Thoughts on Record: Podcast of the Ottawa Institute of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Dr. Pete Kelly
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  • MENTAL HEALTH
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Thoughts on Record is the podcast of the Ottawa Institute of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (OICBT) located in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Each week we explore topics relevant to clinicians and mental health consumers from a cognitive behavioural perspective; however, if you’re generally interested in psychology, psychotherapy, evolutionary psychology, mental health, the brain, dynamics of human behaviour, creativity, wellness & performance then this podcast will certainly be of interest to you. Thoughts on Record is hosted by OICBT clinical psychologist Dr. Pete Kelly, C. Psych. Dr. Kelly is a Clinical Professor in the School of Psychology at the University of Ottawa and Adjunct Research Professor in the Department of Neuroscience at Carleton University. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Kelly is actively involved in directing speciality programming at OICBT, teaching and supervision, providing workshops to mental health professionals and is a frequent speaker to organizations around the impact of stress on well-being. Email the show: oicbtpodcast@gmail.com. You can visit the OICBT at www.ottawacbt.ca. Original theme music courtesy of OPK5, outro music courtesy of Baldhero & Van Whelan https://baldherovanwhelan.bandcamp.com

  1. 6 OCT

    Dr. Maelisa McCaffrey - Clinical Documentation

    Comments or feedback? Send us a text! 🎙️ Episode Overview Clinical documentation: every therapist’s frenemy. For many mental health professionals, paperwork is one of the most persistent sources of stress—filled with contradictory advice, defensive writing habits, and the ever-present fear of audits or legal scrutiny. Add to that an endless backlog of notes and inconsistent training, and it’s no wonder documentation can feel more like a burden than a cornerstone of good clinical care. With the rise of AI-powered tools—from automated note generation to smart treatment planners—clinicians are hopeful for relief. But new tools bring new questions: What’s ethical? What’s secure? And when does AI truly enhance care, rather than just speed up a flawed process? Dr. Maelisa McCaffrey, licensed psychologist and founder of QA Prep, joins us to explore the evolving landscape of clinical documentation, how to write better notes with less stress, and how to use AI responsibly while maintaining human-centered care. 💡 Key Themes & Questions What are the biggest misconceptions about what needs to be included in clinical documentation?The most common documentation pitfalls among early-career therapists—and how to course-correct.Finding the balance between clinical thoroughness and legal protection.How to tailor documentation to its intended audience—billing, risk management, continuity of care, etc.Using documentation as a therapeutic tool, not just an administrative task.Key documentation strategies for high-risk situations (e.g., suicidality, child protection).How trauma-informed principles can guide respectful and non-stigmatizing notes.Best practices for open notes and client portals—writing transparently while maintaining clinical utility.Navigating couples and family therapy notes where multiple perspectives intersect.The impact of AI tools (scribes, generators) on documentation quality and clinician workload.Ethical and practical considerations when integrating AI into clinical workflows.Why clinicians must remain the final editors of AI-assisted notes.The future of AI in clinical outcome tracking and safety monitoring.Addressing concerns about liability and false confidence in AI-generated documentation.If Maelisa could change one thing about how clinicians approach documentation—it would be what?🧠 Guest Bio Dr. Maelisa McCaffrey, Psy.D. is a licensed psychologist, nail design enthusiast, and multi-passionate entrepreneur. Through her company QA Prep, she helps therapists transform documentation from a source of dread into a meaningful part of clinical practice. Maelisa focuses on the why behind documentation standards, helping clinicians think critically and ethically while maintaining their authenticity. Living with ADHD herself, she brings humor, practicality, and real-world insight to her trainings, empowering therapists to write notes with confidence and clarity. 🔗 Connect with Dr. McCaffrey Website: QA PrepYouTube: QA Prep ChannelInstagram: @maelisamccaffreyLinkedIn: Dr. Maelisa McCaffrey

