Behind the Stigma
Hosted and produced by Seiara Imanova, a PhD student at the University of Birmingham, Behind the Stigma is a podcast that connects the general public with psychology, psychiatry, and mental health. Each episode explores cutting-edge research through conversations with leading experts and top researchers. The show aims to uncover the science, challenge misconceptions, and bridge the gap between academia and everyday life.
Episodes
How the brain predicts reality with Professor Karl Friston
Send us Fan MailIn this week's episode, I'm joined by Professor Karl Friston, theoretical neuroscientist at UCL, and one of the most cited neuroscientists in the world. Friston is best known for the free energy principle, a framework that has reshaped how we understand the brain as a prediction machine.We discuss what the free energy principle actually means, how precision-weighting migh
The Conscious Universe: Exploring Panpsychism with Professor Philip Goff
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Professor Philip Goff, philosopher and professor at Durham University, explores the nature of consciousness, panpsychism, and the profound insights from his recent 5-MeO-DMT journey. We discuss some of his ideas, and how panpsychism challenges our understanding of reality and the universe.About Philip GoffProfessor Goff is a British author, panpsychist philosopher,
The plants are always speaking with Dr. Rebekah Senānāyaka
Send us Fan MailIn this week's episode, I'm joined by Rebekah Senānāyaka, ethnobotanist and PhD graduate in Cultural Anthropology, whose research takes us deep into the Amazonian rainforest. Rebekah spent 27 months immersed in indigenous plant medicine traditions, including her own experiences with ayahuasca and sanango and her work introduces the concept of extended multispecies liminal
Enactivism in Psychiatry with Professor Sanneke De Haan
Send us Fan MailThis week on Behind the Stigma, Professor Sanneke de Haan joins us to discuss how we define mental disorders and what the enactive approach to psychiatry reveals about the relationship between mind, body, and world. We talk about how this perspective challenges the biomedical model, what it means to see disorders as disorders of sense-making, and how it changes the way we think abo
Mental Disorder as a Harmful Dysfunction with Dr. Jerome Wakefield
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Behind the Stigma, I sit down with Jerome Wakefield, NYU Professor and originator of the influential “harmful dysfunction” theory of mental disorder. We explore what makes something truly pathological, the fuzzy boundary between normal suffering and disorder, and the philosophical foundations shaping modern psychiatry.We also discuss the DSM and it's removal
The Mental Health Crisis, AI & Careers in Psychology in the UAE
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Behind the Stigma, I sit down with Dr. Prince Kouassi, Assistant Professor and Chair of the Psychology Department at the American University of Dubai, to explore the landscape of mental health in the UAE. We discuss whether we are over-diagnosing mental health, the educational psychology market and careers in the UAE, using AI in the classroom and his thoughts on
Is Morality A Human Universal with Professor Edouard Machery
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, I speak with Professor Edouard Machery to explore experimental philosophy and the question of whether morality is truly universal. We discuss why humans need morals in the first place, why we often fail to live up to our own moral ideals. We also look at cross-cultural differences in moral judgments, the limits of relying on intuition in philosophy, and what new te
The Dark Side of Therapy Speak with Dr. Carme Isern-Mas
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Behind the Stigma, Seiara speaks with Dr. Carme Isern-Mas about the rise of “therapy-speak”, the popular use of psychological language in everyday life. Together, they explore how these phrases can help us express emotions and foster self-awareness, but also how they risk becoming disingenuous, individualistic, or even weaponized in relationships and society. Abo
Adolescence Mental Health with Dr. Lucy Foulkes
Send us Fan MailIn this week's episode, academic psychologist Dr. Lucy Foulkes, speaks to us about her book 'Coming of Age' and the importance of our adolescent years, the complexity of mental health awareness in today's society. We explore how rising conversations around mental illness, especially among young people, have reshaped identity, education, and the language we use t
Borderline Personality Disorder & Psychotherapy with Dr. Mark Ruffalo
Send us Fan MailIn this week's episode, I speak with Dr. Mark Ruffalo on Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), long-term psychotherapy, and the nuances of diagnosis in mental health. We discuss object relations in BPD, the concept of splitting, and how these dynamics shape therapeutic work. We also explore the role of psychoanalytic therapy, the fine line between pathology and normal behavio
