Behavioral Health Today

Part 1: Conquering Betrayal with Dr. Stefanie Carnes – Episode 122

A loving connection and a foundation of trust can be ruptured when a betrayal occurs. In today’s episode, Dr. Graham Taylor speaks with Dr. Stefanie Carnes, about her book Courageous Love: A Guide to Conquering Betrayal which provides a step-by-step guide to repairing a relationship whether it's damaged caused by infidelity, pornography, or compulsive and addictive sexual behavior. Together they discuss the impact of betrayal trauma on a relationship, the responses from these foundational ruptures that include emotional dysregulation and attachment ambivalence, and the opportunities to repair the attachment disruption.

 

For more information about Courageous Love: A Guide to Conquering Betrayal by Dr, Stefanie Carnes, please visit: https://iitap.com/page/Courageous_Love
Or visit the Amazon Store at:  https://www.amazon.com/Courageous-Love-Couples-Conquering-Betrayal/dp/194046708X
For therapists looking for more training in sexual behavior, please visit: https://iitap.com
If you’re looking for more resources for treatment centers and therapists for sexual behavior, please visit: https://sexhelp.com
Finally, if you’re looking for residential treatment for problematic sex and relationship issues, please visit: https://www.themeadows.com

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction with Lori Lindgren – Episode 121

Wouldn't it be nice to have a skill set that equips you to be in those moments with a whole different presence, allowing you to be mindful, in control, and able to take charge of your responses? Well, with us today, to talk about a scientifically researched method that can equip us with such a skillset is Lori Lindgren. Laurie is a qualified mindfulness-based stress reduction teacher who is certified in trauma-informed yoga, yoga therapeutics, yoga for healthy aging, Piedmont advanced practices, and Dharma for the youth. Together Graham and Lori discuss the experience of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, the various benefits, an overview of an eight-week course, and we conclude with a quick demonstration of a body scan.

 

For more information about MBSR, Lori Lindgren, and her practice, please visit: https://www.mymbsr.com
To enroll in the next Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction 8 Week Course starting January 6^th, please visit: https://www.mymbsr.com/event-details/mindfulness-based-stress-reduction-8-week-course-4
For more information about MBSR and the Mindfulness Center at Brown University, please visit: https://www.brown.edu/public-health/mindfulness/research
For more information about Mindfulness-Based Childbirth and Parenting, please visit: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2837157/

Whole Person Heart-Centered Healing with Dr. Stephanie Harris – Episode 120

We know the body wants to heal itself. It is looking to balance itself and we can create that state with healing touch and whole person heart-centered healing so that the body can restore balance and heal like it’s naturally designed to do so. In today’s episode, Dr. Graham Taylor is joined by Dr. Stephanie Harris. Stephanie is a licensed psychologist and certified healing touch practitioner with close to 20 years of clinical experience. Her work integrates psychological theory and techniques with mind-body medicine, with the therapeutic goal of whole-person healing. We discuss the training and certification of a Healing Touch Practitioner and integrating holistic healing into psychology. Healing touch and whole-person healing communicates with the parasympathetic nervous system, but it’s beyond that. There’s a spiritual essence of deep health that can be so powerful.

 

For more information about Dr. Stephanie Harris and her private practice, please visit: https://www.bocahealingtouch.com
For more information about Healing Beyond Borders and Certification, please visit: https://www.healingbeyondborders.org
For more information about Energy Healing Therapy and the Healing Touch Program, please visit: https://discover.healingtouchprogram.com/htp-home
For more information about Healing Touch: Essential Energy Medicine for Yourself and Others by Dorothea Hover-Kramer, please visit: https://www.soundstrue.com/products/healing-touch
For more information about The Promise of Energy Psychology, by David Feinstein, please visit: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/296256/the-promise-of-energy-psychology-by-david-feinstein/
For more information about The Power of the Heart by Baptist De Pape, please visit: https://www.thepoweroftheheart.com/book
For more information about Energy Medicine by Jill Blakeway, DACM, LAC, please visit: https://www.harperwave.com/book/9780062691606/Energy-Medicine-Jill-Blakeway/

Pro Bono Project to Hawaii’s Mental Health with Dr. Lawrie Ignacio and Jodie Gerson – Episode 119

January 2020, the COVID 19 pandemic has presented us with challenges on multiple fronts. throughout the COVID crisis, Hawaii witnessed the Aloha spirit at its very best. However, while the economic and medical needs were being responded to and addressed, we as a Hawaiian mental health community knew the impact of the pandemic would not just have economic and medical ramifications, but mental health repercussions as well. A particular concern to us here in Hawaii, where those experiencing mental health challenges who were uninsured either due to job loss or other life circumstances. So, we decided to get creative and designed a program that successfully addressed the mental health needs of our uninsured family. This program is known as the Hawaii Pro Bono COVID-19 Project. In this episode, Dr. Graham Taylor speaks with Dr. Lawrie Ignacio and Jodie Gerson. Lawrie is a clinical psychologist and consultant to the program. Jodie Gerson is the director of the Hawaii Pro Bono COVID-19 Project and has experience working with adults, adolescents, and children with interventions and mental health assistance. We envision this being something that could be a way to bring all of Hawaii's mental health practitioners together in a way that could be collaborative and ideally the best of Hawaiian mental health. We hope that by sharing this story, our listeners can implement this program in your community or state.

