Mind On Mental Health: Recent Episodes
Penn Medicine - Princeton House Behavioral Health
The Mind On Mental Health Podcast explores a variety of mental health and substance use related topics in under thirty minutes. Topics such as how to utilize positive coping skills, manage triggers and how to change your thought process are discussed. Each podcast features interviews with therapists and psychiatrists from Penn Medicine - Princeton House Behavioral Health in Central New Jersey.
In this episode, Dr. Susan Murray dives deep into the program philosophy driving care at Penn Medicine Princeton Center for Eating Disorders. We cover the treatment modalities they use, why giving patients autonomy over their own meal choices matters, and how exposure-based work fits into a comprehensive eating disorder treatment plan. It’s a must-listen for anyone involved in or curious about the recovery process.
What does it take to build a great eating disorder treatment program? In this episode, Dr. Susan Murray walks us through her clinical background, the philosophy behind effective curriculum design, and the treatment modalities that drive real outcomes at Penn Medicine Princeton Center for Eating Disorders for both inpatient treatment and intensive outpatient programs. Whether you're a clinician, a patient, or a family member trying to understand the landscape of eating disorder care, this
podcast is packed with insight.
As GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy reshape conversations about weight and body image, what does this mean for those with eating disorders? Dr. Becca Boswell, PhD, tackles this timely topic head-on, discussing the treatment implications of GLP-1s for this population. She also explores how eating disorders present differently across genders and why a one-size-fits-all approach to treatment often falls short.
Recovery from an eating disorder is rarely a straight line. In this episode, Dr. Becca Boswell shares what the research says about outcomes for evidence-based eating disorder therapies. She also addresses a topic that doesn't get enough attention — how gastrointestinal discomfort and GI concerns can complicate treatment — and offers practical insight into how patients can stay motivated when the road gets tough.
Food can feel overwhelming, frightening, or even unbearable for those struggling with eating disorders — but why? Dr. Rebecca Boswell, PhD, returns to explore the common thoughts and core beliefs that drive eating disorder behaviors. She also sheds light on ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder), what makes it unique, and which evidence-based treatments are proving most effective in eating disorder care today.
Watch this podcast on Youtube:
https://youtu.be/4HlLoXoi9Yg?si=pQtuZ_GSGaLHC33r
Rebecca Boswell, PhD, Administrative Director of Psychiatric Services at Penn Medicine Princeton Health and Director of Princeton Center for Eating Disorders, joins us to break down the eating disorder continuum — from disordered eating patterns to clinical diagnoses. In this episode, Dr. Boswell explains compensatory behaviors, what they look like, and why they matter. She also walks us through the different levels of care available for eating disorder treatment and what you can expect at each stage of the recovery journey.
Watch this Podcast on Youtube:
https://youtu.be/INxkDgEJyTQ?si=TDiqx6KVmwsliGfc
Dr. Kara Buda, Psychologist at Princeton Medical Center’s Cancer Center discusses how cancer can intensify patterns of sadness and depression, and offers strategies to rebuild momentum and emotional strength. She also sheds light on the difference between authentic hope and the pressure to “stay positive” during hardship.
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Psycho-Oncology: Depression and the Tyranny of Positivity
How do we stay steady when life feels uncertain? Dr. Kara Buda, Psychologist from Princeton Medical Center’s Cancer Center explores the role of personal values in building resilience during the cancer journey and offers insight into coping with the unknown.
Watch this podcast on Youtube:
https://youtu.be/2wv7UONhefs?si=kbCDjOtNhLKSFjWf
“There is no right or wrong way to feel when you are diagnosed with cancer. You are not alone. There is support available and you are worthy of having that support.” Discover the powerful impact of psycho-oncology with Dr. Kara Buda, a psychologist at Penn Medicine Princeton Health Cancer Center’s Psychosocial Oncology Clinic. This eye-opening video reveals how emotional and psychological support can transform the cancer journey, offering hope, strength, and healing beyond medicine. Watch to learn more about the important role mental health plays in cancer care.
Watch this podcast on Youtube:
https://youtu.be/2oBhNaXbahg?si=uHKFt3jp53jFYk14
In this episode, Andy Dean, LCSW, is once again interviewed by his friend and colleague Pete Maclearie, LCSW, Site Director at Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health’s Eatontown location. Andy talks about how he helps clients change the way they relate to their anxiety when it shows up — instead of trying to make it disappear. Andy shares some of his favorite analogies for understanding anxiety treatment and explains why waiting for motivation to strike can sometimes make things worse. If you’ve ever wondered how to approach anxiety in a more workable, compassionate way, this episode is for you.
Change How You Relate to Anxiety — Not How You Feel - YouTube
When it comes to treating anxiety disorders, not all therapies are created equal. In this episode, Andy Dean, LCSW, is interviewed by his friend and colleague Pete Maclearie, LCSW, Site Director at Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health’s Eatontown location. talks about why ACT and ERP have earned a permanent spot in his toolkit — and how they’ve changed the way he works with clients. Expect practical insights, a few personal stories, and a clear explanation of what makes these approaches so powerful.
Watch this video on Youtube:
The Two Therapies I Trust Most for Treating Anxiety Disorders
In this episode, Andy Dean, LCSW, opens up about his personal journey through anxiety recovery — the well-intentioned strategies that backfired, and the lessons he learned the hard way. Interviewed by his friend and colleague Pete Maclearie, LCSW, Site Director at Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health’s Eatontown location. Andy shares what actually helped him move forward and what he wishes he’d known back then. If you’ve ever tried to “fix” your anxiety only to make it worse, this candid conversation will help you take a kinder, more effective approach to recovery.
