Thoughts on Record: Podcast of the Ottawa Institute of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Life transitions—whether expected or sudden, joyful or painful—have a way of shaking loose our assumptions about who we are and what matters most. They invite reflection, loss, growth, and the often uncomfortable process of becoming someone new.In this conversation, clinical psychologist Dr. Rana Pishva joins Thoughts on Record to explore how we can move through change with greater awareness and self-compassion. We discuss why transitions are best understood as processes rather than events, how grief and growth often coexist, and why learning to tolerate uncertainty may be one of the most important psychological skills of our time.Together, we reflect on how emotions can function as information, how self-help culture sometimes overcorrects toward rigidity, and what it means to find a new middle ground—a redefined sense of balance—after life’s inevitable upheavals.Key Questions ExploredWhy do we tend to think of life transitions as events rather than long, unfolding processes?What makes even positive change feel like a kind of loss?How can we better recognize and work with the gap between our expectations and reality during major life changes?What helps someone move from resisting change to integrating it into a new sense of self?Why do we crave control and predictability so deeply—even when they can limit growth?What are some ways to build a healthy tolerance for uncertainty without feeling unmoored?How can we learn to make “good enough” decisions in a world that glorifies optimization and certainty?What are the psychological costs of over-planning—and what might we gain by letting go a little more?How can emotions function as information or guidance rather than simply something to regulate or suppress?When might sadness or anxiety reflect a deeper misalignment with our lives rather than a symptom to eliminate?How do we discern when to act on our emotions versus when to sit with them and listen?What’s driving the modern shift from people-pleasing to radical detachment?How do we know when our boundaries are protective versus when they may be isolating us?Has self-help culture made it harder to distinguish genuine growth from performative “healing”?How do we find a new sense of balance and meaning after a major life transition, when returning to “normal” is no longer possible?Dr. Rana Pishva, C.Psych., is a clinical psychologist based in Ottawa, Ontario. Her practice focuses on relationships and life transitions, which often emerge in the contexts of parenting, separation, role changes, and attachment- or trauma-related disorders. Drawing from cognitive-behavioural, attachment-based, and emotion-focused approaches, she helps individuals navigate change with curiosity and compassion and make sense of their life narratives. Her clinical style balances curiosity and compassion, inviting clients to understand both their thoughts and their relational patterns as pathways to transformation.Dr. Pishva is also passionate about sharing knowledge and insights from research and clinical work, and understanding the intersection of psychology research and wellness trends. She is passionate about integrating attachment concepts into structured, evidence-based therapies and frequently presents workshops on bridging CBT with attachment-focused interventions. Through Sorted Mind, she provides clinical consultation and professional workshops on a number of mental health topics, supporting clinicians in developing their skills. https://sorted-mind.com/📷 Instagram: @dr.rana.sorted-mind

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Parenting is often described as the most important job in the world — but it may also be the most emotionally demanding.In this episode of Thoughts on Record, we sit down with clinical psychologist Dr. Alissa Jerud to explore her new book, Emotion-Savvy Parenting: A Shame-Free Guide to Navigating Emotional Storms and Deepening Connection. Drawing from CBT, DBT, and decades of research on emotion regulation, Dr. Jerud introduces the ART framework — Accept, Regulate, Tolerate — a practical and deeply compassionate roadmap for transforming family life.What makes this conversation so powerful is the central shift Dr. Jerud invites: the key to more harmonious parenting isn’t changing our children’s behavior — it’s learning to manage our own emotions first.We discuss:Why parenting is uniquely emotionally activatingThe difference between emotion regulation and emotional suppressionHow distress tolerance skills apply in everyday family conflictRecognizing and grounding our own “emotional storms”Setting firm boundaries without abandoning emotional acceptanceThe role of repair, imperfection, and self-compassion in healthy familiesHow this framework can prevent burnout — for both parents and cliniciansThis is not a perfection-based approach to parenting. It’s a psychologically sophisticated, shame-free model that meets parents where they are — and offers tools for building resilience, flexibility, and genuine connection.Whether you’re a parent, a clinician, or someone reflecting on your own upbringing, this episode offers a grounded, research-informed lens on what it means to raise — and regulate — human beings.About Dr. Alissa JerudDr. Alissa Jerud is a licensed clinical psychologist and Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Pennsylvania. She specializes in evidence-based treatments for anxiety, trauma, and emotion-regulation difficulties. Her book, Emotion-Savvy Parenting, introduces the ART model — Accept, Regulate, Tolerate — to help parents navigate emotional storms and deepen connection with their children.Instagram: @emotionsavvydocWebsite: www.alissajerud.com