 

If you have questions or are looking for more information about Hawaii Pro Bono Mental Health Center, please email: hawaiimhc@gmail.com

For more information about the Pro Bono Project to Hawaii and the details to implementing this program in your community, download the slideshow presentation here: https://www.dropbox.com/s/dl/souwj3evsz9f7vz/pro_bono_project_to_hawaii_mental_health_center.pdf

 

Harm Reduction and Saving Lives with Shannon Mace – Episode 118

We're dealing with a public health crisis. Historically, it's been criminalized socially. It's been stigmatized, and personally, there is a shame and social isolation that surrounds it. This crisis is the prevalence of overdose and overdose deaths occurring within our country. In this episode, Dr. Graham Taylor speaks with Shannon Mace to talk with us about this crisis and a new program initiated by the CDC and administered by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. Shannon is a senior advisor at the National Council for Mental Wellbeing with over 12 years of multidisciplinary experience in the fields of public health, behavioral, health, and poverty. At the national council, Shannon leads projects focused on improving care for those with substance use disorders. Ideally, we can see harm reduction as a platform to decriminalize drug use, bypass the stigma associated with substance abuse, and avoid the shame and isolation that can happen to meet people where they are at, in a non-judgmental way, to save lives and improve public health. Together they discuss the implementation of new strategies around harm reduction programs that include overdose prevention, community-based syringe services, drug-checking equipment, a large range of interventions, and sharing innovative and creative strategies various programs used during the pandemic while complying with stay-at-home orders and reducing risks.

 

For more information about the National Council for Wellbeing’s Website, please visit: https://www.thenationalcouncil.org/

For more information about National Council’s harm reduction resources, please visit: https://www.thenationalcouncil.org/harm-reduction/

For more information on the Environmental Scan: COVID-19 Impact on Harm Reduction Services, please visit: https://www.thenationalcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Harm-Reduction-Environ-Scan.pdf?daf=375ateTbd56

For more information on Supporting Telehealth and Technology-assisted Services for People who Use Drugs, please visit: https://www.thenationalcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Telehealth-and-Technology-assisted-Services-Resource-Guide-3-November-2021.pdf?daf=375ateTbd56

For more information on the National Harm Reduction Coalition, please visit: https://harmreduction.org

For more information on the North American Syringe Exchange Network, please visit: https://www.nasen.org

For more information on Next Distro, mail-based harm reduction supplies, please visit: https://nextdistro.org

Part 2: Anger Management with Michele Haley, Ph.D.– Episode 117

This episode resumes the conversation with Dr. Graham Taylor and Dr. Michele Haley. In our last episode, we discussed the experiences of anger, the root causes and the patterns of conflict, and the biological response we see in the brain. The hope lies in developing awareness around the root causes and ways that we can learn to manage our angered responses and in the brain’s neuroplasticity, allowing us to create new pathways that can change this behavior. We'll resume our talk today on ways, we can develop an awareness of our relationship with anger and the ways that we can successfully manage it and ideally grow from it.

 

If you're looking for workshops on how to build self-care strategies, how to work with challenging colleagues, or psychoeducation workshops, please visit: https://www.togetherwell.org/
And, if you are a therapist interested in joining TogetherWell, visit: https://www.togetherwell.org/join

Part 1: Anger Management with Michele Haley, Ph.D.– Episode 116

Anger is a normal and even healthy emotion, but it's important to deal with it positively. Uncontrolled anger can take a toll, both on our health and our relationships, but recognizing one's anger and having the courage to lean into it and face it, and then try to heal it is easier said than done. In today’s episode, Dr. Graham Taylor is joined by Dr. Michele Haley. Michele has nearly two decades of experience in a variety of roles including the therapist, adjunct professor researcher, community programmer, and case manager. Her work has included facilitating inmate partner violence groups also referred to as IPV for inmates in a correctional facility. Together they discuss the experiences of anger, the root causes and the patterns of conflict, and the biological response we see in the brain. The hope lies in developing awareness around the root causes and ways that we can learn to manage our angered responses and in the brain’s neuroplasticity, allowing us to create new pathways that can change this behavior.

