DEPTH Work: A Holistic Mental Health Podcast

"When someone says that they want to end their life, it just means that they don't want to be living the life that they're living" (Icarus Project). It’s overwhelmingly common for people to experience a suicidal ideation at some point in their life. As a society, we have to find better ways of preventing or approaching these experiences. Currently, our traditional psychiatric approaches seem to often do more harm than good for folks in vulnerable states. In this episode, I review some of the concerning research around SI interventions, and what we can do better. In this episode we discuss: myths about folks who experience SI why structured clinical assessments aren’t predictive of SA what traditional mental health systems get wrong about approaching SI why there are higher rates of SA after psychiatric hospitalization research on efficacy of emergency services alternative options when someone’s experiencing SI Resources Institute for the Development of Human Arts : www.idha-nyc.org peer run respite centers: https://power2u.org/directory-of-peer-respites/ Alt 2 Su (australia): https://alt2su-nsw.net/support-groups/ Alt 2 Su charter https://wildfloweralliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/CHARTER_alt2su_August-edits.pdf Research: safety contracts https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18638213/ assessments and lack of predictive power https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11673-022-10189-5 post-hospitalization suicide risk https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2629522 higher risk post emergency services https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00127-014-0912-2 coercion survey https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31162700/ harm disguised as help https://www.madinamerica.com/2023/09/suicide-police-harm-disguised-as-help/ hospitalization both increased and decreased risk https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37851457/ Sessions & Information about the host: ⁠⁠JazmineRussell.com⁠⁠ Disclaimer: The DEPTH Work Podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Any information on this podcast in no way to be construed or substituted as psychological counseling, psychotherapy, mental health counseling, or any other type of therapy or medical advice.

“When medical doctors or psychiatrists entertain incoherent ideas about the mind and body, they make bad decisions about how to assist us in being well.” - Diane O’Leary. Understanding how the mind and body are connected in mental health and medicine is critical, especially considering that when we fail to do so, many are harmed. Despite drawing on the Biopsychosocial model for the last few decades, psychiatry hasn’t gotten much closer to elucidating the connections between the mind, body, and society. Today, Diane O’Leary explains to us psychiatry’s big philosophy problem and how it leads to huge ethical concerns. In an effort to ‘not be dualists’ psychiatry often tries to lump the mental and physical together, but in doing so, fails to approach clients as ‘holists’. Here’s how we can bring the person back into mental health. In this episode we discuss: why medically unexplained physiological symptoms get labeled as ‘in your head’ why the way to be a ‘holist’ is not about eradicating dualism or separating mind and body why the biopsychosocial model is incoherent and doesn’t do justice to patients the roots of bad philosophy in psychiatry women’s health and the history of manipulation in psychosomatic medicine why psychiatry needs to reevaluate its bioethics and respect patients’ rights and personhood Bio Diane O’Leary, PhD is a philosopher whose research focuses on medicine and psychiatry. In particular, she sets out to apply philosophy of mind in a way that helps to clarify what biomedicine and psychiatry are aiming for with holistic practice – and what they should be aiming for. Dr. O’Leary is Professor of Philosophy at University of Maryland Global Campus, and a former visiting researcher at the Center for Philosophy of Science at University of Pittsburgh. She’s a strong advocate for change in the area of psychosomatic medicine, and she’s currently a Public Voices Fellow on Advancing the Rights of Women and Girls with The Oped Project and Equality Now. https://www.dianeoleary.com/ Links: Institute for the Development of Human Arts: www.idha-nyc.org Sessions & Information about the host: ⁠⁠⁠JazmineRussell.com⁠⁠⁠ Resources How to be a Holist who Rejects the Biopsychosocial Model https://eujap.uniri.hr/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/17_2_5.pdf John Read on the “Bio bio bio model” https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/document?repid=rep1&type=pdf&doi=fc53f77bec3514fe6c66f9216be662a89b78fa27 Prozac’s rebrand for PMDD to Serafim - https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/2001/04/29/renamed-prozac-fuels-womens-health-debate/b05311b4-514a-4e65-aaa5-434cb2934271/ & https://www.minnpost.com/second-opinion/2016/11/how-premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-was-defined-and-marketed-drug-makers/#:~:text=Lilly rebranded Prozac%2C changing the,feminine-sounding name — Sarafem. Disclaimer: The DEPTH Work Podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Any information on this podcast in no way to be construed or substituted as psychological counseling, psychotherapy, mental health counseling, or any other type of therapy or medical advice.

