Mentally Flexible

My guest today is Yael Schonbrun, PhD. Yael is a clinical psychologist, assistant professor at Brown University,  and co-host of Psychologists Off the Clock.  Yael’s academic research explores the interaction between relationship problems and mental health conditions. She has authored chapters in several books and has written dozens of scientific articles. In her private practice, writing, and podcasting, Yael uses evidence-based science to help individuals and couples learn to manage work, parenting, and marriage in more effective and fulfilling ways. She draws upon treatments that integrate ancient Eastern philosophy with scientifically backed practices. Yael’s writing on work, parenting, and relationships has appeared in places the New York Times and Wall Street Journal. Her new book is Work, Parent, Thrive: 12 Science-Backed Strategies to Ditch Guilt, Manage Overwhelm, and Grow Connection (When Everything Feels Like too Much).Some of the topics we explore include:- What is was like for Yael to bring her own life experience into Work, Parent, Thrive- The difference between approaching problems “inside out” vs “outside in” - The challenges associated with balancing multiple important life roles- The books, ideas, and people that influenced Yeal’s new book- The importance of removing things from our lives instead of exclusively adding- How ACT is integrated into Yael’s clinical work with couples- We end by exploring both of our experiences podcasting —————————————————————————Yael’s website: https://yaelschonbrun.com/Work, Parent, Thrive: https://www.shambhala.com/work-parent-thrive.html—————————————————————————If you find value in the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It plays an important role in being able to get new guests. I also love reading them! Connect with me on Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/mentallyflexible/Check out my song “Glimpse at Truth” that you hear in the intro/outro of every episode. https://tomparkes.bandcamp.com/track/glimpse-at-truth

My guests today are David Juncos and Elvire de Paiva e Pona.David Juncos is a clinical psychologist based in Philadelphia, PA. He works with individuals on clinical issues ranging from anxiety to mood and substance use disorders He is also on faculty with the Voice Study Centre in the UK, where he lectures on topics such as peak performance and statistics/research design, and trains music teachers in using ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) principles to address performance anxiety and enhance music performance.Based in Vienna, Elvire de Paiva e Pona is a classically trained singer who performs internationally. With degrees in vocal pedagogy and psychology in addition to vocal performance, she is also a dedicated educator and teaches individual and group singing lessons and facilitates music classes for young children.We explore a range of topics including:- The story behind Dave and Elvire collaboration for their new book. ACT for Musicians-How ACT can support musicians in both formal clinical approaches as well as music lessons-How Elvire’s direct experience as a professional musician has played an important role in this work-Some of the barriers within music education to integrate mental and emotional components -Some of the common challenges musicians face including:       - Performance anxiety       - Perfectionism       - Shame and self-critical thinking- Hopes for the future of ACT within music —————————————————————————ACT for Musicians: https://www.amazon.com/ACT-Musicians-Acceptance-Commitment-Performance/dp/1627343814—————————————————————————If you find value in the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It plays an important role in being able to get new guests. I also love reading them! Connect with me on Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/mentallyflexible/Check out my song “Glimpse at Truth” that you hear in the intro/outro of every episode. https://tomparkes.bandcamp.com/track/glimpse-at-truth

My guest today is Tamar Black, Ph.D. Tamar is an educational and developmental psychologist in Melbourne, Australia. She has over 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents and parents. Tamar has extensive experience providing clinical supervision to early career and highly experienced psychologists. She also provides training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to clinicians and teacher. Tamar is the author of ACT for Treating Children, which we will be discussing today.Some of the topics we explore include:- How Acceptance and Commitment Therapy first came into her life- The important roles Russ Harris and Louise Hayes played in Tamar’s ACT development - The process behind her new book ACT for Treating Children- Some of the core differences when working with children in therapy- Looking at the hexaflex through Tamar’s adapted “ACT Kidflex” model- And how to use our own experience and psychological flexibility as an agent of change—————————————————————————Tamar’s website: https://tamarblack.com.au/ACT for Treating Children: https://www.amazon.com/ACT-Treating-Children-Acceptance-Commitment/dp/1684039762—————————————————————————If you find value in the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It plays an important role in being able to get new guests. I also love reading them! Connect with me on Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/mentallyflexible/Check out my song “Glimpse at Truth” that you hear in the intro/outro of every episode. https://tomparkes.bandcamp.com/track/glimpse-at-truth