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Mistakes I Made in My Anxiety Disorder Recovery (and How You Can Avoid Them)
In this episode of the Mind on Mental Health Podcast, Dr. Michael Bizzarro — Clinical Director of Treatment Services at Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Health — dives into the daily trauma and high-stakes stress that First Responders face, and how it can take a serious toll on their mental health. He also shares common missteps clinicians make when working with this unique population, and why he feels a deep sense of purpose and gratitude in serving those who serve others.
Watch this podcast on Youtube: The Hidden Toll: Trauma and Stress in First Responders
In this episode of the Mind on Mental Health Podcast, retired New Jersey Corrections Officer and Certified Peer Support Specialist Ken Burkert shares his personal journey through mental health challenges — and how the intense pressures of working in corrections compounded his struggle. Now at Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Health, Ken opens up about what truly helps First Responders facing similar issues, how leadership is responding to the growing mental health crisis, and why he’s so deeply committed to supporting this community.
Link to Video:
The Weight of the Badge: A Corrections Officer’s Story
In this powerful episode of the Mind on Mental Health Podcast, Dr. Michael Bizzarro — Clinical Director of First Responder Services and a former police officer — opens up about his deeply personal battle with addiction. He also sheds light on the unique mental health struggles faced by today’s First Responders, and the barriers that often keep them from seeking help. It’s an honest, unfiltered conversation that’s as raw, heartfelt, and necessary as it gets.
Link to Video
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Princeton House Behavioral Health | Penn Medicine
Evidence-based treatments, such as DBT, CBT, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) really do help moms with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMAD). But finding a community of new mothers can also really make a difference. Host Andy Dean and Lisa Tremayne discuss PMAD risk factors, ways to find a supportive community in your area, and how therapy can help.
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Parenthood is tough, and most veteran parents don’t share how hard it is in the first year. Host Andy Dean and Lisa Tremayne, RN, PMH-C, CBC keep it real sharing stories of new parenthood and the inadequacy of the existing screening tools. They also share risk factors for PMAD and some of the biological reasons for PMAD.
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New mothers are talking, or tweeting, or posting about their experiences. Many curate beautiful (and probably unrealistic) images of the halcyon days of motherhood. Others are starting to describe what it’s really like. This week host Andy Dean speaks with Lisa Tremayne, RN, PMH-C, CBC, Founding Director, Center for Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders about the new way the clinical community describes what many moms are experiencing, and how sharing can help other families.
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The tables turn today on the Mind on Mental Health podcast as host Andy Dean, LCSW, is interviewed by Ken Pecoraro, LCSW, LCADC from CPC Integrated Health in Monmouth County, NJ. Andy’s private practice focuses on working with adults with severe anxiety disorders including obsessive compulsive disorder, and in this episode he discusses why approaching fears, instead of avoiding them is so helpful with anxiety.
You can view the Youtube video of this podcast here:
Facing Your Fears: Andy Dean, LCSW on Exposure Therapy
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In this final episode with Elizabeth Turk-Karan, PhD, she and Andy sit down to discuss how to go about finding effective treatment for anxiety disorders and what strategies tend to be the most helpful.
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Overcoming anxiety often requires spending time purposefully being uncomfortable. Host Andy Dean and Elizabeth Turk-Karan, PhD explain exposure therapy and how it works for many who experience anxiety disorders.
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Join us for the first of a short series on anxiety disorder with renowned expert Elizabeth Turk-Karan, PhD of the Center for Treatment and Study of Anxiety at Penn Medicine. Starting with the basics of defining the difference between the anxiety we all experience and debilitating anxiety disorder, host Andy Dean and Dr. Karan share their experiences working with patients whose disorder interferes with everyday life in many ways.
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Host Andy Dean nerds out with Ken Pecoraro about current therapy modalities for addiction treatment. Both have years of experience in the field, and they will share their thoughts on the best mix of treatment practices. The common thread in all of them: making a connection.
Video: Practical Strategies for Engaging Clients in Substance Use Treatment
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With a combined 45 years working in mental health and addictions treatment, host Andy Dean and guest Ken Pecoraro, LCSW, LCADC have helped thousands of family members to engage loved ones with addictions in treatment. While there are no easy answers, Ken and Andy share tips on how to support a loved one in finding or staying in treatment.
Video: Practical Strategies for Engaging Clients in Substance Use Treatment
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The disease model of addiction is a framework that views addiction as a chronic, relapsing brain disease. It posits that addiction is caused by changes in brain chemistry and neurobiology that make it difficult for individuals to control their substance use behavior. Harm reduction is a newer treatment modality that focuses on the person with the addiction making incremental changes to reach a goal they set. How do these two models co-exist? Host Andy Dean speaks with Ken Pecoraro, LCSW, LCADC, CCS a longtime therapist and educator with CPC Integrated Health in Monmouth County, NJ.
Video: Practical Strategies for Engaging Clients in Substance Use Treatment
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When there just aren’t words to express the feelings. When you don’t even know what’s bothering you. When you are open to a new experience. These are all examples of when art therapy may help. As Andy Dean and art therapist Jenna Pattison discuss, art therapy lets you keep your defenses and still make progress toward healing.
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What does it take to be an art therapist? What’s the difference between an art teacher helping you learn the craft and an art therapist who is helping you to consider what’s under the surface of your art? Andy Dean and Jenna Pattison dive deep into art therapy this week. Join them.
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What’s the difference between art and art therapy? That’s the question host Andy Dean explores with art therapist Jenna Pattison. Listen in to learn about Andy’s own experience finding therapeutic release through art.
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Humans have complicated relationships in life, and when someone dies or leaves our lives, we have complicated reactions. Andy and therapist Diane Wiltshire discuss how we process grief, and how to honor those who grieve uniquely.
