Thoughts on Record: Podcast of the Ottawa Institute of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Why do some teens continue to experience chronic pain long after an injury has healed? And what if the brain—not damaged tissue—is keeping the pain alive? In this episode of Thoughts on Record, Dr. Pete Kelly speaks with Dr. Penina Zilberberg and Paulina Soble, LCSW, co-authors of The Pain Reprocessing Therapy Workbook for Teens. Together, they explore the emerging science of neuroplastic pain and explain how chronic pain can become a learned pattern of...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! What if dissociation isn't a disorder to be feared, but an extraordinary adaptation that once helped a child survive? In this episode of Thoughts on Record, Dr. Pete Kelly speaks with licensed marriage and family therapist Sally Maslansky about her memoir, A Brilliant Adaptation, and her remarkable journey of discovering that much of her childhood was inaccessible to memory. Together, they explore how developmental trauma can fragment identity, why diss...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! What if chronic pain isn't simply a reflection of tissue damage, but also of how the brain interprets and responds to danger? In this episode of Thoughts on Record, Dr. Pete Kelly sits down with health psychologist and pain researcher Dr. Carly Hunt to explore the neuroscience of chronic pain and the remarkable capacity of the brain to change. Drawing on her research at Johns Hopkins and her own lived experience overcoming treatment-resistant pain, Dr. ...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Dr. George James joins the podcast to discuss his new book I Give Myself Permission: Take Risks. Be Imperfect. Live Boldly and the psychological barriers that keep people stuck even when they have insight into their patterns, trauma, and history. The conversation explores the idea that lasting change is not simply about awareness, but about developing an internal sense of authorization to live differently. Drs. Kelly and James discuss how personal narra...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! If you work with adults with ADHD, you quickly realize this isn’t simply a disorder of attention or intelligence — it’s a disorder of self-regulation across time. The real suffering often lives in the gap between intention and follow-through: knowing exactly what needs to happen, but struggling to consistently execute it in daily life. In this episode, I’m joined by Laura E. Knouse to discuss her new book, Living Well with Adult ADHD, co-authored with R...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Barbara Minton, a clinical psychologist and neuroscientist who integrates music and frequency-based tools into mental-health treatment. We explore how music affects the brain, how these principles can be woven into psychotherapy, and why sound-based interventions may offer unique advantages for clients struggling with regulation, trauma, or chronic distress. Topics we cover include: How music engages neural systems ...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! In this episode, we sit down with psychologist and CBT expert Dr. Deborah Dobson to discuss her new book Living Well with Social Anxiety. Drawing on decades of clinical experience, Dr. Dobson offers a compassionate and highly practical look at what social anxiety is, how it develops, and most importantly—how to move beyond avoidance and toward a more connected, fulfilling life. Key Themes Understanding the social anxiety cycle: thoughts, feelings, phys...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Life transitions—whether expected or sudden, joyful or painful—have a way of shaking loose our assumptions about who we are and what matters most. They invite reflection, loss, growth, and the often uncomfortable process of becoming someone new. In this conversation, clinical psychologist Dr. Rana Pishva joins Thoughts on Record to explore how we can move through change with greater awareness and self-compassion. We discuss why transitions are best unde...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Parenting is often described as the most important job in the world — but it may also be the most emotionally demanding. In this episode of Thoughts on Record, we sit down with clinical psychologist Dr. Alissa Jerud to explore her new book, Emotion-Savvy Parenting: A Shame-Free Guide to Navigating Emotional Storms and Deepening Connection. Drawing from CBT, DBT, and decades of research on emotion regulation, Dr. Jerud introduces the ART framework — Acce...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Empathy is widely viewed as the cornerstone of effective therapy—but what if we’ve been misunderstanding it all along? In this episode, Dr. Pete Kelly sits down with Dr. Douglas Flemons, to discuss his new book Empathic Engagement in Clinical Practice. Flemons challenges the common assumption that empathy is something therapists simply have, reframing it instead as something we do—moment by moment, in relationship. Together, they explore empathy as an a...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Jesse Finkelstein to discuss Real Skills for Real Life, co-authored with Dr. Shireen Rizvi. The book offers a practical, accessible introduction to Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), translating a well-established clinical framework into skills that can be applied in everyday life. Rather than focusing on diagnoses, Real Skills for Real Life centers on universal human experiences—stress, emotional overwhelm, relati...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! In this episode of Thoughts on Record, we’re joined by Drs. Robyn D. Walser and Darrah Westrup—two of the world’s leading experts in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and trauma treatment. Their new book, You Are Not Your Trauma, offers a compassionate and practical guide to healing that helps readers move beyond symptom management and toward a life anchored in meaning, connection, and psychological flexibility. In this conversation we explo...