The Thinking Mind Podcast: Psychiatry & Psychotherapy
The Thinking Mind Podcast
"If you are interested in your mind, emotions, sense of self, and understanding of others, this show is brilliant."Learn something new about the mind every week - With in-depth conversations at the intersection of psychiatry, psychotherapy, self-development, spirituality and the philosophy of mental health. Featuring experts from around the world, leading clinicians and academics, published authors, and people with lived experience, we aim to make complex ideas in the mental health space accessible and engaging. This podcast is designed for a broad audience including professionals, those who suffer with mental health difficulties, more common psychological problems, or those who just want to learn more about themselves and others. Hosted by psychiatrists Dr. Alex Curmi, Dr. Anya Borissova & Dr. Rebecca Wilkinson. Listeners have also said:"Every episode is enlightening, the approach, conversations and depth of information is deeply enriching. So refreshing to hear practitioners with this level of insight into human behaviour. Thank you for the work and for sharing."Podcast related enquiries: thinkingmindpodcast@gmail.com.If you would like to work with Dr. Curmi: alexcurmitherapy@gmail.comDisclaimer: None of the information in the podcast is intended as medical advice for any one invididual.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 22, 2023 • 44min
The Psychology of Christmas
This week the team is taking a much deserved break for the holidays, but we are re-posting this 2021 episode where Anya and Alex discuss the psychological significance and historical origins of Christmas, as well as other similar celebrations around the world. They also discuss: nostalgia, social cohesion, why you shouldn't try and change your relatives minds over Turkey, loneliness, New Years resolutions and much more.From the Thinking Mind team Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!With Dr. Anya Borissova and Dr. Alex CurmiIf you would like to enquire about an online psychotherapy appointment with Dr. Alex, you can email - alexcurmitherapy@gmail.comGive feedback here - thinkingmindpodcast@gmail.com Follow us here: Twitter @thinkingmindpod Instagram @thinkingmindpodcastSUPPORT THE PODCAST: buymeacoffee.com/thinkingmindGive feedback here - thinkingmindpodcast@gmail.com Follow us here: Twitter @thinkingmindpod Instagram @thinkingmindpodcast
Dec 15, 2023 • 1h 10min
E69: What Can Research tell us about Suicide? (With Professor Nav Kapur)
Professor Nav Kapur is an academic psychiatrist, working at Manchester University and Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust. He leads the suicide work programme of the National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Safety in Mental Health.We discuss the epidemiology of suicide and self-harm, how to think about prevention from both the societal and individual person perspective, the complexity of thinking about causes/factors that increase risk, the idea of zero suicide, impact of the Covid pandemic, the new NICE guidelines on self-harm and some practical guidance on helpful approaches to working with people experiencing suicidal thoughts. Crisis services and helplines: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/crisis-services/helplines-listening-services/Interviewed by Dr. Anya Borissova.Give feedback here - thinkingmindpodcast@gmail.com Follow us here: Twitter @thinkingmindpod Instagram @thinkingmindpodcastSUPPORT THE PODCAST: buymeacoffee.com/thinkingmindGive feedback here - thinkingmindpodcast@gmail.com Follow us here: Twitter @thinkingmindpod Instagram @thinkingmindpodcast
Dec 8, 2023 • 19min
Narcissism & Napoleon
In this week's podcast we examine Narcissism through the lens of Napoleon and other characters in film. We explore, the different ways narcissism can manifest itself (including malignant, grandiose, covert & communal) and some of the psychological mechanisms underlying narcissism. We also discuss how narcissism can distort your psychology and your life path and how you can combat this. Audio-Essay by Dr. Alex Curmi. Dr. Curmi is a consultant General Adult Psychiatrist who completed his training in the South London and Maudsley NHS foundation trust. In addition to general adult psychiatry he has a special interest in psychotherapy and mindfulness meditation.If you would like to enquire about an online psychotherapy appointment with Dr. Alex, you can email - alexcurmitherapy@gmail.comGive feedback here - thinkingmindpodcast@gmail.com Follow us here: Twitter @thinkingmindpod Instagram @thinkingmindpodcastJoin Our Mailing List! - https://thinkingmindpod.aidaform.com/mailinglistsignupSUPPORT THE PODCAST: buymeacoffee.com/thinkingmindGive feedback here - thinkingmindpodcast@gmail.com Follow us here: Twitter @thinkingmindpod Instagram @thinkingmindpodcast
Dec 1, 2023 • 50min
E68: Dopamine, Addiction, Recovery, Social Media (with Dr. Anna Lembke)
