Is having too many options a problem? Most of us see choice as a hallmark of freedom, but in today’s world, too many choices can lead to stress, anxiety, and even decision paralysis. In this episode, Monica explores the paradox of choice—the surprising downsides of endless options—and why more choices might mean less satisfaction.
Nov 19
Structural dissociation: Understanding your personality's survival parts
<p>539. Dissociation is a normal human experience, but when it's outside of normal limits, it can be dysregulating. In this episode, Dr. Monica Johnson and Alexandra Mejia look at the signs of structural dissociation, the importance of building a baseline of coping skills, and th ... Show More
27m 3s
Nov 12
How can you walk with grief instead of fighting it, with Hilary Bucell
<p>538. Loss is inevitable, but grief is our emotional response to what is gone. In this episode, Dr. Monica Johnson and psychotherapist Hilary Bucell look at the differences between grief and depression and discuss various forms of loss, including ambiguous loss (like dementia o ... Show More
30m 50s
Nov 5
Seasonal Affective Disorder: How to manage the winter blues
<p>537. You don't have to suffer through the winter months. In this episode, Dr. Monica Johnson looks at how to create a multi-faceted approach to wellness for SAD. She looks at the importance of regulating your sleep schedule, boosting natural light exposure, and using behaviora ... Show More
13m 23s
Dec 2024
Emotional Intelligence with Stephanie Catella, PsyD
<p>Stephanie Catella, PsyD, coauthor of <em>The Emotional Intelligence Skills Workbook</em>, joins us to discuss emotional intelligence. Catella is a clinical psychologist with expertise in transdiagnostic cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for trauma, anxiety, and building emoti ... Show More
39m 52s
Jun 2025
Cognitive Psychologist: Break Free from a Victim Mindset | Scott Barry Kaufman
<p><em>What if the greatest obstacle to reaching your potential isn't external barriers, but a mindset in which you see yourself as a victim? </em></p><p>Today, I’m stoked to welcome back my good friend and one of my favorite thinkers, Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman. Th ... Show More
57m 16s
Mar 2025
Your Thoughts Are Lying to You: How to Take Back Control
In this episode, our host interviews Dr. David Burns about his methods for overcoming negative thoughts and promoting joy using CBT techniques. Dr. Burns discusses various techniques and introduces his new digital tool, the Feeling Great app, which tracks personal feelings to fac ... Show More
25m 59s
Jun 2025
When Is Picky Eating a Disorder? Understanding ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder)
Is your child a picky eater, or is it something more serious — and how can you tell? Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) goes far beyond food preferences. It’s driven by deep-seated fears of choking, vomiting, or other anxieties that can lead to dangerous nutritiona ... Show More
21m 30s
Jul 2025
From Victim to Victor: Rise Above Trauma with Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman
What if the biggest obstacle holding you back isn’t your past but your mindset? Psychologist Scott Barry Kaufman, PhD, challenges everything you think you know about trauma, resilience, and personal growth. In this episode, you’ll discover why labeling every setback as “trauma” c ... Show More
17m 30s