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! In this episode of Thoughts on Record, we sit down with Dr. Shirley Hershko, one of the foremost voices in the understanding of ADHD in girls and women. Her work has been central in challenging long-standing assumptions about how ADHD presents across the female lifespan—from childhood and early adulthood through motherhood, career transitions, perimenopause, and menopause. Together, we explore why ADHD in women remains underdiagnosed, how cultural expec...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! In this conversation, we speak with psychotherapist and author Melissa Fulgieri, LCSW about her powerful book Healing Relational Trauma, which offers a deeply human and integrative approach to understanding the ways our early relationships shape who we become. We explore how awareness, compassion, and self-trust can help us move from survival to connection—transforming old patterns rooted in attachment wounding and developmental trauma. The conver...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Parenting can often feel like a relentless series of checkboxes—milestones to hit, skills to teach, problems to solve. Yet beneath all of this lies something far deeper: the opportunity to cultivate wholeness, authenticity, and love, both in ourselves and in our children. In this episode, When At the Zoo Watch the Humans author Patrick Ney joins Dr. Pete Kelly for a discussion on reframing how we think about parenting. Drawing from his work with All Abo...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! 🎙️ Episode Overview Clinical documentation: every therapist’s frenemy. For many mental health professionals, paperwork is one of the most persistent sources of stress—filled with contradictory advice, defensive writing habits, and the ever-present fear of audits or legal scrutiny. Add to that an endless backlog of notes and inconsistent training, and it’s no wonder documentation can feel more like a burden than a cornerstone of good clinical care. With ...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! In this episode, Dr. Claire Sira and Tom Hudock join me to discuss their new book Feeling Loved with Adult ADHD. We explore how ADHD can quietly undermine even the strongest relationships—and how partners can move from shame and blame to empathy and trust. Together we cover: Emotion dysregulation and its impact on intimacyADHD as a “third partner” in relationshipsMoving from criticism to curiosityThe “Trust Account” metaphor for building connectionNavig...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! In this conversation, neuroscientist and author Dr. Nikolay Kukushkin joins us to explore some of the deepest questions about the human mind. Drawing from his book One Hand Clapping, Dr. Kukushkin offers a rare synthesis of biology, evolution, and philosophy—challenging us to reconsider not only how the mind works, but what it means to be a mind at all. Topics & Questions Covered: What inspired One Hand Clapping and the central questions it seeks to...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Clinicians will often hear their clients express deeply felt needs, only to admit they’ve never shared them with their partner—usually due to fear of vulnerability or a defensive, adversarial dynamic that makes intimacy feel unsafe. In today’s episode, we are joined by Dr. James Cordova—Professor of Psychology at Clark University and creator of The Relationship Checkup—to discuss his new book, The Mindful Path to Intimacy. Dr. Cordova’s book offer...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Digital media is changing the way young people experience—and express—mental health struggles, particularly depression. Child and adolescent psychiatrist, Dr. Meredith Gansner, joins us to discuss themes in her new book Teen Depression Gone Viral. 🔍 Topics We Explore: What inspired Teen Depression Gone Viral and the choice to focus on digital media’s roleCurrent trends in teen depression—what’s driving the rise?Why are so many teens turning to so...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! At first glance, perfectionism looks like an asset; however, the same internal drive that fuels greatness can also erode well-being, leaving success feeling empty and unsatisfying. In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Heather Wheeler, psychologist and former elite athlete, to explore the psychology of perfectionism in high achievers. In this conversation we cover: Defining perfectionism: What is it and is it ever adaptive?Early Conditioning: The ...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Dr. Chris Taplin,a psychiatrist and founder of Ottawa’s TMS Life clinic, joins us for a deep dive into one of the most promising frontiers in psychiatric care: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, or TMS. As clinicians, many of us have encountered the heartbreak of treatment-resistant depression — watching clients struggle despite best-practice psychotherapy and pharmacology. TMS offers a non-invasive, evidence-based alternative that is reshaping how we a...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Joe Pierre, psychiatrist and author of False, to explore why people believe things that aren’t true—and why challenging those beliefs is rarely as simple as presenting the facts. Drawing from research in psychiatry, cognitive science, and social psychology, Dr. Pierre unpacks the emotional, identity-based, and relational roots of misinformation and conspiratorial thinking. Whether you’re a clinician, educator, or...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Scott Waltman and Kasey Pierce coauthors, along with Trent Codd, Ed.S of The Stoicism Workbook - to explore how ancient Stoic philosophy can offer powerful tools for managing today’s challenges. From emotional resilience and anxiety to self-compassion and values-driven living, we unpack how timeless Stoic principles can help you navigate stress, uncertainty, and personal growth. Whether you’re a mental health professio...