Feeling Good Podcast | TEAM-CBT - The New Mood Therapy

Dr. Brandon Vance, the founder of the Feeling Great Book Clubs and a Team CBT psychiatrist, dives into the pressing issue of screen addiction. He discusses how excessive social media use can lead to loneliness and affect personal relationships. Through humor and relatable examples, Vance illustrates the challenges of mindful technology use, while introducing techniques like the Devil's Advocate Technique to combat the allure of binge-watching. He also highlights the importance of community support in overcoming these tech-related challenges.

Jeremy Karmel, CEO of Feeling Great Corporation, and Diane Spangler, former professor and researcher, dive into groundbreaking findings about the Feeling Great app's effectiveness in reducing negative feelings. They explore whether negative thoughts truly cause depression or if the relationship is more complex. Their exciting research suggests that the app could expedite emotional improvement faster than traditional therapies. Tune in as they challenge longstanding mental health paradigms with innovative insights and evidence-based optimism!

In this enlightening discussion, Matthew May, a TEAM-CBT expert, shares his insights on various mental health topics. The duo explores the effectiveness of daily mood logs, even when completed imperfectly, and how TEAM can aid those with somatic complaints or chronic pain. They also delve into passive aggression, unraveling the cognitive distortions behind it. Listeners gain practical strategies for handling emotions and behaviors, all rooted in the principles of cognitive behavioral therapy.

Tahn Pamutto, a former soldier turned ordained Buddhist monk, shares his fascinating journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening. He discusses the contrast between materialism and true happiness, emphasizing that inner understanding leads to genuine joy. Tahn reflects on the significance of acceptance and mentorship in navigating life post-military. He explores how meditation on mortality shapes authentic living and invites listeners to embrace compassion and integrity. His insights blend psychological healing with spiritual growth, offering a holistic approach to happiness.

Joshua Gibson, host of the Philosophical Weightlifting podcast, joins for a candid exploration of self-esteem. He shares personal experiences, including an awkward restaurant encounter, revealing deep-seated fears of inadequacy and rejection. They discuss common self-defeating beliefs and employ live TEAM-CBT techniques to challenge these thoughts. The conversation emphasizes the importance of embracing negative emotions for personal growth and the journey toward self-acceptance, ultimately showcasing vulnerability as a pathway to stronger connections and enhanced confidence.

Joshua Gibson, a PhD candidate and powerlifting coach, chats with David about his incredible journey in mental health research. They delve into 'philosophical weightlifting,' exploring how fitness and philosophy intersect to enhance mental well-being. David shares insights from his experiences at prestigious institutions, discussing innovative techniques in TEAM-CBT and the importance of measuring therapeutic progress. The conversation also highlights the role of empathy in therapy and the development of an app designed to make mental health support more accessible.

Listeners dive into the complexities of morning anxiety as one caller dreads the day ahead, seeking effective coping strategies. Another explores mother-daughter dynamics, emphasizing open communication to navigate emotional challenges. A third caller grapples with romantic conflicts, revealing the intricacies of relationships and the need for healthy dialogue. The conversation highlights how anxiety and depression often co-exist and discusses the importance of emotional intelligence in fostering empathy and understanding.

In this engaging discussion, Jill Levitt, Director of Training at the Feeling Good Institute and a seasoned expert in TEAM-CBT, explores the delicate art of delivering negative feedback with love and empathy. She delves into the common hesitation to provide criticism and why silence can be harmful. Listeners learn about the power of 'I feel' statements to express emotions constructively. Jill emphasizes compassionate communication as a way to foster trust and connection, transforming challenging conversations into opportunities for personal growth.

The Feared Fantasy Festival! Featuring Jill Levitt, PhD Rhonda asked about the differences between the four Feared Fantasy Techniques and what each one is used for. So we're dedicating today's podcast to answering that question and bringing them all to life. We are honored to be joined by our beloved and brilliant Dr. Jill Levitt, the Director of Clinician Training at the Feeling Good Institute in Mountain View, California. Below I have listed the four Feared Fantasy Techniques. As you can see, each one targets a different Self-Defeating Belief. Approval Addiction: I need everyone's approval to feel happy and worthwhile. Perceived Perfectionism: I must impress others to be love and respected. People will not love or accept me if they see my flaws and shortcomings. Achievement Addiction: My capacity for happiness and my worthwhileness as a human being depend on my achievements, intelligence, success, and productivity. Love Addiction: I need to be loved to feel happy and worthwhile. Submissiveness: I must make others happy, even at the expense of my own needs and feelings. Here are the Feared Fantasy Techniques used for each SDB: Approval Addiction / Perceived Perfectionism: “I judge you.” Achievement Addiction: “High School Reunion.” Love Addiction: Rejection Feared Fantasy Submissiveness: No Practice During the live podcast, we did a deep dive on each of the four Feared Fantasy techniques, and emphasized that the goal is actually enlightenment, and it's based on the teachings Tibetan Book of the Dead that when you finally challenge and confront the monster you've feared and run away from in all of your previous reincarnations, you will discover the the monster has no teeth, and that your fears throughout all of those reincarnations were based on a cosmic joke. This can create something called "laughing enlightenment," so you no longer have to go through the life death cycle, but can go instead to Nirvana--or something along those lines! You really must listen to the podcast to "get" the impact of these Feared Fantasy role plays, and role-reversals, to see how simple, easy, and obvious self-acceptance, and enlightenment really are, and you will see and hear how we fight to protect and defend ourselves from attack, and end up feeling trapped yet again in our needs to be "special" or "worthwhile." David pointed out that when you let go of the idea that you have a "self," your suffering can disappear because you will no longer have to wonder whether your "self" is good enough, or worthwhile enough. Jill complemented this line of thinking by pointing out that the technique, Be Specific, is one important key in most of these techniques. We can be flawed in all kinds of specifics, but that will never hurt unless you generalize to your "self." No self, no problem, as some mystics have said. And that is SO TRUE! David also discussed throwing away the idea that you are worthwhile, or that you need to be more worthwhile, and described how he and his wife saved a mouse that had somehow gotten into their house, but the poor thing was terrified and heroically tried to survive, hiding out in their kitchen. Instead of trying to kill it, they fed it nuts and grapes. Eventually, they caught it in a safe trap, and set it free, and left a last meal for it outside, which it found and happily ate. It was a deep dive on Feared Fantasy and lots of spiritual and philosophical topics, and we hope you enjoyed it! Although we did not cover this topic in the podcast, there are quite a number of additional role play techniques in TEAM-CBT, too, as you know, including: to help with Self-Critical Thoughts: Paradoxical and Straightforward Double Standard Externalization of Voices to help with Uncovering Techniques, like the Individual Downward Arrow Man from Mars To help with Tempting Thoughts Devil’s Advocate Technique Tic-Tok Technique to help with Resistance Externalization of Resistance How Many Minutes? to help with the Five Secrets / Relationship Conflict Intimacy Exercise One Minute-Drill Perhaps you can think of more, too! The generous use of role-playing techniques is one of the unique features of TEAM, but for whatever reason it seems like few therapists use them. This is perhaps unfortunate because they tend to be more potent, emotional, and fast acting than many if not most other techniques. Warmly, david

In this engaging discussion, psychiatrist Matt May shares insights into safely withdrawing from benzodiazepines, emphasizing the importance of tailored medical guidance. The pair explore how music powerfully affects our emotions, offering fascinating perspectives on early exposure and attachment. They tackle negative thoughts about the world, providing strategies for acceptance and cognitive reframing. Additionally, the conversation covers innovative approaches for treating severe mental health disorders like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, highlighting the role of compassion in therapy.