Sometimes it takes a healing crisis to get to the roots of chronic illness and transform our life into something more sustainable and purposeful. For Fern Olivia, this crisis manifested as an autoimmune thyroid problem - Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis - that forced her to quit her corporate job and led her down a healing path. Since then, she has developed Thyroid Yoga, along with other breath, movement, and vocal practices to support people who desire a more holistic way of dealing with whole-body health concerns. In this episode we discuss: the connections between the thyroid, hormones, and depression why hypothyroidism is more prevalent in women and diagnostically overshadowed messages from the body and why we ignore or normalize symptoms the function of the thyroid, physically and energetically the value of mentorship and community support learning to not be antagonistic with the body body talk practice and how to deeply listen blending yogic traditions and holistic nutrition using your voice to find your power Bio Fern Olivia is an internationally recognized teacher, speaker, and wellness influencer, as well as the founder of Thyroid Yoga®, a unique holistic program that has empowered thousands of women to reclaim their thyroid health and live a fuller, more radiant life. After fainting in the subway in NYC while working for seven years as a Vice President on Wall Street, she left the concrete jungle for the jungle of Costa Rica where she lives and guides retreats. Fern has birthed a new approach to healing through her own education in biomedical engineering and over a decade of experience and certifications in yoga, integrative medicine, breathwork and as a Medical Medium cleanse specialist. She combines targeted yoga sequences, breathwork, vocal activation, somatic intelligence, and brain rewiring to form a whole body approach to health. Through her masterminds, writings, retreats, workshops, and much more, Fern continues to educate and train thousands of women to reclaim their health and live their most fully expressed lives. Fern's "The Expressed Woman" 21-Day Quest to Confidence: www.thyroid.yoga/products/theexpressedwoman Join Fern's Medical Medium & Thyroid Yoga® Cleanse Retreat in Upstate NY this July 10-14: www.thyroid.yoga/products/upstateny Retreats and Cleanses in Costa Rica: www.thyroid.yoga/cleanseretreat Websites: www.fernolivia.com www.thyroid.yoga https://embodiedvoicebreathwork.com Instagram: @fernolivia Research: Epstein Barr Virus a possible cause for Autoimmune Thyroid conditions: https://www.palomahealth.com/learn/epstein-barr-virus-thyroid https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5099387/ Thyroid Conditions and Increased Risk of Depression https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9392461/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9025086/ Sessions & Information about the host: ⁠⁠JazmineRussell.com⁠⁠ Disclaimer: The DEPTH Work Podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Any information on this podcast in no way to be construed or substituted as psychological counseling, psychotherapy, mental health counseling, or any other type of therapy or medical advice.

Ever have an existential crisis that made you upend all your beliefs about who you thought you were in life? Abby has, and today she speaks to the power of unlearning oppressive ideologies that we all have inherited, and how patriarchy can seep into all notions of what’s healthy, normal, and how we should live. Abby’s work centers on cultivating shame resilience through allowing ourselves to engage in “belief grief” - giving up toxic beliefs about our roles and identities so we can foster collective liberation. We also talk about bridging generational divides and the gifts that come when we can learn to listen especially to younger folks. In this episode we discuss: the value of existential crises getting unstuck from gender roles and refusing to live someone else’s story finding your voice in midlife how mentors and teachers show up in all places in life - even within your children knowing your privilege, cultivating shame resilience and being willing to change your mind ‘belief grief’ and letting harmful internalized beliefs go Abby Kamen's Bio: I am an artist, author, and energist. With candor and wit, I seek to provide a thought provoking look at generational trauma and the cyclical effects of survivalism. With my art, my writing, and my energetic gifts, I provide an innovative approach to collective healing that will enable all of humanity to create better, together. I live in Louisville, KY. WEBSITE: abbykamen.com Resources What is Belief Grief: https://www.abbykamen.com/belief-grief-defined Links Generation We: https://www.abbykamen.com/generation-we Reclaiming All Parts of You: Healing the Roots of Shame and Insecurity [Free workbook & meditation download] ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://witty-creator-9045.ck.page/e89cafda64⁠⁠ Sessions & Information about the host: ⁠⁠JazmineRussell.com⁠⁠ Disclaimer: The DEPTH Work Podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Any information on this podcast in no way to be construed or substituted as psychological counseling, psychotherapy, mental health counseling, or any other type of therapy or medical advice.

