The TotalSelf Considered

The TotalSelf Considered
  • 5.0 (2)
  • MENTAL HEALTH

Creating exceptional emotional health for individuals and couples

Episodes

  1. 08/16/2020

    Sex In a Loving Relationship: So Pleasurable and So Complicated

    How is it that sex can be so pleasurable and yet so complicated and anxiety provoking? Why do couples in loving long term relationships often find it difficult to resolve issues in their sexual relationships? What are “sexual scripts” and how can they get in the way of having a more satisfying sex life? In this episode of the TotalSelf Considered, Jeff Fine interviews Mike Moran, Licensed Psychotherapist & Sex Therapist, Certified Emotionally Focused (EFT) Couples Therapist & Supervisor, Inner Bonding Facilitator and Creative Arts Therapist. Jeff and Mike unpack models of sexual response and sexual scripts, and discuss the interconnection of our sexual and relational cycles while providing examples based on real-life cases. They also address other key issues such as whether there really is such a thing as being sexually incompatible with your partner, and how partners can learn to safely stretch their boundaries while being respectful of each other and themselves.   Summary of Episode Emotional closeness and sexual closeness Why couples in monogamous relationships might have more difficulty in there sexual relationships than partners who are casually dating  Emotional/relational – sensual/sexual cycles and how they are different but closely linked Big difference between playing it safe and feeling safe  Models of sexual response Seeing one’s domestic partner through the erotic lens 1st model of sex: excitement (arousal) – plateau – orgasm – resolution Evolution of the early model of sex: importance of desire and willingness Negative cycles triggered by a partner initiating sex and getting rejected Emotional connection and how it plays differently into sex for different people Desire first or arousal first Negative cycles triggered by lack of feeling safe and lack of open communication Sexual scripts: how does our erotic energy come alive Factors that influence sexual scripts – gender expectations, cultural norms Feedback loop that builds erotic energy An example of a couple dealing with disconnection very differently from each other Does sexual incompatibility really exist?  Difficulty for partners to tolerate seeing the ways in which they are different Sex as a power exchange The importance of getting curious and taking risks Personal boundaries  Fetishes and relational cycles Increasing acceptance and expanding scripts Playfulness – key to getting out of our heads and cultivating erotic energy  Truth about our brains being the biggest sex organ How therapist help people re-remember the receded, no longer used aspects of themselves Quotables “If this person’s so important to you that it would be a real loss if things were not to work out – when that’s the case, sometimes it’s very difficult to come forward and risk letting our partner into our more vulnerable feelings.” – Mike “There’s the relational cycle and there’s the sexual cycle, and they’re different systems, different cycles but they’re inextricably linked.” – Mike “It could be counterintuitive to think we’re in such a loving relationship, why would we be having this confusion, this anxiety… but there’s a lot to it when people are letting their armour down to be able to engage with each other at that intimate level, sexually” – Jeff “When we’re helping couples, we want to help them realize that they’re playing it safe, and what are the blocks to them feeling safe.” – Jeff Resources/Links Jeff Fine’s website: https://jefffine.com Jeff Fine’s Total Self blog and podcast: https://jefffine.com/blog/ Mike Moran’s website: https://www.fulfilledcouples.com/

