In this episode, Trauma and Mental Health Report writer Sierrah Hamilton interviewsDr. Mirisse Foroughe, the Research Institute Director at Emotion TransformationInstitute, the Clinical Director at Family Psychology Centre, and the developer ofEmotion Focused Therapy for Youth. She is also the author of two published books onEmotion Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) and Emotion Focused Therapy for Youth(EFT-Y), and she hosts workshops where she teaches these tools to caregivers andclinicians internationally. Today, we will dive into her most recent work, using EmotionFocused Therapy for Youth and Caregiver-Youth dyads, and how you can think aboutand use some of these techniques within your own family.

In this episode, Trauma and Mental Health Report writer Shontae Cameron sits down withJaeRan Kim, Ph.D., an associate professor at the University of Washington, Tacoma, in theSchool of Social Work and Criminal Justice. As a writer, blogger, and scholar, Dr. Kim’swork focuses on adoption, foster care, and child welfare. Together, we explore ambiguousloss—a form of disenfranchised grief that deeply affects individuals with adoption andfoster-care experiences. From the emotional complexities of non-death losses to their lasting psychological impact, Dr. Kim shares her expertise, insights, and personal experience in this compelling discussion.

In today’s episode, contributing writer Japneet Kaur speaks with Dr. Norman Farb, an associate professor of psychology at the University of Toronto, and co-author of Better in Every Sense with Dr. Zindel Segal. With him, we dive into the science behind why we get emotionally stuck in mental loops, overthinking, and overwhelm. Dr. Farb introduces Sense Foraging, a science-backed practice that helps disrupt these cycles by reconnecting us with our senses, offering a powerful pathway to emotional reset and wellbeing. Whether you're feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, or simply in need of a reset, this episode will reveal how this simple yet transformative practice can help you break free from rigid patterns of thinking and being, while helping you feel more grounded and emotionally resilient.

In this episode, we sit down with Justin Michel, CEO of Building BridgesPsychotherapy and Affordable Therapy Ontario, a passionate advocate for accessiblemental health care. Justin believes that financial barriers should never stand betweenindividuals and the support they need. We'll explore the critical issue of affordability in trauma recovery, discussing how private and public systems can be leveraged toprovide low-cost mental health support. Join us as we delve into Justin's work and hisvision for a future where healing is within everyone's reach.

In this episode of the Trauma and Mental Health podcast series, we are joined by contributing writer Suliana Beraki and Dr. Kenneth Widanaralalage, a lecturer in forensic psychology at King’s College London. Dr. Widanaralalage discusses his article, “I Didn't Feel Like a Victim,” providing valuable insights into the challenges faced by individuals who have experienced sexual violations. We explore the concept of rape myths, examining how they are socially constructed and the various factors that make it difficult for some male survivors to recognize, confront, and cope with their experiences.  Join us as we delve into topics such as secondary victimization, interactions with law enforcement, and societal perceptions of masculinity. Dr. Widanaralalage also shares perspectives on how we can move forward—offering some ideas for peers, mental health professionals, and law enforcement on challenging harmful stereotypes and fostering safer, more supportive spaces for male survivors and others with similar experiences. 

In today’s episode, Contributing Writer Ruby Kagan speaks with James Downs, a lived experience mental health research expert in eating disorders, looking at the label of SEEDs “Severe and Enduring Eating Disorders” (SEEDs) and the recent approach of emphasizing “Harm Reduction” in eating disorder treatment. We discuss the systemic gaps in eating disorder treatments currently, including considering the ethical debate around harm reduction methods for eating disorders  and common definitions and labels like SEEDs.       

In today’s episode, Contributing Writer Japneet Kaur speaks with Dr. George Slavich, director of the UCLA laboratory for stress assessment and research and a pioneer in the field of stress science and human social genomics. With him we dive into the conceptualisation of stress, its effects on the human brain, body and immune system, and the future of stress research. Most importantly, Dr. Slavich shares practical, evidence-basedstrategies for managing everyday stress and minimizing its negative impact on overall well-being.

In today’s episode, Contributing Writer Divya Bhupal speaks with Esther Goldstein, a Licensed Clinical Social worker who specializes in trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and relationship issues and is a big proponent of internal family systems (IFS) therapy. With her wedive into what IFS therapy is and how it can help individuals navigate their lives and heal trauma from a place of empathy and understanding. Most importantly, Esther speaks to how IFS therapy not only helps you live a better tomorrow, but a better today.      

In this episode, Trauma and Mental Health Report writer Adrian Parham interviews Dr. Gail Dines, CEO and Founder of Culture Reframed, an Organization that spreads awareness about the harms of Pornography. Having authored several books, written and starred in documentaries, Dr. Dines is a leading anti-pornography scholar and has been for the last 30 years. She discusses how pornography harms societies’, especially men’s, view of relationships, intimacy, sexuality and masculinity. Treating this as a public health problem,Dr. Dines and her organization, Culture Reframed, aims to educate the masses on this pandemic.       In this episode, Trauma and Mental Health Report writer Adrian Parham interviews Dr.GailDines, CEO and Founder of Culture Reframed, an Organization that spreads awarenessabout the harms of Pornography. Having authored several books, written and starred indocumentaries, Dr. Dines is a leading anti-pornography scholar and has been for the last 30years. She discusses how pornography harms societies’, especially men’s, view ofrelationships, intimacy, sexuality and masculinity. Treating this as a public health problem,Dr. Dines and her organization, Culture Reframed, aims to educate the masses on thispandemic.

