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Mentally Flexible

Tom Parkes, LCSW

Join psychotherapist Tom Parkes as he has meaningful conversations to help you build mental flexibility. Each episode will explore topics related to psychology, mental health, and creativity. With an open mind and a sense of curiosity these conversations will help you better understand yourself, others, and the world around you.

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#90
August 10 · 51 min
Paige Rome, RPsych | CBT-I Meets ACT: A More Flexible Approach to Insomnia
My guest today is Paige Rome, RPsych. Paige is a Registered Psychologist and founder of Common Thread Psychology in Airdrie, Alberta. Paige is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), the leading evidence-based psychological treatment for chronic insomnia, and brings both professional expertise and personal experience with insomnia to her work. Her broader approach to therapy is collaborative, compassionate, and evidence-based, drawing particularly from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), CBT, and trauma-informed and attachment-based approaches. Paige is also the creator of The Better Sleep Blueprint: A 6-Week, Evidence-Based Program for Overcoming Insomnia, a self-guided program designed to help people understand what keeps insomnia going, change their relationship with sleep, and rebuild healthier, more sustainable sleep patterns. Some of the topics we explore include: -How insomnia develops, why it can persist long after the original trigger is gone, and the role of sleep anxiety, hyperfocus, and control. -The paradox of sleep and why trying harder to fall asleep can actually make sleep more difficult. -The core principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) and how it helps retrain patterns that perpetuate insomnia. -How ACT and CBT-I can work together, with CBT-I providing a behavioral roadmap and ACT helping people approach that roadmap with greater acceptance and psychological flexibility. -Practical strategies for better sleep, including consistent wake times, building sleep pressure, understanding your chronotype, and stimulus control. -The role of radical acceptance in insomnia, and how letting go of the struggle to control sleep can help break the cycle that keeps us awake. ———————————————————————— Paige's website: https://commonthreadpsychology.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paigerometherapy/ The Better Sleep Blueprint: https://commonthreadpsychology.com/better-sleep-blueprint/ ———————————————————————— Thank you all for checking out the episode! Here are some ways to help support Mentally Flexible: You can help cover some of the costs of running the podcast by donating a cup of coffee! www.buymeacoffee.com/mentallyflexible Please subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It only takes 30 seconds and plays an important role in being able to get new guests.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentally-flexible/id1539933988 Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tomparkestherapy Check out my song “Glimpse at Truth” that you hear in the intro/outro of every episode: https://tomparkes.bandcamp.com/track/glimpse-at-truth Check out my new album, Holding Space! https://open.spotify.com/album/0iOcjZQhmAhYtjjq3CTpwQ?si=nemiLnELTsGGExjfy8B6iw
#89
July 14 · 1 hr 1 min
Steven C Hayes, PhD | Reimagining ACT
My guest today is Steven C. Hayes, PhD. Steve is a clinical psychologist, researcher, and one of the most influential figures in modern psychotherapy. He is the originator of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), developer of Relational Frame Theory (RFT), and co-developer of Process-Based Therapy. An Emeritus Professor at the University of Nevada, Reno, Dr. Hayes has authored more than 45 books and over 700 scientific publications, making him one of the most cited psychologists in the world. His work has fundamentally changed how clinicians understand and treat human suffering, with a focus on psychological flexibility, values, and living a meaningful life. Some of the topics we explore include: Why the original ACT Hexaflex needs to expand — and what's missing from the classic six processes How to define ACT functionally so it can grow without losing its identity The case for adding sociocultural and biophysiological levels to the psychological flexibility model What Process-Based Therapy (PBT) actually is — and why it's both a Trojan horse and an open invitation Why middle-level clinical terms like "emotional flexibility" are scientifically legitimate and practically essential The ergodicity problem: why group-level research can't tell us what works for individual people — and what to do instead Three principles for the future of clinical practice: practice-based evidence, every voice matters, and if you're not personalizing, you're not treating ————————————————————————— Steve’s Website: https://stevenchayes.com/ ————————————————————————— Thank you all for checking out the episode! Here are some ways to help support Mentally Flexible: You can help cover some of the costs of running the podcast by donating a cup of coffee! www.buymeacoffee.com/mentallyflexible Please subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It only takes 30 seconds and plays an important role in being able to get new guests.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentally-flexible/id1539933988 Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tomparkestherapy Check out my song “Glimpse at Truth” that you hear in the intro/outro of every episode: https://tomparkes.bandcamp.com/track/glimpse-at-truth Check out my new album, Holding Space! https://open.spotify.com/album/0iOcjZQhmAhYtjjq3CTpwQ?si=nemiLnELTsGGExjfy8B6iw
