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Kristin Howard, LMFT practices at CBT SoCal's Glendale office and with the Counseling Center of Loyola Marymount University. Jason von Stietz, Ph.D. practices with CBT SoCal in the Torrance office, Whittier College Counseling Center, and has a special interest in Sport and Performance Psychology.Winter has come, and CBT SoCal's Dr. Jason von Stietz and Kristin Howard, LMFT join Martin to discuss Game of Thrones in anticipation of the upcoming 8th and final season of HBO's rendition of the George R.R. Martin series, A Song of Ice and Fire. The conversation covers reflections and predictions, favorite scenes, and analyses of the characters Jon Snow, Cersei Lannister, and Theon Greyjoy, drawing from various themes in Psychology and Psychotherapy. How might the "Halo Effect" skew our perception of Jaime Lannister? Where does the "Fundamental Attribution Error" feature in GoT? How does the series demonstrate the principles of Exposure with Response Prevention (ERP)? The team applies concepts from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) in unpacking the depth of GoT's colorful cast of characters. Who will remain standing at the end of the series? Hear three therapist's prophesies, and beware of **SPOILER ALERTS** if you have not watched through Season 7 of the Series.Mentioned in Episode 33: Clinical Psychologist Dr. Martin Hsia practices with the Cognitive Behavior Therapy Center of Southern California in Glendale, CA. His specialties include helping people with Anxiety Disorders, OCD, and Insomnia.  

In Episode 32, Martin is joined by Family Law Attorney and Mediator, Mark Baer, of Pasadena, CA. Mark and Martin discuss the interplay between Law and Psychology, specifically as it pertains to the emotional consequences of divorce, problems with the adversarial legal system and culture, and how Mediation can facilitate a more peaceful dissolution of marriage for all involved. Mentioned in Episode 32: Putting Kids First in Divorce: How to Reduce Conflict, Preserve Relationships and Protect Children During and After Divorce by Mark Baer, et al. Clinical Psychologist Dr. Martin Hsia practices with the Cognitive Behavior Therapy Center of Southern California in Glendale, CA. His specialties include helping people with Anxiety Disorders, OCD, and Insomnia.

Dr. Joseph Lee is a Psychiatrist and therapist practicing in Redondo Beach, CA, and authors the blog, Mental Healthiness. On Episode 31, Martin and Dr. Lee debrief from their impressions and critiques from the Evolution of Psychotherapy Conference of December 2017. Most notably, tune in for reflections on presentations by: - Relationship expert, Esther Perel, on infidelity and the unique strains on marriages and other committed relationships of this era. - The "Godfather" of Cognitive Therapy, Dr. Aaron Beck, and his criticisms of manualized treatments in psychotherapy. - The research of Drs. Paul and Eve Ekman on the expression and experience of emotion, cultivating emotional balance across and between cultures. - Dr. Scott Miller's research on efffective psychotherapy, and why the field and practice of therapy is not more successful than it is. - Dr. Martin Seligman, leading researcher in the field of Positive Psychology, and his historical and theological commentary on the importance of Free will. - Professor of Psychology and Education at Columbia University, Dr. Derald Wing Sue, on the Psychology of race and microaggressions. Mentioned in Episode 31: "Evolution requires Diversity. The Evolution of Psychotherapy needs it too and An Open letter to Dr. Jeffery Zeig" by Dr. Lee Mating in Captivity by Esther Perel The Atlas of Emotions, developed by Paul and Eve Ekman, with support from the Dalai Lama Race Talk and the Conspiracy of Silence: Understanding and Facilitating Difficult Dialogues on Race by Derald Wing Sue Clinical Psychologist Dr. Martin Hsia practices with the Cognitive Behavior Therapy Center of Southern California in Glendale, CA. His specialties include helping people with Anxiety Disorders, OCD, and Insomnia.

