Psych With Mike

Chong, P. L. H., Garic, D., Shen, M. D., Lundgaard, I., & Schwichtenberg, A. J. (2022). Sleep, cerebrospinal fluid, and the glymphatic system: A systematic review. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 61, 101572. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smrv.2021.101572

Reddy, O. C., & van der Werf, Y. D. (2020). The sleeping brain: Harnessing the power of the glymphatic system through lifestyle choices. Brain Sciences, 10(11), 868. https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci10110868

Cry More: Why Sadness is the Healthiest Human Emotion Jul 18, 2025

Psych with Mike and Brett: A User's Guide to Being Human

Amazon:

https://a.co/d/bYq4sgq

Get Control of Your Anxiety Jul 11, 2025

Psych with Mike and Brett: A User's Guide to Being Human.

Amazon

https://a.co/d/gBz6HP1

Cognitive Dissonance Jun 27, 2025

Psych with Mike and Brett: A User's Guide to Being Human.

Amazon

https://a.co/d/eVUL6gA

Kendall Hunt

https://he.kendallhunt.com/product/psych-mike-and-brett-users-guide-being-human

A Change is Gonna Come: Psych with Mike in Transition. Jun 19, 2025

Pick up the Psych with Mike book, Psych with Mike and Brett: A User's Guide to Being Human.

Amazon

https://a.co/d/inpCrpc

Kendall Hunt

https://he.kendallhunt.com/product/psych-mike-and-brett-users-guide-being-human

Barnes and Noble

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/psych-with-mike-and-brett-michael-mahon/1147148144?ean=9798385147342

Can AI Reduce Loneliness Jun 13, 2025

Psych with Mike and Brett: A User's Guide to Being Human

Amazon:

https://a.co/d/10dtj8p

Kendall Hunt:

https://he.kendallhunt.com/product/psych-mike-and-brett-users-guide-being-human

Barnes and Noble:

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/psych-with-mike-and-brett-michael-mahon/1147148144?ean=9798385147342

Be More Resilient Jun 06, 2025

Psych with Mike and Brett: A User's Guide to Being Human

Amazon:

https://a.co/d/aNFqO40

Kendall Hunt:

https://he.kendallhunt.com/product/psych-mike-and-brett-users-guide-being-human

Barnes and Noble:

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/psych-with-mike-and-brett-michael-mahon/1147148144?ean=9798385147342

How to Deal With Feeling Unloved May 30, 2025

Psych with Mike and Brett: A User's Guide to Being Human

Amazon:

https://a.co/d/74MgaA6

Kendall Hunt:

https://he.kendallhunt.com/product/psych-mike-and-brett-users-guide-being-human

Barnes and Noble:

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/psych-with-mike-and-brett-michael-mahon/1147148144?ean=9798385147342

The Healing Power of Tears: A Case for Sadness as the Most Powerful Human Emotion May 23, 2025

Psych with Mike and Brett: A User's Guide to Being Human

Amazon:

https://a.co/d/8PsQHH2

Kendall Hunt:

https://he.kendallhunt.com/product/psych-mike-and-brett-users-guide-being-human

Barnes and Noble:

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/psych-with-mike-and-brett-michael-mahon/1147148144?ean=9798385147342

The Connection Between Faith and Resilience May 16, 2025

Psych with Mike and Brett: A User's Guide to Being Human

Amazon:

https://a.co/d/i3U3viO

Kendall Hunt:

https://he.kendallhunt.com/product/psych-mike-and-brett-users-guide-being-human

Barnes and Noble:

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/psych-with-mike-and-brett-michael-mahon/1147148144?ean=9798385147342

How Trauma Affects Men and Women Differently May 09, 2025

Psych with Mike and Brett: A User's Guide to Being Human.