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Building emotional security and navigating conflict with intention often defines the success of our closest relationships. Join us for an in-depth discussion with psychologist Dr. Betsy Chung to explore these and other topics explored in her new book The Couple Skills Workbook: Manage Conflict, Increase Trust & Intimacy, and Build a Better Relationship. In this conversation we cover: how a lack of emotional security in one’s childh...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! In this episode, we sit down with Donna Jakson Nakazawa to explore a topic at the core of many people's therapeutic journeys: recovering from the impact of adverse childhood experiences. Her new book, The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Guided Journal, offers a compassionate, science-backed approach to understanding how trauma shapes our lives—while providing actionable steps to rewire the brain for healing. Whether dealing with childhood trauma, c...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Many of us accept freewill as an undeniable truth, assuming that we are the architects of our own decisions and destiny. Yet, a growing body of scientific research challenges this notion, suggesting that our sense of freewill may be more of an illusion than reality. This emerging perspective carries profound implications, urging us to reconsider the foundations of personal responsibility, ethics, and the way we govern our society. Dr. Yona Bouskil...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Whether it's in our personal relationships, at work, or even with ourselves, boundaries are essential for our well-being and peace of mind. Yet, many of us - even clinicians I might add - at times struggle with this practice, often feeling overwhelmed, guilty, or unsure of how to start. In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Sharon Martin discuss insights from your new book "Better Boundaries Guided Journal" which offerings practical advice and thoughtfu...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! While most of us intuitively believe that our assessment of our lives is largely objective and a direct result of what has been happening to us, it's clear that subjective perceptions of objective events play a significant role in shaping the ultimate emotional experience of those events. This highlights the importantly interplay between personality traits and life satisfaction, raising questions about how much flexibility we have to change, reinterpret...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Compulsive reassurance seeking can be a challenging issue for both clients and therapists to manage. Clients are often highly adept—sometimes knowingly, sometimes unknowingly—at eliciting excessive reassurance from therapists and family members. At the same time, resisting the urge to seek reassurance can feel nearly impossible for clients. In this episode, Amanda Petrik-Gardner, LCPC, joins us to discuss core themes from her new book, "The Compulsive R...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Behavioural activation is one of the best, if not the best treatments for depression. Clinical psychologist and author, Dr. Nina Josefowitz joins us for an in-depth discussion of themes contained in her new book The Behavioural Activation Workbook for Depression. In this discussion we cover: The basic premise of behavioral activation and how it differs from other depression treatments.The negative feedback loop of depression and...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Navigating relationships with emotionally immature parents can evoke very strong reactions, which can be difficult to navigate. In many clinician's experience, when this topic comes up, people tend to react in one of three ways: defending their parents as perfect, blaming them for all their struggles, or questioning their own perceptions entirely - all of which can create stuck points. Author and psychologist, Dr. Lindsay Gibson, who has written and lec...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Assessing & treating adult ADHD can be both very challenging as well as highly rewarding for client and clinician alike. Psychologist & author, Dr. Russell Ramsay joins us for an in-depth discussion of the assessment and treatment of adult ADHD building on themes in his new workbook, The Adult ADHD and Anxiety Workbook. In this discussion we cover: why Dr. Ramsay wanted to write a workbook focused on both ADHD and anxiety and why ind...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Many clinicians experience a sense of helplessness around effectively managing calls from loved ones of an individual living with a mental illness who is not willing to engage in treatment. There is frequently an impression that little can be done until the affected individual wants to change. Dr. Alec Pollard joins us for a discussion of he and his co-authors new book "When a Loved One Won't Seek Mental Health Treatment". In this conv...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Dialectical behavior therapy or DBT is a wonderful suite of tools that help people to be more effective with respect to managing their emotions and becoming more interpersonally effective. These are challenges that often loom especially large for those who are highly sensitive. Emma Lauer, LCSW joins us for a discussion of her workbook DBT Skills for Highly Sensitive People. In this conversation we cover: what inspired Emm...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! In addition to being a topic that appears frequently in the realm of pop psychology, emotional intelligence is a subject of serious, rigorous academic inquiry. Clinical psychologist & author, Dr. Stephanie Catella joins for us for a discussion of core-themes in her new book The Emotional Intelligence Skills Workbook: Improve Communication and Build Stronger Relationships. In this conversation we cover: why Dr. Catella ...