    58 min

  2. 8 SEPT

    Dr. Claire Sira & Tom Hudock: Feeling Loved With Adult ADHD

    Comments or feedback? Send us a text! In this episode, Dr. Claire Sira and Tom Hudock join me to discuss their new book Feeling Loved with Adult ADHD. We explore how ADHD can quietly undermine even the strongest relationships—and how partners can move from shame and blame to empathy and trust. Together we cover: Emotion dysregulation and its impact on intimacyADHD as a “third partner” in relationshipsMoving from criticism to curiosityThe “Trust Account” metaphor for building connectionNavigating over-functioning vs. under-functioning rolesShame spirals, defensiveness, and timing in conflictPractical tools like boundaries, and empathy skillsHow worksheets and reflective exercises support real changeSigns of hope for couples who feel stuck or disconnectedIf you’re living with ADHD, partnered with someone who is, or working clinically with these dynamics, this conversation offers both compassion and practical strategies. Dr. Claire Sira Dr. Sira earned her PhD in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Neuropsychology from UVic in 2007. After working as a Neuropsychologist at Victoria General Hospital for five years, she transitioned to full-time private practice in 2014. In 2019, she expanded her focus to include assessing and treating ADHD in adults and youth, recognizing the similarity between executive function impairments in adult ADHD and those resulting from acquired brain injuries. As a co-founder of ADHD For Life, Dr. Sira has developed an efficient ADHD assessment process for psychologists and physicians. Additionally, she and her co-founder offer online coaching programs and books for adults with ADHD. Dr. Sira frequently presents on ADHD to healthcare professionals and provides supervision and training to therapists looking to enhance their skills in ADHD assessment and treatment. She also consults with clinics and specialized teams to integrate mental and behavioral healthcare into their services.  Lastly, Dr. Sira is a past president of the British Columbia Psychological Association Board of Directors and is currently serving a three-year term as a Director at Large on the Canadian Psychological Association Board of Directors. 👉 drclairesira.ca Tom Hudock Known for starting organizations in technology, education, and psychology, Tom Hudock is more than a startup junkie—he is a coach, mentor, advocate, and partner. In a world where leaders are often lauded for being harsh, Tom does it all with compassion for the people, process, and product he seeks to elevate. But like many entrepreneurs, his path has not always been easy. As a young man, Tom left an Engineering degree to develop Canada’s 2nd Microsoft Windows-based Point-Of-Sale software, selling it across North America. After a successful exit to a plastics and paints retailer, he built his consulting expertise with government and big business while co-founding ADHD For Life and Hyperfocus Software.  In 2015, Tom co-founded Rethink Thinking Foundation, a non-profit hosting 250-teen weekend events with headliners like Sir Ken Robinson. He later launched Arc Academy of Inquiry, a registered middle school rooted in self-direction, resilience, and inquiry-based learning. Through challenges and failures came deep lessons and clarity. Today, Tom champions the underdog and finds his strongest inspiration by investing in people with drive and forward-thinking ideas. 👉 https://adhdforlife.com/about-us

    1h 4m

  3. 11 AUG

    Dr. Niko Kukushkin - One Hand Clapping: Rethinking the Human Mind

    Comments or feedback? Send us a text! In this conversation, neuroscientist and author Dr. Nikolay Kukushkin joins us to explore some of the deepest questions about the human mind. Drawing from his book One Hand Clapping, Dr. Kukushkin offers a rare synthesis of biology, evolution, and philosophy—challenging us to reconsider not only how the mind works, but what it means to be a mind at all. Topics & Questions Covered: What inspired One Hand Clapping and the central questions it seeks to answerThe brain as a “singularity” of nature’s complexity and its implications for consciousnessConsciousness through the neurobiology of psychedelicsThe value and meaning of memory vs. the present momentThe dopamine “economy” and its links to addiction, burnout, and anxietyWhy unpredictability—not reward—drives behavior“The cortex wants peace, the reward system wants chaos” – reconciling two competing systemsHow social life shaped intelligence and what loneliness does to the brainCan AI help us understand our own minds?The role of uncertainty in long-term happiness and mental wellnessWhy “life isn’t a problem to solve—it’s something to be experienced”Nikolay Kukushkin, PhD, is a neuroscientist, writer, and science communicator whose work bridges hard science and human experience. Trained at institutions such as Oxford and Harvard, he has conducted pioneering research on memory formation, synaptic plasticity, and the neural basis of learning. Currently based at NYU’s Carew Laboratory, he investigates the molecular foundations of behavior. Beyond his academic work, Dr. Kukushkin has written hundreds of popular science articles in both Russian and international media, earning recognition for his ability to combine clarity, scientific rigor, and philosophical insight. One Hand Clapping is his first book in English, following its acclaimed Russian release by Alpina Non-Fiction. He lives in New York with his wife, continuing to explore what makes the human brain not only a machine of thought but a vessel of meaning. Learn More: Website: nikolaykukushkin.com