#88
May 8 · 51 min
Tamara Hubbard, LCPC | Parenting Through Food Allergy Anxiety with ACT
Tamara Hubbard, MA, LCPC, is a licensed clinical professional counselor with more than 20 years of clinical experience. She specializes in helping parents of children with food allergies find the balance between managing anxiety and living fully. An active allied health member of professional allergy and immunology organizations, Tamara is a national speaker and has created several widely used resources within the allergy community. She is also the author of May Contain Anxiety: Managing the Overwhelm of Parenting Children with Food Allergies. Some of the topics we explore include: -Tamara’s own experience parenting a child with food allergies shaped her work as a therapist -How ACT informs her clinical approach and writing -Balancing appropriate safety precautions with quality of life, flexibility, and values-based living -Common clinical challenges families face, including post-diagnosis overwhelm, school transitions, OCD, eating disorders, and more -How parents can model healthier coping for their children, collaborate effectively with allergy care teams, and help kids build resilience rather than fear-driven identities ————————————————————————— Tamara’s Website: https://www.tamarahubbardlcpc.com/ ————————————————————————— Thank you all for checking out the episode! Here are some ways to help support Mentally Flexible: You can help cover some of the costs of running the podcast by donating a cup of coffee! www.buymeacoffee.com/mentallyflexible Please subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It only takes 30 seconds and plays an important role in being able to get new guests.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentally-flexible/id1539933988 Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tomparkestherapy Check out my song “Glimpse at Truth” that you hear in the intro/outro of every episode: https://tomparkes.bandcamp.com/track/glimpse-at-truth Check out my new album, Holding Space! https://open.spotify.com/album/0iOcjZQhmAhYtjjq3CTpwQ?si=nemiLnELTsGGExjfy8B6iw
April 2 · 53 min
Paul Eastwick PhD | Rethinking Attraction: Why Your “Type” Isn’t What You Think
My guest today is Paul Eastwick, a social psychologist and professor at the University of California, Davis, whose research focuses on attraction, romantic relationships, and the gap between what we think we want and what actually unfolds in real life. His latest book, Bonded by Evolution, challenges a lot of common assumptions about dating and compatibility. In this episode, we explore: Why many of our inherited “rules” about attraction—like mate value, having a type, or alpha/beta dynamics—don’t hold up in real life How attraction is far more dynamic and often grows over time rather than appearing instantly The gap between what people say they want in a partner and who they actually choose How context (social environments, timing, even a first kiss) plays a powerful role in shaping connection What dating apps get wrong—and why real-life networks and shared spaces matter more than we think How loosening rigid expectations allows attraction and relationships to unfold more naturally Thank you all for checking out the episode! Here are some ways to help support Mentally Flexible: You can help cover some of the costs of running the podcast by donating a cup of coffee! www.buymeacoffee.com/mentallyflexible Please subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It only takes 30 seconds and plays an important role in being able to get new guests.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentally-flexible/id1539933988 Follow me on Instagram: @tomparkestherapy Check out my song “Glimpse at Truth” that you hear in the intro/outro of every episode: https://tomparkes.bandcamp.com/track/glimpse-at-truth Check out my new album, Holding Space! https://open.spotify.com/album/0iOcjZQhmAhYtjjq3CTpwQ?si=nemiLnELTsGGExjfy8B6iw
#86
March 5 · 51 min
Jason Luoma, PhD | ACT & Psychedelic Science
Today’s guest is Jason Luoma, PhD. Jason is a clinical psychologist, researcher, entrepreneur, and psychotherapy trainer based in Portland, Oregon. For over two decades, Jason’s research has focused on shame, stigma, and the interpersonal functions of emotion, with more recent work centered on psychedelic science. He served as Principal Investigator on one of the first MDMA-assisted psychotherapy trials in the Pacific Northwest and has contributed to multiple NIH-funded clinical trials in roles including co-investigator, consultant, therapist, and trainer. Jason is co-author of the bestselling ACT text Learning Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Values in Therapy, and is currently writing a book on psychedelic-assisted therapy for Guilford Press. A longtime leader in the ACT community, he is a peer-reviewed ACT trainer, former president of the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science, and co-founder of several innovative organizations, including the Portland Psychotherapy Clinic, Research, & Training Center and the Portland Institute for Psychedelic Science. He also hosts The Research Matters Podcast, where he interviews leading researchers about what makes their work impactful and effective. Some of the topics we explore in this episode include: -His early development in Steve Hayes’ lab -The evolution of ACT and contextual behavioral science -The need for more experiential learning for clinicians -psychedelics and their application for healing -Hopes for the future of psychedelic assisted therapy ————————————————————————— Jason’s Website: https://jasonluoma.com/ ————————————————————————— Thank you all for checking out the episode! Here are some ways to help support Mentally Flexible: You can help cover some of the costs of running the podcast by donating a cup of coffee! www.buymeacoffee.com/mentallyflexible Please subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It only takes 30 seconds and plays an important role in being able to get new guests.