The Hardcore Self-Help Podcast with Duff the Psych

Listeners grapple with profound themes, including the emotional fallout from a traumatic car accident and feelings of abandonment within a strained marriage. Insights into potential brain injuries shed light on personal struggles, while practical advice on navigating complex relationship dynamics is offered. The discussion shifts to tech addiction, with actionable strategies for mindful phone usage and addressing digital dependency. This engaging dialogue aims to empower listeners in their journey toward healing and healthier connections.

Dr. Judy Ho, a neuropsychologist and tenured professor at Pepperdine University, dives into the cycles of attachment and childhood influences on adult behavior. She highlights how understanding early attachments can break negative patterns. The conversation covers the importance of self-talk and inner child work in fostering personal growth. They also explore various attachment styles and their fluidity, emphasizing that healing is a continuous journey. With actionable insights from her book, Dr. Ho encourages listeners to nurture their inner child for healthier relationships.

In this episode of the Hardcore Self Help Podcast, Dr. Robert Duff chats with Tony Weaver Jr., an award-winning author and educator dedicated to mental health advocacy and better representation in media. Tony shares his personal journey from feeling like an outcast in his teenage years, including a suicide attempt, to becoming a force for positivity and change. He discusses how his upbringing in Atlanta and breakthroughs like hearing Fall Out Boy's music shaped his path to self-acceptance and creative expression. Tony also delves into the importance of representation in media, recounting his experiences creating the webcomic 'The Uncommons' and his upcoming autobiographical graphic novel 'Weirdo.' Furthermore, he offers practical advice for children and parents navigating the challenges of embracing individuality in a conformist world. Tune in to hear his inspiring story, candid reflections on the role of conflict in growth, and his passionate stand on bettering cultural narratives through inclusive storytelling. Links! Weirdo: https://rep.club/products/weirdo The Uncommons: https://www.webtoons.com/en/action/the-uncommons/list?title_no=4520 Tony on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonyweaverjr/ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction: Feeling Like the Odd One Out 00:24 Meet Tony Weaver Jr.: From Darkness to Advocacy 01:13 Tony's Creative Journey and Representation 01:38 Interview with Tony Weaver Jr. 02:52 Tony's Upbringing and Early Influences 04:45 The Struggles of Embracing Otherness 09:05 The Creation of 'Weirdo' 13:05 Mental Health and Personal Growth 26:36 Inner Child Work and Reparenting 27:13 Parents' Reactions to the Book 27:33 A Life-Changing Car Accident 28:40 Reflecting on Childhood and Authority 30:17 The Importance of Conflict and Support 35:21 Representation in Media 37:01 The Impact of Representation on Society 43:40 Challenges in Hollywood and Progress 49:40 Promoting the Book 'Weirdo' 52:35 Final Thoughts and Where to Follow

Dr. Duff, a professional experienced in anxiety and breathing issues, dives into the often overlooked fear of breathing. He shares personal anecdotes that illustrate how anxiety can distort our perception of breath. The discussion revolves around practical exposure therapy techniques, empowering listeners to confront their fears through targeted breathing exercises like alternate nostril and resonance breathing. The aim is to help individuals find solace in discomfort and regain mastery over their breath.

Christina Rasmussen, a grief educator and author, shares her insights on navigating invisible loss, a type of unacknowledged grief. She opens up about her personal journey and introduces the Life Reentry Process, offering practical tips for healing. The conversation explores how early experiences influence adulthood, the significance of authenticity, and the role of art in recovery. Christina also highlights her digital library of invisible losses and reflects on Wyeth's painting 'Christina's World,' capturing the essence of her transformative experiences.

Dive into the depths of extreme anxiety and its daily impact on life. Discover effective strategies for managing anxiety, including therapy options and breathing exercises. Transitioning careers? Explore the challenges and possibilities when shifting from music education to psychology. Learn to align your career choices with personal values while considering educational pathways. Whether grappling with intense feelings or navigating professional changes, this conversation offers relatable insights and practical advice.

Dr. Patrick McGrath, OCD expert, debunks myths and shares practical tips on managing OCD. Discusses effective treatment like Exposure and Response Prevention therapy. Introduces NOCD online platform for accessible OCD therapy. Highlights personal journey with anxiety and passion for mental health.

Does Joe Biden Have Dementia? A Neuropsychologist's Perspective In this episode, I discuss the current political climate in the United States and my concerns as a neuropsychologist regarding the cognitive abilities of President Joe Biden. I explain the difference between normal aging, mild cognitive impairment, and dementia, and provide analysis of Biden's speech abilities from various clips over the years. While I emphasize that it's challenging to diagnose cognitive decline without comprehensive testing, I provide insights into what a professional evaluation would entail and discuss why it's critical to consider cognitive health for a role as demanding as the presidency. This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Visit http://betterhelp.com/duff for 10% off your first month of online therapy. As always, you can send me questions or topic suggestions to duffthepsych@gmail.com and find the full show notes at http://duffthepsych.com

Hello, friends! In today's episode, we delve into the transformative potential of ketamine therapy for mental health with Dr. Chantalle Thomas, a leading expert in ketamine-assisted psychotherapy. Dr. Thomas is a trainer in Fluence's Advanced Certificate in Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy as well as Executive Clinical Director at Windrose Recovery. Dr. Thomas discusses the complexities of ketamine as a treatment, its various administration routes, and the profound changes it can facilitate when integrated with therapy. We also explore the importance of therapeutic integration in maximizing the benefits of ketamine, the ethical considerations in psychedelic medicine, and navigating the current regulatory landscape. Additionally, Dr. Thomas shares her personal journey into mental health and psychedelics, and the importance of authenticity and attachment theory in therapy. As always, you can send me questions to duffthepsych@gmail.com and find the full show notes for this episode at http://duffthepsych.com/episode404 Links: https://windroserecovery.com/podcast/therapy-unblinded-inside-mdma-research/ https://www.fluencetraining.com/ https://maps.org/

Hello, friends! In today's episode, we tackle two profound listener questions that may resonate with many of you: How Do You Feel About Antidepressants and Anti-Anxiety Medications? A listener asks about the use of antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications, expressing concerns about addiction and the potential difficulty of getting off these meds. Dr. Duff shares his positive personal experience with Lexapro, explaining the various classes of medications, including SSRIs, SNRIs, and benzodiazepines. He emphasizes the importance of evaluating both the benefits and potential side effects of these medications, as well as considering the cost of not using them. Dr. Duff also addresses misconceptions about feeling disconnected from reality due to medication and discusses the concept of psychological and physiological dependence. Dealing with a Hurtful Partner: Another listener seeks advice on how to help their partner understand the impact of their hurtful behavior, which includes yelling and mocking. Dr. Duff offers empathetic support, acknowledging the listener's heartbreak. He outlines the importance of healthy conflict resolution, setting personal boundaries, and recognizing signs of potential abuse. Dr. Duff encourages open communication and suggests resources for improving relationship dynamics, while also addressing the need for safety and support when dealing with ongoing hurtful behavior. As always, you can send me questions to duffthepsych@gmail.com and find the full show notes for this episode at http://duffthepsych.com/episode403