This week on Behind the Stigma, Professor Sanneke de Haan joins us to discuss how we define mental disorders and what the enactive approach to psychiatry reveals about the relationship between mind, body, and world. We talk about how this perspective challenges the biomedical model, what it means to see disorders as disorders of sense-making, and how it changes the way we think about treatment. Finally, Professor de Haan shares her thoughts on self–illness ambiguity, mental disorder classifications as helpful or harmful and what studying the philosophy of psychiatry can teach us about being human.

About: Sanneke de Haan is Associate Professor of Bioethics and Ethics of (Mental) Health at the Ethics Institute and Socrates Professor of Psychiatry and Philosophy at the Erasmus School of Philosophy at Erasmus University Rotterdam. She works on topics at the intersection of philosophy and psychiatry, in particular on questions around the boundaries of normality, authenticity and its relation to mental health problems, and integrative approaches to psychiatric disorders. Her book Enactive Psychiatry was published by Cambridge University Press in 2020. De Haan draws on insights from enactivism to develop an integrative view on the nature and development of psychiatric disorders. 

Website: https://sannekedehaan.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanneke-de-haan-b1886684/

Papers

An enactive approach to Psychiatry

What do my problems say about me 

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In this episode of Behind the Stigma, I sit down with Jerome Wakefield, NYU Professor and originator of the influential “harmful dysfunction” theory of mental disorder. We explore what makes something truly pathological, the fuzzy boundary between normal suffering and disorder, and the philosophical foundations shaping modern psychiatry.

We also discuss the DSM and it's removal of the bereavement exclusion in depression, evolutionary perspectives on neurodiversity movements and his work on harmful dysfunction. This conversation asked a central question: when does human distress become a mental disorder, and does that distinction matter?

About Jerome Wakefied

Dr. Wakefield is an NYU University Professor and Professor at NYU Silver, known internationally for his groundbreaking work at the intersection of philosophy, psychiatry, and psychology. He has authored over 300 publications on the conceptual foundations of mental health theory.

He is best known for developing the influential “harmful dysfunction” analysis of mental disorder, the most cited framework for distinguishing true disorder from normal distress. His work has shaped debates on DSM diagnoses, grief, depression, anxiety, and the boundary between pathology and everyday suffering. He is also the coauthor of the award-winning books The Loss of Sadness (2007) and All We Have to Fear (2012), and has contributed major analyses in psychoanalysis, social work theory, and evolutionary perspectives on mental health. 

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=NkiWM10AAAAJ&hl=en

Paper on Harmful Dysfunction analysis: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2174594/

Paper on the Theory of generativity: https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1998-07139-005

Books: https://www.amazon.com/Loss-Sadness-Psychiatry-Transformed-Depressive-ebook/dp/B001CHRHHO

https://www.amazon.com/All-Have-Fear-Psychiatrys-Transformation/dp/0199793751

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In this episode of Behind the Stigma, I sit down with Dr. Prince Kouassi, Assistant Professor and Chair of the Psychology Department at the American University of Dubai, to explore the landscape of mental health in the UAE. We discuss whether we are over-diagnosing mental health, the educational psychology market and careers in the UAE, using AI in the classroom and his thoughts on digital mental health apps. Timestamps added!

About Dr. Prince Kouassi
Dr. Kouassi is an Assistant Professor of Psychology and the Chair of the Department of Psychology at the American University of Dubai. He completed his Ph.D. at City, University of London (UK) in computational psychology, and after completing his PhD accepted a Teaching Fellowship in Psychology at Coventry University (UK). Dr. Kouassi has a wide range of active research interests in psychology which include but not limited to cognitive modeling, quantum probability applications, research participation, psychology education, and the practical application of psychological principles in the workplace.

Find him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-prince-kouassi-phd-0616a71aa/

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In this episode, I speak with Professor Edouard Machery to explore experimental philosophy and the question of whether morality is truly universal. We discuss why humans need morals in the first place, why we often fail to live up to our own moral ideals. We also look at cross-cultural differences in moral judgments, the limits of relying on intuition in philosophy, and what new technologies like VR reveal about the gap between moral judgment and moral action. Timestamps added!

About Edouard Machery

Professor Machery is the Director of the Center for Philosophy of Science and Professor at The University of Pittsburgh. His research  focuses on the philosophical issues raised by the cognitive sciences, currently focusing on the methodology of experimental psychology. His recent research projects and publications also include the nature and origin of racial categorization, the application of evolutionary theories to human cognition, the nature of culture, and the structure of moral concepts. Finally, he is involved in the development of experimental philosophy, and has used experimental and quasi-experimental methods to study intuitions about reference, folk judgments about intentional action, causation, the folk concept of race, and the folk concept of phenomenal consciousness.

Website: https://www.edouardmachery.com/

Books

Doing without concepts - https://global.oup.com/academic/product/doing-without-concepts-9780195306880?cc=ae&lang=en&

Philosophy within its proper bounds - https://www.amazon.com/Philosophy-Within-Its-Proper-Bounds/dp/019880752X

Book Chapter: Experimental Philosophy of Science: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/9781118661666.ch33

Bluesky: @edouardmachery.bsky.social

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In this episode of Behind the Stigma, Seiara speaks with Dr. Carme Isern-Mas about the rise of “therapy-speak”, the popular use of psychological language in everyday life. Together, they explore how these phrases can help us express emotions and foster self-awareness, but also how they risk becoming disingenuous, individualistic, or even weaponized in relationships and society. 

About Carme Isern-Mas

Dr. Isern-Mas is an Assistant Professor in Moral Philosophy at the University of the Balearic Islands, with a background in Human Evolution and Cognition for her M.A. and Ph.D. Her research interests lie in the field of moral psychology, with a particular focus on topics such as blame, empathy, moral motivation and self-deception. She is also interested in applied ethics, particularly in mental health ethics.

Profile: https://www.uib.eu/personal/ABjIyMjIzNg/

Unmasking Therapy Speak Paper: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11017-025-09730-5

Recent Paper - Blunting concepts: The double-edged effect of popularizing psychotherapy language: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09515089.2025.2573763

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In this week's episode, academic psychologist Dr. Lucy Foulkes, speaks to us about her book 'Coming of Age' and the importance of our adolescent years, the complexity of mental health awareness in today's society. We explore how rising conversations around mental illness, especially among young people, have reshaped identity, education, and the language we use to describe our inner lives. We also discussed why young adults self-diagnose, the role of social media, and the Netflix series 'Adolescence'. 

About Dr. Foulkes: Dr. Foulkes is an academic psychologist in the Dept of Experimental Psychology at the University of Oxford where her group researches mental health and social development in adolescence. They are most known for their focus on the unintended consequences of mental health awareness in schools and society more broadly. Her first book, What Mental Illness Really Is (…and what it isn’t), focuses on the rise of mental health problems in society, and the possible contributing role of mental health awareness efforts. Her second book, Coming Of Age: How Adolescence Shapes Us, which we will be discussing today, focuses on the power of adolescent memories and the stories we tell ourselves about our formative years. I will be linking both books to this episode description.

