Bear Psychology Podcast

This guide for mental health professionals offers an insightful, conversational approach to mastering empathic communication with clients. Dr. Douglas Flemons invites readers to join him in a dialogue that incorporates voices from clinical research and practice, philosophy (both Eastern and Western), neuroscience, and the arts. In his book, "Empathic Engagement in Clinical Practice," Douglas explains the nuts and bolts of empathy and offers guidelines for how therapists can make sense of clients' thoughts, feelings, and choices from inside their worldview. He also shows how the clinician, with compassion, curiosity, and an empathic imagination, can create a heartfelt connection that allows the client to feel respected and understood and that opens the way for collaboration and therapeutic change. Listen to the conversation with Dr. Douglas Flemons as we explore how mental health practitioners can effectively engage with clients, even those who are deeply suffering with complex emotional challenges. Douglas Flemons PhD, is professor emeritus at Nova Southeastern University (NSU). He is an American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy clinical fellow and approved supervisor. He directed a family therapy training clinic for 5 years and created and directed the NSU Student Counseling Center for another 6 years. Douglas has authored five other books, as well as 60 articles and book chapters that develop and illuminate systemic approaches to learning and practicing brief therapy, clinical hypnosis, supervision, suicide assessment, academic writing, and qualitative research. He and his wife, with whom he coedited a handbook on brief sex therapy, live in Raleigh, NC. If you are interested in learning more about the process, the power, and the use of empathy in therapy, this podcast is for you. Links & Resources: Link to Empathic Engagement in Clinical Practice: https://amzn.to/4vpsl5w Other books written by Dr. Douglas Flemons: https://amzn.to/3SuEPtN Materials to Reference: Learn more about Context Consultants - Telehealth therapy services provided by Dr. Douglas Flemons and his wife, Dr. Shelley Green: https://contextconsultants.com/

Addiction isn't just about pain—it can also be a call to something greater. The darkest paths can sometimes lead to the brightest truths by walking the path from suffering to self-discovery. In his book, "The Shadow of a Figure of Light: The Archetype of the Alcoholic and the Journey to Enlightenment" (2024) Cody Peterson explores the essence of Psycho-Spiritual transformation. Peterson looks at addiction as a pathway to wholeness. His book serves as both a guide and a mirror for those seeking to understand the hidden patterns behind self-destruction and the redemptive power of self-discovery. Listen to our conversation with author Cody Peterson as we discuss Addiction and the steps toward personal growth embedded with spiritual crisis. Cody Peterson is a recovering alcoholic/drug addict and author with over 11 years of sobriety under his belt. Cody had been intrigued by spirituality and religion since his teenage years, although the path has not always been easy. After a six-month imprisonment and a period of homelessness in Las Vegas, Nevada, Cody achieved lasting sobriety in 2013. Along with Twelve Step programs, Cody revived his passion for spirituality and religion, and in 2019, discovered the works of C.G. Jung, famous Swiss psychiatrist. Jung's foundational concepts inspired Cody to begin writing at part of a daily routine and aid to sobriety. Cody continues to share the message of the Twelve Steps with newcomers through volunteering at various drug and alcohol rehab centers and detox facilities whenever possible. Cody Peterson's book uncovers a hidden historical connection between famous psychiatrist C.G. Jung and Bill Wilson, co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, illustrating how their approaches originate from an ancient shamanistic source represented by what he terms the archetype of the Alcoholic. Listen to our conversation with Cody Peterson to learn about the paradoxical image that is the "alcoholic". If you are interested in learning about Cody Peterson's personal journey and his unique insights on alcoholism and addiction, this podcast is for you. Links & Resources: To purchase the book visit: https://amzn.to/3QRm9nl See reviews for Cody Peterson's book: https://www.cody-peterson.com/blurbs Learn more about Cody Peterson: https://www.cody-peterson.com/cody-peterson-bio Materials to Reference: Check out Cody Peterson's past podcasts and videos: https://www.cody-peterson.com/videos Check out Cody Peterson's blog: https://www.cody-peterson.com/blog Check out Cody's tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alkyarchetype https://www.seba.health/