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Bipolar disorder is often thought of as a mental disorder that is treated exclusively with medication when in fact there are a number of evidence-based psychotherapeutic techniques that can be used to complement traditional pharmacotherapy. Dr. Holly Swartz joins us for a discussion of the core themes in her new book, Social Rhythm Therapy for Bipolar Disorder. In this conversation we cover: a brief overview of bipolar disorderwhat Social Rh...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Challenges related to attachment in relationships - especially in the context of romantic relationships - can evoke very strong emotions and behavioral urges that can often backfire, sometimes causing the very thing we fear most; namely, the dissolution of a relationship. Psychologist, author, speaker & teacher, Dr. Leslie Becker-Phelps joins us for a discussion of her latest release, The Insecure In Love Workbook. In this discussion we ...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! The last decade has seen the ascendency of a number of "public intellectuals" who have come under increasing scrutiny around allegations of misinformation, conspiracy mongering, grifting & intellectual inconsistency. Importantly, many have achieved "guru" status with millions of followers and devotees on YouTube and other social media platforms. Professors & podcasters, Drs. Matt Browne & Chris Kavanagh joins us for a conversatio...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Mindfulness is an area of clinical and intellectual focus which has grown tremendously in popularity and includes many secular practices such as breath work, body scanning & self-compassion. OICBT psychologist Dr. Kiran Vadaga joins us for an in-depth conversation in which explore observations around the importance, and potential benefits, of being a more mindful observer of our feelings (particularly those which are pleasant. In this co...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! CBT interventions are often favoured for being empirically supported; however, it is not always clear how efficacy of these interventions maps to the actual functioning of the brain. Esteemed neuropsychologist and psychoanalyst, Dr. Mark Solms, joins us for an in-depth discussion of the clinical implications of his research into the biological underpinnings of consciousness as discussed in in his wonderful book, The Hidden Spring: A Journey to the...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! There has been increasing discussion of the metabolic basis of mental disorders and the potential benefit a low-carb/ketogenic approach could hold with respect to the treatment of mental disorders. Psychiatrist Dr. Georgia Edes joins us for a discussion of major themes of her new book Change Your Diet, Change Your Mind. In this conversation we cover: why Dr. Edes wanted to write this bookthe underlying evidence to suggest that there is...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Female involvement with the criminal justice system can prompt significant internal dissonance as well as challenge conceptualizations around female violence, motherhood, mental illness etc. Forensic psychotherapist Anna Motz joins us for a fascinating discussion of her book “If Love Could Kill: The Myths & Truths of Women Who Commit Violence”. In this discussion we cover: why Anna wanted to write this book and the underlying mes...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Host note: folks, I invite you to pay very close attention to what Dr. Hollis has to say...could change your life. Jungian/Depth psychology provides a wonderful framework for exploring questions related to meaning and the self that can at time fall outside of boundaries of what is typically explored in cognitive behavioural therapy. Esteemed author and Jungian analyst Dr. James Hollis joins us for an in-depth discussion of core themes explored in...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Existential boredom is a challenge for many that can lead to a pathological engagement with shallow amusements (which may only deepen the despair and lead to more boredom). Dr. Kevin Gary joins us for a discussion of some of the core themes covered in his book Why Boredom Matters: Education, Leisure, and the Quest for a Meaningful Life. In this discussion we cover: why Dr. Gary wanted to write this book situational vs. existential...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Understanding the evolutionary significance of depression can quite helpful in its conceptualization and treatment. Founder in the field of evolutionary medicine, Dr. Randy Nesse, joins us for an encore discussion in which we consider how striving, motivation and desire for control can play into the evolution of depressive symptoms. In this conversation we cover: why failure to give up an unachievable goal may be a central cause of some for...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! For many mental health clinicians, crafting resilience is an afterthought to managing the day-to-day demands of their professional life. Psychologist, consultant & author, Dr. Marie-Hélène Pelletier, joins us to discuss some of the themes explored in her new book: The Resilience Plan: A Strategic Approach to Optimizing Your Work Performance and Mental Health. the ethos behind the Resilience Plan what is burnout and what makes someone vuln...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Music is an under-explored tool with respect to the provision of psychotherapy as well as the crafting of peak experiences. Clinical counsellor, performance coach and opera singer, Dr. Fiona McAndrew, joins us for an eclectic, wide-ranging discussion in which explore: Fiona's alternating journey between psychology and music a window into the psychological life of a top tier opera singermusic as tool to evoke and access emotions and spiritual ...