The Hardcore Self Help Podcast with Duff the Psych

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

Guest: Jenn Harris, Award-Winning Director, Writer, Actor, and Producer Host: Dr. Robert Duff Episode Description: In this episode, Dr. Robert Duff welcomes the incredibly talented Jenn Harris to the show. Jenn Harris is an award-winning director, writer, actor, and producer known for her diverse and impactful work in film and theater. Jenn discusses her latest short film, "She's Clean," which delves into the nuances of intimacy and sexual autonomy in middle age. The conversation explores Jenn's creative journey, the inspiration behind her work, and her thoughts on intimacy, confidence, and aging. Key Topics Discussed: Introduction to Jenn Harris: An overview of Jenn's career and achievements, including her work in the Oscar-winning film "American Fiction" and her latest short film "She's Clean." Jenn's Creative Journey: How Jenn transitioned from wanting to be a doctor to finding her passion in the entertainment industry, and her experiences in theater and film. The Concept of "She's Clean": Jenn explains the inspiration behind her short film and its unique setting in a bathroom, exploring themes of intimacy and sexual freedom. Intimacy and Confidence: A deep dive into how Jenn views intimacy in various relationships, the role of confidence in her work and personal life, and how she has aged into confidence over the years. Filmmaking Challenges: Jenn shares the visual and technical challenges she faced while making "She's Clean" and how she approached these creatively. The Role of Intimacy Coordinators: Jenn discusses the importance of having intimacy coordinators on set and how they help create a safe and comfortable environment for actors. Personal Insights: Jenn reflects on her own experiences with intimacy, relationships, and personal growth, sharing anecdotes and lessons learned along the way. Episode Highlights: Jenn’s perspective on the comedic and serious elements of intimacy in filmmaking. The significance of choosing a bathroom as the primary setting for "She's Clean." Insights into Jenn’s collaborative process with her team, including the role of her editor and intimacy coordinator. The impact of societal expectations on personal choices and relationships, particularly in the context of non-monogamy and traditional norms. Jenn’s advice on navigating creative projects and maintaining authenticity in one’s work. Quotes: "Intimacy is something that's always been comfortable for me, and I think it's a huge part of human behavior that we should observe and understand." "There isn't room for doubt. It will not serve the day. It will not serve the script. It will not serve the scene." "It's really nice when people don't take advantage of my openness in a way." Resources Mentioned: Film: "She's Clean" - Available for streaming on Vimeo. Social Media: Follow Jenn Harris on Instagram @RealJenHarris and @ShesCleanTheFilm. Sponsor: Today's episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Reflect on your progress and set achievable goals with the help of a licensed therapist. Visit betterhelp.com/duff for 10% off your first month. Connect with Dr. Duff: Website: www.duffthepsych.com Instagram: @duffthepsych

In this episdoe, I sit down with Jennie Ketcham-Crooks, a licensed therapist, anxiety specialist, and author of the upcoming book "Look Up: The 30-Day Path to Digital Minimalism and Real Life Maximalism." Jennie shares her compelling journey from an adult film performer to a transformative therapist, opening up about the pivotal moments that shaped her path. They delve deep into the challenges of reducing digital overconsumption, discussing practical, evidence-based strategies from Jennie's book that can help you realign your life with your values and build meaningful real-world connections. Discover how to take on a 30-day challenge designed to shift your smartphone use from unintentional to intentional, making every minute count towards your personal fulfillment. Robert and Jennie also explore the importance of maintaining human connections in the digital age, the potential impacts of overusing smartphones, and how to cultivate a balanced, intentional relationship with technology. Don't miss Jennie's unique insights on parenting, mental health, and the value of vulnerability and intimacy. Tune in for an episode packed with valuable advice, heartfelt stories, and actionable tips to help you navigate the digital world mindfully. Whether you're looking to cut down on screen time, connect more deeply with those around you, or simply hear an inspiring story of transformation, this interview has something for you. Be sure to check out Jennie on intagram and at her website to stay tuned for updates on her new book! This episode is brought to you by OneSkin for wonderfully light mineral sunscreen oil that also works to heal your skin at the cellular level. Get 15% off your first purchase over at http://oneskin.co with the code "DUFF".  

Hello, everyone! Thank you SO much for joining me for episode 400. I can't believe it's been 400 episodes already. Blows my mind. In this episode, I have a (creepy) mystery question that I share, and I also go through some rapid fire questions from the Hardcore Self Help Facebook group. A special shout out to everyone who has been with me from the start. Here is to the next 100 episodes!  As always, you can send me questions to duffthepsych@gmail.com and find the full transcript at http://duffthepsych.com/episode400 ---   Feeling proud of yourself for 2024 so far? Take time to celebrate your wins and make adjustments. Therapy is a great tool for setting goals, and BetterHelp offers convenient, online sessions to fit your schedule. Just fill out a brief questionnaire to get matched with a licensed therapist and switch anytime at no extra cost. Visit betterhelp.com/duff for 10% off your first month.