Amazon:

https://a.co/d/74mNSLe

Kendall Hunt:

https://he.kendallhunt.com/product/psych-mike-and-brett-users-guide-being-human

Barnes and Noble:

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/psych-with-mike-and-brett-michael-mahon/1147148144?ean=9798385147342

Codependency: What You Need To Know! May 02, 2025

Psych with Mike and Brett: A User's Guide To Being Human

Amazon

https://a.co/d/8MJvdL2

Kendall Hunt

https://he.kendallhunt.com/product/psych-mike-and-brett-users-guide-being-human

Barnes and Noble

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/psych-with-mike-and-brett-michael-mahon/1147148144?ean=9798385147342

Death, The Meaning of Life and Existentialism: The Work of Rollo May Apr 25, 2025

Psych with Mike and Brett: A User's Guide To Being Human

Amazon

https://a.co/d/65jo4Zs

Kendall Hunt

https://he.kendallhunt.com/product/psych-mike-and-brett-users-guide-being-human

Barnes and Noble

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/psych-with-mike-and-brett-michael-mahon/1147148144?ean=9798385147342

How to Identify and Treat Depression Apr 18, 2025

The Psych with Mike and Brett book:

Amazon

https://a.co/d/252XXLs

Kendall Hunt

https://he.kendallhunt.com/product/psych-mike-and-brett-users-guide-being-human

Barnes and Noble

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/psych-with-mike-and-brett-michael-mahon/1147148144?ean=9798385147342

Skills for Dealing with Difficult People Apr 11, 2025

Check out the Psych with Mike and Brett book!

Amazon

https://a.co/d/9tzd6wE

Kendall Hunt

https://he.kendallhunt.com/product/psych-mike-and-brett-users-guide-being-human

Barnes and Noble

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/psych-with-mike-and-brett-michael-mahon/1147148144?ean=9798385147342

Identifying and Working with the Agendas of Difficult People Apr 04, 2025

Psych with Mike and Brett: A User's Guide to Being Human

Amazon

https://a.co/d/1mKmZAn

Kendall Hunt

https://he.kendallhunt.com/product/psych-mike-and-brett-users-guide-being-human

Barnes and Noble

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/psych-with-mike-and-brett-michael-mahon/1147148144?ean=9798385147342

Screens and Loneliness Mar 28, 2025

Grab a copy of the Psych with Mike and Brett book from one of the links below!

Amazon

https://a.co/d/fZBl8h5

Kendall Hunt

https://he.kendallhunt.com/product/psych-mike-and-brett-users-guide-being-human

Barnes and Noble

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/psych-with-mike-and-brett-michael-mahon/1147148144?ean=9798385147342

Boundaries and Confidentiality in Psychotherapy Mar 21, 2025

Boundaries and confidentiality are important cornerstones to the therapeutic rapport in the psychotherapy relationship. Violations are harmful to the therapeutic relationship and a potential legal threat to the practitioner.

Get the new Psych with Mike and Brett book here.

Amazon https://a.co/d/8zolzEk

Kendall Hunt https://he.kendallhunt.com/product/psych-mike-and-brett-users-guide-being-human

The Best Overall Psychology Book Ever Written? Mar 14, 2025

Brett and I are excited to announce that our book is out! We have written 10 chapters divided into three developmental stages. We cover infancy/childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Topics covered are emotional development, self-esteem, personality, and many more. We hope you pick up a copy and find the information enlightening and useful.

Psych with Mike and Brett: A User's Guide To Being Human. https://he.kendallhunt.com/product/psych-mike-and-brett-users-guide-being-human

How to Navigate Family Estrangement Mar 07, 2025

Almost everyone who has ever had a family has experienced some kind of estrangement. Sometimes it's a little thing that grows out of proportion. Sometimes it's a big thing that contributes to generational trauma. Whatever the reason, these situations can have profound long-term effects. Check out the video to learn effective ways to navigate family estrangement.

Have We Returned to Normal, Post-Pandemic? Feb 28, 2025

Have we returned to our pre-pandemic normal? Should we even be able to expect that to happen? What do the answers to those questions mean to the psychology of our society going forward?

https://news.gallup.com/poll/612230/four-years-say-covid-pandemic.aspx

The Little Known Cluster A Personality Disorders: Schizoid, Schizotypal, and Paranoid. Feb 21, 2025

Even those in the professional field of psychology may not know much about cluster A personality disorders. This episode is a must-watch if you want to learn more about them and how to identify them.

What is the Difference Between Brainwashing and Indoctrination and Does it Matter. Feb 14, 2025

What is the difference between indoctrination and brainwashing? Are they interchangeable terms and what is the agenda of those using this language?

https://medium.com/bouncin-and-behavin-blogs/the-differences-between-indoctrination-and-brainwashing-092b8c18ce3e

Questions and Challenges about Starting a Psychotherapy Practice Feb 07, 2025

Setting up a new therapy practice, whether you're just out of school, leaving an agency, or separating from a group, can be nerve-racking and scary. Here are some thoughts on how to navigate these challenges. Brett and I wish great success and prosperity for all the souls on the journey.