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentally-flexible/id1539933988 Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mentallyflexible/ Check out my song “Glimpse at Truth” that you hear in the intro/outro of every episode: https://tomparkes.bandcamp.com/track/glimpse-at-truth Check out my new album, Holding Space! https://open.spotify.com/album/0iOcjZQhmAhYtjjq3CTpwQ?si=nemiLnELTsGGExjfy8B6iw
#85
February 16 · 59 min
Jennifer Bohle, LPC | Letting Values Guide the Creative Process
My guest today is Jennifer Bohle, LPC. Jennifer is a trauma-informed therapist, content creator, and high-achieving creative based in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She works with perfectionistic women to build self-trust, confidence, and worthiness while learning to relate to perfectionism as a strength. Through content creation, Jennifer blends humor, education, and real life -- using creativity as a way to make therapy more human and accessible, and to stay connected to the playful, curious part of herself that still feels like a kid at heart. Some of the topics we explore in this episode include: -Jennifer’s path into creating online content — what moved her from private work to public sharing -Working skillfully with jealousy and comparison, and learning how to genuinely support other creators -The values that anchor and shape her creative process -The unspoken costs and complexities of growing an audience online -And Navigating phone use, attention, and intentional consumption in a digital world ————————————————————————— Jennifer’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenniferanncounseling/ Jennifer’s Website: https://www.jenniferanncounseling.com/ ————————————————————————— Thank you all for checking out the episode! Here are some ways to help support Mentally Flexible: You can help cover some of the costs of running the podcast by donating a cup of coffee! www.buymeacoffee.com/mentallyflexible Please subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It only takes 30 seconds and plays an important role in being able to get new guests.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentally-flexible/id1539933988 Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mentallyflexible/ Check out my song “Glimpse at Truth” that you hear in the intro/outro of every episode: https://tomparkes.bandcamp.com/track/glimpse-at-truth Check out my new album, Holding Space! https://open.spotify.com/album/0iOcjZQhmAhYtjjq3CTpwQ?si=nemiLnELTsGGExjfy8B6iw
#84
January 29 · 57 min
Erin Jones, LCMHC | Perinatal OCD and Anxiety
My guest today is Erin Jones, LCMHC. Erin is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor providing evidence-based treatment for individuals with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and related diagnoses. She works at Bull City Anxiety and OCD Treatment Center, where she sees individual clients, manages an intensive Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) program, and runs groups. She is the treasurer for OCD North Carolina, local affiliate of the International OCD Foundation. Erin is passionate about perinatal care and int his episode we explore all things perinatal OCD, touching a range of contexts it shows up like infertility, pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. ————————————————————————— Learn more about Erin: https://www.bullcityanxiety.com/erin-jones-lcmhc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erintalksocd/ ————————————————————————— Thank you all for checking out the episode! Here are some ways to help support Mentally Flexible: You can help cover some of the costs of running the podcast by donating a cup of coffee! www.buymeacoffee.com/mentallyflexible Please subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It only takes 30 seconds and plays an important role in being able to get new guests.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentally-flexible/id1539933988 Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mentallyflexible/ Check out my song “Glimpse at Truth” that you hear in the intro/outro of every episode: https://tomparkes.bandcamp.com/track/glimpse-at-truth Check out my new album, Holding Space! https://open.spotify.com/album/0iOcjZQhmAhYtjjq3CTpwQ?si=nemiLnELTsGGExjfy8B6iw
#83
Dec 22, 2025 · 56 min
Dr. Diana Hill | Focusing Your Genius Energy on What Matters Most
