Shrinks Rap

Dr. Jim Bramson and Lisa Rosenthal interview Maddy Dychtwald If you are a woman (or man) and find yourself in the second half of life (or first), you will not want to miss this podcast. Maddy Dychtwald, co-founder of Age Wave and author of the new book “Ageless Aging,” expertly guides us through some key health hacks that can help us all live healthier and longer. We stand at the precipice of a longevity revolution. And Maddy, based on decades of research and countless interviews with thought leaders in the fields of aging, health, and wellness, tells us what we need know to make the most of it. Turns out most research on maximizing our health is conducted by, about, and for cisgender men. Even the data analysis is curated by cis men. But Maddy Dychtwald breaks the mold. She explores the latest science uniquely catered to cis women. She discusses the benefits of hormone replacement and the need to focus on brain health, as women are more likely to experience cognitive decline later in life. And she explores topics that our society fails to teach women, like the importance of financial planning. Do you feel doomed by your genetics? Well Maddy offers up some good news. Did you grow up without healthy women role models? Maddy identifies many you can look to now. Do you attend to everyone else’s needs before your own? Maddy has some suggestions. And finally, are you so overwhelmed by all the guidance, how-to books, and supplement pushers that you don’t know where or how to get started? Maddie will show the way! Tune in to this conversation between Maddy Dychtwald, Jim Bramson, and Lisa Rosenthal to learn how you can take advantage of everything from routine dental checkups and warm lemon water to a friendly exchange with your neighborhood barista to feel stronger and better, for longer. Her book “Ageless Aging” is available now, and warrants a spot at the top of your nightstand book pile. WCMI networking group A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here

Bramson on Bramson. Drs. Bramson finally record a podcast together. Dr. Jim interviews his father Dr. Allan Bramson, on the occasion of his 88th birthday. Who is Dr. Allan Bramson? Besides being the senior Bramson who had to deal with Jim’s recalcitrance and shenanigans in high school, he was a storied professor and pioneer in the areas of death and dying, video wills, and euthanasia. He even started a career institute that catered to under-resourced students. Allan fought alongside Dr. Jack Kevorkian, the famous advocate for the right to choose how and when to end our life in the face of chronic and intractable diseases. Allan came to know him personally, as an artist, not just as an empathic physician. Allan also came to know Kevorkian’s attorney, Jeffrey Fieger (famous brother of the possibly more famous lead singer of the Knack, Doug Fieger). Like his pal Jeffrey Fieger, Allan studied law and advocated for social justice, self-determination, and dignity in death. During the interview, Allan gets real and discusses his stage 4 cancer, his divorce, and his long separation from his son Jim (your host) and their timely reconciliation. Perhaps it is a testimony to forgiveness, loving-kindness, acceptance, and transcending ego. Perhaps it offers a lesson in self-determination, i.e. whether we choose to invest in important historical people we have long lost contact with. Do we embrace family and friends who left us? Can we overcome feelings of abandonment and/or pride? When does it make sense to lean into relationships when others might advise us to lean out? Tune in, as it may help you grapple with answers to these questions in your own life. WCMI networking group A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here

Live From Boulder Colorado, an Interview with Dr. Paul Bretz Jim catches up with his long-time friend and colleague from his halcyon days at the University of Chicago. Dr. Paul Bretz (a.k.a. Reverend Paul). Paul is still prolific after all these years —and is still doing his part to make the world a better place. Paul is the CEO of Centus Counseling Center (Centus.org). He is passionate abut high quality, cost effective, spiritually integrative behavioral healthcare. He is also a surveyor for the Joint Commission, whose mission is to continuously improve healthcare. (A real slacker…) In this episode, Paul discusses the stages of psychological, moral, and spiritual development and its impact on individuals and couples. He compares a cosmic consciousness framework with a dualistic framework. Paul delves deep into the importance of Imago Therapy for doing couples work, and shares how it improved his own relationship. Paul makes a strong case for how spiritual development and Imago therapy can be combined to conduct highly effective couples therapy. Paul believes the intensive format is particularly efficacious for doing deep work. Paul is the embodiment of emotional, psychological, spiritual, and intellectual sophistication. He continues to be an inspiration and teacher for me and many others. WCMI networking group A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here