My guest today is Dr. Steven C. Hayes. Steven Hayes is a Nevada Foundation Professor of Psychology at the University of Nevada. An author of 47 books and nearly 670 scientific articles, his career has focused on an analysis of the nature of human language and cognition and the application of this to the understanding and alleviation of human suffering. He is the developer of Relational Frame Theory and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), He is also a co-developer of Process-Based Therapy (PBT), a new approach to evidence-based therapies more generally, which we discuss in this episode.Some of the topics we explore include- Death and dying young- Aging and how Steve views his own process-Challenging meaninglessness to make space for conscious meaning making- We go deep on all things Process-Based Therapy- Self-compassion and how it is not helpful for some people- Making psychological flexibility more inclusive from a process-based approach - The problems with current diagnostic, syndrome based treatment - How racism and classism has been built into the traditional statistical methods - And how the concept of “ being normal” played a role in atrocities in Nazi Germany—————————————————————————Dr. Steven Hayes’ website: https://stevenchayes.com/about/Learning PBT Book: https://www.newharbinger.com/9781684037551/learning-process-based-therapy/—————————————————————————If you find value in the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It plays an important role in being able to get new guests. I also love reading them! Connect with me on Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/mentallyflexible/Check out my song “Glimpse at Truth” that you hear in the intro/outro of every episode. https://tomparkes.bandcamp.com/track/glimpse-at-truth

My guest today is Dr. Ron Siegel. Ron is an author and Assistant Professor of Psychology at Harvard Medical School, where he has taught for over 35 years. He is a long time student of mindfulness meditation and serves on the Board of Directors and faculty of the Institute for Meditation and Psychotherapy. He teaches internationally about the application of mindfulness practice in psychotherapy and other fields, and maintains a private clinical practice in Lincoln, MassachusettsSome of the topics we explore include:-What process behind Dr. Siegel’s new book, The Extraordinary Gift of Being Ordinary-The science behind our pursuit of specialness and comparison-How to focus on making connections, not am impressions with others-How social media can amplify our suffering -How stressful early life experiences or trauma intersects with these processes-The potential healing power of psychedelic-assisted therapy-The connection between psychopathology and self preoccupation -And we end by discussing some practical tips to shift unhelpful evaluative processes—————————————————————————Dr. Siegel’s website: https://drronsiegel.com/The Extraordinary Gift of Being Ordinary: https://www.amazon.com/Extraordinary-Gift-Being-Ordinary-Happiness/dp/1462548547—————————————————————————If you find value in the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It plays an important role in being able to get new guests. I also love reading them! Connect with me on Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/mentallyflexible/Check out my song “Glimpse at Truth” that you hear in the intro/outro of every episode. https://tomparkes.bandcamp.com/track/glimpse-at-truth

My guest today is Jennifer Kemp, MPsych. Jennifer is a clinical psychologist who works with adults and adolescents on issues such as perfectionism, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (ODC), eating disorders, and chronic illness. Jennifer uses acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) to help people notice their experiences, make conscious choices “in the moment,” and move toward a fulfilling life.Some of the topics we explore include:-- How Jennifer’s own story informs her new book, The ACT Workbook for Perfectionism- The underlying processes of perfectionism and how metaphor can be used to understand them- The role of self-compassion- How exposure techniques can develop greater flexibility - The intersection of perfectionism and OCD- And we explore the impact of perfectionism on relationships and our professional lives** PS I had an audio issue during the recording process, so I apologize in advance for my mic quality not being as strong as usual - apt for the episode on perfectionism :) **—————————————————————————Jennifer’s website: https://jenniferkemp.com.au/The ACT Workbook for Perfectionism: https://read.amazon.com/kp/embed?asin=B08WJ5YK19&preview=newtab&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_YTDG6CNKNNN4ARND7R7P—————————————————————————If you find value in the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It plays an important role in being able to get new guests. I also love reading them! Connect with me on Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/mentallyflexible/Check out my song “Glimpse at Truth” that you hear in the intro/outro of every episode. https://tomparkes.bandcamp.com/track/glimpse-at-truth

