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by Dr. Anna Baranowsky
Dr. Anna Baranowsky is a Canadian Clinical Psychologist, CEO of the Traumatology Institute, Founder and President of the Board at Trauma Practice. She is the author of two books on trauma, numerous courses to help train professionals in trauma mental health and the developer of the Trauma Recovery Program for Self-Guided trauma care. She works with trauma survivors and those with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) on post-traumatic growth and recovery.Through her work she believes that when we share, dialogue and feel supported, it provides a powerful foundation for forward movement in our understanding and the care needed. In her own words "I have found that the most profound changes occur when a person truly feels heard and understood - I like to think of it as deeply BEARING WITNESS to life evolving. We can feel incredibly stuck when we live with our fears, stressors and troubles in isolation."Dr.Baranowsky is the host of the Bear Psychology Show, focusing on bearing witness
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- 2 days ago55 min
The Strength to Serve: Mental Health for First Responders & Care Providers
First responders and healthcare professionals are trained to manage crisis — but repeated exposure to trauma, loss, and high-stakes decision-making can take a cumulative toll. Over time, this can lead to emotional exhaustion, sleep disruption, irritability, and disconnection — not because of weakness, but because the nervous system has been under sustained demand without adequate recovery. In this podcast, psychologist and author Tania Bielak, Ph.D. shares insights from her book The Strength to Serve, offering practical, evidence-based strategies to support mental health in high-stress professions. Joining the conversation is Mick Reiss, an advanced care paramedic and mental health clinician who brings a powerful dual perspective — lived experience on the front lines and clinical expertise supporting recovery. Whether you have suffered a single traumatic experience or faced repeated difficult life events, you can be left feeling hypervigilant, irritable, and disconnected. Daily tasks like attending a work meeting or social gathering can feel overwhelming or even frightening. Most therapies for treating trauma require you to "revisit" your traumatic experience in potentially triggering ways. Together, we examine cumulative trauma, operational stress injury, and moral injury — and explore practical strategies that help restore balance, build resilience, and support sustainable service. We reflect on practical, real-world strategies to support recovery and resilience, including structured decompression, breathing techniques, peer support, sleep protection, and transition rituals that help individuals move safely from high-alert environments back into everyday life. Listen to the conversation as we examine how to build sustainable mental health practices within demanding professions — and how strength can be redefined through regulation, recovery, and connection. Tania Bielak, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist dedicated to supporting first responders, healthcare professionals, and individuals working in high-stress environments. She is the author of The Strength to Serve, which provides practical tools for managing cumulative stress, enhancing resilience, and promoting long-term mental health. Mick Reiss is an advanced care paramedic who has transitioned into the role of mental health clinician. Drawing on years of front-line experience, he now supports first responders and others in understanding and managing the psychological impact of their work. Together, they bring both scientific insight and lived experience to this meaningful and timely discussion. If you are interested in understanding how repeated exposure to stress impacts the mind and body — and how to build resilience in demanding roles — this podcast is for you. Links & Resources: Learn more about Mick Reiss: https://bearpsychology.ca/mick-reiss/ Learn more about Dr. Tania Bielak: https://www.wisemindpsychology.com/psychologists/#1481199504131-3d6ece1f-53q3 Get your copy of The Strength to Serve: https://www.wisemindpsychology.com/book/ Materials to Reference: Explore additional resources and insights from Wise Mind Psychology: https://www.wisemindpsychology.com/ The Strength to Serve, an evidence-based resource for first responders and health care professionals: https://www.wisemindpsychology.com/book/
- Apr 30, 20261h 1m
Addiction and the Journey to Enlightenment