Website: https://www.lucyfoulkes.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlucyfoulkes

Coming of Age: https://www.amazon.com/What-Mental-Illness-Really-what/dp/1529113377

What Adolescence Is (And What It Isn't): https://www.amazon.com/Coming-Age-author/dp/1847927297

Paper - Self-Diagnosis of Mental Disorders: A Qualitative Study of Attitudes on Reddit: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/10497323241288785

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In this week's episode, I speak with Dr. Mark Ruffalo on Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), long-term psychotherapy, and the nuances of diagnosis in mental health. We discuss object relations in BPD, the concept of splitting, and how these dynamics shape therapeutic work. We also explore the role of psychoanalytic therapy, the fine line between pathology and normal behavior, and how diagnostic pluralism can improve patient care. Dr. Ruffalo also shares insights into the psychodynamic treatment of schizophrenia and the evolving landscape of mental health. Chapter markers added!

About Dr. Mark Ruffalo

Dr. Ruffalo is a psychotherapist in private practice in Florida, and serves as Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Central Florida and Adjunct Instructor of Psychiatry at Tufts University. He has broad clinical experience in the psychoanalytic treatment of a range of psychiatric conditions with particular interest in the psychotherapy of schizophrenia and borderline personality disorder. His current research interests include the object relations theory of borderline personality disorder; communication dilemmas, paradoxes, and double binds in personality pathology to name a few. 

Website: https://www.drruffalo.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-l-ruffalo-71929063/

Twitter: https://x.com/marklruffalo?lang=en

Paper - A Clinical Guide to Navigating Diagnostic Pluralism: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39079000/

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In this episode of Behind the Stigma, we delve into the transformative world of lifestyle psychiatry with Dr. Nicholas Fabiano, a third-year psychiatry resident at the University of Ottawa.

We explore the role of exercise in managing mild to moderate depression, its potential as a therapeutic modality alongside traditional treatments, and the broader implications for mental health care.

We also discuss the challenges of publication bias in mental health research, the integration of AI in systematic reviews, and ethical considerations in advancing critical psychiatry. Dr. Fabiano shares insights from his groundbreaking research on exercise, mental health, and even its darker side as a form of self-harm.

About Nicholas Fabiano
Nicholas Fabiano is a third year psychiatry resident in the University of Ottawa, in Canada. His research interests encompass diagnostic imaging, meta-research, mental health (particularly the role of exercise and physical activity), suicide prevention, systematic reviews, and the intersection of psychiatry with broader health and social issues.
Twitter: https://x.com/NTFabiano
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ntfabiano/?originalSubdomain=ca
Website: https://scholar.google.ca/citations?user=Ph8ryrMAAAAJ

Papers:
- How to prescribe physical activity for depression.
- Is exercise a form of self-harm?
- Reporting bias in imaging diagnostic test accuracy studies: are studies with positive conclusions or titles submitted and published faster?

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In this week's episode of Behind the Stigma, we are joined by Clinical Psychologist Dr. Summer Fakhro with a discussion on Colonization and Mental Health.

We define Colonialism and explore the deep and lasting psychological effects of colonization on different communities. We discuss how historical trauma, displacement, and cultural erasure continue to shape the mental well-being of individuals today, particularly with the focus on oppression happening in Palestine.

From intergenerational trauma to the modern-day struggle for identity and healing, we delve into the psychological scars left by colonial systems, resilience stories and how to move toward de-colonization in Western therapeutic practices. Chapter Markers Added!

About Summer Fakhro
Dr. Fakhro is a Clinical Psychologist at The Lighthouse Arabia UAE. She completed her master’s and doctoral training in Clinical Psychology at UCL in the UK. She has 10 years of clinical experience working with people of all ages, and a particular expertise in understanding primary attachment relationships (parent-child) and broader family dynamics. Currently she is focused on better contextualizing her psychological practice to the history & culture of the region, and supporting clients through the current context of regional instability and trauma.
Website
Instagram

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In this compelling episode of Behind the Stigma, we are joined by award-winning clinical psychologist, psychotherapist, and activist Dr. Jay Watts to explore critical perspectives on mental health. 

We delve into the impact of neoliberalism on mental health services, the challenges of Personality Disorders with a focus on Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), and the rise of trauma-informed care. Dr. Watts shares her insights on epistemic injustice in mental health care, and the importance of amplifying patient voices.

Drawing on her lived experiences as a psychiatric survivor, Dr. Watts offers a powerful critique of traditional frameworks while envisioning a more compassionate and equitable future for mental health. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of mental health, society, and systemic change. Chapter markers added!

About Dr. Watts
Dr. Watts is an award winning clinical psychologist, psychotherapist, and activist based in the UK. She is known for her work in critical mental health and her critiques of psychiatric diagnoses and treatment practices. She advocates for a more compassionate and socially aware approach to mental health care, often focusing on the social and political factors that contribute to mental distress.

Dr. Watts has written extensively on topics like trauma, the medicalization of distress, and the mental health impacts of inequality. She is also a public speaker and has contributed to various publications and media outlets to raise awareness about mental health from a more humanistic and intersectional perspective.

Website: https://jaywatts.co.uk/
Twitter: https://x.com/Shrink_at_Large
Paper:  The epistemic injustice of borderline personality disorder 

 
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In this episode of Behind the Stigma, we discuss what Positive Psychology is with Dr. Louise Lambert, a leading expert in happiness and wellbeing across the GCC.
We discuss the science behind Positive Psychology Interventions (PPIs), the balance between stress and strength-based approaches, and the importance of meaning over happiness in life. Dr. Lambert also shares practical exercises to boost wellbeing and insights of how positive psychology can vary based on culture, discussing her studies in Canada and the Middle East.
Chapter Markers Added!

About Dr. Louise Lambert
Dr. Louise Lambert, a psychologist, researcher and professor. She  is a registered psychologist with 20 years’ experience in counseling, mental health, higher education research, and primary healthcare. She specializes in positive psychology and is a leading expert in the development and delivery of happiness and wellbeing programs across the GCC. She is also the founder and Editor-in-Chief of the Middle East Journal of Positive Psychology, a peer-reviewed academic journal dedicated to happiness and wellbeing in the GCC region.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-louise-lambert-89434927/?originalSubdomain=ae
Website: https://www.happinessmatters.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_louise_lambert/
 
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In this week's episode, my guest & clinical psychologist Ali Ilyas, explores the impact and work of existential psychiatrist, Dr. Irvin Yalom.
We dive into core themes like: mortality, meaning, death anxiety, and the unique dynamics of the therapist-client relationship, such as transference and countertransference. Ali shares how Yalom's teachings have shaped his personal journey and therapeutic practice, while also discussing the importance of reflecting on death, finding balance between life and death anxiety, and how existential therapy can offer deep insights for those struggling with life's big questions. 

About Muhammad Ali Ilyas
Ali is a clinical psychologist residing in Dubai, UAE. In his psychotherapy work, Ali guides clients on their journey of self-discovery and helps them navigate existential challenges, using philosophical and psychological perspectives. He has  spoken at platforms such as TEDx events, literary festivals, and podcasts to name a few. Ali is also a neuromarketing consultant, and corporate trainer applying interdisciplinary insights from psychology and related fields to help individuals and organizations achieve their goals and find meaning in their lives.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliilyasm/
Website: https://www.connectpsychology.ae/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepersonandthecouch/
 
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In this episode of Behind the Stigma, host Seiara Imanova speaks with Hari Sewell, founder and Director of HS Consultancy, about the intersection of social justice, ethnicity, and mental health.

Hari, a leading voice on institutional racism and unconscious biases in mental health, shares his insights on the systemic factors contributing to racial disparities, the impact of social perspectives on patient outcomes, and the importance of addressing these issues in practice. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on how we can foster more equitable mental health care.
Chapter markers added!

