Shrinks Rap

Dr. Jim interviews Bryn Khan, Psy.D., Jessica Lim, AMFT, and Eti Valdez-Kaminsky, MFTIn this episode, three highly talented and impassioned clinicians from EBMC and the Samsara Intensive Therapy program discuss mindful parenting. Bryn who manages EBMC together with her associate Jessica, run a mindful parenting class, do intensive therapy sessions with parents, and provide executive functioning coaching and assessment services for children and adolescents through the Satori college prep and executive functioning program. Eti is the Clinical Director at EBMC and runs the Samsara Intensive Therapy Program. In addition to running the EBMC clinic, he supervises clinicians. He is also highly sought- after as a parent coach, music enthusiast, rock climber, and family therapist. As clinicians, they emphasize understanding a child’s point of view. Their approach centers on parenting from the inside out (Daniel Siegal’s model).  In short, they focus on mindfulness. But wait, there’s more— Bryn, Jessica, and Eti are all dedicated parents themselves who walk the walk and talk the talk. They utilize mindfulness tools with their own kids too. In this podcast, they discuss their own parenting and childhood experiences and how it has informed them as clinicians, and vice versa. Many contemporary topics are discussed in this episode including the impact of social media, electronics, cyber bullying, sexting, and oppositional behavior. Some tools parents can usefor self-regulation and co-regulation are discussed. The importance of being an ego-less role model is stressed - - along with the importance of empathy, acceptance, and emotional attunement. Key application of Attachment theory and Acceptance Commitment Therapy (A-C-T) is also detailed. As the adage goes “being a parent is like folding a fitted sheet, no one really knows how to do it.”  (Except for maybe these three . . .)WCMI networking group A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here

Dr. Jim interviews Dr. David Pepper & Christine Benvenuto  David and Christine are not only a dynamic couple, but they are also incredible healers, impassioned speakers, skilled trainers, and mindful practitioners of psychedelic medicine and psychotherapy. They have worked in tandem (and separately) to help individuals who are traumatized or demoralized find relief, equanimity, and joy.  Dr. David Pepper is a trained family doctor who has worked at UCSF for 30 years. He has been a part of a “1,000 births and 1,000 deaths.” He completed CIIS training in Psychedelics and Medicine and has done groundbreaking work that includes Palliative Care and Hospice work alongside Chemo/Radiation/Surgery in ICUs. He understands how Psychedelics can be useful in helping people who are at the end of their life. He and Christine are also committed to helping people become fully alive, and they see Psychedelics as the royal road to the collective unconscious. Allowing people to face their shadow side and come back more aware, resolute, grounded, and whole.  Christine is quite accomplished in her own right. She has hosted several Psychedelics and Dying gatherings. She and David have provided Dharma for clergy members, doctors, and therapists, and emphasize “best practices” methods (for physicians and psychotherapists). Christine founded the DBT center in Oakland and integrates Ketamine in her practice. She has had great success using Ketamine for PTSD. If that was not impressive enough, she built a temple at Burning Man in her spare time. (Not to be outdone, Dr. David Pepper sued the EPA while he ran an asthma clinic with a bunch of doctors in California’s Central Valley and had success as an activist physician. Not exactly a slacker couple.)Note* Dr. David Pepper & Christine Benvenuto will be presenting at the WCMI & EBMC, Psychology, Inc. “Radical Curiosity, Psychedelics, and Human Potential” Conference on October 26th at the Hillside Club (Berkeley, CA). Tickets can be secured through Eventbrite. WCMI networking group A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here

