Ranch Hands Rescue has a reputation for being a place of refuge for victims who have survived horrific circumstances.  This makes Ranch Hands Rescue a very special place.  Landon Dickeson, Clinical Director & Bill Williams, CEO of Ranch Hands, will be joining us today to share with us the meaningful work they perform with both abused and neglected animals, and the traumatized people that they bring together. Ranch Hands focuses on the 1-10% of trauma survivors that do not respond well to traditional counselling services.  This includes those struggling with treatment resistant PTSD, including sexually abused children and adults, sex trafficking victims and veterans.  The animal sanctuary houses horses, llamas, goats, sheep and other farm animals where the therapy between human and animals begin to reclaim life, hope and healing. Let’s spend some time with Bob Williams to better understand how the Ranch integrates this approach to make a difference in the lives of both the people and the animals that they provide care for. Bob's House of Hope is the newest program, and the first safe house in America for young men who have been sex trafficked.  This project is a big win for those in need. We learn about the Ranch Hands Rescue approaches to helping at-risk people who bond closely with the animals they encounter, finding solace and healing. Links & Resources: Information about Ranch Hands is available at: https://www.ranchhandsrescue.com Listen to Bob Williams on Youtube.com at Ranch Hands Rescue - YouTube Get involved at Donate Now - Ranch Hands Rescue (gifttool.com) Bob's House of Hope for male victim's of Sex Trafficking 

Bear Psychology podcast

Ranch Hands Rescue: Animal Sanctuary for Healing Trauma

Have you ever wondered why you said, “yes” when you meant “no” or became enraged by something you recognized later was no big deal?  Does your anger flare up quickly in your relationships or do you ever feel like the world is against when something minor occurs?  This likely means your inner “demons”,  also referred to as unresolved inner beliefs or YOUR SHADOW, is ruling your life. We are joined by Shadow Work expert Dr. Robert Masters to discuss what the shadow is, how to work with your unconscious motivators, and how to challenge a spiritual by-pass (when you don’t want to face the difficult stuff in life). In addition to this, we also explore why this work is so important for your growth and how it leads to inner peace. There is a huge cost to responding like a hurt 7 year old to a work colleague or becoming explosively jealous when you see your spouse/partner enjoying a conversation with someone else.  Great inner growth and peace evolves when you can reflect on why you become triggered/hurt, and become aware of the inner drivers that lead you to feel so bad or become so reactive. Dr. Robert Masters is an expert in Shadow Work.  He has written and taught extensively on the unconscious drivers that lead to behaviors, attitudes and events that do not serve us. In his 2018 book “Bringing your Shadow out of the Dark: Breaking free from the hidden forces that drive you”, Master’s explains that “Our Shadow … is our internal storehouse for the parts of us that we’ve disowned or rejected, or are otherwise keeping in the dark”. Dr. Masters is a therapist and “Psychospiritual guide” with a deep understanding of the “neglected shadow domains of ourselves”. Let’s enjoy this conversation with Dr. Robert Augustus Masters and reflect on the deepest places of self-reflection and inner growth, the Shadow. Links & Resources: Dr. Robert A. Masters book Bringing your Shadow Out of the Dark is available: https://bit.ly/3sx7VYt Listen to him speak about Shadow Work: https://www.robertmasters.com/interviews/ For information about Dr. Master’s courses, books and work: https://www.robertmasters.com/ 

Know Your Shadow – The Route to Inner Peace

What does it mean to "Heal the Moral Wound"?  Have you experienced life-changing events that you have not been able to get over? Our guest today is Dr. J. Eric Gentry, renowned psychologist, author and speaker. His recent book Forward-Facing Trauma Therapy provides steps for reclaiming a life "filled with dignity, meaning and purpose".  Eric is more than my guest today.  He is a friend and co-author of our book The Trauma Practice: Tools for Stabilization & Recovery.  I have known Eric since we worked together in 1997 with Dr. Charles Figley, one of the committee members who helped to set the foundational DSM criterion for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.  We grappled in those early days with approaches that fit the trauma clients we were working with at the Stress Research Lab that Charles ran.  This was the beginning of Trauma Practice.  Eric has focused his career on working with trauma survivors and training 1000's of professionals on how to help trauma survivors.  The crucial part of his Forward Facing work is that it provides an approach that goes beyond identifying and managing triggers and integrating past trauma to "Aligning behavior with values".  This creates an intentional anchor that allows action to follow values and meaning rather than simply reacting to life events.  This means you can choose to follow your own life purpose and beliefs instead of the triggers from the past.  Dr. Rhoton describes the FFTT approach as "a compelling case that stress reduction and symptom alleviation are only the first steps in the healing process and that our ultimate goal must be to ... achieve a congruent life based on integrity and choice. " We will learn about Dr. Gentry's approaches to helping you Identify Triggers, Establish a Healthy Lifestyle; Practice Self-Regulation; Develop a Mission and Code of Honor and hold true to your core of Intentional Living. While Dr. Charles Figley states that FFTT has the potential to "substantially increase the effectiveness of psychotherapy for the traumatized with a one-two punch: (1) Direct exposure to the root of the traumatic memories paired with  (2) resilience-building self-care practices that promote principle-based living ... while rapidly optimizing ... quality of life." So let's spend some time with Dr. J. Eric Gentry to better understand how he integrates "Intentional Living" to create meaningful, principle-based lives into the core of his pivotal work. If you read through Dr. Gentry's work and watch his videos, you will see an earnest dedication to the work of healing and recovery.  So let's enjoy our dialogue with Dr. Gentry and understand the Forward Facing Trauma Therapy approach. Links & Resources: Dr. Gentry’s book Forward Facing Trauma Therapy is available at:  https://amzn.to/2U9gAUg Listen to him speak about Forward Facing Trauma Therapy: https://youtu.be/F8GiWzbfFhc In the next video Dr. Gentry addresses Self-Regulation: https://youtu.be/k0BYt2rPB9c Contact Dr. Gentry at Forward Facing: https://www.forward-facing.com/  

