

Psychologists Off the Clock
Debbie Sorensen, Jill Stoddard, Yael Schonbrun, Michael Herold & Emily Edlynn
We are five experts in psychology, bringing you science-backed ideas that can help you flourish in your work, relationships, and health.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 26, 2017 • 49min
30. Nutritional Psychology (Part 2) – Eating for Brain Health with the MIND Diet with Diana and Debbie
Do You Want To Eat To Help Your Brain Stay Sharp As You Age? Want To Learn About 10 Types Of Food Recommended By The Mind Diet? Looking For Practical Ideas To Add More Brain-Boosting Foods To Your Cooking Routine?
The MIND Diet was created by researchers hoping to reduce risk of Alzheimer's Disease and other forms of cognitive decline through nutrition. In this episode, Dr. Diana Hill and Dr. Debbie Sorensen continue their conversation about nutrition and the brain by discussing the research supporting the MIND Diet. They present the ten categories of food emphasized in the MIND Diet, and talk about why each seems to matter for brain health. They even present some practical ideas for ways they incorporate these foods in their own lives!
Resources:
The MIND Diet: A Scientific Approach to Enhancing Brain Function and Helping Prevent Alzheimer's and Dementia by Maggie MoonEat Complete by Dr. Drew RamseyThe Happiness Diet by Dr. Drew RamseyThe Hungry Brain by Stephan GuyenetTartine Bread by Chad Robertson (sourdough bread recipe)Cooked by Michael Pollan (sourdough bread recipe)
Recipes:
A recipe for beets and beet greens, similar to the one Debbie made for Diana.Learn how to catch wild yeast for sourdough Bone broth from a roasted chickenHow to make beans from scratch
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Sep 12, 2017 • 51min
29. Nutritional Psychology (Part 1) – How food impacts mood, cognition and brain health with Diana and Debbie
Ever Wonder If The Food You Eat Is Affecting Your Mood And Thinking? Curious To Learn What The Standard American Diet Does To The Human Brain From An Evolutionary Science Perspective? Do You Want To Learn More About Different Types Of Fats And The Optimal Ratio Of Fats For Neuronal Growth And Protection? Did You Know That Your Microbiome (The Bacteria In Your Gut) May Be Contributing To Stress, Anxiety, And Depression? Grab Some Kale Chips, And Join Us As We Discuss Food And The Brain!
Nutritional psychology is a movement in mental health that focuses on how food impacts brain health and mental wellness. We all know that what we eat impacts our risk for chronic diseases of the body, but there is also growing research suggesting that what we eat impacts our mood, cognition and long term brain health. In this episode Dr. Diana Hill will explore the impact of our current Standard American Diet on our brains, and discuss research on what fats are most beneficial for your brain. Dr. Debbie Sorensen will examine the role of our microbiome on brain and mood.
Resources:
Diana's recipe for Quinoa CakesPicture of Omega 3 rich PersalaneThe Monetary Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch Fish List
Recommended Books and Articles:
The Hungry Brain by Stephan GuyenetThe MIND Diet by Maggie MoonEat Complete by Drew RamseyThe Happiness Diet by Drew RamseyAPA Montior Article on the Microbiome
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Aug 29, 2017 • 45min
28. Maintaining And Healing Romantic Bonds With Relationship Expert Yael Schonbrun
Do You Want To Know How To Balance Acceptance And Change In Romantic Relationships? Do You Wonder If It's Possible To Heal After An Affair Or Other Relationship Infraction? Are You Curious What Happens Inside A Couples' Therapy Room? Then Join Us As We Talk With Relationship Expert, Dr. Yael Schonbrun!
Today we are going to explore an evidence-based approach to couples therapy "Integrative Behavioral Couples Therapy" with Dr. Yael Shonbrun. Dr. Shonbrun describes the components of an acceptance-based behavioral therapy for couples and gives a framework for how to approach relationship infractions such as affairs.
Yael Chatav Schonbrun, PhD, is a clinical psychologist in private practice and assistant professor at Brown University. She is also a mother to three boys. She blogs for Psychology Today and is writing a book on straddling ambitious professional goals and engaged family life. Find Yael on Facebook or Twitter or visit yaelschonbrun.com for more of her writing.
Resources:
Yael Schonbrun's websiteIntegrative Behavioral Couples TherapyEsther Perel's WebsiteTake the the 5 Love Languages self testThe 5 Love Languages by Gary ChapmanFighting for Your Marriage by Howard J. Markman, Scott M. Stanley, and Susan L. Blumberg Irreconcilable Differences by Nathan WinogradACT with Love by Russ Harris
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Aug 7, 2017 • 45min
27. Alcohol and the Brain with Lara Ray
Are You Interested In Cutting Edge Research Alcohol Use? Are You Curious How Long Term Alcohol Use Changes The Brain? Are You Interested In Learning More About The Genetics And Neuroscience Of Addiction? Then Join Us For An Interview With Dr. Lara Ray, Director Of The UCLA Addictions Lab.
