Wisdom for Wellbeing (Modern Psychology and Yoga-Based Skills)

In this episode, Dr Patricia E. Zurita Ona, also known as Dr Z, discusses how perfectionist and high achieving tendencies can be balanced and modified.  Dr Z is a Psychologist by training. She has authored six books, co-authored two books, conducted over 140 workshops at national and international conferences, runs a boutique practice, and absolutely loves to create resources for every client she works with. In 2019, Dr Z was nominated as a Fellow of the Association of Contextual Behavioral Sciences (ACBS) for her contributions to the dissemination of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy skills for particular unworkable behavioural patterns.   Shownotes: www.drkaitlin.com   

​​In this episode, I talk with Daniel Ahearn and am really excited about this interview as Attachment Theory underpins all psychological work, while the mindfulness-based interventions so commonly offered have their home in Buddhist wisdom. Daniel is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT), with a counselling degree in addiction (CADAC). He has over 18 years of meditation studies and is currently pursuing a doctorate (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology at Pacifica and post-graduate study of IPF (Ideal Parent Figure) under the supervision of Dr Daniel P. Brown. Daniel Ahearn offers a rich introduction to the relationship of Buddhist practices and attachment theory for the purpose of healing attachment strategies that may no longer be working. His compassion and calm are evident in this interview, offering a window into what might be experienced as one explores this path.   Shownotes: www.drkaitlin.com

You’re about to listen to the 100th episode of Wisdom for Wellbeing! It feels perfectly suited that we’ll be talking about the research evidence of yoga, what conditions are benefited from yoga, what styles are best, and when folks should actually avoid yoga. We'll be covering: Yoga as a non-pharmacological, multimodal therapeutic and preventative lifestyle Understand different styles of yoga and the benefits of these Consider what yoga practice suits different health concerns The power of breathing practices How you can use yoga philosophy as a health practice Considerations of the risk/safety of yoga A bit more about today's guest:   Holger Cramer, PhD is full professor for research in complementary medicine at the University of Tübingen, Germany, as well as Adjunct Associate Professor at the Southern Cross University in Lismore, Australia. He further is Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine (JICM; formerly JACM), and President of the International Society for Traditional, Complementary, & Integrative Medicine Research (ISCMR). Holger has published more than 250 peer-reviewed scientific journal articles on the utilization, efficacy and safety of non-pharmacological interventions. He is a clinical psychologist, medical scientist and state-licensed naturopath, and holds an honorary doctorate in yoga from S-VYASA University in India.   Head to www.drkaitlin.com for show notes, free resources and courses that support you a heartfelt life alongside peak performance.    "So much gratitude for Wisdom for Wellbeing." If that sounded like you, I would appreciate it if you'd take a moment to offer a review for the show. It really helps me to support more folks to access education and inspiration on their journey to creating a life of meaning. Keen? Just click here and scroll to the bottom: you can highlight the five stars and then click "Write a review." I'm so excited to hear your thoughts on this episode! If you haven't subscribed yet, make sure you click to follow now, so that you get all the upcoming episodes on the art and science of living well.

This is the 99th episode of the Wisdom for Wellbeing podcast. In this episode, I am joined by my lovely friend and colleague, Kate Matthew. This was a really fun episode, and we did things a little differently in that Kate decided to switch things up and interview me! We talked about everything from how the podcast began at the beginning of the pandemic, my PhD research, and psychological flexibility. I hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did!   Head to www.drkaitlin.com for show notes, free resources and courses that support you a heartfelt life alongside peak performance.    "So much gratitude for Wisdom for Wellbeing." If that sounded like you, I would appreciate it if you'd take a moment to offer a review for the show. It really helps me to support more folks to access education and inspiration on their journey to creating a life of meaning. Keen? Just click here and scroll to the bottom: you can highlight the five stars and then click "Write a review." I'm so excited to hear your thoughts on this episode! If you haven't subscribed yet, make sure you click to follow now, so that you get all the upcoming episodes on the art and science of living well.