Forward Facing Trauma Recovery – Profound Approach

Ahh, deep restorative sleep! What relief!  We all know how much better we feel after a good night's sleep.  But what happens when we are woken up throughout the night by disturbing nightmares and unsettling dreams?  Are we prepared with strategies for getting back to sleep or for addressing upsetting dream content when it surfaces?  What about repetitive nightmares that keep coming back?  How are we to deal with them?  Well, today's show looks at sleep interventions, as well as dream and nightmare strategies. I love this topic as it gives you the skills for looking closely at what surfaces through the dream content and what makes it so interesting and meaningful in your own healing journey. Whether it is tigers chasing you or workplace incidents, repeating the content is often symbolic or representative of what needs addressing, rather than reflective of the actual problems in your life.  For example, if in your life you are not getting along with a specific friend ... your dream content might show you in a boat floating away from shore into murky water and away from a house that represents your connections and safety.  You can see an array of animals growling on the shoreline as well as one cartoon character happily waving at you from one of the windows of the house.  You don't need to live close to water or even in a house in order for the dream to have meaning for you or to relate to the argument you are having with your friend. Nothing needs to be an exact replica if you look at the content through the lens of "everything is an aspect of you". In the example above, you are all elements.  You are the murky water, the house you are leaving behind, you are the boat and the feelings you have being on the boat.  You are all characters that you see.  Given time and introspection, you can begin to notice how each element relates to you and your life themes and events. Treatment for nightmares includes medications such as Prazosin, CBT therapy such as Image Rehearsal Therapy (or changing the ending) and dream journaling.  Deep breathing, relaxation practices and embedding the positive rather than fighting to get to sleep. Other approaches include: Sleep Hygiene Dream Journaling using a light pen Decoding Bad Dreams using Imagery Rehearsal Therapy Making Peace with your Sleep – do not fight to get back to sleep ... instead rest and breathe deeply Improve sleep with deep relaxation and embedding positive messages Using Guided Body Scan and Progressive Body Relaxation We also recognize that having a trauma history makes a person much more susceptible to bad dreams/nightmares.  This can be thematic such as dreams that reflect a certain type of experience (i.e., loss of an important person, violence against you or those you love, etc).  These thematic nightmares do not necessarily present an exact replica of what occurred in your life but can have features representative of a type of loss or trauma that still needs attention or healing in your life. Research indicates that trauma has been increasingly identified as a potential precursor to clinical insomnia (Sinha, 2016). Sleep quality disruption is one of many ways that trauma can have a significant and prolonged impact on health and well-being, and this is largely because of the ways in which trauma can sensitize the central nervous system to become more hyper-aroused. However, there are ways to mitigate this, improve sleep quality, and regulate the body's sleeping patterns again after trauma. An excellent article by Havens et al. (2019) outlines this research, and has informed some of the exercise guidelines below. Links & Resources: Sleep Hygiene: https://youtu.be/YvqeWcPwd2o?t=59 Tame & Decode Bad Dreams: https://youtu.be/Oi72TXnkEy4?t=17 Make Peace with Your Sleep: https://youtu.be/5HjzyLMsygM?t=38 Improve sleep by relaxing deeply and embedding positive messages: https://youtu.be/ZQmfCEtzvEE Sleep relaxation (the Honest Guys): https://youtu.be/8TDcGYmEgyM Guided Body-Scan Meditation for Sleep: https://youtu.be/8TDcGYmEgyM Imagery Rehearsal Therapy (IRT): https://www.verywellmind.com/imagery-rehearsal-therapy-2797304 Reduce Nightmare Frequency with IRT: https://youtu.be/CLsmRs6RXYM 