*Disclaimer: This episode contains some rated R language. Get ready for a shot of comedic energy, when Board Certified Holistic Health Coach Jill Anenberg Lawrence joins the Rally for Episode 30. Jill brings her passion for improving lives, eating sustainably and developing habits that reduce stress and anxiety. This episode touches on: 1) The case for starting the morning with breakfast 2) Dietary and lifestyle choices that ease anxiety and nervousness and HOW! 3) Specifically WHICH foods are linked to reducing depression, anxiety, providing more energy, and more! 4) Top tips for foods everyone should remove from their diet. Like now! Bon appetit as Jill serves up advice on everything from superfoods, to fibers and powerful teas, to fermented foods, maca root, cacao, and bio-individuality. All this with her engaging and comedic flair. Jill's Instagram  Jill's YouTube channel Clinical Psychologist Dr. Martin Hsia practices with the Cognitive Behavior Therapy Center of Southern California in Glendale, CA. His specialties include helping people with Anxiety Disorders, OCD, and Insomnia.

A Metaphor for life for Asian Americans: "It's all about context and fitting in. If you're in the picture at all, you're working with other people trying to grow in unison against the elements...You need to be sensitive to the context, and the context determines who you are." - Dr. Gordon C. Nagayama Hall. Dr. Gordon Hall is a Professor of Psychology and the Associate Director of Research in the Center on Diversity and Community at the University of Oregon. Dr. Hall joins the Rally for Episode 29 to discuss significant research findings and trends that impact the Asian American community, including: - How the Model Minority Myth impacts physicians' health stereotypes and Cancer screenings rates - Reasons why Asian Americans utilize mental health services at lower rates than other ethnic groups - How a "Cultural match" between therapists and clients can be beneficial - The adaptation of Mindfulness from Eastern to Western health contexts - Direct versus Indirect styles of coping and communicating - The value of Eastern and Asian American ideas from a minority perspective Mentioned in Episode 29: Ibaraki, A.Y., Hall, G.C.N., & Sabin, J.A. (2014). Asian American cancer disparities: The potential effects of model minority health stereotypes. Asian American Journal of Psychology, 5, 75-81. Ibaraki, A.Y., &; Hall, G.C.N. (2014). The components of cultural match in psychotherapy.Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 33, 936-953. Multicultural Psychology by Dr. Gordon C. Nagayama Hall Dr. Hall's blog: Life in the Intersection: A Multicultural Psychology Approach "Do Cultural Differences Change what Depression feels like?" by Shayla Love Clinical Psychologist Dr. Martin Hsia practices with the Cognitive Behavior Therapy Center of Southern California in Glendale, CA. His specialties include helping people with Anxiety Disorders, OCD, and Insomnia.

[CONTENT ADVISORY NOTE: This podcast episode discusses Sex Addiction, Pornography, and Infidelity] Sam Louie, a Marriage and Family Therapist in Seattle, joins Psych Rally for Episode 28 to discuss his personal journey with addiction to sex and pornography. Sam's life is a story of struggling with a double dose of inner shame, colored by both his Chinese American and Christian upbringing. His path to recovery and healing ultimately is a success story for group and individual therapy, as well as a testimony to authentic intimacy with oneself and others. If you are concerned that your own habits with sex or pornography have become problematic, there are some valuable messages for you. If your spouse or partner is struggling with sex addiction, you'll definitely want to listen in as well. Clinical Psychologist Dr. Martin Hsia practices with the Cognitive Behavior Therapy Center of Southern California in Glendale, CA. His specialties include helping people with Anxiety Disorders, OCD, and Insomnia.

On Episode 27, Martin talks with Clinical Psychologist Dr. Larry Brooks about the theory and technique of working with dreams in Psychotherapy. Dr. Brooks discusses trends and evolving theories about dreams in psychoanalysis and neuroscience, as well as his expertise in Dream Tending and Social Dreaming as alternatives to Dream Interpretation in the Freudian tradition. What do we lose as a society, and as individuals, when we are less connected to the content of our slumbered-state mental journeys? Listen in as Larry and Martin stand on the shores of consciousness, share some reflections, and raise more questions. Mentioned in Episode 27: Essays by Dr. Larry Brooks on Dreams and Dream Tending Dream Tending by Stephen Aizenstat, Ph.D. Nocturnes: On Listening to Dreams by Paul Lippmann The Dream and the Underworld by James Hillman Clinical Psychologist Dr. Martin Hsia practices with the Cognitive Behavior Therapy Center of Southern California in Glendale, CA. His specialties include helping people with Anxiety Disorders, OCD, and Insomnia.

