The Psych Central Show: Candid Chat On Mental Health & Psychology

Pop culture tells us that great sex is a natural talent — you either have it or you don’t — and that sex just happens naturally, with zero effort. Today’s guest explodes those myths and tells us that for most people, learning to enjoy having sex takes lots of practice and some trial-and-error. For most people, having and loving sex comes easily, but they’re not in the majority. Great sex is an ongoing exploration, not a singular, fixed destination. And everyone’s sex life changes over time.  To learn more or read the transcript, please visit the official episode page here. Guest Bio Dr. Bat Sheva Marcus is the co-founder and director of Maze Women's Sexual Health, the country's largest independent women's sexual health center. For 20 years, she has developed and overseen the treatment of thousands of women ages 18–81. A licensed clinical social worker with a master's in public health, a master's degree in social work, a master's degree in Jewish studies, and a PhD in human sexuality, Marcus has been profil

Celebrities, politicians, and bosses are constantly being referred to as narcissists. But what does that really mean? Is there an official medical definition of a “narcissist” or is it just a random insult hurled at people we dislike? Today’s guest has spent decades working with narcissists and those who are recovering from them. She explains narcissistic personality disorder and answers vital questions like whether this is an actual psychological disorder and, if so, how it’s diagnosed and treated. Join us as she explains how to spot a narcissist — and how to heal from one. To read the transcript, or learn more, visit the episode page now. Guest Bio Riana Milne, MA is a certified global life and love trauma recovery coach, certified clinical trauma & addictions professional, certified mindfulness coach, #1 bestselling author, the host of her own podcast called Lessons in Life & Love, an educational speaker, and licensed mental health counselor for over 21 years, living in Palm Beach County, Florida. She was

Motivational interviewing is a common phrase these days, but what is it? Is it only for counselors, or can anyone use it? And if anyone can use it, how? Today’s guest has trained thousands of people in motivational interviewing techniques. Join us as she explains how motivational interviewing is really just a simple set of conversational practices that can help you at home and at work. To learn more -- or to read the transcript -- please visit our official episode page. Guest Bio Dr. Liz Barnett received her master's of social work from Boston University and her PhD from the University of Southern California’s Department of Preventive Medicine. She has been a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers since 2005 and has since trained and coached thousands of people in the health and mental health arenas.  She has published multiple peer-reviewed journal articles on the application of MI with adolescent substance users, co-authored two book chapters, produced specialized training videos, and

Disparities in mental healthcare are well-known in the U.S., with different populations having more or less access to care. Today’s guest, Wilma Mae Basta, is looking to resolve some of those disparities by targeting women of color with her website and pro bono counseling service.  In this episode she breaks down the need for culturally competent mental health services, explains barriers to treatment for women of color, and helps us understand that while diversity is important, it needs to be more than just a buzzword. To read the transcript, or learn more, visit the episode page now. Guest Bio Wilma Mae Basta, the founder and CEO of DRK Beauty, is originally from Philadelphia, a mother of two adult children and the daughter of a civil rights leader. In the early 90s, she built a career in film, TV, consumer tech PR in the U.K. where she resided for almost 30 years. More recently, she launched and built the successful luxury vintage fashion brand, The Gathering Goddess, which was known for its high-end col

Are you familiar with the concept of “gender affirming care” in medical treatment? What about the unique mental health needs of this community? Do you know what all the letters in LGBTQIA+ stand for? Join us as today’s guest, from the Sierra Tucson Treatment Center, explains these concepts and helps us better understand — and provide better mental health care to — members of the LGBTQIA+ population. To learn more or to read the transcript, visit the official episode page. Guest Bio David Cato, LCSW, TCT, SEP, began working at Sierra Tucson in April 2008 and has served many roles, beginning in the mailroom. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Texas A&M University and a Master of Social Work from Arizona State University. He’s a Somatic Experiencing® Therapy Practitioner (SEP), certified Transgender Care Therapist (TCT), and licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). Cato completed his master’s coursework through an internship at Sierra Tucson. He has worked with substance use disorders, mood

We all get married fantasizing the happily ever after — after all, we found “the one.” But studies have shown that up to 50% of married people will have an affair, which begs the questions: Why are so many people cheating on their spouses? And how can you stay out of that statistic? Today’s guest explains how to “affair-proof” your relationship. To read the transcript or learn more, please visit the official episode page. Guest Bio Steven Ing, MFT, had a seriously messed up childhood… Like, mobster-shot-to-death-by-police messed up. Out of this beginning came a lifelong fascination with two questions: “Why do people do what they do?” and “How can all of us figure out how to move to what healthier families enjoy and how they get their needs for love met?”  A marriage and family therapist for over 30 years, Ing helps people figure out how they too can have healthy sexuality and intimacy. He’s literally written the book on human sexual needs, “We’re All Like This” used in university-level human sexuality clas

