The Hardcore Self Help Podcast with Duff the Psych Robert Duff, Ph.D.

Navigating Intense Anxiety and Career Changes
Hello, friends! In today’s episode, we tackle two profound listener questions that may resonate with many of you:
Managing Severe Anxiety: A listener is struggling with intense daily anxiety and dissociation, impacting their ability to function in daily tasks like going to work or shopping. We discuss immediate tips, potential medical checks, and therapy approaches to manage anxiety effectively.
Considering a Career Shift: Another listener is contemplating a career change from music education to educational psychology. They seek advice on the feasibility, job prospects, and resources to pursue this new career path.
As always, you can send me questions to duffthepsych@gmail.com and find the full show notes for this episode at http://duffthepsych.com/episode407
00:00 Introduction to Anxiety
00:17 Episode Overview and Listener Questions
00:56 Engaging with the Community
01:45 Addressing Severe Anxiety
05:15 Exploring Medical and Therapeutic Options
11:24 Understanding Anxiety and Fear
20:43 Career Change Considerations
28:10 Conclusion and Farewell
This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Head over to http://betterhelp.com/duff for 10% off your first month.
Links mentioned:
http://duffthepsych.com/episode195 http://duffthepsych.com/episode395 http://duffthepsych.com/findatherapist http://kickanxietycourse.com http://facebook.com/groups/hardcoreselfhelp https://www.amazon.com/Hardcore-Self-Help-Robert-Ph-D/dp/1514866005

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Patrick McGrath, Chief Clinical Officer at NOCD and a leading expert in OCD treatment. We dive deep into understanding OCD, debunking common misconceptions, and exploring the most effective treatment approaches. Dr. McGrath shares practical advice for managing OCD and introduces an amazing new tool that’s helping people across the country manage OCD from the comfort of their own homes. Whether you're personally affected by OCD, know someone who is, or just want to learn more about mental health, this episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable tips.
Key Takeaways:
Misconceptions About OCD:
Discover what OCD really is and debunk common myths. Understand the difference between media portrayals and reality. Effective Treatment Approaches:
Learn about Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy. Find out what works and what doesn’t in OCD treatment. Explore Dr. McGrath's innovative approach to virtual ERP therapy. Practical Advice for Managing OCD:
Get strategies for handling intrusive thoughts and compulsions. Tips for avoiding reassurance-seeking, distraction, and substance use. Introducing NOCD:
Learn about NOCD, an online platform offering accessible OCD therapy. Understand how NOCD works and its benefits for people across the country. Find out how NOCD is making treatment more affordable and effective. Personal Insights:
Hear Dr. McGrath's personal journey with anxiety and how it shaped his career. Gain inspiration from his transformation from a bullied child to a leading mental health expert. Be sure to check out NOCD at http://treatmyocd.com and send me a question or topic for a future episode of the show at http://duffthepsych.com/contact 

Does Joe Biden Have Dementia? A Neuropsychologist's Perspective
 
In this episode, I discuss the current political climate in the United States and my concerns as a neuropsychologist regarding the cognitive abilities of President Joe Biden. I explain the difference between normal aging, mild cognitive impairment, and dementia, and provide analysis of Biden's speech abilities from various clips over the years. While I emphasize that it's challenging to diagnose cognitive decline without comprehensive testing, I provide insights into what a professional evaluation would entail and discuss why it's critical to consider cognitive health for a role as demanding as the presidency.
 
This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Visit http://betterhelp.com/duff for 10% off your first month of online therapy.
 
As always, you can send me questions or topic suggestions to duffthepsych@gmail.com and find the full show notes at http://duffthepsych.com 

Hello, friends!
In today’s episode, we delve into the transformative potential of ketamine therapy for mental health with Dr. Chantalle Thomas, a leading expert in ketamine-assisted psychotherapy.
Dr. Thomas is a trainer in Fluence’s Advanced Certificate in Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy as well as Executive Clinical Director at Windrose Recovery.
Dr. Thomas discusses the complexities of ketamine as a treatment, its various administration routes, and the profound changes it can facilitate when integrated with therapy. We also explore the importance of therapeutic integration in maximizing the benefits of ketamine, the ethical considerations in psychedelic medicine, and navigating the current regulatory landscape.
Additionally, Dr. Thomas shares her personal journey into mental health and psychedelics, and the importance of authenticity and attachment theory in therapy.
As always, you can send me questions to duffthepsych@gmail.com and find the full show notes for this episode at http://duffthepsych.com/episode404
Links:
https://windroserecovery.com/podcast/therapy-unblinded-inside-mdma-research/
https://www.fluencetraining.com/
https://maps.org/
 