    1h 7m

  4. 15 JULY

    Dr. James Cordova - The Mindful Path to Intimacy

    Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Clinicians will often hear their clients express deeply felt needs, only to admit they’ve never shared them with their partner—usually due to fear of vulnerability or a defensive, adversarial dynamic that makes intimacy feel unsafe.  In today’s episode, we are joined by Dr. James Cordova—Professor of Psychology at Clark University and creator of The Relationship Checkup—to discuss his new book, The Mindful Path to Intimacy. Dr. Cordova’s book offers a powerful framework for understanding and transforming these relational patterns through the lens of mindfulness, compassion, and shared vulnerability. In our conversation, we explore: Why intimacy is often more terrifying than people expect—and why it’s worth the riskHow mindfulness can serve as both a spiritual and relational practiceThe idea that attention is the most basic form of loveWhy many couples shift from infatuation to frustration, and what can be done about itHow interpersonal neurobiology helps us understand the push-pull of closeness and withdrawalWays to navigate shame, trauma histories, and fear of being fully seen in loveWhat distinguishes couples who flourish from those who simply coexist. Dr. James Cordova is a Professor of Psychology at Clark University and the creator of The Relationship Checkup, a pioneering, preventative intervention designed to assess and strengthen couples’ relationships before problems escalate. He has led major research initiatives—including a $1.3M Department of Defense-funded RCT with Lt. Colonel Jeffrey Cigrang and a $1M NIH grant—demonstrating the model’s effectiveness in both military and civilian populations. As founder and president of Arammu: The Relationship Checkup, Inc., Dr. Cordova is scaling this approach nationwide, training over 1,000 military counselors and integrating the model into primary care. He is the author of The Marriage Checkup, The Story of Mu, and The Mindful Path to Intimacy, the latter of which offers mindfulness-based tools for cultivating emotional and spiritual connection. To learn more about Dr. Cordova and his work, visit: https://relationshipcheckup.com Or check out his latest book, The Mindful Path to Intimacy, from Guilford Press.

    1 hr

  5. 16 JUNE

    Dr. Meredith Gansner - Depression, Diagnosis & Digital Culture in Teens

    Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Digital media is changing the way young people experience—and express—mental health struggles, particularly depression. Child and adolescent psychiatrist, Dr. Meredith Gansner, joins us to discuss themes in her new book Teen Depression Gone Viral.   🔍 Topics We Explore: What inspired Teen Depression Gone Viral and the choice to focus on digital media’s roleCurrent trends in teen depression—what’s driving the rise?Why are so many teens turning to social media for psychiatric education?How digital culture alters the presentation and self-understanding of depressive symptoms in adolescentsUnderstanding the addictive properties of digital devices and their emotional withdrawal effectsThe risks of social media self-diagnosis—and how clinicians and parents can respondSocial contagion and the viral spread of mental health content onlineEngaging teens who reject a depression diagnosisScreen time: symptom, cause, or both?When online communities are helpful—and when they’re harmfulThe critical role of sleep in teen mental health—and how screens disrupt itThe corrosive impact of pornographyOnline identity-based diagnoses: ADHD, ASD, and the “diagnosis du jour” effectHow social media shapes teens' attitudes toward psychiatric treatmentSetting digital boundaries in ways that foster trust and connectionMeredith E. Gansner, MD is a child and adolescent psychiatrist and Instructor in Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. Clinically, she works at Boston Children’s Hospital, where she specializes in the evaluation and treatment of youth with mood disorders, self-injurious behaviors, and emerging psychiatric risk profiles. Dr. Gansner’s research centers on the intersection of digital media use and adolescent psychopathology, with a particular focus on how online environments shape the presentation and course of depressive symptoms. She is widely published in the areas of psychiatric misdiagnosis, social contagion, and screen-related mental health trends, and is recognized as a leading expert in how digital culture influences youth mental health. Her new book, Teen Depression Gone Viral, was recently published by Guilford Press.

