Bear Psychology podcast

So many of our listeners have pets that they cherish and certainly have shared struggles they might have with these animals.  I am a great animal lover and many of my clients have found solace in their relationships with pets in the home, at times feeling a great emotional boost from the connection.   With this in mind, I wanted to share the work of Denise Mange – who has written about her special approach to building a health relationship with the pets in your life.   A bark is not always just a bark and a bite is not always just a bite. Training a dog (or other animal) involves more than just a handful of techniques from google; it also involves YOU, the pet parent. Common pet behaviors reveal a lot about your lifestyle, job, and other connections in addition to the dynamic you have with your pet. Denise Mange’s new book “Translating Your Pet’s Behaviour: A Mindful Approach to Dog Training” teaches readers how to train smarter, not harder and help close the gap between canine training and your own personal

Depression is a type of mood disorder that often results in chronic feelings of profound sadness and disinterest. Referred to as both clinical depression and major depressive disorder, it affects one's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and can result in a range of psychological and medical issues. Sufferers often report difficulty navigating their day-to-day life and thinking life is not worth living. However, it is critical to understand that recovery is possible and that you are not alone in these struggles. Dr. Nina Josefowitz’s book “The Behavioral Activation Workbook for Depression: Powerful Strategies to Boost Your Mood and Build a Better Life” has been created for this very purpose and is made to assist you in breaking free from the vicious cycle of dejection, low mood, and lack of motivation that is depression. Listen to our conversation with clinical psychologist & author Dr. Nina Josefowitz as we discuss how to boost your motivation, elevate your attitude, and create a better existence, “one pag

In this healing exploration author and therapist Dr. Tamra Sattler reflects on the “Enneagram 4” also referred to as “Borderline-style personality”. These personality styles have a reputation of being difficult for therapists to work with, families to tolerate, and importantly for those struggling to love and accept themselves. In her book, “Too Much and Not Enough: Healing for the Enneagram Four or Borderline-Style Personality”, Sattler describes how people achieve self-discovery and a path forward to belonging, for those with strong emotions. Listen to our conversation with therapist & author Tamra Sattler as we talk about her intimate experience living with this personality type and working with this complicated population. Tamra Sattler, PhD, is a registered Marriage and Family therapist, professor, and author with a private practice based out of Colorado. Dr. Sattler has almost 20 years of experience as a clinician and specializes in the areas of psychological and spiritual development. Her approache

Upon receiving a brain tumor diagnosis in 2018, Cynthia Clark’s husband expressed his desire to prioritize the quality of his remaining years over the quantity. His desire was to relish his time with his wife and kids, which ultimately led to his decision to utilize MAID when treatment failed eight months later. After starting a blog to update friends and family about the process, Cynthia began to notice that those going through this same process with a loved one often reported feeling alone and unsupported.  This led her to write “The Many Faces of MAID: What to Expect When Someone You Know Chooses Medical Assistance in Dying” with co-author Carol Cram to provide those going through this experience some comfort and support. The proceeds of the book go towards MAID FAMILY SUPPORT SOCIETY. The book is a compilation of 17 stories from those that have experienced the loss of a loved one through a medically assisted death. These stories show the raw and uncensored experiences of the storytellers, express a wide r

After 20 years in practice, Dr. Jonice Webb noticed the painful struggle of people who grew up in homes where they were emotionally neglected.  She identified this neglect as an "invisible factor" that continued to affect adults often leaving them feeling depleted and dissatisfied or what she described as “Running on Empty”. In Dr. Webb’s books “Running on Empty: Overcome Your Childhood Emotional Neglect” and “Running On Empty No More: Transform Your Relationships” she shines a light on this invisible force of CEN.  She discusses how to bring new tools, strategies and self-awareness to grow beyond this limiting life experience and encourages you to grow beyond CEN. Listen to our conversation with psychologist & author Dr. Jonice Webb as we learn about the concept of Emotional Neglect and her tools for helping fix it. Dr. Jonice Webb, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist, bestselling author, and “psychologist expert” according to the Chicago Tribune and CNBC. Dr. Webb has over two decades of experience in the