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Little by little we process grief, and at some point, we laugh again, or we enjoy an event, or we even start to feel a little bit free. The result can be guilt, as if by recovering from grief we negate the love we felt for the person who is gone. Host Andy Dean and therapist Diane Wiltshire discuss guilt in the grieving process, as well as the fear that may come with loss.
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One truism across humanity is that we will all experience grief at some point. It might be the loss of a loved one, the end of a relationship, a radical change in our way of life, or the loss of a beloved pet. Sometimes grief is complicated by trauma, says Diane Wiltshire, LSW, primary therapist in the Women’s Program at Princeton House Behavioral Health. No matter what the cause, acceptance of the grief process, as difficult and different it might be for each of us, can help the healing process. Join host Andy Dean as he explores notion of “acceptance is the opposite of resistance.”
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Understanding the power of familismo is a key to understanding how to best support Hispanic individuals who seek treatment for mental health issues. The idea that family comes before the individual can make treatment easier (the whole family will support you in recovery) or more difficult (a person may be hesitant to seek treatment because their illness will affect the whole family). Yuliza Avelar, LSW, who works with teens at Princeton House Behavioral Health, explains how cultural issues should be taken into account when working with Hispanic individuals.
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We kick off the Fall 2024 season of Mind on Mental Health by celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and talking about barriers Hispanic and LatinX families may experience when seeking help with mental health. Host Andy Dean speaks with therapist Yuliza Avelar, LSW, who works with adolescents at Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Health, about stigma, helping to define mental health concepts, and how the immigrant experience affects kids and families.
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Join three therapists at different stages of their careers as they discuss what it’s like to be a mental health therapist. Host Andy Dean speaks with Ciani Young, LAC and Rachel de Groh, LCSW, LCADC about self-care, managing burnout, and what they all enjoy about being therapists.
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On this episode, Andy is joined by Ciani Young, LAC and Rachel de Groh, LCSW, LCADC. The three mental health clinicians discuss challenges they experienced when they started working, lessons they’ve learned that cannot be taught in a classroom, how to measure success in treatment, and how they have all managed imposter syndrome.
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It can feel selfish to take off to the gym or shut the door and do some yoga when your tween is riding a rollercoaster of emotions. But Dr. Jody Kashen tells host Andy Dean that self-care can not only help you, but can be an important model for kids learning how to regulate themselves and become healthy adults. Tune in to find out how to take care of yourself and have fun with your kids.
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Parents instinctually want to protect their kids, especially when their tween is going through rapid changes and may be unsure of the world. Host Andy Dean and Dr. Jody Kashden provide three ways that families can support their tween in this complicated period.
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The teen years can be tough, but the most profound changes are happening to tweens—kids in 5th – 8th grade. Host Andy Dean speaks with Dr. Jody Kashden, a psychologist with extensive experience working with kids, about the changes that seem to be happening lightning fast to tweens, and how they and their families must adapt to this confusing time.
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It might be intimidating to take the first step and call a program and ask about treatment for yourself or a loved one. Today Mind on Mental Health talks to an experienced admissions clinician from Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Health, Eileen Rodrigez. Andy and Eileen take the mystery out of the call so that you can feel more confident when you call for yourself or a loved one. Bonus: tips on how to communicate effectively with someone who is in a mental health crisis.
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It was July 25, 1991 when Marine veteran Dave Clauser first entered treatment for substance use disorder, convinced he was different from everyone else there. Both the straightforward staff and the members of his recovery groups gradually changed him from an isolated man to a man in recovery, making connections with others. “You don’t make that change in 96 hours,” says Dave.
Tune in to hear Dave’s conversation with host Andy Dean, and to learn about the ongoing process for a person in recovery for three decades, and who is now a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist.
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For this special episode, host Andy Dean interviews Dr. David Clauser, a US Marine Corps veteran. After his time in the military, Dave had a full career in secondary education, and holds a doctorate in education. Today, Dave is a Certified Peer Response Specialist who works with first responders at Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Health’s inpatient hospital. He talks with Andy about something he tells all of his peers who are in the hospital for treatment: the six most important words he’s ever learned: “I don’t know. I need help.”
Those are harder than you would think for first responders to say. Join Andy and Dave as they talk about how loved ones can help the first responder they care about get help.
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Andy Dean speaks with therapist Nina Narang about the difference parents can make in their children’s lives when they are supportive. Being gender divergent or LGBT are not illnesses—rather, therapy helps kids and families deal with low self-esteem, depression, anxiety and other effects of being different from others while coming of age. Parents can help their kids feel safe and validated, and even powerful knowing that it’s US against the problems, rather than the child struggling alone.
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Even when teens have come out to their peers about their sexuality or gender identity, it may be harder for them to tell their parents. Andy Dean and Nina Narang talk about ways the therapist can help with that interaction, including helping parents understand and hear what their children are telling them, and
supporting parents sort through their grief.
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While the world has unique challenges for LGBT kids, all teens with major depression have much in common, and therapy aims to help strengthen coping skills, to build feelings of safety, and to turn hopelessness and helplessness into action. Nina and Andy also discuss the body issues and eating disorders among LGBT teens as a means to control their own bodies.
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Despite broader acceptance than ever before, it’s still not easy to navigate both adolescence and becoming part of the LGBT community. Primary Therapist Nina Narang works with teens and families at Princeton House Behavioral Health, and she speaks with fellow licensed clinical social worker and host Andy Dean. Andy and Nina discuss the how the American culture affects LGBTQ teens and when they might need help.