Drs. John Schinnerer and Jim Bramson reunite to tackle the subjects of self-awareness and humility. They share their own missteps on this subject and can now laugh about it (tragedy + time = humor). In this interview, Dr. John (whom  we lovingly like to call, the Caveman) takes us deep into his own cavernous mind and discusses the “death of ego” as a prerequisite to connecting to “source” (meta-consciousness). He opines about how the ego hamstrings our curiosity, psychological development, and narrative of “who we are” and “who we are becoming.” Dr. Jim and the Caveman deconstruct the movie “My Dinner with Andre” and Senator Josh Howley’s new book “Manhood: The Masculine Virtues America Needs.” They break into laughter reading reviews on Howley’s book which was seriously panned by critics. The book is a misguided portrayal on how men should show up in our society (much more “manly”) and how our society should show up better for manly men. Fortunately, Howleys’ book did not reference Tucker Carlson’s recommendation that men can return to their testosterone fueled dominance by tanning their testicles. Yet, there were other equally absurd assertions made by the Missouri Senator and fledgling author. This is the same guy who supported the January 6th insurrectionists storming the capital building (only to run away from them at the end). The Caveman and Dr. Jim delight in some old fashioned schadenfreude. Howley’s book has the opposite message Dr. John wants to convey in his popular Podcast (the Evolved Caveman) or in his men’s group he runs (for EBMC, Psychology, Inc). Dr. John does NOT want to normalize toxic masculinity (and he does not recommend tanning your testicles to become more manly). You may recall from our previous podcast with the Caveman, Dr. John consulted on the Pixar film “Inside out.” In this episode, he discusses the importance of men becoming curious and highly aware of their own feelings, not just anger and frustration, but the whole gamut of feelings. The aforementioned Pixar movie the Caveman consulted on illustrates the Internal Family System (IFS) model and the importance of EQ (emotional intelligence). In the film, the main protagonist learned how to be less agnostic about her own emotions. She learned to embrace her core feelings (or internal parts) and they connect her to what John refers to as “source” (i.e., sacred space, satori or nirvana).WCMI networking group A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here

Rafael Cortina and his fellow Podcaster, Dr. Jim Bramson, discuss their unique approach to couples therapy. Rafael and Jim utilize an eclectic therapeutic approach that pulls from the following: Gestalt therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS) Work, Imago Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Terrance Real, and the PACT model (Tatkin’s work), to name but a few. In this episode, Rafael and Jim talk about what has worked well with couples, what has, and why. It is their aim at all times to build genuine rapport with their clients, creating an emotionally safe environment with an emphasis on honesty, curiosity, respect, heart-centered awareness, mutuality, and transparency. Jim discusses the importance of differentiation versus convergence, while Rafael considers the binary described as abandonment versus engulfment. They both agree that laughter is the ultimate elixir. Humor is important for couples work as it breaks down tension, can be a sign of self-acceptance, self-reflection, egolessness, and meta cognition.Cross cultural difference with couples, language barriers, and other barriers to entry are discussed. There is an emphasis on how to be fluent in the unique dialogue the couple shares. Rafael and Jim hope that practitioners listening to this Podcast may learn a thing or two of import that informs their work. Additionally, this episode covers topics relevant to individuals seeking couples therapy. Rafael and Jim want prospective clients to be better consumers of couples therapy and to know what to look for and what to expect. WCMI networking group A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here

Rafael and Jim take a deep dive into the subject of fatherhood—that is, after getting derailed on the subject of 49ers football. Why? Rafael was afraid of jinxing the team during the last episode. He refused to discuss the 49ers loss until this episode. Fortunately, your podcasters got on track again to discuss Fatherhood as promised. Not surprisingly, they even linked the subject to the 49ers somehow. They did so by imagining how they would console 49ers QB Brock Purdy after he got injured in his last playoff game (a loss). What would they say to console him if they could be his father for just one day?  You cannot help but being moved by their heartfelt approach to this subject that clearly transcends sports.Rafael and Jim regal their own experiences as sons, fathers, and shrinks and what they learned from it all. Also, what they still hope to learn. They discuss what goes into being a loving, competent, caring, curious, compassionate, and committed role model. Many men are adrift. Rafael & Jim share their own challenges and pitfalls. They discuss what their male clients are typically seeking help for. Some men are pushed by their spouses to be better fathers. Some push themselves. And others put too much pressure on themselves to be perfect …. to try to make up for their own miserable childhood experiences. Some fathers are absentee parents and can easily justify it. They won’t welcome any input and don’t see the ripple effect. Rafael and Jim have seen it all as shrinks. The various attachment styles and approaches fathers take on is artfully deconstructed. Rafael and Jim believe that deep down inside most men really want to be good men, stellar parents, role models, and respected along the way. This issue of being respected as a father (and being respectful to children) is carefully weighed. How is it earned? Finally, the impact of narcissism being the nemesis to effective parenting is discussed. This episode is for fathers and anyone who has had one.WCMI networking group A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here