Diana Hill, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist, international trainer, and sought-out speaker on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and compassion. Diana is the host of the podcast Wise Effort and author of The Self-Compassion Daily Journal, The ACT Daily Journal, I Know I Should Exercise But…, and her newest book Wise Effort. Diana works with organizations and individuals to develop psychological flexibility so that they can grow fulfilling and impactful lives. Some of the topics we explore in this episode include: Struggles with change and concept of experiential attachment The intersection of ACT and Buddhism in Diana’s book How our environment impacts our energy The our genius can be under or over-utilized The importance of feedback and honesty ————————————————————————— Diana’s website: https://drdianahill.com/ Wise Effort: https://a.co/d/81mws9E ————————————————————————— Thank you all for checking out the episode! Here are some ways to help support Mentally Flexible: You can help cover some of the costs of running the podcast by donating a cup of coffee! www.buymeacoffee.com/mentallyflexible Please subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It only takes 30 seconds and plays an important role in being able to get new guests.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentally-flexible/id1539933988 Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mentallyflexible/ Check out my song “Glimpse at Truth” that you hear in the intro/outro of every episode: https://tomparkes.bandcamp.com/track/glimpse-at-truth Check out my new album, Holding Space! https://open.spotify.com/album/0iOcjZQhmAhYtjjq3CTpwQ?si=nemiLnELTsGGExjfy8B6iw
#82
Nov 21, 2025 · 55 min
Marisa Mazza, PsyD | Treating OCD and Anxiety with Psychological Flexibility
Dr. Marisa T. Mazza is a clinical psychologist and founder of choicetherapy psychological services, inc. Dr. Mazza is passionate about providing evidence-based therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Mindful Self-Compassion, to teens and adults struggling with OCD or Anxiety. She enjoys supporting individuals in learning new ways of interacting with thoughts and feelings. Her approach allows individuals to face their fears in a gradual and gentle way so they can get unstuck from thoughts and feelings and live meaningful lives. Dr. Mazza was formerly a board member of OCD SF Bay Area, the International OCD Foundation’s local affiliate, and was the Vice President of the San Francisco Bay Area Association for Contextual Behavioral Science. She is also the author of The ACT Workbook for OCD which we discuss at points throughout this episode. Some of the topics we explore in this episode include: -Marisa’s history of anxiety challenges -How it has helped her grow and be connected to values as a clinician -The role that shame plays in anxiety and OCD challenges -Common OCD related challenges faced postpartum -What lead to Marisa writing The ACT Workbook for OCD -How to use ACT skills and exposure exercises flexibly in specific contexts ————————————————————————— Marisa’s website: https://www.choicetherapy.net/ The ACT Workbook for OCD: https://a.co/d/4QBveqc ————————————————————————— Thank you all for checking out the episode! Here are some ways to help support Mentally Flexible: Sign up for PsychFlex through the Mentally Flexible link! PsychFlex.com/MentallyFlexible You can help cover some of the costs of running the podcast by donating a cup of coffee! www.buymeacoffee.com/mentallyflexible Please subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It only takes 30 seconds and plays an important role in being able to get new guests.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentally-flexible/id1539933988 Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mentallyflexible/ Check out my song “Glimpse at Truth” that you hear in the intro/outro of every episode: https://tomparkes.bandcamp.com/track/glimpse-at-truth Check out my new album, Holding Space! https://open.spotify.com/album/0iOcjZQhmAhYtjjq3CTpwQ?si=nemiLnELTsGGExjfy8B6iw
#81
Nov 6, 2025 · 1 hr 2 min
Laura Knouse, PhD | ADHD: Expanding the Clinical Lens
My guest today is Laura Knouse, PhD. Laura is a clinical psychologist and professor at the University of Richmond. Her research and clinical expertise focus on the nature, assessment, and treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adults.. Her recent research aims to better understand the self-regulation and motivation difficulties of college students with ADHD in order to develop effective interventions. Recent collaborative work with faculty in other disciplines focuses on how leaders can most effectively cope with personal crisis and how growth mindsets are related to mental health and coping. She is a coauthor of the new book, Living Well with Adult ADHD, which we discuss throughout the episode. Some of the topics we explore in this episode include: Laura’s background and research interests The evolution of ADHD throughout Laura’s career The intersecting processes of many mental health diagnoses How modern environmental factors influence ADHD symptoms What the research says about medications for ADHD and the potential risks And the importance of individualizing treatment ————————————————————————— Laura’s website: https://www.lauraknouse.com/ Living Well with Adult ADHD: https://a.co/d/gwB0Ks0 ————————————————————————— Thank you all for checking out the episode! Here are some ways to help support Mentally Flexible: Sign up for PsychFlex through the Mentally Flexible link! PsychFlex.com/MentallyFlexible You can help cover some of the costs of running the podcast by donating a cup of coffee! www.buymeacoffee.com/mentallyflexible Please subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It only takes 30 seconds and plays an important role in being able to get new guests.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentally-flexible/id1539933988 Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mentallyflexible/ Check out my song “Glimpse at Truth” that you hear in the intro/outro of every episode: https://tomparkes.bandcamp.com/track/glimpse-at-truth Check out my new album, Holding Space! https://open.spotify.com/album/0iOcjZQhmAhYtjjq3CTpwQ?si=nemiLnELTsGGExjfy8B6iw