Getting to Know a Personality Disorder: Narcissism Jan 31, 2025

Personality are the enduring characteristics and behaviors that we use to adapt to life (this is the clinical psychology definition). Defense mechanisms are then a part of our personality. When defense mechanisms become malignant and maladaptive, this can become a personality disorder. In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manuel 5-TR, personality disorders are grouped into clusters that represent a common pattern of maladaptive thoughts and behaviors. Narcissism is in cluster B on the DSM.

Gerascophobia: The Fear of Getting Older Jan 24, 2025

Our society has a significant issue with age and a negative perception about getting older. As you can see by the title, this is so prevalent that there is actually a term for this fear, Gerascophobia. The real problem and even irony of this is that the only solution is to NOT get older which is unrealistic or even impossible. So, we condemn ourselves to a perpetual state of anxiety and dread. But this need not be the case. There is a growing body of research about getting older, maintaining our quality of life, and maybe even being happy.

https://psyche.co/ideas/rather-than-fearing-getting-old-heres-how-to-embrace-it

How to Handle Sexualized Transference in the Therapeutic Relationship Jan 17, 2025

The therapeutic relationship is intense by definition. Clients have to be courageous enough to make themselves vulnerable by sharing information about themselves that they may not share with any other person. Sometimes this leads to the client developing feelings for the therapist and in some cases, these feelings may be sexualized. In psychology, we call this sexualized transference. Practitioners need to know how to handle such situations with care and professionalism.

It is also important for clients to know that this situation is fairly common. And that they can express such feelings in a way that can be therapeutically helpful. The article below can help clients understand and process these feelings.

https://www.verywellmind.com/help-ive-fallen-in-love-with-my-therapist-2337585#:~:text=What%20Is%20Transference%3F,positive%2C%20negative%2C%20or%20sexualized

Getting to Know the DSM 5-TR Jan 10, 2025

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders edition 5 Text Revision (DSM 5-TR) is the current version of the diagnostic manual for mental health professionals in the U.S. The DSM is published by the American Psychiatric Association. Codes in the DSM 5-TR have been revised to be compliant with the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) published by the World Health Organization (WHO). There are over 70 diagnoses in the DSM, however, only 15 are routinely used by mental health professionals. The top ten most frequently diagnosed mental health disorders of 2023 are listed in the Definitive Healthcare article below.

Introduction to the DSM and ICD https://nbcc.org/exams/dsm#:~:text=The%20preface%20to%20the%20DSM,%2D5%2DTR%2C%20pp.

Includes list of the top ten diagnoses in mental health in 2023 https://www.definitivehc.com/blog/most-common-mental-health-diagnoses

What is Ironic About the Loneliness Epidemic in Our Society Jan 03, 2025

The US Surgeon General recognized loneliness as an epidemic in 2023. The report is linked below. Why is this the case? People are more connected through electronic media than ever before, yet they feel more isolated and lonely. Clearly, these online connections cannot take the place of real in-person experiences. This is a lesson that is important for us to understand and accept to be able to work towards a resolution to the epidemic of loneliness.

https://www.hhs.gov/surgeongeneral/priorities/connection/index.html

How to Understand and Improve Your Self-Esteem Dec 27, 2024

Self-esteem is clinically defined as the global perception of self—that is, how one sees oneself. It is difficult to access/change self-esteem itself because it is a global perception. So when therapists work with clients on issues of self-esteem, what we do is work on issues of self-confidence, or as Albert Bandura called it, self-efficacy. Self-confidence/self-efficacy is the domain-specific perception of self. For example, an individual may have played a sport from a very young age. In high school this person may be fairly confident in their ability in the domain of the sport they play but still have low overall self-esteem because in the majority of other domains, the individual operates in, they feel very insecure. When any individual has high confidence in the majority of domains they operate in, their self-esteem will rise significantly.

Viktor Frankl, The Holocaust, and Existential Psychology Dec 20, 2024

Brett and I have discussed existential psychology and Viktor Frankl many times. Every time, I say, "We need to do a show about that." Well, today is that day! We will discuss Dr. Frankl and his experiences in the concentration camps. We will also explore how Dr. Frankl's theories help inform us as therapists to help clients deal with/process their pain, trauma, and frustration.