Noelani Jai joins the Rally for Episode 26, detailing a decades-long struggle with Trichotillomania (Hair-Pulling Disorder). Beyond the difficulty of stopping this debilitating habit, Noelani discusses at length her personal journey of secrecy and shame on the way to being an outspoken voice for the BFRB (Body-Focused Repetitive Behavior) community. Resources related to Trichotillomania have advanced greatly over the past few decades, but misinformation and lack of awareness are still prevalent. Tune in to hear about some existing resources, including the long standing H.E.A.R.T. support group that Noelani organizes for youth and families. Mentioned in Episode 26: The TLC Foundation for Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors Video: "Straight from the Heart: A message about living with Trichotillomania" Doogie Howser, MD The Hair Pulling "Habit" and You: How to Solve the Trichotillomania Puzzle by Ruth Goldfinger Golomb and Sherrie Mansfield Vavrichek A Parent Guide to Hair Pulling Disorder: Effective Parenting Strategies for Children with Trichotillomania by Suzanne Mouton-Odum and Ruth Goldfinger Golomb Clinical Psychologist Dr. Martin Hsia practices with the Cognitive Behavior Therapy Center of Southern California in Glendale, CA. His specialties include helping people with Anxiety Disorders, OCD, and Insomnia.

Photo credit: Ko Zushi Photography In Part II (Episode 25), Rudy Caseres once again brings light into darkness, humorously describing the trauma of being involuntarily catheterized, recalling a depressed shopping spree after receiving his veterans benefits, and illuminating the complexity of debates about psychiatric medication and firearm regulations. What would you do if you received a check for $80,000? Find out what Rudy did. Mark Zuckerberg, you better be listening.Mentioned in Episode 25: "What Happened when I Posted about Anxiety and Depression on Facebook" by Rudy Caseres for The Mighty Rudy's theatrical portrayal of Bipolar for This Is My Brave Southern California Against Forced Treatment (SCAFT) Healthy Place: America's Mental Health Channel Rudy Caseres can be contacted via Facebook, Twitter @RudyCaseres, and Instagram. Clinical Psychologist Dr. Martin Hsia practices with the Cognitive Behavior Therapy Center of Southern California in Glendale, CA. His specialties include helping people with Anxiety Disorders, OCD, and Insomnia.

Photo credit: Ko Zushi Photography Humor remains a far better means of coping with distress than most others. In a more comedic exchange, mental health advocate Rudy Caseres joins Psych Rally for a two-episode conversation about his journey with Bipolar Disorder, social anxiety, involuntary treatment, and civil rights activism. In Part I (Episode 24) Rudy talks about his ill-fated time in the Army, a visit to an inpatient Psychiatric hospital, and then describes in detail a period of escalating mania that spiraled out into a dark depression. Despite discussing such difficult experiences, Rudy manages lightheartedly to talk about wanting to be Pope, fantasies of defying gravity, his favorite Power Ranger, and the existence of Heaven and Hell. Martin works in an impersonation of a bus driver. Mentioned in Episode 24: Wear Your Label [USE PROMO CODE "RUDY10" for a 10% discount] National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)Southern California Against Forced Treatment (SCAFT) Active MindsInstinct Clinical Psychologist Dr. Martin Hsia practices with the Cognitive Behavior Therapy Center of Southern California in Glendale, CA. His specialties include helping people with Anxiety Disorders, OCD, and Insomnia.

On Episode 23, Martin discusses a dispute that occurred on the email listserve for the Academy of Cognitive Therapy. Should psychotherapists concern themselves with loaded political issues? Can theories such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) go beyond influencing a client's internal world to empower societal engagement? Tune in for some Disney-inspired reflections and share your thoughts on the episode shownotes. Mentioned in Episode 23:"Occidental Tourist: Lost in (Mindful) Translation" by Gordon C. Nagayama Hall Constructing the Self, Constructing America: A Cultural History of Psychotherapy by Phillip Cushman "For the First time in Forever" from Disney's Frozen Clinical Psychologist Dr. Martin Hsia practices with the Cognitive Behavior Therapy Center of Southern California in Glendale, CA. His specialties include helping people with Anxiety Disorders, OCD, and Insomnia.

