” bigger than your pain to push through adversity, using tools like ACT for mindfulness and IFS to address subconscious barriers.Connection Over Isolation: Combat loneliness by attending small local events, starting with simple interactions, and using active listening to build relationships.Friend Magnet Formula: Ask open-ended, feel-good questions and listen actively to create positive emotional associations and foster quick connections.Celebrate Small Wins: Counter negative thinking by acknowledging every small victory, as supportive relationships are key to longevity and resilience.Actionable Step: Join a local meetup or Facebook group event with 20 or fewer people, say hi to the organizer, and practice asking one feel-good question like, “What have you been doing for fun lately?”“Your purpose will find you if you do the work. Celebrate every small win to combat negativity and build resilience.” - David GoodLearn more about Tim through the following links:FacebookPodcasting group

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit rethinkingwellness.substack.comClinical psychologist and author Jennifer Caspari (You Are More Than Your Body) joins us to discuss how to accept your body when you have a chronic illness, chronic pain, or disability. We talk about her experience living with cerebral palsy, how to practice body neutrality, the importance of emotion-regulation skills, and how to navigate the tension between self-acceptance and not liking the way things are. Behind the paywall, we get into wellness culture's toxic beliefs about chronic illness and disability, how to dispel the fear that accepting your health conditions means giving up on ever feeling better, how to cope when people offer unsolicited advice, how to set boundaries, and more.  Paid subscribers can hear the full interview, and the first half is available to all listeners. To upgrade to paid, go to rethinkingwellness.substack.com. Jennifer Caspari, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist working at a group practice in Colorado, CBT Denver, specializing in general and health psychology. She is passionate about helping clients live full and meaningful lives, including those living with acute or chronic illness and chronic pain. She lives with cerebral palsy and writes a Psychology Today blog titled Living Well When Your Body Doesn't Cooperate. Dr. Caspari is the creator and instructor of a nationwide chronic pain course with PESI, a national leader in providing continuing education to mental health professionals: 2 Day: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for Chronic Pain: A Start to Finish Training for Clinicians.In her free time, Dr. Caspari enjoys spending time with loved ones, feeling the sun on her face, listening to audiobooks while moving her body, watching cooking and baking shows, and eating delicious food. You can find her on social media @moxie_mindset, and get her book YOU ARE MORE THAN YOUR BODY (Bookshop affiliate link) wherever you buy books.If you like this conversation, subscribe to hear lots more like it! Support the podcast by becoming a paid subscriber, and unlock great perks like extended interviews, subscriber-only Q&As, full access to our archives, commenting privileges and subscriber threads where you can connect with other listeners, and more. Learn more and sign up at rethinkingwellness.substack.com.Christy's second book, The Wellness Trap, is available wherever books are sold! Order it here, or ask for it in your favorite local bookstore. If you're looking to make peace with food and break free from diet and wellness culture, come check out Christy's Intuitive Eating Fundamentals online course.Contains affiliate links to Bookshop.org, where I earn a small commission for any purchases made.

Are you effected or not effected by food allergies? Either way you need to become more informed. Food allergies affect much more than what ends up on the plate—they're deeply woven into the emotional fabric of households, shaping the experiences of kids, parents, adults, and entire families. In this heartfelt, practical episode, we explore those hidden layers from socialization, quality of life and self-esteem. Folks suffer from anxiety, depression, OCD, and trauma. Dr. Dennis educates us all on why we need to become more informed, how we can find resilience, and manage countertransference around the "right" way to intervene. You can learn more about Dr. Dennis at ksdfamilysolutions.com and email her at drdennis@ksdfamilysolutions.com A resource:https://www.foodallergycounseling.org/ Dr. Kelly Sullivan Dennis is a licensed clinical social worker with a PhD and over 30 years of experience working with individuals, families, and groups across the lifespan. She serves as an assistant professor in the Social Work Department at Molloy University, where she teaches both undergraduate students and graduate students through the Fordham-Molloy MSW Collaborative. Her academic work is informed by her clinical expertise and her dedication to fostering inclusive, justice-driven social work practice.In her clinical work, Dr. Dennis supports clients coping with anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, chronic illness, and major life transitions. She has a special interest in working with children and families to help manage complex issues such as food allergies, chronic illness, and family system challenges. Her approach is strengths-based and integrative, drawing on evidence-based modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), trauma-focused intervention, play therapy, narrative therapy, and solution-focused counseling.Throughout her career, Dr. Dennis has worked in a wide range of settings, including schools, mental health centers, community agencies, parent resource centers, libraries, and places of worship in order to bring mental health support into the heart of the community. She is also an active community educator, leading workshops on grief and loss, trauma, crisis response, parenting children with complex needs, and navigating life with food allergies.Dr. Dennis is a proud member of the Academy of Food Allergy Counseling (AFAC) and the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). Her work is guided by a strong commitment to social justice, human rights, and the belief that every individual deserves dignity and access to compassionate, competent care.