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Can there be sun and rain at the same time? Yes! Being open to “both/and” can make your life more effective and enhance relationships with others. Recognizing that there is more than one way to do or see things can be useful. As time has passed since her treatment for cancer concluded, therapist Danielle Bellina reflects on ways DBT skills helped her to remain engaged with others, even when their attitudes or situations differed from hers.
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Being in charge of your own emotions sounds easier than it is. Sometimes you have to do the opposite action than your emotions want you to do in order to solve a problem. Therapist Danielle Bellina talks about this and other DBT techniques that she used to cope with her cancer diagnosis and treatment
with host Andy Dean. They delve into anxiety, how to tell people about the diagnosis when your instinct is to protect your friends and family.
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Everyone has a different cancer journey, and you can make better decisions about your health if you use the distress tolerance skills outlined in DBT as STOP (Stop, Take a Breath, Observe, and Proceed Mindfully) and Radical Acceptance. These are not easy and take practice to use. Join Danielle Bellina, a therapist trained in DBT, and host Andy Dean as they discuss how she used these skills in her own experience and worked through her emotions to take action to protect her own health.
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No one knows when they might suddenly face a major health issue. Senior Primary Therapist Danielle Bellina found herself relying on dialectical behavior therapy skills to get her through breast cancer treatment just a few years ago. Danielle and host Andy Dean discuss the reaction to shocking news and how to navigate the health decisions that need to be made during a very stressful time.
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After losing a brother to substance use disorder and ultimately an overdose, Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor Sarah Devries talks about how complicated the grieving process can be. Grief is messy, and letting grief go can feel like a loss in itself. Over time—and each person grieves at their own pace—you can find enduring connection with the deceased in your new reality. Listen in as Andy Dean interviews Sarah and her colleague, Sarah Carstens.
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Whether or not a person with a substance use disorder succumbs to their addiction, there is much grief along the way. Loved ones mourn the loss of the future they imagined for that person, and everyone regrets that life is harder than they imagined. Sarah Devries and Sarah Carstens, both Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselors, discuss grief and acceptance with host Andy Dean.
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There were more than 100,000 overdose deaths in 2022 in the US. So far this year, 2023, there have been 15,878 overdose deaths in New Jersey. One Princeton House therapist was directly affected when she lost a loved one. Join Andy Dean, LCSW as he interviews Sarah Devries, Senior Therapist and Team Coordinator, and Sarah Carstens, Clinical Director for Addiction Services, of Princeton House Behavioral Health. Carstens and Devries are both Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselors.
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Loneliness can have the same effect on the body as smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day, and yet, there’s no place to put a Surgeon General’s warning. Host Andy Dean speaks with Jamie Winters, LCSW, senior primary therapist at Princeton House Behavioral Health, about how to address loneliness and purposefully interact with other people.
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“I don’t see color,” say many people about their co-workers.
“You are so articulate.”
“Is that your real hair?”
Microaggressive comments might be said without malicious intent, but they have an impact on the receiver. Therapist Nicole Glover speaks with Andy Dean about how she coaches her clients to respond to micro aggressions in the workplace, using the skills of DBT, or dialectical behavior therapy. Plus, they discuss why receiving microaggression is exhausting.
Nicole Glover, LPC, LCADC, is clinical manager of the Women’s Program at Princeton House Behavioral Health and owner of Restoring Pieces, a private practice serving primarily people of color.
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What’s a bigger divide between people in a workplace—being a man working with all women, or being a person of color working with all White people? What’s code switching and what is its impact on the person who uses code switching?
We continue our exploration of racial trauma with host Andy Dean and guest Nicole Glover.
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Now that host Andy Dean and guest Nicole Glover have defined what racial
trauma is, in this episode they will talk about its effect on mental health. Depression, anxiety, and acute stress can result from racial trauma. Listen to hear how and why.
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Given everything that has been going on in recent years, racial trauma is a term that most people have heard. But what does it mean, exactly? Host Andy Dean starts a series on this important topic with Nicole Glover, LPC, LCADC, clinical manager of Princeton House’s Women’s Program in Hamilton, and
owner of Restoring Peaces, a private practice where she works mainly with people of color. They will define and discuss the impact of systemic racism, interpersonal racism, and internal racism, and talk about how you can take responsibility for educating yourself on racial trauma.
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Cultural issues, immigrant status, and religion inform all of us. Join host Andy Dean, LCSW, and Jawad Bayat, Associate Director for Clinical Pastoral Education at Penn Medicine Princeton Health, as they discuss mental health in the Muslim community, the hopeful view of all illness in the Koran/Quran, and ways to avoid “spiritual bypassing” for both the therapist and the person seeking help.
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This week we are examining the many ways that spirituality and mental health overlap. Andy and guest Imam Jawad Bayat discuss the importance of relationships, mindfulness and self-talk and how they affect mental health as well as spirituality. Jawad works with the staff and clients of Penn Medicine
Princeton House Behavioral Health in his role as Certified Educator and Associate Director for Clinical Pastoral Education.
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Spirituality is belief in something bigger than yourself. It’s not necessarily related to religion. Learn how Princeton House Behavioral Health Chaplain Jawad Bayat uses a spirituality group to make the concept of spirituality accessible to every person seeking mental health treatment. Bayat is one of the few hospital chaplains who is also an imam, but his groups are for anyone and are a forum for connection and healing.
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What do you do when the child in your life worries about the world? We’ve had no shortage of tragedies, both natural and human-made over the past few years, and kids of all ages have access to an unrelenting news feed via social media, the news, and peers. Andy speaks with Dr. Chirayu Parikh, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist with Princeton House Behavioral Health, about how to help your child (and yourself) cope with scary news.