In this episode, I talk you through finding a balance between spending time with loved ones while taking care of yourself by focusing on your values this holiday season.    Head to www.drkaitlin.com for show notes, free resources and courses that support you a heartfelt life alongside peak performance.    "So much gratitude for Wisdom for Wellbeing." If that sounded like you, I would appreciate it if you'd take a moment to offer a review for the show. It really helps me to support more folks to access education and inspiration on their journey to creating a life of meaning. Keen? Just click here and scroll to the bottom: you can highlight the five stars and then click "Write a review." I'm so excited to hear your thoughts on this episode! If you haven't subscribed yet, make sure you click to follow now, so that you get all the upcoming episodes on the art and science of living well.

In this episode, I interview Dr Louise Hayes, Clinical Psychologist, author, speaker and active humanitarian. Louise discusses how we can navigate the many changes we are experiencing as a society, from the pandemic to climate change to all of the many personal changes we may experience. She provides insight into what it means to be psychologically 'strong' and shares some wisdom from her new book 'What Makes you Stronger' on practical ways to cope with change and uncertainty.  Connect with Dr. Louise Hayes at www.louisehayes.com.au Head to www.drkaitlin.com for further show notes, free resources and courses that support you a heartfelt life alongside peak performance.    "So much gratitude for Wisdom for Wellbeing." If that sounded like you, I would appreciate it if you'd take a moment to offer a review for the show. It really helps me to support more folks to access education and inspiration on their journey to creating a life of meaning. Keen? Just click here and scroll to the bottom: you can highlight the five stars and then click "Write a review." I'm so excited to hear your thoughts on this episode! If you haven't subscribed yet, make sure you click to follow now, so that you get all the upcoming episodes on the art and science of living well.

  “Ultimately, happiness comes down to choosing between the discomfort of becoming aware of your mental afflictions and the discomfort of being ruled by them.” – Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche   Welcome to the sixteenth episode of Season Five of Wisdom for Wellbeing Podcast.   What is covered in this episode: >>Consideration of what your thoughts are >>The difference between your internal reality and the external reality >>The hot-cross-bun of your thoughts and feelings >>The common thinking eros of your mind (e.g., blowing things up, ignoring the good and fortune telling) >>How to understand helpful and unhelpful thoughts >>How negative thinking cycles lead to depression    Head to www.drkaitlin.com for show notes, free resources and courses that support you a heartfelt life alongside peak performance.    "So much gratitude for Wisdom for Wellbeing."

In this episode, Rosemary Wanganeen talks through her path of healing from loss and grief. What is covered in this episode: >>Introduction to Rosemary and her 30 years + of experience doing this GriefologyTM  work >>The path of healing through the 'intuitive research' that required Rosemary to cultivate wisdom, connect to ancestral wisdom and integrate her counselling skills >>Understanding victimised inner child states and grief triggers >>Exploring how grief presents >>The Seven Phases to Integrating Loss and Grief, and where we can start our journey from victimhood to empowerment Links Discussed Connect with Rosemary at lossandgrief.com.au Head to www.drkaitlin.com for show notes, free resources and courses that support you a heartfelt life alongside peak performance.    "So much gratitude for Wisdom for Wellbeing."

In this episode, I discuss cultivating skills to navigate panic attacks using a values-based framework.  What was specifically discussed:  What a panic attack is and some IRL examples Discussion around how Panic Disorder develops following a panic attack Consideration of Agoraphobia (the fear of leaving one’s house) and how it develops Tools to help get through a panic attack and Agoraphobia, including values, acceptance, defusion skills, distraction skills, and breathing techniques Head to www.drkaitlin.com for show notes, free resources and courses that support you a heartfelt life alongside peak performance.    "So much gratitude for Wisdom for Wellbeing." If that sounded like you, I would appreciate it if you'd take a moment to offer a review for the show. It really helps me to support more folks to access education and inspiration on their journey to creating a life of meaning. Keen? Just click here and scroll to the bottom: you can highlight the five stars and then click "Write a review." I'm so excited to hear your thoughts on this episode! If you haven't subscribed yet, make sure you click to follow now, so that you get all the upcoming episodes on the art and science of living well.

In this episode, Dr Val Rytova discusses Yoga form a Neuroscience perspective.  What was specifically discussed:  A basic overview of neuroanatomy and the role of structure, function and brain circuits  Consideration of what neuroplasticity means and how internal and external (environmental) elements impact it An understanding of how can yoga support neuroplasticity Consideration of yoga’s role in cultivating cognitive performance and buffering against mental disorders Head to www.drkaitlin.com for show notes, free resources and courses that support you a heartfelt life alongside peak performance.    "So much gratitude for Wisdom for Wellbeing."