If you have ever struggled with a person in your life that displays behaviors such as: lack of empathy; entitlement; a need to be the center of attention; negative reactions to any critical feedback; a grandiose sense of self; arrogance; manipulation and gaslighting; a need to be in control; demeaning and blaming of others and much more than this conversation will be of interest to you! "Narcissism: A Contemporary Introduction" by Dr. Richard Wood is a well-researched book that provides you with a deep understanding of the psychological terrain of the Narcissist. He distinguishes and explains three main types of narcissism: Healthy forms of narcissism that are necessary for effective personal, cultural, and creative development; Severe, pathological narcissism that can cause extreme human suffering; and Malignant Narcissism that is part of the spectrum of narcissistic personality disorder. Listen to our conversation with psychologist & author Dr. Richard Wood as we talk about all the different ways narcissism can show up in today's society. Dr. Richard Wood is a registered psychologist based in Ontario, Canada. He is a founding member of the Canadian Association of Psychologists in Disability Assessment (CAPDA) and the author of A Study of Malignant Narcissism: Personal and Professional Insights (2022) and Psychoanalytic Reflections on Vladimir Putin: The Cost of Malignant Leadership (2024). In addition to being a founding member of CAPDA, Dr. Wood served the Ontario Psychological Association in a variety of functions before becoming its president in 1989 and was an associate professor in the Department of Behavioural Sciences, a department of the University of Toronto Medical School, in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Dr. Wood has been working with clients for over 50 years and provides long and short term psychotherapy for individuals, couples, and families. He is also a member of the Ontario Psychological Association (OPA) and the American Psychological Association (APA). Dr. Wood's book helps psychologists and psychoanalysts learn how to identify, assess, and treat patients with narcissistic personality traits by providing clinical examples throughout. Students looking for a thorough and jargon-free introduction to narcissism will gain insight into this condition through his methodical approach laid out in this book. Listen to our conversation with Dr. Wood as we discuss his insights of the complicated condition known as Narcissism. If you are interested in learning more about narcissism through the psychoanalytic lens, this show is for you. Links & Resources: Learn more about Dr. Wood: https://www.drrichardwood.com/about-dr-wood Purchase his book: https://amzn.to/4qiriAU Contact Dr. Wood: https://www.drrichardwood.com/contact-us Materials to Reference: Learn more about narcissism: https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/basics/narcissism

So many of our listeners have pets that they cherish and certainly have shared struggles they might have with these animals. I am a great animal lover and many of my clients have found solace in their relationships with pets in the home, at times feeling a great emotional boost from the connection. With this in mind, I wanted to share the work of Denise Mange – who has written about her special approach to building a health relationship with the pets in your life. A bark is not always just a bark and a bite is not always just a bite. Training a dog (or other animal) involves more than just a handful of techniques from google; it also involves YOU, the pet parent. Common pet behaviors reveal a lot about your lifestyle, job, and other connections in addition to the dynamic you have with your pet. Denise Mange's new book "Translating Your Pet's Behaviour: A Mindful Approach to Dog Training" teaches readers how to train smarter, not harder and help close the gap between canine training and your own personal growth. Listen to our conversation with animal / dog trainer Denise Mange as discuss tools to unlock a deeper understanding of dog/animal training when paired with a thoughtful approach to pet guardianship. Denise Mange is a "certified dog trainer" and pet intuitive (we will find out what this mean!). Denise left Madison Avenue to work with pets and their owners after ten years of working at New York City's most prominent advertising firms. She is the founder of Pet Prana, a brand that promotes a mindful pet lifestyle. Denise obtained her bachelor's degree from Boston University, and her accreditation as a dog trainer from Animal Behavior College. In addition to exploring useful behavior training techniques for dogs, fundamental obedience commands, and activities based on positive reinforcement dog training, Denise's book on dog behavior will teach you how to interpret your pet's on-leash reactivity, separation anxiety, barking, nipping, housebreaking accidents, and more. In order to assist you in bringing about significant and long-lasting change in both your dog's behavior and your own life, Denise Mange has created a tried-and-true methodology that reveals the ways in which our behaviors, attitudes, and routines affect our pets. Her book is an extensive resource ideal for pet training, assisting stray dogs in adjusting to their new homes, comforting elderly pets, or just finding new ways to interact with cherished animals. Listen to our conversation with Denise Mange as we discuss her insightful approach to dog training that has proven to deliver transformative results. Links & Resources: More information about Denise Mange: https://petprana.com/about.html#/ Information on the book visit: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/209824741-translating-your-pet-s-behavior?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=V1M5tSYkiR&rank=1 To purchase the book visit: https://amzn.to/4ccQyVJ Learn more about Pet Prana: https://petprana.com/index.html#/

