Psychologists Off the Clock

Are You Interested In Cutting Edge Research Alcohol Use? Are You Curious How Long Term Alcohol Use Changes The Brain? Are You Interested In Learning More About The Genetics And Neuroscience Of Addiction? Then Join Us For An Interview With Dr. Lara Ray, Director Of The UCLA Addictions Lab. In this episode, Dr. Diana Hill talks with Dr. Lara Ray about the neuroscience of alcohol and addiction. Dr. Ray is a full professor in the Clincal Psychology Program at UCLA with academic apointments in the UCLA Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior and the UCLA Brain Research Institute. Dr. Ray’s laboratory combines experimental psychopharmacology with behavioral genetic and neuroimaging methods to look at the mechanisms underlying addictive disorders and apply these insights to treatment development. Today we get to talk about your brain on alcohol!  Resources: The UCLA Addictions LabThe AUDIT screening toolThe NIH recommendations for alcohol useSigns and symptoms of an alcohol use disorderTreatment resources from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Are You Curious How Spending Time in Nature Impacts Your Cognition, Mood, And Eye Health? Do You Want To Upgrade Your Walking Experience From "blah" To "awe"? Then Join Diana And Debbie In This Experiential Walk Through The Psychology Of Nature! As media and technology increasingly dominate our lives, we are spending less time in nature. This lifestyle change may be impacting not only our well being and physical health but also our cognitive abilities. Take a walk with co-hosts Diana Hill and Debbie Sorensen while listening to this episode investigating 6 benefits of nature on your wellbeing, how ecotherapy is integrated into Eastern medicine, and Diana's top 10 strategies to get more nature today! Spend time in nature to gain improve your mental health. Before you head out, take the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule to score your mood. Take it again when you return and learn how nature impacts you! Resources: Take the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule before and after you spend time in nature. Explore research studies documenting how nature reduces stress here and here. Explore research on the neuroscience of nature and on why you should request a window if you are in the hospital Explore research on cognitive benefits of immersing yourself in nature and how movement is easier when in nature The poem "What We Knew" by Carol Elkins as listed on ACBS resources Related Psychologists Off the Clock Episodes: 15. Embodiment (Part 1)16. Embodiment (Part 2) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Have You Faced Difficult Or Stressful Life Experiences? Do You Wonder Why Some People Seem To "Bounce Back" After Loss Or Trauma? Do You Want To Learn About Research On Resilience In Childhood And Adulthood? Are You Looking For Ways To Promote Resilience In Your Own Life?  Trauma, loss, childhood adversity, tragedy. Life can be hard, and anyone who lives long enough will face difficulty at some point. People respond to life’s challenges in a variety of ways; sometimes people have a really difficult time after stressful life events, and some seem to “bounce back” more easily. Most of us are capable of being at least somewhat resilient, and eventually adapt to even the hardest of circumstances. How do we do that? In this episode, Dr. Debbie Sorensen and Dr. Rae Littlewood will take a look at what psychology research has to say about resilience. We’ll look at what resilience is (and isn’t), highlight some interesting psychology research, and offer research-based suggestions for promoting resilience when life gets hard. Resources and Suggested Reading: Important Facts About Resilience/How to Create a Resilience Story/Resilience Checklist by David MeichenbaumOrdinary Magic: Resilience in Development by Ann S. MastenThe Other Side of Sadness: What the New Science of Bereavement Tells Us About Life After Loss by George A. BonanoAPA article: The Road to ResiliencePsychological Resilience: State of Knowledge and Future Research AgendasArticle on Loss, Trauma, and Resilience Tedeschi and Calhoun on Post-Traumatic GrowthShelley Taylor on PositiveAdaptation and GrowthOption B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy by Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant.Children’s book on resilience: After the Fall (How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again) by Dan Santat Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Has Your Professional Identity Changed By Becoming A Parent? Do You Struggle Balancing An Ambitious Career With An Engaged Family Life? Are You Curious How You Could "Choose Both" A Fulfilling Career And Meaningful Home Life? Psychological research suggests the pursuit of meaning in both work and parenting is the cornerstone of happiness. However, the act of straddling an ambitious career and being a parent can be overwhelming and destabilizing. Often working parents are left feeling that they are not meeting up to expectations in either role. In this episode, Dr. Diana Hill interviews a clinical psychologist, Dr. Yael Schonbrun, on the concept of "choosing both." Dr. Schonbrun is an assistant professor at Brown University where she specializes in working with new parents and couples. She is also a mother to three young boys. Dr. Schonbrun has written on the psychology of straddling professional goals and engaged family life in the New York Times article “A Mother’s Ambitions”  and blogs on the topic for Psychology Today. Dr. Schonbrun’s book is forthcoming. exc-5922e5229f745601897de7e6 Resources: Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm GladwellMan's Search for Meaning by Victor FranklThe Paradox of Choice: Why More is Less by Barry SchwartzContact Dr. Yael Schonbrun here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Are You Concerned About The Emotional Challenges Of Pregnancy And Having A New Baby? Do You Want To Learn More About Postpartum Depression And Anxiety? Are You Wondering Whether You Or A Loved One Needs Professional Support To Deal With Prenatal Or Postpartum Adjustment?  