The Thinking Mind Podcast: Psychiatry & Psychotherapy

The Thinking Mind Podcast
  • 4.5 (10)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Weekly

"If you are interested in your mind, emotions, sense of self, and understanding of others, this show is brilliant." Learn something new about the mind every week - With in-depth conversations at the intersection of psychiatry, psychotherapy, self-development, spirituality and the philosophy of mental health.  Featuring experts from around the world, leading clinicians and academics, published authors, and people with lived experience, we aim to make complex ideas in the mental health space accessible and engaging.  This podcast is designed for a broad audience including professionals, those who suffer with mental health difficulties, more common psychological problems, or those who just want to learn more about themselves and others.  Hosted by psychiatrists Dr. Alex Curmi, Dr. Anya Borissova & Dr. Rebecca Wilkinson.  Listeners have also said: "Every episode is enlightening, the approach, conversations and depth of information is deeply enriching. So refreshing to hear practitioners with this level of insight into human behaviour. Thank you for the work and for sharing." Podcast related enquiries: thinkingmindpodcast@gmail.com. If you would like to work with Dr. Curmi: alexcurmitherapy@gmail.com Disclaimer: None of the information in the podcast is intended as medical advice for any one invididual. 

  1. Thinking Films: Another Woman (1988) | E180

    22 hrs ago ·  Video

    Thinking Films: Another Woman (1988) | E180

    In this episode of The Thinking Mind, Dr. Alex is joined by Michael Cohen and Jonathan Kirschner, hosts of That ’70s Movie Podcast, to discuss Woody Allen’s 1988 film Another Woman, starring Gena Rowlands, Ian Holm, Mia Farrow and Gene Hackman. Another Woman is a quiet but devastating psychological drama about Marion Post, a philosophy professor whose life begins to unravel when she overhears the therapy sessions of a younger pregnant woman.  Dr Alex, Michael and Jonathan discuss why the film feels like such an “adult” movie, how it explores introspection, repression, memory, regret and the possibility of change. This is a conversation about cinema, psychology, middle age, missed possibilities, and the strange kind of hope that can come from finally seeing yourself clearly. Check out That '70s Movie Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/that-70s-movie-podcast/id1832034357 Interviewed by Dr. Alex Curmi. Dr. Alex is a consultant psychiatrist and a UKCP registered psychotherapist. Check out The Thinking Mind Blog on Substack: https://thinkingmindblog.substack.com/ If you would like to invite Alex to speak at your organisation please email alexcurmitherapy@gmail.com with "Speaking Enquiry" in the subject line. If you are interested in working with Alex for focused psychological coaching , you can email - alexcurmitherapy@gmail.com with "Coaching" in the subject line. Give feedback here - thinkingmindpodcast@gmail.com Follow us here: Twitter @thinkingmindpod Instagram @thinkingmindpodcast

    1hr 25min
  2. Key Moment: How Dating Apps Break Male Confidence (LooksMaxxing Explained)

    2 days ago ·  Video

    Key Moment: How Dating Apps Break Male Confidence (LooksMaxxing Explained)

    This is an excerpt from E174 about LooksMaxxing.  Looksmaxxing has become one of the most talked-about trends among young men online — but what does it actually mean, and when does self-improvement become harmful? This conversation looks at the deeper psychological forces behind the looksmaxxing trend: fear of rejection, low self-esteem, the desire to become more attractive, the pressure to “ascend,” and the belief that changing your face or body will solve your dating life. We also ask what a healthier alternative might look like — one based on confidence, social skills, resilience, real-world relationships, self-worth and learning how to tolerate rejection. Presented by Dr. Alex Curmi and Dr. Rosy Blunstone. Dr. Alex is a consultant psychiatrist and a UKCP registered psychotherapist in-training. Website: alexcurmitherapy.com Check out The Thinking Mind  on Substack: https://substack.com/@thinkingmindpodcast If you would like to invite Alex to speak at your organisation please email alexcurmitherapy@gmail.com with "Speaking Enquiry" in the subject line. Alex is not currently taking on new psychotherapy clients, if you are interested in working with Alex for focused behaviour change coaching , you can email - alexcurmitherapy@gmail.com with "Coaching" in the subject line. Give feedback here - thinkingmindpodcast@gmail.com Follow us here: Twitter @thinkingmindpod Instagram @thinkingmindpodcast