In this healing exploration author and therapist Dr. Tamra Sattler reflects on the "Enneagram 4" also referred to as "Borderline-style personality". These personality styles have a reputation of being difficult for therapists to work with, families to tolerate, and importantly for those struggling to love and accept themselves. In her book, "Too Much and Not Enough: Healing for the Enneagram Four or Borderline-Style Personality", Sattler describes how people achieve self-discovery and a path forward to belonging, for those with strong emotions. Listen to our conversation with therapist & author Tamra Sattler as we talk about her intimate experience living with this personality type and working with this complicated population. Tamra Sattler, PhD, is a registered Marriage and Family therapist, professor, and author with a private practice based out of Colorado. Dr. Sattler has almost 20 years of experience as a clinician and specializes in the areas of psychological and spiritual development. Her approaches focus heavily on bridging technology and psycho-spirituality and she has an educational background in psychology that is informed by both Western and Eastern philosophies. Tamra Sattler's book is a therapeutic memoir and an observational tale about borderline traits and emotional dysregulation of the Enneagram 4 (a personality structure). Utilizing an emotionally driven personal narrative and scholarly research, Sattler walks us through the ecstasy and agony that "Fours" experience daily. She details her journey of understanding and recovering from the destructive elements of this Enneagram's psychological tendencies while sharing her discovery of the beautiful aspects of these orientations as well. It is also full of Dr. Sattler's numerous examples of clients working through their particular borderline issues over the years of her career, as well as tools for growth and transformation. Listen to our conversation with Mitchell Consky as we discuss Dr. Sattler's insights and suggestions for those living and working with complicated individuals If you are interested in Dr. Sattler's knowledge and the realities of healing with a Borderline-Style personality, this podcast is for you. Links & Resources: More information about Dr. Sattler: https://www.tamrasattler.net/about/ Book link: https://amzn.to/4ttm4VG Learn more about Dr. Sattler's services: https://www.tamrasattler.net/services/ Materials to Reference: Take the Enneagram Test yourself here: https://enneagramtest.com/quiz?afid=gdnensca&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI3vK6sbDriAMV0NgWBR1W4jkWEAAYASAAEgJRVfD_BwE Learn more about Borderline Personality Disorder: https://psychcentral.com/disorders/borderline-personality-disorder

After 20 years in practice, Dr. Jonice Webb noticed the painful struggle of people who grew up in homes where they were emotionally neglected. She identified this neglect as an "invisible factor" that continued to affect adults often leaving them feeling depleted and dissatisfied or what she described as "Running on Empty". In Dr. Webb's books "Running on Empty: Overcome Your Childhood Emotional Neglect" and "Running On Empty No More: Transform Your Relationships" she shines a light on this invisible force of CEN. She discusses how to bring new tools, strategies and self-awareness to grow beyond this limiting life experience and encourages you to grow beyond CEN. Listen to our conversation with psychologist & author Dr. Jonice Webb as we learn about the concept of Emotional Neglect and her tools for helping fix it. Dr. Jonice Webb, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist, bestselling author, and "psychologist expert" according to the Chicago Tribune and CNBC. Dr. Webb has over two decades of experience in the field of psychology with a particular interest in how childhood factors influence us as adults and the effect of Childhood Emotional Neglect (CEN).™ Dr. Webb currently has a private psychotherapy practice where she focuses on the treatment of families and couples. Dr. Webb's books educate readers about the twelve types of parents who inadvertently emotionally neglect their children; ten issues that emotionally neglected children often struggle with as adults; six strategies for overcoming Emotional Neglect, and how to apply all these tools to different types of relationships including marriages, relationships with emotionally neglectful parents, and their even own children. If you are interested in Dr. Webb's insights on recognizing Emotional Neglect and beginning the journey in overcoming the impact of CEN, this podcast is for you. Links & Resources: For more information about Dr. Webb's books visit: https://drjonicewebb.com/the-book/ To purchase the books visit: https://amzn.to/4kBF3tk For more about Dr. Jonice Webb: https://drjonicewebb.com/about-dr-webb/ Webb's CEN Training Programs: https://drjonicewebb.com/childhood-emotional-neglect-programs/ Therapist Resources for CEN: https://drjonicewebb.com/therapeutic-resources-cen/ Materials to Reference: Take the Childhood Emotional Neglect Questionnaire: https://drjonicewebb.com/cenquestionnaire/ 5 Roadblocks to Dating Caused By Childhood Emotional Neglect: https://drjonicewebb.com/5-roadblocks-to-dating-caused-by-childhood-emotional-neglect/ How Old Feelings From Your Childhood Could Be Controlling You Now: https://drjonicewebb.com/how-old-feelings-from-your-childhood-could-be-controlling-you-now/ 4 Ways You May Be Keeping Yourself Running On Empty: https://drjonicewebb.com/4-ways-you-may-be-keeping-yourself-running-on-empty/