 

If you're looking for workshops on how to build self-care strategies, how to work with challenging colleagues, or psychoeducation workshops, please visit: https://www.togetherwell.org/
And, if you are a therapist interested in joining TogetherWell, visit: https://www.togetherwell.org/join

Transitioning from Clinician to CEO with Lakeya Cherry - Episode 115

In today’s episode, Dr. Graham Taylor is joined by Lakeya Cherry. Lakeya is the CEO of The Network for Social Work Management, the mission of NSWM is to strengthen, and mobilize diverse social impact leaders through education, leadership development, networking, and community-building. Together they discuss Lakeya's transition from more of a clinical role in Social Work to a management role, in macro social work, and ultimately to a CEO. Lakeya provides insight on what a Social Worker might be experiencing or questions they might be asking themselves when looking to transition to a supervisory role. 

 

If you are interested in The Network for Social Work Management you can sign up for the email list at socialworkmanager.org.

If you're interested in learning more about Lakeya and her external work as an executive coach and consultant, you can go to: lakeyacherry.com

How to Prepare for the EPPP with Dr. Kristen Wilkinson – Episode 114

The EPPP is the top exam for aspiring Psychologists. There's a lot at stake to getting your license and the EPPP is the gateway to getting your license. In today’s episode, two Licensing Prep Coaches are ready to walk you through the exam process. In this episode, Dr. Erin Elmore is joined by Dr. Kristen Wilkinson. Kristen is a licensed clinical psychologist and EPPP Licensing Prep Coach. Erin is also an EPPP Licensing Prep Coach and together both Kristen and Erin have helped hundreds of candidates successfully pass the EPPP. They share their own experiences with the exam and tips for exam candidates on their journey to passing. Together Erin and Kristen discuss what is the EPPP, when you’re ready to begin to study, setting expectations for studying, the kind of tools are available for test prep, and benefits of coaching during this exam process, when you’re ready to take your exam, and finally the next steps after you’ve taken the exam.

 

For more information about EPPP and the ASPPB licensing board, please visit: https://www.asppb.net/default.aspx

Please download the ASPPB EPPP Candidate Handbook here: https://www.asppb.net/page/CandHandbook

For more information about the EPPP and frequently asked questions, please visit: https://aatbs.com/what-is-the-eppp

For more information about EPPP Study Materials, please visit: https://aatbs.com/psychology/eppp

Rey & the Future of Digital Therapies with Deepak Gopalakrishna, PhD – Episode 113

The future of automated virtual reality cognitive treatment is using technologies to develop scale and network effects that can have broad implications across the board. In this episode, Dr. Erin Elmore is joined by Deepak Gopalakrisha. Deepak is the founder and CEO of Rey, an on-demand mental health platform that delivers online self-guided therapy in an immersive virtual reality setting. Together they talk about the trends in technology and therapy that have paved the way for digital therapeutics, the creation of and care process of Rey, and sharing evidence of the success of virtual reality and treating mental illness. There have been a few studies done on virtual reality versus in-classroom learning versus. People were four times faster to learn in virtual reality when compared to in a classroom. When we think about that application to mental health, a lot of controversy of therapies is about learning new skills being able to drop safety behaviors. So, if you're going to learn those new skills, being able to do that in a simulated environment translates really well.

 

For more information about Rey, please visit: https://vr.getrey.com/

For more information about Deepak Gopalakrishna, please visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deepakgopalakrishna/

Finally, follow Rey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rey.health/

 

Transitioning to Fatherhood with Rob Feiner, LPC – Episode 112

In today’s episode, Dr. Erin Elmore is joined by Rob Feiner. Rob is a licensed clinical counselor and has a private practice in Torrance, California with two decades of experience coaching diverse individuals. In 2018, Rob became a father and since then he’s combined his years of coaching and mental health with his experience fathering and now focuses his practice to include fathers-to-be on their journey to parenthood. Together they discuss the isolated feelings men have as new fathers, working with clients to help them become an active participant and equal partner in raising kids together, normalizing the transition to fatherhood, and knowing that there will be progress. For a new dad, this is the most significant thing that's probably happening in your life, where you will, now, be responsible for this human being and help them create a life for themselves.