    16 min
  3. Why Attraction Isn't What You Think - Dr. Paul Eastwick | E179

    18 June ·  Video

    Why Attraction Isn't What You Think - Dr. Paul Eastwick | E179

    Dr. Paul Eastwick is a Professor at UC Davis where he runs the Attraction and Relationships Research Laboratory. Dr. Eastwick’s research investigates how people initiate romantic relationships and the psychological mechanisms that help romantic partners to remain committed and attached. He is one of the hosts of the Love Factually podcast.  Today we discuss his 2026 book Bonded by Evolution - to explore the science of romantic attraction, dating, compatibility and long-term relationships. We discuss why the idea of “mate value” can be misleading, how dating apps encourage us to judge people too quickly, why looks and status matter less than many online dating gurus suggest, and why real attraction often develops slowly through repeated interaction, shared experience and emotional connection. The Love Factually Podcast: https://www.lovefactuallypod.com/ Interviewed by Dr. Alex Curmi. Dr. Alex is a consultant psychiatrist and a UKCP registered psychotherapist. Check out The Thinking Mind Blog on Substack: https://thinkingmindblog.substack.com/ If you would like to invite Alex to speak at your organisation please email alexcurmitherapy@gmail.com with "Speaking Enquiry" in the subject line. Alex is not currently taking on new psychotherapy clients, if you are interested in working with Alex for focused behaviour change coaching , you can email - alexcurmitherapy@gmail.com with "Coaching" in the subject line. Give feedback here - thinkingmindpodcast@gmail.com Follow us here: Twitter @thinkingmindpod Instagram @thinkingmindpodcast Give feedback here - thinkingmindpodcast@gmail.com Follow us here: Twitter @thinkingmindpod Instagram @thinkingmindpodcast

    1hr 7min
  4. Key Moment: Make Your Life a Work of Art (w/ Emmy Van Deurzen)

    16 June ·  Video

    Key Moment: Make Your Life a Work of Art (w/ Emmy Van Deurzen)

    This is an excerpt from E172 of the Thinking Mind Podcast. Emmy van Deurzen, one of the leading figures in existential therapy in the UK and internationally. Emmy has over fifty years’ experience as a psychotherapist, has published more than thirty books, and was the first chair of the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy when it was created in 1993. In this conversation, we discuss existential therapy, what it means to be truly free, how to face life’s difficulties without turning away from them, and how we might begin to live more courageously. Interviewed by Dr. Alex Curmi. Dr. Alex is a consultant psychiatrist and a UKCP registered psychotherapist. Website: alexcurmitherapy.com Check out The Thinking Mind  on Substack: https://substack.com/@thinkingmindpodcast If you would like to invite Alex to speak at your organisation please email alexcurmitherapy@gmail.com with "Speaking Enquiry" in the subject line. Alex is not currently taking on new psychotherapy clients, if you are interested in working with Alex for focused behaviour change coaching , you can email - alexcurmitherapy@gmail.com with "Coaching" in the subject line. Give feedback here - thinkingmindpodcast@gmail.com Follow us here: Twitter @thinkingmindpod Instagram @thinkingmindpodcast

    17 min
  5. E178 | Our Idiot Brains, Happiness & Antidepressants (w/ Dr. Dean Burnett)

    11 June ·  Video

    E178 | Our Idiot Brains, Happiness & Antidepressants (w/ Dr. Dean Burnett)

    Today Dr. Alex is joined by neuroscientist and author Dr Dean Burnett for a wide-ranging conversation about the strange, flawed and fascinating human brain. Dr Dean Burnett is the author of The Idiot Brain, The Happy Brain and several other books exploring neuroscience, psychology and the weird ways our brains shape our lives. They discuss why the brain is not the perfect machine we often imagine it to be, why intrusive thoughts don’t define who you are, why anxiety and self-sabotage are often normal features of the mind, and why happiness is not something we are designed to feel all the time. Dean also explains what we do and don’t know about depression, antidepressants, SSRIs, brain chemistry, neuroplasticity, withdrawal effects, and why mental health is far more complicated than simple slogans like “chemical imbalance” or “just think positive”. Interviewed by Dr. Alex Curmi. Dr. Alex is a consultant psychiatrist and a UKCP registered psychotherapist. Check out The Thinking Mind Blog on Substack: https://thinkingmindblog.substack.com/ If you would like to invite Alex to speak at your organisation please email alexcurmitherapy@gmail.com with "Speaking Enquiry" in the subject line. Alex is not currently taking on new psychotherapy clients, if you are interested in working with Alex for focused behaviour change coaching , you can email - alexcurmitherapy@gmail.com with "Coaching" in the subject line. Give feedback here - thinkingmindpodcast@gmail.com Follow us here: Twitter @thinkingmindpod Instagram @thinkingmindpodcast Give feedback here - thinkingmindpodcast@gmail.com Follow us here: Twitter @thinkingmindpod Instagram @thinkingmindpodcast

    1hr 5min
  6. Sleep Series E4 | The Sleep Disorders No One Talks About (w/ Dr. Hugh Selsick)

    7 June

    Sleep Series E4 | The Sleep Disorders No One Talks About (w/ Dr. Hugh Selsick)