About Hari Sewell
Hári is the founder and Director of HS Consultancy and a former executive director of health and social care in the National Health Service in the UK. He has worked for the Department of Health in regulation and policy, and is a writer and speaker in his specialist area of social justice, equalities and ethnicity, race and culture in mental health.
Hári is a Specialist Guest Lecturer at the University of Bradford and Visiting Lecturer at Christ Church Canterbury University. Hári worked with another local campaigner to secure services for survivors of sexual violence and currently runs a campaign “Men Supporting Women’s Rights” including “Men Against Rape”. He is increasingly studying forms of masculinity and the possibilities in practice and employee relations to recognise the intersections between masculinity and other aspects of identity. I’m delighted to speak with him.
Website: https://www.hsconsultancy.org.uk/about/
Twitter: https://x.com/consultancy_hs?lang=en
Working with Ethnicity, Race & Culture in Mental Health: https://www.amazon.com/Working-Ethnicity-Culture-Mental-Health/dp/1843106213

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 Ever wondered why we sometimes stand in our own way?  In this week's episode,  Dr. Alex Curmi breaks down the psychology behind self-sabotage and offers practical tips to overcome these patterns. We explore key concepts like evolutionary instincts, personality traits, repetition compulsion, avoidance compulsion, and fear of change.

We also dive into why we sabotage others and how envy and jealousy play a role. Tune in for an insightful conversation that can help you understand and break free from self-sabotaging behaviors.

About Dr. Alex Curmi:
Dr Curmi is a Consultant Psychiatrist with over 10 years’ of medical experience. He specializes in General Adult Psychiatry with a subspecialty in Addictions and has trained as a Psychotherapist for three years as well. Dr Curmi obtained his Medical Degree at the University of Malta and completed his psychiatric training at the South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust.

Website: https://maudsleylearning.com/dr-alexander-curmi/
The Many Paths to Self Sabatoge  (Thinking Mind Podcast): https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-many-paths-to-self-sabotage/id1466932169?i=1000657345609
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thinkingmindpodcast

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In this week's episode, I have an in-depth conversation with a former psychiatric nurse, Neseret Bemient, on returning to wholeness and alternative ways of healing. Neseret shares her journey as a psychiatric nurse and what her role entailed, her diagnosis of medication-induced bipolar disorder, and how her childhood experiences as a refugee were an integral part of her journey. She also talks about the benefits of holistic medicine, including the ketogenic diet, and shares her insights on spirituality in healing and the issues she witnessed  in psychiatric care.  Chapter Markers Added!

About Neseret:
Neseret has 17 years of experience as a Psych Registered Nurse. She currently offers holistic coaching programs that provide the skills and support needed to overcome mental ill health and addiction concerns. She speaks openly online about navigating the current mental health system without losing your sanity and how to nurture your brain with metabolic therapies, including the ketogenic diet, for optimal brain functioning. As a holistic Mental Health Advocate, she uses her years of service and experience as a Mental Health and Addiction Nurse/RN in the conventional mental health system to support individuals.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/neseretbemient?app=desktop
Twitter: https://x.com/JourneyofHope4U

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In this week’s episode, we're diving into the fascinating world of nutrition, social prescribing & community care in psychiatry with Dr. Ally Jaffee,  a Multi-Award Winning NHS Junior Doctor.

Dr. Jaffee shares her journey into psychiatry, the realities of being a junior doctor, and the inspiring story behind Nutritank. We go into the emerging field of nutritional psychiatry, discussing the profound connection between diet and mental health. Dr. Jaffee sheds light on key research findings and share her insights on using diet as a potential first-line therapy.

We also delve into the challenges faced by NHS doctors and the importance of self-care for healthcare professionals. Dr. Jaffee emphasizes the significance of social prescribing and creative outlets in mental health care, offering practical tips and lifestyle changes to enhance mental well-being.

About Dr. Ally Jaffee
Dr. Jaffee is a Multi-Award Winning NHS Junior Doctor who is passionate about mental health and proactive preventative healthcare. She co-founded Nutritank, an organization dedicated to providing accessible education on nutrition and lifestyle medicine for health professionals. Dr. Jaffee is a familiar face on BBC news and an active advocate for mental health wellness on social media.

Website: https://www.drallyjaffee.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drally-jaffee/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drallyjaffee/?hl=en

In this week’s episode, we dive into the intriguing world of psychedelics and intimacy with Tommaso Barba, a PhD student at Imperial College London. Tommaso brings to light his recent research on how psychedelics may revolutionize clinical outcomes outcomes for sexual function in depressed patients—offering an alternative to traditional SSRIs (antidepressants).

We explore the long term effects of these substances on sexual functioning, examining how psychedelics reshape our understanding of intimacy. We also explore the cultural and therapeutic implications of their use; delving into broader impacts on relationships and conflict resolution.  Finally, we discuss whether psychedelics should become mainstream and what the future holds for them in mental health care.

This episode is intended for educational and scientific purposes only.

About Tomasso:
Tommaso is a PhD candidate at the Centre for Psychedelic Research in Imperial College London. He is researching the potential of psychedelics for well-being and human flourishing, focusing on the long-term effects of psychedelics on sexual and relationship satisfaction in healthy and depressed people. He has a background in neuroscience and psychoanalysis and completed a Master of Research in Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience from Maastricht University.

Research Paper: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-49817-4
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tommaso_barba

About Behind the Stigma: https://behindthestigma.buzzsprout.com/

In this week's episode on Behind the Stigma, I speak with Adil Hussain, a men's development coach and the Founder of Brotherhood UAE on Men's Mental Health. We delved into the importance of men's emotional expression, the challenges men face in seeking help, and the impact of societal expectations on masculinity.

Adil shares insights from his own journey of healing and empowerment, highlighting the need to redefine masculinity and break free from toxic norms. We also explore the role of men's circles in providing a safe space for men to connect, share, and support each other. Throughout the conversation, Adil emphasizes the importance of communication, self-awareness, and seeking help when needed.
Chapter markers added!

About Adil Hussain
Adil is a men’s development coach and the Founder of Brotherhood UAE, a community of like-minded men committed to personal growth, meaningful connections, and holistic wellness. Brotherhood UAE hosts a weekly Men's Circle where men can freely express themselves, share experiences, and learn from the wisdom of each other. Adil’s mission is simple: to empower as many men as possible to embody their true selves and live their best lives.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adilcoachesmen/
Brotherhood-UAE: https://www.instagram.com/brotherhooduae/
Website:  https://adilhussain.me/

About Behind the Stigma: https://behindthestigma.buzzsprout.com/

In this week’s episode, I speak with Dr. Awais Aftab, a Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Case Western Reserve University on the Critique and the Opposition to Psychiatry.

We discuss the emergence of philosophy in psychiatry as a distinct discipline, and it's historical evolution  from psychoanalysis to biomedical models. We go into the critiques of disorder classifications, debates surrounding biological explanations and medication use, and the importance of fostering trust and collaboration within the mental health community and society.

The conversation offers insights into the complexities of psychiatric practice and the ongoing dialogue surrounding its theoretical foundations and clinical applications.
Chapter markers added!

About Dr. Aftab
Dr Aftab is a clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at Case Western Reserve University and he is interested in critical and conceptual issues that involve the field. He has been actively involved in initiatives to educate psychiatrists and trainees on the intersection of philosophy, psychiatry, and history.

