

The Hardcore Self Help Podcast with Duff the Psych
Robert Duff, Ph.D.
This is a podcast dedicated to answering your questions about mental health, anxiety, depression, relationships, sex, and life WITHOUT psychobabble BS. I am Dr. Robert Duff, a psychologist from Southern California, but I'm also a regular dude who legitimately wants to help out. I wrote the best selling books Hardcore Self Help: F**k Depression and Hardcore Self Help: F**K Anxiety. Those are available at http://hardcoreselfhelp.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 15, 2024 • 33min
Episode 389: Am I Bugging My Therapist? & Abusive Ex Using Kids Against Me!
Hello, friends! In today’s episode of the podcast, we dive deep into two incredibly relatable listener questions that touch on emotional and psychological challenges many of us might face. Our first discussion revolves around the complex emotions of worrying about one’s therapist. One listener shares their concern about being a burden by repeatedly discussing the same issues, particularly body dysmorphia, fearing it might negatively impact their therapist. We unravel this common fear, emphasizing the nature of therapy and the professional capacity of therapists to manage their own feelings and support their clients effectively. In our second exploration, we address the heart-wrenching situation of a listener navigating the aftermath of an abusive marriage, particularly the impact on their children. This listener’s struggle with their ex-partner’s manipulation and its effect on their relationship with their children brings to light the challenges of co-parenting and protecting one’s mental and emotional well-being during such turbulent times. We offer insights into seeking support, understanding the dynamics at play, and strategies for maintaining a healthy relationship with one’s children amidst external pressures. As always, your thoughts and questions are invaluable to us. Reach out via duffthepsych@gmail.com or explore more resources at http://duffthepsych.com/episode389. Your journey is important, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. --- Breathe Easy with Air Doctor: Spending most of our time indoors means we're often exposed to more pollutants than outside. Air Doctor's air purifier, featuring an UltraHEPA filter, captures over 99% of airborne particles, even those as small as .003 microns, ensuring your indoor air is cleaner and healthier. Try it risk-free for 30 days and get up to 40% off at airdoctorpro.com with promo code DUFF. Nourish Your Skin with OneSkin: Combat dry, aging skin with OneSkin's peptide-powered products, including their moisturizing body lotion and the innovative OS-01 SHIELD SPF. Address skin issues at their root with a 15% discount using code DUFF at oneskin.co.

Mar 8, 2024 • 25min
Episode 388: Building Emotional Intelligence & Partner is Afraid of Pictures
Discussion on emotional neglect's impact, building emotional intelligence, and navigating partner's fear of photographs. Practical advice on self-reflection, communication, and prioritizing emotional awareness in relationships.

Mar 1, 2024 • 24min
Episode 387: Should I Still Talk to My Ex?
Delving into the complexities of maintaining connections with exes while in a happy marriage, the podcast provides guidance on setting boundaries, navigating feelings, and communicating transparently with both partners. It explores the significance of acknowledging past relationships, the risks of rekindling old flames, and the importance of self-awareness in maintaining healthy relationships.

Feb 23, 2024 • 34min
Episode 386: Starting Dating in 30s & Navigating BPD in the UK
Hello friends! In today’s episode, we delve into two deeply personal and impactful listener questions, uncovering layers of self-discovery, acceptance, and the ongoing journey towards healing and love: Embarking on a Journey of Self-Discovery and Love: A 32-year-old male shares his transformative journey from battling addiction and isolation to embracing therapy, wellness, and the realization of his deep desire for love and intimacy. Facing fears of rejection, exploring his sexuality, and stepping into the dating scene, he seeks guidance and affirmation that it's never too late to find love and form meaningful connections. Navigating Mental Health Challenges in the UK: A listener from the UK expresses frustration with the mental health support system, revealing a recent diagnosis of BPD after years of being treated for depression. Despite facing suicidality and feeling abandoned by the healthcare system, they search for hope and strategies to cope with the intense highs and lows of BPD, highlighting the urgent need for compassionate and effective mental health care. As always, you can send me questions to duffthepsych@gmail.com and find the full show notes for this episode at http://duffthepsych.com/episode386. --- BetterHelp: Navigate the complexities of relationships and dating with BetterHelp. It’s not just about couples therapy; individual therapy can significantly enhance your dating journey, improving communication and self-awareness. Start your journey with BetterHelp online, tailored to your schedule, and get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/duff. Dive into therapy designed for you, because understanding yourself is the first step to connecting with others. Babbel: Kickstart your language learning journey in 2024 with Babbel! Whether refining conversational skills or mastering pronunciation, Babbel’s 10-minute, expert-crafted lessons pave the way to fluency in just 3 weeks. Embrace a new language with tools rooted in real-life situations, and get 50% off a lifetime subscription at babble.com/duff. Let’s learn together and make language barriers a thing of the past.