Dr. Jim Bramson interviews Charlie & Linda Bloom The Blooms are back. They tuned in from a writing retreat to discuss their latest book “An End to Arguing.” They also introduce their forthcoming book project on exemplary relationships. (In sharp contrast to their slacker podcast host who has been toiling over one book for over five years, the Blooms are churning out incredible books in rapid fire.) In this interview we explore some spicy content areas in their “End to Arguing” book: transforming desire into intention; why winning doesn’t work; why it’s better to say nothing sometimes, who’s got the power?; and why it’s never too late have a happy childhood. The book devotes a chapter to each of these topics. The Blooms also opine in this episode about the nexus between arguing, sex, and intimacy. They go into some detail about how the cessation of arguing can lead to greater intimacy and connection. Charlie and Linda Bloom will be featured presenters at the upcoming Human Potential Conference” Sex, Love and RockNRoll (Nov 1st, 2024 at the Hillside Club, Berkeley, CA from 5pm - 9:30pm). Go to Eventbrite for ticket information on the conference and visit Bloomwork.com to learn more about the Blooms. WCMI networking group A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here

Robby Kendall not only spearheads the nonprofit film production company Fishnets & Film, Inc. He is also a psychologist. Indeed, Robby is an educator, entertainer, writer, director, connector, humorist, and consummate problem solver. In this podcast episode, Robby shares his drag origin story as well as his psychologist origin story. Apparently he “therapized” his mother for years before becoming a shrink. And now he helps students and individuals solve their own problems. The conversation offers a fascinating look into sex education, the queer community, and the travails of wardrobe malfunctions as a drag queen. Robby has created an impressive collection of short films and feature length film projects. His filmography includes: “Victoria Place, Sweet Nothing, (Un)Free Will, The Other Side of Eden: A Modern Testament, and Drag Queens Must Die.” Yours truly (Dr. Jim) will be on a panel for Robby’s Queer Film Festival on March 2nd, 2024 at the New Parkway in Oakland, featuring the film, Sexplanation (Alex Liu). This film offers a humorous look at the dearth of comprehensive sex education in our country, what we know, and perhaps most significantly what we should know. WCMI networking group A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here

Panel Discussion Interview with Louie Kangeter and Christine Benvenuto Louie Kangeter and Christine Benvenuto are both experts in their respective fields. They participated in a live panel discussion on Artificial Intelligence and its impact on the field of psychology and the human psyche. This WCMI (West Coast Mindfulness Institute) sponsored event is part of the annual Human Potential Conference series. Louie and Christine both took a bold look at the impact of AI on the human experience. Louie covers myriad topics including AI and surveillance, laws, regulation, transparency, etc. Christine explores the confluence of psychedelics and AI on human potential. Christine and her husband Dr. Pepper (featured on a previous Podcast with Christine) spoke at this conference, but did not participate in the recorded panel discussion. David Pepper, M.D. and Christine run the DBT center in Oakland, California. Christine and David believe plant based medicine and Ketamine can be an effective treatment approach. They do not believe in the “pharmaceutical industrial complex.” Hence, their interest in psychedelics and psychotherapy. WCMI networking group A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here