    49 min

  2. 06/27/2020

    Medical Marijuana: What You Need To Know

    [et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text”] Do you have questions about medical marijuana that you wish you could get straight, scientific, non-judgemental answers to? Do you have a health condition that you believe cannabis could help with, but hesitate about talking with your doctor? Are you open to using medical marijuanna but unsure how to obtain it legally? In this episode of The Total Self Considered, Jeff Fine interviews Sang Choi, the pharmacist in charge and director of the downstate region medical marijuana dispensary in New York. Jeff and Sang discuss the long-lasting impact of the predominantly illegal status of marijuana, the resulting stigma created around its use for medical purposes, and why even though political and cultural attitudes have been shifting many people are still uncomfortable talking about medical marijuana with their health providers. Sang explains how CBD and THC work in our bodies and the importance of finding the optimal balance and dosage of each ingredient to meet one’s unique needs. Jeff and Sang also go over the process of finding a certified practitioner, obtaining a medical marijuana card, and what it’s like to visit a medical marijuana dispensary.  Summary of Episode The reasons behind the slow legalization of marijuana by states and on the federal level  History of cannabis use for medical and pain relief purposes Stigma related to the use of cannabis Regulations and further stigmatization of marijuana, and targeting of minorities Changes in perception of and rules for marijuana use Distinction between medical and recreational use Is there evidence supporting the claims about wide-ranging benefits of cannabis Medicinal effects of THC and CBD  Three different cannabinoids: made by our own bodies, plant-based, and synthetic Process of getting medical marijuana in the state of NY Conditions that qualify patients to get a medical marijuana card How to find qualifying practitioners  What to expect at the marijuana dispensary How a pharmacist like Sang explains cannabis to patients at the dispensary Compassionate Care Act in NY Side effects of cannabis Different forms, concentrations, and doses of cannabis Misconception that marijuana can only be taken in smoke form Pharmacists guide patients in finding the right form and dose of products Similarities with other medicines such as antidepressants /SSRI Concerns about drug interactions Medical marijuana use during pregnancy and breastfeeding Potential dangers of vaping marijuana and vaping vs smoking marijuana by burning it What people should know about ingesting cannabis and how it gets metabolized Costs associated with getting a medical marijuana certification and purchasing the products Governor Cuomo’s plans to set up a board  Risks of traveling with medical marijuana products due to varying state and federal laws Quotables “To be able to reduce the dose or use medical marijuana instead of an opioid, what an amazing thing that would be…” Jeff Fine “I think when you break it down to, that cannabis is medicine, it helps patients feel more at ease that it’s not this hokey medicine but an actual substance, a natural substance that helps the pain or nausea…” Sang Choi “People should know that it’s not illegal to talk to your internist or any other doctor about the possibility of treatment with medical marijuana…and not worry about getting in trouble.” Jeff Fine “It’s tested for potency, contaminants, fungus, heavy metals, and pesticides, so in the medical program you’re assured that you’re getting a very good product that follows good manufacturing practices.” Sang Choi Resources/Links Jeff Fine’s website: https://jefffine.com Jeff Fine’s Total Self blog and podcast: https://jefffine.com/blog/ Sang Choi’s profile on etain: https://etainhealth.com/sang-choi/ Etain: https://etainhealth.com/ NY State Department of Health list of medical marijuana practitioners: https://www.health.ny.gov/regulations/medical_marijuana/practitioner/public_list.htm   [/et_pb_text][et_pb_button admin_label=”Subscribe Sign up Button” saved_tabs=”all” button_url=”https://mailchi.mp/mytotalself/signup” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Let me know when new episodes and blog posts are up!” button_alignment=”center” background_layout=”light” button_rel=”|on|||” custom_button=”off” button_letter_spacing=”0″ button_use_icon=”default” button_icon_placement=”right” button_on_hover=”on” button_letter_spacing_hover=”0″ /][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