Dr. Aftab led the popular interview series “Conversations in Critical Psychiatry” for Psychiatric Times, and a book adaptation is forthcoming from Oxford University Press. He is an executive council member of the Association for the Advancement of Philosophy and Psychiatry, and a senior editor for Philosophy, Psychiatry, & Psychology.

Website: https://www.awaisaftab.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/awaisaftab
Substack: https://www.psychiatrymargins.com/ 

In this week's episode of the Behind the Stigma Podcast, I speak with members of the Student Advisory Committee from Student Minds, including Aglaya Freccero, Dom Smithies, and Mahbub Alom Shuhag, in light of  University Mental Health Day. We delve into the challenges and lived experiences of students, emphasizing the significance of inclusivity and diversity in mental health policies. We also explore the role of peer support networks, digital interventions, recent initiatives by Student Minds, and personal self-care practices. The aim of the episode was to raise awareness and foster positive change within university communities.

About Guests (in alphabetical order)
Aglaya Freccero
Aglaia is a PhD candidate in the Department of Brain Sciences at Imperial College London and her research focuses on developing novel digital interventions to improve mental health in young people. She is an experienced science communicator and a passionate mental health activist where she uses her lived experience to spread awareness around mental health. Aglaia volunteers at Student Minds as part of the Student Advisory Committee.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aglaia-freccero-b14781155/?originalSubdomain=uk

Dom Smithies
Dom is the Head of Influencing & Communications at Student Minds. He has interest and experience in higher education, mental health, youth engagement and equality & diversity. As the Influencing & Advocacy Lead he is strategically responsible for the organizations' influencing, policy, insights, communication and student engagement work. He’s worked with Student Minds for over 6 years focusing on various projects such as the LGBTQ+ students’ mental health, Men’s Mental Health Project and is now part of the Senior Leadership Team.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dom-smithies/?originalSubdomain=uk

Mahbub Alom Shuhag.
Mahbub currently serves as a Campus Officer at Coventry University London, and he completed his undergraduate degree in Global Business and Management at Coventry. He has established a noteworthy reputation for effectively representing and advocating for students at all levels and has held this responsibility for the past two consecutive years. He also volunteers at Student Minds, along with Aglaia, and myself, as part of the Student Advisory Committee.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahbubalomshuhag/?originalSubdomain=uk

Student Minds Website: https://www.studentminds.org.uk/
Student Space: https://studentspace.org.uk/

In this week's episode, I speak with Dr. Hipolito, an Assistant Professor at Macquarie University, on artificial intelligence, cognition and mental health.
We discuss:
- The philosophical realism of AI: whether AI systems are seen as seperate from us
- Digital mental health apps: their advantages and concerns about data privacy, reliability, and the potential for algorithmic bias.
- Smart virtual environments, and their advantages and drawbacks that come with it.
- The future of virtual environments for mental health

About Dr. Ines Hipolito
Dr. Hipolito is an Assistant Professor at Macquarie University, specializing in philosophy of mind and cognitive science. She has co-founded the International Society of the Philosophy of the Sciences of the Mind and has served as an elected member of the Diversity Committee and Women in Philosophy Committee at the Australasian Philosophy Association. Dr. Hipolito is passionate about bridging the academic-industry divide to maximize the societal impact of research and also serves as an AI ethics advisor/architect for Verses, a cognitive computing company.

Website: https://ineshipolito.my.canva.site/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ineshipolito
Paper: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S138904172300133X

In this week's episode, I speak with Dr. Nicola Byrom, a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at King’s College London. We discuss the importance of lived experience in research as well as collaborative research for student mental health. Dr Byrom shares how she founded Student Minds, the UK's biggest mental health charity, and how her personal experience drove her to want change in the higher education sector. We also discuss virtual learning environments both for on-campus and distance learner students and the medicalizing of distress. 

About Dr. Nicola Byrom
Dr. Byrom is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at King’s College London. She studies mental health and wellbeing in emerging adulthood with a focus on public health and exploring the institutional, social, and cultural factors that shape individual mental health. Prior to developing her research career, Dr Byrom founded Student Minds, the UK’s student mental health charity. She completed her DPhil at the University of Oxford, and was awarded an MRC Centenary Award to further develop her work.

Website: https://kclpure.kcl.ac.uk/portal/en/persons/nicola.byrom
Twitter: https://x.com/NicolaByrom?s=20
Research Paper: https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7102/13/7/749

About Host:
Seiara Imanova is the host and producer of Behind the Stigma Podcast. She has a Master of Science in Psychology & Neuroscience  of Mental Health from King's College London. She started "Behind the Stigma" to make a meaningful contribution in the field, by providing awareness for a variety of perspectives within each topic.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthestigmapodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/seiara_imanova

In this week's episode, featuring our guest speaker, MJDorian, we delved into the world of psychoanalyst Dr. Carl Gustav Jung and explored his Red Book, which Jung described as his “confrontation with the unconscious." We discussed the content of the book, uncovered underlying themes, and examined its relevance to the modern world.

MJ also guided us through a method employed by Carl Jung known as 'The Digging Technique', shedding light on active imagination and recounting his (MJ's) own personal experiences with it.

*All music in this episode is composed by MJDorian himself.

About MJDorian:
MJDorian is an artist, educator, podcast creator, and award winning composer. His work in film has received wide acclaim, including Outstanding Achievement Award for Original Score (VisionFest 2011, NYC) for the feature film: Ontologica. In 2018, MJ launched the podcast: Creative Codex, which he continues to write and produce. The mission of Creative Codex is to explore the mysteries of creative genius through narrative, sound design, and original music.

Website: https://mjdorian.com/codex/
Creative Codex Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/creative-codex/id1430850607
Creative Codex Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7IIv6uXWqQM3qyhzyKBluT
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/creativecodex
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjdorian/

In this week's episode on the Behind the Stigma Podcast, we welcome Dr. Ekaterina Netchitailova to discuss the meaning and lived experience of psychosis.

Dr. Netchitailova shares her personal journey with psychiatric care in the Netherlands and the UK, shedding light on the stigma surrounding diagnoses and cultural influences on mental health. The conversation explores Dr. Netchitailova's background and delves into the circumstances leading to her first experience with psychosis and her initial psychiatric hospitalization, detailing the good, the bad, and the overall impact.

About Dr. Netchitailova
Dr. Ekaterina Netchitailova. Dr. Netchitailova is a doctor of philosophy, a university lecturer, and writer. She has lived in four different countries and speaks four languages. Ekaterina is fascinated by different cultures and walks of life. She is interested in how different manifestations of the human psyche have been medicalized and put into the domain of mental health. She has also written a novel ‘Elena: A Love Story for Humankind’ telling a story of a Russian pianist, diagnosed with schizophrenia, looking for her twin sister in England.

Website: https://russianpatient.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/chitailova?lang=en
Book: https://www.amazon.com/Elena-Story-Humankind-Ekaterina-Netchitailova/dp/B09NKWGJ24

The first episode of the New Year, we delve into the concept of Jungian shadow work and integration with the shadow. (Chapter Markers added).

We discuss what Shadow work means, and why it's not only about the 'dark' parts of ourselves. We also explore how the shadow influences our behavior and relationships, leading to insights about projection and its impact on personal growth. Dr. Curmi shares insights on discovering one's shadow by asking the right questions. Finally,  we go into various methods for shadow integration and tips for those interested in exploring their own shadows.