Feb 16, 2024 • 26min
Episode 385: Obsessing Over New Relationships & Recovering from Sexual Assault
Hello, friends! In today’s episode, we tackle two profound listener questions that may resonate with many of you: Navigating Romantic Relationships and Self-Esteem: A listener seeks advice on managing the anxiety and self-doubt that accompany new romantic relationships. We discuss the concept of "correct rejections" and explore strategies for nurturing a healthy sense of self-esteem, such as focusing on personal growth and savoring moments of joy. Overcoming Trauma and Self-Doubt: Another listener shares their struggle with self-doubt stemming from a traumatic experience. We emphasize the importance of self-compassion and challenge the stigma associated with seeking help. We discuss the benefits of therapy and self-help resources, as well as the empowering nature of setting challenges and connecting with others. As always, you can send me questions to duffthepsych@gmail.com and find the full show notes for this episode at http://duffthepsych.com/episode385 ---- OneSkin: OneSkin's skincare products, developed by Ph.D. level scientists, simplify your routine and reduce skin's biological age with their proprietary peptide OS-1. Use code "DUFF" at oneskin.co for 15% off. AirDoctor: AirDoctor's air purifier removes 100% of particles as small as .003 microns, circulating air in 600 square foot rooms four times per hour. Use promo code "DUFF" at airdoctorpro.com for up to 40% off.

Feb 9, 2024 • 37min
Episode 384: All About Depression
Explore the multifaceted nature of depression, including its clinical aspects, personal stories, and common misconceptions. Learn about the criteria for diagnosing Major Depressive Disorder and the diversity of symptoms. Discover the experiences of James and Ellie, two hypothetical cases illustrating the varied manifestations of depression. Challenge stigmas associated with depression and the idea that it can affect anyone, regardless of appearances. Delve into the benefits of medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes in treating depression and explore treatment options for those with treatment-resistant depression.

Jan 26, 2024 • 34min
Episode 383: Alternatives to Adderall & My Therapist Talks Too Much!
Today's podcast explores two listener questions: one about dealing with a talkative therapist and the challenge of feeling heard, and another about alternatives to Adderall for managing ADHD. The discussion includes the role of therapist self-disclosure, the concept of transference, the complexities of ADHD diagnosis and treatment, the pharmacology of Adderall, and alternative medications like Provigil. The importance of therapy, coaching, and addressing comorbidities with anxiety and depression is also emphasized.

Jan 19, 2024 • 34min
Episode 382: Changing Name at Work & Dealing with Emotional Numbness
Topics include changing name at work, dealing with emotional numbness, exploring identity through name change, confronting emotional numbness, strategies for communicating name change, reconnecting with emotions, anhedonia and emotional numbness

Jan 12, 2024 • 33min
Episode 381: Is it Impossible to Thrive as a Therapist & Long-Distance Driving Anxiety
Hello friends! In today's episode, we delve into two compelling listener questions that many of you might find relatable: Confronting Career Anxiety in Private Practice: A newly licensed listener, transitioning from a non-profit agency to private practice, shares their struggles with the unpredictability of work and income, leading to increased anxiety. They contemplate returning to a full-time job, questioning the future of their career in mental health. We discuss the common challenges faced in different work settings, strategies for managing career uncertainty, and ways to find a fulfilling path in the mental health profession. Navigating Highway Anxiety with a Unique Twist: Another listener, who enjoys driving but experiences anxiety on long highway trips, seeks advice for their unusual situation. Despite a well-managed health condition and ruling out vision problems, this anxiety poses a significant obstacle, especially for family commitments requiring long travel. We explore potential triggers, the importance of understanding anxiety's impact, and practical tips for gradually overcoming this specific driving anxiety. As always, your questions are the heartbeat of our show. Feel free to send your thoughts or inquiries to duffthepsych@gmail.com. For full show notes and more insights, visit http://duffthepsych.com/episode381. ------ If you are looking for a product that not only helps to hydrate your skin but can actually reverse signs of skin aging, check out http://oneskin.co and use the code DUFF for 15% off.

Jan 5, 2024 • 27min
Episode 380: Dopamine Misconceptions
Delve into the complexities of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, debunking common misconceptions. Explore the role of dopamine in habit formation, addiction, and compulsive behaviors. Discuss the impact of modern habits on dopamine levels. Address concerns related to medications and strategies for managing trichotillomania.