In this episode, Dr. Diana Hill talks with Dr. Lara Ray about the neuroscience of alcohol and addiction. Dr. Ray is a full professor in the Clincal Psychology Program at UCLA with academic apointments in the UCLA Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior and the UCLA Brain Research Institute. Dr. Ray’s laboratory combines experimental psychopharmacology with behavioral genetic and neuroimaging methods to look at the mechanisms underlying addictive disorders and apply these insights to treatment development. Today we get to talk about your brain on alcohol!
Resources:
The UCLA Addictions LabThe AUDIT screening toolThe NIH recommendations for alcohol useSigns and symptoms of an alcohol use disorderTreatment resources from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
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Jul 22, 2017 • 56min
26. Our Psychology on Nature
Are You Curious How Spending Time in Nature Impacts Your Cognition, Mood, And Eye Health? Do You Want To Upgrade Your Walking Experience From "blah" To "awe"? Then Join Diana And Debbie In This Experiential Walk Through The Psychology Of Nature!
As media and technology increasingly dominate our lives, we are spending less time in nature. This lifestyle change may be impacting not only our well being and physical health but also our cognitive abilities. Take a walk with co-hosts Diana Hill and Debbie Sorensen while listening to this episode investigating 6 benefits of nature on your wellbeing, how ecotherapy is integrated into Eastern medicine, and Diana's top 10 strategies to get more nature today! Spend time in nature to gain improve your mental health.
Before you head out, take the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule to score your mood. Take it again when you return and learn how nature impacts you!
Resources:
Take the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule before and after you spend time in nature. Explore research studies documenting how nature reduces stress here and here. Explore research on the neuroscience of nature and on why you should request a window if you are in the hospital Explore research on cognitive benefits of immersing yourself in nature and how movement is easier when in nature The poem "What We Knew" by Carol Elkins as listed on ACBS resources
Related Psychologists Off the Clock Episodes:
15. Embodiment (Part 1)16. Embodiment (Part 2)
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Jul 8, 2017 • 50min
25. Resilience: Bouncing Back After Difficulty with Debbie and Rae
Have You Faced Difficult Or Stressful Life Experiences? Do You Wonder Why Some People Seem To "Bounce Back" After Loss Or Trauma? Do You Want To Learn About Research On Resilience In Childhood And Adulthood? Are You Looking For Ways To Promote Resilience In Your Own Life?
Trauma, loss, childhood adversity, tragedy. Life can be hard, and anyone who lives long enough will face difficulty at some point. People respond to life’s challenges in a variety of ways; sometimes people have a really difficult time after stressful life events, and some seem to “bounce back” more easily. Most of us are capable of being at least somewhat resilient, and eventually adapt to even the hardest of circumstances. How do we do that?
In this episode, Dr. Debbie Sorensen and Dr. Rae Littlewood will take a look at what psychology research has to say about resilience. We’ll look at what resilience is (and isn’t), highlight some interesting psychology research, and offer research-based suggestions for promoting resilience when life gets hard.
Resources and Suggested Reading:
Important Facts About Resilience/How to Create a Resilience Story/Resilience Checklist by David MeichenbaumOrdinary Magic: Resilience in Development by Ann S. MastenThe Other Side of Sadness: What the New Science of Bereavement Tells Us About Life After Loss by George A. BonanoAPA article: The Road to ResiliencePsychological Resilience: State of Knowledge and Future Research AgendasArticle on Loss, Trauma, and Resilience Tedeschi and Calhoun on Post-Traumatic GrowthShelley Taylor on PositiveAdaptation and GrowthOption B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy by Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant.Children’s book on resilience: After the Fall (How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again) by Dan Santat
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Jun 23, 2017 • 45min
24. Choosing Both: Straddling Meaningful Career and Parenthood with Yael Schonbrun
Has Your Professional Identity Changed By Becoming A Parent? Do You Struggle Balancing An Ambitious Career With An Engaged Family Life? Are You Curious How You Could "Choose Both" A Fulfilling Career And Meaningful Home Life?
