Thoughts on Record: Podcast of the Ottawa Institute of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Scott Waltman and Kasey Pierce coauthors, along with Trent Codd, Ed.S of The Stoicism Workbook - to explore how ancient Stoic philosophy can offer powerful tools for managing today’s challenges. From emotional resilience and anxiety to self-compassion and values-driven living, we unpack how timeless Stoic principles can help you navigate stress, uncertainty, and personal growth.Whether you’re a mental health professional, a fan of philosophy, or just someone looking for practical ways to feel more grounded, this conversation brings Stoicism down to earth—with insights that align closely with many therapeutic frameworks.We discuss:What Stoicism is and why it’s still relevantThe Stoic approach to emotional resilience and anxietyThe difference between values and virtuesHow to apply Stoic practices in daily lifeBuilding tolerance for discomfort and uncertaintyTransforming self-criticism into self-compassionSocratic questioning as a tool for insight and changeEmbracing acceptance without falling into complacencyCultivating wisdom and living in alignment with what matters mostScott Waltman, PsyD, ABPP, is a clinician, international trainer, and practice-based researcher. His interests include evidence-based psychotherapy practice, training, and implementation in systems that provide care to underserved populations. He is president-elect of both the Academy of Cognitive & Behavioral Therapies and  the International Association of Cognitive Behavioral Therapies. He is board certified in Behavioral and Cognitive Psychology from the American Board of Professional Psychology. Dr. Waltman, worked as a CBT trainer for one of Dr. Aaron Beck’s CBT implementation teams in the Philadelphia public mental health system. He is a practicing Stoic and the first author of The Stoicism Workbook: How the Wisdom of Socrates Can Help You Build Resilience and Overcome Anything Life Throws at You. Kasey Pierce is a writer and Stoicism columnist from the metro Detroit area. She has contributed as a freelance content editor for Donald Robertson's “Verissimus” (St. Martin’s Press) and serves as the editor of Tim LeBon's “365 Ways to Be More Stoic” (John Murray Press). Kasey recently coauthored “The Stoicism Workbook” with CBT practitioners Scott Waltman and R. Trent Codd. Additionally, she is the. communications director for Plato’s Academy Centre, a nonprofit in Athens, Greece, dedicated to promoting philosophy as a way of life. Kasey's passion lies in making the intersection of Stoic philosophy and cognitive behavioral therapy accessible to everyday people, using relatable examples and humor to enhance understanding and application. https://www.instagram.com/socraticmethodcbt/https://www.instagram.com/kcdwrites/www.trentcodd.com

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Building emotional security and navigating conflict with intention often defines the success of our closest relationships.  Join us for an in-depth discussion with psychologist Dr. Betsy Chung to explore these and other topics explored in her new book The Couple Skills Workbook: Manage Conflict, Increase Trust & Intimacy, and Build a Better Relationship.  In this conversation we cover: how a lack of emotional security in one’s childhood impact their romantic relationships as an adulthow old defenses from childhood can still affect us in adult relationships as well as common signs that someone is still relying on these childhood defenseswhat emotional attunement looks like in a healthy relationship and how couples can improve their emotional attunementwhat effective acknowledgment looks like in everyday interactions between partnersthe importance of unconditional acceptance and how to accept each other’s flaws and differences without feeling resentmenttools for repairing relationship ruptures. What are the first steps a couple should take when trying to reconcile after a heated argument?Bio: Dr. Betsy Chung, PsyD, is a licensed clinical psychologist and relationship expert with a passion for helping individuals cultivate healthier, more fulfilling relationships. She began her academic journey at the University of California, Irvine, where she earned a degree in Psychology and a minor in Education. In 2010, Dr. Chung completed her doctoral degree in clinical psychology at Alliant University and became a licensed psychologist in California in 2013. Dr. Chung’s diverse career includes experience in various mental health settings, from in-patient and partial hospitalization to outpatient substance abuse rehabilitation and community mental health clinics for children. Since 2015, she has focused on private practice, where she discovered her true passion for guiding individuals and couples toward stronger relationships.Her latest book, The Couple Skills Workbook: Manage Conflict, Increase Trust & Intimacy, and Build a Better Relationship, provides a hands-on approach to building trust, communication, and emotional intimacy. Through her work, Dr. Chung continues to empower people to develop greater self-awareness and relational intelligence.https://www.drbetsychung.com