#80
Oct 10, 2025 · 51 min
A Conversation with Ralph De La Rosa - Shared in Loving Memory
Today’s episode features Ralph De La Rosa. Ralph was the author of three books, including Outshining Trauma: A New Vision of Radical Compassion (foreword by Richard Schwartz). He was a psychotherapist in private practice and a longtime meditation teacher known for his radically honest and humorous approach. His work was featured in GQ, CNN, NY Post, Tricycle, Mindful Magazine, and beyond. Perhaps most crucial is that Ralph walked the path of outshining trauma alongside the people he worked with. He was a survivor of PTSD, heroin addiction, Borderline Personality Disorder, ADHD, and liver failure. Walking through these matters with the help of profound therapists and mentors became an empowerment no school could have offered. It was simply part of his path to offer back what he had been shown. Ralph mentored personally with Richard Schwartz, founder of the Internal Family Systems model of psychotherapy, known for its efficacy in healing trauma. He also completed an invite-only advanced teacher training with Jack Kornfield. He began practicing meditation in 1996 and trained in a spectrum of yogic and healing traditions, including devotional Hinduism and Tibetan Buddhism. Ralph began teaching Buddhist-inspired meditation in 2008. He identified as a practitioner and teacher of human spirituality, offering a highly specialized hybrid of IFS and Buddhism to guide students on a direct path of conscious evolution and self-discovery. As a therapist, Ralph was a summa cum laude graduate of Fordham University. He spent his earliest days working in NYC’s clinical foster care system where he trained in multiple modalities of trauma-focused therapy. He maintained a small roster of therapy clients for the love of witnessing transformation up close. Ralph was also an intersectional activist, musician, wannabe acrobat, and outdoor enthusiast, who made his home in Seattle, WA. His teachings and writings continue to inspire and support people navigating trauma and transformation. Some of the topics we covered in this episode include: A beginning guided meditation What drew Ralph to IFS Overlaps with ACT and IFS The value of living with an open heart And Ralph guides me through some experiential IFS work ————————————————————————— Outshining Trauma: https://a.co/d/cQ8kREn ————————————————————————— Thank you all for checking out the episode! Here are some ways to help support Mentally Flexible: Sign up for PsychFlex through the Mentally Flexible link! PsychFlex.com/MentallyFlexible You can help cover some of the costs of running the podcast by donating a cup of coffee! www.buymeacoffee.com/mentallyflexible Please subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It only takes 30 seconds and plays an important role in being able to get new guests.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentally-flexible/id1539933988 Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mentallyflexible/ Check out my song “Glimpse at Truth” that you hear in the intro/outro of every episode: https://tomparkes.bandcamp.com/track/glimpse-at-truth Check out my new album, Holding Space! https://open.spotify.com/album/0iOcjZQhmAhYtjjq3CTpwQ?si=nemiLnELTsGGExjfy8B6iw
#79
Sep 22, 2025 · 55 min
Rikke Kjelgaard | Vulnerability, Scars, and Bringing ACT Into Life
My guest today is Rikke Kjelgaard. Rikke is a licensed psychologist, peer-reviewed ACT trainer, and author. Rikke is on a mission to help therapists thrive and to be brave and authentic helpers. Trained as a clinical psychologist, she has a 15 year background in the science of human behavior and the practice of behavior change. Rikke is a popular speaker internationally, and she is known to bring both passion and vulnerability to her talks. She transforms the lives of her audience by bringing evidence based strategies to her listeners in ways that are accessible and impactful. Some of the topics we explore in this episode include: - Rikke’s background being on stage and how that informs her training style - Her early experiences being trained by the ACT founders - The difference between wounds and scars regarding self disclosure - Cultivating willingness to sit in the darkness with others - Bringing ACT skills beyond the therapy room and into our personal relationships - And we discuss topics like, self-forgiveness, people pleasing, and being truly helpful ————————————————————————— Rikke’s website: https://www.rikkekjelgaard.com ————————————————————————— Thank you all for checking out the episode! Here are some ways to help support Mentally Flexible: Sign up for PsychFlex through the Mentally Flexible link! PsychFlex.com/MentallyFlexible You can help cover some of the costs of running the podcast by donating a cup of coffee! www.buymeacoffee.com/mentallyflexible Please subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It only takes 30 seconds and plays an important role in being able to get new guests.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentally-flexible/id1539933988 Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mentallyflexible/ Check out my song “Glimpse at Truth” that you hear in the intro/outro of every episode: https://tomparkes.bandcamp.com/track/glimpse-at-truth Check out my new album, Holding Space! https://open.spotify.com/album/0iOcjZQhmAhYtjjq3CTpwQ?si=nemiLnELTsGGExjfy8B6iw
#78
Sep 3, 2025 · 54 min
Jessica Borushok, PhD | The ACT Therapist