About Dr Alex Curmi
Dr Curmi is a Consultant Psychiatrist with over 10 years’ of medical experience. He specializes in General Adult Psychiatry with a subspecialty in Addictions and has trained as a Psychotherapist for three years as well. Dr Curmi obtained his Medical Degree at the University of Malta and completed his psychiatric training at the South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust. 

Website: https://maudsleylearning.com/dr-alexander-curmi/
Podcast on Shadow Work (Thinking Mind Podcast):  https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/going-over-to-the-dark-side-shadow-work/id1466932169?i=1000634716280

Follow us on:
Website: https://behindthestigma.buzzsprout.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthestigmapodcast/

Welcome to Season 2! In this week's episode, we explore the intriguing link between neuroimmunology and psychiatry with guest Dr. Thomas Pollak.

We discuss what autoimmune diseases are and Dr. Pollak's work on Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis and it's relation to psychosis. We also discuss the role of neurology in psychiatry, and challenges in diagnosis and the necessity of considering immunology in psychiatric examinations. The episode concludes with a forward-looking perspective on the future of understanding connections between infections, the immune system, and psychiatric disorders. Chapter markers added!

About Dr Pollak
 Dr. Pollak is an NIHR Clinical Lecturer at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience at King’s College London and an Honorary Consultant Neuropsychiatrist at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust. In 2015, he was awarded a Welcome Trust Clinical Research Fellowship to look at the neuroimmunology basis of psychiatric disease, with a particular focus on the autoantibodies known to cause autoimmune encephalitis.
 
Twitter  https://twitter.com/tompollak
Research Paper https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551672/
Washington Post Article https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2023/06/01/schizophrenia-autoimmune-lupus-psychiatry/

Follow us on:
Website: https://behindthestigma.buzzsprout.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthestigmapodcast/

In this week's episode, I speak with Amir Bozorgzadeh, Co-Founder and CEO of Virtuleap on the intersection between virtual reality and cognitive health.

We discuss how Virtuleap designs VR brain training solutions to address cognitive illnesses and the potential of VR in mental health interventions. Amir shares personal insights into the power of VR, and the unique approach Virtu Leap takes in training and monitoring cognitive abilities. We also delve into a pilot study on ADHD (linked below) and its implications. Amir highlights the importance of immersive experiences in VR and addresses concerns about potential negative side effects. Finally, we explore the future of these technologies and the role of VR in mental health diagnostics and prevention.

About:
Amir is a market researcher, games publisher, and tech writer, currently working at the intersection of frontier tech and social impact. He is the Co-Founder and CEO of Virtuleap, a company that designs VR brain training solutions to help increase attention levels and address cognitive illnesses, disorders, and learning challenges.

Website: https://virtuleap.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/whiteboxamir
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirboz/?originalSubdomain=es
Pilot ADHD Study: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frvir.2023.1108060/full

In this week's episode, I speak with psychiatrist, Dr. Mark Horowitz, on the Effects of Antidepressants. 

We discuss how depression is currently understood in society - taking a step back from diagnostic categories. We also discuss what is truly known about the causality and mechanisms of depression, and the effects antidepressants have on our psychological well being and our physical body.
 
Dr. Horowitz speaks about safely tapering off antidepressants and its withdrawal impacts, based on his recent appearance in the BBC's panorama documentary. Finally, we talk about the future of research and empirical evidence in the field, and the right way to move forward. (Chapter Markers are added).

About
Dr. Horowitz is a trained psychiatrist, having done part of his training in Australia and is now working in London as a Clinical Research Fellow in the NHS and an Honorary Clinical Research Fellow at UCL. He has completed his PhD in the neurobiology of depression and the pharmacology of antidepressants at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience at King’s College London. During his PhD he received two prizes from the British Association of Psychopharmacology, one for his PhD work, and one for public communication.

Website: https://markhorowitz.org/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/markhoro
Papers: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33224468/
BBC Panorama Documentary: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001n39z

In this week's episode, I speak with Anne-Laure Le Cunff, Founder of Ness Labs, on productivity & the creative process.
 
We discuss 4 different creative processes:
- diffused vs focused thinking
- idea sex
- generation effect and
- combinational creativity

We also go into Anne Laure's work of mindful productivity, the different ways to identify why we procrastinate, and her journey from Google to Ness Labs.

Website: https://nesslabs.com/blog
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ness_labs
About Anne-Laure: https://anne-laure.net/

In this week's episode,  I speak with Dr. Altay, a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Zurich, on misinformation, fake news and conspiracy theories. We discuss these 3 concepts, exploring Dr. Altay's work on why people do and do not share fake news, what consists of misinformation, and the factors that make people more prone to conspiracy. We conclude with ChatGPT for detecting misinformation, and future implications in the field.

Website: https://sites.google.com/view/sacha-altay/home
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Sacha_Altay
Research Papers:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zxTRMSOWW1HYl2_wIb3C5jkShjVeVK3_/view
https://psyarxiv.com/3xv8s
https://psyarxiv.com/qnjkf/

In this week's episode, I speak with Professor Helen Fisher, Professor of Developmental Psychopathology from King's College London and Rebecca Gray on the Environmental Risk Longitudinal Twin Study (E-Risk Study). 

The E-Risk Study builds knowledge around the question of how environmental and genetic factors contribute to the development of behaviors', health, and mental health problems from childhood through to adulthood. 

We discuss the importance of twin studies, some of the factors the E-risk study measured over a period of time, the data collected, and some key insights that has been contributed from it! 

Website: https://eriskstudy.com/
Professor Helen Fisher:  https://www.kcl.ac.uk/people/helen-fisher
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/HelenLFisher
https://twitter.com/ERiskstudy

In this week's episode, I speak to one of the world's most influential psychologists and researchers on ADHD, Professor Stephen Faraone. 

We go into defining ADHD , the role of executive functions and the differences in cognitive processes between individuals with and without the disorder. We also discuss the impact of social media on ADHD awareness and insights into the genetic components of ADHD, such as twin studies, genome-wide association studies, and the polygenic nature of the condition. Dr Faraone tackle the crucial topic of ADHD medication like Adderall, and Ritalin, and other non-drug interventions.  Finally, we go into his work and his contributions in the field. 

The ADHD Evidence Project: https://www.adhdevidence.org/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/StephenFaraone?s=20
Profile: https://researchers.mgh.harvard.edu/profile/14559688/Stephen-Faraone

What does your personality reveal about you, and how does it shape the way you interact with the world?  In this week's episode,  we dive into the fascinating realm of personality traits with  Dr. Alex Curmi, psychiatrist and host of The Thinking Mind podcast.

We discuss the Five Factor Model and how traits like Extraversion, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, Neuroticism, and Openness predispose our behavior and outlook on life. We also discuss the nature vs. nurture debate,  dangerous combination of traits, personality disorders, and how we can expand our personalities. Tune in now!

5 Factor Model Personality Test: https://www.thepersonalitylab.org/
The Thinking Mind Podcast: https://maudsleylearningpodcast.buzzsprout.com

Two groups of boys embark on what appears to be an ordinary summer camp in the scenic State Park, Oklahoma.  Or is it if a group of researchers are watching you?  Learn today about the secret's of the infamous Robbers Cave Experiment, and it's contribution in the field of Social Psychology. 