The risk of suicide among LGBTQ+ youth is almost 4 times higher than for youth who don't identify as LGBTQ+. If that surprises you, the cause of the increase will be even more shocking. Today we talk with Dr. Amy Green from The Trevor Project as she reveals the findings of the 2021 National Survey on LGBTQ+ Youth Mental Health and discusses what we, as a society, can do to reduce the risk of LGBTQ+ youth suicide. Learn more and/or read the transcript on our official episode page. Guest Bio Dr. Amy Green (she/her) is Vice President of Research at The Trevor Project. Her team supports the organization’s life-saving work by using internal and external data and research findings to advance its crisis services and peer support programs, as well as advocacy and education initiatives. Under Green’s leadership, the research team produces innovative research that brings new clinical implications to the field of suicidology and LGBTQ+ mental health, and which enables the organization to better understand the lives of

What exactly is open adoption? Is it psychologically healthy for the child and adoptive parents? Are there lingering fears, like the birth parents will come back to "steal" away the child? Today's guest, Dawn Friedman, an expert on adoption, breaks down the research, shares her experiences, and addresses the fears biological parents often have. Learn more and/or read the transcript by visiting the official episode page. Guest Bio Dawn Friedman, MSEd, is the owner of YouAreNotYouMother.com, a membership site for parents interrupting family patterns of dysfunction in their own parenting. Friedman has been working with families for the past 30 years. She has a masters in clinical mental health counseling and post-grad certification in infant-toddler mental health. She's also completed the certification training for postpartum mood disorders through Postpartum Support International. Friedman regularly speaks about parenting, mental health, and adoption, and her writing on these topics has appeared in publicatio

Plastic surgeon, Dr. James C. Marotta has repeatedly heard patients, particularly women, express shame and guilt about wanting to change their appearance. They second-guess themselves and worry about seeming superficial or vain. Listen in as he explains why you should never feel bad about wanting to look how you choose. Learn more and/or read the transcript on the official episode page. Guest Bio Dr. James C. Marotta is a dual board certified facial plastic surgeon. He attended Columbia University and later graduated as president of the medical honor society at SUNY Stony Brook School of Medicine. He trained at Yale University in head and neck surgery and was recognized as the top surgeon in the program. Through his fellowship with the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Marotta volunteers his time and surgical expertise to FACE TO FACE, helping victims of domestic violence with facial injuries and to F2F FACES OF HONOR, helping veterans who had face or neck injuries while deployed

What are your goals in your marriage? Are you trying to make sure everything’s fair and that you and your spouse are contributing equally to the relationship? Today’s guests explain why that could be a recipe for failure. Dr. Nate Klemp and Kaley Klemp are married researchers and relationship experts who have developed the 80/80 method of managing marriages and relationships. Listen as they explain how their method can lead to more closeness and a better connection. Learn more and/or read the transcript on the official episode page. Guest Bio:   Nate Klemp, PhD, is a writer, philosopher, and entrepreneur. Along with his wife Kaley, he’s the author of the newly released “The 80/80 Marriage: A New Model for a Happier, Stronger Marriage” (Penguin Random House). He’s also the co-author, with Eric Langshur, of the New York Times Bestseller “Start Here: Master the Lifelong Habit of Wellbeing” and is a regular contributor for Inc. Magazine, Fast Company, and Mindful. He’s also a founding partner at Mindful, one o

Do you know what a peer clubhouse is? What about a member’s only clubhouse for people living with mental illness? These types of clubhouses have existed since 1949 and there are over 200 in the United States alone. Join us as we chat with Dr. Ashwin Vasan, the CEO of the oldest clubhouse in America, Fountain House. Dr. Vasan tells us the theories behind the clubhouse model, the importance of respect in our communities, and what kind of results Fountain House has been able to achieve. To learn more or to read the transcript, please visit the official episode page here. Guest Bio: Ashwin Vasan, MD, PhD, is the president and CEO of Fountain House, a national nonprofit organization that serves those living with serious mental illness. Fountain House’s model of psychosocial care has inspired over 300 affiliate locations in 32 states. Dr. Vasan is also a primary care physician and assistant professor at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health. He has over 15 years of experience in improving health, s

The Me2/Orchestra was co-founded and is conducted by Juilliard graduate Ronald Braunstein, who lives with bipolar disorder. His orchestra is featured in the new documentary, “Orchestrating Change,” that tells the inspiring story of the only orchestra in the world created by and for people living with mental illness, and those who support them.  The mission of Me2/ is to erase mental health stigma one concert at a time and create an environment where acceptance and understanding are both an expectation and a priority. Listen as our guest shares how being shunned from conducting for disclosing his mental illness led him to finding a new path forward. The learn more or read the transcript, visit the official episode page here. Guest Bio Ronald Braunstein, music director of Me2/, received his musical background at The Juilliard School, Salzburg Mozarteum, Fontainbleau, and the Tanglewood Music Center. Immediately following graduation from Juilliard, he won the Gold Medal in the Herbert von Karajan Internation