Exercise, Depression & Research in Psychiatry with Dr. Nicholas Fabiano
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Behind the Stigma, we delve into the transformative world of lifestyle psychiatry with Dr. Nicholas Fabiano, a third-year psychiatry resident at the University of Ottawa.We explore the role of exercise in managing mild to moderate depression, its potential as a therapeutic modality alongside traditional treatments, and the broader implications for mental health c
Colonization and Mental Health with Dr. Summer Fakhro
Send us Fan MailIn this week's episode of Behind the Stigma, we are joined by Clinical Psychologist Dr. Summer Fakhro with a discussion on Colonization and Mental Health. We define Colonialism and explore the deep and lasting psychological effects of colonization on different communities. We discuss how historical trauma, displacement, and cultural erasure continue to shape the mental well-be
Personality Disorders, Neoliberalism, and Survivor Voices with Dr. Jay Watts
Send us Fan MailIn this compelling episode of Behind the Stigma, we are joined by award-winning clinical psychologist, psychotherapist, and activist Dr. Jay Watts to explore critical perspectives on mental health. We delve into the impact of neoliberalism on mental health services, the challenges of Personality Disorders with a focus on Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), and the rise of traum
Positive Psychology isn’t about being positive...so what is it? with Dr. Louise Lambert
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Behind the Stigma, we discuss what Positive Psychology is with Dr. Louise Lambert, a leading expert in happiness and wellbeing across the GCC. We discuss the science behind Positive Psychology Interventions (PPIs), the balance between stress and strength-based approaches, and the importance of meaning over happiness in life. Dr. Lambert also shares practical exer
Finding Meaning in Mortality: Yalom’s Existential Therapy with Ali Ilyas (Clinical Psychologist)
Send us Fan MailIn this week's episode, my guest & clinical psychologist Ali Ilyas, explores the impact and work of existential psychiatrist, Dr. Irvin Yalom. We dive into core themes like: mortality, meaning, death anxiety, and the unique dynamics of the therapist-client relationship, such as transference and countertransference. Ali shares how Yalom's teachings have shaped his pers
Race, Culture & Social Equalities in Mental Health with Hári Sewell
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Behind the Stigma, host Seiara Imanova speaks with Hari Sewell, founder and Director of HS Consultancy, about the intersection of social justice, ethnicity, and mental health. Hari, a leading voice on institutional racism and unconscious biases in mental health, shares his insights on the systemic factors contributing to racial disparities, the impact of social p
Why Do We Sabotage Ourselves and Others? The Psychology of Self-Sabotage with Dr. Alex Curmi
Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered why we sometimes stand in our own way? In this week's episode, Dr. Alex Curmi breaks down the psychology behind self-sabotage and offers practical tips to overcome these patterns. We explore key concepts like evolutionary instincts, personality traits, repetition compulsion, avoidance compulsion, and fear of change.We also dive into why we sabotage others and
Returning to Wholeness: A Story with Psychiatric Nurse Neseret Bemient
Send us Fan MailIn this week's episode, I have an in-depth conversation with a former psychiatric nurse, Neseret Bemient, on returning to wholeness and alternative ways of healing. Neseret shares her journey as a psychiatric nurse and what her role entailed, her diagnosis of medication-induced bipolar disorder, and how her childhood experiences as a refugee were an integral part of her journe
Holistic Healthcare in Psychiatry with Dr. Ally Jaffee
Send us Fan MailIn this week’s episode, we're diving into the fascinating world of nutrition, social prescribing & community care in psychiatry with Dr. Ally Jaffee, a Multi-Award Winning NHS Junior Doctor.Dr. Jaffee shares her journey into psychiatry, the realities of being a junior doctor, and the inspiring story behind Nutritank. We go into the emerging field of nutritional psychiatry
Altered States & Sexual Health with Tommaso Barba (Imperial College London)
Send us Fan MailIn this week’s episode, we dive into the intriguing world of psychedelics and intimacy with Tommaso Barba, a PhD student at Imperial College London. Tommaso brings to light his recent research on how psychedelics may revolutionize clinical outcomes outcomes for sexual function in depressed patients—offering an alternative to traditional SSRIs (antidepressants).We explore the long t
Men's Mental Health with Adil Hussain