They say many therapists get into this work for deeply personal reasons, but not many have held so many roles the way today’s guest, Denise Ranaghan, has. Denise gets real about what it was like being forcibly locked up in a psychiatric institute while in the military, working her way through school to become a therapist, directing community mental health services while being open about her mental health ‘status’ as a peer professional, and then having the courage to leave the system and go off on her own as an activist and therapist in private practice. Denise talks about the double edged sword of relying on oppressive authoritative systems while internalizing self-blame, and the courage it takes to bring a critical consciousness into your work. In this episode we discuss: growing up a ‘troubled teen’ forced involuntary psychiatric institutionalization authoritative abuse and internalizing self-blame identifying and de-identifying with the ‘patient’ label swallowing vs acting out anger moral injury as a provider in the system being ‘out’ as a peer working in clinical settings self doubt, endurism and developing better boundaries as a therapist being a apart of a community and making local changes knowing your privilege intergenerational collaboration and undoing agism Bio Denise Ranaghan shares a powerful personal story of recovery that has driven her 20-year record of service in the mental health field. She has held multiple positions including Residential Manager, Peer Specialist, Director of Wellness Services, Director of Assertive Community Treatment, and Director of Peer Services. In all of her positions she strove to include the peer perspective and vehemently called out oppressive practices, and eventually came to terms with how she was contributing to them. She was one of the first in several agencies who publicly identified as a Peer while in professional roles. She introduced and supported alternative peer run self help groups that challenged the “clinician knows best” belief. Denise has presented on Peer Support, Trauma-Informed Care, Voice hearing, Cultural Diversity, Suicide and The Human Canine connection. She is the author of multiple essays on recovery as well as the book Institutional Eyes which profiles her experience in the military where she was first psychiatrically hospitalized. Presently she has a private practice in Woodstock, NY, she serves on the Ulster County Community Services Board, the Mental health subcommittee and is a member a local Social Justice Committee. She says she has found community with a purpose at IDHA! https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/denise-ranaghan-lake-hill-ny/823460 Resources Transformative Mental Health Training Institute (international membership) www.idha-nyc.org Links Sessions & Information about the host: ⁠⁠JazmineRussell.com⁠⁠ Disclaimer: The DEPTH Work Podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Any information on this podcast in no way to be construed or substituted as psychological counseling, psychotherapy, mental health counseling, or any other type of therapy or medical advice.

Some of the most egregious harms have been done in the name of “help,” and this is especially true when it comes to forced psychiatric interventions. Investigative journalist, Rob Wipond illuminates the systemic harms of the psychiatric system after experiencing his father attempt to get help and instead of care, be met with coercion and force. As many find out, this is an all too common story. The evidence that psychiatric detention is beneficial to people is lacking, yet rates continue to dramatically rise. From mental health laws and policies, to corruption in pharmaceutical companies, and even political organizations lobbying for more control, all grease the wheels of power and injustice. In this episode we discuss: the politics of forced psychiatric treatment and why it is harmful how the evidence on forced treatment is systematically hidden the ins and out of mental health laws why there’s a higher suicide risk in the weeks after psychiatric hospitalization how giving people the label of ‘lacking insight’ is dangerous and false several alternative interventions and why we need more advocates advice for family members the cultural shift that’s needed Rob Wipond is a freelance investigative journalist who writes frequently about the interfaces between psychiatry, civil rights, community issues, policing, surveillance and privacy, and social change. His articles have been nominated for seventeen magazine and journalism awards in science, law, business, and community issues, and he’s the author of the book Your Consent is Not Required: The Rise in Psychiatric Detentions, Forced Treatment, and Abusive Guardianships. Links Rob’s Website: https://robwipond.com/about Book: Your Consent is not Required: https://robwipond.com/your-consent-is-not-required Socials: https://twitter.com/robwipond https://www.facebook.com/RobWipondAuthor https://www.youtube.com/user/robwipond Resources: US rates of committment: Lee, Gi and David Cohen. “Incidences of Involuntary Psychiatric Detentions in 25 U.S. States.” Psychiatric Services 72, no. 1 (January 1, 2021). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ps.201900477 European rates of commitment: Sheridan Rains, Luke. “Variations in Patterns of Involuntary Hospitalisation and in Legal Frameworks: An International Comparative Study.” Lancet Psychiatry 6, no. 5 (May 2019). https://doi.org/10.1016%2 FS2215-0366(19)30090-2 Suicidality after hospitalization: Whitaker, Robert. “Suicide in the Age of Prozac.” Mad in America (August 6, 2018). https://www.madinamerica.com/2018/08/suicide-in-the-age-ofprozac/ & Simons, Peter. “Involuntary Hospitalization Increases Risk of Suicide.” Mad in America (June 24, 2019). https://www.madinamerica. com/2019/06/involuntary-hospitalization-increases-risk-suicide-study-finds/ United Nations statement: https://www.ohchr.org/en/statements/2020/10/statement-mr-dainius-puras-special-rapporteur-right-everyone-enjoyment-highest Find all notes, research, and resources list on Rob’s Website Become a member of the Institute for the Development of Human Arts: ⁠www.idha-nyc.org⁠ Sessions & Information about the host: ⁠⁠JazmineRussell.com⁠⁠ Disclaimer: The DEPTH Work Podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Any information on this podcast in no way to be construed or substituted as psychological counseling, psychotherapy, mental health counseling, or any other type of therapy or medical advice.