After 25 years, Psych Central has received a makeover. Some things are the same, some are new, and some are different. Now that Psych Central’s founder, Dr. John Grohol, has retired from running the website, for the first time in our history, we have a new Editor in Chief. Join us for today’s show as we learn about the new Psych Central and meet our newly minted — and super cool — Editor in Chief, Faye McCray. Listen Now! To learn more, visit the official podcast episode page here. Guest information  Faye McCray is the Editor in Chief of Psych Central, and she is passionate about healing and mental health awareness. She is also a published author and essayist whose work has been featured in many popular publications. Faye is a former health lawyer with degrees from Binghamton University and Howard University School of Law. Faye resides in the DC metro area with her husband and three sons. You can find Faye on Twitter @fayewrites, IG @heyfayemccray, and Facebook at facebook.com/fayewrites. About the Inside M

How do families and friends of an atheist or nonbeliever mourn their passing when the majority of our traditions are religion-based? Additionally, can someone build a community without religion — and is it even important to do so? Today’s guest is a “non-theist chaplain.” Join us as we find out what that means as he explains that atheism and ritual are not mutually exclusive. Listen Now! View the transcript and official episode page here. Guest Information D.S. Moss is a recently endorsed Chaplain of the Humanist Society. He has spent the past 6 years in pursuit of making meaning of life in service of others and grasping a deeper understanding of mortality. Through the exploration of rituals, ceremonies, and philosophies, Moss formed a practice that offers spiritual support to those without faith in a god. Moss has shared this journey in the form of a podcast series called “The Adventures of Memento Mori (A Cynic’s Guide for Learning to Live by Remembering to Die).” About the Inside Mental Health Podcast H

Most people believe that forensic science is an exact science that can always find the right perpetrator. But is that actually true? Today’s expert explains the reality behind fingerprint analysis, DNA, and other forensic sciences. Professor Brandon L. Garrett shares how a variety of cognitive biases and our basic psychology can cause crime labs to make devastating errors that destroy lives. Not only can innocent people be falsely imprisoned, but the guilty can go free and possibly commit future crimes. For a transcript or to learn more, please visit the official episode page here. About the Guest Brandon L. Garrett is the L. Neil Williams Professor of Law at Duke University School of Law where he directs the Wilson Center for Science and Justice. His most recent book is “Autopsy of a Crime Lab: Exposing the Flaws in Forensics,” available from University of California Press. His previous books include “Convicting the Innocent: Where Criminal Prosecutions Go Wrong,” “Too Big to Jail: How Prosecutors Comprom

At last count, there were over 300 mental health-related apps in the app stores. With this many, how do you choose? How do they differ from each other, and do they actually help? Most importantly, how do we know which ones are safe?  On today’s episode, we discuss mental health apps with clinical psychologist, Dr. Nathaan Demers, and digital health marketer, Joe Conrad, who created the mental health app Nod.  Together, they explain what it takes to make an effective mental health app and how consumers can protect themselves. Listen now! Guest Information for 'Mental Health Apps' Podcast Episode Dr. Nathaan Demers is passionate about people. This passion has led him to an enriching career as a clinical psychologist, filled with a number of twists and turns working across a variety of settings. Nathaan is an active traveler and athlete — these aspects of his life have inspired him to think beyond the traditional confines of mental healthcare. He strives to find innovative ways to expand the reach of mental heal

If you’re an introvert, can you become a leader? Are quiet people capable of leading at all or is a loud, charismatic personality a requirement of leadership? The author of “Quietly Powerful: How Your Quiet Nature Is Your Hidden Leadership Strength,” Megumi Miki, answers these questions and tells us more about introversion and extroversion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many people have heard the phrase “inner child,” but what does that really mean? Today’s guest explains how she has reinterpreted the inner child archetype for the modern reader — delving into how metaphors of the sun child, shadow child, and inner adult will help you improve your life and relationships. Stefanie Stahl is a national board certified psychologist, bestselling author, and one of the most well-known psychotherapists in her home country of Germany. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode, life coach Mike Bayer from the Dr. Phil show shares his philosophy on how to live authentically. Can one decision really be the key to a better life? What does living authentically even mean? Coach Mike shares exercises from his new book that he’s used with Dr. Phil, J.Lo, and other celebs. Coach Mike’s first book “Best Self” was a runaway success, hitting the New York Times Bestseller list. His newest book is “ONE DECISION: The First Step to a Better Life.” Listen Now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When it comes to adoption, our understanding of the mental health needs of those involved seems to take a backseat. Concepts such as abandonment and trust issues, as well as acknowledging trauma, often remain unaddressed. Listen as our guest experts, Debbie B. Riley, LCMFT (Center for Adoption Support and Education) and Rita Soronen (Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption) help us understand mental health needs for children and adults who have been adopted or are currently in foster care. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices