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

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Many of us accept freewill as an undeniable truth, assuming that we are the architects of our own decisions and destiny. Yet, a growing body of scientific research challenges this notion, suggesting that our sense of freewill may be more of an illusion than reality. This emerging perspective carries profound implications, urging us to reconsider the foundations of personal responsibility, ethics, and the way we govern our society.  Dr. Yona Bouskila joins us to explore this provocative subject, drawing on insights from his thriller, The Unthinkable Truth, which expertly blends scientific inquiry with imaginative fiction.  In this conversation we cover: the motivation behind delving into free will in The Unthinkable Truth and  how the book challenges conventional views on decision-making and destinythe fusion of neuroscience, philosophy, and AI in the book, with a particular focus on the Theory of Apparent Mental Causation, and the evidence that underpins this perspectivehow main character George Bennet's journey reflects the broader questions about the extent of human free will the role of AI, exemplified by the character Sherlock, in the exploration of free will and contrast its capabilities with human reasoningthe scientific tools and methods employed in the book to tackle the age-old question of free willthe interplay between personal responsibility and free will, and consider how these concepts might influence moral and legal frameworks in society.the ethical dimensions of using AI to understand and potentially influence human decisions, weighing its possible dangers and benefits.the key philosophical arguments against the existence of free will as presented in the book, and discuss how these are either supported or refuted by scientific evidence.the future of free will research and its potential impact on society, both in theory and in practice.A scientist by training, a thinker by nature, and an author by passion, Yona Bouskila has a particular fascination with the human mind in all its aspects. This enduring passion, together with his penchant for thrillers, served as the driving force behind The Unthinkable Truth, which he describes as a unique blend of thought-provoking science and thriller that culminates in an eye-opening revelation on the mind and humanity. He studied biology (with philosophy) and received a PhD in neuroscience from UCLA. He is involved in medical research and development. Before that, he conducted brain research at several institutions in the US and Europe. He writes short stories, often with a humorous slant, and his debut novel was published in May 2024. He lives in England with his wife and pets, where he enjoys the Surrey countryside and contemplating Buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/Unthinkable-Truth-Yona-Bouskila-ebook/dp/B0CW1N2JTJ/Visit the author's website: https://www.yonabouskila.com/

In this discussion, Dr. Sharon Martin, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and author of the 'Better Boundaries Workbook,' explores the essential nature of boundaries for mental well-being. She tackles misconceptions about boundary-setting, emphasizing its flexible application. Dr. Martin sheds light on overcoming guilt and fear of conflict when asserting boundaries, as well as the role of family dynamics. She offers practical advice for managing resentment and developing healthy self-advocacy, especially for those in therapeutic roles.

René Mõttus, a personality psychologist and professor at the University of Edinburgh and University of Tartu, dives into how personality traits shape life satisfaction. The discussion reveals how the Big Five traits—Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism—play pivotal roles in well-being. It highlights the influence of extraversion and neuroticism, the challenges in measuring life satisfaction, and the potential for personality changes to enhance emotional experiences over time.

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Compulsive reassurance seeking can be a challenging issue for both clients and therapists to manage. Clients are often highly adept—sometimes knowingly, sometimes unknowingly—at eliciting excessive reassurance from therapists and family members. At the same time, resisting the urge to seek reassurance can feel nearly impossible for clients. In this episode, Amanda Petrik-Gardner, LCPC, joins us to discuss core themes from her new book, "The Compulsive Reassurance Workbook". Our conversation covers:What compulsive reassurance seeking is and its significance across various mental health presentations.Differentiating between normal reassurance seeking and compulsive reassurance seeking.Common triggers that lead to compulsive reassurance seeking.The importance of distress tolerance in managing reassurance-seeking behaviors.Mental health disorders that are more susceptible to compulsive reassurance-seeking behaviors.he cycle of reassurance seeking and how it perpetuates anxiety.Avoiding the use of clinical interventions (e.g., a thought record) as a safety behavior.Key components of the reassurance-seeking cycle.Effective metaphors for psychoeducation.Guidance for family members on navigating this specific challenge.Treating compulsive reassurance seeking in complex situations (e.g., trauma, pandemics, checking the accuracy of completed tasks).The role of “extinction bursts” in exposure-based work.Relapse prevention and normalizing setbacks.Understanding when to approach versus step back from a feared stimulus.Managing dysfunctional beliefs about worry.Feedback or comments?  Email us at: oicbtpodcast@gmail.comAmanda Petrik-Gardner, LCPC specializes in the treatment of Obsessive Compulsive and Related Disorders. Amanda is the creator of the OCD Exposure Coloring Books and The Compulsive Reassurance Workbook, now available on Amazon. Amanda is on the board for OCD Kansas, an affiliate of the IOCDF (International OCD Foundation) and the president of the Kansas Counseling Association. She has completed the Behavioral Therapy Training Institute through the IOCDF and the Professional Training Institute through the TLC Foundation for BFRBs. Amanda currently provides Teletherapy to the states of Kansas, Colorado, Nebraska, Missouri, Michigan, Maine, Arizona and Florida.https://www.amandalcpc.com

