The Adaptive Mind

Neurture
The Adaptive Mind

Welcome to The Adaptive Mind, a podcast dedicated to exploring the science of behavioral change and overcoming unwanted habits or addictions. Each episode dives into practical strategies for breaking habits, the latest research on behavior and addiction, and inspiring first-hand accounts from individuals and professionals alike. From therapists and clinicians to authors and entrepreneurs, we bring you diverse perspectives and actionable insights to support your journey toward positive change. Visit https://neurtureapp.com for free tools to reducing or breaking habits.

Episodes

  1. APR 7

    When Therapy Works (and When It Doesn't) with Dr. Katherine Seldin, PhD

    Ever wondered if therapy is right for you? In this episode, postdoctoral fellow Katherine Seldin breaks down everything you need to know about finding the right therapist, what to expect in your sessions, and when therapy might (or might not) be the right fit. Katherine's expertise in emotional impulsivity, mood disorders, and evidence-based therapies makes her the perfect guide through the often confusing world of mental health care. 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:30 Therapy's Universal Benefits 00:02:56 Finding The Right Therapist 00:08:04 Therapeutic Alliance Importance 00:14:52 Therapy Intake Process 00:22:52 Questions To Ask Therapists 00:24:59 Telehealth Vs. In-Person Therapy 00:27:11 When Therapy Isn't A Fit 00:32:35 Ending Therapy Positively 00:34:37 Alternatives To Talk Therapy Could therapy benefit everyone? Katherine believes some form of therapy could help anyone, but finding the right match is crucial. She explains why therapy "not working" usually means the fit wasn't right—not that therapy itself is ineffective. Discover practical tips for finding your ideal therapist, including: How to navigate the "alphabet soup" of credentials (PhD, LCSW, LMFT)Using Psychology Today and insurance websites as starting pointsWhen matching with a therapist who shares your background mattersWhat the research says about therapeutic alliance (that chemistry between you and your therapist)Katherine takes you through what to expect in your first sessions, explaining why the intake process, though sometimes daunting, is a valuable opportunity for self-reflection rather than just retelling your story. She also addresses important questions about therapy logistics: Why therapy sometimes feels worse before it gets betterThe pros and cons of virtual versus in-person sessionsQuestions you should ask your therapistHow to recognize when it's time to change therapists or end therapyThe importance of proper closure when therapy ends Not sure therapy is for you? Katherine shares effective alternatives, from developing strong social support networks to exploring mindfulness and meditation practices with proven benefits for mental wellbeing. Whether you're therapy-curious or looking to get more from your current therapeutic relationship, this episode offers invaluable insights to help you navigate your mental health journey with confidence. Connect with Katherine Seldin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-seldin/ Visit https://theadaptivemind.com to sign up for our newsletter and get exclusive content and updates.

    38 min
  2. MAR 26

    Navigating AI in Digital Mental Health with Eliane Boucher, PhD

    In this episode of The Adaptive Mind, we sit down with Eliane Boucher, a social psychologist and behavioral scientist who transitioned from academia to become a leader in digital mental health. After spending a decade in psychology education, Eliane found her calling in the digital health industry where she's worked to develop evidence-based digital interventions that make an immediate impact on people's lives. Our conversation explores the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence in mental health applications—both the long-established uses and the revolutionary changes happening today with generative AI. Eliane provides an insider's perspective on how companies are integrating AI into their products and the ethical considerations they should prioritize. What you'll learn:The distinction between traditional AI chatbots (which use predefined responses) and today's generative AI models that create unique content in real-timeHow AI is being used behind the scenes for personalization and recommendations in mental health applicationsWarning signs of "bad actors" in the digital wellness space who make unvalidated scientific claims using AI-generated contentPractical advice for consumers on how to evaluate whether a mental health app is using AI responsibly and ethicallyThe potential future of AI in creating truly personalized, integrated mental health interventions that address multiple conditions simultaneouslyEliane shares compelling insights about the challenges of responsible AI implementation, particularly regarding data privacy, algorithm bias, and the limitations of AI in replicating human empathy. She emphasizes that while AI offers tremendous opportunities for improving access to mental health support, human oversight remains essential—especially when working with high-risk populations. Whether a mental health professional or simply interested in how technology is reshaping healthcare, this episode offers valuable guidance on AI-powered mental health solutions. Listen on: The Adaptive Mind on SpotifyThe Adaptive Mind on Apple MusicThe Adaptive Mind on YouTubeThis episode is brought to you by Neurture, the science-based app to help you break habits: Install Neurture on AndroidInstall Neurture on iPhoneLinks & ResourcesLinks from This EpisodeAccess detailed show notes athttps://theadaptivemind.com/. Get the AppThis episode is brought to you by Neurture, the #1 science-based app to help you cut back or break habits. Install it for free today. Install Neurture on AndroidInstall Neurture on iPhoneFollow UsThe Adaptive Mind on SpotifyThe Adaptive Mind on Apple MusicThe Adaptive Mind on YouTubeNeurture on InstagramNeurture on X (Twitter)Neurture on YouTube

    33 min
  3. MAR 10

    The Key Role of Pain in Behavioral Change with Ron Squire, MSW

    On this episode of The Adaptive Mind, we're joined by Ron Squire, a licensed social worker with a master's degree in social work from Brigham Young University. Ron specializes in adolescent treatment and addiction recovery, offering profound insights shaped by his incredible personal journey of overcoming temporary paralysis. Join us as Ron shares his expertise in cognitive behavioral therapy and existential philosophy to help us understand how pain, shame, and compassion can be powerful catalysts for healing and personal development. Key Points and Takeaways:The Dual Nature of Pain: Ron explains how pain, while often perceived as a deterrent, serves as both a warning system and a gateway to personal growth and resilience. He shares insights from his recovery journey, emphasizing the importance of embracing pain to strengthen emotional and physical endurance.The Brain's Response to Pain: Explore with Ron the neurophysiological aspects of pain, both emotional and physical. Learn how different regions of the brain collaborate to process pain, and how understanding this can aid in managing both physical and emotional challenges.The Role of Shame and Guilt: Differentiate between shame and guilt with Ron's guidance, understanding why shame can sometimes be a necessary moral compass. Discover practical strategies to harness shame constructively and prevent it from becoming a barrier to self-compassion and progress.Building Resilience through Discomfort: Ron advocates for doing hard things—like exercise and challenging oneself intellectually—to build mental fortitude and an inoculation against future, unchosen pain. This approach not only enhances resilience but also promotes a healthier relationship with pain.Cultivating Self-Compassion in the Face of Shame: Engage in a deeper discussion about balancing self-compassion with accountability. Ron shares techniques to achieve harmony, instead of mere balance, in self-evaluation and personal growth.Links & ResourcesLinks from This Episode Ron Squire on Instagram Ron Squire on YouTube Squire Counseling Website Access detailed show notes at https://theadaptivemind.com/. Get the App This episode is brought to you by Neurture, the #1 science-based app to help you cut back or break habits. Install it for free today. Install Neurture on Android Install Neurture on iPhone Follow Us Neurture on Instagram Neurture on X (Twitter) Neurture on YouTube

    35 min
5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Adaptive Mind, a podcast dedicated to exploring the science of behavioral change and overcoming unwanted habits or addictions. Each episode dives into practical strategies for breaking habits, the latest research on behavior and addiction, and inspiring first-hand accounts from individuals and professionals alike. From therapists and clinicians to authors and entrepreneurs, we bring you diverse perspectives and actionable insights to support your journey toward positive change. Visit https://neurtureapp.com for free tools to reducing or breaking habits.

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