    For the final episode of our Sleep Series, Dr. Anya welcomes back Dr Hugh Selsick, consultant psychiatrist and lead for the UCLH Sleep Clinic in London. This episode covers sleep disorders we didn’t discuss previously on the last episode with Hugh (E128).  They discuss the different stages of sleep, strange things can happen during sleep such as sleep paralysis (parasomnias), narcolepsy, sleep apnoea, restless legs syndrome and much more.  If you haven't already check out episodes 1-3 of our Sleep Series where we explore how sleep works, the psychology of insomnia and sleep in children. Interviewed by Dr. Anya Borissova. Dr. Borissova is an academic psychiatry registrar at the South London and Maudsley Trust.  Check out The Thinking Mind  on Substack: https://substack.com/@thinkingmindpodcast If you would like to invite Alex to speak at your organisation please email alexcurmitherapy@gmail.com with "Speaking Enquiry" in the subject line. Alex is not currently taking on new psychotherapy clients, if you are interested in working with Alex for focused behaviour change coaching , you can email - alexcurmitherapy@gmail.com with "Coaching" in the subject line.  Give feedback here - thinkingmindpodcast@gmail.com Follow us here: Twitter @thinkingmindpod Instagram @thinkingmindpodcast

    1hr 18min
  7. E177 | Why You Must Deal With Self-Hate

    4 June ·  Video

    E177 | Why You Must Deal With Self-Hate

    In this episode, Alex explores self-esteem, self-hate and self-criticism, not just as emotional issues, but as forces that can shape the quality of a person’s life. He discusses how poor self-esteem can affect relationships, work, ambition, risk-taking and the ability to build a life that feels authentic. Alex also examines how people can develop a defensive “neurotic self” in response to fear, shame, anxiety or the stresses of life.  Finally, he looks at what healthier self-esteem might involve: a balanced relationship with yourself built on both compassion and challenge. Presented by Dr. Alex Curmi. Dr. Alex is a consultant psychiatrist and a UKCP registered psychotherapist in-training. If you would like to invite Alex to speak at your organisation please email alexcurmitherapy@gmail.com with "Speaking Enquiry" in the subject line. Alex is not currently taking on new psychotherapy clients, if you are interested in working with Alex for focused behaviour change coaching , you can email - alexcurmitherapy@gmail.com with "Coaching" in the subject line. Check out The Thinking Mind Blog on Substack: https://substack.com/@thinkingmindpodcast Give feedback here - thinkingmindpodcast@gmail.com Follow us here: Twitter @thinkingmindpod Instagram @thinkingmindpodcast

    25 min
  8. Sleep Series E3 | How Do Children Sleep? (w/ Dr Anya McLaren-Barnett)

    31 May

    Sleep Series E3 | How Do Children Sleep? (w/ Dr Anya McLaren-Barnett)

    This episode in the sleep series is with Dr Anya McLaren-Barnett. Dr Anya is a pediatric respirologist, sleep medicine physician and creator of The Sleep Health Intelligence Program (SHIPTM). In this episode, we discuss how our sleep patterns develop from birth, how Dr Anya addresses children’s sleep disorders in her clinic and we get some pointers on how to choose a sleep consultant. Thinking about investing in melatonin gummies? Listen to this episode first and then decide. You can see more from Dr Anya on instagram @thesleepgap and https://www.thesleephealth.org/about Interviewed by Dr. Anya Borissova. Dr. Borissova is an academic psychiatry registrar at the South London and Maudsley Trust.  Check out The Thinking Mind  on Substack: https://substack.com/@thinkingmindpodcast If you would like to invite Alex to speak at your organisation please email alexcurmitherapy@gmail.com with "Speaking Enquiry" in the subject line. Alex is not currently taking on new psychotherapy clients, if you are interested in working with Alex for focused behaviour change coaching , you can email - alexcurmitherapy@gmail.com with "Coaching" in the subject line.  Give feedback here - thinkingmindpodcast@gmail.com Follow us here: Twitter @thinkingmindpod Instagram @thinkingmindpodcast

    1hr 4min
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4.5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

"If you are interested in your mind, emotions, sense of self, and understanding of others, this show is brilliant." Learn something new about the mind every week - With in-depth conversations at the intersection of psychiatry, psychotherapy, self-development, spirituality and the philosophy of mental health.  Featuring experts from around the world, leading clinicians and academics, published authors, and people with lived experience, we aim to make complex ideas in the mental health space accessible and engaging.  This podcast is designed for a broad audience including professionals, those who suffer with mental health difficulties, more common psychological problems, or those who just want to learn more about themselves and others.  Hosted by psychiatrists Dr. Alex Curmi, Dr. Anya Borissova & Dr. Rebecca Wilkinson.  Listeners have also said: "Every episode is enlightening, the approach, conversations and depth of information is deeply enriching. So refreshing to hear practitioners with this level of insight into human behaviour. Thank you for the work and for sharing." Podcast related enquiries: thinkingmindpodcast@gmail.com. If you would like to work with Dr. Curmi: alexcurmitherapy@gmail.com Disclaimer: None of the information in the podcast is intended as medical advice for any one invididual. 

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