Hello, friends!
In today’s episode, we tackle two profound listener questions that may resonate with many of you:
How Do You Feel About Antidepressants and Anti-Anxiety Medications? A listener asks about the use of antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications, expressing concerns about addiction and the potential difficulty of getting off these meds. Dr. Duff shares his positive personal experience with Lexapro, explaining the various classes of medications, including SSRIs, SNRIs, and benzodiazepines. He emphasizes the importance of evaluating both the benefits and potential side effects of these medications, as well as considering the cost of not using them. Dr. Duff also addresses misconceptions about feeling disconnected from reality due to medication and discusses the concept of psychological and physiological dependence.
Dealing with a Hurtful Partner: Another listener seeks advice on how to help their partner understand the impact of their hurtful behavior, which includes yelling and mocking. Dr. Duff offers empathetic support, acknowledging the listener's heartbreak. He outlines the importance of healthy conflict resolution, setting personal boundaries, and recognizing signs of potential abuse. Dr. Duff encourages open communication and suggests resources for improving relationship dynamics, while also addressing the need for safety and support when dealing with ongoing hurtful behavior.
As always, you can send me questions to duffthepsych@gmail.com and find the full show notes for this episode at http://duffthepsych.com/episode403

Guest: Jenn Harris, Award-Winning Director, Writer, Actor, and Producer
Host: Dr. Robert Duff
Episode Description: In this episode, Dr. Robert Duff welcomes the incredibly talented Jenn Harris to the show. Jenn Harris is an award-winning director, writer, actor, and producer known for her diverse and impactful work in film and theater. Jenn discusses her latest short film, "She's Clean," which delves into the nuances of intimacy and sexual autonomy in middle age. The conversation explores Jenn's creative journey, the inspiration behind her work, and her thoughts on intimacy, confidence, and aging.
Key Topics Discussed:
Introduction to Jenn Harris: An overview of Jenn's career and achievements, including her work in the Oscar-winning film "American Fiction" and her latest short film "She's Clean." Jenn's Creative Journey: How Jenn transitioned from wanting to be a doctor to finding her passion in the entertainment industry, and her experiences in theater and film. The Concept of "She's Clean": Jenn explains the inspiration behind her short film and its unique setting in a bathroom, exploring themes of intimacy and sexual freedom. Intimacy and Confidence: A deep dive into how Jenn views intimacy in various relationships, the role of confidence in her work and personal life, and how she has aged into confidence over the years. Filmmaking Challenges: Jenn shares the visual and technical challenges she faced while making "She's Clean" and how she approached these creatively. The Role of Intimacy Coordinators: Jenn discusses the importance of having intimacy coordinators on set and how they help create a safe and comfortable environment for actors. Personal Insights:


Jenn reflects on her own experiences with intimacy, relationships, and personal growth, sharing anecdotes and lessons learned along the way.
Episode Highlights:
Jenn’s perspective on the comedic and serious elements of intimacy in filmmaking. The significance of choosing a bathroom as the primary setting for "She's Clean." Insights into Jenn’s collaborative process with her team, including the role of her editor and intimacy coordinator. The impact of societal expectations on personal choices and relationships, particularly in the context of non-monogamy and traditional norms. Jenn’s advice on navigating creative projects and maintaining authenticity in one’s work. Quotes:
"Intimacy is something that's always been comfortable for me, and I think it's a huge part of human behavior that we should observe and understand." "There isn't room for doubt. It will not serve the day. It will not serve the script. It will not serve the scene." "It's really nice when people don't take advantage of my openness in a way." Resources Mentioned:
Film: "She's Clean" - Available for streaming on Vimeo. Social Media: Follow Jenn Harris on Instagram @RealJenHarris and @ShesCleanTheFilm. Sponsor: Today's episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Reflect on your progress and set achievable goals with the help of a licensed therapist. Visit betterhelp.com/duff for 10% off your first month.
Connect with Dr. Duff:
Website: www.duffthepsych.com Instagram: @duffthepsych