Send us Fan MailIn this week's episode on Behind the Stigma, I speak with Adil Hussain, a men's development coach and the Founder of Brotherhood UAE on Men's Mental Health. We delved into the importance of men's emotional expression, the challenges men face in seeking help, and the impact of societal expectations on masculinity. Adil shares insights from his own journey of heal
Psychiatric Critique and the Opposition to Psychiatry with Dr. Awais Aftab
Send us Fan MailIn this week’s episode, I speak with Dr. Awais Aftab, a Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Case Western Reserve University on the Critique and the Opposition to Psychiatry. We discuss the emergence of philosophy in psychiatry as a distinct discipline, and it's historical evolution from psychoanalysis to biomedical models. We go into the critiques of disorder classi
University Mental Health Day with Student Minds (Student Advisory Commitee)
Send us Fan MailIn this week's episode of the Behind the Stigma Podcast, I speak with members of the Student Advisory Committee from Student Minds, including Aglaya Freccero, Dom Smithies, and Mahbub Alom Shuhag, in light of University Mental Health Day. We delve into the challenges and lived experiences of students, emphasizing the significance of inclusivity and diversity in mental health
Artificial Intelligence and Mental Health with Dr. Ines Hipolito
Send us Fan MailIn this week's episode, I speak with Dr. Hipolito, an Assistant Professor at Macquarie University, on artificial intelligence, cognition and mental health. We discuss:- The philosophical realism of AI: whether AI systems are seen as seperate from us - Digital mental health apps: their advantages and concerns about data privacy, reliability, and the potential for algorithmic bi
Student Mental Health with Dr. Nicola Byrom (Founder of Student Minds)
Send us Fan MailIn this week's episode, I speak with Dr. Nicola Byrom, a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at King’s College London. We discuss the importance of lived experience in research as well as collaborative research for student mental health. Dr Byrom shares how she founded Student Minds, the UK's biggest mental health charity, and how her personal experience drove her to want chang
Carl Gustav Jung, The Red Book, & Active Imagination with MJDorian
Send us Fan MailIn this week's episode, featuring our guest speaker, MJDorian, we delved into the world of psychoanalyst Dr. Carl Gustav Jung and explored his Red Book, which Jung described as his “confrontation with the unconscious." We discussed the content of the book, uncovered underlying themes, and examined its relevance to the modern world.MJ also guided us through a method employ
Hearing Voices: Meaning and Lived Experience with Dr. Netchitailova
Send us Fan MailIn this week's episode on the Behind the Stigma Podcast, we welcome Dr. Ekaterina Netchitailova to discuss the meaning and lived experience of psychosis. Dr. Netchitailova shares her personal journey with psychiatric care in the Netherlands and the UK, shedding light on the stigma surrounding diagnoses and cultural influences on mental health. The conversation explores Dr. Net
Unlock your full potential - Shadow Work with Dr. Alex Curmi
Send us Fan MailThe first episode of the New Year, we delve into the concept of Jungian shadow work and integration with the shadow. (Chapter Markers added). We discuss what Shadow work means, and why it's not only about the 'dark' parts of ourselves. We also explore how the shadow influences our behavior and relationships, leading to insights about projection and its impact on pers
Immunology and Psychiatry with Dr. Thomas Pollak
Send us Fan MailWelcome to Season 2! In this week's episode, we explore the intriguing link between neuroimmunology and psychiatry with guest Dr. Thomas Pollak. We discuss what autoimmune diseases are and Dr. Pollak's work on Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis and it's relation to psychosis. We also discuss the role of neurology in psychiatry, and challenges in diagnosis and the necess
Virtual Reality & Cognitive Health with Amir Bozorgzadeh
Send us Fan MailIn this week's episode, I speak with Amir Bozorgzadeh, Co-Founder and CEO of Virtuleap on the intersection between virtual reality and cognitive health.We discuss how Virtuleap designs VR brain training solutions to address cognitive illnesses and the potential of VR in mental health interventions. Amir shares personal insights into the power of VR, and the unique approach Vir
Antidepressant Effects with Dr. Mark Horowitz
Send us Fan MailIn this week's episode, I speak with psychiatrist, Dr. Mark Horowitz, on the Effects of Antidepressants. We discuss how depression is currently understood in society - taking a step back from diagnostic categories. We also discuss what is truly known about the causality and mechanisms of depression, and the effects antidepressants have on our psychological well being and our p
The Creative Process with Anne-Laure Le Cunff