After years of excellent health as an ultra-marathon runner and athlete and a good life in a stable marriage Katie Arnold’s life flipped from stable to unrecognizable.  Arnold experienced a significant injury while on a rafting trip that left her with a broken leg and big life changes.  She takes us through her life as an ultra-runner and a “seething but adequate” married woman before the accident. The things she relied on before her accident were ripped away from her leaving her wondering who she really is. After her accident, she sought solace through a Zen meditation practice she experimented with earlier in life.  She immersed herself in a Zen meditation practice in an effort to find healing.  This is the journey she shares in her memoir “Brief Flashings in the Phenomenal World”. Katie Arnold shares her story of exploring wilderness a quest for quiet. Over the course of 2 years, from before her injury, to the uncertain recovery of both her leg and her marriage, it is a personal account of a turbulent peri

Growing up with emotionally immature or self-centered parents can mean that your emotional needs were either disregarded or unmet. As a result, you may struggle with feelings of betrayal, abandonment, rage, or loneliness. Although you may work hard to become the person you want to be, your old wounds might re-ignite at any time, especially if your are reminded of vulnerable childhood feelings. Dr. Gibson, is an CEN expert and the author of “Disentangling from Emotionally Immature People: Avoid Emotional Traps, Stand Up for Your Self, and Transform Your Relationships as an Adult Child of Emotionally Immature Parents”. Dr. Lindsay Gibson explains that adult children of an emotionally immature parents may be particularly vulnerable to other emotionally immature people (EIP) in life. She uses her years of experience to teach us how avoid common EIP traps, build confidence, and stand strong in the face of emotional immaturity. Listen to the conversation with Dr. Lindsay Gibson as we explore how to change your pers

If you are interested in learning how to assert yourself in the workplace, navigate tumultuous family dynamics, or establish boundaries in romantic relationships, this show is for you.  Boundaries are the invisible lines that define the limits of our emotional and physical space, safeguarding our well-being and preserving our sense of self. Yet, for many, setting and maintaining boundaries can be a daunting task, fraught with uncertainty and discomfort. In her book, "Setting Boundaries That Stick" Juliane Taylor Shore offers a beacon of hope for those seeking to cultivate healthier relationships and reclaim their personal power. Through the lens of neurobiology, Shore illuminates the intricacies of boundary-setting, providing readers with practical tools to rewire their brains and foster a profound sense of safety, connection, and empowerment. Listen to our conversation with therapist & author Juliane Taylor Shore as we discuss how to embark on our own transformative journeys towards greater self-compassi

Relationships rule our inner world. Understanding how you feel and think about your relationships helps you become more accepting and then more peaceful. You can develop an appreciation for other people's perspectives and stop assigning blame on others. Dr. Jacqueline Heller’s book “Yesterday Never Sleeps: How Integrating Life's Current and Past Connections Improves Our Well-Being” draws upon decades of clinical experience to create a powerful and more positive inner narrative. Her unique combination of neuroscience, memoirs of her life as a child of Holocaust survivors, and patient histories involving a range of psychological ills and trauma help readers to make sense of their own histories and forge a better future. Listen to our conversation with physician & author Dr. Jacqueline Heller as we discuss how to befriend and understand our inner mind, open a pathway to curiosity, improve relationships, empathy, and intimacy. Dr. Jacqueline Heller is a physician, board certified in psychiatry and neurology,

Disconnected People in positions of power make the world more dangerous for everyone – Bear Psychology Radio hosted by Dr. Anna Baranowsky with guest Dr. Steve Taylor. Disconnected people have the tendency to gravitate toward power.  When Disconnected people rule in positions of power societies trend toward patriarchal, hierarchical and warlike. In contrast, societies with connected leaders trend toward egalitarian, democracy and peace. Although most people have a deep need to be connected, life events/upbringing and trauma exposure can interfere in this profound human characteristic.  A person’s “goodness” and capacity for compassion often results from connection, whereas cruelty often originates from a feeling of being cut off from others. Dr. Steve Taylor, author of “DisConnected: The Roots of Human Cruelty and How Connection Can Heal the World”, teaches us about the consequences of disconnection, how connection ultimately shapes us as a society, and how it can even change us as people. Listen to the conve