Join us for an enriching conversation with Dr. Diana Hill, a leading voice in the world of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), as she shares insights from her latest book, "Wise Effort: How to Focus Your Genius Energy on What Matters Most". Dr. Hill leads us on her personal journey from cognitive behavioral therapy to ACT, offering a fresh perspective on how shifting our relationship with thoughts can bring profound change. This episode promises to redefine your understanding of mental well-being by highlighting ACT's focus on psychological flexibility and values-driven living.Dr. Hill artfully explores the fusion of scientific analysis and human compassion in therapeutic practices. She guides us through the complex realm of shame, an emotion deeply rooted in our evolutionary past, and explains how confronting it can pave the way for healing and deeper connections. Through this lens, we consider how integrating scientific principles with personal relevance can transform mental health treatment into a relatable, effective process. This conversation is a testament to how ACT can be a powerful tool for anyone seeking to harness both heart and science in their healing journey.In this episode, you will hear:Dr. Diana Hill on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and her book "Wise Effort: How to Focus Your Genius Energy on What Matters Most."ACT's focus on psychological flexibility and values-driven living, distinct from traditional cognitive behavioral therapy.Scientific rigor with compassion to address and transform shame in therapy.Aligning talents with core values for personal growth through "wise effort."The importance of releasing outdated narratives for creativity and development.Practical strategies and questions for purposeful energy and talent direction.Follow and Review:We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.Supporting Resources:Dr. Hill's WebsiteDr. Hill's PodcastWise Effort Book NovusMindfulLife.comhttps://www.theaddictedmind.com/community Episode CreditsIf you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hey team! My guest this week is Dr. Ute Liersch, a Chartered Counselling and Coaching Psychologist with over a decade of clinical experience and author of A Minimalist's Guide to Becoming Resilient. Dr. Ute specializes in helping adults navigate anxiety, ADHD, and burnout. Her therapeutic approach is integrative, drawing from modalities such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and mindfulness-based therapies. Beyond her clinical practice, Dr. Ute is an associate lecturer at Birkbeck, University of London, and holds a Fellowship in Higher Education. In our conversation, we explore the nervous system beyond the textbook fight-flight-freeze model, including how our nervous system shapes our mood, motivation, and even the way we see the world. Dr. Ute explains why so many of us with ADHD find that our sympathetic nervous system is permanently on edge and how we can work on rewiring that response. We also talk about perfectionism, attention types, and what resilience looks like in real life, breaking it down into actionable steps that fit into our schedules and ADHD brains. If you'd life to follow along on the show notes page you can find that at http://hackingyouradhd.com/240 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/y835cnrk Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/HackingYourADHD This Episode's Top Tips 1. Our parasympathetic nervous system can get stuck in a permanent state of “go time.” To help move our PNS back to a relaxed state, Dr. Ute suggests progressive muscle relaxation, where you are tensing and then releasing muscle groups one at a time so you can physically feel the shift from tension to ease. 2. Many of us have internalized the idea that there's something fundamentally wrong with the way we work, think, or exist. Dr. Ute suggests replacing this assumption of personal defect with curiosity: “If I weren't wrong, what would I need to feel safe?” This slight shift can open up room to problem-solve and tailor strategies to your actual needs. 3. We often talk about resilience like it's a fixed trait—you either “have it” or you don't. But Dr. Ute points out that resilience is about what you do, not what you are. It's built in small, repeatable actions that teach your nervous system and your mind how to recover from stressors. Resilience isn't about holding it together forever; it's about giving yourself enough space and recovery so you can keep going when you need it the most.

It's normal that intrusive thoughts are about things that you consider “Bad” but just having a thought won't hurt you and it doesn't mean you're dangerous. Harm OCD is common. Learn the skills to Regulate your Emotions, join the membership: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership Course on Managing Intrusive thoughts: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/managing-intrusive-thoughts FREE Clarify Your Values Workbook: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/opt-in-2123fb37-7322-4208-a65a-2b135a653d47 Full interview w/ Dr. Green: https://youtu.be/AyXMt89_M9g Are your intrusive thoughts so intense or disturbing that they feel dangerous? You're not alone. In this video, we break down what these dangerous thoughts really mean, especially in the context of OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) and anxiety. Harm OCD is the specific thoughts that you might hurt someone. You might think "I'm afraid I'm going to hurt my child". Learn the difference between intrusive thoughts and real desires, and why your brain targets the things you care most about. Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), you'll discover practical tools like defusion, exposure, and how to stop doing safety behaviors that make negative thoughts stickier. These strategies help retrain your brain to see thoughts for what they are—just thoughts. If you're struggling with scary, unwanted thoughts and feel trapped in the OCD cycle, this video offers clarity, compassion, and a path forward. #IntrusiveThoughts #ocd Looking for affordable online counseling? My sponsor, BetterHelp, connects you to a licensed professional from the comfort of your own home. Try it now for 10% off your first month: https://betterhelp.com/therapyinanutshell Learn more in one of my in-depth mental health courses: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com Support my mission on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/therapyinanutshell Sign up for my newsletter: https://www.therapyinanutshell.com Check out my favorite self-help books: https://kit.co/TherapyinaNutshell/best-self-help-books  Therapy in a Nutshell and the information provided by Emma McAdam are solely intended for informational and entertainment purposes and are not a substitute for advice, diagnosis, or treatment regarding medical or mental health conditions. Although Emma McAdam is a licensed marriage and family therapist, the views expressed on this site or any related content should not be taken for medical or psychiatric advice. Always consult your physician before making any decisions related to your physical or mental health. In therapy I use a combination of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Systems Theory, positive psychology, and a bio-psycho-social approach to treating mental illness and other challenges we all face in life. The ideas from my videos are frequently adapted from multiple sources. Many of them come from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, especially the work of Steven Hayes, Jason Luoma, and Russ Harris. The sections on stress and the mind-body connection derive from the work of Stephen Porges (the Polyvagal theory), Peter Levine (Somatic Experiencing) Francine Shapiro (EMDR), and Bessel Van Der Kolk. I also rely heavily on the work of the Arbinger Institute for my overall understanding of our ability to choose our life's direction. And deeper than all of that, the Gospel of Jesus Christ orients my personal worldview and sense of security, peace, hope, and love https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist/believe If you are in crisis, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or your local emergency services. Copyright Therapy in a Nutshell, LLC