    48 min

  3. 03/08/2020

    Talking About Sex: Complicated, Uncomfortable, Necessary

    [et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] Why do so many of us find it so difficult to talk about sex? How important is the pleasure aspect in sexual relationships? Who should one go to if they are having issues with sexual intimacy? In this episode of The Total Self Considered, Jeff Fine interviews Zoya Simakhodskaya, a psychotherapist specializing in couples therapy and sexual relationships. An experienced therapist, instructor, and EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy) practitioner, Zoya brings her insights from many years of working with couples and educating therapists about the importance of addressing sexual issues in relationships. Jeff and Zoya discuss what goes into a healthy, satisfying sex life and why people avoid talking about sex. Together, they break down common patterns that lead to issues in sexual relationships, and the personal, social and cultural factors that complicate the issues, and share some advice for couples who may be struggling. Summary of Episode A lot of partners don’t talk about sex with each other, parents and children don’t talk about it – why?  Vulnerability and sensitivity about ourselves as sexual beings Importance of trust The way parents talk about sex and bodies, and how it can lead to feelings of shame or fear in young people Therapists could also get better informed about how to talk about sex Not “the” conversation, but ongoing conversations Make sex beautiful – talking about pleasure How one’s negative comments about their own or other people’s appearance can affect children’s view of themselves Importance of sexual intimacy in romantic relationships Feeling loved, connected, desired has a big impact on the relationship overall Definition of a healthy sexual relationship – World Health Organization’s version Key components of healthy sexual relationships: positive, respectful, pleasurable and safe A variety of sexual experiences can be healthy as long as they are respectful and pleasurable for both people A negative sexual cycle in EFT – what is it and how it plays out Searching/pursuing vs withdrawing Need for emotional connection for sexual intimacy  Stereotypes of pursuer and withdrawer and how they don’t apply along gender lines Cultural shift in couples’ dynamics Even couples who get along well can have difficulties in their sexual relationship How a person’s emotions and sense of safety can have a big impact on whether the sexual relationship is satisfying Who to consult for different kinds of sexual issues Sexual issues arising from medical problems and sexual issues related to emotional aspects What defines safe will vary for each couple Therapists should be mindful of bringing in their own morals or expectations about sexual relationships into their work  Advice from Zoya to couples who are unsatisfied in their sexual relationship Committed, happy couples can also have issues in their sexual lives “Hold Me Tight” workshops for couples Quotables “The quality of the emotional relationship will always affect their sexuality. It’s very hard to feel relaxed, and playful, and have fun if you are stressed out.”- Zoya “Being intimate implies you have to let some of your armor down. If you don’t feel safe, that armor is really hard to let down.”  – Jeff “Be brave and courageous to bring it up if you’re struggling.” – Zoya Resources/links Jeff Fine’s website: https://jefffine.com Jeff Fine’s Total Self blog and podcast: https://jefffine.com/blog/ Zoya Simakhodskaya  – Center for Psychological and Interpersonal Development: https://cpidnyc.com/about-us/zoya-simakhodskaya-phd/ [/et_pb_text][et_pb_button admin_label=”Subscribe Sign up Button” saved_tabs=”all” button_url=”https://mailchi.mp/mytotalself/signup” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Let me know when new episodes and blog posts are up!” button_alignment=”center” background_layout=”light” button_rel=”|on|||” custom_button=”off” button_letter_spacing=”0″ button_use_icon=”default” button_icon_placement=”right” button_on_hover=”on” button_letter_spacing_hover=”0″ /][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

    41 min

  4. 06/14/2019

    Yoga: An Effective Yet Underrated Treatment For Injuries And Chronic Pain

    [et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] When we’re injured we want answers. We want someone to tell us what is wrong and what to do about it. Yet all too often, people in pain find themselves on the medical merry-go-round. They go to multiple doctors and other providers only to find that their pain remains unchanged or worsens. And because pain causes not just physical but also emotional suffering (hopelessness, despair, and frustration), sometimes people stop trying to find new ways to heal. The good news is that yoga, though familiar to many in our culture but rarely viewed as a viable modality to treat and manage injuries and pain, may be just what the doctor didn’t order! In this episode of the podcast, I speak with Caryna Wong, who has had great success using yoga to help clients work through injuries, manage pain, and improve their functional capacity. Caryna found non-traditional ways to manage her pain and heal herself after going through the aftermath of a car accident, as well as auto-immune and other health problems. As someone who personally dealt with chronic pain and multiple injuries, and transformed herself, Caryna brings unique insights into her work with people dealing with injury and pain. Listen to this episode of the TotalSelf Considered to hear more about how yoga and breath work can help manage and treat pain.     http://jefffine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Jeff-Fine-Podcast-episode-6_mixdown.mp3   Episode summary: Many people suffering from chronic pain struggle to find out what will really help them, and often see multiple doctors and other providers Pain causes physical and emotional stress Caryna started practicing yoga after a car accident left her with lost range of motion. She was also dealing with scoliosis, herniated disks, and auto-immune issues Modalities that Caryna uses include yoga, and aerial yoga. Aerial yoga allowed her to move in a way to get strong without putting too much pressure on joints Nutrition also essential in managing inflammation and pain Pain can be demoralizing, can cause depression. Emotional – psychological experience a big part of pain Protecting yourself and experiencing pain due to fear – moving safely and getting stronger helps understand what’s fear and what’s injury Fear causes us to avoid and not try – hard to be motivated to keep exploring Breathing exercises and pain: resetting breathing patterns and “breathing into the pain” Breathwork is one of the most underrated sources of pain management For older people, people who are deconditioned, focus is on conditioning, strengthening without causing too much pressure on the spine or the joints For weekend warriors- important to spread training out or add more movement to your other days Active sedentary – most of us are sitting too much. Even people who are working out don’t move enough within the average day Caryna works with Dr Loren Fishman, to make sure she knows the diagnosis and pathology and is recommending safe movements Yoga work is very individualized, one-on-one. Doing exercises that are not individualized and unsupervised can cause more problems Older and fit people who are not keeping up with what they should/shouldn’t be doing are at risk of injury The body wants to move to the patterns and where the muscles are stronger Caryna treats multiple back injuries – unlike PTs who treat only one at a time Breathwork and meditation can calm down nervous system and interrupt the pain cycle Yoga new in terms of being used medically, to treat injuries and chronic pain. More and more studies and data showing the results. Many doctors would discount the idea of doing yoga to treat injuries even though data shows surgeries don’t always have long lasting results Surgery should be a last resort, but it’s not treated like that. Important to be strong going into surgery and correct patterns, otherwise you’re at risk for reinjury This work is not for everybody – it’s not a quick fix. Ownership of your own medical journey is vital A lot of new possibilities with regenerative medicine and PRP Teaching people how to have control over their musculature People who sit a lot and even well trained athletes have challenges with neuro-muscular control that can increase chances of injury Increasing body awareness and helping people recognize early stages of pain Quotables: “People who are hurt or have pain, they already feel bad so they don’t want to feel worse.” – Jeff “Moving hurts but not moving would hurt more.” – Caryna “The more you can control your body, the more you’re going to be able to control the pain.” – Caryna “The consistency of your attention to this is going to help you with staying injury free.” – Jeff Resources and links: Jeff Fine’s website: https://jefffine.com Jeff Fine’s Total Self blog and podcast: https://jefffine.com/blog/ Caryna Wong’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/carynayoga/ Caryna Wong website: http://www.carynawong.com/   [/et_pb_text][et_pb_button admin_label=”sign up button” button_url=”https://mailchi.mp/mytotalself/signup” url_new_window=”off” button_text=”Let me know when new episodes and posts are up!” button_alignment=”center” background_layout=”light” custom_button=”off” button_letter_spacing=”0″ button_use_icon=”default” button_icon_placement=”right” button_on_hover=”on” button_letter_spacing_hover=”0″ saved_tabs=”all” global_module=”27322″ /][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