    1h 5m

  6. 2 JUNE

    Dr. Heather Wheeler - Perfectionism in High Performers

    Comments or feedback? Send us a text! At first glance, perfectionism looks like an asset; however, the same internal drive that fuels greatness can also erode well-being, leaving success feeling empty and unsatisfying. In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Heather Wheeler, psychologist and former elite athlete, to explore the psychology of perfectionism in high achievers. In this conversation we cover:  Defining perfectionism: What is it and is it ever adaptive?Early Conditioning: The role of coaches, parents, and social environments in shaping perfectionistic traits.When It Becomes Harmful: How to recognize when a drive towards excellence is tipping into burnout or mental health risk.Identity & Performance: How high performers conflate self-worth with performance—and what happens post-retirement.Working with High Performers: Navigating some of the specific challenges that can come with working with high performers Perception by others: How perfectionistic high performers can be perceived by others in an untoward fashion and what can be done about it Evolutionary Significance: The potential evolutionary origins of perfectionismUnmet Needs: How leveraging awareness of unmet needs, loneliness and a lack of connection within one's broader life can help high performers achieve a higher quality of life Injury & Recovery: How a perfectionistic mindset can both help and hinder the recovery process.Mental Health Risks: Links between perfectionism and anxiety, depression, and eating disorders in high performers.Values: Facilitating effective discussions with high performers in therapeutic, parenting and coaching contexts Heather is one of Canada’s leading experts at the intersection of mental health and high-performance sport. Recognized for her deep knowledge and skill as a Clinical Psychologist with expertise in performance psychology, alongside her passion and enthusiasm for creating change, Heather’s impact is system-wide; including support for athletes, coaches, sport leaders and organizations across all levels of the Canadian sport system. She has been on the leading edge of the evolution of mental health prioritization in sport in recent years, helping build awareness of the unique challenges related to “mental injuries,” including eating disorders. She is adept at driving high-performance cultures through a series of steps and processes that develop the right conditions for people and organizations to grow to their full potential. As Mental Health Lead for Athletics Canada, Swimming Canada and Canadian Sport Institute Ontario, Heather leads the path for early intervention and treatment of athletes and coaches. She is also the psychologist for the HighPerformance Centre – Ontario (HPC-ON), working with the national swim team athletes and coaches and creating a psychologically-informed environment. She has been supporting high-performance and world-class athletes and coaches on their journey up to and including the Olympics and Paralympics since 2008 and is a provider for Game Plan’s Mental Health Network. Heather has over two decades of experience providing psychological assessment and evidence-based treatment to diverse populations, in both private practice and the public healthcare system.  Beyond clinical practice and leadership roles, Heather is a sought-after keynote speaker and workshop facilitator, known for creating engaging, transformative experiences and workshops related to mental health for high-performers.  www.heatherwheeler.com