Psychological research suggests the pursuit of meaning in both work and parenting is the cornerstone of happiness. However, the act of straddling an ambitious career and being a parent can be overwhelming and destabilizing. Often working parents are left feeling that they are not meeting up to expectations in either role. In this episode, Dr. Diana Hill interviews a clinical psychologist, Dr. Yael Schonbrun, on the concept of "choosing both." Dr. Schonbrun is an assistant professor at Brown University where she specializes in working with new parents and couples. She is also a mother to three young boys. Dr. Schonbrun has written on the psychology of straddling professional goals and engaged family life in the New York Times article “A Mother’s Ambitions” and blogs on the topic for Psychology Today. Dr. Schonbrun’s book is forthcoming.
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Resources:
Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm GladwellMan's Search for Meaning by Victor FranklThe Paradox of Choice: Why More is Less by Barry SchwartzContact Dr. Yael Schonbrun here
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Jun 9, 2017 • 37min
23. Women’s Hormones And Mood With Liza Mermelstein (Part 2)
Are You Concerned About The Emotional Challenges Of Pregnancy And Having A New Baby? Do You Want To Learn More About Postpartum Depression And Anxiety? Are You Wondering Whether You Or A Loved One Needs Professional Support To Deal With Prenatal Or Postpartum Adjustment?
Having a baby is an incredible experience but it also comes with many challenges. In this episode, Dr. Rae Littlewood is joined by special guest Dr. Liza Mermelstein for Part 2 of our series on Hormones and Mood. This episode focuses on understanding the influence of hormones in trying to conceive and in prenatal and postpartum adjustment. Join in to learn about prenatal and postpartum depression and anxiety and what is recommended for self-care and psychological intervention.
Resources:
Postpartum.netThis Isn’t What I Expected: Overcoming Postpartum Depression by Kleiman and RaskinBarnes, D. L (ed). (2014). Women’s Reproductive Mental Health Across the Lifespan. New York, NY: Springer.
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May 26, 2017 • 31min
22. Women’s Hormones and Mood with Liza Mermelstein (Part 1)
Are You Curious About How Hormonal Fluctuations Impact Your Mood? Do You Want To Learn More About The Biology Of PMS And How To Take Care Of Yourself During Different Times Of In Your Cycle? Do You Worry That You Or A Loved One Might Be Suffering From A More Severe Form Of PMS Called PMDD?
Hormonal fluctuations play a significant role in mood changes throughout a woman's lifespan. In this episode, Dr. Rae Littlewood is joined by special guest Dr. Liza Mermelstein to share information about the relationship between mood and estrogen, provide guidance in differentiating between depression, PMS, and PMDD (prementrual dysphoric disorder), and review self-care and treatment options. We also touch on the relationship between estrogen fluctuation during perimenopause and increased risk for depression during this transition. Stay tuned for part 2 to learn more about hormones and mood in relation to trying to conceive and prenatal and postpartum adjustment.
Resources:
Your Period in 2 Minutes (YouTube Video)Barnes, D. L (ed). (2014). Women’s Reproductive Mental Health Across the Lifespan. New York, NY: Springer.Douma, S. L., Husband, C., O’Donnell, M. E., Barwin, B. N., Woodend, A. K. (2005). Estrogen-related mood disorders: Reproductive life cycle factors. Advances in Nursing Science, 28 (4), 364-375.Maharaj, S. & Trevino, K. (2015). A comprehensive review of treatment options for premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Journal of Psychiatric Practice, 21 (5), 334-350.
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May 4, 2017 • 58min
21. Fostering A Connected Partnership
Do You Want A Secure, Accepting Romantic Relationship? Are You Curious About How Your Attachment Style Impacts Your Partnership? Has Your Relationship Eroded Over Time? Listen Up To Learn How To Develop A Trusting And Lasting Romantic Bond.
Secure romantic attachments are associated with health, resilience, and well-being. In this episode, Diana and Debbie discuss how our attachment style influences the erosion or stability of our relationships. Diana presents strategies from Sue Johnson's Emotionally Focused Therapy that will help you identify the problem cycles in your relationship, increase acceptance and close connection with your partner, and work towards forgiving injuries.
Recommended Reading:
Hold Me Tight by Sue JohnsonLove Sense by Sue JohnsonThe Book of Awakening by Mark Nepo Reconcilable Differences, Second Edition: Rebuild Your Relationship by Rediscovering the Partner You Love--without Losing Yourself by Andrew Christensen, Brian Doss, and Neil JacobsonAcceptance and Change in Couple Therapy: A Therapist's Guide to Transforming Relationships by Andrew Christensen and Neil Jacobson'
Workshops:
Hold Me Tight Workshop with Dr. Michelle Gannon and Dr. Sam JinichExperience ACT: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy with Dr. Diana Hill
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