In this episode, Dr Lisa Myers describes her experience of story-sharing while experiencing grief from the loss of a loved one.    What was specifically discussed:  Introduction to Lisa (psychiatrist and author of the book When the Light Goes Out) How Lisa navigated personal grief and trauma as a psychiatrist, who has been trained to support people in navigating mental health challenges- Consideration of the spiral of grief experientially Tools Lisa used to navigate grief and trauma in her journey Why suffering shows up differently for everyone Advice to listeners about when they should reach out for help Head to www.drkaitlin.com for show notes, free resources and courses that support you a heartfelt life alongside peak performance.    "So much gratitude for Wisdom for Wellbeing."

It’s Mental Health Week, let’s dive into the most cost-effective mental health practice, breathwork.   Here’s what was covered in this week’s episode:  You can control your breath, as it rests on the border of the conscious and unconscious. Stress turns on your fight or flight response, which is an unconscious evolutionary response. You can perceive neutral stimuli as threats (like a text message), because inflammation in your body is communicated as danger to your brain. Diaphragmatic breathing can stimulate your vagus nerve and induce a relaxation response, which influences neural, endocrine and immune processes. Nasal breathing has evolutionary value and can help you cultivate relaxation. You can cultivate a relaxation response through deliberate breathing practice. Head to www.drkaitlin.com for show notes, free resources and courses that support you a heartfelt life alongside peak performance.    "So much gratitude for Wisdom for Wellbeing."

In this episode, I discuss cultivating confidence in novel or nerve-racking situations.   What I covered: -       The evolutionary element of why you want security and social approval -       Confidence comes after action -       You need to be willing to fail to find success -       Self-esteem is a modern fallacy -       Self-compassion is what supports mental health -       Doing hard things teaches you can do hard things -       Learning to ‘Feel the fear and do it anyway.’   Head to www.drkaitlin.com for show notes, free resources and courses that support you a heartfelt life alongside peak performance.    "So much gratitude for Wisdom for Wellbeing."

Paul Gilbert, FBPsS, PhD, OBE is Professor of Clinical Psychology at the University of Derby and honorary visiting Prof at the University of Queensland. Until his retirement from the NHS in 2016 he was Consultant Clinical Psychologist for over 40 years. He has researched evolutionary approaches to psychopathology with a special focus on mood, shame and self-criticism in various mental health difficulties for which Compassion Focused Therapy was developed.    What we discuss in this episode:  -3 flows of compassion (receiving for others, for yourself) -Why compassion needs to have a political focus -The danger of self-compassion falling into neo-liberalism -Mutual flourishing as an intention in a world that does have cruelty, violence and hatred -Practices to cultivate compassion in your mind and body Make sure to listen to the previous episode where Professor Gilbert shared more about compassion as an active, courageous and wise practice, your ‘tricky brain’, and why learning to fail is important Head to www.drkaitlin.com for show notes, free resources and courses that support you a heartfelt life alongside peak performance.    "So much gratitude for Wisdom for Wellbeing."

Paul Gilbert, FBPsS, PhD, OBE is Professor of Clinical Psychology at the University of Derby and honorary visiting Prof at the University of Queensland. Until his retirement from the NHS in 2016 he was Consultant Clinical Psychologist for over 40 years. He has researched evolutionary approaches to psychopathology with a special focus on mood, shame and self-criticism in various mental health difficulties for which Compassion Focused Therapy was developed.    What we discuss in this episode:  -   An introduction to Professor Paul Gilbert and how he came to develop CFT -   Consideration of compassion as an active, courageous and wise practice -   What does it mean that we have a 'tricky brain'? -   Why learning to fail is important   Tune in next week to hear about the 3 flows of compassion (receiving for others, for yourself), about the need for compassion to have a political focus, and to learn a practices to cultivate compassion in mind and body Head to www.drkaitlin.com for show notes, free resources and courses that support you a heartfelt life alongside peak performance.    "So much gratitude for Wisdom for Wellbeing."