Addiction isn't just about pain—it can also be a call to something greater. The darkest paths can sometimes lead to the brightest truths by walking the path from suffering to self-discovery. In his book, "The Shadow of a Figure of Light: The Archetype of the Alcoholic and the Journey to Enlightenment" (2024) Cody Peterson explores the essence of Psycho-Spiritual transformation. Peterson looks at addiction as a pathway to wholeness. His book serves as both a guide and a mirror for those seeking to understand the hidden patterns behind self-destruction and the redemptive power of self-discovery. Listen to our conversation with author Cody Peterson as we discuss Addiction and the steps toward personal growth embedded with spiritual crisis. Cody Peterson is a recovering alcoholic/drug addict and author with over 11 years of sobriety under his belt. Cody had been intrigued by spirituality and religion since his teenage years, although the path has not always been easy. After a six-month imprisonment and a period of homelessness in Las Vegas, Nevada, Cody achieved lasting sobriety in 2013. Along with Twelve Step programs, Cody revived his passion for spirituality and religion, and in 2019, discovered the works of C.G. Jung, famous Swiss psychiatrist. Jung's foundational concepts inspired Cody to begin writing at part of a daily routine and aid to sobriety. Cody continues to share the message of the Twelve Steps with newcomers through volunteering at various drug and alcohol rehab centers and detox facilities whenever possible. Cody Peterson's book uncovers a hidden historical connection between famous psychiatrist C.G. Jung and Bill Wilson, co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, illustrating how their approaches originate from an ancient shamanistic source represented by what he terms the archetype of the Alcoholic. Listen to our conversation with Cody Peterson to learn about the paradoxical image that is the "alcoholic". If you are interested in learning about Cody Peterson's personal journey and his unique insights on alcoholism and addiction, this podcast is for you. Links & Resources: To purchase the book visit: https://amzn.to/3QRm9nl See reviews for Cody Peterson's book: https://www.cody-peterson.com/blurbs Learn more about Cody Peterson: https://www.cody-peterson.com/cody-peterson-bio Materials to Reference: Check out Cody Peterson's past podcasts and videos: https://www.cody-peterson.com/videos Check out Cody Peterson's blog: https://www.cody-peterson.com/blog Check out Cody's tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alkyarchetype https://www.seba.health/
- Mar 28, 20261h 0m
Using Polyvagal Theory for Healing
Listen to us as we discuss how you can rewire your nervous system for lasting calm, connection, and resilience with cutting-edge, polyvagal theory-based activities. Whether you have suffered a single traumatic experience or faced repeated difficult life events, you can be left feeling hypervigilant, irritable, and disconnected. Daily tasks like attending a work meeting or social gathering can feel overwhelming or even frightening. Most therapies for treating trauma require you to "revisit" your traumatic experience in potentially triggering ways. Best-selling author Dr. Arielle Schwartz provides a cutting-edge approach for trauma healing in "The Polyvagal Theory Workbook". Her practical, body-based methods help you address trauma symptoms—without reliving trauma or being exposed to triggers. Dr. Schwartz offers evidence-based activities to help you heal trauma, rewire your nervous system, and return to a state of balance and calm. We discuss nervous system disruption, explore polyvagal theory, and the vagus nerve in post trauma response. We will reflect on the use of soothing, body-based practices to help you rewire your nervous response, including rhythmic movements (EMDR and tapping), conscious breathing, mindful movement, and more. We will review some of the useful strategies that help with trauma recovery. Listen the conversation with Dr. Arielle Schwartz as we explore how to take charge of one's mental health, build resilience and rewire our nervous systems without revisiting triggering memories. Dr. Arielle Schwartz, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist, certified complex trauma professional, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) consultant, and Kripalu yoga teacher. She is an internationally sought-out speaker, leading voice in the field of trauma recovery, and award-winning author. As a faculty member at the Polyvagal Institute, she is a course instructor on mind-body approaches that apply polyvagal theory for trauma recovery. In her book, Dr. Arielle Schwartz gives you practical, embodied tools along with compassionate guidance to support your healing journey. She makes the complexity of trauma recovery understandable and accessible while creating a wellspring of hope. If you are interested in learning more about the profound role our nervous system plays in both saving and helping us heal, this show is for you! Links and Resources: Get your own copy of Dr. Schwartz's book: https://amzn.to/3Oj6bBo Other books written by Dr. Schwartz: https://drarielleschwartz.com/books-by-dr-schwartz/ Learn more about Dr. Schwartz: https://drarielleschwartz.com/dr-arielle-schwartz/ Materials to Reference: See what Dr. Schwartz has to say about Therapeutic Yoga for Trauma Recovery: https://drarielleschwartz.com/vagus-nerve-yoga/ Watch various podcasts featuring Dr. Schwartz: https://drarielleschwartz.com/podcast-appearances/
- Mar 4, 20261h 0m
The Relationships Workbook for BPD