Douglas Flemons, psychologist and emeritus professor known for training clinicians, reframes empathy as an active, relational skill. He explores empathy versus sympathy and compassion. Short takes cover empathy as doing, imaginative perspective-taking, managing boundaries to avoid burnout, empathic missteps, and practical techniques for re-engaging clients and supervising empathic skill.

Dr. Jesse Finkelstein, a licensed clinical psychologist and DBT trainer, discusses his book Real Skills for Real Life. He emphasizes how DBT can help navigate stress and emotional challenges through practical skills. The conversation covers the balance of acceptance and change, the universality of suffering, and the importance of reducing shame. They also explore how modern distractions impede emotional resilience and the significance of radical acceptance in processing trauma. Listeners gain insights into actionable tools for emotional regulation and interpersonal effectiveness.

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.

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! In this episode of Thoughts on Record, we sit down with Dr. Shirley Hershko, one of the foremost voices in the understanding of ADHD in girls and women. Her work has been central in challenging long-standing assumptions about how ADHD presents across the female lifespan—from childhood and early adulthood through motherhood, career transitions, perimenopause, and menopause.Together, we explore why ADHD in women remains underdiagnosed, how cultural expectations shape symptom expression, and why internalizing presentations like anxiety, perfectionism, and emotional dysregulation often obscure the true clinical picture. We also discuss the impact of hormonal fluctuations, the role of trauma, and the unique diagnostic challenges clinicians face. Finally, we examine how treatment needs to be adapted to support women at different life stages, including those diagnosed later in life who are grappling with identity shifts, grief, and self-understanding.This conversation offers clinicians, clients, and the general public a comprehensive look at the nuanced realities of ADHD in women.Key Themes We ExploreHow ADHD in women is often misunderstood or hidden, including the influence of socialization and internalizing symptomsDiagnostic challenges, including confusion with anxiety, depression, trauma, and the effects of hormonal changesHow ADHD evolves across the life span, particularly during major transitions such as parenting, career demands, perimenopause, and menopauseEffective treatment considerations, including medication, psychotherapy, coaching, and lifestyle strategiesIdentity and emotional experiences, such as self-esteem, grief, and reinterpreting one’s life story after a late diagnosisDr. Shirley Hershko is an ADHD specialist, therapist, diagnostician, professor, and researcher at the Hebrew University. With more than two decades of clinical experience focused on ADHD in girls and women, she offers comprehensive diagnostics and therapy worldwide through secure digital platforms.Dr. Hershko hosts a widely followed podcast, leads a Facebook community of 50,000 members, and is the author of the best-selling book Making Sense of ADHD. Her work centers on helping individuals with ADHD better understand their strengths, challenges, and unique neurocognitive profiles.Website: https://shirleyhershko.com 