  5. 04/26/2019

    The Key to Safe and Effective Fitness Programming for 40-60 Year Olds (and everyone else!): Physical Literacy and Mindset

    [et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] The number of options when deciding what to include in your exercise program can get overwhelming: functional movement, body weight exercises, strength training, cardio, yoga, pilates, crossfit… As a result, it can be challenging to devise a fitness program that’s safe, effective, and maintains your interest long-term. In this episode of The Total Self Considered, Jeff Fine interviews Vincent Metzo, Dean of the Advanced Personal Training Program at the Swedish Institute, Director of Education of Kettlebell Concepts, and licensed massage therapist.  As Vincent and Jeff discuss how to help build a healthy fitness program for 40-60 year-old “weekend warrior” types, they delve into the history of physical education programs in the US, what’s lacking in current fitness and exercise trends, and how important it is for people to have “physical literacy”. They encourage people to shift their mindset from “exercise” to a lifetime model of physical activity that includes locomotion skills, body management skills, and object manipulation skills. Listen to the episode to find out the best approaches to building your fitness program, and understand what physical literacy is all about.   http://jefffine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Jeff-Fine-podcast-ep-5_edited-Mixdown-3.mp3     Summary of Episode 40-60 male and females who want to exercise, have fun, compete, but avoid injuryActive sedentary lifestyle“Just do what you like” might not give you the best return on your investmentBaby boomers and Gen X have had very different physical education programs in schoolFirst crucial step when designing a fitness program is to assess where you are so you can set a realistic roadmap to where you want to beIt’s common for people to end up injured, bored, or lost, if they blindly start an exercise program without looking at where they are and where they want to goImportance of mindset and thinking of exercise as a practice vs just one thing that you doMartial arts is a lifetime model of physical activity which we are lacking in this countryThe outcome of focus on sports & games vs physical literacy in schoolsPhysical literacy: locomotion skills, body management skills, object manipulation skillsQuality of movement: an essential component not many people pay attention toEven some professional athletes are not physically literate because they are very specializedThree main parts of the original physical education programs: military gymnastics (being fit and strong enough to work and defend yourself), medical gymnastics (staying healthy and healing yourself), and pedagogical side (games, sports and leisure activities)People need to choose different types of exercises: something for their physical self, something for their emotional/spiritual self, and something that they enjoyTrends: increase in small group personal training, foam rolling and self-myofascial releaseEconomic and political reasons behind the current state of physical literacyWhat role can trainers and mind-body professionals play to help people be healthierMovement snacksSchools can teach people the three components of fitness: resistance training, cardiovascular training, and flexibilityDifference between activity and exerciseGenerational differences in fitness levels Quotables “There’s one school of thought which says ‘Find something you like and just do that.’ But what you like, what you’re good at, what comes easy to you, isn’t necessarily the thing that you need.” – Vincent Metzo “There’s so much out there: functional movement, body weight exercises, strength training, cardio, yoga, pilates, crossfit … it can get pretty overwhelming pretty quickly.” – Jeff Fine “With exercise, it’s about a practice, it’s not just one thing, it’s about an evolution of your self-actualization through your physicality.”- Vincent Metzo “We are talking about embracing a mindset of movement, of physical literacy that’s much more inclusive then just working out.”- Jeff Fine “If you want to have this larger, fulfilled life, and be a contributing member to your society, […] then you need to need to do a few more things than just going to the gym and getting on a few machines.” – Vincent Metzo “We want to inspire people to think more broadly about their bodies and the joy of movement, not just sets and reps.” – Jeff Fine Resources/links Jeff Fine’s website: https://jefffine.com Jeff Fine’s Total Self blog and podcast: https://jefffine.com/blog/ Vincent Metzo: Physical Culture Music and Art – Radio Free Brooklyn Blog: www.lowtechhigheffect.com Online courses: www.physicalculturepress.com Indian club and wand exercises and classes: www.indianclubs101.com Ketlebell exercises and classes: www.kettlebellbootcampnyc.com   Jeff Fine will be a guest on Vincent Metzo’s show on Radio Free Brooklyn on May 8th! [/et_pb_text][et_pb_button admin_label=”Subscribe Sign up Button” saved_tabs=”all” button_url=”https://mailchi.mp/mytotalself/signup” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Let me know when new episodes and blog posts are up!” button_alignment=”center” background_layout=”light” button_rel=”|on|||” custom_button=”off” button_letter_spacing=”0″ button_use_icon=”default” button_icon_placement=”right” button_on_hover=”on” button_letter_spacing_hover=”0″ /][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