 

For more information about Rob Feiner and his private practice, please visit: http://www.robfeiner.com

For more information about How to Not Hate Your Husband After Kids by Jancee Dunn, please visit: http://janceedunn.net/books/how-not-to-hate-your-husband-after-kids/

For more information about Pacify Me: A Handbook for the Freaked-Out New Dad by Chris Mancini, please visit: https://www.simonandschuster.net/books/Pacify-Me/Chris-Mancini/9781439128879

For more information about Husband on Purpose by Conrod Deas, please visit: https://husbandonpurpose.com

For more information about Hold Me Tight by Dr. Sue Johnson, please visit: https://drsuejohnson.com/books/

For more information about the John Gottman interview on The Armchair Expert Podcast, please visit: https://armchairexpertpod.com/pods/john-gottman

For more information on John Kim The Angry Therapist, please visit: https://www.theangrytherapist.com

For more information about Mike Birbiglia: The New One, please visit: https://www.netflix.com/title/81062293

Part 2 – Trauma & the Therapy Relationship with Ragan Schriver, PsyD, MSW – Episode 111

In this concluding Clinicians Series episode, we resume our talk today with Dr. Graham Taylor and Dr. Ragan Schriver, Associate Professor of Practice at the University of Tennessee, by discussing how we can practice mindfulness and awareness with people that we're seeing. Together they discuss spirituality and how trauma can shape our idea of a higher power, they discuss the power of shame and guilt and how to combat trauma identity, and finally, they talk about ending therapy and working toward a therapeutic goodbye.

For more information about the University of Tennessee and its Social Work Program, please visit: https://www.csw.utk.edu/
For more information about What Happened to Me by Bruce D. Perry, PhD & Oprah Winfrey, please visit: https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250223210
For more information about The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolb, MD, please visit: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/313183/the-body-keeps-the-score-by-bessel-van-der-kolk-md/

Part 1 – Trauma & the Therapy Relationship with Ragan Schriver, PsyD, MSW – Episode 110

In these two-part Clinicians Series episodes, we go deeper into the therapist/patient experience and give our listeners an understanding of what occurs within the therapeutic process. In today’s first part episode, Dr. Graham Taylor speaks with Ragan Schriver, PsyD, MSW. Ragan is an Associate Professor of Practice at the University of Tennessee’s College of Social Work and director of the MSW program. Together we discuss how trauma causes adaptations in our behavior, the importance of recognizing oneself in the therapeutic relationship, and the significance of doing your own inner work to avoid the vicarious trauma that can mislead our clients. We also talk about how the therapist/client relationship creates a corrective emotional experience opportunity and the importance of trust in that relationship.

For more information about the University of Tennessee and its Social Work Program, please visit: https://www.csw.utk.edu/
For more information about What Happened to Me by Bruce D. Perry, PhD & Oprah Winfrey, please visit: https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250223210
For more information about The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolb, MD, please visit: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/313183/the-body-keeps-the-score-by-bessel-van-der-kolk-md/

 

What I Wished I Had Known as a Graduate Student with Dr. Nikki Johnson – Episode 109

Education is a privilege. It is an opportunity to help people and an opportunity at higher education. In this episode, Dr. Erin Elmore is joined by Dr. Nikki Johnson. Nikki is a clinical psychologist and a professor at Northwest University in Washington. The conversation with Dr. Johnson will be especially relevant for early career practitioners because we’re discussing tips for graduate students from the perspective of graduates of a program as well as Nikki’s experience as a teaching professor. Together they discuss what to expect in a doctorate level program, the responsibilities and eclectic roles as a college professor, advice for graduate students, tips on the graduate level interview process to get into graduate school, and defining successful graduates. Graduate-level education is a privilege and people are coming to you. They need help because they're trusting you, their lives are sometimes in your hands. And I think it's something we need to take seriously. Embrace it like it is your job because people's lives will depend on your work and not take that for granted.

 

For more information about Northwest University’s Doctoral Program, please visit: https://www.northwestu.edu/college-social-behavioral-sciences/doctor-psychology-counseling-psychology

If you would like to get in contact with Dr. Nikki Johnson, please email her at: drnljohnson@gmail.com

Trauma-Sensitive Yoga with Dr. Nicole Nakamura – Episode 108

New research is demonstrating that traumas can be transformed by having physical experiences, that directly address feelings of helplessness, rage, and fear and help with regaining self-mastery over one's life. One such therapeutic physical experience is trauma-sensitive yoga, and it is evidencing the ability to alleviate PTSD by creating connections between the body and the mind. In today’s episode, Dr. Graham Taylor is joined by Dr. Nicole Nakamura a licensed psychologist, trauma-informed therapist, and certified facilitator in trauma-sensitive yoga. Together they discuss processing traumas in our bodies, the process of trauma-sensitive yoga, and how you can pair this with therapy. Trauma-sensitive yoga provides us this opportunity to look internally to see how our bodies are reacting to emotions and familiarize ourselves with areas of the body and signs of safety internally. Another piece of trauma-sensitive yoga is decision-making and embodying the perspective that you don’t have to be one shape. This is a safe space to feel our bodies and participate in ways that feel most comfortable to us and provides an opportunity to introduce your nervous system to something different.

 

For more information about the Trauma Center for Trauma Sensitive Yoga, please visit:https://www.traumasensitiveyoga.com

For more information about Nicole Nakamura and her private practice, please visit: http://nicolenakamura.com