In popular culture, we tend to think of eating disorders as a reaction to toxic societal messages about our bodies. While this may in part be true, for many people complex trauma is often at the root. Our guest today, Katie Kilbourn, co-founder of a dance company helping people heal through expressive arts, courageously shares about many aspects of eating disorders that are silenced, including the links between addiction, trauma, and eating disorders. We discuss the adaptive coping strategies we develop as a result of trauma, and the double-edged sword of escapism, perfectionism, and control. She also shares about what it's like to navigate pregnancy while recovering from an eating disorder, and why it’s critical for mothers to stay authentic and boundaried in caring for their own mental health. We also discuss: redefining body ‘positivity’ and body ‘neutrality’ the toxic pressure on dancers and performers how eating disorders are like many other addictions how pregnancy and motherhood could trigger patterns exploding the myth of ‘selfishness’ in motherhood the light and shadow of escapism, perfectionism and control what makes expressive arts so healing Bio Katie Kilbourn was born in Sacramento, California and trained all over the West Coast before she moved and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Jazz Dance Performance at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. After relocating to New York, Katie had the privilege to dance with several companies including Balasole, J/D Dansfolk, and IKADA. From a young age Katie realized there is a generic pressure within the dance community to maintain a specific body type and she realized that many people, herself included, engage in unhealthy behaviors to achieve a certain look. In 2015 she co founded Borne Dance Company with Kianna Moye and together they created a company dedicated to mental health and eating disorder awareness. As someone who has dealt with mental health concerns her entire life, Katie strived to create a company that would inspire body positivity, self appreciation, and the idea of recovery through art. She was a volunteer at the National Eating Disorders Association for over four years and has personal history with mental health and recovery. She has closely worked with therapists and specialists in the mental health field to create content and workshops that are therapeutic, inspiring, and compassionate for the community. Resources Website & Donate to Borne Dance which offers donation based artistic shows, events, and workshops to the public that serves as an educational entity for mental health awareness, healing through the arts, as well as prevention and treatment of eating disorders. https://www.bornedance.com/ Dance Shows: Feb 24-25 2024 in Sacramento, March 2nd 2024 NYC Links Sessions & Information about the host: ⁠⁠JazmineRussell.com⁠⁠ Disclaimer: The DEPTH Work Podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Any information on this podcast in no way to be construed or substituted as psychological counseling, psychotherapy, mental health counseling, or any other type of therapy or medical advice.

One of the most overlooked experiences is menopause and perimenopause and impact on mental health. Societally we treat it like a disease or an ‘untapped market’ to sell more products. Many people feel isolated and alone in their mind-life experiences, and for some this can have extreme consequences. Today we have three experts by experience and training talking about how the system fails menopausal people and sharing their lived experiences in approaching this time of life as an incredibly transformative experience. We also discuss: how early trauma and sexual abuse can re-emerge in midlife the “second peak” of psychosis spiritual emergency and holistic healing dealing with mortality and fear of dying sacred rage in menopause developing new archetypes for the "elder" the medicalization of pms and menopause hormone replacement therapies, estradial, etc. diagnostic overshadowing capitalism and the menopause “market” Bios Leah Harris is a psychiatric survivor, activist, and independent journalist. Their work examines mental health and disability policy, with a focus on deinstitutionalization and involuntary psychiatric intervention. Leah's writing appears in Truthout, the Disability Visibility Project, The Progressive, and Mad in America; and in the anthologies We've Been Too Patient: Voices from Radical Mental Health (North Atlantic Books (https://www.wevebeentoopatient.org/⁠) and the forthcoming Mad Studies Reader (Routledge). Their memoir-in-progress, NONCOMPLIANT, traces two generations of psychiatric survivorship and resistance in their family, alongside in-depth reporting and analysis of America's failed mental health policies. https://www.leahiharris.com/ Lynda Wisdo, MA, CYT: Lynda is a survivor of childhood trauma and a menopause/trauma-related Spiritual Emergency.  After several years of mind/body healing, she went on to earn an MA degree in Transpersonal Studies and Spiritual Guidance along with certifications in Trauma-Informed Yoga, Transpersonal Hypnosis, Reiki, and Tarot for Women.  She has written a memoir about her experience with spiritual emergency titled Menopause in Crisis—When Spiritual Emergency Meets the Feminine Midlife Passage (⁠https://menopauseincrisis.weebly.com⁠) her hope being to offer insights and support to women who may be undergoing similar experiences.  She can be reached through her websites at https://lyndawisdo.weebly.com  or by email at lyndawisdo@gmail.com Trauma & Menopause Conference 2024: Healing the Effects of Trauma Through the Challenges of Perimenopause with Lynda Wisdo, MA, CYT https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/trauma-menopause-conference-2024-the-intersection-of-trauma-menopause-tickets-798528298637 Marie Brown, PhD is a licensed clinical psychologist working in private practice and the public mental health system in New York City. She is the current President of the US Chapter of the International Society for the Psychological and Social Approaches to Psychosis and an original co-founder of Hearing Voices Network NYC. She is co-editor of Women & Psychosis: Multidisciplinary Perspectives (with Marilyn Charles) https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781498591935/Women-and-Psychosis-Multidisciplinary-Perspectives⁠ and Emancipatory Perspectives on Madness (with Robin Brown) https://www.routledge.com/Emancipatory-Perspectives-on-Madness-Psychological-Social-and-Spiritual/Brown-Brown/p/book/9780367360160⁠. Website: https://mariebrownphd.com/ Twitter: @BrownMarieC Resources: Yale Study on Menopause & Psychosis + All resources mentioned here: https://www.jazminerussell.com/blog/menopause-trauma-psychosis-holistic-approaches-in-midlife-undoing-patriarchal-conditioning Sessions & Information about the host: ⁠⁠JazmineRussell.com⁠⁠ Disclaimer: The DEPTH Work Podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Any information on this podcast in no way to be construed or substituted as psychological counseling, psychotherapy, mental health counseling, or any other type of therapy or medical advice.