In this week's episode, I speak with Professor Lisa Bortolotti, Professor in the University of Birmingham on the Philosophy of Psychiatry. Our discussion was based around the notion of mental disorders and how they are viewed in the field. We also discuss the blurred lines between delusions and irrational beliefs, agency in mental health (where Professor Bortolotti talks about one of her studies done on young people in the UK) and how we should be looking into individual agency. 

Website: https://sites.google.com/site/lisabortolottiphilosophy/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lisabortolotti

Books:
Delusions and Other Irrational Beliefs - https://www.amazon.com/Irrational-International-Perspectives-Philosophy-Psychiatry/dp/0199206163/ref=sr_1_7?qid=1682434606&refinements=p_27%3ALisa+Bortolotti%3B&s=books&sr=1-7

The Epistemic Innocence of Irrational Beliefs - https://www.amazon.com/Epistemic-Innocence-Irrational-Beliefs/dp/0198863985/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1682434606&sr=1-8

Why Delusions Matter (Why Philosophy Matters) - https://www.amazon.com/Why-Delusions-Matter-Philosophy-Matters/dp/1350163309/ref=sr_1_10?qid=1682434606&refinements=p_27%3ALisa+Bortolotti%3B&s=books&sr=1-10

Talk by Lisa Bortolotti: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7ICtezqf-0

In this week's episode, I speak with Alina Vasilache on Binge Eating. We go through what classifies as a binge, what are some of the main factors that affect binge eating, relapse and remission, and how to seek help.

Book: Overcoming Binge Eating  ( Dr. Christopher Fairburn)  - https://www.amazon.ae/Overcoming-Binge-Eating-Proven-Program/dp/1572305614

Betrayal Trauma involves one partner  breaking the trust of the other by engaging in behaviors that go against the relationships agreed upon boundaries. How do you move past that? In this week's episode, I speak with licensed therapist, Kristin Snowden on this topic. We discuss what it is, what it means for both partners, whether a relationship can deal with it, and  steps to heal and move on from it.

18th April 2023 - Workshop on Betrayal Trauma: https://www.kristinsnowden.com/service-page/betrayed-partners-support-workshop-5?referral=service_list_widget
19th April 2023 - Workshop on Courageous Connection: https://www.kristinsnowden.com/service-page/courageous-connection-daring-greatly-2?referral=service_list_widget
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPPgoZVhSfDNTj6VAqJ1FMA

In this week's episode, I speak with Dr. Ruben Laukkonen, Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience, on meditation and the predictive brain. We discuss what is predictive processing, 3 styles of meditation: focused attention, open monitoring and non-dualism, and how these map on to the brain. We also go into insight, how predictive processing works, and his future research in the field.

Website: https://rubenlaukkonen.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RubenLaukkonen
Paper: From many to n(one) -  Meditation and the plasticity of the predictive mind:  https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S014976342100261X

Thinking about thinking - that's so metacognitive!

In this week's education series episode, we dive into the concept of metacognition. We cover the work of John H Flavell, the Self-discrepancy theory, and if animals have metacognitive abilities. 

Can someone be love addicted? & what would that even look like?  In this week's episode,  I speak with psychotherapist, Nisrine Maktabi on the topic of love addiction. We discuss what are the characteristics of a love addict, factors that contribute to its development, the impact it can have on an individual's life, and the ways in which it can be addressed.  

In this week's episode,  I speak with  Kristin Snowden, a licensed marriage and family therapist with over 15 years of experience on the topic of understanding shame. We discuss what shame is, the work of Brene Brown’s shame shields, and of course identifying our own shame and how to overcome it

Kristin's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/KristinSnowden
Website: https://www.kristinsnowden.com/

In this week's episode, I speak with Nicki Eyre, founder and director of Conduct Change, an organization in the UK that provides consultancy, coaching and training solutions rooted in the prevention of workplace bullying.

We discuss Nicki's personal experience of workplace bullying, and how that led her to advocate for change. We go into issues like how organizations should address workplace bullying, the psychological and physical health impacts, different styles of bullying, and what people can do to if they are facing the same at work.

Sources:
Conduct Change website: https://www.conductchange.co.uk/
UAWB Conference: https://www.conductchange.co.uk/uawb-conference
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickieyre/?originalSubdomain=uk

In this week's episode on Behind the Stigma, I speak with Dr. Alex Curmi, psychiatrist and host of the Maudsley Learning Podcast with a discussion on self-esteem. We discuss two varieties of how we can understand self-esteem: situational confidence and inherit self worth. We also go into meditation and self, how to parent yourself using a re-parenting model of therapy, and the importance of compassion.  

While setting goals can be exciting, setting SMART goals can help us accomplish them!

SMART stands for:
Specific
Measurable
Achievable
Realistic
Time-framed

Listen to this short BTS series to learn how to set your NY resolution goals, and how to make them work!

Happy New Years! This is the 51st episode of the BTS podcast, and this week's episode is on the Psychology of New Years Resolutions. We discuss why we have such a strong pull towards resolutions, but also why they can fail. Alina explains how we can set goals which can be achievable, with a focus on a process orientated approach rather than goal orientated. We also dive into weight loss as one of the most common goals, compassion, and how to be aware of your feelings during the process. 

In this week’s episode, I speak with Phil Santos, founder of Ecstatic Playground on the type of dance known as ‘conscious dancing’. We dive into the importance of moving our bodies, trauma and movement, the impact of loneliness, and what it means to build conscious communities through dance. We also discuss Phil’s upcoming book ‘conscious clubbing’ whose goal is to make parties friendlier, with an ability to form meaningful connections.

Check out:
https://ecstaticplayground.com/
https://philsantos.net/

In this week's education series, we dive into Part 2 of the developmental psychology theories, focusing on the work of Russian psychologist Lev Vygotsky. We go into his theory of cognitive development, the 'zone of proximal development', scaffolding, and the importance of language and culture, and how he differed from Jean Piaget. 

In this week’s episode, I speak to Sir Professor Robin Murray, one of the most cited researchers in the world, on the topic of psychosis. We talk about the difference between psychosis and the construct of schizophrenia, the onset and risk factors, both biological and environmental. We also discuss the current treatments and the consequences of antipsychotics, and his reflection of his life work in the field. 

This week, I speak with Professor Diane O'Leary on the topic of Dualism. We discuss how dualism is best understood in psychiatry in comparison to philosophy, and how this distinction impacts our understanding in the field.  We then dive deep into a variety of dualism, known as property dualism and what this means for psychiatric diagnosis, and understanding mental disorders as biological and psychological entities. 

Website: https://www.dianeoleary.com/

In this week's episode, I speak with Nick Haisman-Smith, the Executive director, and one of the founders of  Social and Emotional Learning Institute. We discuss what SEL is,  it's importance for communities, including parents and teachers, and how SEL is important for aspects of our mental health, and the evidence behind it. We conclude with some of it's limitations, and what he forsees for the future. 

Website: https://www.instituteforsel.net/

This week I speak to Psychiatrist Dr. Alex Curmi from the Maudsley Learning Podcast on how we diagnose mental health conditions. We talk about the pros and cons of the current diagnostic system and how we can utilize the pros. We also dive into his work as a psychiatrist, and his approach, discussing the difficulty of sectioning, and how he uses a multidisciplinary approach to help patients as best as possible. 