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! In this conversation, we speak with psychotherapist and author Melissa Fulgieri, LCSW about her powerful book Healing Relational Trauma, which offers a deeply human and integrative approach to understanding the ways our early relationships shape who we become. We explore how awareness, compassion, and self-trust can help us move from survival to connection—transforming old patterns rooted in attachment wounding and developmental trauma.  The conversation also touches on themes of reparenting, nervous system regulation, relational repair, and the ongoing process of finding safety within ourselves and others.Themes of DiscussionUnderstanding Relational Trauma: Moving beyond “big T” events to include chronic emotional disconnection and unmet needs.The Legacy of Attachment: How early caregiving experiences shape self-worth, emotional regulation, and intimacy in adulthood.Breaking Cycles: Recognizing and transforming unconscious relational patterns that keep us stuck in repetition.Embodied Healing: Learning to recognize trauma responses in the body and fostering regulation through awareness and self-compassion.Boundaries and Self-Trust: Reclaiming agency and rebuilding a sense of safety when these capacities were never modeled.Connection as Medicine: Viewing relationships not as sources of pain to avoid, but as opportunities for repair and growth.Integrative Approaches: How modalities like CBT, family systems, mindfulness, and EFT can work together in trauma recovery.Cultural & Generational Context: Understanding how family legacies and social systems influence the experience of healing.Seeing Wounds as Invitations: Embracing pain as a portal to deeper authenticity, resilience, and relational depth.Melissa Fulgieri, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker, psychotherapist, author, adjunct professor, and speaker specializing in trauma-informed care and relational dynamics. With over a decade of clinical experience, she works with individuals and couples to address the enduring impact of childhood trauma on adult attachment, emotional regulation, and interpersonal functioning.Her integrative framework blends trauma-focused CBT, family systems theory, emotionally focused therapy (EFT), and mindfulness-based approaches. Melissa is the author of The Couples Therapy Activity Book and Healing Relational Trauma, and is recognized for her grounded, compassionate, and accessible clinical voice. She maintains a private practice in New York and teaches in graduate-level social work programs.Connect with Melissa:🌐 melissafulgieri.com📸 @melissafulgierilcsw💼 LinkedIn

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Parenting can often feel like a relentless series of checkboxes—milestones to hit, skills to teach, problems to solve. Yet beneath all of this lies something far deeper: the opportunity to cultivate wholeness, authenticity, and love, both in ourselves and in our children.In this episode, When At the Zoo Watch the Humans author Patrick Ney joins Dr. Pete Kelly for a discussion on reframing how we think about parenting. Drawing from his work with All About Parenting and his own personal journey through trauma, Patrick shares a vision of parenting as a deeply human and relational process—one rooted in connection rather than control.This wide-ranging conversation touches on key ideas from Patrick’s book, including the metaphor behind When At the Zoo Watch the Humans, the impact of modern media and technology on family life, and the essential importance of community and self-compassion in the parenting journey.Whether you’re a parent, clinician, or simply someone interested in human development, this episode offers rich insight into the emotional work of raising—and becoming—whole human beings.Themes & Topics DiscussedThe inspiration behind When At the Zoo Watch the Humans and its central message“Wholeness” as a redefinition of success in parentingHow parents can embrace their natural therapeutic role without feeling overwhelmedBalancing love, discipline, and emotional attunementParenting through the lens of trauma recovery and personal growthThe power of self-compassion and forgiveness in family lifeHow modern technology and media shape emotional developmentThe importance of community and shared experience in parentingPractical strategies for conflict resolution and strengthening parent–child bondsPatrick Ney is the Lead Trainer at All About Parenting, a global parenting education organization. Over the past five years, he has conducted hundreds of online seminars and workshops, reaching thousands of parents worldwide. His work is grounded in neurodevelopmental and relational principles, emphasizing authentic connection, empathy, and emotional resilience.Patrick is also the author of When At the Zoo Watch the Humans, a transformative exploration of the psychological and emotional dimensions of parenting. Originally from the UK, he now lives in Poland with his family, where he continues to inspire parents through teaching, writing, and public speaking.

