Psych Up Live

Ushered in by the restrictions and needs of the Pandemic, remote work and telehealth have become welcomed realities for people across the globe. In this show Dr. Haim Weinberg, Licensed Psychologist, Certified Group Psychotherapist, co-author of Theory and Practice of Online Therapy, Advances in Online Therapy: Emergence of a New Paradigm and author of countless articles and chapters on this topic, will offer an inside look of what makes teletherapy viable and crucial in meeting the mental health needs of people at this time. As a pioneer in this field, Dr. Weinberg will consider the obstacles, challenges and benefits to using telehealth. In the back and forth with Host Suzanne Phillips, he will discuss - What makes a therapeutic alliance possible across a zoom call? Can a person feel known and understood if they are not sitting with the therapist? Is a therapy group possible through a zoom call? What are the most common obstacles for the patient, the group and the group therapist? Can they all be overcome? What should a patient look for in searching for an online therapist? Listen in -You will be informed and maybe relieved to know that given the challenges people are facing worldwide, sometimes help is only a call away.

Ushered in by the restrictions and needs of the Pandemic, remote work and telehealth have become welcomed realities for people across the globe. In this show Dr. Haim Weinberg, Licensed Psychologist, Certified Group Psychotherapist, co-author of Theory and Practice of Online Therapy, Advances in Online Therapy: Emergence of a New Paradigm and author of countless articles and chapters on this topic, will offer an inside look of what makes teletherapy viable and crucial in meeting the mental health needs of people at this time. As a pioneer in this field, Dr. Weinberg will consider the obstacles, challenges and benefits to using telehealth. In the back and forth with Host Suzanne Phillips, he will discuss - What makes a therapeutic alliance possible across a zoom call? Can a person feel known and understood if they are not sitting with the therapist? Is a therapy group possible through a zoom call? What are the most common obstacles for the patient, the group and the group therapist? Can they all be overcome? What should a patient look for in searching for an online therapist? Listen in -You will be informed and maybe relieved to know that given the challenges people are facing worldwide, sometimes help is only a call away.   Dr. Haim Weinberg (PhD) is a licensed psychologist in Israel and California, a group analyst, and Certified Group Psychotherapist in private practice in Sacramento, California. He is the past President of the Israeli Association of Group Psychotherapy and of the Northern California Group Psychotherapy Society (NCGPS). Dr. Weinberg is the list-owner of the group psychotherapy professional online discussion forum. He served as the Director of International Programs at the Professional School of Psychology where he created and coordinated an online doctoral program in group psychotherapy.  He co-edited a series of books about the social unconscious and wrote a book on Internet groups. His co-edited book “Theory and Practice of Online Therapy” was published just before the COVID-19 pandemic started. His new co-edited books are "Advances in Online Therapy: The Emergence of a New Paradigm" and “The Virtual Group Therapy Circle - Advances in Online Group Theory and Practice”. Dr. Weinberg published 10 books, 24 book chapters and 55 articles. His books were translated in China, Japan, Romania, South Korea, the Czech Republic, and Israel. Dr. Weinberg developed group therapy training groups in Asia, and is leading online training process groups for therapists around the world.

In this show, nationally known psychologist, Dr. April Lane Benson, Ph.D., author of, I Shop, Therefore I Am: Compulsive Buying and the Search for Self and To Buy or Not to Buy: Why We Overshop and How to Stop, will clarify the addiction suffered by those who compulsively shop. She will discuss the causes, gender differences, and the difference between holiday shopping and shopping as a fix to feelings not being handled. Drawing upon her latest research and interventions, she will offer coping strategies that will help all listeners who are shopping this season. She will also discuss her new “Stopping Overshopping Text Messaging Program” and the individual and group treatments that have proven to address the compulsive need to shop. Don’t miss this.

We witness world-wide devastation from War, Natural Disasters, Empidemics, Violence, Social and Racial Injustice. We are Victims, Bystanders and Responders often struggling to cope, wanting to help but not certain what to do or how to sustain. In this show you are going to hear of the steps taken by Gaea Logan, British-American psychoanalyst and Group therapist with a dream to train and support caregivers in Ukraine. She will be discussing the important the program she set up as the USA Executive Director of International Institute for Trauma Studies in Vinnytsia, Ukraine. What Gaea Logan offers is valuable for everyone to hear as she maintains that caregivers need to pass-forward the very skills and emotional survival strategies they use to keep on caring. She recognizes that when parents and caregivers have the means to remain calm in adversity, they are able to support their own and their child or patient’s nervous system. It is the benefit of co-regulation. It’s applicability is life-saving. Listen in -You will take away something important from this

