Psychiatry & Psychotherapy Podcast

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Annabel Kuhn, a Psychiatry resident at Harvard South Shore, unpacks the world of online catfishing scams. She reveals how to spot a scammer and the psychological traits of both scammers and their victims. Insights into the emotional impact on those deceived, such as loneliness and social anxiety, offer a compelling view of vulnerability in the digital age. The conversation also explores the manipulative tactics used by scammers and the role of AI, aiming to foster more authentic online connections.

Join clinical psychotherapist Alyse Price-Tobler, a PhD candidate, and Dr. Mandy Matthewson, a senior psychology lecturer, as they dive deep into the complex world of parental alienation. They discuss how one parent can undermine the child’s relationship with the other, especially during custody disputes. The conversation covers the psychological toll this behavior has on children and families, the impact of false allegations, and offers insights on navigating the emotional chaos of these situations. A personal journey of love versus manipulation is also poignantly shared.

Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen, owner of New York Endocrinology and a renowned expert in diabetes and obesity, dives into the evolving understanding of obesity as a chronic disease. She discusses its complex ties to type 2 diabetes and the rising awareness post-COVID-19. The conversation highlights groundbreaking GLP-1 and GIP medications that reshape the weight loss landscape, discussing their benefits and psychological impacts on food cravings. Dr. Salas-Whalen also addresses the challenges posed by insurance companies in treating obesity, pushing for a more proactive medical approach.

In this discussion, Jacob McBride, a psychiatrist from Pittsburgh, dives into the pressing issue of polypharmacy in mental health care. He highlights the significant risks associated with combining multiple medications and the adverse effects on patients' cognitive functions. McBride advocates for a holistic approach, emphasizing the importance of lifestyle changes alongside medication. He also touches on the ethical dilemmas faced by psychiatrists and the need for strong therapeutic relationships, encouraging a balance between effective treatment and personal connection with patients.

In this week’s episode of the podcast, I interview Dr. Ragy Girgis, a clinical researcher at Columbia University in New York where he also completed his residency in psychiatry in 2009. He received a T32 (training grant) during this time and now conducts clinical trials and high-risk psychosis research. He practiced privately for a time, but is now a full-time clinical researcher. Although primarily a schizophrenia researcher, his interest led him to research the relationship between schizophrenia and mass shootings, leading to the creation of what may be the largest database on mass murder and mass shootings, studying cases dating all the way back to 1900. By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.25 Psychiatry CME Credits. Link to blog. Link to YouTube video.

Dr. Michael Cummings discusses a new study challenging the idea of depression as a chemical imbalance. The podcast explores the complexities of depression beyond serotonin levels, the effects of antidepressants and ketamine on dendrites, the link between depression and accelerated aging, health issues related to depression, and the impact of psychotherapy and medication. It also covers the role of chronic stress on the brain and how individuals can overcome depression.

Join Mary Jo Peebles, a distinguished psychoanalyst and author of 'When Psychotherapy Seems Stuck', as she delves into the transformative power of psychotherapy. She discusses the rise in mental health challenges post-COVID and the critical role of resilience. Personal growth for therapists is emphasized, as well as the importance of building authentic connections in therapy. Peebles explores the brain’s adaptability and the misconception of therapy as a quick fix, promoting a deeper understanding of lasting change through emotional investment.

Dr. Mark Solms, author of,  The Hidden Spring, gives us a guided tour of a journey into different aspects of consciousness, how Freud can be updated with the work of Jaak Pankseep and affective neuroscience, as well as some of the more fundamental principles and groundbreaking work in which he comes to the conclusion that the why, how and where of consciousness centers on our “in the moment” experience of emotions and feelings. By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.5 Psychiatry CME Credits. Link to blog. Link to YouTube video.

In this episode of the podcast, we sit down with Dr. Cummings to discuss the benefits, progress, and fears related to electroconvulsive therapy. For years the efficacy of electroconvulsive therapy has been debated, but we’ve learned that it still remains an essential part of psychiatric treatment in patients with severe mental health disorders. By listening to this episode, you can earn 1 Psychiatry CME Credits. Link to blog. Link to YouTube video.  

Dr. Robert Feinstein discusses the cognitive apprenticeship model in psychotherapy training, emphasizing the importance of live supervision and individualized therapy. The significance of common factors in therapy, like therapeutic alliance and understanding patient characteristics, is highlighted. The podcast explores diverse supervision techniques and the impact of the supervisor-trainee relationship on learning and preventing burnout.