In today's conversation, we dive into the world of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with Dr. Patricia Zurita Ona, the Director of East Bay Behavior Therapy Center. With more than 18 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults struggling with various mental health problems, Dr. Z is committed to helping clients to “get unstuck” from issues related to fear-based struggles… Dr. Z's career began as a school psychologist and then as a clinical psychologist. She has written six books and was nominated as a Fellow of the Association of Contextual Behavioral Science. In addition to her hands-on treatment, Dr. Z attends local, national, and international conferences regularly to present her work and keep up with current clinical research to deliver up-to-date therapy services to her clients. Listen in to find out: Why your life can feel like it's shrinking when dealing with anxiety. The worst thing you can do if and when anxiety arises. Practical strategies to utilize during a panic attack. The ways in which Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help regulate the nervous system. What does it mean to effectively manage anxiety and live the life you want to live? Tune in now to gain insight from an evidence-based perspective! To keep up with Dr. Z's work at East Bay Behavior Therapy Center, click here! Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C

What if everything you've been told about overcoming your struggles is backwards? What if the very act of fighting your anxiety, depression, addiction, or trauma is actually making it worse?In this powerful episode, Duane and Eric dive into one of the most revolutionary concepts in recovery and mental health: creative hopelessness. This isn't about giving up on your life or your future. It's about giving up on something that's been sabotaging you all along - the belief that you need to control how you feel to have a good life.If you've tried therapy after therapy, read every self-help book, downloaded every meditation app, and still find yourself stuck in the same painful cycles, this episode is for you. You'll discover why your best efforts to feel better might be keeping you trapped, and learn a radically different approach that could change everything.Drawing from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Duane and Eric explore the "DOTS" framework - the four main ways we try to control our internal experiences (Distraction, Opting out, Thinking, and Substances/self-harm). They'll walk you through the five steps of creative hopelessness and show you how to shift from an exhausting control agenda to a liberating acceptance agenda.This isn't about becoming passive or giving up hope. It's about redirecting your precious energy from fighting an unwinnable war with your own mind toward building the meaningful life you actually want. You'll learn why the goal isn't to feel better, but to live better - and how that shift can transform everything.Download: Worksheet Creative HopelessnessWhether you're struggling with addiction, anxiety, depression, or trauma, this episode offers a compassionate, research-backed approach that honors your pain while opening the door to genuine freedom. It's time to stop drowning in your own rescue attempts and discover what's possible when you let go of the struggle.Key Topics• Creative Hopelessness Explained: What it means to give up the agenda of emotional control without giving up on life• The DOTS Framework: Four common control strategies (Distraction, Opting out, Thinking, Substances/self-harm)• The Five-Step Process: How to work through your own creative hopelessness journey• The Control vs. Acceptance Agenda: Why fighting your feelings often makes them stronger• Psychological Flexibility: Learning to stay present while taking values-based action• The Paradox of Recovery: Why letting go of control can lead to greater freedom• Practical Application: Moving from "feeling better" to "living better"Timestamps[00:01:00] - The drowning metaphor: Why fighting might be pulling you under[00:05:00] - Defining creative hopelessness and the agenda of emotional control[00:11:00] - Introduction to the DOTS framework for identifying control strategies[00:15:00] - The five steps of the creative hopelessness process[00:19:00] - The beautiful paradox: Opening the door to acceptance[00:22:00] - Shifting from "feeling better" to "living better"[00:24:00] - Resources and next steps for listenersDownload: Worksheet Creative HopelessnessJoin our Deep Dive in our TAM+ community, where we discuss this episode in depth.Register Here: https://theaddictedmind.com/deepdiveFollow and Review:We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple ‘+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.Supporting Resources:If you live in California, Idaho, Florida, Virginia or Texas and are looking for counseling or therapy, please check out Novus Mindful Life Counseling and Recovery CenterNovusMindfulLife.comDisclaimerSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.