Helping Clients Find Boundaries Dec 13, 2024

In a recent episode, Brett and I talked about ethics in the practice of counseling. A corollary topic is that of boundaries. Helping clients find their own boundaries is a fundamental task in therapy. However, therapists need good boundaries themselves to create a healthy therapeutic environment as well as model boundaries for the client. In this episode, Brett and I will explore how to help clients find their own boundaries.

Ethics in Practicing Counseling and Psychotherapy Dec 06, 2024

How are ethics different from statutes and/or laws? Why do ethics matter? How do you know if your interpretation of ethics is correct? This episode will answer all those questions and more!

How did Adolescence Become a Stage of Human Development? How to Understand the Adolescent Brain. Nov 29, 2024

Adolescence has only been considered a stage of human development for about 125 years. H Stanley Hall is credited with defining this stage of development in 1904. Prior to the Industrial Revolution, most societies viewed individuals as adults when they were able to procreate (were going through puberty. In what ways is the adolescent brain different from that of a child or an adult?

Real Talk About Death and Dying with Two Professional Therapists Nov 22, 2024

Death and dying is difficult for most people to talk about or even think about, even though it is the only experience other than birth that every human is guaranteed to experience. In this episode, Brett and I share our thoughts about having an empathic conversation about this difficult topic. We also share our views on how to treat/work with those who have experienced loss.

How to Improve Your Relationships by Understanding Empathy Nov 15, 2024

Empathy is defined as the ability to feel the emotions of another as if they were your own. It is a powerful tool for understanding and improving our relationships. It is also an essential quality in the therapist-client relationship.

Want People to Like You More? You Need to Understand Emotional Intelligence! Nov 08, 2024

Emotional Intelligence is a concept in psychology that describes the capability to regulate one's own emotions and to accurately interpret the emotions of others. The four pillars of Emotional Intelligence are:

Perceiving emotions
2. Reasoning/labeling emotions
3. Understanding emotions
4. Managing emotions

Want to Understand Your Attachment Style?... Listen to This! Nov 01, 2024

Attachment and bonding are essential to the health of our relationships and play a vital role in the development of emotional regulation. To find out more, check out this episode.

Understanding Guilt Oct 25, 2024

As psychotherapists, Brett and I have had literally thousands of conversations with clients about guilt. It is one of the most common issues that people deal with. But what do you know about guilt and its cousin, remorse? In this episode, Brett and I will break =down the difference between guilt and remorse and common sense ways to cope with both.

Healing Trauma Oct 18, 2024

It is now universally accepted that trauma (both acute and chronic) has real biological impacts on the brain. Today Brett and I discuss how to treat and even heal trauma.

The Man, The Legend, Rollo May Oct 11, 2024

Rollo May (1909-1994) is one of the true greats in the annals of psychology. Even though he was integral in the evolution of existential and humanistic psychology, he remain a grounded and modest man. This may be why his name is so well known but his achievements may not be. He routinely brushed shoulders with men like Maslow, Rogers, and Frankl, true legends of psychology. His writings, especially the book, "Love and Will" sound like they were written today and not in the mid-1960s. Enjoy.

https://www.rollomay.net/

What is a Doorknob Bombshell in Therapy? Oct 04, 2024

In therapy, clients often disclose significant/important information just as a session is ending. Today we discuss why this happens and what therapists must know to handle these situations appropriately/therapeutically.

Mirroring in Heinz Kohut's Self Psychology Sep 27, 2024

In Kohut's Self Psychology, mirroring is an important concept integral to developing self-esteem and emotional regulation. Mirroring is also important in the therapeutic relationship. Listen to find out more.

What is Rumination Sep 20, 2024

Rumination, or feeding thoughts (usually negative) back on themselves in a vicious loop, is something all of us have experienced in our lives. Sometimes, rumination can become a stumbling block, and when that happens, people may need help getting out of that rut.

Why it's Hard to Think Rationally When You are Having an Emotion Sep 13, 2024

Because of the way the human brain is designed, it feeds resources to the most basic functions first. This is for survival, so our autonomic functions (breathing, heartbeat) are first. Emotions and survival instincts are second. Finally, last is our cortex and rational thinking.

What is the Parental Introject? Sep 06, 2024

While writing the book we are working on, Brett and I often use terms familiar to those who work in psychology but may not be familiar to others. The Parental Introject is an example of one such term. In this episode, we discuss the parental introject and provide answers about how to correct/change introjects that may be problematic or harmful.