    43 min

  6. 03/21/2019

    The Anatomy of a Couple’s Fight: Triggers, Perceptions, Actions, and the Unspoken Softer Feelings Underneath

    [et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text”] Why do so many couples fight about the same things over and over? What are the obstacles to sending clear emotional signals that allow partners to respond to each other with empathy and compassion? How can partners learn to work together to defeat the common enemy in their relationship, the negative cycle? In this episode of The Total Self Considered, Jeff Fine interviews Wendy Tomkiel, a certified EFT therapist and supervisor who is also trained in AEDP (Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy), and ISTDP (Intensive Short Term Dynamic Therapy). Wendy and Jeff breakdown the anatomy of a couple’s fight, by explaining the primal wiring that all humans have, and the ways attachment needs shape our reactions to each other. Through typical examples of negative cycles, they pinpoint how EFT helps couples slow down enough to see their own movements in a cycle, and access more options when they start to fall into old patterns. Listen to the episode to find out how couples can avoid falling into negative cycles. http://jefffine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Jeff-Fine-podcast-ep-4_Wendy-Tomkiel_final.mp3   Summary of Episode What do therapists mean by “distressed couple”? Attachment needs and their role in our relationships The coping strategies that people develop when attachment needs are not met The wiring of human brains – fear center, fight-flight-freeze response IN EFT, the main coping mechanisms are described as “withdraw” and “pursue” The secondary feeling, or the reaction observed when a couple is fighting vs the root of the issue Underneath the reactive emotion is the deeper, softer, more vulnerable primary feeling Partners’ reactive emotions impact each other leading to a negative cycle The “classic cycle” What withdrawers are feeling and doing in a cycle Why each partner’s coping strategies make sense How EFT helps each person start sharing their vulnerable feelings The negative cycle can keep going like an infinity loop What does it really mean when someone “doesn’t have feelings” or “doesn’t care” Uniting the partners against “the negative cycle” What does a secure bond look like vs an insecure bond? When partners are secure in their relationship, they are able to experience feelings in the present and not react to it as a life-death situation Other cycles couples can fall into: withdraw-withdraw (or burn-out pursuer), pursue-pursue People with disorganized attachment styles can have complex cycles Quotables “We as human beings don’t survive in solitary. We need to have connections and we know that in a very primal, deep level, it is hard-wired into our brain.” Wendy Tomkiel “In this storm that feels so chaotic and overwhelming for both, each person’s coping strategies actually make perfect sense.” Jeff Fine “What we always know is that there’s more to the story. And if it doesn’t make sense, then we don’t know the whole story.” Wendy Tomkiel “The negative cycle is very restricting, it’s almost as if they’re stuck in some place where there’s not many options.” Jeff Fine “Couples who have a secure bond – they fight, all couples fight – but they’re able to repair and come back together and heal the wound together.” Jeff Fine [/et_pb_text][et_pb_button admin_label=”sign up button” button_url=”https://mailchi.mp/mytotalself/signup” url_new_window=”off” button_text=”Let me know when new episodes and posts are up!” button_alignment=”center” background_layout=”light” custom_button=”off” button_letter_spacing=”0″ button_use_icon=”default” button_icon_placement=”right” button_on_hover=”on” button_letter_spacing_hover=”0″ saved_tabs=”all” global_module=”27322″ /][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

