The Christina Crowe Podcast: Making the invisible VISIBLE

I’m your host, psychotherapist Christina Crowe, and I love making invisible things visible. Today I have the privilege of speaking with medical oncologists Dr. Christine Brezden-Masley and Dr. Christine Simmons, co-chairs of the Junior Mentoring Program JuMP that fosters mentorship of junior medical oncology faculty across Canada, and strong advocates for psychological safety in medicine. Together, we cover: How does the hierarchy in medicine impact psychological safety and healthcare practitioners? What role does mentorship play in supporting junior medical oncologists? How can doctors manage the pressures of their job while continuing to provide the best care for their patients? What are the key aspects of psychological safety for health care workers? What are the specific disparities and challenges faced by medical professionals in different specialties? About our Guests:  Dr. Christine Simmons is a Medical Oncologist at the BCCA Vancouver and Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of British Columbia. She completed her residency training in Toronto, and completed a fellowship at Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto. She recently founded the Sarcoma Outcomes Unit at the BC Cancer Agency and is Founder and Chair of the not for profit organizations, Women in Cancer and All in Cancer. She co-chairs the Junior Mentoring Program JuMP that fosters mentorship/sponsorship of junior medical oncology faculty across Canada and serves on the executive of WinC (Women in Cancer/All in Cancer).  Dr. Christine Brezden-Masley, is a practicing Medical Oncologist and the Medical Director of the Cancer Program at Sinai Health System in Toronto, Canada. She is also the Director of the Marvelle Koffler Breast Centre at Sinai Health and holds the Marvelle Koffler Chair in Breast Research. She is currently an Associate Professor at the Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto and an Associate Scientist at the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Toronto, Canada. Dr. Brezden treats both breast and gastrointestinal (colorectal and gastric cancers) malignancies, which are her major areas of research interest. She co-chairs the Junior Mentoring Program JuMP that fosters mentorship/sponsorship of junior medical oncology faculty across Canada and serves on the executive of WinC (Women in Cancer/All in Cancer). She is an advocate for patients and serves as a board member of ReThink Breast Cancer and MyGutFeeling and also serves on the scientific committee for the Colorectal Cancer Resource & Action Network. After the Show:  Check out Women in Cancer/All in Cancer, The Canadian Cancer Society, The Canadian Medical Association Wellness for Doctors site, Information about Psychological Safety in Medicine from the CMPA, Access: Our list of mental health resources and connections, and some free downloads, or low cost counselling in Ontario, Use the discount code ‘CCPODCAST’ at checkout, for 15% off on DIY*ADHD. Official Pod Squad Merch! ​100% of the profits from Dig Deeper Merch sales support the FREE psychotherapy program ​operated by Dig A Little Deeper, Psychotherapy & Counselling in Caledon, ON. Find Christina (CRPO #003908): Website |Find a Therapist |Our Online Courses | Instagram |TikTok | X A gentle reminder that this is not therapy, and Christina is not your therapist. If you need more one on one support or treatment, please check out the links posted above and on the main podcast webpage.  LISTEN OR SUBSCRIBE for free in your favourite podcast app: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn | iHeart Radio| AmazonMusic  RSS