The Difference in the Emotional Life of Men And Women Aug 30, 2024

Big boys don't _____________. Fear is a sign of _______________. If you know the answers to these questions, then you know that the way our culture conditions men and women to process their emotions is different.

The Biology of Emotions Aug 23, 2024

What are emotions? Brett and I delve into the biology of how emotions work in the human body.

What is an Emotion Aug 16, 2024

Do you know what an emotion is? Well listen to the next two Psych with Mike and Brett episodes and see if your definition changes.

The Psychology of Aging Aug 10, 2024

According to the Census Bureau, this year (2024) the largest proportion of the baby boomer generation will turn 65. By 2030 all baby boomers will be 65 or older. This means that in 2030 the 65 and older population will comprise 20% of the total population in the US. This is the largest percentage of elderly persons in the US population in the country's history. This has profound implications for the workforce, economy, and every aspect of life in the nation. What are the significant psychological issues this poses for those living longer in the US? https://www.census.gov/library/storie...

Good versus Bad Stress Jul 07, 2023

We usually think that all stress is bad, but that is actually not true!

The Most Listened to Psych with Mike Jun 30, 2023

This is the most listened-to Psych with Mike that Brett and I did. The episode is all about Transactional Analysis. When reviewing the numbers it was not even close. Enjoy!

The First Ever Psych with Mike Jun 16, 2023

This was the first Psych with Mike that Brett and I ever did. The audio is horrible and there was no video but the conversation was great!

Finding Closure Jun 09, 2023

With Brett no longer on the show, I am looking for the path forward for the show!

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acceptance https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/click-here-happiness/202108/how-practice-acceptance https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-closure-in-a-relationship-5224411 https://theconversation.com/the-psychology-of-closure-and-why-some-need-it-more-than-others-104159 https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/closure

The Psychology of Saying Goodbye Jun 02, 2023

It is often very difficult to say goodbye. Whether the result of life passing, ending a relationship, or, moving far away, there is a period of our lives that are ending. On the other hand, there is a new period of life that is beginning. As for my friend, Brett Newcomb, I will forever be grateful for the contributions he made to the show and for being my friend!

https://www.apa.org/pubs/highlights/spotlight/issue-135

How To Get The Most Out Of Therapy May 26, 2023

You make the decision to go to therapy. Good on you! Now make sure you are ready to make it a useful and rewarding experience!

https://psychcentral.com/lib/therapists-spill-tips-for-making-the-most-of-therapy

https://www.healthline.com/health/what-to-talk-about-in-therapy

Emotional Regulation in Adulthood May 19, 2023

This is a revisit of one of the most downloaded episodes of Psych with Mike. This is a topic close to my heart since I believe that emotional regulation is the central issue is all psychotherapy.

How to Feel Less Lonely May 12, 2023

The Surgeon General of the US recently released a report on loneliness. In it, the physiological effects of loneliness were found to be equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. These kinds of physiological findings just affirm what all of us already know, loneliness hurts! It hurts us both psychologically and physically.

Surgeon General's Report

https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2023/05/03/new-surgeon-general-advisory-raises-alarm-about-devastating-impact-epidemic-loneliness-isolation-united-states.html#:~:text=Disconnection%20fundamentally%20affects%20our%20mental,levels%20comparable%20to%20smoking%20daily.

Articles of Loneliness

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/how-be-yourself/202001/7-ways-feel-less-lonely-and-more-connected

https://ggia.berkeley.edu/practice/feeling_connected

Link to Epidemic of Loneliness from Psych with Mike

https://psychwithmike.com/the-epidemic-of-loneliness

The Power of Self-Forgiveness May 05, 2023

Many people find it harder to forgive themselves than they do to forgive others. We may feel like we do not deserve forgiveness or that if we forgive ourselves then we were never truly sorry for the behavior. Whatever the reason, when we do not forgive ourselves we remain in perpetual psychological bondage.

https://psyche.co/guides/how-to-forgive-yourself-and-move-past-a-hurtful-mistake?utm_source=Aeon+Newsletter&utm_campaign=f4ecbb6ed5-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2023_03_29&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-66d1b44a50-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D

Nihilism and Psychology Apr 28, 2023

What is nihilism and what does it have to do with psychology? Most of us have heard of the philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche and some know that he is credited with promoting the ideas of nihilism. But how many actually know what nihilism is and how it plays a role in psychology?