Taming Sleep … Dreams & Nightmares

Kristi Hugstad's book gives practical strategies for facing real life hardships.  Ms. Hugstad lost her husband to suicide 8 years ago and has been grappling with the loss ever since.  She described her life prior to the suicide in glowing terms.  She faced social rejection, extreme grief, guilt and the devastating loss of her loving spouse. She described a loveable, popular husband who was a successful gym owner.  They sold the business with the plan of retiring early.  This was the beginning of his unexpected spiral into depression and eventual suicide. Her book outlines how she faced this loss and details the kinds of real life strategies a person can employ to face struggles.  The book outlines simple, straightforward approaches – like journaling, mindfulness, healthy sleep, exercise and sound nutrition to face life struggles.  The conversation gets into the real impact of life losses and the importance of recognizing mental health struggles as we grow and change. Although the book is focused on youth, it applies broadly to people needing some practical tools to face the demands of life.  Even before COVID, mental health challenges were significant.  COVID-19 isolation, lockdowns, losses and restrictions have affected everyone in unexpected ways, leaving more people vulnerable and needing support. Links & Resources: The Grief Girl: https://www.thegriefgirl.com/#/ Life after Loss Blog: https://www.thegriefgirl.com/life-after-loss---a-blog#/ 

Be You, Only Better–Real Life Self-Care

CBT is one of the most common interventions and tends to deal with every day struggles that you might have in dealing with life events.  A CBT approach might help you deal with negative thinking and adapt your behavior so you are more engaged and less impacted by fearful beliefs.  The book is full of well-structured and organized resources.  The book is supported by video exercises and templates on the publisher's website (NewHarbinger.com). Our guest is Dr. Nina Josefowitz, renowned psychologist and co-author of 'CBT Made Simple; A Clinicians Guide to Practicing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. CBT or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is an evidence-based intervention for addressing the impact of mental health struggles.  The CBT approach is one of the most well researched psychological interventions and has demonstrated efficacy.  This structured and often goal oriented approach can lay a strong foundation for early career mental health professionals beginning to work with clients, as well as for individuals who are struggling with emotional disturbances and learning to reclaim their lives.  The CBT approach provides excellent step-by-step guidance moving toward self-understanding and a balanced mechanism for stabilization. The research on CBT has demonstrated it as a power-house of intervention (Asnaani, Vonk, Sawyer and Fang, 2012) for depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, substance abuse, schizophrenia, eating disorders, insomnia, personality disorders, anger management, stress disorders and chronic pain. In Nina's book, she focuses on the importance of both teaching and practicing the skill, to ensure the intervention can be both understood and used when needed. She focuses on Behavioral Activation as a crucial step toward recovery and encourages strategies for self-reflection on current daily activities as a starting point.  In her work, she breaks down exercises using templates that give the user a deep dive into their own behaviors and a clearer sense of ownership over what is working and what is leading to emotional and mental health struggles. If you read through some of her exercises and watch her videos, you will see a clinician with a deep sense of care and compassion for her clients. Links & Resources: Dr. Nina Josefowitz, CPsych, Psychologist, Toronto, ON, M6G https://www.drninajosefowitz.com/ CBT Made Simple – preview: https://bit.ly/3uQnUkh CBT Made Simple – videos / templates:  https://www.newharbinger.com/9781684034550/#nh-book-accessories 

Psychological Strategies that Help – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Transpersonal Psychology is the section of psychological study that addresses spiritual or transcendent elements of personal experience.  The idea of our transpersonal lives is that which encompasses or goes beyond our typical and practical daily lives and into wider or unexplained aspects of what we may encounter in life.  This may include peak or mystical experiences, spiritual crisis (in which typical elements of life are no longer sufficient to establish a sense of meaning) and expanded perceptions of life (i.e., who or what we are). Transpersonal psychology addresses our highest potential or evolutionary states of being that may transcend the ego drivers and ordinary states of consciousness. We hope you will join us as we explore this fascinating topic with our special guest Steven Taylor! He is a Transpersonal Psychologist University professor and author who has written 13 books on the topic of spiritual growth and emergence.  His extraordinary depth of understanding of this topic and many years of experience delving into this topic have formed a body of work that helps to elevate and inspire.  His work goes beyond what we buy, our education, even specific religious backgrounds, and rather into how we profoundly connect to each other and our planet. https://www.stevenmtaylor.com/books/   His work shines hope on a time that has led many to feel destabilized and unsatisfied. His most recent book The Clear Light is an exploration of Spiritual Reflections and Meditations illustrating our ultimate connection with each other and the world around us, and beyond.  His book Spiritual Science addresses the importance of our spiritual growth in making sense of the larger world around us, and is grounded in science.  My favorite is The Leap, which covers stories of individuals unfolding in their own spiritual growth, revealing the mystery that weaves us together as beings on this complicated life journey. Certainly, when it comes to serious life events and trauma, a well-developed spiritual life can help us navigate the darkest of times.  Dr. Emma Bragdon, author and "spiritual emergence" coach has her own heart wrenching and traumatic life experiences.  She used spiritual practices including meditation to face the suicide of her mother, followed within a year by her father, the end of her marriage and suicide of her employer.  She explained that "without meditation and my connection to a meaningful spiritual community ... I likely would have shipwrecked and fallen into the deeps ... a very human response to total overwhelm."  https://www.emmabragdon.com/about One of the earliest Transpersonal Psychologists was William James (1842 to 1910) who described the experience of oneness!  James said "a great many people think they are thinking when they are merely rearranging their prejudices".  He captured the struggle of our beliefs with realizations that remain important today.  He also recognized that "The world we see that seems so insane is the result of a belief system that is not working.  To perceive the world differently, we must be willing to change our belief system, let the past slip away, expand our sense of now, and dissolve the fear in our minds."  This idea that we are more than our beliefs is good medicine even today, more than 100 years after his death. So let's dive into this discussion to better understand what Transpersonal Psychology is and how your Spiritual Emergence can be a time of healing and integration. Links & Resources: Dr. Steve Taylor:  https://www.stevenmtaylor.com/about-steve-taylor/ Dr. Emma Bragdon: https://www.amazon.ca/Call-Spiritual-Emergency-Personal-Transformation/dp/1456611429 Leo Matos provides an early explanation of Transpersonal Psychology 1982: https://youtu.be/FiCOazoizjU Dr. William James on human consciousness:  https://www.brainpickings.org/2018/06/04/william-james-varieties-consciousness/ The Science of Consciousness:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Science_of_Consciousness 