Dr. Ken Dychtwald is an entrepreneur, author, lecturer, gerontologist, and psychologist. He is the co-founder and CEO of Age Wave. In this live recording Ken presents his memoir “Radical Curiosity” at the Human Potential Conference in Berkeley, California, sponsored by WCMI (West Coast Mindfulness Institute). You will find yourself mesmerized and inspired by Ken’s story — and will want to run, not walk, to buy one of his books. Ken artfully discusses his meetups with Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jimmy Carter, along with some luminaries in the field of psychology. You will learn about his storied (and often humorous) journey form Jersey to Big Sur and beyond. Very much like Forest Gump (the movie), Ken always seems to be at the right place at the right time to “influence or be influenced by the influencers.” Ken is an expert on aging and mind-body healing. His seminal book Bodymind has been translated into countless languages over the years (so if you speak Mandarin like his son Zak, also a thought leader in his own right, you are all set). Interestingly, there were some naked illustrations or pictures in the original edition that have been edited out (sorry Marjorie Taylor Greene). So I guess my original copy of Bodymind is a collectors item, much like my cherished Draymond Greene T-Shirt. WCMI networking group A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here

Rafael and Jim join forces after catching a 49’ers victory over Seattle at Levi Stadium to tackle the topic of what makes this time of the year particularly challenging (and not just for Lions fans). Football is only discussed at the “kickoff” of this episode. Instead, Rafael and Jim focus mainly on managing the holidays, demanding relatives, shorter days, and your bulging waistline practical tips. Jim and Rafael share some of the strategies that have helped their clients stay resilient and hopeful. According to NAMI, 64% of individuals living with mental health challenges reported that their conditions worsened during the holidays. If Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) was not enough to contend with … how about being stuck with annoying relatives and guests? Clearly, this is when mindfulness strategies really come into play. Rafael and Jim emphasize setting realistic expectations and boundaries upfront. And when all else fails, they encourage you to learn to sidestep acrimonious discussions with grace. After all , “what you resist persists.” There is a lot of pressure to make the holidays perfect, to be perfect, and to overextend yourself. Don’t drink the eggnog (Kool-Aid) The dinner table can be fertile ground for discourse and acrimony versus a much-needed time for community, restoration, peace, nurturance, and love. Inevitably, you will meet up with your archetypal family member or guest. These holiday-goers may come in the form of pleasers, placaters, agitators, bulldozers, blowhards, pontificators, advice givers, guilt trippers, know-it-alls, and/or dramatists. Whatever form they take (or you take), it’s important to be ready to handle whatever and whoever comes your way. ‘Tis the season! WCMI networking group A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here

Rafael and Jim interview Andre Decary Andre Decary, “The Seeker of Untruth,,” returns for another stellar discussion, this time about his new writing project. In this episode, Andre makes an important distinction between pain and suffering. He references Jung and Einzelganger’s work to illustrate his point: “Pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional.” There is the Buddhist story of the two arrows that come toward you on the mountain path. When the first arrow hits, you know it hurts. Worse still, in the distance, you see a second arrow coming your way. Will you avoid it or let it hit you? How will you respond? The second arrow represents your reaction to the first arrow. The piercing of the first arrow is inevitable, while the second arrow presents an opportunity. Andre conveyed how by the time the second arrow comes your way you have more experience. And you have a choice. You can respond as you did to the first one, and experience suffering. Or you can opt to respond with hope or joy, or dodge it altogether. Andre references this story to distill the difference between pain and suffering. He discusses how we can be injured by someone’s words and actions (the first stinging arrow). However, we can learn to anticipate the second arrow and respond differently (which can give us hope). Nothing can change the fact we got hit by the first arrow that caused us inevitable pain or what Buddhists call “Duhkha.” But we can chose how we respond to the subsequent arrows we encounter on our path. Andre also makes another important distinction in this podcast. He describes the difference between intimacy and closeness. Part of this distinction involves the calibration of vulnerability, self-awareness, differentiation, and empathy. Andre explores how couples can work on both closeness and intimacy. When you have both it is optimal. Tune in to the podcast to hear how — just by discussing these themes — we experienced closeness and professional intimacy. WCMI networking group A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here