Experiencing stressful or traumatic experiences during childhood leads us to develop certain coping mechanisms to get us through. While these strategies might have helped us feel secure when younger, they often fail us in adulthood. Richard Brouillette’s book “Your Coping Skills Aren't Working: How to Break Free from the Habits that Once Helped You But Now Hold You Back” offers an evidence-based guide using multiple therapeutic modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), schema therapy, and attachment theory to help readers leave behind unhelpful coping strategies that keep us stuck in self-sabotaging cycles. Listen to our conversation with social worker & author Richard Brouillette as we discuss how to break free from habits that keep you from realizing your full potential. Also, learn to leave behind damaging childhood experiences and dysfunctional coping mechanisms. Brouillette is a Social Worker and a schema therapist. He focuses on helping creatives, professionals, and business owners wh

Raheel Raza, a Muslim Canadian born in Pakistan, migrated to Canada in 1988, has a unique perspective on what is happening right now in the Israel-Hamas war and her reflections on misinformation and what Peace would take.  She has visited Israel 13 times in the 16 years. In her National Post Article “I'm a Muslim and I love Israel. Here's why” published in February 2023, Raza details what she has learned about hate and antisemitism, it’s prevalence in Arab Muslim countries, her hope for Peace and the struggles of supporting Israel at this time. Listen to our conversation with journalist & author Raheel Raza as we talk about her unique understanding of the current Israel-Hamas conflict, with the perspective as a Muslim Canadian Journalist in Canada. Raheel Raza has publications in major newspapers in Canada and appearances on International media outlets like CNN, BBC, Fox News and CBC. She is considered an activist for human rights, a prolific author, supporter of women’s issues and an International public

What does it mean to lose someone so close to you that your world will never be the same? What if this happens when the whole world is locked down during a global Pandemic, a collective trauma?  How do we navigate terrible loss with great compassion and love?  Journalist Mitchell Consky has something important to share with us about this based on personal experience. During the worst of the COVID pandemic, Consky received distressing news.  His father had been given less than two months to live after being diagnosed with a rare terminal cancer. In his book, “Home Safe: A Memoir of End-of-Life Care During Covid-19”, he describes the challenges he and his family faced with balancing a family-centered approach to end-of-life care with the social distancing demands of the Covid-19 pandemic. Listen our conversation with journalist & author Mitchell Consky as we talk about his family’s journey supporting his beloved father die with dignity during a pandemic lockdown. Consky walks us through the experience of ho

After 20 years in practice, Dr. Jonice Webb noticed the painful struggle of people who grew up in homes where they were emotionally neglected.  She identified this neglect as an "invisible factor" that continued to affect adults often leaving them feeling depleted and dissatisfied or what she described as “Running on Empty”. In Dr. Webb’s books “Running on Empty: Overcome Your Childhood Emotional Neglect” and “Running On Empty No More: Transform Your Relationships” she shines a light on this invisible force of CEN.  She discusses how to bring new tools, strategies and self-awareness to grow beyond this limiting life experience and encourages you to grow beyond CEN. Listen to our conversation with psychologist & author Dr. Jonice Webb as we learn about the concept of Emotional Neglect and her tools for helping fix it. Dr. Jonice Webb, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist, bestselling author, and “psychologist expert” according to the Chicago Tribune and CNBC. Dr. Webb has over two decades of experience in the

Recovery from trauma is not simply about healing the mind but about healing the body as well. Often the approach when treating trauma is solely focused on the mental and emotional effects and fails to address the physiological imbalances that trauma leaves behind on our bodies. In Dr. Arielle Schwartz’s newest book “Therapeutic Yoga for Trauma Recovery: Applying the Principles of Polyvagal Theory for Self-Discovery, Embodied Healing, and Meaningful Change”, she guides the reader using yoga practices to help release the burdens of trauma and begin the journey of healing the psyche and the body. The book utilizes a variety of principles to provide a deeper understanding of how our bodies and brains react to stress and trauma leaving the reader feeling informed and empowered. Listen to our conversation with psychologist & author Dr. Arielle Schwartz as we learn about the importance of embodied healing in treating and recovering from trauma. Dr. Arielle Schwartz, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist, prolific au

