The Supervised Mind

Faisal Rafiq MD.
  • 5.0 (6)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

The Supervised Mind—a podcast where we explore the complexities of psychiatric practice through the lens of training, supervision, and clinical wisdom.

Episodes

  1. The Cutting Board

    DEC 12

    The Cutting Board

    The Supervised Mind Episode Title: The Cutting Board Subtitle: Understanding Self-Injury in Psychiatric Practice Host: Dr. Faisal Rafiq Audience: Clinicians – Psychiatrists, NPs, PAs, Therapists Welcome back to The Supervised Mind Today’s episode is called The Cutting Board. We’re going to talk about self-injury—specifically non-suicidal self-injury, or NSSI. This is a topic that makes many clinicians pause. It’s uncomfortable. It’s urgent. And it’s all too common. We’ll explore the biological drivers, the emotional mechanics, and the treatment pathways—including when to medicate, when to refer, and when to simply listen. Because behind every scar is a story—and our job is to understand, not just to stop the bleeding.

    8 min
  2. The K-Hole Theory: Spravato, Ketamine, and the Psychiatric Reset

    JUN 3

    The K-Hole Theory: Spravato, Ketamine, and the Psychiatric Reset

    In this deep-dive episode, Dr. Faisal Rafiq explores the clinical science, supervision nuances, and lived experience surrounding Spravato® (esketamine) and IV ketamine as tools for treatment-resistant depression (TRD), suicidality, and trauma-linked shutdown. Through the story of Emily, a 32-year-old nurse whose depression was unresponsive to conventional treatments, we see how structured ketamine therapy provided more than symptom relief—it offered a psychological reset.

    12 min
  3. The Piercing Thought "OCD"

    MAY 11

    The Piercing Thought "OCD"

    Theme: A story-driven exploration of OCD — from the first intrusive thought to the relentless rituals that follow, and ultimately, the path toward understanding and healing. Episode Summary: In The Piercing Thought, Dr. Faisal Rafiq unravels the hidden world of obsessive-compulsive disorder through the lens of a fictional patient, “Eli.” Listeners will follow Eli’s descent into cycles of fear and ritual, how one thought hijacked his peace, and the clinical framework that explains this experience. The episode explores common misconceptions, evidence-based treatments, and how modern psychiatry helps patients separate the thought from the thinker.

    13 min
  4. Complex PTSD: When Nothing Makes Sense (and the Kitchen Sink)

    APR 29

    Complex PTSD: When Nothing Makes Sense (and the Kitchen Sink)

    In this episode, Dr. Faisal Rafiq explores the complexity of Complex PTSD (cPTSD)—a condition shaped by chronic, repeated trauma that often masquerades as mood, personality, or anxiety disorders. Through a trauma-informed lens, this episode walks clinicians through recognizing cPTSD’s emotional and somatic layers, differentiating it from BPD or TRD, and understanding why traditional diagnostic frameworks often fall short. Dr. Rafiq breaks down symptom clusters, guides clinicians on medication strategies, and introduces emerging treatments like Rexulti and Auvelity, while also revisiting underutilized options like Elavil for trauma-linked insomnia and pain. A critical theme is the importance of sequencing care properly—using medication to stabilize before engaging in deep trauma therapy such as EMDR or IFS. With supervision reflections woven throughout, the episode reinforces the message: Complex PTSD isn’t a broken brain—it’s an adapted one.
Treatment begins with safety, structure, and steady presence.

    15 min
  5. Lithium Power

    APR 23

    Lithium Power

    In this episode, Dr. Faisal Rafiq describes the unmatched effectiveness of lithium as a mood stabilizer, highlighting its role in treating bipolar disorder and its unique status as one of the few naturally occurring psychiatric medications. He discusses key side effects—including the classic “peeing like a racehorse”—as well as important monitoring protocols, and the differences between extended-release and immediate-release formulations. A must-listen for clinicians seeking clarity on lithium’s powerful role in mood disorder management.

    18 min
  6. De-Prescribing "When Less is More"

    APR 10

    De-Prescribing "When Less is More"

    In this episode of The Supervised Mind, Dr. Faisal Rafiq discusses the often-overlooked topic of deprescribing in clinical practice. He shares a compelling case study of a young patient to illustrate the complexities of medication management and the importance of understanding when to reduce or stop medications. The conversation emphasizes the need for clinicians to approach deprescribing with care, supervision, and a focus on the patient's current story rather than past diagnoses. Practical tips for young clinicians are provided, highlighting the relational aspect of deprescribing as a critical skill in psychiatry.

    10 min
  7. Fighting the Wave of Bipolar

    APR 10

    Fighting the Wave of Bipolar

    In this podcast episode, Dr. Faisal Rafiq shares a case of a patient with bipolar disorder who had difficulty responding to traditional mood stabilizing medications. He also discusses the classical model of treating bipolar disorder and when it may break down. He suggests adapting the framework, removing mood stabilizers in some cases and using antipsychotics as a primary anchor. Dr. Rafiq also provides some clinical pearls and final thoughts, emphasizing the importance of working with a supervisor and having a strategy and when.

    15 min
  • 7 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

The Supervised Mind—a podcast where we explore the complexities of psychiatric practice through the lens of training, supervision, and clinical wisdom.

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