The Positive Mind

Keyword: psychotherapeutic techniques

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Exploring Feelings and Therapy June 11, 2014

Host: Armand DiMele
Category: Psychology and Cultural Insights

In this episode, Armand DiMele discusses the importance of feelings in therapy and the role of therapists in helping clients access their emotions. He shares a poignant story about a woman mourning her mother’s death and reflects on the challenges of managing feelings in therapeutic settings. The conversation also touches on the mismanagement of Pacifica Radio and WBAI, emphasizing the need for support to keep valuable programming alive. Throughout the episode, DeMille encourages listeners to confront their feelings and consider the deeper emotional connections that shape their experiences.

Managing Your Temper April 22, 2014

Host: Armand DiMeleGuests: Giullian Gioiello, Linda Vanella
Category: Emotional Intelligence and Communication

In this episode, Armand DiMele discusses the complexities of temper and anger management with guests Giullian Gioiello and Linda Vanella Vanella Vanella. They explore the origins of temper, its impact on personal relationships, and the importance of expressing emotions in a healthy way. The conversation touches on childhood experiences, the cultural aspects of anger, and strategies for coping with explosive emotions. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own experiences with temper and consider how to manage it constructively. The episode also includes listener call-ins sharing personal stories and insights.

Focusing and Listening with Dr. Eugene Gendlin July 3, 2013

Host: Armand DiMeleGuests: Dr. Eugene Gendlin
Category: Personal Growth and Awareness

In this episode, Armand DiMele interviews Dr. Eugene Gendlin, the creator of the Focusing technique, which emphasizes the importance of tuning into bodily sensations to gain deeper insights into our emotions and experiences. Gendlin explains how Focusing allows individuals to connect with their authentic selves by paying attention to the physical sensations in their bodies. The conversation also explores the concept of listening, highlighting the significance of being present and empathetic when others express their feelings. Gendlin shares practical insights on how to navigate emotions and the critic within us, ultimately guiding listeners toward a more positive and self-aware life.

Psychology for Therapists Part 12: Magical Thinking and the Double Bind September 4, 2012

Host: Armand DiMeleGuests: Brian Jefferson, Dr. Annalisa Erba, Ilana Rubenfeld, Johnna Valerio
Category: Psychology and Cultural Insights

In this episode, Armand DiMele explores the concepts of magical thinking and the double bind, particularly in the context of childhood experiences and mental health. He discusses how these psychological phenomena can shape our perceptions and behaviors, often leading to confusion and anxiety. Through examples and personal anecdotes, Armand illustrates how individuals navigate these complex emotional landscapes, emphasizing the importance of understanding these dynamics for therapists and their clients. The conversation also touches on the role of perception and communication in relationships, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own experiences.

Emotions and Their Manipulation August 15, 2012

Host: Armand DiMele
Category: Emotional Intelligence and Communication

In this episode, Armand DiMele explores the complex nature of emotions and the ways they can be elicited and manipulated. He discusses the concept of trolling, the emotional responses it evokes, and how emotions can be both a source of connection and a tool for manipulation. Through various examples, including personal anecdotes and societal observations, Armand delves into why people may seek to provoke emotional reactions in others. The conversation also touches on the therapeutic process and the importance of understanding one’s own emotions to navigate interpersonal dynamics effectively.

Understanding Thinking Styles in Therapy June 13, 2012

Host: Armand DiMeleGuests: Lisa Arnone
Category: Psychology and Cultural Insights

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
Category: Psychology and Cultural Insights

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.

Adaptive Behavioral Therapy and Understanding Anxiety April 12, 2011

Host: Armand DiMeleGuests: Dr. Sarah Denning
Category: Emotional and Mental Health

In this episode, Dr. Sarah Denning discusses her insights on anxiety, drawing from her work with the Anxiety Notebook Series. She explains how anxiety is learned as a behavioral response from early experiences and explores the neurological mechanisms behind it. The conversation covers the spectrum of anxiety, from mild discomfort to panic attacks, and emphasizes the importance of recognizing anxiety triggers. Dr. Denning introduces practical strategies for identifying and managing anxiety, including the significance of physical movement and mindfulness. The episode aims to equip listeners with tools to understand and cope with their anxiety more effectively.

Alter Selves and Psychological Functioning March 1, 2011

Host: Armand DiMele
Category: Personal Growth and Awareness

In this episode, Armand DiMele explores the concept of alter selves and their impact on psychological functioning, particularly in relation to addiction and behavior disorders. He discusses how individuals often dissociate from their true selves in response to stress, trauma, or emotional challenges, creating alternate personalities that manage these experiences. Through anecdotes and insights from his extensive experience in psychotherapy, DeMille encourages listeners to recognize and befriend these alter personalities rather than criticize them. This approach may lead to better self-understanding and healing.