Spiritual Growth as a Road to Psychological Well-Being

 Let's talk about why we fail to see the emotional pain that men live with every day.  Beliefs can tie us in knots and render us blind to the struggles of others when we fail to look more closely with an open mind and heart.  Documentary film-maker Cassie Jaye's most notable film "The Red Pill" forced her to re-examine her beliefs about the Men's Rights Movements.  She started her journey with one notion in her mind only to discover the very real pain and suffering that men experience when they are abused and mistreated, directed into dangerous work, or facing violent circumstances. The statistics around the dangers of life for men show that: 1 in 6 are sexually assaulted, they are more likely to experience violent assaults, are 93% more likely to die on the job than women, account for 73% of suicides, and are given longer prison terms for same/similar crimes than women. It seems that these real issues are overlooked and under-reported.  Men are told to "suck it up", "get over it", "stop whining" and are shamed into tolerating violence even in their own intimate relationships. I wonder about these frightening numbers and how they are impacting the men in our lives. I wonder about the fathers, brothers, siblings, spouses and friends who are struggling.  I wonder why these statistics are not better known. Toronto Psychologist, Dr. Yaacov Lefcoe brings a deep understanding of these issues from his readings, reflections, and clinical practice.  He will help us to navigate these concepts and learn about what the drivers of involvement are for the men who join these groups. Dr. Lefcoe will also help us to understand the motivations that lead men to become Men's Rights Activists, PUAs (Pickup artists), Game and Inner Game Theorists (closest to PUAs) and MGTOWs (Men go their own way) of which Incels (involuntary celibates) is a part of.  All of these individuals are said to have "taken" the Red Pill, which our guest Dr. Lefcoe will help us understand. We will try to gather information and be thoughtful as we try to figure out what is happening to the men in our society who are struggling, feeling hurt, alienated and distressed.  Without this, we fail men who are struggling with their identity and this can lead to further failures at building healthy and meaningful relationships. On April 23, 2018, 25 year old Alek MInassian drove a rented van down Yonge Street in North York, Ontario killing 10 people and injuring 16 in a deadly vehicular attack.  Upon apprehension by police, Minassian began demanding that the officer shoot him "in the head!"  This did not occur and instead he was taken into custody by a level-headed officer on the scene.  Following the attack a Facebook post revealed that he identified himself as an "incel" or involuntary celibate.  His anger during the attack was largely focused on female pedestrians, who he perceived had rejected him and other "incel" men. This type of event leaves victims, survivors and community devastated and further disenfranchises men who are legitimately having difficulty fitting in and trying to establish themselves in a satisfying way in their lives, communities, relationships. We need to better understand these issues and develop healthier and more promising roads for men to take while they develop and mature into the best they can become.   Links & Resources: Dr. Yaacov Lefcoe, CPsych, Psychologist, Toronto, ON https://www.yaacovlefcoe.com/ Cassie Jaye's Ted Talk on learning about the Men's Rights Movement: https://youtu.be/3WMuzhQXJoY Toronto Van Attack – April 23, 2018  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toronto_van_attack#Suspect The Red Pill – A Cassie Jaye Documentary: http://theredpillmovie.com/ 

The Hidden Truth of Men’s Emotional Pain & the Red Pill

Traumatology Institute recently made available a new Audio Self Help Series. The Accelerated Recovery Program for Compassion Fatigue: A Self-Guided Resiliency & Recovery Series Dr. Anna B. Baranowsky & J. Eric Gentry, M.A. Copyright: 2021 Compassion Fatigue what is it? Crucible of Transformation Retirement Party Intro to NLP: Reflect & Process Memories NLP Reflect & Process Exercise Circle of Support Conclusion Music Sampler Diane Kistner The Traumatology Institute offers training programs for professional and personal development. As a Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Baranowsky works every day with Mental Health Issues with a specialization in Post Trauma Stress. She trains therapists to help trauma survivors and resolve professional compassion fatigue.