https://psyche.co/ideas/for-nietzsche-nihilism-goes-deeper-than-life-is-pointless?utm_source=Aeon+Newsletter&utm_campaign=639b69be36-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2023_04_06&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-0a72083c10-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D

Does Personality Chamge Apr 21, 2023

Does our personality change and evolve over the lifespan? Or does personality remain consistent and static from adolescence?

https://psyche.co/ideas/theres-a-reason-some-of-us-find-it-easier-to-change-than-others?utm_source=Aeon+Newsletter&utm_campaign=8e4e0f2ec4-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2023_03_10&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-b1f49aa884-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D

What is Brain Fog? Apr 14, 2023

The term "Brain Fog" has been around for a long time but has gained increased significance during the pandemic. What IS brain fog and can we do anything about it?

https://www.cnbc.com/2023/01/31/neuroscientist-how-to-avoid-brain-fog.html

Good Communication Skills Apr 07, 2023

Communication is the most basic way that humans connect. Good knowledgeable skills are the foundation of good interactions!

https://www.inc.com/minda-zetlin/3-things-people-who-are-good-at-conversation-dont-do-according-to-a-research-psychologist.html

How Trauma Changes Connections in the Brain Mar 31, 2023

Research is building an indisputable record of evidence supporting the belief that the experience of trauma changes the way the brain is wired. Trauma that is low-level over a long period of time (chronic) can be just as transformative as trauma that is intense and sudden (acute)

https://www.sciencenews.org/article/trauma-distorts-time-self-new-therapy

What is Positive Psychology? Mar 24, 2023

The introduction of concepts like "mindfulness" and "positive psychology" is only helpful if they can be defined. In science, this is called operational definition. Is Positive Psychology an actual theoretical orientation or just a new-wave fad?

https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-positive-psychology-2794902

Are There Learning Styles and Why Does it Matter? Mar 17, 2023

As long-time educators, Brett and I have always accepted the concept that different people learn in different ways. A recent article in Aeon magazine challenges this long-held belief.

https://aeon.co/essays/the-evidence-is-clear-learning-styles-theory-doesnt-work?utm_source=Aeon+Newsletter&utm_campaign=83087b53bc-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2023_01_24_05_07&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-83087b53bc-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D

Heinz Kohut and Self Psychology Mar 10, 2023

Heinz Kohut and Self Psychology establish the foundational understanding of the development of emotional regulation. But perhaps his most impressive contribution to the field was his introduction of empathy into the therapy relationship.

https://www.selfpsychologypsychoanalysis.org/about.html

How Much Should You Know About Your Therapist? Mar 03, 2023

Clients are often very curious about the private lives of their therapists. But therapists are educated to present themselves as a blank slate. The amount of self-disclosure that a therapist engages in therefore is a balance between what is most therapeutic for the client and the therapist's presentation as genuine and sincere.

https://aeon.co/videos/pondering-the-peculiar-one-sided-intimacy-of-the-client-therapist-relationship?utm_source=Aeon+Newsletter&utm_campaign=974bf7efe0-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2023_01_16_06_08&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-974bf7efe0-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D

Just Breathe Feb 24, 2023

Breathwork is a core technique in counseling and psychotherapy. It has also been a central tenet of practices as old as Zen meditation. But what are the therapeutic and/or health benefits of breathwork?

https://www.inc.com/jeff-haden/science-says-use-relaxing-breath-method-to-fall-asleep-faster-starting-tonight.html

Otto Kernberg is Still Alive! Who Knew? Feb 17, 2023

Otto Kernberg is one of the most influential theorists responsible for our understanding of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)!

https://www.verywellmind.com/borderline-personality-disorder-meaning-425191

What Does it Mean to be a Dry Drunk? Feb 10, 2023

There is a whole vocabulary associated with recovery from alcohol and drugs. For those who are not in the program or do not work professionally with those in recovery, this can be very confusing. Brett recently was talking to a friend about what it means to be a dry drunk and found that even he had many questions.

https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/what-to-know-dry-drunk-syndrome

Ketamine and Depression Feb 03, 2023

Ketamine is the only psychedelic substance that has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of depression, so far. How does this drug help depression and will other psychedelics get approval in the future?

https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2022/09/12/ketamine-therapy-explained/

What is the Enneagram Jan 27, 2023

The Enneagram is a personality classification system based on the work and theories of Carl Gustav Jung.