The Relationships Workbook for BPD - Bear Psychology Radio hosted by Dr. Anna Baranowsky with guest Dr. Daniel J. Fox. When intense emotions, fear of abandonment, or distorted expectations consume you, relationships can slowly erode, replaced by feelings of resentment and hostility. Unstable and high-conflict relationships are a hallmark of borderline personality disorder (BPD). In his book, "The Relationships Workbook for BPD", Daniel J. Fox guides you step-by-step to help explore beliefs, behaviours and patterns that sabotage connection. Instead you learn how to repair relationships and build strong connections. You will learn about Borderline Personality Disorder and how to navigate intense emotions and conflict. You will gain strategies to remain centered, retain reasonable expectations and manage relational insecurity. This conversation will help you establish healthy relationship habits in the future. Listen to our conversation with Dr. Daniel J. Fox as we explore why people struggle in relationships and what skills are needed to build deeper, healthier bonds with loved ones. Dr. Daniel J. Fox, PhD, is a licensed psychologist in Texas, speaker, and award-winning author. He has specialized in the treatment and assessment of individuals with personality disorders for more than twenty years. His online content has been recognized as a valuable resource for both professionals and individuals seeking to understand and manage psychological conditions. Daniel J. Fox's workbook is a compassionate, much-needed guide for individuals with borderline personality disorder who long for meaningful relationships but feel overwhelmed by fear, shame, or emotional volatility. If you are interested in learning more about practical tools and exercises that build progressively towards developing steadier relationships, this podcast is for you! Links and Resources: Get your own copy of Dr. Fox's book: https://amzn.to/3P1OExA Other books written by Dr. Fox: https://drdfox.com/books/ Learn more about Dr. Daniel J Fox: https://drdfox.com/about/ Materials to Reference: Check out Dr. Fox's website: https://drdfox.com/ Watch Dr. Fox's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC932vfOwTbFni3GRrvVA6IQ Download Dr. Fox's helpful worksheets: https://drdfox.com/worksheets/
- Jan 30, 20261h 1m
Inner Growth for emotional healing
Many people associate the term "enlightenment" with images of a solitary figure sitting atop a distant mountain peak or a monk focused intently on meditation, but what does this concept look like when navigating our lives in today's complex society? Enlightment, at its core, is about gaining awareness and awakening ourselves to the interconnected nature of existence. Dr. Steve Taylor, a renowned spiritual psychologist, has devoted his life to investigating spiritual awakening. His previous bestselling books provided case histories of dozens of people who experienced profound shifts in consciousness. In his book, "The Adventure: A Practical Guide to Spiritual Awakening" Dr. Steve Taylor draws upon groundbreaking research and his own awakening experiences, to provide guided meditations, reflective exercises, and various methods aimed at fostering spiritual growth, in addition to lyrical poetry and motivational narratives. Listen to our conversation with Dr. Steve Taylor as we explore his step-by-step practices for cultivating spiritual awakening. Dr. Taylor is a senior lecturer in psychology at Leeds Beckett University, and the chair of the Transpersonal Psychology section at the British Psychological Society. He is also the bestselling author of several books including Extraordinary Awakenings, The Clear Light, The Fall, Out of the Darkness, The Calm Center, The Leap, and Spiritual Science. Dr. Taylor also writes blog articles for Science American, The Conversation, and Psychology Today. His work has been described by Eckhart Tolle as "an important contribution to the shift in consciousness which is happening on our planet at present." In his book, Dr. Taylor outlines how to identify and develop the eight qualities that define wakefulness, such as presence, acceptance, gratitude, and disidentification from the ego, use practical exercises and meditation to calm the mind and increase awareness, go beyond the "thought mind" and our typical "sleep" condition to reach ever-higher and deeper levels of spiritual awakening, and use the difficulties of daily life—at home, at work, and in relationships—as opportunities for insight. If you are interested in learning more about the process and journey of enlightenment, this podcast is for you! Links and Resources: Purchase Dr. Taylor's book: https://amzn.to/4l8M9FH Information about Dr. Taylor's Books: https://www.stevenmtaylor.com/books/ Visit Dr. Steve Taylor's Website: http://www.stevenmtaylor.com/ Materials to Reference: Information about Dr. Steve Taylor: https://www.stevenmtaylor.com/about-steve-taylor/ Read Dr. Taylor's blogs and articles: https://www.stevenmtaylor.com/essays/ Events with Steve Taylor: https://www.stevenmtaylor.com/events/ Online programs with Steve Taylor: https://www.stevenmtaylor.com/online-courses/
- Jan 19, 20261h 1m
The Power of Psychoanalysis