Compassion Fatigue Resiliency & Recovery: Dr. Anna Baranowsky

Let's talk about what led to the storming the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.  From my point of view, this includes the lure of relevancy or a fear of loss of power; a fire hose of lies within a bubble of misinformation; isolation during COVID; a longing to belong; fear of a changing world; a psychosis of delusion and an acute sense of entitlement.  There are other elements to this, however,  given the confusion, fear and uncertainty that this event provoked... it is a timely conversation. On January 6, 2021, I watched with great sadness as the U.S. Capitol was stormed by Trump supporters encouraged by a president who would not accept election results unless he was the victor.  His supporters were primarily white and unwilling to allow anything to stand between them and their sense of entitlement to power at all cost. There are those who stormed the capitol that are now paying the price of possible prison time, job loss, injury and even loss of life. Why would so many be willing to lose so much? Who would sign-up for such an event with so much at stake? What type of people attended and why? Christopher Buckley of LaFayette, Georgia, is an Afghanistan war veteran. He is a former White supremacist. He says he needed to "fit in". He launched the organization Life after Hate to help people leave White Supremacist groups. Let's discuss the meaning of this event, how it impacted you, and what you hope for going forward. I do have to say that my U.S. friends, colleagues and friends were a source of inspiration to me in their courage and conviction to guide the world to a better place.  One friend told me he was nervous about going outside for anything and choosing to stay as close to home as possible.  He admitted that it is just not safe for him to go out. I want to give a special shout out some (but not all) of my heroes who helped me make sense of these events, and those of a wild 2020. Stacey Abrams Raphael Warnock Joh Ossoff Michael Moore Steven Colbert Samantha Bee And Amanda Gorman who stuns with her magnificent heart lifting poem that she read at the pivotal inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. https://youtu.be/whZqA0z61jY The list above is a short one.  Are there people who inspired you while you were facing fearful moments or wondering whether democracy would survive? Links & Resources: The 'Shared Psychosis' of Donald Trump and His Loyalists – Scientific American The psychology of American racism and how to work against it (apa.org) Seduced by Temporal Power: 'We are seduced by temporal power': Gloria Purvis on racism, pro-life politics and the lure of the devil | America Magazine White Supremacists are the biggest threat:  Former White supremacist: This is how to tackle hate and bigotry (Opinion) – CNN Life after Hate – helps former White Supremacists leave the movement: Life After Hate  

Sedition - the lure of power over truth: with Dr Baranowsky

 Un-package how Gratitude, Appreciation and Kindness can help us all navigate this complex and challenging holiday season of 2020. 2020 is an unprecedented holiday season. COVID-19 has taken over the world landscape and changed lives forever. I just put up a 12 x 14 Canvas wall tent in my backyard. I filled it will pillows, blankets and heaters.  It is freezing here, but the tent will make a few visits with those in our pod possible during the winter months. The tent has two large mesh doors and two mesh windows on the sides.  There is enough room, fresh air and secure measures in place to have a select few visit to share this space safely with us.  I am grateful that we have a strategy for when the COVID lock-down lifts again, allowing for safe connection. We are now hovering around 2,500 to 3,000 live listeners for each show and I am grateful for your interest in our conversations and willingness to participate.  I love your questions, comments and feedback.  It has been a wonderful gift. One gift back to our community is FREE access to the complete "Trauma Recovery NOW!" audio program.  Find at: Bear Psychology Podcast on Apple Podcasts Bear Psychology Podcast Blog & Radio Show – Trauma Practice What Is PTSD – YouTube The remarkable Brother David Steindl-Rast (Author, Interfaith Monk) explains in his Ted Talk that, "we all know people who have lots of misfortune, misfortune that we ourselves would not want to have, and they are deeply happy.  They radiate happiness ... because they are grateful".  David explains that, "it is not happiness that makes us grateful.  It's gratefulness that makes us happy".  He goes on to help us recognize what gratefulness is and how it works.  He explains that when something truly meaningful is given without expectation that "then gratefulness spontaneously rises in my heart, happiness spontaneously rises in my heart.  That's how gratefulness happens." Brother David, beautifully explains "Grateful living" (https://bit.ly/3oG3qI8 at minutes 3:23). Brother David's teachings can be found at: https://gratefulness.org/ https://www.drjohnaking.com/shop/ code s2s for 20% discount Dr. Robert A. Emmons (University of California) is a leading scientific expert on gratitude. His work focuses on research and practices for establishing this important skill. His book "Thanks! How the New Science of Gratitude can Make you Happier" and "Gratitude Works! A 21-day program for creating emotional prosperity" are resources we want to consider during these challenging times. Dr. Emmons book "Thanks!" Is the first major study of gratitude that illustrates how "wanting what we have" can measurably change peoples lives. In Emmons work, he explains both how gratitude can help us function better in work and life as well as myths related to gratitude (including the myth that gratitude is not possible when facing adversity).   His talk on gratitude is both uplifting and surprising. https://youtu.be/Cl5i1skE3vg?t=20 Connected with the idea of gratitude for what is freely given (based on Brother David's work) is those that are willing to be kind in their giving to others.  The research on kindness, demonstrates a sense of well-being that springs from kindness to others, particularly rich in spontaneous acts (i.e., helping someone up in a moment of need, driving an injured friend to hospital, dropping off a meal to a neighbor, helping someone who is lost safely find their way). https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2020/09/doing-good-boosts-health Links & Resources: Leasing your comfort Zone from Positive Psychology: https://bit.ly/3qJmZRo Gratefulness as the route to Happiness with Brother David Steindl-Rast:  https://bit.ly/3oG3qI8 Gratefulness Journal: https://gratefulness.org/practice/private-gratitude-journal/ Dr. Robert Emmons, leading scientific expert on Gratitude: https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/profile/Robert_Emmons Thanks! How Practicing Gratitude can make you Happier by Dr. Emmons: https://amzn.to/3gx6R0R Dr. Emmons video on The Challenges to Gratitude: https://youtu.be/Cl5i1skE3vg 