Growing up with emotionally immature or self-centered parents can mean that your emotional needs were either disregarded or unmet. As a result, you may struggle with feelings of betrayal, abandonment, rage, or loneliness. Although you may work hard to become the person you want to be, your old wounds might re-ignite at any time, especially if your are reminded of vulnerable childhood feelings. Dr. Gibson, is an CEN expert and the author of "Disentangling from Emotionally Immature People: Avoid Emotional Traps, Stand Up for Your Self, and Transform Your Relationships as an Adult Child of Emotionally Immature Parents". Dr. Lindsay Gibson explains that adult children of an emotionally immature parents may be particularly vulnerable to other emotionally immature people (EIP) in life. She uses her years of experience to teach us how avoid common EIP traps, build confidence, and stand strong in the face of emotional immaturity. Listen to the conversation with Dr. Lindsay Gibson as we explore how to change your perspective on complex relationships, comprehend how EIPs work, and defend your own rights without feeling guilty, ashamed, or afraid. Dr. Lindsay Gibson is clinical psychologist, author, and assistant professor with a passion for human conflict and helping others develop long-lasting, meaningful relationships. Dr. Gibson has wrote a number of books including the best-selling "Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents: How to Heal from Distant, Rejecting or Self-Involved Parents". It has sold over 100,000 copies, been translated into 14 languages, and has helped thousands of people reverse their toxic psychological legacy and reclaim their lives. In her new book, Dr. Gibson offers practical advice to help readers handle interactions with anyone who struggles with emotional immaturity in their lives (whether dealing with others or working through one's own behaviors). This hands-on guide includes helpful analyses and insights into the most typical problems that children of emotionally immature individuals encounter, as well as helpful advice on how to create boundaries and build stronger bonds with others. Dr. Gibson explains that establishing a happy life means learning how to manage challenging conversations with EIPs, comprehend their reactions, and improve your connections in the process. If you are interested in more information about how to stop compensating for others' behavior and put your needs first, this podcast is for you. Links & Resources: To purchase Dr. Gibson's book "Disentangling from Emotionally Immature People": https://amzn.to/4re1qra For more information about Dr. Gibson: https://catalogue.pesi.com.au/speaker/lindsay-gibson-346187/18 Materials to Reference: 4 signs that a parent is emotionally immature: https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/mental-wealth/202111/4-signs-parent-is-emotionally-immature Characteristics of the Emotionally Immature: https://care-clinics.com/7-characteristics-of-emotionally-immature-people/ How to Spot Emotional Immaturity: https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/the-pulse-mental-health/202203/spotting-emotional-immaturity-in-high-conflict-personalities

Relationships rule our inner world. Understanding how you feel and think about your relationships helps you become more accepting and then more peaceful. You can develop an appreciation for other people's perspectives and stop assigning blame on others. Dr. Jacqueline Heller's book "Yesterday Never Sleeps: How Integrating Life's Current and Past Connections Improves Our Well-Being" draws upon decades of clinical experience to create a powerful and more positive inner narrative. Her unique combination of neuroscience, memoirs of her life as a child of Holocaust survivors, and patient histories involving a range of psychological ills and trauma help readers to make sense of their own histories and forge a better future. Listen to our conversation with physician & author Dr. Jacqueline Heller as we discuss how to befriend and understand our inner mind, open a pathway to curiosity, improve relationships, empathy, and intimacy. Dr. Jacqueline Heller is a physician, board certified in psychiatry and neurology, psychoanalyst, and bestselling author. She brings a wealth of knowledge of over 40 years of psychiatry practice, assistant clinical professor at the UCLA Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences within the David Geffen School of Medicine. Having recently retired from her medical practice, she now focuses on passing down her knowledge to psychiatrists in training and the general public alike. Dr. Heller's book focuses on the learnable skill of self-reflection and how it helps you link emotions to past events and patterns of behaviour. Her book emphasizes how knowing and understanding the story behind our feelings can help soothe and regulate emotions before you react. She also explains how your miraculous brain – creates new neural connections when you take the time to reflect and this helps you improve emotional health and your thought processes. Listen to our conversation with Dr. Jackie Heller as we discuss lifelong inner talk (i.e., good, bad, and ugly). We will focus on strategies for gaining wisdom, love, and kindness, and helping to break cycle of old trauma in driving your life. If you are interested in learning about how integrate your past to better your future, this podcast is for you. Links & Resources: For more information about Dr. Heller's book visit: https://jacquelineheller.com/books/yesterday-never-sleeps/ Learn more about Dr. Jacqueline Heller: https://jacquelineheller.com/about/ To purchase the book visit: https://amzn.to/4arxXTw Materials to Reference: Heller's other interviews and talks: https://jacquelineheller.com/talks-interviews/ Heller's Articles: https://jacquelineheller.com/other-writing/