“If I don't feel like I fit in to these linear and binary systems, it's because I don't. It's because they're not actually reflective of my true nature.” In our lives, each of us will have experienced some challenges within our bodies, whether related to injury, stress, the pressure of expected ‘norms’, disability, illness, pain, or simply aging. Our relationships to our bodies often reflect internalized oppressive systems that keep us disconnected. Abigail Rose Clarke, a somatic facilitator, tells us the ways she’s come to view our connection to nature and relationship to our bodies as prime ways to push back against systems that were not built for us. In this episode we discuss: navigating disability in an ableist world healing after a car accident and navigating the medical industrial complex practices for grounding and remembering you are part of nature the fallacy of hierarchy dealing with emotional resistance healing an eating disorder the book writing process Abigail Rose Clarke is a somatic facilitator who currently lives in Western Massachusetts. Using somatics and mindfulness, Clarke teaches people to use the inherent wisdom of their bodies to be in direct conversation with creativity and aliveness, as a way to dismantle oppressive systems and build generative and deeply relational futures. Clarke has worked with people ranging from CEOs and board directors to schoolteachers and parents. She holds a weekly somatic learning space called Anchor Community, and is also the creator of The Somatic Tarot, a method of engaging with the archetype Tarot in ways that are rooted in liberatory practices. Her work is enormously influenced by her study and practice of Embodyoga®, of which she is a senior teacher, as well as her background in kinesiology and psychology. Links: Abigail’s website: abigailroseclarke.com Abigail’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abigail.rose.clarke/ Returning Home to Our Bodies (book) https://www.abigailroseclarke.com/books People Mentioned: Patty Townsend https://www.embodyoga.com/ Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen https://www.bodymindcentering.com/about/bonnie-bainbridge-cohen/ Nothing to see here (netflix show) https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/nothing_to_see_here Andrea Gibson https://andreagibson.org/ Sessions & Information about the host: ⁠⁠JazmineRussell.com⁠⁠ Disclaimer: The DEPTH Work Podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Any information on this podcast in no way to be construed or substituted as psychological counseling, psychotherapy, mental health counseling, or any other type of therapy or medical advice.

“Cycle-breakers see the pain that flows through their families and say: this pain ends with me.” - Dr. Mariel Buqué Through family narratives, structural oppression, and inside our bodies, trauma can be passed down through generations. When we are willing to be with the shame, anger, fear, and grief, we may come to recognize that we are carrying the pain of our ancestors. Being willing to face intergenerational pain and trauma can also make us confront present realities of injustice, and in the process, we can become change-makers and cycle-breakers. Dr. Mariel Buqué shares her stories of intergenerational trauma and the ways she has helped clients move through the shame and grief. Her new book: Breaking The Cycle is out now! In this episode we discuss: Mariel’s experiences navigating intergenerational trauma, racism, immigrant status and poverty The importance of moving through shame and grief Why the nervous system is a big part of trauma healing What it means to be a cycle breaker Bio Dr. Mariel Buqué is a Columbia University-trained Psychologist, intergenerational trauma expert, and the author of Break the Cycle: a book that focuses on healing wounds of intergenerational trauma. She has been featured on major media outlets including The Today Show, CNN, The Real, and ABC News. You may find her work at www.drmarielbuque.com. Links Mariel’s Website: https://www.drmarielbuque.com/ Break The Cycle Book: https://www.drmarielbuque.com/breakthecycle Resources: Breathwork for Trauma Healing [15 min practice] : Sessions & Information about the host: ⁠⁠JazmineRussell.com⁠⁠ Disclaimer: The DEPTH Work Podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Any information on this podcast in no way to be construed or substituted as psychological counseling, psychotherapy, mental health counseling, or any other type of therapy or medical advice.

Ever been in a relationship or went through a breakup that had you feeling completely confused, disoriented, made you lose trust in yourself and impacted your sense of worthiness? Chandni and I have, and today in a very intimate episode, we discuss what it’s like to get out of emotionally abusive relationships and come out the other side with a whole heck of a lot of clarity, centeredness, and joy. We both agree that while no one is ever to blame for another person’s harmful behavior, yet it also takes two to engage in any relationship and so we find a lot of healing in self-accountability, discussing what made us choose these relationships, and breaking the cycle of trying to earn love or play the role of “fixer”. Chandni has some immense grace and truly powerful perspectives and it was joy to discuss and share our stories. We also get into: the difference between a “shitty breakup” and what commonly gets referred to as ‘narcissistic’ abuse if it’s better to go or stay ‘no contact’ how to get closure without repair why we stayed even when we knew it wasn’t right chronic health conditions & relationships listening to anger and disappointment as a compass choosing the right people to surround yourself with breaking the cycle of addiction to unbalanced relationships when emotional abuse runs through your family the joys that come after grieving Links: Study on conscientiousness and relationship success: Lampis, J., Cataudella, S., Busonera, A., & Carta, S. (2018). Personality Similarity and Romantic Relationship Adjustment During the Couple Life Cycle. The Family Journal, 26(1), 31-39. https://doi.org/10.1177/1066480717741689 Sessions & Information about the host: ⁠JazmineRussell.com⁠ Disclaimer: The DEPTH Work Podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Any information on this podcast in no way to be construed or substituted as psychological counseling, psychotherapy, mental health counseling, or any other type of therapy or medical advice.