Gratitude & Kindness: Easing Holiday Strain this Season with Dr Baranowsky

Traumatology Institute recently made available a new Audio Self Help Series. "Recovery Now TRAUMA" is the first in the series and addresses the needs of trauma survivors who are seeking self-help guidance to support their recovery. "Learn about the impact of trauma and the importance of self care. Engage in guided trauma recovery exercises." Copyright: 2020 Introduction What is Post-Traumatic Stress? Our Approach to Trauma Care Phase I: Safety & Stabilization Diaphragmatic Breathing 3-6 Breathing Relaxation Autogenics Grounding & Containment 5-4-3-2-1 Titration Trigger List Phase II: Trauma Memory Processing Layering NLP Anchoring Story Telling Phase III: Reconnection Connections with Others In Closing The Traumatology Institute offers training programs for professional and personal development. As a Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Baranowsky works every day with Mental Health Issues with a specialization in Post Trauma Stress. She trains therapists to help trauma survivors and resolve professional compassion fatigue.

Recovery Now TRAUMA: Dr. Anna Baranowsky

 Christine Arylo is an entrepreneur and author of "Overwhelmed & Over it". She focuses on shifting from overworking and giving too much to empowering yourself to achieve what matters most to you, receive what you need, and breathe. Do you tend to overdo and over-give?  Then join the conversation, and figure out what your drivers are for this behavior, so you can free yourself up to do what truly matters! On Christine's website she asks "Are You Over giving in Ways That Aren't Really Necessary?" Select the link below to complete the "Overwhelmed & Over It, Self-Care Quiz" & Find Out How You may be Adding to Your Own Overwhelm, Burnout & Self-Sacrifice. https://christinearylo.com/overwhelmed-and-over-it-quiz/ Our topic today is perfectly timed for the holiday season (Nov 26 is American Thanksgiving). Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or Diwali; if you are an over-giver then any time may be a time of over-doing!  Do you want to break the cycle of over-giving and overwhelming yourself?  Join us as we challenge this old habit. Do you chronically over-give and then feel resentful, frustrated and exhausted?  If you answered yes, then our topic will give you a chance to reflect on how and why this happens.  Even better, we will discuss ways to challenge this tendency, and provide tools to help you navigate life demands without burning out. I also have to be careful with over-give and over-doing. I juggle a-lot-of-balls and sometimes, instead of asking for help, I just do the task.  I know I need to share the demands but sometimes it just seems easier to do the task myself. This is especially true, if I don't want to bother someone else who is also busy.  This tendency is quite common and it is worth having the conversation with someone completely immersed in this question like our guest Christine Arylo. Links & Resources: For more information about Christine Arylo and her book: https://christinearylo.com/overwhelmed-and-over-it-book/ Christine's podcast:  https://christinearylo.com/podcast/ Overwhelmed and Over it Quiz: https://christinearylo.com/overwhelmed-and-over-it-quiz/ Ted Talks for when you feel totally overworked: https://www.ted.com/playlists/245/talks_for_when_you_feel_totall 

Overwhelmed? Stay centered in a chaotic world with Christine Arylo and Dr Baranowsky