Maudsley Learning Podcast: https://maudsleylearning.com/podcasts/
 

In this week's education series, we dive into developmental psychology, focusing on the work of Swiss genetic epistemologist Jean Piaget. We go into his theory of cognitive development, and the 4 main stages of child development:
Sensorimotor (0-2 years)
Preoperational (2-7 years)
Concrete operational (7 - 11 years)
Formal operational (12+ years).

In this week's episode I speak with Caroline S Asante, former award-winning BBC radio host and presenter, and host of the Happy Well Being Life Podcast. We speak about her journey highlighting aspects of imposter syndrome, ageism, the fear of comparison, and growth mindset.

Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinesasante/
Happy Well Being Life Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Z62aYAKLeFzx771juEoAJ

In this week's episode, I am back with  Alina Vasilache, clinical psychologist on another popular demand for a Q&A session. Alina answers questions on coping mechanisms for anxiety, achieving goals, projection and more!

You can now jump to the question of your interest, using our chapter markers. 

This week, I speak with Professor David Yaden,  Assistant Professor at Johns Hopkins University school of Medicine, on the topic of self-transcendence and psychedelic-assisted therapy. We discuss what psychedelic-assisted therapy is, its importance for mental health conditions, and a focus on the set and setting of clinical trials. Professor Yaden defines the meaning of transcendence and the importance of spiritual and mystical experiences. We conclude by discussing limitations in the field, and his new book: Varieties of Spiritual Experience.

Website: https://davidbryceyaden.com/
To buy the book: Varieties of Spiritual Experience: https://www.amazon.com/Varieties-Spiritual-Experience-Research-Perspectives/dp/019066567X

The Collaborative Library is  a platform to unlock science for everyone! It aims to link up people who do research and those who are interested in the outcomes.

This week, I speak to the founders of The Collab Library. We discuss what the Collaborative Library is, who it is for,  and some of the really cool features on it amongst other things! You can now also view our 'Chapter Markers' to jump to your question of interest. 

Website:  https://thecollaborativelibrary.com/
Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8QTQMVm-KRyy2fsirq00ew
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-collaborative-library/

May the force be with you! This week,  me and Dr. Alex Curmi from the Maudsley Learning Podcast deep dive into the fascinating mind of Anakin Skywalker, and what drove and dictated his actions. We discuss his attachment style, fear of abandonment, the role of the Jedi council, and whether he was in love or obsessed with Padme.  Could have Anakin's turn to the dark side to becoming Darth Vader been avoided? 

In this week's episode, I speak with Nisrine Maktabi, psychotherapist and relationship expert on the concept of the drama triangle. What is the drama triangle? and how does it work in a toxic relationship? We also discuss how the dynamic of a toxic relationship works, and what are some of the traits of  an individual who projects these traits. 

This is the third series with Nisrine. We have previously spoken about Attachment Styles:
https://behindthestigma.buzzsprout.com/1402324/10395172-attachment-styles 
& 
Dating and Attachment: https://behindthestigma.buzzsprout.com/1402324/10496836-dating-attachment-styles

In continuation of last month's theme of learning through conditioning, this month's education series is dedicated to social learning theory. Learn about the most popular psychologist of social learning theory and his infamous experiment in Stanford known as the Bobo doll experiment. 

In this week's episode, I speak to Dr. Raphael Milliere, a philosopher of cognitive science, on the differences between consciousness and self consciousness. Dr. Raphael starts off by defining these terms and their distinction, and his work on how consciousness can be present while experiencing the loss of self. We also talk about measuring consciousness, Google's advanced AI system known as LaMDA, as well as consciousness in virtual reality. 

To learn more about his work visit https://raphaelmilliere.com/

In this week's episode, Dr. Alex Curmi from the Maudsley learning podcast speaks to us about fantasy vs reality, and what role fantasy plays in our life. 
Dr. Alex defines what fantasy means and whether these fantasies are holding us back in some ways. We also talk about the role of dreams and daydreaming. We then finish up our discussion on how you can become more reality oriented.

For the original audio essay click here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/audio-essay-8-reality-vs-fantasy/id1466932169?i=1000540090371

How do we know what therapy is right for us? In this week's episode, clinical psychologist Alina Vasilache speaks to us about various forms of psychological therapies, and how they differ and are similar with one another. 

Therapies mentioned in this episode: Cognitive behavioral therapy, Dialectal behavioral therapy, schema therapy, internal family systems and humanistic theory.  

What does it really mean to be mindful? In this week's episode, I speak to  Dr.  Alexander Curmi, psychiatrist from Maudsley NHS foundation trust about mindfulness practice. We discuss what mindfulness means to him with reference to Buddhism,  how he applies it in everyday practice with examples,  and finally, how mindfulness has been adopted in the West as a therapy intervention for various mental health issues. 

Other sources:
Maudsley Learning Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/6h2FCOoWZnUr88SQG0ytHn?si=a1-oAmGPR0etoFop13NjHQ&nd=1

This week's episode is on the  English Romanian adoptee study (ERA). The ERA study is the first study to examine the long-term effects of early severe childhood deprivation on development. It dates back to 1960’s Romania, after the fall of Nicolai Ceausescu, the communist leader at the time, and its research is still ongoing up to date.

Today, 20 years later, I speak to Professor Sonuga-Barke, one of the leading researchers of  the study, about the most important findings in the research, and also where the children (or  adults) are now.

Does  the name Ivan Pavlov ring a bell?  This month's education series is dedicated to the school of psychology known as behaviorism. We discuss its two main learning theories: classical and operant conditioning. 

In this week's episode, I am back with  Alina Vasilache, clinical psychologist on another Q&A session. Alina answers questions on burn-out, self-esteem, grief and what she has learnt in her journey as a psychologist. 

You can now jump to the question of your interest, using time stamps!

In this week's episode, I speak to Adeel Ahmad, host of the Misophonia Podcast where people share their experiences living with Misophonia. We talk about his experience with Misophonia, why and how he started his podcast, and what he has learnt from his experiences with talking to people.

Misophonia Podcast: https://misophoniapodcast.com/

Not only is it time to abandon psychiatric diagnosis, but it is time to move beyond the medicalized perspective of ‘mental health’.  A new framework for understanding how we all cope with distress - the power threat meaning framework - can lead the way to a more honest and effective paradigm.

In this week's episode, I speak to Dr. Ian Newey, part of the PTMF committee, about what the PTMF is, and how it can be used to understand one's own distress, whether we are medicalizing normal, and what would it mean for the future of mental health if we remove diagnostic criteria's and use new framework's. 

Sources:

The Power Threat Meaning Framework:
https://www.amazon.com/Straight-Talking-Introduction-Meaning-Framework/dp/1910919713/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=the+power+threat+meaning+framework&qid=1656219687&sprefix=the+power+threat+%2Caps%2C287&sr=8-1

Are you mentally ill, or very unhappy?
https://www.newstatesman.com/science-tech/2022/02/the-end-of-mental-illness

What is emotion? In this week's education series episode, we will touch upon what emotion is, primary and secondary emotions, the 3 main theories of emotion, and what is emotional regulation. 

In this week's episode, I speak to Lee David, one of the authors of '10 Minutes to Better Mental Health' on how you can improve your well being with ten-minute tools and quick exercises using cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness techniques. From dealing with anxiety to  building your confidence, and  creating healthy life habits and positive relationships - listen to learn how to incorporate in just 10 mins!