On Episode 22, Dr. Steph Anderson, researcher and lecturer at the Graduate Center of CUNY, discusses her research on the intersection of sexual and ethnic minority experience from her dissertation entitled "(Dis)Entangling Gender Expression and Race in Antigay Discrimination: An Intersectional Approach". Far on the forefront of research in this area, Steph's work leads to a conversation about the Gender Inversion Stereotype, Attributional Ambiguity, and: - The overlap, as well as separation, between one's sexual orientation and one's gender. - The fluidity and racialization of gender norms.- The unique challenges of LGBTQ persons of color in interpreting their experiences of discrimination. - The many ways that privilege and oppression can be expressed or experienced. Tune in if you want some answers, but are open to leaving with even more questions. Dr. Steph Anderson can be contacted at Steph.M.Anderson@gmail.com. Mentioned in Episode 22: Website for Steph Anderson's Films and Research Steph Anderson's work on www.Academia.edu Queer Theory, Gender Theory by Riki Wilchins Film: Transgeneration Information and Resources about LGBTQ Mental Health from NAMI Clinical Psychologist Dr. Martin Hsia practices with the Cognitive Behavior Therapy Center of Southern California in Glendale, CA. His specialties include helping people with Anxiety Disorders, OCD, and Insomnia.

In Episode 21, Martin speaks with Alison Crosthwait, Registered Therapist in Toronto, Canada, author of the blog The Good Therapists, and creator of the online course, Therapy School. Together they discuss some major dilemmas that can impact mental health and the practice of psychotherapy, such as: What happens when real life experience differs from what we're told it "should" be? Why might positive affirmations and quotes actually be dangerous? Is it possible to develop an "addiction" to therapy? Is assigning "Homework" in therapy useful? Or harmful? How much or how little is helpful for you to know about your therapist? Listen in and get in on the discussion. Mentioned in Episode 21: I'm Working on it in Therapy: How to get the most out of Psychotherapy by Gary Trosclair Moments of Meaning Clinical Psychologist Dr. Martin Hsia practices with the Cognitive Behavior Therapy Center of Southern California in Glendale, CA. His specialties include helping people with Anxiety Disorders, OCD, and Insomnia.

Dr. Ryan Howes is a Board Certified Clinical Psychologist practicing in Pasadena, CA. When the profession of Psychotherapy takes a few rounds to the gut in Episode 20, how will he and Martin respond? Tune in for some sober responses to harsh criticisms and concerns about therapy expressed by readers of Dr. Howes' blog for Psychology Today called "In Therapy." Martin and Dr. Howes address questions such as: Is seeing a therapist just "paid friendship"? How common is it to develop romantic feelings (a.k.a. "erotic transference") for your therapist? Does therapy ever end well? Dr. Howes discusses the need for therapists to better market and promote the profession, including his inspiration to found National Psychotherapy Day and start the Moments of Meaning psychotherapy storytelling campaign. Bonus: Dr. Howes and Martin pay tribute to the cinematic accomplishments of the wildly underappreciated actor, Emilio Estevez. Episode 20 is sponsored by Conscious Life Shop Mentioned in Episode 20: National Psychotherapy DayMoments of Meaning In Therapy: A User's Guide to Psychotherapy: Dr. Howes' blog for Psychology Today. The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook by Edmund Bourne, Ph.D. Being and Loving by Althea J. Horner, Ph.D. The Breakfast Club Clinical Psychologist Dr. Martin Hsia practices with the Cognitive Behavior Therapy Center of Southern California in Glendale, CA. His specialties include helping people with Anxiety Disorders, OCD, and Insomnia.

On this episode, Martin responds to feedback about Episode 18, balancing positive and negative perspectives about mental health providers and the passage of the Murphy Bill. Listen in for a brief commentary about the clinical issues arising from the recent election and the delicate theme of teasing out "fact" from "fiction" in the heat of disagreement. Mentioned in Episode 19: "Who wins and loses with the 21st Century Cures Act?" by Sheila Kaplan Clinical Psychologist Dr. Martin Hsia practices with the Cognitive Behavior Therapy Center of Southern California in Glendale, CA. His specialties include helping people with Anxiety Disorders, OCD, and Insomnia.