Having a baby is an incredible experience but it also comes with many challenges. In this episode, Dr. Rae Littlewood is joined by special guest Dr. Liza Mermelstein for Part 2 of our series on Hormones and Mood. This episode focuses on understanding the influence of hormones in trying to conceive and in prenatal and postpartum adjustment. Join in to learn about prenatal and postpartum depression and anxiety and what is recommended for self-care and psychological intervention. Resources:    Postpartum.netThis Isn’t What I Expected: Overcoming Postpartum Depression by Kleiman and RaskinBarnes, D. L (ed). (2014). Women’s Reproductive Mental Health Across the Lifespan. New York, NY: Springer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Are You Curious About How Hormonal Fluctuations Impact Your Mood? Do You Want To Learn More About The Biology Of PMS And How To Take Care Of Yourself During Different Times Of In Your Cycle? Do You Worry That You Or A Loved One Might Be Suffering From A More Severe Form Of PMS Called PMDD? Hormonal fluctuations play a significant role in mood changes throughout a woman's lifespan. In this episode, Dr. Rae Littlewood is joined by special guest Dr. Liza Mermelstein to share information about the relationship between mood and estrogen, provide guidance in differentiating between depression, PMS, and PMDD (prementrual dysphoric disorder), and review self-care and treatment options. We also touch on the relationship between estrogen fluctuation during perimenopause and increased risk for depression during this transition. Stay tuned for part 2 to learn more about hormones and mood in relation to trying to conceive and prenatal and postpartum adjustment.  Resources: Your Period in 2 Minutes (YouTube Video)Barnes, D. L (ed). (2014). Women’s Reproductive Mental Health Across the Lifespan. New York, NY: Springer.Douma, S. L., Husband, C., O’Donnell, M. E., Barwin, B. N., Woodend, A. K. (2005). Estrogen-related mood disorders: Reproductive life cycle factors. Advances in Nursing Science, 28 (4), 364-375.Maharaj, S. & Trevino, K. (2015). A comprehensive review of treatment options for premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Journal of Psychiatric Practice, 21 (5), 334-350. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Do You Want A Secure, Accepting Romantic Relationship? Are You Curious About How Your Attachment Style Impacts Your Partnership? Has Your Relationship Eroded Over Time? Listen Up To Learn How To Develop A Trusting And Lasting Romantic Bond. Secure romantic attachments are associated with health, resilience, and well-being. In this episode, Diana and Debbie discuss how our attachment style influences the erosion or stability of our relationships. Diana presents strategies from Sue Johnson's Emotionally Focused Therapy that will help you identify the problem cycles in your relationship, increase acceptance and close connection with your partner, and work towards forgiving injuries. Recommended Reading: Hold Me Tight by Sue JohnsonLove Sense by Sue JohnsonThe Book of Awakening by Mark Nepo Reconcilable Differences, Second Edition: Rebuild Your Relationship by Rediscovering the Partner You Love--without Losing Yourself by Andrew Christensen, Brian Doss, and Neil JacobsonAcceptance and Change in Couple Therapy: A Therapist's Guide to Transforming Relationships by Andrew Christensen and Neil Jacobson' Workshops: Hold Me Tight Workshop with Dr. Michelle Gannon and Dr. Sam JinichExperience ACT: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy with Dr. Diana Hill Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Do You Compulsively Check Your Phone? Does Social Media Make You Stressed And Living In Fomo? Do You Worry About Technology Impacting The Next Generation's Ability To Relate To One Another? Stay Tuned (On Your Phone Of Course) For This Important Episode On Technology! In 2007, Apple introduced the iPhone and our lives changed dramatically. Technology and phone use have rapidly taken over our daily tasks and social lives. In this episode, co-hosts Diana Hill and Debbie Sorensen will explore psychological research on why technology is so addictive and how overuse can negatively impact our sleep, attention, relationships, and physical health. We will give personal accounts and strategies for a more balanced and sustainable approach to tech. Resources: 7 Ways to Overhaul Your Phone Use from the American Psychological AssociationIrresistible: The Rise of Addictive Technology and the Business of Keeping Us Hooked by Adam AlterThe Happiness Effect: How Social Media is Driving a Generation to Appear Perfect at Any Cost by Donna FreitasAlone Together: Why We Expect More from Technology and Less from Each Other by Sherry TurkleReclaiming Conversation: The Power of Talk in a Digital Age by Sherry TurkleThe Invisible Gorilla: How Our Intuitions Deceive Us, Chris Chabris and Dan Simons Disconnected: Psychologists’ research shows how smartphone are affecting our health and wellbeing and points the way toward taking back control by Kristen Wier Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Are You A Parent Or Child Professional Who Is Committed To Keeping Children Safe? Do You Want Practical Strategies For Reducing The Risk Of Childhood Sexual Abuse? Are You Unsure How To Talk To Children About Their Bodies? Empower Yourself To Help Prevent Childhood Sexual Abuse By Listening To This Important Episode!  