“Whatever happens in the body affects the brain, and what happens in the brain affects the body” - Dr. James Greenblatt. The biomedical model of mental health is critiqued for being “one size fits all” and ignoring multiple pathways that can lead to whole system dysfunction. Dr. James Greenblatt, a psychiatrist and early adopter of the now popularized functional medicine lens to mental health, is working to bridge disciplines in order to treat the individual more holistically and uncover hidden root causes of dysfunction. In this episode, we talk about why different physiological concerns have multiple pathways that manifest in a vast variety of mental health outcomes. For any one person with a mental health condition, it may be rooted partially in trauma, hypothyroidism, vitamin deficiencies, food allergies, celiac disease, diabetes, and so much more. Greenblatt argues for the power of testing many biomarkers and using nutrition to help heal and even taper off of psychopharmaceuticals when possible. In this episode: bridging functional medicine with psychiatry treating eating disorders, ocd, anxiety, psychosis, depression, adhd and more the impact that food allergies and vitamin deficiencies have on the brain and mental health how to treat the individual rather than using a “one size fits all” approach coming off of SSRIs and psychotropic medication A pioneer in the field of functional and integrative medicine, board-certified child and adult psychiatrist, James M. Greenblatt, MD, has treated patients since 1988. After receiving his medical degree and completing his psychiatry residency at George Washington University, Dr. Greenblatt completed a fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry at Johns Hopkins Medical School. He served as the Chief Medical Officer at Walden Behavioral Care in Waltham, MA for nearly 20 years and has been an Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Tufts University School of Medicine and Dartmouth College Geisel School of Medicine. He is the author of eight books, including the best-seller, Finally Focused: The Breakthrough Natural Treatment Plan for ADHD. His updated edition of Answers to Anorexia was released in October 2021 and his newest book, Functional & Integrative Medicine for Antidepressant Withdrawal is available now.  He is the founder of Psychiatry Redefined, an online learning platform, dedicated to an evidence-based, personalized treatment model for mental illness. Links: www.PsychiatryRedefined.org Sessions & Information about the host: JazmineRussell.com Disclaimer: The DEPTH Work Podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Any information on this podcast in no way to be construed or substituted as psychological counseling, psychotherapy, mental health counseling, or any other type of therapy or medical advice.

It’s common for survivors of trauma to feel pressure to forgive and/or to let go of relationships with family members who have caused harm. There are a lot of unhelpful notions around forgiveness and repair, and it’s easy to feel guilt or shame when we don’t feel ready. Today we discuss how to get out of the binary, redefinging forgiveness. and finding a sense of peace with or without repair. Reclaiming All Parts of You: Healing the Roots of Shame and Insecurity [Free workbook & meditation download] ⁠⁠⁠https://witty-creator-9045.ck.page/e89cafda64⁠⁠ Disclaimer: The DEPTH Work Podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Any information on this podcast in no way to be construed or substituted as psychological counseling, psychotherapy, mental health counseling, or any other type of therapy or medical advice.

"My Voice is My Channel" So many of us experience fear around our self expression. We may prefer to be in the role of "curator," helping to uplift other peoples' voices, perhaps, even at the expense of our own. In today's episode, Jocelyn talks all about shifting her relationship to anxiety after transformative experiences with plant medicine, and how energy work, and tending to our own rhythms and cycles help support us in being more fully expressed. Jocelyn has coined the term "tender discipline" which is a beautiful word to describe how we can divest from toxic productivity culture, and invest in ourselves and our relationships to each other in the world around us. We discuss: The power of plant medicine The relationship between anxiety and the voice Tools for dealing with insecurity and self-doubt around using your voice The concept of tender discipline as an antidote to our hyper-growth, speed, and efficiency-fixated culture Practical tips for writing and expressing yourself Insights into the throat chakra and other energy centers Links:General info: https://jkg.co Finding Your Voice: A practice for sacred self-expressionhttps://jkg.co/voice  RESET: A cosmic tune-up for your workdayhttps://jkg.co/reset-course Hurry Slowly Podcast: https://hurryslowly.co Reclaiming All Parts of You: Healing the Roots of Shame and Insecurity [Free workbook & meditation download] ⁠⁠https://witty-creator-9045.ck.page/e89cafda64⁠ Disclaimer: The DEPTH Work Podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Any information on this podcast in no way to be construed or substituted as psychological counseling, psychotherapy, mental health counseling, or any other type of therapy or medical advice.