Send us Fan MailIn this week's episode, I speak with Anne-Laure Le Cunff, Founder of Ness Labs, on productivity & the creative process. We discuss 4 different creative processes: - diffused vs focused thinking- idea sex- generation effect and- combinational creativityWe also go into Anne Laure's work of mindful productivity, the different ways to identify why we procrastinate, and he
Misinformation, Fake News & Conspiracy with Dr. Sacha Altay
Send us Fan MailIn this week's episode, I speak with Dr. Altay, a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Zurich, on misinformation, fake news and conspiracy theories. We discuss these 3 concepts, exploring Dr. Altay's work on why people do and do not share fake news, what consists of misinformation, and the factors that make people more prone to conspiracy. We conclude with C
The E-Risk Study with Professor Helen Fisher & Rebecca Gray
Send us Fan MailIn this week's episode, I speak with Professor Helen Fisher, Professor of Developmental Psychopathology from King's College London and Rebecca Gray on the Environmental Risk Longitudinal Twin Study (E-Risk Study). The E-Risk Study builds knowledge around the question of how environmental and genetic factors contribute to the development of behaviors', health, and me
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder with Dr. Stephen Faraone
Send us Fan MailIn this week's episode, I speak to one of the world's most influential psychologists and researchers on ADHD, Professor Stephen Faraone. We go into defining ADHD , the role of executive functions and the differences in cognitive processes between individuals with and without the disorder. We also discuss the impact of social media on ADHD awareness and insights into the
Personality Traits with Dr. Alex Curmi
Send us Fan MailWhat does your personality reveal about you, and how does it shape the way you interact with the world? In this week's episode, we dive into the fascinating realm of personality traits with Dr. Alex Curmi, psychiatrist and host of The Thinking Mind podcast.We discuss the Five Factor Model and how traits like Extraversion, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, Neuroticism, and O
Education Series - The Robbers Cave Experiment
Send us Fan MailTwo groups of boys embark on what appears to be an ordinary summer camp in the scenic State Park, Oklahoma. Or is it if a group of researchers are watching you? Learn today about the secret's of the infamous Robbers Cave Experiment, and it's contribution in the field of Social Psychology.
Philosophy of Psychiatry with Professor Lisa Bortolotti
Send us Fan MailIn this week's episode, I speak with Professor Lisa Bortolotti, Professor in the University of Birmingham on the Philosophy of Psychiatry. Our discussion was based around the notion of mental disorders and how they are viewed in the field. We also discuss the blurred lines between delusions and irrational beliefs, agency in mental health (where Professor Bortolotti talks about
Binge Eating with Alina Vasilache (Clinical Psychologist)
Send us Fan MailIn this week's episode, I speak with Alina Vasilache on Binge Eating. We go through what classifies as a binge, what are some of the main factors that affect binge eating, relapse and remission, and how to seek help. Book: Overcoming Binge Eating ( Dr. Christopher Fairburn) - https://www.amazon.ae/Overcoming-Binge-Eating-Proven-Program/dp/1572305614
Betrayal Trauma with Kristin Snowden
Send us Fan MailBetrayal Trauma involves one partner breaking the trust of the other by engaging in behaviors that go against the relationships agreed upon boundaries. How do you move past that? In this week's episode, I speak with licensed therapist, Kristin Snowden on this topic. We discuss what it is, what it means for both partners, whether a relationship can deal with it, and steps to
Meditation & the Predictive Brain with Dr. Ruben Laukkonen
Send us Fan MailIn this week's episode, I speak with Dr. Ruben Laukkonen, Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience, on meditation and the predictive brain. We discuss what is predictive processing, 3 styles of meditation: focused attention, open monitoring and non-dualism, and how these map on to the brain. We also go into insight, how predictive processing works, and his future research in the fi
Education Series - Metacognition
Send us Fan MailThinking about thinking - that's so metacognitive!In this week's education series episode, we dive into the concept of metacognition. We cover the work of John H Flavell, the Self-discrepancy theory, and if animals have metacognitive abilities.
Love Addiciton with Nisrine Maktabi
Send us Fan MailCan someone be love addicted? & what would that even look like? In this week's episode, I speak with psychotherapist, Nisrine Maktabi on the topic of love addiction. We discuss what are the characteristics of a love addict, factors that contribute to its development, the impact it can have on an individual's life, and the ways in which it can be addressed.