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Mental health professionals have increasingly been seeing clients seeking services related to anxiety and depression stemming from serious, negative changes that have been occurring in our climate. Psychologist and professor, Dr. Susan Clayton, who is one of the world's authorities on how the environment impacts upon psychological factors joins us for a discussion in which we cover: how the environment & climate impacts upon psychologica...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Shame is among the most powerful of human emotions and can drive a number of both functional and dysfunctional behaviours. Sheila Rubin, MA & Bret Lyon, Ph.D., join us for a comprehensive discussion of many of the themes in their new book Embracing Shame - How to Stop Resisting Shame & Turn it into a Powerful Ally. In this discussion we cover: why they wanted to write this booka theoretically driven and evolutionarily informed ...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Happiness is an elusive and frequently controversial topic of discussion. Dr. Jeff Perron joins us for an extensive discussion of some of the themes he is exploring in his new substack project: The Psychology of Happiness. In this discussion we cover: working within a workable & reasonable definition of happiness given the realities of the human condition the tension between schema-driven behaviours and values blending schema a...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! For many clinicians body dysmorphic disorder or BDD is shrouded in mystery and can be an intimidating and tricky presentation to try and conceptualize and treat. Physician, scientist, educator, and author, Dr. Katharine Phillips, who has spent her career caring for patients, mentoring/teaching, and conducting groundbreaking scientific research on BDD joins us for a discussion in which we cover: what BDD is and how it affects individu...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Hello everyone - hope you are well! We just wanted to quickly let you know that we’ll be taking a scheduled break for the rest of the summer and will be back with new episodes in the early fall. It’s been a real joy recording and putting out the podcast - we’re so grateful to each and every guest for their contribution to the path that we’ve been on with the podcast which is basically trying to get just a little bit closer to coming to grips with ...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Strength in vulnerability combined with an internal sense of safety are among the most powerful psychological tools that one can curate to promote wellness and healthy boundaries. Four-time Olympian, speaker & author, Silken Laumann, joins us for a very special discussion where we cover: a brief overview of Silken's story and her rise to prominence nationally and internationallyfinding an "extra gear" with respect to performance and the...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Despite being among the most common of mental disorders that a clinician is likely to encounter, major depressive disorder presents both the client and therapist with a considerable amount of complexity and nuance to navigate with respect to conceptualization and treatment. Leading international expert in major depressive disorder, Dr. Keith Dobson, joins us for an in-depth exploration of depression where were cover: a brief overview of wha...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Many clinicians pride themselves on practicing within an evidence based framework; however, within psychology the influence of pseudoscience and pop psychology has been at times problematic and even harmful. Psychologist, professor & author, Dr. Hupp joins us to discuss his recently edited book Investigating Pop Psychology: Pseudoscience, Fringe Science & Controversies. In this conversation we cover: why Dr. Hupp wanted ...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Dr. Daniel Z. Lieberman returns for an encore discussion on Thoughts on Record to discuss his most recent book Spellbound, which explores the untapped potential of our unconscious minds. In this conversation we cover: defining of our conscious and unconscious mindswhy Dr. Lieberman wanted to write this bookgetting to know what wants, needs & agendas our unconscious mind might haveunpacking the wisdom of fairy tales about the unconsciousshadow work: ...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Despite anxiety in social situations being a fairly normative experience, we know that the symptoms and disability associated with social anxiety disorder can be very life-limiting when it comes to important aspects of life such as establishing a romantic relationship, professional advancement and overall quality of life. Internationally recognized expert on cognitive behavioral therapy for social anxiety disorder, Dr. Richard G. Heimberg, joins u...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Diagnostic frameworks like the DSM are often regarded as definitive, having an almost canonical-like quality. On the other hand, there are many in the field who have become increasingly critical of the DSM and its shortcomings. That said, the DSM has been quite helpful in a lot of ways with respect to organizing our thinking around mental illness as well as facilitating research. Professor Dr. Miri Forbes joins us for a discussion of s...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! While many of us regularly use music to enhance our well-being or increase performance, we are often unaware of the underlying science around music as tool to improve our lives. Reverberation Studio Co-founders, Michael Hermann (CEO) and Anna Gabriel join us for a discussion of Reverberation Studio, an undertaking they have started with legendary recording artist, Peter Gabriel. Reverberation’s mission is to do everything better with music.&...