 We need Friends... So why are they so tough to develop and maintain? Join  our Conversation with Friendship Expert Shasta Nelson Shasta Nelson is an award winning speaker and author of books "Frientimacy: How to Deepen Friendships for Lifelong Health and Happiness", "Friendships Don't just happen!" and her business book "The Business of Friendship".  She has developed robust strategies for connecting, developing and maintaining friendships and even how to end a friendship well. I have to admit that I am not the best friendship maintainer, even though I have a wide friendship circle of connections I have held for many years.  I think part of my success is choosing amazing, kind hearted people who tolerate my "busyness", lack of consistency and obsessions with eclectic interests.  In other words, I think I might have already failed at Shasta's recommendations, but I think we all have something to learn about the work required to develop engaged friendships for a lifetime. This is a great opportunity for us to consider Shasta's key teachings and ask questions about our friendship struggles and frustrations as well as our hopes, longing and desire for meaningful connection. Just yesterday, I had a conversation with a client ... who disclosed feelings of loneliness.  When we discussed the people that this person was closest to, he admitted that he had not been making the effort to reach out to others but was struggling that they were not reaching out to him.  This sounds familiar to so many of us... We can feel lonely but then hold ourselves back for a variety of reasons. I am excited to hear how Shasta can guide us, especially when we may have trauma that is linked specifically to being betrayed or neglected in a traumatic relationship with others. So please join the conversation as we dig into the question of Friendship. Let's consider the following ideas  that Shasta Nelson offers on friendship: Why do so many people feel lonely even though they know so many people? Why is it that a person can go out to a social event (i.e., family dinner, bar, zoom visit) only to feel lonelier during and after then we did prior to the event? Why are Consistency, Vulnerability and Positivity considered to be crucial to developing and maintaining friendships? Can you discuss each of these. What are your key methods for establishing early connection, developing a friendship foundation, maintaining a friendship for the long run? You wrote a good titled "Friendships don't just happen" – I see that many people (wonderful, kind people) feel lonely and don't seem to have the skills for making friendships later in life (after finishing school).  Why is this? And what should they do? What about when relationships go badly?  You are in a relationship with someone who is overly demanding, negative, or even mean?  How do we free ourselves from troubling relationships so we can move onto something better without feeling guilty or lonely?  I know you focus primarily on female friendships but men also need this guidance.  I wonder if you will expand your Friendship work to men. Obviously there is much more which we will cover during the show. You have been discovered by a partner as acting out in a sexual way (outside of the relationship) that then leads to shameful feelings and consequences (i.e., divorce).  Or you have found evidence of your partner acting out in a sexual manner that once confronted has led to shame or remorse. Beyond being discovered this will lead to Impairments or interfering with day to day life, as a result of obsession or compulsions towards sexual addiction. Experiencing a cycle of recovery and repeat. Engaging in the behavior, disengaging from the behavior and then cycling back into the sexual addiction and once again feeling shame, remorse, and distress. So what can you do?  Ten great suggestions ... from Psychology Today Make it a health issue Embrace Quality and ditch quantity Ride out transitions Expect — and even embrace – false starts Commit to community Focus on follow-up Avoid technology traps Develop momentum End poisonous friendships Remember the little things Friendship is a topic for everyone. I notice that when people start connecting with others in a way that is nourishing , consistent and meaningful it is the number one indicator of recovery in my clinical practice.  It is an essential piece of growth that helps us cope with life challenges and a sense of warmth and peace on a very personal level.  So let's all start to grow this skill for a better and deeper life.  Yes, even in this COVID19 time.  There are many ways to connect safely online or in a way that allows for distance that are safe. Join us for an in-depth conversation. Bring your thoughts, questions, comments and let's discuss this interesting topic together  in this month's "Bear Psychology radio show" on Realityradio101.com program. Links & Resources: For more information about Friendship – https://singjupost.com/frientimacy-the-3-requirements-of-all-healthy-friendships-shasta-nelson-transcript/ Limiting Loneliness During a Pandemic https://www.girlfriendcircles.com/blog/2020/3/16/limiting-loneliness-during-a-pandemic Frientimacy: the 3 requirements of all healthy relationships https://youtu.be/hmJyWreER7A Strategies for Adult Friendship building https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/friendship-20/201605/10-ways-make-and-keep-friendships-adult 