In this episode as we sit down with Dr. Anita Federici, a leading expert in eatingdisorders, to unpack one of the most complex and controversial topics in the field: Severe Enduring Eating Disorders (SEEDs) and Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID). Essentially, what to do with the people who don’t “improve” after standard interventions. This conversation dives into the dangers of labelling and the importance of cultivating hope as an antidote to the common symptom of suicidality and chronic systemic gaps in care. We tackle difficult questions about balancing patients’ rights and autonomy with the duty to provide effective treatment. Reasons to be optimistic about insights derived from more lived-experience practitioners in the field are noted, while acknowledging the ongoing need to counter growing concerns related to our economically based mental health care system.      

In this episode, Trauma and Mental Health Report writer Amanda Fernandes interviews Dr. Debra Pepler, an award winning psychologist and distinguished research professor at York University. Her research on adolescent bullying has largely influenced how we understand and deal with bullying today. We discuss Dr. Pepler’s co-creation and implementation of the PREVNet organization, as well as its role in preventing and reducing bullying behaviours usingevidenced-based research. Finally, Dr. Pepler explains how healthy relationships can buffer against bullying, with an emphasis on parent-child relationships.

In this episode, we delve into the evolving landscape of mental health discourse on social media platforms, particularly TikTok's burgeoning trend of self-diagnosis. Join us as we sit down with Dr. Ray Christner, PhD, a seasoned clinical psychologist, to explore the complexities, dangers, and potential benefits associated with this cultural phenomenon. We discuss the implications of relying on TikTok for mental health information, the impact on individuals' perceptions of their own well-being, and the importance of seeking professional guidance. Tune in for a nuanced conversation that sheds light on the intersection of social media, mental health, and self-awareness. 

In today’s episode, somatic therapist and Executive Director of the Neutral Ground Collective, dix Moore-Broussard, joins The Trauma and Mental Health Report’s podcast to discuss the effects of extreme heat on our mental health. According to the World Meteorological Organization, 2023 was, by far, the warmest year on record. This won’t be an isolated event. When it comes to heat, much emphasis is made on how it affects our physical health, but how much do we know about how extreme temperatures affect our mental health?      

In today’s episode, Contributing Writer Maria Auxiliadora Sanchez speaks with Christine Grace McMulkin, a Registered Social Worker and a Compassion Focused Therapist who delivers mindful self-compassion programs through the Center for Mindful Self Compassion and the Center for Mindfulness Studies. With her we dive into the meaning of self-compassion and its benefits, the misconceptions around self-compassion, the main challenges that can arise during the practices, and how to solve them. Most importantly, she explains how we can cultivate self-compassion.      

In this episode, Trauma and Mental Health Report writer Lauren Rudolph interviews Dr. Ruth Lanius, MD, PhD, a world-renowned expert on the neurobiology of trauma and integrative approaches to trauma treatment. We will discuss how trauma is stored in the brain and body, how this causes ongoing symptoms and informs individualised trauma treatments, four types of dissociation, and emerging integrative treatments to address the root causes of ongoing trauma symptoms.      

In this episode, Trauma Report writer Vanessa DiPasquale speaks with Caitlin Johnson, a functional medicine dietitian, who helps women who have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) rebuild a positive bond between them and their body. Caitlin herself has PCOS and has faced challenges regarding self-esteem and her mental well being due to the chronic illness. In this podcast we talk about mental health struggles that come along with having PCOS in an attempt to bring awareness to this under-recognized chronic illness.   

Co-founder of the program Resolvve and psychotherapist, Noah Tile, joins The Trauma and Mental Health’s podcast to discuss how Resolvee is using an integrative approach to support students’ mental health. From high school to university, this program offers low-cost therapy, academic coaching, and guidance counselling available for students with mental illnesses or struggling due to educational pressures. In this episode, we explore student stressors, how the integrative mental health approach may be more helpful for students, and what are the next steps for improving students’ mental health through prevention approaches.

In this episode, Trauma and Mental Health Report writer Nikita Baxi speaks with Dr. Chloe Paidoussis-Mitchell, a grief and trauma psychotherapist based in the U.K, about dealing with identity loss during grief. Her new book The Loss Prescription: A practical roadmap to grief recovery, published by HarperCollins, uses her decades of clinical experience to develop recovery tools and exercises not only for identity loss during grief, but for many other aspects of loss as well.

In this episode, Trauma and Mental Health Report writer Taylor Alves speaks with Summer Krause, a licensed professional counsellor and certified alcohol and drug counsellor, who has worked with youth and adults dealing with trauma and addiction. In her work she runs individual and group counselling through Seeking Safety groups which focuses on teaching people safe coping skills. Summer has background in the juvenile justice system and witnessed that trauma is often the missing piece people skim over when talking about addiction. In this podcast we talk about trauma, addiction, and the gaps in treatment.

Join us as we delve into the groundbreaking introduction of Canada's 988 help hotline. We explore its pivotal role in reshaping mental health services, enhancing accessibility, and providing immediate aid to those in need. Expert insights and discussions illuminate the transformative impact of this vital resource on mental health support in Canada.