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.   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.

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 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.

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.

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!

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.

Have you ever been dismissed because you were considered too young, or ignored because you were deemed too old? If so, you have experienced Ageism, stereotyping and discrimination based on age. In this show, author activist, Ashton Applewhite will raise our consciousness about age discrimination with research, humor and personal references. Drawing upon her acclaimed book, This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against Ageism, her powerful discussion and examples will make it clear “that chronological age is an increasingly unreliable benchmark of pretty much anything about a person.” You will wonder how you missed the degree of age bias we tolerate and the myths about age we perpetuate in our culture. You will recognize that demeaning stereotypes about age threaten the best of us at any age. Don't miss this!

In this episode Dr. Deborah Serani, psychologist and author discusses the reality of depression as a mood disorder in later life. Drawing upon her new and comprehensive book “ Depression in Later Life: An Essential Guide,” she underscores that depression is too often overlooked by those suffering, their families and even at times by their physicians. In the back and forth with host Suzanne Phillips, Dr. Serani provides crucial information and illuminating examples that will be as valuable for health-care professionals as for seniors who don’t understand why they are suffering. She will answer questions like: What Is Geriatric Depression? Isn’t Depression a normal part of aging? Why is it so often missed or dismissed? What are the steps for proper assessment? What are the treatment options? Are depressed seniors a suicide risk? Adding to this, Dr. Serani considers the power of “conscious aging” as an asset to physical and emotional well-being. This is an important show for all.

Whether you are loving your single life or can’t imagine choosing to live alone, you need to hear this powerful and revealing podcast. In it, Dr. Bella DePaulo, America’s foremost thinker and writer on “the single experience,” shares the experience of single people around the world who have chosen and embrace their single lives. Drawing upon social science studies of thousands of people and the responses of people who have written to her, she delineates the experiences, lifestyle and choices of those who identify as “ Single at Heart.” Dr. Bella DePaulo speaks to the stereotype that assumes that being single is not by choice but by default or defeat. She considers solitude, friendships, having kids, Intimacy and more from the perspective of those Single at Heart, those considering living as a single and those allies and friends who support them. This is a show that dares to ask people to consider how they want to live their best selves – Don’t Miss it.

In her new and important book “ Never Say Never- Never Say Always,” Susan Warner invites us to take the journey no one wants to take, but too many have faced. Susan takes us from a family love story to the devastating losses of a son and a spouse within 6 months. She puts words to the insider story of traumatic loss in a way that will touches anyone who has suffered loss. As you will hear in daily details, relationships with family and friends, tears in a closet, emptiness in a house, the difficulty of eating alone, the enduring presence of her son and spouse and the question of ever loving again– she lets us in. Susan shares a journey to acceptance, pushing on and not being defined by societal norms. It is a journey of self-discovery, self-actualization and ultimately working to live her best life. This is a show about loss, possibility and love.

Violence against women is a global health issue. The threats women face today are unapparelled and more dangerous than ever before. When you add the toxic cocktail of technology and social media the danger increases. In this show, former Deputy Sheriff, Joy Farrow and Tech Engineer and trauma survivor Laura Frombach will discuss how women can avoid being victims of violence on many levels. They will discuss and exemplify how women can develop “A Safety Intuition for Defensive Living”, become “ Persuasion Proof,” “ Take a safe walk or a run,” Be aware of “Online Dating – Red Flags,” Travel “Solo and Safe,” handle “The SOS Situation,” and more. What you hear may increase your anxiety but it will empower you in many ways. Women and everyone who loves them should hear this show.

In this show, Dr. Frank McAndrew returns to Psych Up Live to answer the question, “Why Do We Fall For Conspiracy Theories? In addressing this question he also addresses the issue of why we hang on to conspiracy theories once we believe them. In his interesting response, Dr. Mc Andrew considers whether certain factors make us more susceptible to embracing conspiracy theories. He proposes that in reality most of us can fall for the “ right” conspiracy theory due to certain biases in how we all process information. Once we believe a conspiracy theory, Dr. McAndrew discusses why these beliefs are very difficult to undo. He discusses the impact of many forms of media in often providing a “ false consensus” and “ Exposure Effect” that fuels conspiracy theories. Dr. Mc Andrews describes why conspiracy theories flourish in atmospheres of fear and the consequences of conspiracy theories. You will be intrigued and informed. Listen in.

In a post #MeToo era, many men want to take a step away from toxic masculinity, which perpetuates domination and aggression and consciously and unconsciously pressures men to behave in a certain way. A central theme of moving away from Toxic Masculinity is Sexual Consent- whether at a fraternity party or on the fifth date. The question of consent is one of concern for many men because they are uncertain about how to ask for it. They fear doing something wrong or wonder if it means giving up on impromptu much less gratifying sexual connection. This show provides the answers. In it, Dr. Eric FitzMedrud draws upon his new and important book, The Better Man: A Guide to Stronger Relationships and Hotter Sex to address the issues around sexual connection without drawing upon toxic masculinity. Eric’s goal is to help men navigate sexual relationships with respect by giving them the skills to be better lovers, partners and humans. Everyone who wants a relationship with mutually satisfying sexual connection will benefit from his expertise. Listen In.

Since the Columbine massacre, there have been a total of 368 school shootings. Since January,2023 there have already been 30 school shootings that caused deaths and injuries. This show addresses the helplessness, fear, grief and rage so many feel. In this show, Dr. Peter Langman, nationally and internationally renowned expert on School Shootings draws upon his years of experience and publications to discuss his latest book, Warning Signa: Identifying School Shooters Before They Strike. What he invites us to understand is that if students, administrators, teachers, parents and the general public know more about school shooters and the warning signs, they may actually save lives. To this end, Dr. Langman offers us an informed look at school shooters. He corrects and clarifies stereotypes, the gender, the way that guns are acquired, targets, and how shooters plan their attack. Discussing the pathology of school shooters he divides them into three categories and dispels the myths of being bullied or watching too many video games as lethal causes. Importantly he focuses on how a school community can read warning signs through “ leakage” and “attack-related behaviors.” He stresses the importance of taking any threat seriously, the value of anonymous phone report lines and the presence a School Threat Assessment Team. You will be as frightened as you will be informed, and encouraged to recognize that if you see something – say something. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear Dr. Peter Langman.

Whether you are 8, 18 or 81 years old, there’s a good chance you know what it is like to worry. You may even be someone for whom worry has taken up too much space in your story. This show is going to address worry. Our guest is Dr. Deborah Serani, psychologist and author of many books including the latest book in her children’s series “ Sometimes When I’m Worried.” With that book as our prompt, this show is going to broaden the lens on understanding Worry across the life span. In the discussion with Dr. Serani, we will define worry, and clarify its relationship with anxiety and the physical Fight, Flight, Freeze response to danger. We will discuss and exemplify strategies for addressing worry in adults and Dr. Serani will read and draw upon her new book, Sometimes When I’m Worried to illuminate how worry is experienced and can be addressed in children. You will be informed – Listen in.

Whether you are the CEO of a nationally known firm, the Chief of a medical team, the Lead Coach of little leagues, the person responsible for a local food pantry or a parent trying to keep the house, the kids and your job on track – You will find the insights and guidance in Rachel Rider’s Book, Who You are is How You Lead – invaluable. In a voice that combines well- earned attunement from Executive Coaching Training , Contemplative Studies, Training in Somatic Experiencing, Polarity Therapy and an extensive business background, Rachel helps any leader to understand that the relationship they have with themselves is key to success. She demonstrates with examples that when leaders stay in touch with their inner drives and understand their responses they start to succeed in their leadership and productivity. In interesting examples she asks – Why is “ No, ” always the first response? How do you read the room and collect data? How does your self-reflection help you? Are you hearing what isn’t being said in the room? As you listen to Rachel’s personal and professional examples you will learn the keys to transformative leadership.