“Rage has many facets, and grief cannot be separated from rage.” If you’ve worked in mental health, social work, psychology, healing or mutual aid, you’re likely very aware that this work is unsustainable and often dehumanizing. So, what can we do about it and how can we use our collective power for change? In this conversation, I get to speak with Dr. Jennifer Mullan, a force of nature and founder of Decolonizing Therapy®, a groundbreaking psychological paradigm that seamlessly integrates political, ancestral, therapeutic, and global well-being. As a major disruptor in the mental health industrial complex, Dr. Jenn's work is an urgent call to dive to the root of global and intergenerational trauma, unlocking the wisdom of our sacred rage. In this episode, we delve into the profound impact of ancestral and historical trauma, illuminating the ways in which these wounds reverberate through our collective psyche. Dr. Jenn offers invaluable insights for support workers seeking to shift and politicize their practice. We discuss**:** The profound impact of ancestral and historical trauma and what decolonizing mental health really means How psychology was founded on the co-optation and exploitation of indigenous practices Sacred rage as a powerful force for collective transformation Practical guidance for navigating the complexities of being a support worker in a eurocentric, capitalist society Why mental health can’t be separated from political and spiritual work Bio: Jennifer Mullan, PsyD, is a major disruptor in the mental health industrial complex. Her work is an urgent call to dive to the root of global and generational trauma to unlock the wisdom of our sacred rage. Dr. Jennifer Mullan birthed Decolonizing Therapy ®, a psychological evolution that weaves together political, ancestral, therapeutic and global well-being. She is also the creator of the popular Instagram account @decolonizingtherapy and recipient of Essence magazine’s 2020 Essential Hero Award in the category of mental health. Links: www.decolonizingtherapy.com Decolonizing Therapy ® Instagram @decolonizingtherapy Decolonizing Therapy ® Twitter @drjennyjennm Decolonizing Therapy ® Youtube @decolonizingtherapy Pre-order Dr. Jenn’s book here Institute for the Development of Human Arts: www.idha-nyc.org Transformative Mental Health Core Curriculum: https://www.idha-nyc.org/core-curriculum . References: Ruth King: https://ruthking.net/ Mariel Buque : https://www.drmarielbuque.com/ People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond: https://pisab.org/ Eldridge Cleaver: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eldridge_Cleaver Disclaimer: The DEPTH Work Podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Any information on this podcast in no way to be construed or substituted as psychological counseling, psychotherapy, mental health counseling, or any other type of therapy or medical advice.

“It is incredibly subversive to say that our body has a wisdom of its own, that we can heal and release shame and pain, and trauma.” Luis Mojica We experience pain and trauma in the body, and it is through the body that we heal from trauma. Luis Mojica, a trauma survivor himself, is a somatic therapist dedicated to sharing the language and practices of the body to help people be in deep authentic relationship with themselves,. In this episode we dive into his story and discovery of the biology of trauma, healing shame, somatics as a decolonial practice, how to work with rather than dominate the body, fawning, and how to find repair in ourselves rather relying on repair in the relationships with those who caused harm. Also in this episode: Luis’ story of being born intersex the biology of trauma healing shame and the concept of overcoupling cycles of rupture and repair decoloniality in our relationship to the body - what is relational vs what is dominant dynamic? fawning as an ancient physiological response how to navigate ‘forgiveness’ and repair with those who have harmed Links: Luis' Website: https://www.holisticlifenavigation.com/about Finding Safety In Yourself Course: https://www.holisticlifenavigation.com/course-sign-up-2 Reclaiming All Parts of You: Healing the Roots of Shame and Insecurity [Free workbook & meditation download] ⁠https://witty-creator-9045.ck.page/e89cafda64 Disclaimer: The DEPTH Work Podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Any information on this podcast in no way to be construed or substituted as psychological counseling, psychotherapy, mental health counseling, or any other type of therapy or medical advice.