Dr. Anna Lembke is a psychiatrist and author. She is the Chief of the Stanford Addiction Medicine Dual Diagnosis Clinic at Stanford University and is the author of the New York Times bestseller Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence.Today we discuss- Dopamine and the different psychological functions it serves - Different addictive behaviours ranging from drugs to alcohol to social media and how they affect can our mental health - The relationship between pleasure and pain and how they are intimately tied together- How you can re-sensitise yourself to dopamine- The process of recovering from an addiction- The importance of an overarching life philosophy when trying to manage an addictive behaviourInterviewed by Dr. Alex Curmi - Give feedback here - thinkingmindpodcast@gmail.com Follow us here: Twitter @thinkingmindpod Instagram @thinkingmindpodcastIf you would like to enquire about an online psychotherapy appointment with Dr. Alex, you can email - alexcurmitherapy@gmail.comJoin Our Mailing List! - https://thinkingmindpod.aidaform.com/mailinglistsignupSUPPORT: buymeacoffee.com/thinkingmindGive feedback here - thinkingmindpodcast@gmail.com Follow us here: Twitter @thinkingmindpod Instagram @thinkingmindpodcast
Nov 28, 2023 • 20min
Seven Misconceptions about Psychotherapy
In this week's podcast we discuss seven common misconceptions about psychotherapy, and these include:Only people with a psychiatric diagnosis can benefit from therapyTherapists have all the answers and will tell you what to doTherapy is only for long-term issues; it can't help with short-term problemsTherapy is just about talking, which doesn’t accomplish anythingTherapy is just about making excuses for your problemsOnly "weak" people seek therapy; it's a sign of personal failureTherapy is about dwelling in childhood and the pastAudio-Essay by Dr. Alex Curmi. Dr. Curmi is a consultant General Adult Psychiatrist who completed his training in the South London and Maudsley NHS foundation trust. In addition to general adult psychiatry he has a special interest in psychotherapy and mindfulness meditation.If you would like to enquire about an online psychotherapy appointment with Dr. Alex, you can email - alexcurmitherapy@gmail.comGive feedback here - thinkingmindpodcast@gmail.com Follow us here: Twitter @thinkingmindpod Instagram @thinkingmindpodcastJoin Our Mailing List! - https://thinkingmindpod.aidaform.com/mailinglistsignupSUPPORT THE PODCAST: buymeacoffee.com/thinkingmindGive feedback here - thinkingmindpodcast@gmail.com Follow us here: Twitter @thinkingmindpod Instagram @thinkingmindpodcast
Nov 24, 2023 • 50min
E68 - Should You Take Weight Loss Drugs? (With Dr. Michael Camilleri)
On today's episode we discuss novel injectable weight loss drugs (GLP-1 agonists) such as Ozempic and Mounjaro. To discuss these drugs, we are in conversation with Dr. Michael Camilleri, a gastroenterologist from the Mayo Clinic who is specifically interested in how the gastrointestinal motility, obesity, diabetes, appetite, irritable bowel syndrome and related topics. He himself has overseen patients on these drugs and participated in research investigating these medications. Today we discuss which of these medications Dr. Camilleri thinks are likely to become dominant, how these drugs work, their known side effects and safety profiles, in what situations these drugs are likely to be prescribed, what kind of results you can expect, unexpected benefits and drawbacks and how they may be affecting the brain. Interviewed by Dr. Alex Curmi - Give feedback here - thinkingmindpodcast@gmail.com Follow us here: Twitter @thinkingmindpod Instagram @thinkingmindpodcastIf you would like to enquire about an online psychotherapy appointment with Dr. Alex, you can email - alexcurmitherapy@gmail.comJoin Our Mailing List! - https://thinkingmindpod.aidaform.com/mailinglistsignupSUPPORT: buymeacoffee.com/thinkingmindGive feedback here - thinkingmindpodcast@gmail.com Follow us here: Twitter @thinkingmindpod Instagram @thinkingmindpodcast
Nov 21, 2023 • 17min
How to Fall Out of Love (Transcending the Honeymoon Period)
How do you a sustain a relationship past the honeymoon phase? Why is falling in love overrated? What practices and mindsets can help you build a strong relationship?Audio-Essay by Dr. Alex Curmi. Dr. Curmi is a consultant General Adult Psychiatrist who completed his training in the South London and Maudsley NHS foundation trust. In addition to general adult psychiatry he has a special interest in psychotherapy and mindfulness meditation.How and Why to Engage in Conflict:https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/how-why-to-engage-in-conflict-audio-essay-11/id1466932169?i=1000552900055Exploring Your Dark Sidehttps://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/going-over-to-the-dark-side-shadow-work/id1466932169?i=1000634716280If you would like to enquire about an online psychotherapy appointment with Dr. Alex, you can email - alexcurmitherapy@gmail.comGive feedback here - thinkingmindpodcast@gmail.com Follow us here: Twitter @thinkingmindpod Instagram @thinkingmindpodcastJoin Our Mailing List! - https://thinkingmindpod.aidaform.com/mailinglistsignupSUPPORT THE PODCAST: buymeacoffee.com/thinkingmindGive feedback here - thinkingmindpodcast@gmail.com Follow us here: Twitter @thinkingmindpod Instagram @thinkingmindpodcast