Dr. Michael Mayer packed a lot into this interview. Buckle up. He touches on the six books he has written and their relevancy. He details how some healers can become shamans or shape shifters. In his case a shape shifter can also be a reluctant metaphysician. Dr. Mayer further theorizes that Tai Chi, astrology, hypnosis, energy psychology, Transpersonal psychology and competitive chess can all be at home with one another. The whole being greater than the sum of its parts.Dr. Mayer opines about the psychology of chess (as a former competitive player himself). He adds that “a pawn can be a shape shifter by the time it gets to the end of the board.” He thinks it’s valuable to explore our own level of misery in order to cultivate joy and meaning. So, what chess moves do you need to make while you are still living or to be more fully alive?If your head is not already spinning half-way through this episode, you are either sedated, listening to the wrong podcast, or in a chronic fugue state. I doubt you will be bored. Stay particularly tuned into Dr. Mayer’s demonstration of his classic “River of Life” method. A transformative method and process you will long want to replicate.WCMI networking group A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here

Dr Jim & Rafael are back! The band is back. Dr. Jim & Rafael are back together agin exploring healing on a global level. Rafael shares his thoughtful impressions of Georgia (not the peach state, but the country) where he did a recent training on Compassion, Addiction, and Trauma. Rafael also has gone to where the action is - - doing (virtual) trainings for professionals in the Ukraine and Russia. As almost everyone knows the Ukraine and Russia are currently the epicenter of war and trauma. Rafael plans to sojourn to that part of the world soon to impart his wisdom, to teach professionals in this war torn region his compassionate approach to healing trauma. In applying his craft across geopolitical lines, Rafael has had to be the Magellan of intra-psychic and inter-psychic terrain. In so doing, he has noticed the oneness we all share, particularly when it comes to trauma and how to heal it. As healers we are a formulary of medicine and wisdom. The elixir combines compassion, wisdom, humility, love, kindness, resiliency, and the thoughtful application of Gestalt therapy. In this interview Dr. Jim also discusses his book project, which is still stalled out. He runs some of the themes by Rafael and feels inspired again to write. Dr. Jim also finds inspiration in the Detroit Lions who had their first winning season since 2017 under their extraordinary coach, Dan Campbell. Dr. Jim wants to channel his internal Coach Campbell to finish his book. WCMI networking group A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here

Live From Boulder Colorado, an Interview with Dr. Paul BretzJim catches up with his long-time friend and colleague from his halcyon days at the University of Chicago. Dr. Paul Bretz (a.k.a. Reverend Paul). Paul is still prolific after all these years —and is still doing his part to make the world a better place. Paul is the CEO of Centus Counseling Center (Centus.org). He is passionate abut high quality, cost effective, spiritually integrative behavioral healthcare. He is also a surveyor for the Joint Commission, whose mission is to continuously improve healthcare. (A real slacker…)In this episode, Paul discusses the stages of psychological, moral, and spiritual development and its impact on individuals and couples. He compares a cosmic consciousness framework with a dualistic framework. Paul delves deep into the importance of Imago Therapy for doing couples work, and shares how it improved his own relationship. Paul makes a strong case for how spiritual development and Imago therapy can be combined to conduct highly effective couples therapy. Paul believes the intensive format is particularly efficacious for doing deep work. Paul is the embodiment of emotional, psychological, spiritual, and intellectual sophistication. He continues to be an inspiration and teacher for me and many others.WCMI networking group A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here