Today I have the privilege of speaking with returning guest Dr Joan Flood, a Family Physician who treats ADHD in all ages, from Toronto. Dr. Flood is here to share with you the work that your dedicated physician advocates do behind the scenes and after hours, to help families, healthcare professionals and educators get the resources they need to provide the care people with ADHD deserve. We cover:  Why we should all care about ADHD advocacy and access to treatment,  The challenges and successes in treating ADHD across the lifespan, How Canadians fare with medication shortages and generics, What is Bill-C329 and the Creating Equitable Access to Care for ADHD in Canada Action Plan?, How you can help.  About our Guest: Dr. Joan Flood (she/her) is a Board Member of CADDRA, the Canadian ADHD Resource Alliance—an organization that provides physicians across Canada with scientifically-supported guidelines for diagnosing and treating ADHD. In CADDRA, Dr. Flood shares her expertise and leadership on several committees. She chairs the Advocacy Committee, a group dedicated to speaking with government officials and advocating for disability tax credit and medication coverage on behalf of individuals with ADHD. Dr. Flood also serves on CADDRA’s Education Committee, a group sharing specific standards of practice for ADHD assessment and treatment with Canadian clinicians. Dr. Flood treats ADHD at The Possibilities Clinic in Toronto.  After the Show:  Action Plan: Creating Equitable Access to ADHD Care in Canada Get financial support for your ADHD brand name medications - see “Need Help With Medication Costs?” about halfway down our ADHD & Treatment resource page,,  Ontario: get an ADHD assessment, diagnosis and treatment with the NP-led clinic at Dig a Little Deeper, ADHD clinician or researcher? Come to the annual CADDRA conference, Sept. 27-29th in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Find your MP in Ottawa and let them know you support Bill C329, and want their support too.  Find an ADHD-trained psychotherapist in Canada: Find a Therapist, The Dig Deeper School: use the discount code ‘CCPODCAST’ at checkout, for 15% off on DIY*ADHD, or use the discount code ‘PEBBLE’ at checkout, for 15% off on DIY*ADHD:Couples. Official Pod Squad Merch! ​100% of the profits from Dig Deeper Merch sales support the FREE psychotherapy program ​operated by Dig A Little Deeper, Psychotherapy & Counselling in Caledon, ON. Find Christina (CRPO #003908): Website |Find a Therapist |Our Online Courses | Instagram |TikTok | X A gentle reminder that this is not therapy, and Christina is not your therapist. If you need more one on one support or treatment, please check out the links posted above and on the main podcast webpage.  LISTEN OR SUBSCRIBE for free in your favourite podcast app: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn | iHeart Radio| AmazonMusic  RSS

Today I’m introducing the 2nd of 2 solo episode series talking about psychological safety. Today's show will build upon what I shared last week, about psychological safety at work, by now applying the same lens to our home and family life. I’ll share what psychological safety means in the context of family and how exploring it together can help build your family bonds.  I’m covering:  Learning how to create an emotionally safe environment fosters open communication, mutual respect, and emotional support among family members, Learn how signs like willingness to take interpersonal risks, ability to express vulnerabilities, and encouragement of diverse opinions within the family dynamic foster emotional safety, Learn how you can implement techniques that  foster shared values, promote empathy and understanding, establish rituals and traditions, and model open communication at home, Know when to get outside help. Remembering you don’t have to do this alone. Family therapy can help you understand and address challenges, strengthening your family dynamic to build trust. After the Show:  Read: The Dig Deeper Blog, Access: Our list of mental health resources and connections, and some free downloads, or low cost counselling in Ontario, The OG: The ADHD Resource Hub, Use the discount code ‘CCPODCAST’ at checkout, for 15% off on DIY*ADHD. Use the discount code ‘PEBBLE’ at checkout, for 15% off on DIY*ADHD:Couples. Official Pod Squad Merch! ​100% of the profits from Dig Deeper Merch sales support the FREE psychotherapy program ​operated by Dig A Little Deeper, Psychotherapy & Counselling in Caledon, ON. Find Christina (CRPO #003908): Website |Find a Therapist |Our Online Courses | Instagram |TikTok | X A gentle reminder that this is not therapy, and Christina is not your therapist. If you need more one on one support or treatment, please check out the links posted above and on the main podcast webpage.  LISTEN OR SUBSCRIBE for free in your favourite podcast app: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn | iHeart Radio| AmazonMusic  RSS

Welcome back to The Christina Crowe Podcast, where we like to talk about both the obvious, but more importantly, the not so obvious, in our worlds, in service of more accessible mental health information. I’m your host psychotherapist Christina Crowe, and I love making invisible things visible. Today I’m introducing the first of 2 solo episodes, talking about psychological safety. Today's show will offer a brief introduction to the concept of psychological safety at work. I’ll share what it means, where the concept came from, and why it’s the most important factor shared between high performing teams. I cover: what builds and kills trust at work, the difference between safety and trust, how leaders can truly lead and the importance of understanding emotion at work.  After the Show:  Read: Learn more about the art of mindful communication and mastering your emotions at work, Access: Our list of mental health resources and connections, and some free downloads, or low cost counselling in Ontario, The OG: The ADHD Resource Hub, Use the discount code ‘CCPODCAST’ at checkout, for 15% off on DIY*ADHD. Use the discount code ‘PEBBLE’ at checkout, for 15% off on DIY*ADHD:Couples. Official Pod Squad Merch! ​100% of the profits from Dig Deeper Merch sales support the FREE psychotherapy program ​operated by Dig A Little Deeper, Psychotherapy & Counselling in Caledon, ON. Find Christina (CRPO #003908): Website |Find a Therapist |Our Online Courses | Instagram |TikTok | X A gentle reminder that this is not therapy, and Christina is not your therapist. If you need more one on one support or treatment, please check out the links posted above and on the main podcast webpage.  LISTEN OR SUBSCRIBE for free in your favourite podcast app: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn | iHeart Radio| AmazonMusic  RSS