Dr. Jim interviews Dr. Josh Wilson Dr. Josh Wilson is the Co-Founder of EBMC, Psych Inc, WCMI, and Organizational Solutions. Prior to becoming a licensed psychologist and President of the aforementioned businesses (and all around cool guy) Dr. Josh worked with kids on the spectrum and their parents. Dr. Josh worked at Quest Therapeutic Camp. While where he discovered his passion for working with children on the (Autism) spectrum, including gifted kids. It is also where he met his current wife. Two discoveries he is quite impassioned about. In this episode Dr. Wilson discusses his passion for 2E kids (or twice exceptional children) who present with a high IQ and an accompanying cognitive challenge and/or learning disability, i.e. ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, Dyscalculia. Dr. Josh helps us become more humane by understanding and esteeming this extraordinary population. WCMI networking group A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here

Rafael highlights his journey from Poland to Croatia. While there he shared his Gestalt framework on trauma and hope. He also took a deep dive into the history, culture, beauty, and atrocities of the region. Rafael was particularly moved after visiting Auschwitz. He immediately thought about the resiliency of its survivors, including the original tour guides who were survivors themselves. Jim thought about the well-known psychologist Viktor E. Frankl and what he taught us about resiliency after he survived the camps. Viktor E. Frankl invented Logotherapy which holds that “our primary drive in life is not pleasure, as Freud maintained, but the discovery and pursuit of what we personally find meaningful.” Living a meaningful life can enhance one’s own resiliency. Jim and Rafael share their own resiliency factors and how they have tried to impart resiliency skills and wisdom to their own clients. Rafael and Jim find themselves awestruck by the transformational power of resiliency and how it can be a learned skillset. They stressed the 7 C’s of resiliency and its potentiating effect. They noted that resiliency is a critical ingredient for transcending our own history. Resiliency also helps us transcend our own self-limiting thoughts and behaviors. Carl Jung once said the following about resiliency: “I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become.” WCMI networking group A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here

Dr. Jim interviews Bryn Khan, Psy.D., Jessica Lim, AMFT, and Eti Valdez-Kaminsky, MFT In this episode, three highly talented and impassioned clinicians from EBMC and the Samsara Intensive Therapy program discuss mindful parenting. Bryn who manages EBMC together with her associate Jessica, run a mindful parenting class, do intensive therapy sessions with parents, and provide executive functioning coaching and assessment services for children and adolescents through the Satori college prep and executive functioning program. Eti is the Clinical Director at EBMC and runs the Samsara Intensive Therapy Program. In addition to running the EBMC clinic, he supervises clinicians. He is also highly sought- after as a parent coach, music enthusiast, rock climber, and family therapist. As clinicians, they emphasize understanding a child’s point of view. Their approach centers on parenting from the inside out (Daniel Siegal’s model). In short, they focus on mindfulness. But wait, there’s more— Bryn, Jessica, and Eti are all dedicated parents themselves who walk the walk and talk the talk. They utilize mindfulness tools with their own kids too. In this podcast, they discuss their own parenting and childhood experiences and how it has informed them as clinicians, and vice versa. Many contemporary topics are discussed in this episode including the impact of social media, electronics, cyber bullying, sexting, and oppositional behavior. Some tools parents can usefor self-regulation and co-regulation are discussed. The importance of being an ego-less role model is stressed - - along with the importance of empathy, acceptance, and emotional attunement. Key application of Attachment theory and Acceptance Commitment Therapy (A-C-T) is also detailed. As the adage goes “being a parent is like folding a fitted sheet, no one really knows how to do it.” (Except for maybe these three . . .) WCMI networking group A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here