Every wonder why you make poor food choices? Have you ever tried a new diet just to end up miserable and eating even more than before? Kim Shapira will help us understand how to put an end to disordered eating habits and improving your health and happiness in the process. Shapira recognizes that unhealthy food habits can occur as a result of life stressors and old patterns of self-soothing.  Her work focuses on getting back on track and using food for health. Kim Shapira, author of “This Is What You’re Really Hungry For”, teaches us how to develop a healthy relationship with our food free of restriction and the need to constantly eat “healthy”. Her method allows you to lose or maintain your current weight, alleviate blood pressure issues, increase your energy level, reframe any unhelpful beliefs about food, identify foods that are not for you, and manage your emotions in healthy ways. Listen to the conversation with Kim Shapira as we explore Shapira’s six simple rules to changing your relationship with food.

I know you are creative and innovative at your core. However, most of us just don’t know how to access the deep wealth of creativity that sits inside. Dr. Ronald Alexander’s book “Core Creativity: The Mindful Way to Unlock Your Creative Self” guides you through using mindfulness practices to train your mind so that it more easily opens the portal to core creativity: the unconscious mind. I am really excited about this show as it focuses on opening up to a powerful element of our true nature. Listen to our conversation with psychotherapist & author Dr. Ronald Alexander as we learn ways to go beyond ordinary creativity and unlock your creativity. Dr. Ronald Alexander, PhD, is a psychotherapist and international trainer who has spent more than 5 decades guiding and advising both renowned artists and the rest of us regular folks in his effective strategies for opening the portal to core creativity. Dr. Alexander’s book uses a number of effective tools including powerful guided visualizations, meditation, insi

Disconnected people have the tendency to gravitate toward power.  When Disconnected people rule in positions of power societies trend toward patriarchal, hierarchical and warlike. In contrast, societies with connected leaders trend toward egalitarian, democracy and peace. Although most people have a deep need to be connected, life events/upbringing and trauma exposure can interfere in this profound human characteristic.  A person’s “goodness” and capacity for compassion often results from connection, whereas cruelty often originates from a feeling of being cut off from others. Dr. Steve Taylor, author of “DisConnected: The Roots of Human Cruelty and How Connection Can Heal the World”, teaches us about the consequences of disconnection, how connection ultimately shapes us as a society, and how it can even change us as people. Listen to the conversation with Dr. Steve Taylor as we explore the benefits of being interconnected unpack how valuable human connection is to us all in this complex world. Dr. Taylor is

We all want to feel free to be our true selves and live in a way that feel authentic.  I want to live my life to the fullest and I imagine you do as well.  Despite this, we can get sidetracked by demands and expectations that throw us off our true gifts and passions.  Instead we might follow the preferences and aspirations that society, family, and friends have for us, rather than what we truly want for ourselves. Breaking free from self-doubt and discovering what it is that you truly want from life, demands that you grow beyond the obstacles that undermine personal goals, hopes and dreams. Dr. Lyndsay Gibson, Psychologist and author of “Who You Were Meant to Be: A Guide to Finding or Recovering Your Life's Purpose”.  Dr. Gibson utilizes her years of clinical knowledge to show us what gets in the way of our true unfolding.  We will reflect on how to free ourselves from misguided guilt and misplaced loyalty that confuses loving others with sacrificing ourselves and betraying our true life path. Listen to the c

There are times when someone describes in detail a relationship that seems unkind, unhealthy and even dangerous.  Or maybe we have experienced this personally in a relationship with a person we thought would be a wonderful partner to begin with only to realize after falling deeply in love that this person is self-centered, arrogant, attention seeking and lacks basic empathy and consideration for other people. An expert on NPD and psychopaths and the author of “Women Who Love Psychopaths: Inside the Relationships of Inevitable Harm with Psychopaths, Sociopaths & Narcissists”, Sandra L. Brown (author and former psychotherapist) shares her knowledge of Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) and Psychopathy, the complicated nature of Pathological and/or abusive relationships, and how to heal when the relationship ends. Listen to our conversation with Sandra L. Brown as we delve into personality disorders (Borderline, Narcissism, Anti-Social, and Psychopathy), Pathological Love Relationships, and the care of