I’m your host, psychotherapist Christina Crowe, and I love making invisible things visible.  Today I have the privilege of speaking with André Brisson.  Today’s episode is chock full of topics related to professional identity and entrepreneurship. We  explore our own experiences being founders and successful project and company launcher’s, the need for distinct types of leadership at different stages of business growth, and the challenges of transitioning professionally.  We also discussed the impact of ADHD on motivation and the ability to focus, as well as the nuances of quick start energy and follow-through in the context of entrepreneurship and the critical importance of self-awareness and the need to break old habits to achieve better time management and work-life balance. Come hang out with us as we meander through the rich context of neurodivergent entrepreneurship, leadership and transformations throughout our careers. About our guest: André Brisson is the host of The Impulsive Thinker Podcast, the podcast for the high-achieving ADHD entrepreneur.  André owns an entrepreneurial consulting engineering company and recently started Tactical Breakthroughs where he is developing the ADHD Transformation Journey Program. Diagnosed late in life with severe ADHD, the mechanisms and systems he created to overcome his undiagnosed ADHD helped him succeed.  He credits his undiagnosed ADHD as key to his success and also a factor in restricting success.  Find André: Facebook | LinkedIN |  André’s Blog | The Impulsive Thinker Podcast | Tactical Breakthroughs After the Show:  Read: ⁠The Dig Deeper Blog⁠, Access: Our list of ⁠mental health resources⁠ and connections, and some ⁠free downloads⁠, or ⁠low cost counselling ⁠in Ontario, The OG: ⁠The ADHD Resource Hub⁠, Use the discount code ‘CCPODCAST’ at checkout, for 15% off on ⁠DIY*ADHD⁠. Use the discount code ‘PEBBLE’ at checkout, for 15% off on ⁠DIY*ADHD:Couples⁠. ⁠Official Pod Squad Merch⁠! ​100% of the profits from Dig Deeper Merch sales support the FREE psychotherapy program ​operated by Dig A Little Deeper, Psychotherapy & Counselling in Caledon, ON. Find Christina (CRPO #003908): Website |Find a Therapist |Our Online Courses | Instagram |TikTok | X A gentle reminder that this is not therapy, and Christina is not your therapist. If you need more one on one support or treatment, please check out the links posted above and on the main podcast webpage.  LISTEN OR SUBSCRIBE for free in your favourite podcast app:Apple Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn | iHeart Radio| AmazonMusic | RSS

Join us for a brief season intermission, and a replay of a favourite solo episode from Season One! In today’s replay solo episode, I’m addressing common questions, so important to make visible in the pursuit of change in ADHD life with a psychotherapist. Today, I’m talking about the importance of the ‘ADHD lens’ when we are both engaging in therapy, in coaching and most importantly, in the task of knowing ourselves more completely. We have to know ourselves before we can self-advocate, which comes before we can talk about what’s important to us, why we do the things we do, and to hopefully end up feeling more connected with our loved ones. I cover: What does the ‘adaption’ a therapist needs to make for a client with ADHD look like? Why do people with ADHD struggle with time? Why is time management for ADHD brains different from the ‘typicals? What is the sweet spot in Christina’s Boredom/Overwhelm Venn Diagram? Resources for After the Show: Read: The Dig Deeper Blog, Access: Our list of mental health resources and connections, and some free downloads, or low cost counselling in Ontario, The OG: The ADHD Resource Hub Use the discount code ‘CCPODCAST’ at checkout, for 15% off on DIY*ADHD. Use the discount code ‘PEBBLE’ at checkout, for 15% off on DIY*ADHD:Couples. Check out our Official Pod Squad Merch! ​100% of the profits from Dig Deeper Merch sales support the FREE psychotherapy program ​operated by Dig A Little Deeper, Psychotherapy & Counselling in Caledon, ON. Find Christina (CRPO #003908): Website |Find a Therapist |Our Online Courses | Instagram |TikTok | X A gentle reminder that this is not therapy, and Christina is not your therapist. If you need more one on one support or treatment, please check out the links posted in the Show info and episode notes on the main podcast webpage.  LISTEN OR SUBSCRIBE for free in your favourite podcast app: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn | iHeart Radio| AmazonMusic |RSS