April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and adults can take steps to reduce the chance that their children will experience sexual abuse. In this important episode, Dr. Debbie Sorensen interviews Feather Berkower, renowned expert on sexual abuse prevention and co-author (along with Sandy K. Wurtele) of the book Off Limits: A Parent’s Guide to Keeping Kids Safe from Sexual Abuse.Feather Berkower is the founder of Parenting Safe Children, and has trained over 100,000 children, parents, and professionals in her popular workshop, Parenting Safe Children, which empowers adults to keep children safe from sexual abuse. In this episode you will learn: How parents can reduce the chances of sexual abuse, and how to create a “prevention team” of adults in your child’s life.Body Safety rules you can teach your child.Behaviors to watch out for when adults are with children.Whether there are particular children who are most vulnerable.The relationship between educating kids about sexual development and the risk of childhood sexual abuse. Resources: The Parenting Safe Children webpage.  Feather’s book Off Limits: A Parent’s Guide to Keeping Kids Safe from Sexual Abuse.Behaviors to watch out for when adults are with children.The Parenting Safe Children workshop calendar and registration. Online workshop, for those outside the Denver metro area Books for Children: Some Parts are Not for Sharing by Julie K. Federico I Said No! A Kid-to-kid Guide to Keeping Private Parts Private byKimberly & Zack KingIt’s Not the Stork by Robbie H. Harris Some Secrets Should Never Be Kept by Jayneen Sanders Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Do You Overeat, Chronically Diet, Or Feel Loss Of Control Over Food? Have You Lost Connection With Your Body's Internal Signals Of Hunger And Fullness? Do You Want To Eat As Naturally As You Did As A Child? Then Listen To This Episode With Dr. Linda Craighead About Appetite Awareness Training! Appetite Awareness Training (AAT) is a method of self monitoring developed by Dr. Linda Craighead to teach individuals how to tune into internal signals of hunger and fullness and use this heightened awareness to make conscious decisions about eating. Unlike dieting or monitoring calories/food, which increase preoccupation with food, AAT teaches you how to use your appetite cues and mindful eating to reestablish a normal relationship with food. About Linda Craighead: Dr. Linda Wilcoxon Craighead, Ph.D. is Professor of Psychology at Emory University in Atlanta and  has published extensively in the areas of eating disorders and weight concerns. In her book, The Appetite Awareness Workbook: How to listen to your body and overcome binge eating, overeating and preoccupation with food, Dr. Craighead guides you how to develop appetite awareness and mindful eating as a cognitive behavioral approach to eating and weight problems. Dr. Craighead teaches workshops, nationally and internationally, providing training in the application of appetite awareness to a range of problems related to eating and weight. Dr. Craighead is currently working on modifying and applying appetite awareness for children and adolescents, particularly as a tool to prevent or intervene early in the development of obesity. Dr. Craighead has extended her interest in mindfulness through collaboration with the Emory Cognitively-Based Compassion Training (CBCT).  AAT Resources to Explore: Appetite Awareness Workbook: How to listen to your body and overcome binge eating, overeating and preoccupation with food by Linda CraigheadAppetite Monitoring Forms(click here to download)The Mindful Eating Coach AppLink to the Healthy Eating and Weight Support Laboratory at Emory University Resources for Disordered Eating and Body Image Treatment:National Association of Anorexia and Associated Disorders (ANAD)  offers free support groups in your areaNational Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) offers information about eating disorders, screening tools, and free help line Selected Appetite Awareness Publications: Allen, H. N., & Craighead, L. W. (1999) Appetite monitoring in the treatment of binge eating disorder. Behavior Therapy, 30, 253-272. Brown, A. J., Smith, L. T., & Craighead, L. W. (2010). Appetite awareness as a mediator in an eating disorders prevention program. Eating Disorders:     The Journal of Treatment & Prevention, 18(4), 286-301.Craighead, L. W., & Allen, H. N. (1995). Appetite Awareness Training: A cognitive behavioral intervention for binge eating. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 2(2) 249-270. Dicker, S. & Craighead, L. W. (2004). Appetite-focused cognitive behavioral therapy in the treatment of binge eating with purging. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 11(2), 213-221.Hill, D. M., Craighead, L. W., Safer,  D. L. (2011). Appetite-focused dialectical behavior therapy for the treatment of binge eating with purging: a preliminary trial. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 44(3), 249-261. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.