My guest today is Diana Hill, Ph.D. Diana is a clinical psychologist and co-author of ACT Daily Journal: Get unstuck and live fully with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. She is also the host of the podcast Your Life in Process, and she offers regular teachings in compassion and ACT through Insight LA and Mindful Heart Programs and Instagram.Through her online teachings, executive coaching, clinical supervision, and private therapy practice, she encourages clients to build psychological flexibility so that they can live more meaningful and fulfilling lives. She completed her undergraduate work at UC Santa Barbara, majoring in Biopsychology, and earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at CU Boulder where she researched mindfulness and acceptance-based approaches for eating disorders.Some of the topics we explore in this episode include :- Diana’s recent shift away from Psychologists off the Clock and into her new podcast, Your Life in Process-Being able to hold different perspectives on the world and others-The pitfalls of constantly striving -How technology can get in the way of being present in our lives-Common processes that promote human flourishing-The value and challenges of humility-And Diana helps me explore how to navigate opening up publicly —————————————————————————Diana’s website: https://drdianahill.com/ACT Daily Journal: https://drdianahill.com/book/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdianahill/Diana’s new podcast: https://drdianahill.com/your-life-in-process/—————————————————————————If you find value in the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It plays an important role in being able to get new guests. I also love reading them! Connect with me on Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/mentallyflexible/Check out my song “Glimpse at Truth” that you hear in the intro/outro of every episode. https://tomparkes.bandcamp.com/track/glimpse-at-truth

My guest today is Billy Ryan. Billy is a performance psychology consultant located in Savannah, GA who works with the military, sports teams, and individuals at the highschool/club, NCAA, NAIA, and the professional level. He specializes in applying ACT and behavior science to increase meaning and performance in a given context.Some of the topics we explore in this episode include:- How Billy first got into using ACT for sport performance- The importance of language and messaging in sports - The use of ACT Matrix in Billy’s work with athletes- The role of  attentional flexibility and holding outcomes lightly- The current influence of mental and emotional well-being in sports- And Billy’s hopes for the future of ACT in the world of sport—————————————————————————Billy’s website: https://www.awareperformancegroup.com/—————————————————————————If you find value in the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It only takes 30 seconds and plays an important role in being able to get new guests. I also love reading them! Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mentallyflexible/Check out my song “Glimpse at Truth” that you hear in the intro/outro of every episode: https://tomparkes.bandcamp.com/track/glimpse-at-truth

Dr. Russ Harris, author of 'The Happiness Trap', shares his journey from medicine to therapy and his work in Acceptance & Commitment Therapy. Topics include using pain for growth, dangers of toxic positivity, trauma-focused interventions in refugee camps, and future goals in ACT and beyond.

My guest today is Louise Hayes PhD. Louise is a clinical psychologist, author, speaker and active humanitarian. She is the Past President of ACBS, and a peer-reviewed Acceptance and Commitment Therapy(ACT) trainer, and codeveloped of the evidence-based DNA-v model. She is the co-author of the best-selling books: Get Out of Your Mind and into your Life for Teenagers, The Thriving Adolescent, and Your Life Your Way. Louise is a clinician, working with adults and adolescents in private practice. Louise is also active community member, taking mental health professionals into the Himalaya to develop their mindfulness skills and raise funds for children in remote Nepal. In this episode we explore a range of topics including:- How Louise found ACT and the impact it had on her personally and professionally-Louise’s interest in eastern spiritual traditions-How these practices can integrate with a more clinical perspective-How imagination can play a role in both our wellbeing and our suffering -What gives Louise meaning and purpose in life-And we unpack the 4 core abilities contained within the DNA-v model—————————————————————————Louise’s website: https://www.louisehayes.com.au/Twitter: https://twitter.com/_Louise_Hayes—————————————————————————If you find value in the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It only takes 30 seconds and plays an important role in being able to get new guests. I also love reading them! Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mentallyflexible/Explore the website: https://mentallyflexible.com/Check out my song “Glimpse at Truth” that you hear in the intro/outro of every episode: https://tomparkes.bandcamp.com/track/glimpse-at-truth