Building Better Friendships with Shasta Nelson and Dr Baranowsky

 SEX ADDICTION? Should you be Concerned? An in-depth conversation with experts Alex St. John & Natalie Cournoyea The numbers are in: 6% of population in the U.S. identify as having a Sexual Addiction. 27,000 people search Google for "sexual addiction" every day. This is a huge number, yet it is still an issue that we don't talk about or understand in the general population or within the therapeutic community.  Unfortunately, at this time there is no significant research on this topic in Canada and experts in the field are few in number. According to our expert panel, virtually all people struggling with a sexual addiction also have a noteworthy trauma history.  These interweave to further undermine recovery and frequently re-ignite the traumatic past. Alex St. John an M.A. in Counselling Psychology says that sexual addiction is a "...problematic behavior that you engage in NOT because of a primary desire but because of deep drives imbedded in shame or self-blame that reverberate after the act, leaving the individual unhappy... with themselves and yet compelled to act in a similar way again in the future". Natalie Cournoyea also a M.A. in Counselling Psychology explains that sexual addiction occurs because "In many situations people have experienced early life trauma (i.e., sexual or other) and as a result struggle with their emotions and turn to sexual acts (in some cases) to mask strong emotions that might surface in life". So how would someone know if they have a problem with a sexual addiction or are in a relationship with someone who is struggling in this way? You have been discovered by a partner as acting out in a sexual way (outside of the relationship) that then leads to shameful feelings and consequences (i.e., divorce).  Or you have found evidence of your partner acting out in a sexual manner that once confronted has led to shame or remorse. Beyond being discovered this will lead to Impairments or interfering with day to day life, as a result of obsession or compulsions towards sexual addiction. Experiencing a cycle of recovery and repeat. Engaging in the behavior, disengaging from the behavior and then cycling back into the sexual addiction and once again feeling shame, remorse, and distress. So many questions will arise during these conversations... What can you do now or to help someone you know? Reach out to the right therapist with skills in specifically addressing Sexual Addiction. Recognize that it is potentially risky to address sexual addiction with a couple's therapist who is not trained in sexual addiction or utilizes a "tell all" policy that is not a good fit for couple's therapy where there is sexual addiction. Engage in a Consensual Non-Monogamy framework for the relationship – if this seems like a solution that is right for your relationship.  This means being in a relationship where there is an agreement that sexual relationships outside the structure of the primary one is accepted by both parties. Why is this conversation important? In my practice this is something I see fairly frequently and have yet to meet a client with a sexual addiction who did not also have a history of personal life trauma. Barbara will reflect from the lens of her own tragic loss and personal experience. What do you do when your father dies by suicide while you are in the hospital awaiting the birth of your triplets? What do you do when you can't attend your father's funeral because physician orders include complete bed rest? What do you do when you realize that you experienced a devastating loss and that you are not alone in that experience? You write a book and dedicate your life to helping others affected by suicide. Join us for an in-depth conversation with experts Alex St. John & Natalie Cournoyea in this month's "Bear Psychology radio show" on Realityradio101.com program. Links & Resources: For more information about Sexual Addiction, Questionnaires, find a therapist, inform yourself about sexual addiction – visit:  https://iitap.com/search/custom.asp?id=4662 Prevalence of Distress Associated with Difficulty Controlling Sexual Urges, Feelings and Behaviors – https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2713037 Talking about Sex Addiction – Ted Talk with Paula Hall https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Qf2e3XZ8Tw Sexual Addiction screening test — https://www.centreforlifesolutions.com/sexual-addiction-screening-test/ Sex Addiction Training - https://iitap.com/page/csat Sex Addiction Treatment - https://aasat.org/ & https://aasat.org/find-therapist/ 12 Step Programs for Sexual Addiction:  https://saa-recovery.org/our-program/the-twelve-steps/ Sexaholics Anonymous:  https://www.recovery.org/support-groups/sexaholics-anonymous/ 

SEX ADDICTION - in-depth conversation with Alex St. John, Natalie Cournoyea & Dr. Baranowsky

Dr. Anna Baranowsky is the host of the Bear Psychology show focusing on Bearing Witness to Evolving Mood, Mind, Health. The show revolves around recovery, relationships, work and life adventures. Dr. Baranowsky says "I have found that the most profound changes occur when a person truly feels heard and understood - I like to think of it as deeply BEARING WITNESS to life evolving. We can feel incredibly stuck when we live with our fears, stressors and troubles in isolation. When we share, dialogue and feel supported, it provides a powerful foundation for forward movement in understanding and care. Isn't it time for your evolution?" Dr. Baranowsky is a Canadian Clinical Psychologist, CEO of the Traumatology Institute and President of Trauma Practice. She is the author of two books on trauma, numerous courses to help train professionals in trauma mental health and the developer of the Trauma Recovery Program for self-guided trauma care. She works with trauma survivors and those with Post-Traumatic Stress disorder (PTSD) on post-traumatic growth and recovery. Dr. Baranowsky also assists organizations and professionals who help trauma survivors. Dr. Baranowsky founded the Traumatology Institute (TI) in 1998. TI offers comprehensive trauma training and mental health care services with a specialization in Post-Traumatic Stress. TI provides both online and in-class training opportunities under the direction of Dr. Baranowsky and her associates. She serves on the board of directors of the Academy of Traumatology and is a Board Certified Expert in Traumatic Stress through the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress and is recognized by The National Center for Crisis Management. She has published in the area of Post-Traumatic Stress, Compassion Fatigue, and therapeutic relationships (the Silencing Response).

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