The book is now available worldwide on Amazon.com - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Minutes-Better-Mental-Health-Step/dp/1787755568

What is trauma? In this episode, Alina Vasilache talks to us about how she works with patients with trauma, and her definition of it. We go into different therapy approaches, specifically EMDR therapy, what it is and how its used. We also talk about  how trauma shows up in the body and how important is it to work on trauma? cant we just move on? 

We all get angry. It's a normal feeling. And often our anger can be justified right?  But sometimes we get angry over little things, or deal with our anger in ways which can have a negative impact on us.  In this episode, I speak with our clinical psychologist about the nature of anger, where it comes from and how to protect ourselves from people that make us angry. We also discuss emotional regulation and how helpful are anger management programs, with concluding remarks on ways to deal with our anger. 

Perception is the sensory experience of the world.  It is the ability to see, hear, or become aware of something through the senses.  In this week's education series episode, we will touch upon perception through  vision, different theories of how perception works and a very interesting experiment called  the rubber hand illusion that gives us clue into the perceptual world. 

In this week's episode, I  speak to one of the leading psychiatrists in the UK,
Dr. Derek Tracy about some of the challenges faced in pharmacotherapy, the role of clinicians and oneself on mental health,  the bio-psycho-social model,  and what are novel psychoactive substances.

Website: https://maudsleylearning.com/dr-derek-k-tracy/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Derektracy1

In our previous episode with Nisrine Maktabi, we looked at what is the attachment theory, and what are the 4 main styles of attachment. In this episode, we dive a little deeper into relationships and dating, why we choose or attract certain partners, and what is at the heart of a secure, functioning relationships. We also discuss the meaning of rupture and repair, and how negative relationships affect us. 

You asked and we answered! Today's episode is all about answering some of the questions we received from our listeners that were of importance to them. Check out our chapter markers to jump straight to the questions of your interest, and if you have any burning questions yourself, reach out to us on @behindthestigmapodcast on instagram!

Our memories help make us who we are. They are our link that connects our past to our present and they underlie the way we talk, the way we learn and even the way we feel about situations and things. 
Have you ever wondered how our memories are stored in our brain? Is there a difference between long term and short term memory? And if yes, can we use certain techniques to strengthen the way we remember and retrieve things? We will be discussing some of these questions today. 

Does our attachment style define how we are in relationships? In this episode, our guest speaker, Nisrine Maktabi, a licensed psychotherapist from Canada, speaks to us about  a psychological, evolutionary and ethological theory concerning relationships between humans known as the attachment theory. We discusses how the relationship we have with our main figures of attachment, reflect on the type of people we tend to seek out in relationships as adults. We also discuss the 4 main styles of attachment, and what is at the heart of a secure attachment. 

This week, I speak to Alina Vasilache about a talk therapy that's most popularly used today known as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

CBT is a type of psychotherapeutic treatment that helps people learn how to identify and change destructive or disturbing thought patterns that have a negative influence on behavior and emotions. We talk about what CBT addresses, some of its techniques that can be applied to everyday life, and also its limitations as a therapeutic approach. 

What is burn out? In this week's episode, I speak to,  Alina Vasilache about the feeling of being burn out and when it can happen. We talk about its meaning, and how long term stress can be physically emotionally and draining for us. We then talk about her experience of burn-out and what are some of the things that can be done.  

This week, I speak to Dr. Gisele Dias, a chartered psychologist, neuroscientist and a senior lecturer in Psychology at King’s College London about one of her research works in Positive psychology. Positive psychology is the scientific study of what makes life most worth living, focusing on both individual and societal well-being. In contrast to usual psychology, it's focus is more on human strength, and values. A very rich discussion on empowering our own strengths. 

This week is NEDA, (National Eating Disorder Awareness) week, and so we decided to dedicate a very important episode to the relationship between food and our body. I speak to Alina Vasilache, the podcast's clinical psychologist, about what having a healthy relationship with food and body means. We also briefly introduce the 3 main eating disorder types: anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. 

This week, Alina Vasilache,  our clinical psychologist talks about how she witnesses anxiety during her practice and the different types of anxiety that people go through. Anxiety is a feeling of unease, such as worry or fear that can cause disruption in our lives and is now considered one of the highest burden rates in the world. We discuss the different forms of anxiety, the potential root causes of it, and  to learn ways on how to cope with it. 

This week, Alina Vasilache, our clinical psychologist comes back to speak to us about the feeling of guilt. We all feel guilt, and in fact it helps direct our moral compass. But can guilt reach to a point, where it stops us from being or doing certain things in our life? We discuss the maladaptive form of guilt, the difference between shame and guilt, and the way we can look and cope with this emotion. 

Are you a result of your genes? or your environment? What if its possible that our genes and environment is interactive with one another?
 
In this episode, I speak to Professor Thalia Eley, who specializes in both gene-environment interactions on the development of anxiety and depression on this topic. We discuss the different types of gene-environment correlations, what is gene-environment interaction, and what this can mean for us in understanding and treating mental health problems.

Website: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/people/thalia-eley
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thaliaeley

This week, I speak to Dr. Ioannis Bakolis, a senior lecturer at King's College London, who's interest lies in understanding how social and built environments impact our mental well being. Dr Bakolis helps us understand how city living is affecting mental health through the influence of increased stressors and factors such as: noise and air pollution, neighborhood deprivation and reduced social support. We also discuss the 'Urban Mind' application:

Urban Mind: https://www.urbanmind.info/
Website: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/people/ioannis-bakolis

What is the connection between the brain and gut? & does the microbe composition in our gut have an impact on our mental health?

This week, I speak with Dr. Ruari Robertson, a leading researcher in the field who studies how microbes in our gut influence the human body and brain. We speak about the brain gut connection, what type of diet is good for our gut composition, and the difference between prebiotics and probiotics.

Website: https://ruairirobertson.com/
Biomes Podcast: https://ruairirobertson.com/biomes-podcast

Is psychiatry doing more harm than good?
In this episode, our guest speaker is Nick Fortino, a Psychology Professor at University of Silicon Valley and Gavilan College in the USA and host of the Psychology Is podcast.

We talk about the nature of mental health diagnosis and how it's history evolved into what we know today as biological mental disorders. We cover the history of the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), classifications of disease and the efficacy of psychiatric drugs for conditions like depression, anxiety and more.

Website: https://usv.edu/faculty/nick-fortino/
Psychology Is Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@psychologyis
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/psychologyis 

In this episode, Alina Vasilache,  our clinical psychologist talks about the different types of thought processes we may have known as cognitive distortions. 

These distortions are negative thinking patterns we have that are not always rational and can cause us distress. We discuss different types of cognitive distortions, how people with anxiety and depression are more predisposed to these thoughts, and how to deal with them. 

Is seeking validation actually a bad thing? Our clinical psychologist Alina Vasilache, explores the root of seeking validation and when it can become maladaptive. We also cover living with guilt, self acceptance and living with rights. 

In this episode, I talk to Alina Vasilache, a clinical psychologist from Dubai, UAE, about her interpretation of a concept that has raised a lot of interest recently: The Inner Child.

Alina explains her understanding of the word inner child, and talks about the 3 different types of modes we inherit:
- the child mode,
- the adult mode and
- the parent mode.

About: https://cmcdubai.ae/doctors/alina-vasilache/

Our first and quick introductory episode covers the definition and difference between mental health and mental disorders, how disorders are currently being diagnosed, and a few tips from our clinical psychologist on how to take care of our overall well being. 

Learn all about who we are in this short 2 minute audio!