Understanding Shame with Kristin Snowden
Send us Fan MailIn this week's episode, I speak with Kristin Snowden, a licensed marriage and family therapist with over 15 years of experience on the topic of understanding shame. We discuss what shame is, the work of Brene Brown’s shame shields, and of course identifying our own shame and how to overcome itKristin's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/KristinSnowdenWebsite: ht
Workplace Bullying with Nicki Eyre
Send us Fan MailIn this week's episode, I speak with Nicki Eyre, founder and director of Conduct Change, an organization in the UK that provides consultancy, coaching and training solutions rooted in the prevention of workplace bullying. We discuss Nicki's personal experience of workplace bullying, and how that led her to advocate for change. We go into issues like how organizations shou
Self-Esteem with Dr. Alex Curmi
Send us Fan MailIn this week's episode on Behind the Stigma, I speak with Dr. Alex Curmi, psychiatrist and host of the Maudsley Learning Podcast with a discussion on self-esteem. We discuss two varieties of how we can understand self-esteem: situational confidence and inherit self worth. We also go into meditation and self, how to parent yourself using a re-parenting model of therapy, and the
Education Series - SMART goals
Send us Fan MailWhile setting goals can be exciting, setting SMART goals can help us accomplish them!SMART stands for:SpecificMeasurableAchievableRealisticTime-framedListen to this short BTS series to learn how to set your NY resolution goals, and how to make them work!
Psychology of New Years Resolution
Send us Fan MailHappy New Years! This is the 51st episode of the BTS podcast, and this week's episode is on the Psychology of New Years Resolutions. We discuss why we have such a strong pull towards resolutions, but also why they can fail. Alina explains how we can set goals which can be achievable, with a focus on a process orientated approach rather than goal orientated. We also dive into w
Conscious Dancing with Phil Santos
Send us Fan MailIn this week’s episode, I speak with Phil Santos, founder of Ecstatic Playground on the type of dance known as ‘conscious dancing’. We dive into the importance of moving our bodies, trauma and movement, the impact of loneliness, and what it means to build conscious communities through dance. We also discuss Phil’s upcoming book ‘conscious clubbing’ whose goal is to make parties fri
Education Series - Cognitive Development (Lev Vygotksy)
Send us Fan MailIn this week's education series, we dive into Part 2 of the developmental psychology theories, focusing on the work of Russian psychologist Lev Vygotsky. We go into his theory of cognitive development, the 'zone of proximal development', scaffolding, and the importance of language and culture, and how he differed from Jean Piaget.
Psychosis with Sir Professor Robin Murray
Send us Fan MailIn this week’s episode, I speak to Sir Professor Robin Murray, one of the most cited researchers in the world, on the topic of psychosis. We talk about the difference between psychosis and the construct of schizophrenia, the onset and risk factors, both biological and environmental. We also discuss the current treatments and the consequences of antipsychotics, and his reflection of
Dualism in Psychiatry with Professor Diane O'Leary
Send us Fan MailThis week, I speak with Professor Diane O'Leary on the topic of Dualism. We discuss how dualism is best understood in psychiatry in comparison to philosophy, and how this distinction impacts our understanding in the field. We then dive deep into a variety of dualism, known as property dualism and what this means for psychiatric diagnosis, and understanding mental disorders as
Social & Emotional Learning with Nick Haisman-Smith
Send us Fan MailIn this week's episode, I speak with Nick Haisman-Smith, the Executive director, and one of the founders of Social and Emotional Learning Institute. We discuss what SEL is, it's importance for communities, including parents and teachers, and how SEL is important for aspects of our mental health, and the evidence behind it. We conclude with some of it's limitations,
Mental Health Diagnosis with Dr. Alex Curmi
Send us Fan MailThis week I speak to Psychiatrist Dr. Alex Curmi from the Maudsley Learning Podcast on how we diagnose mental health conditions. We talk about the pros and cons of the current diagnostic system and how we can utilize the pros. We also dive into his work as a psychiatrist, and his approach, discussing the difficulty of sectioning, and how he uses a multidisciplinary approach to help
Education Series - Cognitive Development (Jean Piaget)
Send us Fan MailIn this week's education series, we dive into developmental psychology, focusing on the work of Swiss genetic epistemologist Jean Piaget. We go into his theory of cognitive development, and the 4 main stages of child development:Sensorimotor (0-2 years)Preoperational (2-7 years)Concrete operational (7 - 11 years)Formal operational (12+ years).