Dr. Jim Bramson interviews Charlie & Linda BloomThe Blooms are back. They tuned in from a writing retreat to discuss their latest book “An End to Arguing.” They also introduce their forthcoming book project on exemplary relationships. (In sharp contrast to their slacker podcast host who has been toiling over one book for over five years, the Blooms are churning out incredible books in rapid fire.)In this interview we explore some spicy content areas in their “End to Arguing” book: transforming desire into intention; why winning doesn’t work; why it’s better to say nothing sometimes, who’s got the power?; and why it’s never too late have a happy childhood. The book devotes a chapter to each of these topics.The Blooms also opine in this episode about the nexus between arguing, sex, and intimacy. They go into some detail about how the cessation of arguing can lead to greater intimacy and connection. Charlie and Linda Bloom will be featured presenters at the upcoming Human Potential Conference” Sex, Love and RockNRoll (Nov 1st, 2024 at the Hillside Club, Berkeley, CA from 5pm - 9:30pm). Go to Eventbrite for ticket information on the conference and visit Bloomwork.com to learn more about the Blooms.WCMI networking group A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here

Robby Kendall not only spearheads the nonprofit film production company Fishnets & Film, Inc.  He is also a psychologist. Indeed, Robby is an educator, entertainer, writer, director, connector, humorist, and consummate problem solver. In this podcast episode, Robby shares his drag origin story as well as his psychologist origin story. Apparently he “therapized” his mother for years before becoming a shrink. And now he helps students and individuals solve their own problems. The conversation offers a fascinating look into sex education, the queer community, and the travails of wardrobe malfunctions as a drag queen.Robby has created an impressive collection of short films and feature length film projects.  His filmography includes: “Victoria Place, Sweet Nothing, (Un)Free Will, The Other Side of Eden: A Modern Testament, and Drag Queens Must Die.” Yours truly (Dr. Jim) will be on a panel for Robby’s Queer Film Festival on March 2nd, 2024 at the New Parkway in Oakland, featuring the film, Sexplanation (Alex Liu). This film offers a humorous look at the dearth of comprehensive sex education in our country, what we know, and perhaps most significantly what we should know.WCMI networking group A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here

Panel Discussion Interview with Louie Kangeter and Christine BenvenutoLouie Kangeter and Christine Benvenuto are both experts in their respective fields. They participated in a live panel discussion on Artificial Intelligence and its impact on the field of psychology and the human psyche. This WCMI (West Coast Mindfulness Institute) sponsored event is part of the annual Human Potential Conference series.Louie and Christine both took a bold look at the impact of AI on the human experience. Louie covers myriad topics including AI and surveillance, laws, regulation, transparency, etc. Christine explores the confluence of psychedelics and AI on human potential.Christine and her husband Dr. Pepper (featured on a previous Podcast with Christine) spoke at this conference, but did not participate in the recorded panel discussion. David Pepper, M.D. and Christine run the DBT center in Oakland, California. Christine and David believe plant based medicine and Ketamine can be an effective treatment approach. They do not believe in the “pharmaceutical industrial complex.” Hence, their interest in psychedelics and psychotherapy.WCMI networking group A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here

Dr. Ken Dychtwald is an entrepreneur, author, lecturer, gerontologist, and psychologist. He is the co-founder and CEO of Age Wave. In this live recording Ken presents his memoir “Radical Curiosity” at the Human Potential Conference in Berkeley, California, sponsored by WCMI (West Coast Mindfulness Institute). You will find yourself mesmerized and inspired by Ken’s story — and will want to run, not walk, to buy one of his books.Ken artfully discusses his meetups with Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jimmy Carter, along with some luminaries in the field of psychology. You will learn about his storied (and often humorous) journey form Jersey to Big Sur and beyond. Very much like Forest Gump (the movie), Ken always seems to be at the right place at the right time to “influence or be influenced by the influencers.”Ken is an expert on aging and mind-body healing. His seminal book Bodymind has been translated into countless languages over the years (so if you speak Mandarin like his son Zak, also a thought leader in his own right, you are all set). Interestingly, there were some naked illustrations or pictures in the original edition that have been edited out (sorry Marjorie Taylor Greene). So I guess my original copy of Bodymind is a collectors item, much like my cherished Draymond Greene T-Shirt. WCMI networking group A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here