I’m your host, psychotherapist Christina Crowe, and I love making invisible things visible. Today I have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Mitra Motamedi, an incredibly passionate physician advocate for ADHD in British Columbia, Canada. We cover everything from why diagnosing ADHD in primary care is quite challenging, how screening and access to treatment should be improved, to show to improving training in health care education.  Together we unpack: What are the challenges for family doctors, in diagnosing adults with ADHD? What can be done to address the lack of resources and training for ADHD in the healthcare system? How can healthcare professionals improve the screening and management of ADHD? How can individuals with ADHD access resources and support? Resources mentioned in the show:  Read more about treating adults with ADHD on The Dig Deeper Blog, Access: Our list of mental health resources and connections, and some free downloads, or low cost counselling in Ontario, The OG: The ADHD Resource Hub, Clinicians: Use the discount code ‘PEBBLE’ at checkout, for 15% off on DIY*ADHD:Couples. About our guests:  Dr. Motamedi is a family physician in Vancouver, BC with a special interest in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Dr. Motamedi is originally from Iran, immigrated to Canada in 2010, and completed the UBC Family Medicine Residency program in 2017. Dr. Motamedi is actively involved in medical education, serving as a clinical instructor for medical students at UBC when available. Her medical philosophy centers around an evidence-based, yet holistic approach to healthcare. With a keen interest in mental health disorders, particularly ADHD, Dr. Motamedi's focus has intensified during the global COVID pandemic, where she primarily sees patients with mental health problems. This experience has deepened her commitment to understanding and addressing mental health concerns. In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Motamedi actively advocates for the improvement of mental health and ADHD care in British Columbia and in Alberta. Find Dr. Motamedi: Website | Blog Find Christina (CRPO #003908): Website |Find a Therapist |Our Online Courses | Instagram |TikTok | X A gentle reminder that this is not therapy, and Christina is not your therapist. If you need more one on one support or treatment, please check out the links posted in the Show info and episode notes on the main podcast webpage.  LISTEN OR SUBSCRIBE for free in your favourite podcast app: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn | iHeart Radio | AmazonMusic | RSS

Today’s episode offers something a little bit different. Tinnitus affects roughly 10% of the general population, but in the music industry that number is closer to 40-50%. In the ever evolving Venn diagram of ADHD and other health conditions, I couldn’t help but notice the overlap between the ADHD creative types, and musicians with ADHD who have progressive hearing loss as they get older. One of the most challenging consequences of hearing loss or damage over time is tinnitus. In today’s episode, I'm talking to author Glenn Schweitzer, who wrote Rewiring Tinnitus, a book about how to retrain your brain to cope with this unrelenting condition, and the intersections of self-advocacy in our medical systems, in both of our worlds.  Glenn and I cover: The vicious cycle of anxiety and powerlessness in tinnitus,  The traumatizing long term effects of experiences in our medical systems, Why understanding Tinnitus as a stress disorder is helpful, (not unlike PTSD),  The powerful things tinnitus sufferers can do to regain control of their lives, and  The helpful roles loved ones can play they might not be aware of.  Resources for After The Show:  Get the book: Rewiring Tinnitus: How I Finally Found Relief From The Ringing In My Ears, by Glenn Schweitzer Tinnitus, Powerlessness, and PTSD: Framing Tinnitus as an Acute Stress Disorder Read: The Dig Deeper Blog, Access: Our list of mental health resources and connections, and some free downloads, or low cost counselling in Ontario, The OG: The ADHD Resource Hub, Use the discount code ‘CCPODCAST’ at checkout, for 15% off on DIY*ADHD. Get your Official Pod Squad Merch! ​100% of the profits from Dig Deeper Merch sales support the FREE psychotherapy program ​operated by Dig A Little Deeper, Psychotherapy & Counselling in Caledon, ON. Find Christina (CRPO #003908): Website | Find a Therapist | Our Online Courses | Instagram | TikTok | X  A gentle reminder that this is not therapy, and Christina is not your therapist. If you need more one on one support or treatment, please check out the links posted in the Show info and episode notes on the main podcast webpage.  LISTEN OR SUBSCRIBE for free in your favourite podcast app: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn | iHeart Radio | AmazonMusic | RSS