  7. 02/14/2019

    Back Pain: Symptoms, Causes, Practical Solutions

    [et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]   Most of us, 9 out of 10 people, have experienced back pain at least once in our lives. But why? Is it just an unavoidable fact of life? In this episode of the TotalSelf Considered, Jeff Fine interviews Erika Muraski, physical therapist extra-ordinaire. Erika was a competitive ice-skater until she had a career ending injury. She had always wanted to be a physical therapist and the experience of getting hurt and having to give up the sport she loved has made her highly attuned and compassionate to the needs of her patients. Jeff and Erika discuss back pain and treatment approaches from multiple perspectives: first, Erika explains the physical structure of the spine and surrounding soft tissue, and the related “mechanical” issues or imbalances that can lead to back pain. After going over the symptoms of various types of back pain, and when one should seek medical attention, Jeff and Erika delve into the impact of lifestyle factors, particularly the role that our sedentary lifestyles and stress have for so many of us experiencing back pain. There’s an overwhelming amount of recommendations out there to reduce back pain – core strengthening, zero drop shoes, standing desks, stretching, ice, heat, doing more, doing less, laser therapy – but which of these actually help? Listen to this episode of the TotalSelf Considered podcast to find out. http://jefffine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Jeff-Fine-podcast-ep-3_edited-_mixdown_final.mp3   Summary of Episode How Erika used her experiences she gained from her accident to help other people work through their injury Listening to the patient key to understanding the injury Visit time with physicians have been droppping –  current average is 6 minutes! What exactly is meant by “back pain” – what areas of the body are affected Symptoms and causes of back pain  – muscle spams, irritations, sprains… Referred pain – numbness, tingling, weakness Functional issues – can’t stand or can’t move properly Causes: 95% are mechanical reasons – linked to the movement of the back or mechanics of the spine Structure of the spine: discs, ligaments, muscles, vertebrae, facet When is it advised to see a medical doctor or a physical therapist, red flags for medical intervention Direct access in NY state: people can see a PT without a referral from a physician How long it takes to get back to normal functioning when working with a PT Getting ahead of injuries: tackle them before it starts to fester Compensation issues – adjustments to avoid pain become problematic Chronic pain vs acute pain – what causes pain to become chronic Unhealthy lifestyle factors: sitting too long, technology, spending too much time in bed Sleep hygiene: the right type of mattress is individualized for body type – soft vs firm mattress, number of pillows… Relationship between sedentary lifestyle – increased back pain Exercising too hard and pushing until overly fatigued has negative affect Education and awareness can make a big difference: understand your body and cues, make adjustments in daily life Standing desks Dangers of sitting: compression forces are exponentially higher when sitting – deweighting your spine makes a big difference Key is variation throughout the day – change positions often When back is injured, people’s inclination is usually to do less, which isn’t always helpful Ice vs heat? Zero drop shoes Emotional factors and stressors that affect back pain Erika’s top five recommendations to maintain a healthy back Erika’s Class 4 laser: helps increase blood flow, reaching where typical infrared heat doesn’t reach – ideal for releasing muscles that are in spasm and too tender to touch Quotables “I tend to always think from their perspective. How horrific is it to wake up and the moment they move they’re in immediate pain. It’s horrible. Understanding that component of it and then giving them even five minutes of relief… it makes a difference.” Erika Muraski “When we’re upset, there are physiological and hormonal and chemical changes in the brain and the body that contribute to how muscles are functioning. They can become tighter, more brittle just from being in this fight or flight kind internal experience.” Jeff Fine Resources/links Jeff Fine’s website: https://jefffine.com Jeff Fine’s Total Self blog: https://jefffine.com/blog/ Erika Muraski’s website https://setptusa.com/erika-muraski/ [/et_pb_text][et_pb_button admin_label=”Subscribe Sign up Button” saved_tabs=”all” button_url=”https://mailchi.mp/mytotalself/signup” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Let me know when new episodes and blog posts are up!” button_alignment=”center” background_layout=”light” button_rel=”|on|||” custom_button=”off” button_letter_spacing=”0″ button_use_icon=”default” button_icon_placement=”right” button_on_hover=”on” button_letter_spacing_hover=”0″ /][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