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Both little ‘t’ trauma and big ‘T’ trauma can affect anyone, but for gay men, finding experienced therapists or safe therapeutic groups can be difficult. Host Andy Dean interviews fellow therapist Kyle Bonner, diversity specialist at Penn Medicine Princeton Health, about why there are oftentimes more barriers for gay men seeking compassionate mental health treatment.
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Working in a helping profession can be both wonderful and emotionally draining. In this episode, Heather Lynch, LPC sits down with Andy to discuss how helping professionals can learn to prioritize their self-care and what they can do to manage their stress so that they can continue doing what they love.
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Whether spend your work days on your feet sitting in front of a computer, at the end of the day it’s often hard to separate work from home, or your profession from your life. Andy Dean, LCSW and Heather Lynch, LCSW, Clinical Manager for Adult Services at Princeton House Behavioral Health discuss ways to be fully present at work and at home. Listen for tips that can help you, whether you work from home or at your employer’s location.
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Part two of our discussion on body size in the media with Dr. Rebecca Boswell and Andy Dean. This week, we’ll talk about weight bias in healthcare, and the way to have a healthy lifestyle no matter what your size or body type.
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Dr. Rebecca Boswell again joins Andy Dean for a discussion of our attitudes towards body size, including the myth that body size is a determinant of health. Andy and Dr. Boswell also delve into the history of body mass index (BMI), who created it, its original purpose, and its real value in health assessment.
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For some people, anorexia nervosa is a chronic disease. Dr. Rebecca Boswell, Supervising Psychologist for Princeton Center for Eating Disorders at Princeton Medical Center, explains to Andy the medical complications of having an eating disorder, the differences between this illness and substance use disorder, and how those with enduring eating disorders cope with their illness.
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Both Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders can have serious consequences on an individual’s well-being. But what happens when someone is struggling with both types of disorders at the same time? On this week’s episode, Sarah Carstens, LCSW, LCADC - Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Health’s Addictions Clinical Director and Andy Dean, LCSW discuss why these types of disorders oftentimes go hand in hand.
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The Harm Reduction Model of care is becoming mainstream among the substance use treatment community. However, many myths about this type of treatment persist. In this episode of the Mind on Mental Health podcast, Andy Dean, LCSW, discusses these myths with Sarah Carstens, LCSW, LCADC - Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Health’s Addictions Clinical Director.
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More and more, professionals and treatment facilities who work with those with substance use disorder seem to be embracing a Harm Reduction Model as opposed to Abstinence-Only Based Treatment. But, what does Harm Reduction really mean? Listen in on Sarah Carstens, LCSW, LCADC - Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Health’s Addictions Clinical Director and Andy Dean, LCSW on this week’s Mind on Mental Health to learn more.
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In this episode, Andy talks with Donna Kiley, who in addition to being a licensed clinical social worker, directs an outpatient behavioral health site with 60 clinical and administrative staff members. Their conversation: tips on how individuals (including bosses) can prioritize their mental health during the workday.
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In part one of our look at PTSD responses in Star Wars, we learned about fight, flee, and freeze, three common reactions to perceived threats. In this episode, Mind on Mental Health’s Andy Dean and therapist Aracely Reyes resume the discussion. Listen in to hear more about how Anakin Skywalker and C3PO cope with PTSD. Remember: When dealing with PTSD, all responses are valiant if they protect you in the moment.
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In this episode, Licensed therapist Aracely Reyes joins host Andy Dean for another dive into pop culture by explaining human reactions to PTSD, and how the characters of Star Wars exemplify the different responses to perceived threats.
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In this second episode focusing on nutrition and mental health, registered dietitian Rachel Daddio discusses different diets and how they can affect mental health. Rachel also discusses different vitamins and minerals and what roles they play in mental health.
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In this episode, registered dietitian Rachel Daddio sits down with Andy to discuss the connection between nutrition and mental health. Rachel talks about different nutrition considerations she discusses with her clients at Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health as well as how making different nutrition decisions can affect one’s mental health.
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In this episode, Erica Munger, MA, senior utilization management reviewer at Penn Medicine - Princeton House Behavioral Health sits down with Andy to discuss the discrepancies between the different levels of care in mental health treatment. Erica also breaks down the different insurance considerations for each level of care and gives practical tips on how to determine approximately how much money will be coming out of your pocket when you access mental health services.
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Does reading a statement from your health insurance company feel like reading hieroglyphics to you? In this episode, Erica Munger, MA, senior utilization management reviewer at Penn Medicine - Princeton House Behavioral Health sits down with Andy to discuss what to consider when selecting a health insurance plan. Erica also explains how to make sense of health insurance premiums and deductibles.
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When someone is part of a family that experienced trauma in previous generations, they may adapt to that trauma much as Abuela’s grandchildren did: taking on roles they didn’t necessarily want, and making choices to please the family rather than being true to themselves. It’s a lot of pressure. Mind on Mental Health’s Andy Dean and therapist Aracely Reyes wrap up this deep dive into the topic in this week’s episode.
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In our second episode working through the Disney movie Encanto, we’ll explore family roles in intergenerational trauma. Mind on Mental Health’s Andy Dean and therapist Aracely Reyes dig into the movie a little deeper to discuss how the Madrigal family each react to the matriarch’s trauma, and how that can relate to real-life families.
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What can a Disney movie teach us about trauma? It turns out, quite a bit!
In this series, Aracely Reyes, LSW primary therapist at Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Health, sits down with Andy to discuss the role intergenerational trauma plays in the film Encanto. Aracely breaks down how trauma has affected the different characters in the film as well as the real-world implications of these concepts.