While we hear the news and read the headlines of Fires, Accidents and Disaster, rarely do we understand the day to day, often hour to hour impact on those who serve as our First Responders. Those who hope at times to get a few hours of sleep before the next call. In this show Jim Burneka Jr., draws upon his powerful and revealing new book, Overcoming Tuesday to bring us into his journey - his commitment, his trauma and its impact on his life. Importantly he shares not only the denial of physical and emotional suffering common to First Responders, he brings us up close and personal to his struggle to recover, heal and unlock his resilience. A seasoned host of his own webcast podcast “APS Radio,” Jim Burneka is someone you will want to hear. Listen In.

The Divorce rate in the US among middle-aged and older adults has doubled over the past two decades. This rise is significant given that half of the married population is aged 50 and older. On today’s show we are going to consider the impact of this trend toward later life divorce on children be they teens or adults. Our guest experts are Dr. Carol Huges and Bruce Fredenburg, LMFT who will be discussing their important new book HOME WILL NEVER BE THE SAME AGAIN: A Guide for Adult Children of Gray Divorce. The book is as informative as it is emotionally stirring. It draws upon years of clinical work to consider how parents and children deal with the good, the bad and the emotionally complicated impact of The Graying of Divorce.

The Divorce rate in the US among middle-aged and older adults has doubled over the past two decades. This rise is significant given that half of the married population is aged 50 and older. On today’s show we are going to consider the impact of this trend toward later life divorce on children be they teens or adults. Our guest experts are Dr. Carol Hughes and Bruce Fredenburg, LMFT who will be discussing their important new book HOME WILL NEVER BE THE SAME AGAIN: A Guide for Adult Children of Gray Divorce. The book is as informative as it is emotionally stirring. It draws upon years of clinical work to consider how parents and children deal with the good, the bad and the emotionally complicated impact of The Graying of Divorce.

This Show offers a powerful and eye-opening consideration of medical care for marginalized people. Whether from a patient’s perspective or the perspective of those who serve as medical caregivers, you will find Dr. Dean David Schillinger’s TELLTALE HEARTS to be an extraordinary book and Dr. Schillinger to be an extraordinary person. What Dr. Schillinger offers is the gift of his own story in tandem with the unexpected, tragic, impressive and heart-breaking stories of his patients. Both sets of stories offer a glimpse of how industrialized medical systems can be dangerous for patients who are misunderstood, stereotyped and overlooked and for doctors who are struggling with burn-out, bias and at times frustration and despair. What Dr. Schillinger believes, and shares is the power of the patient’s narrative. He exemplifies that when a patient is invited to be known, to tell their story, to be seen and respected– treatment and healing often become possible. Dr. Schillinger’s description of his journey and his relationship with patients who dare to share and be known is medically and socially invaluable.

This Show offers a powerful and eye-opening consideration of medical care for marginalized people. Whether from a patient’s perspective or the perspective of those who serve as medical caregivers, you will find Dr. Dean David Schillinger’s TELLTALE HEARTS to be an extraordinary book and Dr. Schillinger to be an extraordinary person. What Dr. Schillinger offers is the gift of his own story in tandem with the unexpected, tragic, impressive and heart-breaking stories of his patients. Both sets of stories offer a glimpse of how industrialized medical systems can be dangerous for patients who are misunderstood, stereotyped and overlooked and for doctors who are struggling with burn-out, bias and at times frustration and despair. What Dr. Schillinger believes, and shares is the power of the patient’s narrative. He exemplifies that when a patient is invited to be known, to tell their story, to be seen and respected– treatment and healing often become possible. Dr. Schillinger’s description of his journey and his relationship with patients who dare to share and be known is medically and socially invaluable.

Research shows ( Darkness to Light White Paper on Prevalence) that one in seven girls and one in 25 boys will be sexually abused before they turn 18. Many by people they know, love and trust. Evidence of abuse is not always obvious and children and adolescents do not report they have been abused for many reasons. Today we are going to lift the silence on childhood sexual abuse to offer an understanding and response to its impact. Toward this goal we are so fortunate to be joined by RICHARD BECK, LCSW, BCD, CGP, FAGPA an experienced psychotherapist with expertise in treating trauma working with individuals, couples and groups. Richard has not only responded to cases of sexual abuse, as a Senior Lecturer at the Columbia University School of Social Work has taught “ Treatment of Childhood Sexual Abuse” over twenty-four times. In our discussion today, Richard Beck will be addressing the reasons victims most often don’t report the abuse, the consequences of the Childhood Sexual Abuse on children and adolescents, the signs that might alert caregivers that abuse may have occurred and the rupture of trust and self-blame when a child or teen is victimized by a coach, physician or priest revered by the family.

