

The Hardcore Self-Help Podcast with Duff the Psych
Robert Duff, Ph.D.
Hey, friends! My name is Robert. I am a neuropsychologist and self-help author. In this podcast, I interview fascinating individuals and provide information about psychology, mental health, neuroscience, relationships, and more. I have been told that I ask amazing questions and that I am talented at breaking down complex science into digestible information. Come have a listen and let me know if you agree!
Episodes
Mentioned books

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.

Dec 22, 2023 • 32min
Episode 379: My Word for 2024 Is...
Hello, friends! In this episode, I will be wrapping the year up by reflecting back on 2023 and my word for the year, which was "Identity." I talk about what I learned and explored this year and then I tell you what I have chosen as my word for 2024. It should be a fun one! Take care of yourselves, and I will see you in 2024! --- 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.

Dec 15, 2023 • 32min
Episode 378: Emotional Immaturity & Making Friends After Bullying
In this episode, they discuss emotional immaturity in relationships and offer advice on addressing it. They also address social anxiety and jealousy in adolescence, providing strategies to manage anxiety and overcome negative experiences.

Dec 8, 2023 • 39min
Episode 377: Preparing for Couples Therapy & Managing Depersonalization and Derealization
Hello friends! In Episode 377, we tackle two profound listener questions that shed light on unique mental health and relationship challenges. Our first discussion revolves around a listener gearing up for couples therapy. They share their apprehension about conveying years of experiences within the confines of therapy sessions. We explore strategies for effective communication, the importance of preparation, and utilizing therapy as a starting point rather than a complete solution. The conversation also touches on the usefulness of additional resources like therapy workbooks and individual therapy in enhancing the couples therapy experience. The second question comes from a 23-year-old male experiencing derealization, depersonalization, and occasional panic attacks. These symptoms make him feel detached from his environment and himself, as if living in an unreal world. We dive into understanding these phenomena, identifying possible triggers, and discussing various coping methods. These include sensory grounding techniques, mindfulness practices, and the potential roles of therapy and medication in managing these dissociative experiences. Your questions continue to add depth and insight to our discussions on mental health. If you have any questions or topics you'd like to share, please send them to duffthepsych@gmail.com. For full show notes and additional resources, visit http://duffthepsych.com/episode377. --- The holiday season can be rough. If you need extra support to get through it, consider trying online therapy with BetterHelp. You can get 10% off your first month at http://betterhelp.com/duff If you are looking for a brain reset and the normal avenues of therapy and medication aren't doing it for you, consider doing at-home ketamine therapy with Mindbloom. Head over to http://mindbloom.com/duff and use to code duff for $100 off!

Dec 1, 2023 • 37min
Episode 376: Absent Father Issues & Being a Young Manager
This episode discusses the lasting impact of growing up without a father and explores the emotions tied to this experience. It also delves into the challenges faced by young managers and provides advice on assertive communication and self-confidence.

Nov 17, 2023 • 30min
Episode 375: Anxiety About Nose Job & Privacy In Telehealth Therapy
Hello friends! In today's insightful episode, we tackle two profound listener questions that delve into personal struggles and the complexities of therapy in the modern world. Our first discussion revolves around a listener's internal conflict about undergoing a nose job. They share their long-standing desire for this procedure, influenced by cultural norms and compounded by severe anxiety. We explore the importance of understanding the underlying reasons for wanting cosmetic surgery, the impact of cultural pressures, and strategies for managing anxiety related to such a significant decision. The second question opens a window into the world of telehealth therapy and the challenges of maintaining privacy in less traditional settings. A listener shares their experience of feeling uneasy about the lack of privacy during their online therapy sessions. This concern leads us to discuss the crucial aspects of privacy in therapy, the legal and clinical implications, and the importance of addressing and resolving such concerns with your therapist. As always, you can send me questions at duffthepsych@gmail.com and find the full show notes for this episode at http://duffthepsych.com/episode375. --- 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. The holiday season can be rough. If you need extra support to get through it, consider trying online therapy with BetterHelp. You can get 10% off your first month at http://betterhelp.com/duff

Nov 10, 2023 • 32min
Episode 374: Persisting in a Broken World & Recognizing Narcissism in Yourself
Hello, friends! I hope you're all managing to keep your spirits up. In today's thoughtful episode, we tackle two profound listener questions that may resonate with many of you: Contemplating Narcissism and Self-Improvement: A listener is troubled by the possibility of being a narcissist, an idea suggested by their ex-partner. They're engaging in therapy and self-help but wrestle with the question: Are they truly non-empathetic or just struggling with poor coping mechanisms? We explore the characteristics of Narcissistic Personality Disorder, the journey of self-awareness, and the importance of recognizing and addressing negative behaviors. Seeking Purpose Amidst Global Turmoil: Another listener shares their struggle to find the motivation for personal improvement in a world filled with conflict and despair. How can one persist in therapy and self-care when the future seems so uncertain? We discuss the significance of hope, the resilience of humanity, and finding personal value in the face of global challenges. Your stories and questions are what make this podcast a rich community. If something's on your mind, drop me an email at duffthepsych@gmail.com. For full show notes, visit http://duffthepsych.com/episode374. Remember, while the podcast can offer guidance, it's not a replacement for professional help. Stay tuned for more, and take care of yourselves. --- If you are feeling DRY like me these days, check out OneSkin. Their revolutionary peptide moisturizer helps to not only hydrate your skin, but also eliminate the senecent cells that contribute to aging. Get 15% off at http://oneskin.co and use the code DUFF at checkout. I have been LOVING CoPilot. They are an amazing fitness app that pairs you with a personal trainer to create customized workouts to meet your goals whether you work out at home or in the gym. Get a 15-day free trial with an actual personal trainer at http://go.mycopilot.com/duff

Nov 3, 2023 • 31min
Episode 373: Overcoming Overthinking
The podcast discusses practical tips for overcoming overthinking and anxiety, including the use of digital tools and journaling. It emphasizes the importance of setting aside time to worry and addresses overthinking through repetitive questioning. The episode also mentions the benefits of mindfulness and self-compassion in navigating through anxious thoughts.