Nov 17, 2023 • 50min
E67: What is it like having Manic Depression? (with Jeremy Thomas) - Part 2 of 2
Jeremy Thomas is a public speaker and author. He is the author of two novels, Taking Leave, and the Santa Monica Suicide Club . He’s also co-written two books about mental health with Dr. Tony Hughes, the A-Z Guide to Mental Health and You Don't Have to Be Famous to Have Manic Depression.In 2006 Jeremy and Tony co-produced a documentary about bipolar disorder, the Secret Life of the Manic Depressive starring Stephen Fry, Jo Brand, Carrie Fisher and many others. This is the first part of a two part podcast where we talk about Jeremy’s fascinating life story and his lived experience of bipolar disorder.Today we discuss Jeremy's experiences running a record label in London in 1979, some of the dangers of success, what it’s like to have depression, Jeremy’s struggle with suicidal thoughts, what it’s like to have a manic episode and just how easily depression can switch into mania if you have bipolar disorder. We also discuss just how hard it can be for someone to realize they’re unwell when they’re in the midst of a manic episode.Interviewed by Dr. Alex Curmi - Give feedback here - thinkingmindpodcast@gmail.com Follow us here: Twitter @thinkingmindpod Instagram @thinkingmindpodcastIf you would like to enquire about an online psychotherapy appointment with Dr. Alex, you can email - alexcurmitherapy@gmail.comJoin Our Mailing List! - https://thinkingmindpod.aidaform.com/mailinglistsignupSUPPORT: buymeacoffee.com/thinkingmindGive feedback here - thinkingmindpodcast@gmail.com Follow us here: Twitter @thinkingmindpod Instagram @thinkingmindpodcast
Nov 14, 2023 • 17min
Going Over to the Dark Side (Shadow Work)
Everyone has a dark side, what does yours look like? What happens when people have a dark side they have no control over? In this podcast we discuss Carl Jung's idea of the shadow; how can you explore your dark side and integrate it into your personality, to help you solve some of life's toughest challenges. Audio-Essay by Dr. Alex Curmi. Dr. Curmi is a consultant General Adult Psychiatrist who completed his training in the South London and Maudsley NHS foundation trust. In addition to general adult psychiatry he has a special interest in psychotherapy and mindfulness meditation.If you would like to enquire about an online psychotherapy appointment with Dr. Alex, you can email - alexcurmitherapy@gmail.comGive feedback here - thinkingmindpodcast@gmail.com Follow us here: Twitter @thinkingmindpod Instagram @thinkingmindpodcastJoin Our Mailing List! - https://thinkingmindpod.aidaform.com/mailinglistsignupSUPPORT THE PODCAST: buymeacoffee.com/thinkingmindGive feedback here - thinkingmindpodcast@gmail.com Follow us here: Twitter @thinkingmindpod Instagram @thinkingmindpodcast
Nov 10, 2023 • 49min
E66: What is it like having Manic Depression? (with Jeremy Thomas) - Part 1 of 2
Jeremy Thomas is a public speaker and author. He is the author of two novels, Taking Leave, and the Santa Monica Suicide Club . He’s also co-written two books about mental health with Dr. Tony Hughes, the A-Z Guide to Mental Health and You Don't Have to Be Famous to Have Manic Depression.In 2006 Jeremy and Tony co-produced a documentary about bipolar disorder, the Secret Life of the Manic Depressive starring Stephen Fry, Jo Brand, Carrie Fisher and many others. This is the first part of a two part podcast where we talk about Jeremy’s fascinating life story and his lived experience of bipolar disorder.Today we discuss Jeremy's experiences running a record label in London in 1979, some of the dangers of success, what it’s like to have depression, Jeremy’s struggle with suicidal thoughts, what it’s like to have a manic episode and just how easily depression can switch into mania if you have bipolar disorder. We also discuss just how hard it can be for someone to realize they’re unwell when they’re in the midst of a manic episode. Interviewed by Dr. Alex Curmi - Give feedback here - thinkingmindpodcast@gmail.com Follow us here: Twitter @thinkingmindpod Instagram @thinkingmindpodcastIf you would like to enquire about an online psychotherapy appointment with Dr. Alex, you can email - alexcurmitherapy@gmail.comJoin Our Mailing List! - https://thinkingmindpod.aidaform.com/mailinglistsignupSUPPORT: buymeacoffee.com/thinkingmindGive feedback here - thinkingmindpodcast@gmail.com Follow us here: Twitter @thinkingmindpod Instagram @thinkingmindpodcast