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It’s the most wonderful time of the year, as the song goes, and probably the most stressful, too. Host Andy Dean and licensed clinical social worker Chrissy Isaac explore ways to minimize stress and maximize meaning this holiday season.
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Someone you love is hurting. It’s the holidays. You want to help. What should you do?
Host Andy Dean is joined by licensed social worker Chrissy Isaac to explore how to be supportive of a friend or loved one who is grieving during this usually festive time of year.
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Have you ever heard someone say that a person is “bipolar” or describe themselves as “OCD”? In the Mental Health Misnomers series, we discuss what these terms actually mean in a clinical mental health setting and compare that to how people tend to use the terms in everyday life. Each of the three episodes focuses on one singular mental health issue including Bipolar Disorder, Depression, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.
Licensed Clinical Social Workers Andy Dean and Peter Maclearie deconstruct our misnomers.
Guest Pete Maclearie, LCSW, is Clinical Manager of Adult Outpatient Services at Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Health in Eatontown, NJ.
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The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted older adults’ mental health in many ways. This week, we’ll talk about the changes the pandemic has wrought, and how caretakers can best support older adults during this time.
In this episode, Andy interviews Jamie Winters, LCSW who is a Senior Primary Therapist at Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Health in North Brunswick, NJ. Jamie has worked with older adults for more than 10 years.
:37 Senior-specific mental health challenges during COVID-19
6:30 Be patient with seniors while they’re learning how to use technology
9:19 How to talk to seniors about your frustration
12:52 The importance of maintaining structure
18:20 Push yourself to learn how to better use technology to connect
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Have you ever heard someone say that a person is “bipolar” or describe themselves as “OCD”? In the Mental Health Misnomers series, we discuss what these terms actually mean in a clinical mental health setting and compare that to how people tend to use the terms in everyday life. Each of the three episodes focuses on one singular mental health issue including Bipolar Disorder, Depression, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.
Licensed Clinical Social Workers Andy Dean and Peter Maclearie deconstruct our misnomers.
Guest Pete Maclearie, LCSW, is Clinical Manager of Adult Outpatient Services at Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Health in Eatontown, NJ.
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Have you ever heard someone say that a person is “bipolar” or describe themselves as “OCD”? In the Mental Health Misnomers series, we discuss what these terms actually mean in a clinical mental health setting and compare that to how people tend to use the terms in everyday life. Each of the three episodes focuses on one singular mental health issue including Bipolar Disorder, Depression, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.
Licensed Clinical Social Workers Andy Dean and Peter Maclearie deconstruct our misnomers.
Guest Pete Maclearie, LCSW, is Clinical Manager of Adult Outpatient Services at Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Health in Eatontown, NJ.
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Resiliency is a word we hear often these days. For those who are retired (or getting ready to retire), developing adaptability is important as this phase of life is very different from the working years. Andy and guest Jamie Winters discuss how discusses how retired people can build mental health resiliency during their golden years.
Jamie Winters, LCSW is a Senior Primary Therapist at Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Health in North Brunswick, NJ who has worked with retirement-aged people for more than 10 years.
Taking it one day at a time and focusing on the present moment 3:10
The importance of limiting your news intake 5:47
Going outside of your comfort zone for optimal mental health 10:14
Why staying connected is vital 14:00
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Retirement is a marker in life that most people look forward to, yet many are taken by surprise when this supposedly perfect time is accompanied by depression, anxiety or loneliness.
In this episode, Andy and Jamie Winters, LCSW discuss why retiring can come with significant mental health challenges and why building back structure is vital to good mental health.
Jamie Winters, LCSW is a Senior Primary Therapist at Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Health in North Brunswick, NJ. Jamie has worked with older adults for more than 10 years.
Why adjusting to retirement can take a toll on mental health 3:30
The Grief Process and its relationship to retirement 4:45
Why building and maintaining structure is so important for mental health 9:00
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Oftentimes, having an eating disorder may be the most visible of several problems people face.
Many people don’t know that eating disorders are often accompanied by anxiety, depression, or trauma. Sometimes the eating disorder is a way of coping with the relentlessness of other afflictions. Therapists and doctors take a team approach—working together to help a patient and working on multiple issues at the same time.
Anxiety and Depression Symptoms 1:10
Eating Disorders and trauma 5:32
How to start treating eating disorders and mental health issues 7:58
The importance of support from family and friends 12:10
Why underlying mental health issues need to be treated along with the eating disorder 14:11
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“Just eat!”
Having an eating disorder involves so much more than wanting to be thin. Andy is joined by Dr. Kristyn Pecsi, attending psychiatrist at Princeton Center for Eating Disorders, who demystifies eating disorders and discusses common misconceptions surrounding the illness.
5:45 Why it’s dangerous to rapidly lose weight
12:00 What do people with eating disorders look like?
13:52 The complexities of eating disorders and other mental illnesses
23:00 Is not eating a suicide attempt?
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How can you build your own self-esteem? There are incremental steps you can take, including finding ways to “fail safely”.
Andy’s guest, Peter Maclearie, LCSW, is Clinical Manager for Adult Programming at Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health in Eatontown, New Jersey.
4:10 Why therapy is so helpful in addressing self-esteem issues
6:28 How your thought process and cognitive distortions affect your self-esteem
12:00 What are core beliefs and how do they impact self-esteem?
16:55 The importance of finding ways to “fail safely”
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Parents, teachers, and mental health professionals suspected kids might have a hard time with the transition back to in-person school. In this episode, we’ll learn about three different ways parents can improve their child’s mental health in this season of change.
Andy continues his conversation with Dr. Madhurani Khare who is the Medical Director of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Heath as well as the Medical Director of Princeton House Behavioral Health’s Hamilton outpatient site.