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! While OCD is a generally a very recognizable form of mental disorder, there are many nuances and complexities with respect to both its treatment and diagnosis. Psychologist, professor & author, Dr. Christine Purdon, joins us for a deep dive on OCD in which we cover: what OCD is and how it affects the individual and family members how is OCD usually conceptualized from a cognitive behavioural perspectivethe developmental experiences that ...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Despite typically being scientifically-minded individuals, many clinicians have often wondered about aspects of the human experience that defy rationale explanation, but yet feel profoundly meaningful. Psychiatrist and author, Dr. Bernard Beitman, joins us for a discussion of many of the core themes in his book Meaningful Coincidences: How & Why Synchronicity and Serendipity Happen. In this conversation we cover: what has driven D...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! At the moment there is no more talked about neurotransmitter than dopamine. Our collective obsession with dopamine has led to a huge amount of content generated around so-called “dopamine fasts”, how to leverage dopamine for motivation, worries about dopamine-driven addiction to devices, pornography, food etc. In addition, there is a tremendous amount of confusion and misunderstanding around what dopamine actually does within the brain, especially...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Imposter syndrome combined with the somewhat curious & paradoxical phenomenon of over-identification with being a clinician is a familiar combination for many psychotherapists. Drs. Melissa Tiessen & Karen Dyck of the Intentional Therapist join us for a discussion of these important barriers to clinician well-being. In this conversation we cover: imposter syndrome & ill-suited syndromethe rigours of the profession vs...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Given that mental health treatment outcomes have not improved dramatically over time despite a wealth of research, novel psychotherapies and pharmaceutical compounds, it is important that new theories around mental disorders continue to be identified and explored. Harvard psychiatrist & researcher, Dr. Chris Palmer, joins us for a discussion of some of the core themes in his new book Brain Energy, which paints the picture of a potential “unif...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Evidence-based, psychological models & treatments for chronic pain are an exciting development in the understanding and management of non-structural chronic pain. Director of the documentary This Might Hurt, Kent Bassett, and Dr. Lilia (Lily) Graue join us for a discussion of the psychological treatment of chronic pain. In this episode we cover: an overview of This Might Hurt and why Kent wanted to make this documentary, including his pe...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Psychological suffering appears to be greatly facilitated by unfavourable comparisons that we make between ourselves and others in many domains of life. However, there are surprising dynamics (and even upsides) to these comparisons or modelling depending on the context. Entrepreneur & author, Mr. Luke Burgis, joins us for a discussion of the themes in his widely acclaimed book Wanting - The Power of Mimetic Desire in Everyday Life. In th...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Effective coping almost always hinges on an accurate appraisal of the stressful event that is being navigated, particularly with respect to what can be controlled versus not. In this 3rd annual Fireside Chat, the host of Thoughts on Record, Dr. Pete Kelly, C.Psych, shares some observations on the relationship between truth, control & coping and why it is often so hard to see things as they are (and not as we wish them to be) and how this can at time...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) can at times be difficult to differentiate from the anxious distress that can accompany depression, health anxiety, some presentations of OCD and even social anxiety. As well GAD, is often treated as a “catch-all” diagnosis that is applied to any client expressing distress. One of Canada's leading voices in the understanding and treatment of GAD, Dr. Melisa Robichaud joins us for an extensive discussion of GAD wi...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! As is the case in many areas of life, for those who are perfectionistic, sex and sexual expression can be areas where emotional over-control & cognitive/behavioural inflexibility can impair pleasure, erode intimacy and create anxiety. International trainer, educator, couples and sex therapist & author, Dr. Tom Murray joins us for a discussion of core themes of his new book Making Nice With Naughty: An Intimacy Guide for the Rule Following,...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Music has a unique ability to evoke emotion and articulate a feeling or sentiment where words can fail. Moreover, much like a romantic attachment, many of us form an intense connection to a specific song, genre or band but are never really sure why or where our specific attraction or pull comes from. Professor, author, producer (Barenaked Ladies) & audio engineer (Prince), Dr. Susan Rogers, joins us for a discussion of some of the core themes ...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! In a world in which we are increasingly wary of quick dopamine "hits" that frequently lead to feelings of emptiness, meaninglessness & dissatisfaction, it has become unclear how one could or should relate to joyful obsessions that reflect a fuller expression of the self, that could hold great personal meaning. Author, Tabitha Carvan, joins us for a discussion of her new book "This Book is Not About Benedict Cumberbatch" in which she explores t...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) & borderline personality disorder (BPD) are often confused and sometimes used interchangeably when, in fact, they are separate diagnoses with distinct underlying core etiology and symptomatology. Clinical Psychologist & Professor, Dr. Julian Ford, joins us for a conversation around defining & differentiating CPTSD & BPD. In this conversation we cover: the adequacy of current conceptual...