The Best Advice from 2022 Jan 20, 2023

In early 2023, Brett and I discuss 10 lessons from 2022.

https://www.wellandgood.com/best-advice-from-therapists/

Understanding Insecure Attachment Jan 13, 2023

Attachment styles play a huge part in successful and enjoyable relationships. But most of us do not even know what our attachment style is.

https://www.verywellhealth.com/insecure-attachment-5220170

Are There Narcissistic Kids? Jan 06, 2023

A current buzzword in psychology and also society at large is, entitled child. But before that psychology had a word for those who saw themselves as wonderful and that was narcissism. Are these separate concepts or just opposite sides of the same coin?

https://awarenessact.com/narcissistic-children-are-raised-by-parents-who-do-these-8-things/?fbclid=IwAR1wcd8eu0xHxiY3nW24f3mZ9Dr7zxmg2jo9jwcULvBPhqIt1lcKoDXwJts

How to Create Resolutions You Can Actually Stick With Dec 30, 2022

Happy New Year to you and your loved ones from us at Psych with Mike. This is a revisit of a conversation that Brett and I had on making resolutions that work. Enjoy and the best of luck in the new year!

Habits of Unhealthy People Dec 23, 2022

It's been a long two years. Over this holiday season, many of us may be re-evaluating our behavior in the hopes of making better choices and improving our physical and mental health in the new year. But to do this effectively we need to know what behaviors we may have fallen into that are not the healthiest for us.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/travisbradberry/2016/07/26/10-troubling-habits-of-chronically-unhappy-people/?sh=33018b6b70f3

The Power of Letting Go Dec 16, 2022

All of us have past trauma that affects us in the present. It is cliche to hear someone say "you have to let it go". But how do you do this?

https://www.berkeleywellbeing.com/letting-go.html

https://unfoldingtheuniversewithin.com/the-art-of-letting-go-of-the-past/

Avoidant Attachment Style Dec 09, 2022

Relationships are at the core of being a healthy human being. We develop attachment styles as a result of our experiences early in our lives. One of these attachment styles is avoidant attachment. Today we discuss the characteristics of this attachment style and how it impacts our relationships.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-clarity/202206/what-is-avoidant-self-attachment

The Neurology of Fear and Anxiety Dec 02, 2022

As better ways of exploring the way our brains are connected become available, we are mapping these connections with greater precision. Does a better, more comprehensive map of the way areas of the brain operate make psychology more of a "hard" science?

https://neurosciencenews.com/amygdala-emotion-20969/

The Language of Passive Aggression Nov 25, 2022

We all have heard someone accuse someone of being passive-aggressive. But how many of us really know what that means or how to identify the behavior?

https://www.cnbc.com/2022/09/25/the-3-biggest-signs-of-passive-aggressive-and-childish-behavior-harvard-body-language-expert.html

Why Therapy Sucks Nov 18, 2022

Therapy and mental health are recognized as being in epidemic-like short supply. With the pandemic and political division, people are finding their mental health has taken a big hit over the last couple of years. And yet there is growing dissatisfaction among therapy devotees and unequal availability of therapy services across socioeconomic domains.

https://www.wired.com/story/therapy-broken-mental-health-challenges/

The Epidemic of Loneliness Nov 11, 2022

As we move beyond the pandemic we are seeing a significant increase in the number of persons who express that they are feeling lonely. What are the factors that are contributing to this besides the isolation of the pandemic?

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/understanding-ptsd/202207/how-childhood-trauma-can-lead-adult-loneliness

Self Talk to Boost Your Confidence Nov 04, 2022

We could all use a little boost to our self-esteem. You're welcome!

https://www.cnbc.com/2022/09/18/want-to-sound-and-feel-more-confident-ditch-these-11-phrases-from-your-vocabulary-say-psychologists.html

What is Happening to the Human Attention Span? Oct 28, 2022

Studies indicate that the human attention span has significantly shortened since the rise of social media. Why is it getting so hard for us to focus our attention?

https://www.ranieriandco.com/post/changing-attention-span-and-what-it-means-for-content-in-2021

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2019/apr/16/got-a-minute-global-attention-span-is-narrowing-study-reveals

The Neuroscience of Enlightenment Oct 21, 2022

Enlightenment, self-actualization, and, mindfulness are ideal states of being that we are all striving for. But what is the neuroscience that supports the idea that enlightenment is a real phenomenon that has beneficial effects?

https://bigthink.com/the-well/neuroscience-of-enlightenment/