My guest today is Dr. Jessica Borushok, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist in private practice specializing in anxiety disorders and health-related concerns, including insomnia, chronic pain, and coping with chronic medical conditions. In addition to clinical work, Dr. Borushok provides acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) training and consultation to other mental health professionals. Dr. Borushok is the co-author of numerous books, including her most recent, The Complete Guide to Acceptance & Commitment Therapy: An Interactive Skills Manual for Clinicians to Learn and Practice ACT. In an effort to bring evidence-based resources to the public, Jessica also runs a Youtube channel called The ACT Therapist. Some of the topics we explore in this episode include: What led Jessica into the psychology field How she found her authentic voice and style within ACT Creative and flexible ways of training others in ACT Jessica’s new book And trusting ourselves to take risks in session ————————————————————————— Jessica’s website: https://www.theacttherapist.com/ The Complete Guide to ACT: https://a.co/d/aJTFqHXh ————————————————————————— Thank you all for checking out the episode! Here are some ways to help support Mentally Flexible: Sign up for PsychFlex through the Mentally Flexible link! PsychFlex.com/MentallyFlexible You can help cover some of the costs of running the podcast by donating a cup of coffee! www.buymeacoffee.com/mentallyflexible Please subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It only takes 30 seconds and plays an important role in being able to get new guests.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentally-flexible/id1539933988 Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mentallyflexible/ Check out my song “Glimpse at Truth” that you hear in the intro/outro of every episode: https://tomparkes.bandcamp.com/track/glimpse-at-truth Check out my new album, Holding Space! https://open.spotify.com/album/0iOcjZQhmAhYtjjq3CTpwQ?si=nemiLnELTsGGExjfy8B6iw
#77
Jul 25, 2025 · 52 min
Dr. Robyn Walser | Presence and Authenticity in the Therapy Room
My guest today is Dr. Robyn Walser. Robyn is a clinical psychologist, educator, and author of several influential books on ACT for professionals and general readers. She is Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of California, Berkeley, and Director of Research at Bay Area Trauma Recovery Clinical Services. She is also on the staff of the National Center for PTSD at the VA Palo Alto Health Care System. Internationally known for her compassionate, client-centered approach, Dr. Walser has been working in the field of trauma and conducting the ACT training internationally since the 1990s. Some of the topics we explore in this episode include: The here and now unfolding of ACT in the therapy room How Robyn pays attention to function throughout a session Undermining therapist “rules” The potential downsides of bringing AI into the therapy process We discuss Robyn’s new book You Are Not Your Trauma Creative ways Robyn helps therapists cultivate their practice ————————————————————————— Robyn’s Website: https://robynwalser.com/ ————————————————————————— Thank you all for checking out the episode! Here are some ways to help support Mentally Flexible: Sign up for PsychFlex through the Mentally Flexible link! PsychFlex.com/MentallyFlexible You can help cover some of the costs of running the podcast by donating a cup of coffee! www.buymeacoffee.com/mentallyflexible Please subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It only takes 30 seconds and plays an important role in being able to get new guests.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentally-flexible/id1539933988 Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mentallyflexible/ Check out my song “Glimpse at Truth” that you hear in the intro/outro of every episode: https://tomparkes.bandcamp.com/track/glimpse-at-truth Check out my new album, Holding Space! https://open.spotify.com/album/0iOcjZQhmAhYtjjq3CTpwQ?si=nemiLnELTsGGExjfy8B6iw
#76
Jul 14, 2025 · 1 hr 2 min
Noelle McWard Aquino, LCSW | Anxiety Unpacked
My guest today is Noelle McWard Aquino. Noelle is a Chicago-based therapist who specializes in the treatment of anxiety disorders. She is the author of Anxiety Unpacked: Discover Your Type and Recover Your Peace, a bestselling book that helps readers identify and work with the specific patterns driving their anxiety. Her work has been featured in publications including Psychology Today and Psychotherapy Networker. Noelle speaks regularly to both clinical and general audiences, training therapists in her framework for understanding anxiety and helping individuals develop more effective, compassionate responses to it. Some of the topics we explore in this episode include: - How Noelle’s relationship with her son helped inform her new book - The biological processes involved in anxiety - The difference between anxiety and intuition - Recurring root patterns of anxiety - The role of values when navigating anxiety challenges - The pitfalls of control and unhelpful beliefs ————————————————————————— Noelle’s Website: https://noellemcwardaquino.com/ Anxiety Unpacked: https://a.co/d/dJ41mEK ————————————————————————— Thank you all for checking out the episode! Here are some ways to help support Mentally Flexible: Sign up for PsychFlex through the Mentally Flexible link! PsychFlex.com/MentallyFlexible You can help cover some of the costs of running the podcast by donating a cup of coffee! www.buymeacoffee.com/mentallyflexible Please subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It only takes 30 seconds and plays an important role in being able to get new guests.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentally-flexible/id1539933988 Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mentallyflexible/ Check out my song “Glimpse at Truth” that you hear in the intro/outro of every episode: https://tomparkes.bandcamp.com/track/glimpse-at-truth Check out my new album, Holding Space! https://open.spotify.com/album/0iOcjZQhmAhYtjjq3CTpwQ?si=nemiLnELTsGGExjfy8B6iw