  8. 12/11/2018

    True or false: “Taking psychiatric medication means you’re mentally ill.”

    [et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text”] Millions of people in this country are taking psychiatric medications. Are they all mentally ill? Of course not. Learn more about psychopharmacology on this episode of the podcast, The TotalSelf Considered. It is estimated that in 2017 over 80 million people filled a prescription for a psychiatric medication. What does this tell about the people taking these medications (are they all mentally ill?) and how they’re diagnosed (what’s different about the criteria for a diagnosis of depression or anxiety today compared to the 1940’s)?    In this episode of The Total Self Considered, Jeff Fine interviews Dr Scott Hirsch, a clinical associate professor in the Departments of both Neurology and Psychiatry, as well as Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at NYU Langone. Dr Hirsch shares his insights on our current understanding of mental illness and medications used for treatment, including medical marijuana. As a practitioner who has been exploring the mind-body connection for many years, Jeff is very interested in how Dr Hirsch integrates psychiatry and neurology in his practice. They discuss the distinction between neurologically based disorders and other conditions, how the brain and mind interact, how medications work in treating epilepsy, depression, anxiety and other issues, and the role medical marijuana can play in treating certain disorders and opioid addiction. Listen to this episode of The Total Self Considered podcast to find out more!   http://jefffine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Jeff-Fine-podcast-ep-2_mixdown_final_01.mp3   Summary of Episode Overlap of neurology and psychiatry Treating epilepsy and other neurologically based conditions Serotonin re-uptake inhibitors such as Lexapro, Prozac, Celexa, Paxil, Zoloft  – how do they work? Serotonin deficiency no longer considered the full explanation of depression What people think of as depression in 2018 is different compared to 1940s and 1950s Dr Hirsch reflects on the statistics: in 2017 total amount of psychiatric drugs prescribed in the US was over 80 million prescriptions Because someone is on a medicine, it doesn’t necessarily mean they have that disorder How we define “mental illness” Dysthymia – chronic persistent depressive disorder, used to be called subclinical depression Medications are tools, and doctors sometimes prescribe because they can make someone’s life better or ease pain Difficulties of getting off the medication, managing withdrawal. No studies done to guide how long people should stay on medicines, or how to get off of them Approach to medicating major depressive episodes – minimum effective dose Patient concerns and stigma attached to psychiatric conditions and taking medication, worries about altering your mind or changing who you are Medical marijuana – who would benefit clinically from medical marijuana, the certification process Medical marijuana – different formulations of CBD and THC and what they are used to treat, contraindications Legalizing marijuana – why it takes a long time for some states to legalize it One of the best medical uses of marijuana would be in opioid addiction Quotables “The medicines don’t change who the person is. What they do is they help a person obtain better control of their emotions, their experience, their behavior.” Scott Hirsch “[Medicine is] Not so much a crutch but something that will help you, like a shoe. You will be able to walk on gravel without hurting your feet.” Scott Hirsch “Metaphor of diabetes – if your pancreas is not producing enough insulin, you’d probably take insulin to help you. So if your brain needs help modulating your mood…” Jeff Fine “If [medical marijuana] could help somebody get off opioids, that would be very promising.” Jeff Fine Resources/links Jeff Fine’s website: https://jefffine.com Jeff Fine’s Total Self blog: https://jefffine.com/blog/ Dr. Scott E. Hirsch: https://nyulangone.org/doctors/1851514434/scott-e-hirsch IQVia Total Patient Tracker Database for 2017: https://www.iqvia.com/institute/reports [/et_pb_text][et_pb_button admin_label=”Subscribe Sign up Button” saved_tabs=”all” button_url=”https://mailchi.mp/mytotalself/signup” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Let me know when new episodes and blog posts are up!” button_alignment=”center” background_layout=”light” button_rel=”|on|||” custom_button=”off” button_letter_spacing=”0″ button_use_icon=”default” button_icon_placement=”right” button_on_hover=”on” button_letter_spacing_hover=”0″ /][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

