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

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Dr. Chris Taplin,a psychiatrist and founder of Ottawa’s TMS Life clinic, joins us for a deep dive into one of the most promising frontiers in psychiatric care: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, or TMS. As clinicians, many of us have encountered the heartbreak of treatment-resistant depression — watching clients struggle despite best-practice psychotherapy and pharmacology. TMS offers a non-invasive, evidence-based alternative that is reshaping how we approach these cases. In this conversation, we unpack the science, patient experience, clinical decision-making, and broader implications of this technology. Whether you’re a skeptic, a curious clinician, or already working with neuromodulation, I think you’ll find this a thoughtful, grounded look at where TMS fits in the future of mental health treatment.Topics We Cover:🧠 Understanding TMS– What is TMS, and how does it work?– FDA-approved indications vs. emerging off-label uses– How TMS compares to ECT and other neuromodulation tools🪑 The Patient Experience– What a typical TMS session looks and feels like– Common side effects and time course of therapeutic response– What patients report during and after a course of treatment🔬 Mechanisms and Research– What brain mechanisms underlie TMS’s effectiveness?– Neuroplasticity and circuit-level change– Emerging biomarkers and predictors of treatment response🌍 Broader Impacts– How TMS is shifting the landscape for treatment-resistant depression– What’s new and exciting in TMS research– Future directions: Could TMS expand to anxiety, PTSD, or neurological conditions?⚖️ Practical and Ethical Considerations– Barriers to access and systemic challenges– How to assess if a patient is a good candidate– Ethical issues in offering brain-based treatments👥 Personal Insights– Dr. Taplin’s journey into TMS– A powerful patient success story– Guidance for clinicians exploring TMS integrationDr. Chris Taplin, MD, FRCPC is a board-certified psychiatrist and the founder of TMS Life, a leading mental health clinic based in Ottawa, Ontario. He specializes in the treatment of complex and treatment-resistant mental health conditions, including depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and sports-related psychiatric concerns.Dr. Taplin is a nationally recognized expert in Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and completed specialized training in repetitive TMS at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). His clinical approach integrates TMS with evidence-based psychotherapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure and response prevention (ERP), and interpersonal therapy, offering a comprehensive and individualized care model for his patients.A graduate of the University of British Columbia, Dr. Taplin completed his psychiatry residency in Ontario and has been in independent practice since 2022. He is deeply committed to improving access to innovative treatments and has contributed to academic efforts aimed at enhancing psychiatric education and recruitment.Outside of his clinical work, Dr. Taplin enjoys spending time with his family, rock climbing, and connecting with nature.tmslife.com 

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Joe Pierre, psychiatrist and author of False, to explore why people believe things that aren’t true—and why challenging those beliefs is rarely as simple as presenting the facts. Drawing from research in psychiatry, cognitive science, and social psychology, Dr. Pierre unpacks the emotional, identity-based, and relational roots of misinformation and conspiratorial thinking.  Whether you’re a clinician, educator, or simply someone trying to make sense of our “post-truth” era, this conversation offers an evidence-based look at the psychology behind false beliefs. In this conversation we discuss: Why smart people believe irrational things  The emotional and identity functions of conspiracy theories  How misinformation spreads—and why it's so sticky  The limits of fact-checking and logic-based persuasion  The "prognosis" for someone who believes in conspiracy theories  The role of mental illness in extreme beliefs (and where the line is)  Online echo chambers, tribalism, and distrust in institutions  The psychological appeal of certainty in uncertain times  Strategies for promoting critical thinking and intellectual humility  Bio: Joe Pierre, MD, is a clinical professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. With a background in both molecular biology and psychology from MIT and medical training at UCLA, Dr. Pierre’s career has focused on severe mental illness, particularly psychotic disorders. In addition to his clinical work, he’s a prolific writer and commentator on the psychology of belief, delusion, and misinformation. His Psych Unseen column for Psychology Today explores the intersection of psychiatry, media, and culture. False is his definitive exploration of why we believe things that aren’t true, and what that means for our mental health and collective future.drjoepierre.compsychologytoday.com/us/blog/psych-unseen@psychunseen@psychunseen.bsky.social

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.