Why do some conspiracy theories seem to have so much evidence to support them? Well, that’s because if you look hard enough at any event, and you don’t have any particular theory before you start looking, you’re eventually going to find something. And you’ll probably think that thing is AMAZING. This is what careful thinkers and researchers have to learn: if … Read More
Ep 301: Hatred and Violence in America: It’s Not About Mental Illness
There are too many knee-jerk, brief (and incorrect) explanations for why the US is experiencing such a rise in hatred and violence. Claiming that violent perpetrators are “mentally ill” is wrong. We have research and we understand the dangerous path that some young men get involved in and which ultimately leads them to violence. The right answers are more subtle, … Read More
Ep 330: Trouble Sleeping? Psychologist Dr. Shelby Harris’ Approach to Treating Insomnia
I haven’t talked about sleep problems yet here on the Psych Files so I brought in the perfect person to talk to us about sleep and insomnia. Dr. Shelby Harris has written the Woman’s Guide to Overcoming Insomnia and I learned a lot about how Cognitive Behavioral therapy is applied to this specific problem. Dr. Harris also has some tips … Read More
Ep 328: Authenticity – Is There a Hidden You?
Have you ever wondered if you’re really being true to some inner person of yours? Wondered if there isn’t someone else inside that you that you’re supposed to be actualizing? Guess what? Maybe not. What is authenticity anyway? That’s what we’ll explore in this episode, along with a discussion of some of the doubts being cast on the famous Stanford … Read More
Ep 320: Cannabis and Mental Health – Whose Advice Can You Trust?
Only a little while ago cannabis (marijuana) was approved for medical purposes. Now “recreational use” of the plant is legal in many states in the US. It is being prescribed to treat PTSD, schizophrenia and chronic pain among others. But what is dispensary opens near you – can you trust the advice of the “budtender” (staff who work at cannabis … Read More
Ep 319: Forensic Psychology – An Interview with Dr. Susan Lewis
It seems like there’s no end to TV shows about criminals who have various psychiatric disorders. It’s understandable that we find them fascinating, but how accurate are they? What is it really like to work with individuals who are convicted of serious crimes but who are unquestionably suffering from a mental illness? If you’re interested in these questions or are … Read More
Ep 316: Motivational Interviewing and the TV Show Columbo
Hopefully you’ve watched the TV show Columbo. Curious about what this character has to do with psychology? You’d be surprised. In this episode I analyze Columbo in terms of the psychological technique called motivational interviewing. I also take a look at the criminal lineup scene in the Jennifer Garner movie, “Peppermint“. I also explain why you remember how to ride … Read More
Ep 314: Trauma Recovery with Dr. Matt Jaremko
If you’re suffering from the effects of a trauma in your life or know someone who is, then listen to Dr. Matt Jaremko talk about his new book with Beth Fehlbaum called Trauma Recovery: Sessions With Dr. Matt. Dr. Jaremko’s approach to therapy with trauma victims is straightforward and respectful. It’s about helping survivors get their confidence back and move … Read More
Ep 313: Owning Bipolar: A Conversation with Michael Pipich
This is part 2 of my interview with Michael Pipich, author of the book, Owning Bipolar. In this part of the interview MIchael discusses his therapeutic approach to trearting Bipolar Disorder.If you have been diagnosed with bipolar or know someone who has, this episode is for you. Michael Pipich brings his 30 years of experience together in his new book, … Read More
Ep 312: Owning Bipolar: A Conversation with Michael Pipich
Bipolar (previously known as “manic depression”) is often a difficult disorder to diagnose, much less to live with. If you have been diagnosed with bipolar or know someone who has, this episode is for you. Michael Pipich brings his 30 years of experience together in his new book, Owning Bipolar. In part 1 of my interview with him, we discuss … Read More