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! In this episode, we sit down with Donna Jakson Nakazawa to explore a topic at the core of many people's therapeutic journeys: recovering from the impact of adverse childhood experiences. Her new book, The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Guided Journal, offers a compassionate, science-backed approach to understanding how trauma shapes our lives—while providing actionable steps to rewire the brain for healing. Whether dealing with childhood trauma, chronic stress, or emotional adversity, Nakazawa’s work equips readers with practical tools to process their past, build resilience, and cultivate an internal sense of safety. Join us as we dive into this powerful conversation.Why it’s important to revisit childhood adversity to achieve a fully actualized adulthoodHow adverse childhood experiences impact brain developmentSafely managing the challenging emotions that can arise when processing past traumaKey reflective questions that can help uncover how childhood experiences shape adult patternsA helpful approach for those feeling stuck in anger or resistant to exploring this contentThe power of narrative in understanding and making sense of our personal storyThe protective role of positive childhood experiencesHow connection serves as the antidote to traumaWhy naming emotions is essential for emotional regulationHow to effectively create emotionally corrective experiencesDonna Jackson Nakazawa is an award-winning science journalist, author, and internationally recognized speaker whose work focuses on the intersection of neuroscience, immunology, and human resilience. With a passion for helping individuals heal from trauma, Nakazawa has written several groundbreaking books, including “Childhood Disrupted”, “The Angel and the Assassin”, “Girls on the Brink”, and her latest, “The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Guided Journal”. Drawing on over 30 years of experience in journalism and research, Nakazawa has developed science-based techniques for trauma recovery, such as her pioneering "Neural Re-Narrating" process. Her work is deeply rooted in neuroscience and the power of writing as a tool for healing. As the creator of “Your Healing Narrative”, she teaches writing-to-heal workshops that combine mindfulness, self-compassion, and neuroscience to help people transform their lives.  Nakazawa is also a regular speaker at major universities and conferences, where she shares her expertise on trauma, adversity, and emotional well-being. Her insights have been featured in numerous media outlets, including “The New York Times”, “The Washington Post”, “The Today Show”, and NPR. She is known for her compassionate, accessible approach to complex scientific topics and her dedication to empowering individuals to reclaim their health and well-being.http://donnajacksonnakazawa.com

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Many of us accept freewill as an undeniable truth, assuming that we are the architects of our own decisions and destiny. Yet, a growing body of scientific research challenges this notion, suggesting that our sense of freewill may be more of an illusion than reality. This emerging perspective carries profound implications, urging us to reconsider the foundations of personal responsibility, ethics, and the way we govern our society.  Dr. Yona Bouskila joins us to explore this provocative subject, drawing on insights from his thriller, The Unthinkable Truth, which expertly blends scientific inquiry with imaginative fiction.  In this conversation we cover: the motivation behind delving into free will in The Unthinkable Truth and  how the book challenges conventional views on decision-making and destinythe fusion of neuroscience, philosophy, and AI in the book, with a particular focus on the Theory of Apparent Mental Causation, and the evidence that underpins this perspectivehow main character George Bennet's journey reflects the broader questions about the extent of human free will the role of AI, exemplified by the character Sherlock, in the exploration of free will and contrast its capabilities with human reasoningthe scientific tools and methods employed in the book to tackle the age-old question of free willthe interplay between personal responsibility and free will, and consider how these concepts might influence moral and legal frameworks in society.the ethical dimensions of using AI to understand and potentially influence human decisions, weighing its possible dangers and benefits.the key philosophical arguments against the existence of free will as presented in the book, and discuss how these are either supported or refuted by scientific evidence.the future of free will research and its potential impact on society, both in theory and in practice.A scientist by training, a thinker by nature, and an author by passion, Yona Bouskila has a particular fascination with the human mind in all its aspects. This enduring passion, together with his penchant for thrillers, served as the driving force behind The Unthinkable Truth, which he describes as a unique blend of thought-provoking science and thriller that culminates in an eye-opening revelation on the mind and humanity. He studied biology (with philosophy) and received a PhD in neuroscience from UCLA. He is involved in medical research and development. Before that, he conducted brain research at several institutions in the US and Europe. He writes short stories, often with a humorous slant, and his debut novel was published in May 2024. He lives in England with his wife and pets, where he enjoys the Surrey countryside and contemplating Buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/Unthinkable-Truth-Yona-Bouskila-ebook/dp/B0CW1N2JTJ/Visit the author's website: https://www.yonabouskila.com/

In this discussion, Dr. Sharon Martin, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and author of the 'Better Boundaries Workbook,' explores the essential nature of boundaries for mental well-being. She tackles misconceptions about boundary-setting, emphasizing its flexible application. Dr. Martin sheds light on overcoming guilt and fear of conflict when asserting boundaries, as well as the role of family dynamics. She offers practical advice for managing resentment and developing healthy self-advocacy, especially for those in therapeutic roles.

