Paula Freedman-Diamond, PsyD, a clinical psychologist and author of "Toxic Striving," dives into the dangers of hustle culture and societal expectations. She discusses how relentless ambition fuels anxiety and perfectionism, often fostering dissatisfaction. The conversation highlights the struggle between self-acceptance and external validation, emphasizing the need to redefine personal values beyond superficial ambitions. Freedman-Diamond advocates for self-compassion and flexibility, encouraging listeners to prioritize their mental health over rigid expectations.

Wendy Behary, LCSW, a leading expert on narcissism and author of 'Disarming the Narcissist', dives into the complex world of narcissistic behavior in this engaging discussion. She highlights the duality of narcissists, who often start charming but reveal manipulative traits. Wendy emphasizes the importance of understanding gender differences in narcissism and the role of empathy in fostering healthier relationships. She offers practical strategies for managing interactions with narcissists and encourages self-awareness and boundary-setting for personal liberation.

Stacey Freedenthal, a psychotherapist and associate professor at the University of Denver specializing in suicidal behavior, shares crucial strategies for therapists. She emphasizes the importance of creating a safe environment to encourage open discussions. Freedenthal provides practical tips on how to approach clients who may be hiding suicidal thoughts. Her insights aim to equip therapists with the tools needed to navigate these sensitive conversations effectively, ultimately fostering trust and support.

Helen H. Hsu, PsyD, author of The Healing Trauma Workbook for Asian Americans, joins us today to talk about healing the pain of racial trauma for Asian Americans. Hsu is a licensed clinical psychologist at Stanford University. She is past president of the Asian American Psychological Association and the American Psychological Association, Division 45: Society for the Psychological Study of Culture, Ethnicity, and Race. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.  Visit our website at www.newharbinger.com and use coupon code 'Podcast25' to receive 25% off your entire order.  Buy the Book:  New Harbinger - https://bit.ly/3XWfcCm  Amazon - https://a.co/d/ajomPaQ  Barnes & Noble - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/1143733050  Bookshop.org - https://bit.ly/4eu5U6o    If you have ideas for future episodes, thoughts, or questions, we’d love to hear from you! Send us an email at podcast@newharbinger.com 

Melanie McNally, PsyD, author of Helping Your Unmotivated Teen, joins us to talk about igniting your teen’s motivation to engage, create, excel, and reach their goals. McNally is a licensed clinical psychologist and brain coach who helps adolescents build self-awareness and create authentic goals for a fulfilling future. She is a strong advocate for teen mental health, and has been a panelist at the White House, speaking about youth mental health needs. McNally is founder of Destination You, where adolescents and their parents can access support through virtual coaching and books. She is author of The Emotionally Intelligent Teen. She also speaks to audiences of all sizes about how to increase emotional intelligence and motivation in teens.  Visit our website at www.newharbinger.com and use coupon code 'Podcast25' to receive 25% off your entire order.  Buy the Book:  New Harbinger - https://bit.ly/4eD7KBW  Amazon - https://a.co/d/0pFECvv  Barnes & Noble - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/1144681935  Bookshop.org - https://bit.ly/3TE2wxK  If you have ideas for future episodes, thoughts, or questions, we’d love to hear from you! Send us an email at podcast@newharbinger.com 

Leah Aguirre, a licensed clinical social worker and author of The Girl's Guide to Relationships, dives into strategies for therapists working with resistant clients. She emphasizes understanding the roots of clients' defensiveness, often linked to fear and avoidance. Leah shares practical tips, highlighting the importance of exploratory questions to foster greater insight. Her trauma-informed approach offers valuable techniques to support clients on their healing journeys.

Charles Schaeffer, a licensed psychologist and author specializing in anxiety, shares his expertise in managing panic and anxiety disorders. He discusses the physiological and psychological aspects of panic, debunking common myths. Schaeffer introduces the vagus nerve's role in emotional regulation and offers breathing techniques for calming. He also addresses the challenges cancer survivors face transitioning from survival mode. With insights into mindfulness and 'opposite action' strategies, he empowers listeners to understand and manage their panic more effectively.

Daniel J. Fox, a licensed psychologist specializing in personality disorders, discusses managing extreme maladaptive borderline personality disorder. He provides practical tips for therapists, emphasizing understanding underlying themes and guiding clients towards adaptive strategies.

Diane Petrella, MSW, discusses healing emotional eating for trauma survivors by exploring childhood trauma, emotional vs. physical hunger, anxiety management through breathwork, emotional management techniques, embracing emotions, identifying trigger foods, and strategies for healing emotional eating.

Ben Eckstein, LCSW, author of 'Worrying is Optional,' discusses worry, distinguishing between worry and worrying, breaking the cycle of anxiety, overcoming the inevitability of worrying, exploring mindfulness, self-compassion, and growth mindset in overcoming worry, and strategies to manage worry.