Psychiatric survivor Emma Shireen Carter joins Martin on Episode 18 to discuss her repeated traumatization by healthcare providers. Strip searched, over-medicated, and confined against her will on the eve of her college graduation, Emily shares the experiences that have inspired the founding of Southern California Against Forced Treatment (SCAFT). She and Martin also discuss the lesser known (and darker) details of the widely championed piece of legislation known as The Murphy Bill, an unpleasant course of Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and the delicate ways that language can lead people seeking mental health services to suffer violations of their civil rights. Episode 18 is sponsored by Conscious Life Shop Mentioned in Episode 18: "An Open Letter to Psychiatrists and Mental Health Professionals from a Psychiatric Survivor" The Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act AKA "The Murphy Bill"Healing Voices Clinical Psychologist Dr. Martin Hsia practices with the Cognitive Behavior Therapy Center of Southern California in Glendale, CA. His specialties include helping people with Anxiety Disorders, OCD, and Insomnia.

On Episode 17, Martin reflects on the range of responses to the election of Donald Trump as the next U.S. President, and applies the theme of dashed expectations beyond politics. Hear direct messages to both supporters and opposers of the next President elect, as the nation seeks answers and empathy to heal the divide. Mentioned in Episode 17: "Trump For All: Why Trump as President Might Promise More Hope & Change than Obama" by Dr. Sam Rader Clinical Psychologist Dr. Martin Hsia practices with the Cognitive Behavior Therapy Center of Southern California in Glendale, CA. His specialties include helping people with Anxiety Disorders, OCD, and Insomnia.

On Episode 16 of Psych Rally, James North, Pastor at Pasadena Christian Center talks about being diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) as an adult. After being told that his only career option was working at a local mill in Oregon, James has fought to discover his true passion and potential. Pastors aren't always known for vulnerability and honesty, but James gets real with Martin about how therapy has improved his self-esteem, why Religion and Psychotherapy need not be at odds, and what people in Oregon really think of people from California. There may even be another Star Wars reference. Episode 16 is sponsored by Cogtoolz Mentioned in Episode 16: The Artisan Soul: Crafting Your Life into a Work of Art by Erwin McManus Clinical Psychologist Dr. Martin Hsia practices with the Cognitive Behavior Therapy Center of Southern California in Glendale, CA. His specialties include helping people with Anxiety Disorders, OCD, and Insomnia.

In Episode 15 of Psych Rally, Martin and three fellow Clinical Psychologists discuss the heated 2016 U.S. Presidential Election from the perspective of Psychology, Psychotherapy, and Psychoanalysis. What do Freud's concepts of the Id and Superego have to do with Donald Trump? What is the value of hatred? How can marriage therapy help understand the polarized politics in the U.S.? We'll try to cover it all here - with empathy. Dr. Stephanie Law practices in Pasadena, CA and is the former President of the San Gabriel Valley Psychological Association. Dr. Brett Veltman is the Founder and Director of Relate Therapy Center in Pasadena, CA. Dr. Neil Cortez is the cofounder of Keen Aesthete, a blog for Clinicians by Clinicians about all topics of interest to mental health practitioners. Episode 15 is sponsored by Cogtoolz Mentioned in Episode 15: Shpancer, N. (2016, June 6). Paging Dr. Freud: Trump, Obama, and the American Psyche. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/insight-therapy/201606/paging-dr-freud-trump-obama-and-the-american-psyche Azarian, B. (2016, August 4). A Neuroscientist explains what may be wrong with Trump supporters' brains. Retrieved from http://www.rawstory.com/2016/08/a-neuroscientist-explains-what-may-be-wrong-with-trump-supporters-brains/ Video by The Guardian: Why the poorest county in West Virginia has faith in Donald Trump | Anywhere but Washington Civilization and its Discontents by Sigmund Freud The Denial of Death by Ernst Becker Clinical Psychologist Dr. Martin Hsia practices with the Cognitive Behavior Therapy Center of Southern California in Glendale, CA. His specialties include helping people with Anxiety Disorders, OCD, and Insomnia.

In Episode 14, Sandi joins Psych Rally to discuss her journey with compulsive gambling, from early childhood through recovery. From growing up at the race track, to beating all of her uncles at Poker when she was 13, to the anonymous banking blunders that prolonged her addiction, Sandi details her windy path to health and abstinence. Mentioned in Episode 14: The Holy Thief by Mark Borovitz The Craving Brain by Ronald A. Ruden California Gambling Education and Treatment Services (CalGETS) Gamblers Anonymous Clinical Psychologist Dr. Martin Hsia practices with the Cognitive Behavior Therapy Center of Southern California in Glendale, CA. His specialties include helping people with Anxiety Disorders, OCD, and Insomnia.