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapy is among the most effective, empirically supported treatments for posttrauamtic stress disorder. Importantly, there is a growing literature around the neuroscience of PE which has important implications for the delivery of PE. Drs. Sheila Rauch & Carmen McLean, join us for a review of some of the core themes in their book Retraining the Brain: Applied Neuroscience in Exposure Therapy for PTSD. In thi...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Many of those who work in mental health services are personally connected to challenges related to mental health and many have been clients of mental health services. OICBT clinical psychologist Dr. Stacey Kosmerly joins us for a discussion of the the very important topic of mental health service providers seeking out mental health services themselves. In this conversation we cover: the gift of personal development that can often come...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Host note: Just a quick note that we'll be taking a breather until the fall to enjoy the rest of the short Canadian summer. Have comments or feedback? You can reach the show at oicbtpodcast@gmail.com. Finding the show adds value for you? A rating (and especially review) on Apple podcasts would be greatly appreciated (and, we really like to hear how the content is landing for you, helping you in your practice, life etc). T...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Death & dying are topics that clinicians frequently tackle both directly (as manifested around a fear of death), indirectly (through discussion of questions of meaning, managing pulls towards nihilism) and process-wise, through helping clients manage grief around the loss of a loved one or to process/manage their own impending death. Medical Anthropologist & podcaster, Dr. Renske Visser, joins us for a discussion of the topics of death &am...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Investing and management of finances is often a source of considerable distress for many individuals. Investor, CIO & author, Scott Nations, joins us for a discussion of some of the core themes discussed in his new book, The Anxious Investor. In this conversation we cover: why Scott wrote The Anxious Investorthe evolutionary basis of investing behavior loss aversion as a central driver of irrational behavior in the con...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Assessing & treating adult ADHD can be both very challenging as well as highly rewarding for client and clinician alike. Professor, psychiatrist & author, Dr. Sandra Kooij joins us for an in-depth discussion of the assessment and treatment of adult ADHD. In this discussion we cover: description of the main symptom clusters of adult ADHD (attention, hyperactivity, impulsivity) and how risk stratifies by various demographi...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! The past 2 years appear to have precipitated an unprecedented rise in the dissemination and propagation of misinformation and conspiracy theories, leading to considerable distress and uncertainty around consumers of traditional media platforms as well as social media. Psychiatrist and professor, Dr. Joe Pierre, joins us for an extensive discussion of conspiracy theories in which we cover: Dr. Pierre's thoughts on the nature & severity of chall...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Engaging in regular exercise is a frequent recommendation of mental health clinicians as a way to address symptoms of anxiety & depression; however, despite clients almost universally voicing a strong belief in the benefit of exercise, it is often challenging for clients (and let's be honest, clinicians) to implement. Professor, neuroscientist and author, Dr. Jennifer Heisz joins us for a discussion of themes contained in her new book "Move th...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! While at times a difficult topic to broach, men's mental health reflects an important area of both clinical and research interest. Moreover, despite the strong emotions that can be evoked by this subject, it is an issue which must be successfully integrated into the current discussion around mental health and wellbeing. In this wide ranging discussion, professor, author and documentary producer, Dr. Rob Whitley and men's mental health advoca...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Unfortunately, many mental health clinicians will experience a client’s suicide in the course of their career. The loss of a client to suicide often reflects a life changing experience which can require considerable processing to reconcile and reach some kind of understanding. In parallel, risk assessment can reflect a major source of distress, not only for clinician trainees but likewise for seasoned clinicians. Clinical psychol...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Jungian/Depth psychology provides a wonderful framework for exploring questions related to meaning and the self that can at time fall outside of boundaries of what is typically explored in cognitive behavioural therapy. However, each perspective can offer tools and insights which may enrich the application of the other. Dr. Sean Fitzpatrick, psychotherapist, author and executive director of The Jung Center in Houston, Texas joins us for a co...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Following registration as an autonomous professional, a psychotherapist could potentially go decades providing service to clients in the privacy of their office without another professional ever directly evaluating their work. Clinical psychologist, researcher and consultant, Dr. Daryl Chow, joins us for an important discussion around clinician perceptions of competency and the promise of deliberate practice for not only improving clinical outcomes, but...