In the US an estimated 20 million people have problems with alcohol and/or other drugs. Some seek help, many try to stop on their own terms but can’t, many never stop. In this show, Dr. Geoff Kane, who has helped people understand and cope with substance use disorders for more than 50 years, brings his expertise to Psych Up live to benefit our national and international listeners. Board certified in Internal Medicine and Addiction Medicine, and a Distinguished Fellow of the American Society of Addiction Medicine, Dr. Kane will be drawing upon his experience and his important book, The Two Pillars of Recovery Workbook: What People with Addiction Need to Know and Do for Lasting Sobriety. He will be clarifying the nature of alcoholism and drug addiction, underscoring what makes it so compelling and destructive and discussing the two essential factors that make sobriety and the end of drug addiction possible.

In the US an estimated 20 million people have problems with alcohol and/or other drugs. Some seek help, many try to stop on their own terms but can’t, many never stop. In this show, Dr. Geoff Kane, who has helped people understand and cope with substance use disorders for more than 50 years, brings his expertise to Psych Up live to benefit our national and international listeners. Board certified in Internal Medicine and Addiction Medicine, and a Distinguished Fellow of the American Society of Addiction Medicine, Dr. Kane will be drawing upon his experience and his important book, The Two Pillars of Recovery Workbook: What People with Addiction Need to Know and Do for Lasting Sobriety. He will be clarifying the nature of alcoholism and drug addiction, underscoring what makes it so compelling and destructive and discussing the two essential factors that make sobriety and the end of drug addiction possible.

When you want to have a child but it is more difficult than you and your partner expected, it can feel devastating especially in a world that seems filled with beautiful children, pregnant women and happy couples. It is not an easy time but it can still be a time when your relationship, your search for medical expertise and psychological support, and your courage can make a difference. This is a show that will answer some of your questions and inform and support you on your journey. In this show, Dr. Elizabeth Grill, Director of Psychological Services at the Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine and an Associate Professor of Psychology in the Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine, and Psychiatry at Weill Medical College of Cornell University will be discussing sexual health, the emotional aspects of infertility, IVF treatment, and third-party reproduction. She will be addressing the fears, confusion, grief, relationship sexual issues and questions that need to be asked and answered. She will be fostering resilience as she makes you feel informed about pathways to pursue and issues to face along the family building journey. She will also draw upon examples of weathering the course, facing the roadblocks and staying connected with love and hope.

When you want to have a child but it is more difficult than you and your partner expected, it can feel devastating especially in a world that seems filled with beautiful children, pregnant women and happy couples. It is not an easy time but it can still be a time when your relationship, your search for medical expertise and psychological support, and your courage can make a difference. This is a show that will answer some of your questions and inform and support you on your journey. In this show, Dr. Elizabeth Grill, Director of Psychological Services at the Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine and an Associate Professor of Psychology in the Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine, and Psychiatry at Weill Medical College of Cornell University will be discussing sexual health, the emotional aspects of infertility, IVF treatment, and third-party reproduction. She will be addressing the fears, confusion, grief, relationship sexual issues and questions that need to be asked and answered. She will be fostering resilience as she makes you feel informed about pathways to pursue and issues to face along the family building journey. She will also draw upon examples of weathering the course, facing the roadblocks and staying connected with love and hope.

The recent Texas Panhandle fires have burned as much land as thousands of wildfires did in 4 years in the state. The deadliest US wildfire in over a century devastated the Hawaiian island of Maui in August 2023. Flash floods in September 2023 ravaged Northern Libya killing 4,000 people, more than ever recorded. How do we recognize Climate Change and deal with Climate Disasters? In this show, Psychologist, Dr. Elizabeth Allured, Co-founder of Climate Psychology Alliance-North America joins us to consider the psychological impact of Climate Change. She will discuss how our human psychology has brought us to climate change and why we tend to deny it. She will clarify how the trauma, disaster and losses from Climate Disasters are different from single event traumas as the loss of a loved one or sexual trauma, and how our understanding of psychology helps us act effectively to tackle the problem, both on a concrete level and in terms of psychological resilience. Dr. Allured will discuss the impact of Climate Disasters on children, as well as clinical methods currently in use to address eco-anxiety, distress and more. Don’t Miss this Show!