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! 🎙️ Episode OverviewClinical documentation: every therapist’s frenemy. For many mental health professionals, paperwork is one of the most persistent sources of stress—filled with contradictory advice, defensive writing habits, and the ever-present fear of audits or legal scrutiny. Add to that an endless backlog of notes and inconsistent training, and it’s no wonder documentation can feel more like a burden than a cornerstone of good clinical care.With the rise of AI-powered tools—from automated note generation to smart treatment planners—clinicians are hopeful for relief. But new tools bring new questions: What’s ethical? What’s secure? And when does AI truly enhance care, rather than just speed up a flawed process?Dr. Maelisa McCaffrey, licensed psychologist and founder of QA Prep, joins us to explore the evolving landscape of clinical documentation, how to write better notes with less stress, and how to use AI responsibly while maintaining human-centered care.💡 Key Themes & QuestionsWhat are the biggest misconceptions about what needs to be included in clinical documentation?The most common documentation pitfalls among early-career therapists—and how to course-correct.Finding the balance between clinical thoroughness and legal protection.How to tailor documentation to its intended audience—billing, risk management, continuity of care, etc.Using documentation as a therapeutic tool, not just an administrative task.Key documentation strategies for high-risk situations (e.g., suicidality, child protection).How trauma-informed principles can guide respectful and non-stigmatizing notes.Best practices for open notes and client portals—writing transparently while maintaining clinical utility.Navigating couples and family therapy notes where multiple perspectives intersect.The impact of AI tools (scribes, generators) on documentation quality and clinician workload.Ethical and practical considerations when integrating AI into clinical workflows.Why clinicians must remain the final editors of AI-assisted notes.The future of AI in clinical outcome tracking and safety monitoring.Addressing concerns about liability and false confidence in AI-generated documentation.If Maelisa could change one thing about how clinicians approach documentation—it would be what?🧠 Guest BioDr. Maelisa McCaffrey, Psy.D. is a licensed psychologist, nail design enthusiast, and multi-passionate entrepreneur. Through her company QA Prep, she helps therapists transform documentation from a source of dread into a meaningful part of clinical practice. Maelisa focuses on the why behind documentation standards, helping clinicians think critically and ethically while maintaining their authenticity. Living with ADHD herself, she brings humor, practicality, and real-world insight to her trainings, empowering therapists to write notes with confidence and clarity.🔗 Connect with Dr. McCaffreyWebsite: QA PrepYouTube: QA Prep ChannelInstagram: @maelisamccaffreyLinkedIn: Dr. Maelisa McCaffrey

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! In this episode, Dr. Claire Sira and Tom Hudock join me to discuss their new book Feeling Loved with Adult ADHD. We explore how ADHD can quietly undermine even the strongest relationships—and how partners can move from shame and blame to empathy and trust.Together we cover:Emotion dysregulation and its impact on intimacyADHD as a “third partner” in relationshipsMoving from criticism to curiosityThe “Trust Account” metaphor for building connectionNavigating over-functioning vs. under-functioning rolesShame spirals, defensiveness, and timing in conflictPractical tools like boundaries, and empathy skillsHow worksheets and reflective exercises support real changeSigns of hope for couples who feel stuck or disconnectedIf you’re living with ADHD, partnered with someone who is, or working clinically with these dynamics, this conversation offers both compassion and practical strategies.Dr. Claire Sira Dr. Sira earned her PhD in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Neuropsychology from UVic in 2007. After working as a Neuropsychologist at Victoria General Hospital for five years, she transitioned to full-time private practice in 2014. In 2019, she expanded her focus to include assessing and treating ADHD in adults and youth, recognizing the similarity between executive function impairments in adult ADHD and those resulting from acquired brain injuries. As a co-founder of ADHD For Life, Dr. Sira has developed an efficient ADHD assessment process for psychologists and physicians. Additionally, she and her co-founder offer online coaching programs and books for adults with ADHD. Dr. Sira frequently presents on ADHD to healthcare professionals and provides supervision and training to therapists looking to enhance their skills in ADHD assessment and treatment. She also consults with clinics and specialized teams to integrate mental and behavioral healthcare into their services.  Lastly, Dr. Sira is a past president of the British Columbia Psychological Association Board of Directors and is currently serving a three-year term as a Director at Large on the Canadian Psychological Association Board of Directors.👉 drclairesira.caTom Hudock Known for starting organizations in technology, education, and psychology, Tom Hudock is more than a startup junkie—he is a coach, mentor, advocate, and partner. In a world where leaders are often lauded for being harsh, Tom does it all with compassion for the people, process, and product he seeks to elevate. But like many entrepreneurs, his path has not always been easy. As a young man, Tom left an Engineering degree to develop Canada’s 2nd Microsoft Windows-based Point-Of-Sale software, selling it across North America. After a successful exit to a plastics and paints retailer, he built his consulting expertise with government and big business while co-founding ADHD For Life and Hyperfocus Software.  In 2015, Tom co-founded Rethink Thinking Foundation, a non-profit hosting 250-teen weekend events with headliners like Sir Ken Robinson. He later launched Arc Academy of Inquiry, a registered middle school rooted in self-direction, resilience, and inquiry-based learning. Through challenges and failures came deep lessons and clarity. Today, Tom champions the underdog and finds his strongest inspiration by investing in people with drive and forward-thinking ideas.👉 https://adhdforlife.com/about-us