Dr. Jim interviews Dr. David Pepper & Christine Benvenuto David and Christine are not only a dynamic couple, but they are also incredible healers, impassioned speakers, skilled trainers, and mindful practitioners of psychedelic medicine and psychotherapy. They have worked in tandem (and separately) to help individuals who are traumatized or demoralized find relief, equanimity, and joy. Dr. David Pepper is a trained family doctor who has worked at UCSF for 30 years. He has been a part of a “1,000 births and 1,000 deaths.” He completed CIIS training in Psychedelics and Medicine and has done groundbreaking work that includes Palliative Care and Hospice work alongside Chemo/Radiation/Surgery in ICUs. He understands how Psychedelics can be useful in helping people who are at the end of their life. He and Christine are also committed to helping people become fully alive, and they see Psychedelics as the royal road to the collective unconscious. Allowing people to face their shadow side and come back more aware, resolute, grounded, and whole. Christine is quite accomplished in her own right. She has hosted several Psychedelics and Dying gatherings. She and David have provided Dharma for clergy members, doctors, and therapists, and emphasize “best practices” methods (for physicians and psychotherapists). Christine founded the DBT center in Oakland and integrates Ketamine in her practice. She has had great success using Ketamine for PTSD. If that was not impressive enough, she built a temple at Burning Man in her spare time. (Not to be outdone, Dr. David Pepper sued the EPA while he ran an asthma clinic with a bunch of doctors in California’s Central Valley and had success as an activist physician. Not exactly a slacker couple.) Note* Dr. David Pepper & Christine Benvenuto will be presenting at the WCMI & EBMC, Psychology, Inc. “Radical Curiosity, Psychedelics, and Human Potential” Conference on October 26th at the Hillside Club (Berkeley, CA). Tickets can be secured through Eventbrite. WCMI networking group A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here

Drs. John Schinnerer and Jim Bramson reunite to tackle the subjects of self-awareness and humility. They share their own missteps on this subject and can now laugh about it (tragedy + time = humor). In this interview, Dr. John (whom we lovingly like to call, the Caveman) takes us deep into his own cavernous mind and discusses the “death of ego” as a prerequisite to connecting to “source” (meta-consciousness). He opines about how the ego hamstrings our curiosity, psychological development, and narrative of “who we are” and “who we are becoming.” Dr. Jim and the Caveman deconstruct the movie “My Dinner with Andre” and Senator Josh Howley’s new book “Manhood: The Masculine Virtues America Needs.” They break into laughter reading reviews on Howley’s book which was seriously panned by critics. The book is a misguided portrayal on how men should show up in our society (much more “manly”) and how our society should show up better for manly men. Fortunately, Howleys’ book did not reference Tucker Carlson’s recommendation that men can return to their testosterone fueled dominance by tanning their testicles. Yet, there were other equally absurd assertions made by the Missouri Senator and fledgling author. This is the same guy who supported the January 6th insurrectionists storming the capital building (only to run away from them at the end). The Caveman and Dr. Jim delight in some old fashioned schadenfreude. Howley’s book has the opposite message Dr. John wants to convey in his popular Podcast (the Evolved Caveman) or in his men’s group he runs (for EBMC, Psychology, Inc). Dr. John does NOT want to normalize toxic masculinity (and he does not recommend tanning your testicles to become more manly). You may recall from our previous podcast with the Caveman, Dr. John consulted on the Pixar film “Inside out.” In this episode, he discusses the importance of men becoming curious and highly aware of their own feelings, not just anger and frustration, but the whole gamut of feelings. The aforementioned Pixar movie the Caveman consulted on illustrates the Internal Family System (IFS) model and the importance of EQ (emotional intelligence). In the film, the main protagonist learned how to be less agnostic about her own emotions. She learned to embrace her core feelings (or internal parts) and they connect her to what John refers to as “source” (i.e., sacred space, satori or nirvana). WCMI networking group A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here

