betrayal trauma |

Pain and the Human Experience August 30, 2006

Host: Armand DiMeleGuests: Kent Robertshaw

Category: Psychology and Cultural Insights

In this episode, Armand DiMele and Kent Robertshaw explore the complex ways individuals cope with pain and trauma, particularly in the context of societal disasters like Hurricane Katrina. They discuss the tendency to compartmentalize emotions, the impact of loss on families, and the importance of empathy and community in healing. The conversation highlights how people often suppress their feelings to function in daily life, yet ultimately, these repressed emotions can resurface in various forms. The hosts emphasize the need for open dialogue about grief and the significance of supporting one another through difficult times.

Shame and Addiction August 29, 2006

Host: Armand DiMeleGuests: Roberta Maria Atin

Category: Social Dynamics and Psychology

In this episode, Armand DiMele and guest Roberta Maria Ati explore the complex emotions surrounding shame, particularly in the context of societal tragedies like Hurricane Katrina. They differentiate between legitimate and toxic shame, discussing how the latter can lead to suffering and addiction. The conversation delves into the psychological effects of witnessing disaster and the feelings of powerlessness that arise from inaction. They also critique the inadequate responses from authorities in the aftermath of such events and emphasize the importance of addressing emotional pain rather than numbing it. The episode highlights the need for deeper understanding and compassion in the face of collective trauma.

Exploring Authority and Relationships August 2, 2006

Host: Armand DiMeleGuests: Shreya Mundal

Category: Psychological Challenges and Growth

In this episode, host Armand DiMele engages with Shreya Mundal, a mitigation specialist at the Legal Aid Society, to discuss the complexities of authority figures and personal relationships. They explore how early experiences with parents can shape interactions with authority, the feelings of powerlessness that often arise, and the importance of self-awareness in breaking negative patterns. Shreya shares insights from her work with clients in the criminal justice system, emphasizing the need for introspection and understanding one’s life history to foster healthier relationships with authority figures. The conversation also touches on activism, employment dynamics, and the significance of addressing underlying emotional issues.

Secrets June 21, 2006

Host: Armand DiMele

Category: Emotional and Social Dynamics

In this episode, Armand DiMele discusses the concept of secrets and their impact on mental health. He highlights the importance of revealing secrets to alleviate emotional burdens, sharing insights from psychology and personal stories. The conversation touches on how secrets can affect relationships and individual well-being, particularly in the context of trauma and personal experiences. Armand encourages listeners to call in and share their secrets, emphasizing the healing power of openness and honesty.

Resiliency and Mental Health May 2, 2006

Host: Armand DiMeleGuests: Kevin O'Donoghue

Category: Family and Relationship Dynamics

In this episode, Armand DiMele explores the concept of resiliency and why some individuals bounce back from trauma while others struggle. He discusses various factors influencing resilience, including genetics, upbringing, and mental health. Through listener calls, he delves into personal experiences of sensitivity, emotional responses, and the impact of familial relationships on resilience. The episode emphasizes the importance of understanding one’s emotional responses and the role of supportive relationships in overcoming adversity.

Truth, Innocence, and the Human Experience April 27, 2006

Host: Armand DiMeleGuests: Anne O'Connell, Kent Robertshaw, Stephanie D'Ambra

Category: Psychology and Cultural Insights

In this episode, host Armand DiMele engages in a deep conversation with guests Kent Robertshaw and Anne O’Connell about the complexities of truth, innocence, and the human experience. They explore themes of gullibility, cynicism, and the importance of psychotherapy in treating mental health issues. The discussion touches on the challenges faced by mental health practitioners in building trust with clients, especially those with histories of substance abuse and trauma. The guests share insights from their experiences in outpatient mental health clinics, emphasizing the need for compassion and understanding in therapy.

Childhood Sexual Abuse and Its Impact December 1, 2005

Host: Armand DiMeleGuests: Dr. Christine Courtois

Category: Family and Relationship Dynamics

In this episode, host Armand DiMele discusses the sensitive and challenging topic of childhood sexual abuse with counseling psychologist Dr. Christine Courtois. They explore the complexities of incest, the definition of consent, and the long-term effects of such trauma on survivors. Dr. Courtois shares insights from her research and clinical experience, highlighting the psychological and physical repercussions of abuse, as well as the importance of addressing both victims and offenders in treatment. The conversation emphasizes the need for awareness, prevention, and support for those affected by these issues.

Dissociation and Presence November 1, 2005

Host: Armand DiMele

Category: Personal Growth and Awareness

In this episode, Armand DiMele explores the concepts of dissociation, depersonalization, and fugue states, discussing how they manifest in everyday life. He shares anecdotes from individuals who cope with their realities through various means, such as meditation, running, or substance use. Armand emphasizes the importance of being present and facing one’s emotions rather than escaping into fugue states. He provides practical advice on how to cultivate mindfulness and engage fully with life, encouraging listeners to embrace their experiences and emotions for a more fulfilling existence.

Exploring Fear and Its Impact on Human Behavior Undated

Host: Armand DiMeleGuests: Roberta Maria Atti

Category: Emotional and Mental Health

In this episode, Armand DiMele and Roberta Maria Atti delve into the complex nature of fear and its profound effects on human behavior. They discuss how fear, often subconscious, drives many erratic actions and emotional responses. The conversation explores the evolutionary roots of fear, its biochemical reactions in the body, and how it shapes our interactions and perceptions. Through various examples, they illustrate the importance of recognizing fear in ourselves and others, aiming to foster understanding and compassion in our responses to fear-driven behaviors.

How We Create Our Life Stories Undated

Host: Armand DiMeleGuests: Diane, Dr. Carol Dweck, Giullian Gioiello, Jennifer, John Valerio, Kelly, Rick

Category: Emotional and Mental Health

In this episode, Armand DiMele explores the intricate ways we construct our life narratives and the psychological mechanisms behind them. He discusses how our backgrounds and experiences shape our perceptions and reactions, particularly focusing on the role of the amygdala in processing fear and anxiety. Through engaging stories and listener interactions, Armand emphasizes the importance of understanding our neural activity and how it influences our thoughts and emotions. He encourages listeners to reflect on their own life stories and the balance they seek in their mental and emotional lives.