1:45 Establishing a routine and the importance of a sleep schedule
9:25 Addressing mental health and academic issues as soon as possible
17:32 The importance of validating your child’s feelings and experience and how to do it
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Going back to in-person school is a huge step for kids who have been learning at home for more than a year. How can you tell if your child is having trouble with the transition? What are some of the obstacles kids are confronting now, and how is are they affecting kids’ mental health?
In this episode, Andy interviews Dr. Madhurani Khare who is the Medical Director of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Heath as well as the Medical Director of Princeton House Behavioral Health’s Hamilton outpatient site.
1:34 How to tell if your child is having difficulty adjusting to in-person learning
4:08 Why the change to in-person learning is impacting adolescents’ mental health
7:00 Why in-person peer interactions could be Impacting adolescents’ mental health
8:55 Changes in school work expectations and their relation to anxiety
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Have you ever thought about your self-esteem? In this episode guest Pete Maclearie, LCSW, discusses self-esteem and how it relates to mental health.
Peter Maclearie, LCSW is Clinical Manager for Adult Programming at Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health in Eatontown, New Jersey.
6:12 What is “optimal” self-esteem
13:27 The definition of self-esteem
14:56 Why Therapy is a great place to address your self-esteem
20:10 Why individuals oftentimes are unaware that they have low self-esteem
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In this episode Andy interviews Nicole Orro, LPC, LCADC (Site Director of Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Health – Hamilton) and Christine Isaac, LCSW, LCADC (Community Liaison with Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Health) Since the start of the pandemic, Nicole and Christine have been volunteering to meet with frontline healthcare workers at multiple hospitals within the Penn system for ongoing counseling sessions. They discuss different mental health tools they have been encouraging Penn's healthcare professionals to use to cope with the stressors of the pandemic.
The importance of creating predictability and self-compassion (1:25)
The power of fellowship with co-workers and peer support (5:18)
How to manage the anxiety that might come up when preparing to go into work (14:57)
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In this episode Andy interviews Christine Isaac, LCSW, LCADC (Community Liaison with Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Health) and Nicole Orro, LPC, LCADC (Site Director of Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Health – Hamilton). Since the start of the pandemic, Christine and Nicole have been volunteering to meet with frontline healthcare workers at multiple hospitals within the Penn system for ongoing counseling sessions. They discuss what they have learned about what affect the coronavirus pandemic has had on healthcare workers’ mental health.
3:00 – A discussion of frontline healthcare workers’ experience during covid pandemic
4:45 – The effects of not having a break from the coronavirus pandemic
7:30 – Healthcare workers’ experience of living through the same trauma as their patients
14:00 – How the Covid crisis has affected the mental health of healthcare workers
18:58 – How the pandemic crept into every aspect of wellness for healthcare workers
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This episode features Jessica Levy, LCSW who is the Site Director at Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Health’s Eatontown, NJ location. In this episode, Jessica and Andy continue their discussion about how to manage depression during the winter months, especially during the pandemic.
The importance of going outside even when it’s cold (:34)
Why you should limit your own screen time (4:42)
How avoiding social media is helpful for managing depression (7:14)
Using structure to help you accomplish goals (14:30)
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This episode features Jessica Levy, LCSW who is the Site Director at Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Health’s Eatontown, NJ location. In this episode, Jessica and Andy discuss three things people can do to help themselves manage depression during the long covid winter.
The importance of having a routine and building structure throughout your day (2:20).
Why you should take a shower and get ready as soon as you wake up in the morning (12:05).
Why goal setting is one of the cornerstones of treating depression – and how to do it (19:27).
How the cycle of depression usually works (25:00).
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On this episode, Katie Gaffney (Registered Dietitian), and Lauren Brader (Licensed Professional Counselor) from Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Health’s Emotional Eating Program in Princeton, NJ discuss how individuals can tell if their changing eating habits are becoming problematic during Covid and how to best support someone with an eating disorder through the pandemic.
Changing Hunger Cues during the pandemic (:49)
How to tell if changing eating habits are becoming problematic (2:22)
Media and stigma during covid (10:12)
How to help support someone with an eating disorder through the pandemic (12:02)
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On this episode, Katie Gaffney (Registered Dietitian), and Lauren Brader (Licensed Professional Counselor) from Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Health’s Emotional Eating Program in Princeton, NJ discuss three different emotional eating triggers that people are experiencing during the coronavirus pandemic and how to manage them.
Additional grocery store anxieties during Covid (1:20)
What is the difference between “Eating Disorder Mind” and “Wise Mind”? (6:00)
Social Media influences and their effect on emotional eating triggers (9:19)
Isolation and facing triggers in the home environment (18:55)
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This episode features Alex Camarda, LCSW who is currently a therapist in private practice in the central New Jersey area. Previously, Alex worked as the Clinical Manager in the Women’s Program at Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health in Hamilton, NJ.
Collective grief and the loss of normalcy (:58)
The trauma reponse and it’s connection to the pandemic (4:00)
The importance of validating your own experience and self-compassion (7:21)
How to recognize and build your own resiliency (10:18)
This episode features Alex Camarda, LCSW who is currently a therapist in private practice in the central New Jersey area. Previously, Alex worked as the Clinical Manager in the Women’s Program at Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health in Hamilton, NJ.
Compounding grief during the pandemic (1:45)
How to memorialize loved ones during this time (6:30)
The importance of realizing that there is no one way to grieve (11:30)
Skills that can help with the grieving process (14:25)
Click here for more information on Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Health:
https://www.princetonhcs.org/care-services/princeton-house-behavioral-health
Click here for more information on Alex Camarda’s practice:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/alexandra-camarda-princeton-nj/368499
This episode features Dr. Arshad Siddiqui who is the Medical Director of Adult Outpatient Services at Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Health in Hamilton, NJ.