#75
Jun 20, 2025 · 1 hr 2 min
Alissa Jerud, PhD | Emotion-Savvy Parenting
My guest today is Alissa Jerud, PhD. Alissa is a licensed clinical psychologist working in private practice and a clinical assistant professor at the University of Pennsylvania. In her private practice, Dr. Jerud specializes in exposure-based treatment of anxiety-related disorders and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills training. She particularly enjoys helping other parents learn to accept, regulate, and tolerate their emotions, as well as their children's. Alissa is the author of a new book, Emotion-Savvy Parenting: A Shame-Free Guide to Navigating Emotional Storms and Deepening Connection. Some of the topics we explore in this episode include: What led Alissa into the field of psychology The inspiration for her new book, Emotion-Savvy Parenting Science-backed strategies for dealing with difficult emotions A deeper dive on the skills of accepting, regulating, and tolerating How attempts to control our children can backfire The role of personal vulnerabilities in activating emotions And we explore the different ingredients that go into our emotional experience ————————————————————————— Thank you all for checking out the episode! Here are some ways to help support Mentally Flexible: Sign up for PsychFlex through the Mentally Flexible link! PsychFlex.com/MentallyFlexible You can help cover some of the costs of running the podcast by donating a cup of coffee! www.buymeacoffee.com/mentallyflexible Please subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It only takes 30 seconds and plays an important role in being able to get new guests.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentally-flexible/id1539933988 Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mentallyflexible/ Check out my song “Glimpse at Truth” that you hear in the intro/outro of every episode: https://tomparkes.bandcamp.com/track/glimpse-at-truth Check out my new album, Holding Space! https://open.spotify.com/album/0iOcjZQhmAhYtjjq3CTpwQ?si=nemiLnELTsGGExjfy8B6iw
#74
May 26, 2025 · 1 hr 2 min
Holly Yates, LCMHC | Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP)
My guest today is Holly Yates, LCMHC. Holly has been in private practice in North Carolina since 2004. Her specialty areas are working with adults both individually and in groups as well as couples addressing depression, anxiety, mood disorders and life stressors through clinical intervention and skills training. Holly's practice centers on third wave therapies most specifically Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). She is a founding facilitator of the online ACT Peer Intervision Network sponsored through ACBS and a Certified FAP Trainer through University of Washington. Holly presents FAP and ACT workshops locally and around the world. Holly is Co-founder of North Wake Counseling Partners in Raleigh NC. Some of the topics we explore in this episode include: - Holly’s background with ACT and how it led to learning about FAP - The importance of the therapeutic relationship - Clinically relevant behaviors for connection building in the therapy room - The importance of encouraging authentic relationships outside of therapy - The courage and vulnerability involved in intentional self-disclosure - How ACT and FAP naturally blend together ————————————————————————— Thank you all for checking out the episode! Here are some ways to help support Mentally Flexible: Sign up for PsychFlex through the Mentally Flexible link! PsychFlex.com/MentallyFlexible You can help cover some of the costs of running the podcast by donating a cup of coffee! www.buymeacoffee.com/mentallyflexible Please subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It only takes 30 seconds and plays an important role in being able to get new guests.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentally-flexible/id1539933988 Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mentallyflexible/ Check out my song “Glimpse at Truth” that you hear in the intro/outro of every episode: https://tomparkes.bandcamp.com/track/glimpse-at-truth Check out my new album, Holding Space! https://open.spotify.com/album/0iOcjZQhmAhYtjjq3CTpwQ?si=nemiLnELTsGGExjfy8B6iw
#73
Apr 18, 2025 · 54 min
Dr. Joe Oliver | ACTivate Your Life
My guest today is Dr. Joe Oliver. Joe is a consultant clinical psychologist, author, and the founder of Contextual Consulting, a leading international training provider that has trained over 60,000 practitioners in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). He also serves as an associate professor and the programme director for the University College London’s postgraduate programme in CBT for Severe Mental Health Problems. Joe is an active member of the Association of Contextual Behavioral Science (ACBS) and a peer-reviewed ACT trainer He is also the author of six ACT books, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy & Mindfulness for Psychosis and most recently, ACTivate Your Life. His extensive contributions to the field also include several textbooks, such as Acceptance and Commitment Coaching, ACT: 100 Key Points and Techniques, and The Mindfulness and Acceptance Workbook for Self-Esteem. Some of the