Traditional mental health practices and treatment have garnered a lot of critique from concerned clinicians, researchers, and activists. However, when it comes to shifting practice, we have to change what’s being taught in schools, institutions, and non-profits. Mental health education for social workers, clinicians, and even family members, advocates, peers, and care workers has the potential to be truly transformative if we are willing to question our old outdated assumptions. In this episode I speak with Noah Gokul and Jessie Roth, the staff at The Institute for the Development of Human Arts who are leading the next wave of transformative mental health education. In this episode: Why what’s being taught in schools is disconnected from what’s happening on the ground in mental health treatment Why providers are burning out and not finding the resources they need The #1 thing people say to us when they find IDHA and transformative mental health training Links: IDHA’s Transformative Mental Health Core Curriculum (ENROLLMENT OPENS TUESDAY SEPT 5, 2023!): https://www.idha-nyc.org/core-curriculum IDHA’s Transformative Mental Health Core Curriculum is a training for people who want to transform how they approach personal and collective healing, gain tangible advocacy skills, and shift broader systems of care. This self-guided, virtual training centers lived experience and is a unique opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge spanning dozens of disciplines, social movements, geographies, and perspectives. Dive into 20+ hours of video content, facilitated by 40+ experts-by-experience and experts-by-training. Institute for the Development of Human Arts ⁠www.idha-nyc.org⁠ Articles mentioned: Time article: https://time.com/6308096/therapy-mental-health-worse-us/ Noah (they/them) is a Queer multidisciplinary artist and educator here to create liberated worlds through art, storytelling, and sound. They grew up in Oakland, CA/unceded Ohlone land, and identify as a trauma survivor with sensitivities to the world around them. They use music and art for meaning-making and the healing of others, integrating these passions into their work as a peer for young adults in a first-episode psychosis program. They have facilitated in a wide variety of settings, at the intersections of anti-oppression, trauma, incarceration, Caribbean ancestry, music, and mental health. Through their incantations they create spaces of radical imagination and possibility. Jessie Roth is a writer and movement organizer with more than a decade of experience at the intersection of mental health and social justice. She is the Director of the Institute for the Development of Human Arts (IDHA), a transformative mental health training institute bringing together mental health workers, peers, survivors, activists, artists, and other advocates for education and community development. Inspired by personal and family mental health experiences, Jessie’s work is focused on the healing power of storytelling and the importance of cross-movement organizing for mental health liberation. A longtime IDHA member, Jessie supported the development of initiatives such as Mental Health Trialogue, a forum bridging the perspectives of peers, family members, and providers; and Decarcerating Care, an ongoing panel series discussing the carceral nature of the mental health system, rooted in the voices and experiences of survivors. Her writing has been published in We've Been Too Patient: An Anthology of Voices from Radical Mental Health, the Intima Journal of Narrative Medicine, and the Village Voice. She is also an avid home cook, passionate about the power of cooking as a care-centered creative practice. Disclaimer: The DEPTH Work Podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Any information on this podcast in no way to be construed or substituted as psychological counseling, psychotherapy, mental health counseling, or any other type of therapy or medical advice.

We are celebrating 1 year and 61 episodes of Depth Work in this very special compilation episode. Hear from clinicians, healers, activists, and experts on the biggest things that need to shift in mental health and society at large as well as visions for change. Guests and episodes in order: ⁠⁠⁠Noel Hunter⁠ DSM Jagger Waters⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Issa Ibrahim⁠ ⁠⁠Jessie Roth⁠ Ana Florence Milta Vega Cardona Kim Wichera ⁠⁠Brittany Quagan⁠⁠ ⁠⁠David Levine⁠⁠ Holistic Mental Health Rebecca Nidorf ⁠⁠Veronica Agard⁠ Leah Pressman & Jay Stevens ⁠⁠Christopher Rhodes⁠ ⁠⁠Thabiso Mthimkhulu⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Noah Gokul⁠⁠⁠ Disclaimer: The DEPTH Work Podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Any information on this podcast in no way to be construed or substituted as psychological counseling, psychotherapy, mental health counseling, or any other type of therapy or medical advice.

We are celebrating 1 year and 60 episodes of Depth Work in this very special compilation episode. Hear from leaders and experts on redefining mental health, uncovering root causes of concerns, and what truly helps. Guests and episodes in order: Noah Gokul Asia Suler Sensitivity Is A Gift Elmina Bell Thabiso MThimkhulu Katrina Michelle Daryl Rocco Randall Gates Gifts of Depression Ruby Warrington Jagger Waters Issa Ibrahim Caitlyn Lune Holotropic Breathwork Brittany Quagan Veronica Agard Christopher Rhodes David Levine Noel Hunter Jessie Roth Reclaiming All Parts of You: Healing the Roots of Shame and Insecurity [Free workbook & meditation download] ⁠https://witty-creator-9045.ck.page/e89cafda64 Disclaimer: The DEPTH Work Podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Any information on this podcast in no way to be construed or substituted as psychological counseling, psychotherapy, mental health counseling, or any other type of therapy or medical advice.

The quality of the questions we ask can drastically shape our lives. We consciously and subconsciously ask questions throughout our day, but how many of these inquiries are really offering generative possibility and how many are simply limiting or keeping us stuck? This is a love letter to asking questions and an exploration into why questions are more important than answers. Also in this episode: The questions that have opened doors for me and have changed me why questions are seeds that we plant why being compassionately curious is useful for our mental health how to frame questions in more generative ways Reclaiming All Parts of You: Healing the Roots of Shame and Insecurity [Free workbook & meditation download] ⁠https://witty-creator-9045.ck.page/e89cafda64 Disclaimer: The DEPTH Work Podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Any information on this podcast in no way to be construed or substituted as psychological counseling, psychotherapy, mental health counseling, or any other type of therapy or medical advice.