Why it’s Important to Embrace Your Anxiety (1:38).
How the Cycle of Anxiety Works (4:00).
The Importance of Limiting Screen Time (6:00).
Grounding Yourself and Living in the Moment (8:15).
Finding Ways to Remain Connected (11:55).
Why Exercise is so Helpful (13:48).
This is a brief introduction to Penn Medicine - Princeton House Behavioral Health's newest podcast series which will be focusing on what you can do to help manage your mental health during the coronavirus pandemic.
On this episode, Kristy Champignon (Licensed Professional Counselor) and Andy Dean (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) discuss how parents can take their emotional temperature and why it’s so important. Please go to https://www.facebook.com/PrincetonHouseBH/ for access to a free “emotional temperature” worksheet provided by Kristy and her private practice, Meadowlark CSC.
Kristy comes up with a new name for the podcast (:48).
Kristy discusses what it means to take your emotional temperature and how to do it (1:27).
Kristy discusses how to help your children take their emotional temperature (6:26).
Andy and Kristy discuss how busy parents can work this into their schedule (7:26).
Kristy discusses why doing this with your child regularly can help you understand how to best help them (10:15).
Kristy takes her own emotional temperature (13:15).
Andy discusses why the process of taking your emotional temperature is helpful even if you can’t do anything to change your mood in the moment (15:10).
Andy takes his emotional temperature (16:23).
Kristy discusses why it’s important to take your emotional temperature even when you are feeling good (17:27).
In this episode, Daina Haines (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) and Andy Dean (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) discuss two skills parents can teach their children to help them manage interpersonal relationships as well as their own emotions.
Daina helps Andy and his wife settle a ten year debate. (:07)
Daina explains the THINK skill and how adolescents can use it in relationships. (2:10)
Daina explains why the THINK skill is effective with teenagers when they are having a conflict with someone. (11:10)
How parents can model the THINK skill for their teens. (12:40)
Daina and Andy discuss which Sesame Street character would make the best next door neighbor. (14:30)
Daina explains how to “Ride the Wave” of emotions and how it helps with mental health. (15:00)
Andy discusses how important it is to learn to “ride the wave” of anxiety and why it helps manage anxious feelings. (18:08)
Daina gives an example from her own life on how she conceptualizes “Riding the Wave”. (20:13)
In this episode, Daina Haines (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) and Andy Dean (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) discuss two DBT coping skills parents can teach their children to help them tolerate negative emotions and manage impulsivity.
What it means to take your emotional temperature – and why we may need to use different skills depending on how dysregulated we are (2:40).
How to use the STOP Skill with your child to manage impulsivity (5:50).
Creating space between your emotions and what action you decide to take (10:40).
The importance of modeling to teach kids skills (12:00).
How to use the TIPP skill with your kids to help them regulate their emotions when they are distressed (15:05).
On this episode, Kristy Champignon (Licensed Professional Counselor) and Andy Dean (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) discuss finding balance while juggling multiple roles as a parent during quarantine. They also discuss social media's role on parents' mental health during this time as well as:
The importance of celebrating small victories (:50).
Finding Balance During Quarantine (1:20).
Making a weekly wellness schedule (4:28).
How social media is affecting parents' mental health during quarantine (7:08).
How to create a Parent Empowerment Profile on social media (10:21).
How to notice if social media is negatively affecting your mood (14:16).
On this episode, Kristy Champignon (Licensed Professional Counselor) and Andy Dean (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) discuss what parents can do to support their own mental health during the coronavirus pandemic. They also discuss their own personal challenges as parents during the pandemic as well as:
Why juggling multiple roles during quarantine breeds feelings of guilt (1:20).
How to challenge thoughts that you aren’t doing enough as a parent or an employee (7:23).
Why clutter produces anxiety (12:20).
The “Groundhog Day” Effect and the importance of self-talk (14:00).
How to take a mental break when you can’t take a physical break (19:30).
The importance of finding time to do things you enjoy even if you’re feeling tired and the difference between feeling physically versus emotionally exhausted (22:15).
In this episode, Chelsea Mazzara, LCSW and Andy Dean, LCSW discuss how parents can build a feeling of psychological safety at home that will encourage kids to want to open up and communicate effectively.
How the messages we send to our kids effect their communication style (2:26)
Using modeling to show how to communicate effectively (7:10)
The importance of having light-hearted conversations (9:32)
How to use validation to make your kids want to continue talking to you (12:30)
Why kids need consequences and structure (16:00)
On this episode Chelsea Demaio, LCSW and Andy Dean, LCSW discuss the following topics:
The importance of being present while having a discussion and how to show your child that you're listening (2:30).
How to use reflective listening with kids and teens (4:55).
How to read between the lines of what a teen may or may not be saying and the importance of being sensitive to what isn’t being said as much as what is being said (8:45).
How to communicate to your child that their thoughts and feelings make sense (13:13).
How to support your teen without them feeling like you are “one upping” them (17:30).
In this episode, Chelsea Demaio, LCSW and Andy Dean, LCSW discuss the following topics:
How parents can validate their kids even when they don’t agree (3:56).
School Avoidance: How to validate the feeling of being anxious without approving of the behavior of staying home from school (5:37).
The best time for parents to give their kids feedback and share stories about when they experienced similar challenges (9:59).
Physical and Verbal Aggression: How to validate a child’s feelings while managing aggressive behaviors (16:40).
Chelsea discusses how validation has gotten her out of a jam with her husband (25:34).
This episode is a brief introduction to our eight part series “What Parents Can Do to Support the Mental Health of Their Kids”.