The recent Texas Panhandle fires have burned as much land as thousands of wildfires did in 4 years in the state. The deadliest US wildfire in over a century devastated the Hawaiian island of Maui in August 2023. Flash floods in September 2023 ravaged Northern Libya killing 4,000 people, more than ever recorded. How do we recognize Climate Change and deal with Climate Disasters? In this show, Psychologist, Dr. Elizabeth Allured, Co-founder of Climate Psychology Alliance-North America joins us to consider the psychological impact of Climate Change. She will discuss how our human psychology has brought us to climate change and why we tend to deny it. She will clarify how the trauma, disaster and losses from Climate Disasters are different from single event traumas as the loss of a loved one or sexual trauma, and how our understanding of psychology helps us act effectively to tackle the problem, both on a concrete level and in terms of psychological resilience. Dr. Allured will discuss the impact of Climate Disasters on children, as well as clinical methods currently in use to address eco-anxiety, distress and more. Don’t Miss this Show!

In this episode, Dr. Therese Huston draws upon her new book, Let’s Talk: Make Effective Feedback Your Superpower, and her experience speaking to academic audiences and businesses like Microsoft and Amazon to teach us how to give feedback, even negative feedback, in a way that turns it into a productive conversation. She considers why 80% of managers feel they are saying the right things; but less than 20% of employees feel appreciated. She asks why men are evaluated on work skills while women are often judged on their personality. Dr. Huston identifies and exemplifies the three types of feedback as Appreciation, Coaching and Evaluation and asks us to discern what an employee wants and needs. She discusses how and why to use praise and urges us to side with the employee rather than the problem. She reminds us that if people feel threatened their brains go into lockdown. Inherent in her message of what makes feedback powerful is the principle -“ Listen as if your job depends on it.”

In this show we take a close look at the meaning, causes, prevalence and prevention of Bullying. The reality of bullying spans nations and we are joined in this show by Dr. Tracy Vaillancourt, A Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in School- Based Mental Health and Violence Prevention at the University of Ottawa. Dr. Vaillancourt has researched and written on the causes and prevention of Bullying and will be discussing the social and psychological dynamics that foster bullying, the gender differences in bullying behavior, the explicit and implicit powers of the bully and the likely targets. We will be asking Dr. Vaillancourt what can be done about school bullying. Is it really possible to change the social climate of a school? What makes a program successful for the early grades? Is it too late to intervene with High School Students? What about Cyberbullying which expands the bully’s reach beyond the school and leaves the victim feeling there is no safe place? Who are the Bystanders? Who are the Upstanders? What are the keys to Bully Prevention. Listen in.

In this episode, Dr. Pauline Boss, esteemed scientist practitioner who coined the term 'Ambiguous Loss,' discusses the meaning of Ambiguous Loss and how it differs from other losses. Drawing upon powerful examples, Dr. Boss discusses physical ambiguous loss and psychological ambiguous loss due to dementia from disease, brain injury etc. She clarifies that Ambiguous Loss is not a result of pathology, but rather the ambiguity of the circumstances of loss. Using examples like the families of 9-11 she describes the understandable impact on a family when a parent is gone but loss cannot be substantiated. With the aim of building resilience rather than pathologizing, Dr. Boss discusses the Psychological Family, the Family Narrative and the ability to engage Dialectical Thinking - 'my husband is both absent and present in our hearts and minds.' Dr. Boss references Victor Frankel’s Importance Of Finding Meaning, Adjusting Mastery Up Or Down and discovering 'New Hope' by risking change.

There is clear evidence that life can be challenging and at times quite traumatic. Many have faced the horror of war, school shootings, pandemics, a life-threatening diagnosis, racism, hate crimes or the sudden death of loved one. In this show, Dr. Jonathan DePierro, will invite us to recognize that it is not what happens to us; but how we respond to what happens - that matters. Dr Depierro is one of the authors with the late Dr. Steven Southwick and Dr Dennis Charney of the third addition of Resilience: The Science of Mastering Life’s Greatest Challenges. Drawing upon examples, Dr. Depierro will operationalize and exemplify the power of Optimism, Social Support, Strategies for Facing Fears, Cognitive and Emotional Flexibility and more. Don’t miss this opportunity to add to your resilience.