  9. 11/21/2018

    Emotionally Focused Therapy: A Roadmap for Distressed Couples

    Too many couples are in distressed, unfulfilling relationships. Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) provides a roadmap to create a safe, secure, loving bond. Find out how it works on this episode of the podcast, The TotalSelf Considered. Most partners begin a romantic relationship with the best of intentions to create a safe, secure, and loving connection. But not too far down the road many couples find themselves hopelessly locked in seemingly unresolvable, repetitive cycles of conflict, alarmed by the pain of feeling so disconnected and the fear of not mattering or not measuring up to their most import person. Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is arguably the most effective model of couple therapy available and the only model of couple therapy that is based on a clearly delineated and empirically validated theory of adult love. EFT is ideally suited to help couples understand and de-escalate chronic negative interactions, repair longstanding emotional injuries, and foster safe and secure bonds. In this episode of The Total Self Considered, Jeff Fine interviews Dr Laurie Freeman, a licensed psychologist, certified Emotionally Focused Couples Therapist/Supervisor (EFT), and a certified Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapist (AEDP). Jeff and Laurie breakdown how this approach works and discuss why the outcomes after therapy are consistently positive. They also present a vignette of a distressed couple going through a series of agonizing negative interactions, explain the dynamics and patterns underneath, and highlight how EFT can help the partners to resolve their underlying issues. Listen to the first episode of The Total Self Considered to find out more! Summary of Episode Success rate and validity of EFT model of therapy EFT focuses on meaning behind behaviors, offers corrective emotional experience Not advising on the “content” of problems but digging under Vignette demonstrating painful cycle in a couple’s relationship through the attachment theory lens Separation distress The role of amygdala: responding to threats – fight or flight response Feeling hurt or rejected by our partner targets same area in brain as physical pain and threatens our sense of safety Cycle of pursue – withdraw EFT assumes that partners have good reasons for acting the way they do, even if their thoughts, feelings, and behavior seem hurtful or irrational Tuning into partners’ softer, less reactive expressions of hurt and pain is easier to hear than tuning into criticism and blame Why enactments work so well: shows vulnerability vs criticism, allows partners to come in close and respond with empathy People who have safe and secure connections in their relationships are generally healthier, happier, and feel more optimistic about their lives Typical things that pursuers and withdrawers do and say Therapists validate and help each partner feel understood, heard and seen Working from the bottom up: attention to feelings, attachment longings and primary feelings How EFT can help when behaviors are pathologized How long it typically takes couples to make long lasting change in their relationship Quotables “We aren’t just changing the way people interact, we’re not dealing with the symptoms, but we’re changing the bond, the connection between two people so that we’re changing the patterns and the fabric of what’s between them.” Dr Freeman “When alarms bells go off inside of us the connection we have to our most important other is threatened, that causes us to behave in ways that we don’t understand.” Jeff Fine “One of the nice things about EFT is that as the therapist we have an assumption that both parties have very good reason for feeling the way they feel and acting the way they behave when they’re going through negative cycles. So we do the opposite of shaming.” Dr Freeman “When couples feel safe and secure with each other, they have the sense I can count on you, I can trust that you see me and hear me […] it becomes an amazing buffer towards life’s challenges and the stress that we endure. When we have this primary safe and secure connection, we really do better.” Jeff Fine Resources/Links Jeff Fine’s website: https://jefffine.com Jeff Fine’s Total Self blog: https://jefffine.com/blog/ Laurie Freeman, Ph.D: http://www.lauriefreemanphd.com [/et_pb_text][et_pb_button admin_label=”Subscribe Sign up Button” saved_tabs=”all” button_url=”https://mailchi.mp/mytotalself/signup” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Let me know when new episodes and blog posts are up!” button_alignment=”center” background_layout=”light” button_rel=”|on|||” custom_button=”off” button_letter_spacing=”0″ button_use_icon=”default” button_icon_placement=”right” button_on_hover=”on” button_letter_spacing_hover=”0″ /][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

    43 min
  • 9 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Creating exceptional emotional health for individuals and couples

Information

  • Creator
    The TotalSelf Considered
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2020
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2018-2019 Jeff Fine
  • Show Website
    The TotalSelf Considered