In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Michael Changaris, an expert on neurobiology, the mind-body connection, and trauma. Dr. Changaris is a Psychologist, Zen practitioner, a professor in psychology at the Wright Institute, a writer, clinical trainer, and thought leader.

Together we delve into his concept of synchromy - the synchronization between the mind, body, and nervous system - and how it plays a role in self-regulation, co-regulation, and healing. Dr. Changaris also opines about the evolution of marriage and family therapy. Plus he details how he uses Artificial Intelligence as a professional to up his game.

I think of him like the Dennis Leary of Psychology. A huge compliment. Both have a quick wit and rapid fire speech, can hold your attention, and are passionate, relatable, funny, and accessible. The biggest difference is that Dr. Changaris is arguably more erudite and hails from the South, not Boston.

In this episode you may need to hit the pause button, rewind, and get your pen and note pad out to keep up. I also suggest adjusting the speed of your playback system because you will be getting a master course on psychology/neurobiology and don’t want to miss one utterance. Of course a single episode is not nearly enough for this brilliant sage with a big heart . . .so hopefully we will get him back in the studio soon.

WCMI networking group
A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here

Dr. James H. Bramson Interviews Dr. Doris Brett (Following the ASH Conference)

You should know who Dr. Doris Brett is. If you are living in Australia, New Zealand, or even Europe you may already know her work. She is a celebrated writer who has won numerous awards for her poems, novels, and children’s books. Dr. Doris Brett is also a captivating speaker and renowned clinical psychologist and hypnotherapist. I reconnected with her at the ASH (Australian Society of Hypnosis) conference in Cairns, Australia. I asked her for an interview and then stalked her and threatened to not leave Australia until she agreed … and, lucky for you all, she finally acquiesced.

In this episode, Dr. Brett touches on several classic stories ripe with metaphors. As an example, do you know the famous story about a lost girl who starts off her misadventures in life by inadvertently killing someone? Then her circuitous journey leads her to three feckless male archetypal figures, who are also lost. They band together and set off to find what they’re missing inside. They eventually walk down a windy road and kill again, which sets them free. Their journey results in each of them becoming more enlightened, self-assured, self-directed, and happier. They even start singing together and find a skip in their step.

Dr. Brett knows that you will easily recognize this familiar tale despite the cryptic setup. She opines that the way we setup a story or narrative framework is important. Have you figured it out? The above framework is the basis for the Wizard of Oz where two witches die. One witch dies at the beginning when Dorothy’s house lands on her. At the end, we all remember how the wicked witch melts (second death). Each character in Oz is a source of inspiration. Dorothy realizes she has always had the power to go back home, to find peace and strength within, and that she is not alone. Whereas the Scarecrow realizes he is smart, the Tin Man discovers his heart, and the Lion finds his courage. It’s a meta-story about not doubting ourselves and recognizing our full potential. It also illustrates the wisdom of questioning authority figures, false prophets, and autocratic leaders who rule by fear.

The Wizard is a symbol of false authority or illusions of power until the curtain is pulled back. The Emerald city is a metaphor for a false utopia. The tornado represents upheaval, change, and a new phase of life. The story as a whole can be a psychological guide on resiliency, the importance of community, and finding your life path after a tragic event.

Arduous events can test one’s soul and grit. Dr. Brett believes that hardships can lead to Post-Traumatic Growth. In brief, Dr. Brett illustrates how a familiar story like the Wizard of Oz can be rich with symbolism. Dr. Brett artfully uses this classic story and film, along with Greek mythology, ferry tales, and poems to help clients gain insights into their own life story - - that can lead to meaningful change.

WCMI networking group
A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here

Dr. Jim Bramson interviews Dr. Dan Peters

Dr. Dan Peters is known to his clients and followers as Dr. Dan. He is a podcaster, author, therapist, and Executive Director at the Summit Center.

In this episode he opines about how to “Make Your Worrier a Warrior” based on his seminal book by that same title. This shift from worrier to warrior benefits children inasmuch as parents.

Dr. Dan is an expert on twice exceptional or multi-exceptional children. He discusses how to support the emotional needs of gifted children and all children. He touches on the topics of "perfectionism" and the importance of helping children feel like "they are enough." He encourages parents to instill positive self-worth in their kids. He thinks parents should avoid turning children into anxious achievers like themselves. Instead he believes that parents are most helpful and efficacious when they learn how to become mindful (peaceful) warriors with a heart.

WCMI networking group
A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here