Dr. James Bramson interviews Dr. Ray Horwitz Drs. Jim and Ray were undergraduate classmates and roommates. As college kids, they bonded over music, psychology, humor, and working out. And now, as seasoned professionals, they both subscribe to the philosophy that good self-care is good client-care. Dr. Ray is a an accomplished psychiatrist and a man of many talents. He is a skilled musician, a triathlete, and a sought-after teacher. He’s taught classes in medicine at Emory University and in pharmacology for physicians across the country.  His clientele ranges from struggling moms to Olympic athletes. And he’s a mensch to boot.Dr. Ray agreed to be interviewed, not for self promotion, but to support other medical professionals and therapists who might stumble or may make avoidable mistakes. Plus he wants to make sure patients are better consumers of psychiatry. He talks about how he will go above and beyond to serve his patients in ways other docs may not. Dr. Ray also kvetches about the challenges of prescribing controlled substances and how it hamstrings physicians.  His natural humor and wisdom shine through when he discusses the evolution of psychiatry, and how it must address a new epidemic:  loneliness. We learn that loneliness is as lethal as smoking 15-cigarettes a day. Dr. Ray is concerned that telemedicine may perpetuate a client’s sense of isolation and loneliness. Not sure if it leads to more or less smoking? You decide. To get on the same wave length as Dr. Ray. I suggest you listen to this Podcast while working out, running, biking, lifting weights, etc. (The only way I got him to this was to go on a run with him!) However, he would not recommend that you listen while swimming, doing handstands in yoga, helicopter skiing, or rock climbing…. but whatever works. WCMI networking group A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here

Dr. John Schinnerer brings heart, intellect, and compassion to his craft. He coaches men to greater success and happiness at work and at home.  Dr. John graduated from U.C. Berkeley with a Ph.D. in psychology.  He was an expert consultant for Pixar’s Inside Out.  Dr. John recently received the award for Excellence in Healthcare Leadership in 2022, and Best Executive Coach in Danville for 2020. His areas of expertise include high performance, stress management, Man Box culture, positive psychology, anger management, and creating happy, thriving relationships.  Dr. John hosts The Evolved Caveman Podcast to coach men to find success and happiness. Over 16,000 people have taken his online anger management course. He recently recorded micro courses on anger management and forgiveness for Simple Habit; they have been listened to nearly 125,000 times in the first year. Visit TheEvolvedCaveman.com to learn more about the podcast. For information on high performance coaching, visit GuideToSelf.com.WCMI networking group A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here

Vann Duke is a celebrated fitness trainer, life coach, and commercial actor (check out his latest Jeep commercial).  He trains and coaches people in the "Second Half of Life." Once voted “top trainer in the Bay Area” by the Guardian, Vann’s committed to his clients looking and feeling their best —whether that’s Oscar-winning superstars, like Viola Davis, or the less famous but equally hardworking second half’ers.Vann splits his time between France and Calistoga, California. This juxtaposition of cultures has informed his view on everything. Vann has led international workshops (even a few with Dr. Jim) that have been described as transformative and life changing. He is currently offering a special program called “Jump Start” that involves a fitness assessment, customized training, coaching, and tools for “ageless aging” (a salient termed coined by Maddy Dychtwald). Though at first blush Vann and Dr. Jim may appear at odds— with Vann focused on getting people off the couch and Dr. Jim inviting them back on — they both strive to maximize their clients’ true potential, and share some insider tips on how to make that happen.WCMI networking group A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here

