Category: Psychology and Cultural Insights

Exploring the Unconscious Mind August 7, 2012

In this episode, Armand DiMele delves into the complexities of the unconscious mind and its profound influence on our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Joined by co-producer Lisa Arnone, they discuss how unconscious memories and instincts shape our reactions and preferences, often without our awareness. Through various examples, they explore how past experiences, both positive and negative, are stored in the unconscious and affect our daily lives. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding these hidden aspects of our psyche to foster personal growth and emotional healing.

Getting to the Source of Pain August 1, 2012

Host: Armand DiMeleGuests: Lisa Arnone

In this episode, Armand DiMele and Lisa Arnone explore the importance of understanding the underlying causes of emotional and physical pain. They discuss the concept of masks people wear to hide their true selves and the complexities of seeking authenticity. The conversation delves into various coping mechanisms, the Enneagram personality types, and the challenges of revealing one’s real self. Through listener calls, they address the struggles of dealing with family dynamics and the impact of deception on relationships. The episode emphasizes the necessity of self-awareness and the courage to confront one’s true feelings.

Psychology for Therapists: Part Seven July 31, 2012

Host: Armand DiMeleGuests: Lisa Arnone

In this episode, Armand DiMele and Lisa Arnone continue their series on psychology tailored for therapists. They delve into the complexities of self-inquiry, emphasizing the importance of asking the right questions about one’s feelings and behaviors. Armand discusses how individuals often struggle with understanding their emotions and the dynamics of therapy. He highlights the significance of recognizing dependency, stages of growth, and the resistance to change that many face. The episode encourages listeners to explore deeper questions about themselves, moving beyond surface-level inquiries to uncover underlying motivations and feelings.

Hypnosis and Suggestibility July 3, 2012

Host: Armand DiMeleGuests: Lisa Arnone

In this episode, Armand DiMele discusses the intricacies of suggestibility and hypnosis, emphasizing the importance of a client’s willingness to accept suggestions for effective therapy. He shares various techniques he employs in psychotherapy, including unique methods to gauge emotional responses and identify potential organic disorders. Armand also explores the dynamics of client-therapist relationships, the significance of self-awareness, and the impact of emotional expression on mental health. Through engaging dialogues, he illustrates how therapists can guide clients to better understand their feelings and thoughts, ultimately fostering personal growth and healing.

Understanding Thinking Styles in Therapy June 13, 2012

Host: Armand DiMeleGuests: Lisa Arnone

In this episode, Armand DiMele and his guest Lisa Arnone delve into the various thinking styles that influence how individuals perceive and interact with the world. They categorize thinking into four main styles: concrete sequential, concrete random, abstract sequential, and abstract random. Each style affects decision-making, emotional responses, and therapeutic approaches. The discussion emphasizes the importance of recognizing these styles in both therapists and clients to foster effective communication and understanding in therapy. The hosts explore how these styles can lead to collaboration or conflict, and how awareness of them can enhance therapeutic relationships.

Understanding Feelings and Emotions June 12, 2012

Host: Armand DiMeleGuests: Lisa Arnone, Michael G. Haskins

In this episode, Armand DiMele explores the complexities of feelings and emotions, emphasizing the importance of understanding the difference between the two. He discusses how professionals communicate in diagnostic terms that patients often find confusing, and aims to teach psychological concepts in accessible language. Joined by Lisa Arnone, they delve into the physiological sensations associated with feelings, the impulses that arise from them, and the behaviors that follow. The conversation highlights the significance of recognizing and processing feelings for emotional well-being, while also addressing common misconceptions in therapy about feelings versus thoughts.

Capgras Syndrome and Depersonalization April 19, 2011

Host: Armand DiMeleGuests: Jeffrey Abugel, Linda Vanella

In this episode, Armand DiMele discusses Capgras Syndrome, a condition where individuals believe their loved ones are imposters. Joined by Jeffrey Abugel, who shares his experiences with depersonalization disorder, they explore the psychological implications of feeling disconnected from oneself and reality. The conversation delves into the symptoms, causes, and potential treatments for these complex disorders, emphasizing the emotional struggles faced by those affected. The episode highlights the importance of understanding these conditions and offers hope for recovery through therapy and medication.

Understanding Feelings and Thoughts December 14, 2010

Host: Armand DiMele

In this episode, Armand DiMele explores the critical distinction between feelings and thoughts, emphasizing how often people confuse the two. He discusses the four basic feelings—sad, mad, glad, and bad—and explains how feelings manifest in the body. Armand elaborates on the concepts of impulses and behaviors, illustrating how individuals often suppress their feelings through thoughts and actions. He highlights the importance of allowing oneself to fully experience emotions in therapy to prevent complications in mental health. The episode encourages listeners to embrace their feelings and understand the relationship between emotions and thoughts.

My Mind is Not Always My Friend September 30, 2010

Host: Armand DiMeleGuests: Stephanie D'Ambra, Stephen Fogle

In this episode, Armand DiMele discusses the complexities of the mind and how it can sometimes work against us. Joined by guests Stephen Fogle and Stephanie D’Ambra, they explore themes of overreacting, the influence of past experiences on present behavior, and the importance of self-awareness in managing our thoughts. Fogle shares insights from his book, emphasizing that our minds can be both friends and foes, depending on how we interpret our experiences. The conversation delves into the chemistry of the brain, the role of the amygdala, and practical strategies for recognizing and addressing negative thought patterns.