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Behavioural activation is one of the best, if not the best treatments for depression. Clinical psychologist and author, Dr. Nina Josefowitz joins us for an in-depth discussion of themes contained in her new book The Behavioural Activation Workbook for Depression.  In this discussion we cover:    The basic premise of behavioral activation and how it differs from other depression treatments.The negative feedback loop of depression and why it is so challenging to break.How behavioral activation addresses the physical and emotional symptoms of depression.The role motivation plays in behavioral activation and how individuals can overcome a lack of motivation.The difference between the causes of depression and its treatment.The importance of individuals assessing their level of depression before starting treatment.The purpose of activity monitoring in the context of behavioral activation.Common pitfalls people encounter when trying to monitor their activities and mood.How detailed activity monitoring should be to be effective.Specific examples of mood-boosting activities.The importance of identifying personal values when setting goals for managing depression.Common avoidance behaviors that perpetuate depression.How the physical environment impacts an individual's ability to engage in positive activities.Common setbacks individuals face when engaging in behavioral activation.Strategies for sustaining progress in managing depression.The benefits of combining behavioral activation with medication for a more comprehensive treatment plan.Nina Josefowitz, PhD, is a clinical psychologist. In addition to her clinical practice, she teaches at the University of Toronto, and has offered training in North America, Asia, and Africa. She is author of numerous professional articles on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and issues related to general clinical practice. Along with David Myran, she coauthored CBT Made Simple and has co authored the new book The Behavioural Activation Workbook Depression (available on Amazon.com). She has appeared in court numerous times as an expert witness in cases involving interpersonal violence. Dr. Josefowitz was on the Council of the College of Psychologists of Ontario for 9 years, and President of the College from 2001-2003. She has published in the area of trauma, cognitive behavior therapy, women’s issues, ethics and clinical psychology.   Dr. Josefowitz is well known for integrating years of clinical experience into a practical, actionable strategies.  

Dr. Lindsay C. Gibson, a clinical psychologist with over 30 years of experience and bestselling author, delves into the challenges of dealing with emotionally immature individuals. She discusses the defining traits of emotional immaturity—like egocentrism and poor empathy—and explores the origins linked to unmet childhood needs. Lindsay provides practical steps for adult children on setting boundaries and emphasizes the importance of emotional processing. She also addresses the complexities of forgiveness, advocating for a personalized approach to healing.

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Assessing & treating adult ADHD can be both very challenging as well as highly rewarding for client and clinician alike. Psychologist & author, Dr. Russell Ramsay joins us for an in-depth discussion of the assessment and treatment of adult ADHD building on themes in his new workbook, The Adult ADHD and Anxiety Workbook.  In this discussion we cover: why Dr. Ramsay wanted to write a workbook focused on both ADHD and anxiety and why individuals with ADHD may be particularly prone to anxietya brief description of the symptom clusters of ADHD and why a dimensional approach can be helpfulan evolutionary angle to understanding ADHDan extensive discussion of tricky diagnostic issues including: nuance around contextualizing the later emergence of childhood symptoms; assessing ADHD in female clients; understanding the impact of "masking" on the presentation of symptoms; the impact of high trait agreeableness and pleasing behaviours on functional impacts; the course of symptoms over the lifetimethe contribution of undiagnosed ADHD to treatment resistance around other co-morbid conditionsaddressing the interpersonal challenges that can come with ADHDunderstanding rejection sensitivity in the context of ADHD  a strengths-based lens on ADHDthe so-called "ADHD tax"Comments or feedback?  Email the podcast at: oicbtpodcast@gmail.comJ. Russell Ramsay, PhD, ABPP, is a licensed psychologist specializing in the assessment and psychosocial treatment of adult attention deficit/hyperactive disorder (ADHD). Before embarking on his solo virtual practice, he was cofounder and clinical director of the University of Pennsylvania’s Adult ADHD Treatment and Research Program, where he was professor of clinical psychology in psychiatry. Ramsay is widely published, including five books on adult ADHD; lectures internationally and virtually; and is in the Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) Hall of Fame. He is from the Greater Philadelphia, PA, area.