Rafael Cortina and his fellow Podcaster, Dr. Jim Bramson, discuss their unique approach to couples therapy. Rafael and Jim utilize an eclectic therapeutic approach that pulls from the following: Gestalt therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS) Work, Imago Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Terrance Real, and the PACT model (Tatkin’s work), to name but a few. In this episode, Rafael and Jim talk about what has worked well with couples, what has, and why. It is their aim at all times to build genuine rapport with their clients, creating an emotionally safe environment with an emphasis on honesty, curiosity, respect, heart-centered awareness, mutuality, and transparency. Jim discusses the importance of differentiation versus convergence, while Rafael considers the binary described as abandonment versus engulfment. They both agree that laughter is the ultimate elixir. Humor is important for couples work as it breaks down tension, can be a sign of self-acceptance, self-reflection, egolessness, and meta cognition. Cross cultural difference with couples, language barriers, and other barriers to entry are discussed. There is an emphasis on how to be fluent in the unique dialogue the couple shares. Rafael and Jim hope that practitioners listening to this Podcast may learn a thing or two of import that informs their work. Additionally, this episode covers topics relevant to individuals seeking couples therapy. Rafael and Jim want prospective clients to be better consumers of couples therapy and to know what to look for and what to expect. WCMI networking group A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here

Rafael and Jim take a deep dive into the subject of fatherhood—that is, after getting derailed on the subject of 49ers football. Why? Rafael was afraid of jinxing the team during the last episode. He refused to discuss the 49ers loss until this episode. Fortunately, your podcasters got on track again to discuss Fatherhood as promised. Not surprisingly, they even linked the subject to the 49ers somehow. They did so by imagining how they would console 49ers QB Brock Purdy after he got injured in his last playoff game (a loss). What would they say to console him if they could be his father for just one day? You cannot help but being moved by their heartfelt approach to this subject that clearly transcends sports. Rafael and Jim regal their own experiences as sons, fathers, and shrinks and what they learned from it all. Also, what they still hope to learn. They discuss what goes into being a loving, competent, caring, curious, compassionate, and committed role model. Many men are adrift. Rafael & Jim share their own challenges and pitfalls. They discuss what their male clients are typically seeking help for. Some men are pushed by their spouses to be better fathers. Some push themselves. And others put too much pressure on themselves to be perfect …. to try to make up for their own miserable childhood experiences. Some fathers are absentee parents and can easily justify it. They won’t welcome any input and don’t see the ripple effect. Rafael and Jim have seen it all as shrinks. The various attachment styles and approaches fathers take on is artfully deconstructed. Rafael and Jim believe that deep down inside most men really want to be good men, stellar parents, role models, and respected along the way. This issue of being respected as a father (and being respectful to children) is carefully weighed. How is it earned? Finally, the impact of narcissism being the nemesis to effective parenting is discussed. This episode is for fathers and anyone who has had one. WCMI networking group A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here

Dr. Michael Mayer packed a lot into this interview. Buckle up. He touches on the six books he has written and their relevancy. He details how some healers can become shamans or shape shifters. In his case a shape shifter can also be a reluctant metaphysician. Dr. Mayer further theorizes that Tai Chi, astrology, hypnosis, energy psychology, Transpersonal psychology and competitive chess can all be at home with one another. The whole being greater than the sum of its parts. Dr. Mayer opines about the psychology of chess (as a former competitive player himself). He adds that “a pawn can be a shape shifter by the time it gets to the end of the board.” He thinks it’s valuable to explore our own level of misery in order to cultivate joy and meaning. So, what chess moves do you need to make while you are still living or to be more fully alive? If your head is not already spinning half-way through this episode, you are either sedated, listening to the wrong podcast, or in a chronic fugue state. I doubt you will be bored. Stay particularly tuned into Dr. Mayer’s demonstration of his classic “River of Life” method. A transformative method and process you will long want to replicate. WCMI networking group A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here