René Mõttus, a personality psychologist and professor at the University of Edinburgh and University of Tartu, dives into how personality traits shape life satisfaction. The discussion reveals how the Big Five traits—Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism—play pivotal roles in well-being. It highlights the influence of extraversion and neuroticism, the challenges in measuring life satisfaction, and the potential for personality changes to enhance emotional experiences over time.

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Compulsive reassurance seeking can be a challenging issue for both clients and therapists to manage. Clients are often highly adept—sometimes knowingly, sometimes unknowingly—at eliciting excessive reassurance from therapists and family members. At the same time, resisting the urge to seek reassurance can feel nearly impossible for clients. In this episode, Amanda Petrik-Gardner, LCPC, joins us to discuss core themes from her new book, "The Compulsive Reassurance Workbook". Our conversation covers:What compulsive reassurance seeking is and its significance across various mental health presentations.Differentiating between normal reassurance seeking and compulsive reassurance seeking.Common triggers that lead to compulsive reassurance seeking.The importance of distress tolerance in managing reassurance-seeking behaviors.Mental health disorders that are more susceptible to compulsive reassurance-seeking behaviors.he cycle of reassurance seeking and how it perpetuates anxiety.Avoiding the use of clinical interventions (e.g., a thought record) as a safety behavior.Key components of the reassurance-seeking cycle.Effective metaphors for psychoeducation.Guidance for family members on navigating this specific challenge.Treating compulsive reassurance seeking in complex situations (e.g., trauma, pandemics, checking the accuracy of completed tasks).The role of “extinction bursts” in exposure-based work.Relapse prevention and normalizing setbacks.Understanding when to approach versus step back from a feared stimulus.Managing dysfunctional beliefs about worry.Feedback or comments?  Email us at: oicbtpodcast@gmail.comAmanda Petrik-Gardner, LCPC specializes in the treatment of Obsessive Compulsive and Related Disorders. Amanda is the creator of the OCD Exposure Coloring Books and The Compulsive Reassurance Workbook, now available on Amazon. Amanda is on the board for OCD Kansas, an affiliate of the IOCDF (International OCD Foundation) and the president of the Kansas Counseling Association. She has completed the Behavioral Therapy Training Institute through the IOCDF and the Professional Training Institute through the TLC Foundation for BFRBs. Amanda currently provides Teletherapy to the states of Kansas, Colorado, Nebraska, Missouri, Michigan, Maine, Arizona and Florida.https://www.amandalcpc.com

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Behavioural activation is one of the best, if not the best treatments for depression. Clinical psychologist and author, Dr. Nina Josefowitz joins us for an in-depth discussion of themes contained in her new book The Behavioural Activation Workbook for Depression.  In this discussion we cover:    The basic premise of behavioral activation and how it differs from other depression treatments.The negative feedback loop of depression and why it is so challenging to break.How behavioral activation addresses the physical and emotional symptoms of depression.The role motivation plays in behavioral activation and how individuals can overcome a lack of motivation.The difference between the causes of depression and its treatment.The importance of individuals assessing their level of depression before starting treatment.The purpose of activity monitoring in the context of behavioral activation.Common pitfalls people encounter when trying to monitor their activities and mood.How detailed activity monitoring should be to be effective.Specific examples of mood-boosting activities.The importance of identifying personal values when setting goals for managing depression.Common avoidance behaviors that perpetuate depression.How the physical environment impacts an individual's ability to engage in positive activities.Common setbacks individuals face when engaging in behavioral activation.Strategies for sustaining progress in managing depression.The benefits of combining behavioral activation with medication for a more comprehensive treatment plan.Nina Josefowitz, PhD, is a clinical psychologist. In addition to her clinical practice, she teaches at the University of Toronto, and has offered training in North America, Asia, and Africa. She is author of numerous professional articles on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and issues related to general clinical practice. Along with David Myran, she coauthored CBT Made Simple and has co authored the new book The Behavioural Activation Workbook Depression (available on Amazon.com). She has appeared in court numerous times as an expert witness in cases involving interpersonal violence. Dr. Josefowitz was on the Council of the College of Psychologists of Ontario for 9 years, and President of the College from 2001-2003. She has published in the area of trauma, cognitive behavior therapy, women’s issues, ethics and clinical psychology.   Dr. Josefowitz is well known for integrating years of clinical experience into a practical, actionable strategies.  