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Many clinicians experience a sense of helplessness around effectively managing calls from loved ones of an individual living with a mental illness who is not willing to engage in treatment.  There is frequently an impression that little can be done until the affected individual wants to change.  Dr. Alec Pollard joins us for a discussion of he and his co-authors new book "When a Loved One Won't Seek Mental Health Treatment".  In this conversation we cover:    why Dr. Pollard and co-authors wanted to write this bookthe challenge for clinicians in fielding calls from loved ones seeking treatment for a loved one who is not motivated to engage in changewhere traditional approaches to a treatment avoidant loved one have fallen shortoperationally defining "treatment avoidance" through a lens of non-blameteasing apart the impact of symptoms vs. treatment avoidanceunderstanding how the loop of accomodation-minimization within the "family trap" can keep an individual stuck in treatment avoidancecontextualizing the counterintuitive impact of accommodation considering the extent to which family members are realistically positioned to provide assistance to family members given the complexities involved and the slippery slope of the family trapparallels to the family trap within the client-therapist relationshipthe line between clear, transparent boundaries and minimization on the part of the family member and the temporal course matterswhy their approach focuses almost exclusively on the family member as opposed to the loved one that won't seek treatmentcreating a recovery friendly environmentthe complications that personality challenges in either a family member and/or client can presentunderstanding when a family when should enlisting professional assistancehow to discuss this conundrum with a family member who calls for assistance with a loved oneC. Alec Pollard, PhD, is founding director of the Center for OCD & Anxiety-Related Disorders at Saint Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute, and professor emeritus of family and community medicine at Saint Louis University School of Medicine. He is a licensed psychologist with a special interest in the study and treatment of individuals with anxiety and emotional disorders who refuse or otherwise fail to benefit from evidence-based treatment. Pollard, codeveloper of the family well-being approach (FWBA), has authored or coauthored more than one hundred publications and leads the Family Consultation Team at Saint Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute.

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Dialectical behavior therapy or DBT is a wonderful suite of tools that help people to be more effective with respect to managing their emotions and becoming more interpersonally effective.  These are challenges that often loom especially large for those who are highly sensitive.  Emma Lauer, LCSW joins us for a discussion of her workbook DBT Skills for Highly Sensitive People.  In this conversation we cover:   what inspired Emma to speak about the implementation of DBT in a way that is tailored specifically to sensitive individuals.defining a highly sensitive person in the context of mental health and therapy and how this construct has been empirically defined.tell-tale life experiences that are typical of a highly sensitive individual.the biggest myths, misconceptions or “lore” about highly sensitive people.contrasting sensitivity with weakness.why emotional sensitivity can be a super power.current self-defeating cultural narratives, behaviours and values around emotional experiences.the unique challenges that highly sensitive individuals face that DBT can help address.distress tolerance vs. an unhealthy escape from difficult emotions.the importance of the so-called "window of tolerance" and top strategies for expanding the window of tolerance.some of the unique interpersonal challenges that highly sensitive people experience and how DBT can help to address this.managing uncertainty as a central challenge of managing a highly sensitive temperament.Laura's favourite emotion regulation strategies.some of the challenges of implementing mindfulness for highly sensitive individuals. Emma Lauer, LCSW, is a therapist specializing in the treatment of eating disorders, self-harming behaviors, and trauma. Emma is an eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)-certified therapist, an EMDR Consultant-in-Training, and she has taught both undergraduate and graduate-level courses at Arizona State University. She currently practices therapy and oversees interns and other staff therapists as clinical supervisor at Find Your Shine Therapy, a group private practice in Tempe, AZ.https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/emma-lauer-tempe-az/418090

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! In addition to being a topic that appears frequently in the realm of pop psychology, emotional intelligence is a subject of serious, rigorous academic inquiry.  Clinical psychologist & author, Dr. Stephanie Catella joins for us for a discussion of core-themes in her new book  The Emotional Intelligence Skills Workbook: Improve Communication and Build Stronger Relationships.  In this conversation we cover:   why Dr. Catella wanted to create a workbook specifically focused on Emotional Intelligence (EI)the current operational definition of EIcommon misconceptions people have about EIclinical presentations where it may be particularly useful to address EIthe importance of providing psychoeducation around emotions reacting v.s responding a values-driven path to EIradical acceptance as an advanced EI skill mentalizing  & attunement in the context of EIdefining genuine, effective, values-driven empathy and differentiating this from more manipulative concepts like agentic extraversiona consideration of fact vs. fiction around the emotional intelligence of narcissistic individuals the effective ingredients around effective, values-driven assertiveness and the value of being kind  the benefit to improve one's mental health and overall well-beingthe evoking of schemas that can occur in the context of this workComments or feedback?  Email us oicbtpodcast@gmail.com.  Stephanie Catella, PsyD, is a clinical psychologist with expertise in transdiagnostic cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for trauma, anxiety, and building emotional intelligence. After completing fellowships at the San Francisco VA and the University of California, San Francisco, she codirected the Berkeley Cognitive Behavioral Therapy clinic with Dr. Matt McKay. In addition to her private practice, she authored an FDA-cleared prescription digital therapeutic for fibromyalgia, and serves as an advisor to HealthTech companies.www.drstephcatella.com