Dr. James H. Bramson Interviews Psychologist, Family Therapist, and Parenting Educator, Lyn Benson  Lyn Benson has sold out seminars on the subject of Mindful Parenting in Australia. She has also trained internationally in the area of mindfulness. Lyn Benson and Dr. Bramson met back in 2006 and have taught workshops together around the world - including Turkey, Peru, New Zealand, Australia, and Bali. Dr. Bramson has been threatening to pull her out of “retirement” to get the band back on the road again, or at least teach a mindful parenting seminar on-line (due to popular demand).  Lyn was strongly influenced by the work of internationally recognized Australian psychologist, Moshe Lang. Moshe Lang is one of the pioneers of family therapy in Australia and has had a huge influence on Lyn’s work. Over time Lyn’s interests have evolved as she has dedicated herself to teaching parents how to be more mindful. In this podcast, Lyn passionately discusses her own take on gender fluidity, the “coming out” process for non-binary kids, and what every parent should know.  Lyn is funny, intelligent, and heart centered. She has dedicated her career to making sure children grow up learning how to love and accept themselves. Lyn believes that parents (who are truly mindful) can help their children optimize their own self-worth. She emphasizes teaching children to love themselves unconditionally. Lyn extols the importance of parents loving their children for who they are …. and who they are becoming … whether gender fluid, non-binary, gay, straight, or somewhere in between. Lyn also made some pithy comments on the differences between the United States and Australia when it comes to paying for therapy, practicing psychology, the freedom of choice, and the impact of politics on the human condition. WCMI networking group A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here

Dr. Gerald Smith has led workshops at the storied Esalen Institute for over 50 years. He is friends with one of its originals co-founders, Michael Murphy, whom he interviewed on an earlier podcast. Jerry attended the University of Pennsylvania and Stanford University, earning an M.B.A and Doctoral degree in Educational Psychology. Jerry is still a practicing clinical psychologist at the age of 92. And he is as sharp and quick-witted as ever. He has written two books, hosted a T.V. show, and loves leading workshops for couples. Jerry participated in some of the pioneering psychedelic research experiments (in the 1950’s) when it was legal and quite provocative. He reported positive results using psychedelics and discusses some of his own experiences, along with the tremendous benefits and pitfalls of plant and lab-based medicine. Jerry believes psychedelics can expand our perceptual field. He stresses that psychedelics can potentially benefit people suffering from depression, anxiety, and trauma, but that caution is warranted. Jerry was also trained by such luminaries as Virginia Satir and Fritz Pearls. He knows he was privileged to know each of them personally and professionally … and pulls back the curtains on what they were really like. In this podcast, Jerry discusses how Psychedelics, Virginia Satir, and Fritz Pearls impacted his perceptual field …. and what matters most at this stage in his life.WCMI networking group A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here

Rafael Cortina & Felicia Carroll Break New GroundFelicia Carroll, is a Licensed Marriage, Family Therapist and Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor in private practice in Solvang, California. She is a natural story teller, child advocate, celebrated Gestalt trainer, and consummate gardener. One could argue that Felicia is the Shel Silverstein of Gestalt Therapy. Her work is the metaphoric “Givingtree” that keeps on giving. Better to consider how to give back, recognize the gifts in all of us, and plant seeds, versus taking from others. Her passion for Gestalt therapy and children recently turned her attention to the refugee crisis in Eastern Europe—particularly, how war impacts children. Felicia is dedicated to helping clients work through their “unresolved situations” versus their “unfinished business.” Rafael and Felicia wax metaphors in their dialectic. They discuss the importance of rootedness, interconnectedness in human beings, mushrooms, and redwood trees. Interestingly, fungi are closer to man than plants in their DNA structure and their capacity for motility. Rafael and Felicia also discuss redwood trees and how they are like human beings as they need to stand together to survive. They have a deeply interconnected underground root system. Similarly, human beings survive best when they are deeply rooted. Felicia even noted that human beings and trees communicate in a clever way to protect one another. Trees release pheromones like humans do. In the case of trees, pheromones are released when danger is imminent. It activates their antibodies in order to survive. Human connection or “togetherness” also activates antibodies and bolster our immune system. Felicia takes us on on her journey from being a teacher, educator at the Esalen Institute, academic at UCSB, to becoming the Founder/Co-Director of the West Coast Institute for Gestalt Therapy with Children and Adolescents (www.westcoastinstitute.us). In this podcast, Felicia plants seeds in our frontal lobe where some of our best ideas can germinate. WCMI networking group A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here