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Navigating relationships with emotionally immature parents can evoke very strong reactions, which can be difficult to navigate. In many clinician's experience, when this topic comes up, people tend to react in one of three ways: defending their parents as perfect, blaming them for all their struggles, or questioning their own perceptions entirely - all of which can create stuck points. Author and psychologist, Dr. Lindsay Gibson, who has written and lectured extensively on the topic of emotional immaturity joins us for a discussion of some of the core themes covered in her new book “Disentangling from Emotionally Immature People”.  In this discussion we cover:  why has this topic been such a focus over her career the kinds of emotional activation in clients can that flow from discussions around emotionally immature parents.the key traits that distinguish emotionally immature people from those who are more emotionally maturedevelopmental factors that contribute to emotional immaturity in adultsrecognizing emotional immaturity in parents to help adult children heal from past traumasthe primary coping mechanisms that emotionally immature people use, and how these impact their relationshipspractical steps can adult children take to set and maintain healthy boundaries with emotionally immature parentsbest practices for communicating effectively with emotionally immature parents, especially during conflictsconsidering whether forgiveness is necessary for healing from the impact of emotionally immature parents, and what alternatives exist if forgiveness is not feasiblehow can adult children of emotionally immature parents focus on building healthy, fulfilling relationships outside of their family of originLindsay C. Gibson, PsyD, is a clinical psychologist and psychotherapist with more than thirty years’ experience working in both public service and private practice. Her books—including the #1 Amazon best seller, Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents—have sold more than a million copies, and have been translated into thirty-seven languages. In the past, Dr. Gibson has served as an adjunct assistant professor, teaching doctoral clinical psychology students clinical theory and psychotherapy techniques. She specializes in therapy and coaching with adults to attain new levels of personal growth, emotional intimacy with others, and confidence in dealing with emotionally immature family members. Her website is available at http://www.lindsaygibsonpsyd.com.

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Assessing & treating adult ADHD can be both very challenging as well as highly rewarding for client and clinician alike. Psychologist & author, Dr. Russell Ramsay joins us for an in-depth discussion of the assessment and treatment of adult ADHD building on themes in his new workbook, The Adult ADHD and Anxiety Workbook.  In this discussion we cover: why Dr. Ramsay wanted to write a workbook focused on both ADHD and anxiety and why individuals with ADHD may be particularly prone to anxietya brief description of the symptom clusters of ADHD and why a dimensional approach can be helpfulan evolutionary angle to understanding ADHDan extensive discussion of tricky diagnostic issues including: nuance around contextualizing the later emergence of childhood symptoms; assessing ADHD in female clients; understanding the impact of "masking" on the presentation of symptoms; the impact of high trait agreeableness and pleasing behaviours on functional impacts; the course of symptoms over the lifetimethe contribution of undiagnosed ADHD to treatment resistance around other co-morbid conditionsaddressing the interpersonal challenges that can come with ADHDunderstanding rejection sensitivity in the context of ADHD  a strengths-based lens on ADHDthe so-called "ADHD tax"Comments or feedback?  Email the podcast at: oicbtpodcast@gmail.comJ. Russell Ramsay, PhD, ABPP, is a licensed psychologist specializing in the assessment and psychosocial treatment of adult attention deficit/hyperactive disorder (ADHD). Before embarking on his solo virtual practice, he was cofounder and clinical director of the University of Pennsylvania’s Adult ADHD Treatment and Research Program, where he was professor of clinical psychology in psychiatry. Ramsay is widely published, including five books on adult ADHD; lectures internationally and virtually; and is in the Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) Hall of Fame. He is from the Greater Philadelphia, PA, area.