Happy Well Being Life with Caroline S Asante
Send us Fan MailIn this week's episode I speak with Caroline S Asante, former award-winning BBC radio host and presenter, and host of the Happy Well Being Life Podcast. We speak about her journey highlighting aspects of imposter syndrome, ageism, the fear of comparison, and growth mindset.Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinesasante/Happy Well Being Life Podcast: https://open.spotify.
Q&A Session (with clinical psychologist) - Part 3
Send us Fan MailIn this week's episode, I am back with Alina Vasilache, clinical psychologist on another popular demand for a Q&A session. Alina answers questions on coping mechanisms for anxiety, achieving goals, projection and more!You can now jump to the question of your interest, using our chapter markers.
Self-transcendence with Professor David Yaden
Send us Fan MailThis week, I speak with Professor David Yaden, Assistant Professor at Johns Hopkins University school of Medicine, on the topic of self-transcendence and psychedelic-assisted therapy. We discuss what psychedelic-assisted therapy is, its importance for mental health conditions, and a focus on the set and setting of clinical trials. Professor Yaden defines the meaning of transcenden
The Collaborative Library with Dr. Anja & Anthony Harrison
Send us Fan MailThe Collaborative Library is a platform to unlock science for everyone! It aims to link up people who do research and those who are interested in the outcomes.This week, I speak to the founders of The Collab Library. We discuss what the Collaborative Library is, who it is for, and some of the really cool features on it amongst other things! You can now also view our 'Chapter
Becoming Vader - the psychology of Anakin Skywalker
Send us Fan MailMay the force be with you! This week, me and Dr. Alex Curmi from the Maudsley Learning Podcast deep dive into the fascinating mind of Anakin Skywalker, and what drove and dictated his actions. We discuss his attachment style, fear of abandonment, the role of the Jedi council, and whether he was in love or obsessed with Padme. Could have Anakin's turn to the dark side to beco
Toxic Relationships with Nisrine Maktabi
Send us Fan MailIn this week's episode, I speak with Nisrine Maktabi, psychotherapist and relationship expert on the concept of the drama triangle. What is the drama triangle? and how does it work in a toxic relationship? We also discuss how the dynamic of a toxic relationship works, and what are some of the traits of an individual who projects these traits. This is the third series with Nis
Education Series - Social Learning Theory
Send us Fan MailIn continuation of last month's theme of learning through conditioning, this month's education series is dedicated to social learning theory. Learn about the most popular psychologist of social learning theory and his infamous experiment in Stanford known as the Bobo doll experiment.
Consciousness & Self Consciousness with Dr. Raphael Milliere
Send us Fan MailIn this week's episode, I speak to Dr. Raphael Milliere, a philosopher of cognitive science, on the differences between consciousness and self consciousness. Dr. Raphael starts off by defining these terms and their distinction, and his work on how consciousness can be present while experiencing the loss of self. We also talk about measuring consciousness, Google's advance
Fantasy vs Reality with Dr. Alex Curmi
Send us Fan MailIn this week's episode, Dr. Alex Curmi from the Maudsley learning podcast speaks to us about fantasy vs reality, and what role fantasy plays in our life. Dr. Alex defines what fantasy means and whether these fantasies are holding us back in some ways. We also talk about the role of dreams and daydreaming. We then finish up our discussion on how you can become more reality orie
Psychological Therapies
Send us Fan MailHow do we know what therapy is right for us? In this week's episode, clinical psychologist Alina Vasilache speaks to us about various forms of psychological therapies, and how they differ and are similar with one another. Therapies mentioned in this episode: Cognitive behavioral therapy, Dialectal behavioral therapy, schema therapy, internal family systems and humanistic theor
Practicing Mindfulness with Dr. Alex Curmi
Send us Fan MailWhat does it really mean to be mindful? In this week's episode, I speak to Dr. Alexander Curmi, psychiatrist from Maudsley NHS foundation trust about mindfulness practice. We discuss what mindfulness means to him with reference to Buddhism, how he applies it in everyday practice with examples, and finally, how mindfulness has been adopted in the West as a therapy intervent
English Romanian Adoptee Study with Professor Sonuga-Barke
Send us Fan MailThis week's episode is on the English Romanian adoptee study (ERA). The ERA study is the first study to examine the long-term effects of early severe childhood deprivation on development. It dates back to 1960’s Romania, after the fall of Nicolai Ceausescu, the communist leader at the time, and its research is still ongoing up to date.Today, 20 years later, I speak to Profess
Education Series - Conditioning
Send us Fan MailDoes the name Ivan Pavlov ring a bell? This month's education series is dedicated to the school of psychology known as behaviorism. We discuss its two main learning theories: classical and operant conditioning.