I’m your host Christina Crowe and I love making invisible things visible. Today I have the privilege of speaking with Brendan Kwiatkowski, Ph.D. an Educator & Researcher of Masculinity, Social-Emotional Learning, Special Education and Social Justice. Today  we break down some of the myths around masculinity and learn more about the emotional inner lives of  boys and men.  Together we tackle: What are the main challenges teenage boys face in expressing their emotions? How can parents support their children's development and navigate their own growth? How can parents learn to understand and navigate their own nervous system function? How can society transcend the polarization around masculinity? How does intersectionality impact accountability and personal growth? Resources for after the show:  Check out our guests website, research and resources: Brendan’s Website, Read: The Dig Deeper Blog, Access: Our list of mental health resources and connections, and some free downloads, or low cost counselling in Ontario, The OG: The ADHD Resource Hub, Use the discount code ‘CCPODCAST’ at checkout, for 15% off on DIY*ADHD. Use the discount code ‘PEBBLE’ at checkout, for 15% off on DIY*ADHD:Couples. Check out our Official Pod Squad Merch! ​100% of the profits from Dig Deeper Merch sales support the FREE psychotherapy program ​operated by Dig A Little Deeper, Psychotherapy & Counselling in Caledon, ON. About our guest:   Brendan Kwiatkowski, Ph.D. is an Educator & Researcher of Masculinity, Social-Emotional Learning, Special Education, Social Justice. Brendan successfully defended his Ph.D. in Education at the University of Edinburgh at the end of 2022. His research spans multiple disciplines (psychology, sociology, and education) and investigated Canadian teenage boys’ emotions, masculinities, and schooling experiences. He is focused on making academic knowledge accessible for all and on conducting research that is transformative and practically useful for helping people in the real-world.  Find Brendan: TikTok| Website | X | Instagram Find Christina (CRPO #003908): Website |Find a Therapist |Our Online Courses | Instagram |TikTok | X A gentle reminder that this is not therapy, and Christina is not your therapist. If you need more one on one support or treatment, please check out the links posted in the Show info and episode notes on the main podcast webpage.  LISTEN OR SUBSCRIBE for free in your favourite podcast app:Apple Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn | iHeart Radio| AmazonMusic |RSS

This is a re-play, during our holiday break, on a issue that comes up a LOT in the psychotherapy session room. Please share your thoughts, own nuanced experiences - it helps to make the invisible visible for so many. Today, I’m talking about making better decisions for ourselves, by applying some intentionality, and elevating often invisible considerations – like what might be actually best for us.  Main take-aways: How to think differently about life’s small and big decisions, Dealing with the pressure of the ‘thou shalt’s”, What are four considerations you can ask yourself about a decision you need to make?  Resources for After the Show: Read: The Dig Deeper Blog, Access: Our list of mental health resources and connections, and some free downloads, or low cost counselling in Ontario, The OG: The ADHD Resource Hub, NEW: Finally, we made Official Pod Squad Merch! ​100% of the profits from Dig Deeper Merch sales support the FREE psychotherapy program ​operated by Dig A Little Deeper, Psychotherapy & Counselling in Caledon, ON. Find Christina (CRPO #003908): Website |Find a Therapist |Our Online Courses | Instagram |TikTok | X A gentle reminder that this is not therapy, and Christina is not your therapist. If you need more one on one support or treatment, please check out the links posted in the Show info and episode notes on the main podcast webpage.  LISTEN OR SUBSCRIBE for free in your favourite podcast app: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn | iHeart Radio| AmazonMusic |RSS