Did you know that your body and voice influence your mental state, and very much influence how people perceive you? This means it is important to learn how they all work together - your mind-body-voice connection. In this episode, I interview Dr Louise Mahler on how you can cultivate what she calls Vocal Intelligence wisdom.   We specifically discuss: -   How anxiety influences and is influenced by your voice -   Why you should use your lower body to cultivate power, rather than your neck and head -   An exploration of the natural capacity you were born with for singing and communication -   The need for congruent hand gestures in communication -   How your voice connects you viscerally to other beings -   Breathing practices you can use to cultivate diaphragmatic control -   How your personality is your voice, and your voice is your inspiration -   What it means to bring your individual resonance to the world Head to www.drkaitlin.com for show notes, free resources and courses that support you a heartfelt life alongside peak performance.    "So much gratitude for Wisdom for Wellbeing."

In this episode, Lauren Thiel talks about financial well being through a social justice and neurodiverse-inclusive lens. Lauren Thiel is founder of boutique accounting firm, The Real Thiel. A Chartered Accountant and Tax Agent, with a passion for the arts, Lauren is on a mission to educate, empower and motivate creative small business owners. What’s covered in this episode: - Lauren’s journey from the sparkles and spins of ballet to becoming an accountant for creatives and a student of psychology with social justice motives in supporting individuals in navigating financial trauma and the like - How neurodiversity influences individual’s financial struggles and strengths, and how Lauren has found a way to cater to this - How ‘time blindness’ and difficult emotions like shame and disgust can get in the way of doing tasks associated with finances - What financial wellness is and consideration around how budgets do and do not work - The steps to taking yourself out on a date and why rewards along the way work - Where a date with an accountant is the perfect move, and options for individuals in serious financial toil Head to www.drkaitlin.com for show notes, free resources and courses that support you a heartfelt life alongside peak performance.    "So much gratitude for Wisdom for Wellbeing."

This episode is a mini-coaching session to start you on your gratitude journey. The practice of gratitude has a host of psychological and physical health benefits, yet isn’t too demanding of time and energy. Have a listen and get started developing a practice of gratitude that works for you.   What’s covered in this episode:   Gratitude Journaling Consideration of gratitude and journaling practices The evolutionary history of your negativity bias How gratitude and compassion operate Consideration of starting a gratitude practice Gratitude Journaling, letters of gratitude, and the ol’ Netflix and gratitude You can grab the gratitude journaling prompts below, and download a gratitude tracking diary here Head to www.drkaitlin.com for show notes, free resources and courses that support you a heartfelt life alongside peak performance.    "So much gratitude for Wisdom for Wellbeing."

Welcome to a mini coaching session on how you can cultivate ritual in your life. Essentially, intention matters. We’ll also chat about setting up an altar, and how that can be impactful for you in your routine of ritual.   What’s covered in this episode: - Habit takes less energy than doing something and a sense of it being done in ritual brings sacredness can bring present moment awareness and aliveness to your activity - An example of how you can build ritual into your morning - How an alter can be used like a transient object is used in therapy (i.e., extending the emotional connection) - The meaning of the five elements on the altar and what they psychologically symbolize (grab this free downloadable PDF to help you set up your elemental alter) Head to www.drkaitlin.com for show notes, free resources and courses that support you a heartfelt life alongside peak performance.    "So much gratitude for Wisdom for Wellbeing."

Curious about how habits are created? Are you looking to develop more self-compassion in your habit-cultivation journey? How to build habits in a neurodiversity-friendly way?  My guest Dr Hayden Finch, is a licensed clinical psychologist, behaviour change expert, and dessert enthusiast. Hayden beautifully shares their wisdom around habit building, self-compassion, and neurodiversity with us in this episode.  You may find this interview an important resource in your own journey of navigating your different seasons and self-experimentation.  What’s covered in this episode: High-achievers often know the habits they “should” have, yet struggle to implement The three parts of a habit we need to know to make effective changes How relief is often the reward for unhealthy habits How we can start to cultivate healthy habits by ensuring they are smaller Why failure is normal, and how to meet this with compassion How long it takes to create a habit (jokes! Dr Finch explains it varies.) Head to www.drkaitlin.com for show notes, free resources and courses that support you a heartfelt life alongside peak performance.    "So much gratitude for Wisdom for Wellbeing."