Q&A Session (with clinical psychologist) - Part 2
Send us Fan MailIn this week's episode, I am back with Alina Vasilache, clinical psychologist on another Q&A session. Alina answers questions on burn-out, self-esteem, grief and what she has learnt in her journey as a psychologist. You can now jump to the question of your interest, using time stamps!
Misophonia
Send us Fan MailIn this week's episode, I speak to Adeel Ahmad, host of the Misophonia Podcast where people share their experiences living with Misophonia. We talk about his experience with Misophonia, why and how he started his podcast, and what he has learnt from his experiences with talking to people. Misophonia Podcast: https://misophoniapodcast.com/
The Power Threat Meaning Framework
Send us Fan MailNot only is it time to abandon psychiatric diagnosis, but it is time to move beyond the medicalized perspective of ‘mental health’. A new framework for understanding how we all cope with distress - the power threat meaning framework - can lead the way to a more honest and effective paradigm.In this week's episode, I speak to Dr. Ian Newey, part of the PTMF committee, about wh
Education Series - Emotions
Send us Fan MailWhat is emotion? In this week's education series episode, we will touch upon what emotion is, primary and secondary emotions, the 3 main theories of emotion, and what is emotional regulation.
10 Minutes to Better Mental Health with Dr. Lee David
Send us Fan MailIn this week's episode, I speak to Lee David, one of the authors of '10 Minutes to Better Mental Health' on how you can improve your well being with ten-minute tools and quick exercises using cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness techniques. From dealing with anxiety to building your confidence, and creating healthy life habits and positive relationships - l
Trauma
Send us Fan MailWhat is trauma? In this episode, Alina Vasilache talks to us about how she works with patients with trauma, and her definition of it. We go into different therapy approaches, specifically EMDR therapy, what it is and how its used. We also talk about how trauma shows up in the body and how important is it to work on trauma? cant we just move on?
Anger
Send us Fan MailWe all get angry. It's a normal feeling. And often our anger can be justified right? But sometimes we get angry over little things, or deal with our anger in ways which can have a negative impact on us. In this episode, I speak with our clinical psychologist about the nature of anger, where it comes from and how to protect ourselves from people that make us angry. We also di
Education Series - Perception
Send us Fan MailPerception is the sensory experience of the world. It is the ability to see, hear, or become aware of something through the senses. In this week's education series episode, we will touch upon perception through vision, different theories of how perception works and a very interesting experiment called the rubber hand illusion that gives us clue into the perceptual world.
Pharmacotherapy & Mental Health with Dr. Derek Tracy
Send us Fan MailIn this week's episode, I speak to one of the leading psychiatrists in the UK, Dr. Derek Tracy about some of the challenges faced in pharmacotherapy, the role of clinicians and oneself on mental health, the bio-psycho-social model, and what are novel psychoactive substances. Website: https://maudsleylearning.com/dr-derek-k-tracy/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Derektracy1
Dating & Attachment Styles
Send us Fan MailIn our previous episode with Nisrine Maktabi, we looked at what is the attachment theory, and what are the 4 main styles of attachment. In this episode, we dive a little deeper into relationships and dating, why we choose or attract certain partners, and what is at the heart of a secure, functioning relationships. We also discuss the meaning of rupture and repair, and how negative
Q&A Session (with clinical psychologist)
Send us Fan MailYou asked and we answered! Today's episode is all about answering some of the questions we received from our listeners that were of importance to them. Check out our chapter markers to jump straight to the questions of your interest, and if you have any burning questions yourself, reach out to us on @behindthestigmapodcast on instagram!
Education Series - What is memory?
Send us Fan MailOur memories help make us who we are. They are our link that connects our past to our present and they underlie the way we talk, the way we learn and even the way we feel about situations and things. Have you ever wondered how our memories are stored in our brain? Is there a difference between long term and short term memory? And if yes, can we use certain techniques to strengthen