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Chronic pain is emerging as one the most misunderstood aspects of the human experience. Owing to this misunderstanding, there is often needless suffering as a function of many clients and clinicians not understanding the central role psychological processes can play in the experience of many types of chronic pain. Clinical psychologist and researcher, Dr. Yoni Ashar, joins us for a fascinating discussion focused on understanding chronic pain...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! The interface between nutrition and mental health is a fascinating area of study that is of great interest to both mental health clinicians & clients alike; however, it can be at times difficult to find coherent messaging and/or data-driven information as it relates to the link between diet and psychological well-being. Uma Naidoo, MD, a board-certified psychiatrist, professional chef, and nutrition specialist joins us for a wide-ranging discu...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Owing to a rapidly changing world, many clinicians understandably feel it is increasingly difficult to keep track of (let alone integrate) considerations around systems level challenges (e.g., social media, political polarization, housing shortage, monetary policy etc.) that may be germane to their day-to-day work with clients. In this conversation, Dr. Pete Kelly, C.Psych and Dr. Jeff Perron. C.Psych, MBA, share some of their thoughts on what the...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! While a number of empirically supported, disorder-specific treatment protocols exist, it is frequently the experience of clinicians that clients present with co-morbid symptoms - that is, symptoms of a number of mental disorders at the same time. This can present challenges around treating concurrent symptoms and/or what to prioritize in treatment. Dr. Kristen Ellard, Clinical Psychologist, Professor & co-developer/co-author of the Unifi...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Rumination in the context of OCD, anxiety & depression is often conceptualized as an automatic & intrusive psychological experience for which there is little relief beyond distraction, mindfulness etc. Dr. Michael Greenberg, clinical psychologist and Director of OCD Associates, has re-framed rumination as a compulsion which is amenable to treatment via a number of specific techniques. In this conversation we cover: how Dr. Greenberg'...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! While low mood & sadness are very frequently adaptive responses to life's challenges, there are times where this normally adaptive mechanism is applied for too long, at the wrong time, or at the wrong intensity in the form of major depressive disorder. In our 2nd annual Fireside Chat geared for mental health clinicians and consumers alike, host of Thoughts on Record, Dr. Pete Kelly, C.Psych provides an in-depth overview of depression from a va...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Clinical presentations characterized by "overcontrol" of emotions (e.g., OCPD, chronic depression, eating disorders) can present a very unique set of challenges & opportunities within the therapeutic setting. Psychotherapist, supervisor and trainer, Hope Arnold, LCSW, MA, joins us for a discussion of the promise of Radically Open Dialetcial Behavior Therapy (RO DBT) for assisting these clients. In this discussion we cover: a overview of ...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Clients with both an intellectual disability and mental health diagnosis are among the most vulnerable members of our society; however, these clients often face significant barriers with respect to accessing services for a number of complex reasons. Dr. Philip Grandia, C. Psych joins us for an in-depth discussion of working with clients with an intellectual disability in a mental health context. In this episode we cover: a general ove...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Conversations around the conceptualization, development & implementation of diagnostic frameworks around mental illness often generate more questions than answers, but are endlessly fascinating in their ability to pull on a number of diverse & interesting threads of inquiry. Clinical psychologist, professor & former president of the Canadian Association for Cognitive & Behavioural Therapies (CACBT), Dr. Andrea Ashbaugh, C.Psych ret...

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Comments or feedback? Send us a text! While most psychotherapists identify with one predominant theoretical orientation, in practice it is common for clinicians to adopt an "eclectic" approach that aligns with the varied lens/interests a clinician might hold as well as to meet the varied needs of clients. Consultant, coach, author and podcast host, Imi Lo, joins host Dr. Pete Kelly for a very wide-ranging discussion of a variety of topics related to psychotherapy including: &nbs...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Dreams have long been a source of fascination, mystery & intrigue, yet there is now an abundance of scientific evidence to shed light on the origins, nature, and purpose of this captivating aspect of the human experience. Sleep neuroscientist Dr. Sidarta Ribeiro, joins host Dr. Pete Kelly, C.Psych for an in-depth consideration of many of the themes explored in his book The Oracle of Night: The History & Science of Dreaming. In this d...

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! While many parenting books and websites emphasize the critical role of the parent in influencing a child's behaviour, it is frequently overlooked that all children possess a genetically driven temperament which exerts a powerful influence not only on the child's behaviour, but on the behaviour of their parents. Dr. Danielle Dick, joins us for a discussion of some of the core ideas contained in her new book The Child Code: Understanding Your Child'...