topics we explore in this episode include: - How ACT first came into Joe’s life - His work on using ACT to support psychosis - Fusion to aspects of the self and identity - Relational frame theory and its early influences in childhood development - And Joe’s new book, ACTivate Your Life ————————————————————————— Contextual Consulting: https://contextualconsulting.co.uk/ ACTivate Your Life: https://contextualconsulting.co.uk/resources/activate-your-life Joe’s Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXyoggevWPfFjvhbYlM3x8A ————————————————————————— Thank you all for checking out the episode! Here are some ways to help support Mentally Flexible: Sign up for PsychFlex through the Mentally Flexible link! PsychFlex.com/MentallyFlexible You can help cover some of the costs of running the podcast by donating a cup of coffee! www.buymeacoffee.com/mentallyflexible Please subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It only takes 30 seconds and plays an important role in being able to get new guests.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentally-flexible/id1539933988 Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mentallyflexible/ Check out my song “Glimpse at Truth” that you hear in the intro/outro of every episode: https://tomparkes.bandcamp.com/track/glimpse-at-truth Check out my new album, Holding Space! https://open.spotify.com/album/0iOcjZQhmAhYtjjq3CTpwQ?si=nemiLnELTsGGExjfy8B6iw
#72
Mar 30, 2025 · 53 min
Pepper Stetler | One Mother’s Reckoning with the IQ Test
My guest today is Pepper Stetler. Pepper is the author of A Measure of Intelligence: One Mother’s Reckoning with the IQ Test, which we discuss in this episode. She is also a professor of art history at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. She has written extensively on issues facing people with intellectual disabilities and their caregivers, in publications such as The New York Times, The Atlantic, and Slate. She lives in Oxford, Ohio. Some of the topics we explore in this episode include: What inspired Pepper to write this book What Pepper learned through having a daughter with Down’s Syndrome Unhelpful assumptions about learning and intelligence The history of IQ testing The relative recency of the concept “normal” Pepper’s vision for change ————————————————————————— Pepper’s Website: https://www.pepperstetler.com/ ————————————————————————— Thank you all for checking out the episode! Here are some ways to help support Mentally Flexible: Sign up for PsychFlex through the Mentally Flexible link! PsychFlex.com/MentallyFlexible You can help cover some of the costs of running the podcast by donating a cup of coffee! www.buymeacoffee.com/mentallyflexible Please subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It only takes 30 seconds and plays an important role in being able to get new guests.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentally-flexible/id1539933988 Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mentallyflexible/ Check out my song “Glimpse at Truth” that you hear in the intro/outro of every episode: https://tomparkes.bandcamp.com/track/glimpse-at-truth Check out my new album, Holding Space! https://open.spotify.com/album/0iOcjZQhmAhYtjjq3CTpwQ?si=nemiLnELTsGGExjfy8B6iw
#71
Mar 2, 2025 · 59 min
Dr. Emily Edlynn | Parenting with Nuance, Flexibility, and Compassion
My guest today is Dr. Emily Edlynn. Emily is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in pediatric health psychology who works in private practice with children, teens, and adults. Emily spent almost ten years working in children’s hospitals before pivoting to private practice, which allowed her to start a writing career. Emily’s writing has appeared in the Washington Post, Parents, Scary Mommy, Good Housekeeping, Motherly, Psychology Today, and more. Her first book, Autonomy-Supportive Parenting: Reduce Parental Burnout and Raise Competent Confident Children earned an Indies Foreword award for a best book in 2023. She also writes about modern parenting in her Substack newsletter and co-hosts the popular Psychologists Off the Clock podcast. Some of the topics we explore in this episode include: - Emily’s reflections on first becoming a parent - How misguided parenting advice inspired Emily’s writing - The importance of the repair process in relationships - The trap of overcorrecting from our childhood experiences - The value of being authentic as a parent - Autonomy-supportive parenting vs controlling parenting - And tapping into a child’s intrinsic motivation ————————————————————————— Dr. Edlynn’s website: https://www.emilyedlynnphd.com/ Autonomy Supportive Parenting: https://a.co/d/ja3ahmq ————————————————————————— Thank you all for checking out the episode! Here are some ways to help support Mentally Flexible: Sign up for PsychFlex through the Mentally Flexible link! PsychFlex.com/MentallyFlexible You can help cover some of the costs of running the podcast by donating a cup of coffee! www.buymeacoffee.com/mentallyflexible Please subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It only takes 30 seconds and plays an important role in being able to get new guests.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentally-flexible/id1539933988 Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mentallyflexible/ Check out my song “Glimpse at Truth” that you hear in the intro/outro of every episode: https://tomparkes.bandcamp.com/track/glimpse-at-truth Check out my new album, Holding Space! https://open.spotify.com/album/0iOcjZQhmAhYtjjq3CTpwQ?si=nemiLnELTsGGExjfy8B6iw

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