Dr Jim & Rafael are back! The band is back. Dr. Jim & Rafael are back together agin exploring healing on a global level. Rafael shares his thoughtful impressions of Georgia (not the peach state, but the country) where he did a recent training on Compassion, Addiction, and Trauma. Rafael also has gone to where the action is - - doing (virtual) trainings for professionals in the Ukraine and Russia. As almost everyone knows the Ukraine and Russia are currently the epicenter of war and trauma. Rafael plans to sojourn to that part of the world soon to impart his wisdom, to teach professionals in this war torn region his compassionate approach to healing trauma. In applying his craft across geopolitical lines, Rafael has had to be the Magellan of intra-psychic and inter-psychic terrain. In so doing, he has noticed the oneness we all share, particularly when it comes to trauma and how to heal it. As healers we are a formulary of medicine and wisdom. The elixir combines compassion, wisdom, humility, love, kindness, resiliency, and the thoughtful application of Gestalt therapy. In this interview Dr. Jim also discusses his book project, which is still stalled out. He runs some of the themes by Rafael and feels inspired again to write. Dr. Jim also finds inspiration in the Detroit Lions who had their first winning season since 2017 under their extraordinary coach, Dan Campbell. Dr. Jim wants to channel his internal Coach Campbell to finish his book. WCMI networking group A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here

Chris Huitfeldt (pronounced Wheatfelt) owns a company called, Terra Firma, which means solid ground. It provides intervention services for celebrities, professional athletes, and common folks. He even does pro bono work to help the economically disadvantaged. His philosophy is that “every good foundation starts on solid ground.” Terra Firma usually provides interventions for individuals with addiction and dual diagnosis disorders. His group also offers recovery coaching, consultation, and case management work. Chris believes that interventions are not designed to surprise, jolt, shame, or corner someone into getting help. Instead it is a thoughtful, caring, and loving process that can lead to miraculous changes. He believes that interventions —when done correctly — can have a very positive ripple effect. Successful interventions can provide healing to individuals, families, and communities. Chris’s philosophy is that interventions work best when they are predicated on love, kindness, and compassion. He is also realistic that the work often starts after someone lands in a facility. Yet, getting someone into a facility is a success story in and of itself. Chris bears a striking resemblance to the erudite punk rocker, Henry Rollins, from the band, Black Flag, in his younger days. (Chris took this comparison as a compliment during the interview. Phew.) Interestingly, Rollins and Chris share some of the same philosophy. Rollins once said that “someone, somewhere is thinking about you,” and “scar tissue is stronger than regular tissue.” Interventions work because someone is thinking about you (and loving you) enough to help you, especially when you least want help but most need it. And the recovery process can help become stronger in the broken places that adhere beneath the scar tissue. WCMI networking group A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here

Dr. James Bramson interviews Dr. Ray Horwitz Drs. Jim and Ray were undergraduate classmates and roommates. As college kids, they bonded over music, psychology, humor, and working out. And now, as seasoned professionals, they both subscribe to the philosophy that good self-care is good client-care. Dr. Ray is a an accomplished psychiatrist and a man of many talents. He is a skilled musician, a triathlete, and a sought-after teacher. He’s taught classes in medicine at Emory University and in pharmacology for physicians across the country. His clientele ranges from struggling moms to Olympic athletes. And he’s a mensch to boot. Dr. Ray agreed to be interviewed, not for self promotion, but to support other medical professionals and therapists who might stumble or may make avoidable mistakes. Plus he wants to make sure patients are better consumers of psychiatry. He talks about how he will go above and beyond to serve his patients in ways other docs may not. Dr. Ray also kvetches about the challenges of prescribing controlled substances and how it hamstrings physicians. His natural humor and wisdom shine through when he discusses the evolution of psychiatry, and how it must address a new epidemic: loneliness. We learn that loneliness is as lethal as smoking 15-cigarettes a day. Dr. Ray is concerned that telemedicine may perpetuate a client’s sense of isolation and loneliness. Not sure if it leads to more or less smoking? You decide. To get on the same wave length as Dr. Ray. I suggest you listen to this Podcast while working out, running, biking, lifting weights, etc. (The only way I got him to this was to go on a run with him!) However, he would not recommend that you listen while swimming, doing handstands in yoga, helicopter skiing, or rock climbing…. but whatever works. WCMI networking group A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here