    58 min

  7. 5 MAY

    Dr. Chris Taplin - Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

    Comments or feedback? Send us a text! Dr. Chris Taplin,a psychiatrist and founder of Ottawa’s TMS Life clinic, joins us for a deep dive into one of the most promising frontiers in psychiatric care: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, or TMS. As clinicians, many of us have encountered the heartbreak of treatment-resistant depression — watching clients struggle despite best-practice psychotherapy and pharmacology. TMS offers a non-invasive, evidence-based alternative that is reshaping how we approach these cases. In this conversation, we unpack the science, patient experience, clinical decision-making, and broader implications of this technology. Whether you’re a skeptic, a curious clinician, or already working with neuromodulation, I think you’ll find this a thoughtful, grounded look at where TMS fits in the future of mental health treatment. Topics We Cover: 🧠 Understanding TMS – What is TMS, and how does it work? – FDA-approved indications vs. emerging off-label uses – How TMS compares to ECT and other neuromodulation tools 🪑 The Patient Experience – What a typical TMS session looks and feels like – Common side effects and time course of therapeutic response – What patients report during and after a course of treatment 🔬 Mechanisms and Research – What brain mechanisms underlie TMS’s effectiveness? – Neuroplasticity and circuit-level change – Emerging biomarkers and predictors of treatment response 🌍 Broader Impacts – How TMS is shifting the landscape for treatment-resistant depression – What’s new and exciting in TMS research – Future directions: Could TMS expand to anxiety, PTSD, or neurological conditions? ⚖️ Practical and Ethical Considerations – Barriers to access and systemic challenges – How to assess if a patient is a good candidate – Ethical issues in offering brain-based treatments 👥 Personal Insights – Dr. Taplin’s journey into TMS – A powerful patient success story – Guidance for clinicians exploring TMS integration Dr. Chris Taplin, MD, FRCPC is a board-certified psychiatrist and the founder of TMS Life, a leading mental health clinic based in Ottawa, Ontario. He specializes in the treatment of complex and treatment-resistant mental health conditions, including depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and sports-related psychiatric concerns. Dr. Taplin is a nationally recognized expert in Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and completed specialized training in repetitive TMS at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). His clinical approach integrates TMS with evidence-based psychotherapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure and response prevention (ERP), and interpersonal therapy, offering a comprehensive and individualized care model for his patients. A graduate of the University of British Columbia, Dr. Taplin completed his psychiatry residency in Ontario and has been in independent practice since 2022. He is deeply committed to improving access to innovative treatments and has contributed to academic efforts aimed at enhancing psychiatric education and recruitment. Outside of his clinical work, Dr. Taplin enjoys spending time with his family, rock climbing, and connecting with nature. tmslife.com

    55 min

  8. 21 APR

    Dr. Joe Pierre - Why We Believe What Isn’t True

    Comments or feedback? Send us a text! In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Joe Pierre, psychiatrist and author of False, to explore why people believe things that aren’t true—and why challenging those beliefs is rarely as simple as presenting the facts. Drawing from research in psychiatry, cognitive science, and social psychology, Dr. Pierre unpacks the emotional, identity-based, and relational roots of misinformation and conspiratorial thinking.  Whether you’re a clinician, educator, or simply someone trying to make sense of our “post-truth” era, this conversation offers an evidence-based look at the psychology behind false beliefs. In this conversation we discuss:  Why smart people believe irrational things  The emotional and identity functions of conspiracy theories  How misinformation spreads—and why it's so sticky  The limits of fact-checking and logic-based persuasion  The "prognosis" for someone who believes in conspiracy theories  The role of mental illness in extreme beliefs (and where the line is)  Online echo chambers, tribalism, and distrust in institutions  The psychological appeal of certainty in uncertain times  Strategies for promoting critical thinking and intellectual humility  Bio: Joe Pierre, MD, is a clinical professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. With a background in both molecular biology and psychology from MIT and medical training at UCLA, Dr. Pierre’s career has focused on severe mental illness, particularly psychotic disorders. In addition to his clinical work, he’s a prolific writer and commentator on the psychology of belief, delusion, and misinformation. His Psych Unseen column for Psychology Today explores the intersection of psychiatry, media, and culture. False is his definitive exploration of why we believe things that aren’t true, and what that means for our mental health and collective future. drjoepierre.com psychologytoday.com/us/blog/psych-unseen @psychunseen @psychunseen.bsky.social

    57 min
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About

Thoughts on Record is the podcast of the Ottawa Institute of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (OICBT) located in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Each week we explore topics relevant to clinicians and mental health consumers from a cognitive behavioural perspective; however, if you’re generally interested in psychology, psychotherapy, evolutionary psychology, mental health, the brain, dynamics of human behaviour, creativity, wellness & performance then this podcast will certainly be of interest to you. Thoughts on Record is hosted by OICBT clinical psychologist Dr. Pete Kelly, C. Psych. Dr. Kelly is a Clinical Professor in the School of Psychology at the University of Ottawa and Adjunct Research Professor in the Department of Neuroscience at Carleton University. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Kelly is actively involved in directing speciality programming at OICBT, teaching and supervision, providing workshops to mental health professionals and is a frequent speaker to organizations around the impact of stress on well-being. Email the show: oicbtpodcast@gmail.com. You can visit the OICBT at www.ottawacbt.ca. Original theme music courtesy of OPK5, outro music courtesy of Baldhero & Van Whelan https://baldherovanwhelan.bandcamp.com

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