Dr. James H. Bramson interviews Dr. Josh Wilson and Eti Valdez-Kaminsky What do Naomi Judd, Anthony Bourdain, Robin Williams, Cleopatra, Mark Rothko, and David Foster Wallace have in common? They have all suicided. Suicide is an epidemic during these times of tumult. Obviously, suicide and depression impacts more than celebrities. Depression and suicide impact every, age, race, and gender. Depression and suicide do not revere white privilege, or bow down to someone’s socioeconomic status. Suicidal thoughts and feelings lead to isolation, anhedonia and despair. Depression is an equal opportunity destroyer and disrupter in our society. Depression and suicide can impact every religion, political group, white collar workers, blue collar workers, the educated, uneducated, and everyone in between. Suicide rips apart families and communities. The CDC reports that the financial cost on our society averages 70 billion a year (in just medical and work-loss costs alone). However, the human toll is incalculable.  Most importantly, irreplaceable lives (souls) are lost every minute because the general pubic is afraid to discuss death, depression, and suicide. Shame causes suicide to go underground where it becomes the silent killer. Individuals who are suffering do not want to be seen as burdensome. People who suffer the most are often too reticent or afraid to talk about it. It is often the case that people who recognize suicidal tendencies in those they love (or care about) are afraid of acting on what they know. In fact, Dr. Wilson points out in this episode that we lost a human being every 11-minutes (in the United States). So during the course of one Podcast episode (under 60 minutes) we lost 5 to 6 Americans.  Dr. Wilson (Co-Founder and President of East Bay Mindfulness Center, Psychology Inc. and West Coast Mindfulness Institute) and Eti Kaminsky (Clinical Director of EBMC, Psychology, Inc.) discuss their unique and shared approach to preventing and treating suicide. They raise awareness regarding the complex and underlying issues surrounding depression and suicide, particularly among our youth. Suicide is the third leading cause of death in individuals aged 10 to 14. It is the second leading cause of death for people aged 25-34 in the United States. This episode concludes by offering everyone hope and a way forward. Dr. Wilson and Eti Kaminsky stress the myriad ways therapy can instill hope, joy, and purpose driven awareness in people who suffer the most. Listeners please note the Suicide Prevention (Lifeline number) - 998. Let us all be life guards or guardians.  WCMI networking group A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here

Rafael Cortina interviews another Gestalt icon - Morgan Goodlander Morgan Goodlander is a public speaker, president of the San Francisco Gestalt Institute, and leadership counselor. He has worked in 17 countries and has managed educational programs for the Esalen Institute. Rafael Cortina continues his mission to introduce us to extraordinary thought leaders and influencers throughout the Gestalt world. Many luminaries continue to be pulled into Rafael’s gravitational field and you may ask yourself, when does the man rest? In this humorous and riveting podcast, Morgan Goodlander describes growing up Gestalt. He was influenced by a family friend of his dad’s. A man he jokingly refers to as “Socrates.” While others his age were probably more concerned about going to prom and mastering the SAT’s, Morgan had deeper concerns. As a teenager, Morgan was exploring how to apply the theory of Gestalt therapy to his own life. Later on, he observed that it is Gestalt therapy that works best for his clients.Morgan opines about the repetitive nature of loss throughout history. He explores the role that creativity plays in finding elegant solutions to redundant problems we all face. Problems that are embedded in common losses. He noted that the key losses we must overcome include the loss of our sense of belonging, of prestige, and of the sense of having or being enough. Both Rafael and Morgan discuss the basic tenants of Gestalt in their own dialectic. The role of personal responsibility, experiencing life in the present moment, leading from within, understanding the dialectic between self and others, as well as the dialectic between self and our environment, and learning from our repetitive experiences. Morgan paints the picture of what it is like to be stuck in a “Ground Hog Day” vortex. After listening to this episode, you may think about how to step outside of the self-limiting (ontological and phenomenological) dimensions of life - - that stop you from seeing infinite possibilities for creativity and change.To connect with Morgan and to learn mora bout him click hereFor his YouTube channel click hereWCMI networking group A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here