From alleviating recurring nightmares to finding oneself by discovering your family's secret past, psychoanalysis is a turbulent but rewarding form of psychotherapy. Sigmund Freud was the founder of psychoanalysis establishing it in the 1890's. The approach includes a focus on the unconscious mind, dream interpretation and talk therapy for addressing mental disturbances. Psychoanalysis continues to be a valuable path for gaining inner freedom from a host of mental struggles. In her book, "Untangling: A Memoir of Psychoanalysis" Joan Peters takes us through her journey of self-understanding through psychoanalysis – a long practiced but not well understood psychological intervention. Listen to our conversation with author and Professor Joan Peters as we discuss the many mysteries that lurk just beneath the surface of our psyches. Joan Peters is a Professor Emeritus of Literature and Writing at California State University, an author, and animal lover. Peters has a Ph.D. in Comparative Literature from the University of Chicago. She began her career with a focus on 17th Century European and British literature, but quickly developed a passion for women´s fiction. She has taught English literature and women´s studies at Middlebury College, Rutgers University and The City College of New York. She is the author of "Not your mother's life" and "When Mothers Work", which tackles the unique struggles young women in the working world face and the challenges of creating healthy work/life balance. She continues to write and lecture about psychoanalysis, sharing her expertise with eager minds as well as write articles for Psychology Today. She currently resides in California with her husband, and their dogs, and chickens. Joan Peters' book is a groundbreaking memoir offering an in-depth look into her first-hand experience with psychoanalysis. The inner workings of this intricate treatment are rarely discussed, and mostly unknown outside of professional circles. Using skill, creativity, and humour, she shines her light on this deep modality. Her book includes everything from heated conflicts to intense connection that can blossom between patient and analyst, offering readers an inside look into her transformative experience. Listen to our conversation with Joan Peters to hear about the many ups and downs of psychoanalysis. If you are interested in learning about Joan Peters' exploration of her own mind, this podcast is for you. Links and Resources: To purchase the book visit: https://amzn.to/4rgStwH Read reviews of the book: https://www.joankpeters.com/praise-1 Materials to Reference: Videos of Podcasts featuring Joan Peters: https://www.joankpeters.com/media To read more of Joan Peters work:https://www.joankpeters.com/all#past-works Read Joan Peters articles on Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/transformative Read Joan's article, On the 13th Day of Christmas: How We Intersect With the Holidays https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/transformative/202512/on-the-13th-day-of-christmas-how-we-intersect-with-the-holidays
- Dec 5, 202553 min
Divorce and New Beginnings
Using Self-Compassion practices after divorce can help both parents and children. Divorce and/or separation is a stressful but quite common experience for both parents and children. Children often carry guilt, shame, and anger along with many other big feelings that parents often feel ill-equipped to address. In her book, "Two Times as Much Love" Eileen Beltzner tells the story of Alexander, a third-grader struggling with the emotional aftermath of his parents' divorce, and his journey toward self-understanding and personal growth. Beltzner uses engaging storytelling and therapeutic tools rooted in mindfulness and self-compassion. The book models a deep respect for children's inner emotional lives, showing how events like divorce and social rejection can deeply affect a child's self-worth and worldview. Listen to our conversation with therapist and author Eileen Beltzner as she draws upon her many years of experience to walk us through how children navigate massive life and family changes like divorce. Eileen Beltzner is a child and family therapist, social worker, and author. She worked as a special care counselor, curriculum writer for children with special needs, and parent-infant therapist. She also established a private practice and developed an employee wellness program of a large hospital. She is a certified mindful self-compassion teacher and trainer, serving several years as a senior faculty member at the Centre for Mindfulness Studies in Toronto, Canada. Her previous books are: The Handbook for First- Time Parents (1987) and How to Tame the Tumbles the Mindful Self-Compassionate Way (2019). Eileen Beltzner's book is a parent and child read-together story that introduces a number of evidence-based and inner-strength-building practices (e.g., breathing, movement, and thought-challenging strategies). The clarity of the writing and the emotional depth of the story make it both accessible and impactful for readers of all ages, while the practical tools offer real-life value for families navigating relational challenges. Listen to our conversation with Eileen Beltzner to learn more about creating a unique plan to help parents and kids rebuild their confidence after divorce. If you are interested in learning about Eileen Beltzner's unique insights, this podcast is for you. Links and Resources: Purchase Eileen's newest book visit: https://www.eileenbeltzner.com/two-times-as-much-love-1 or https://amzn.to/45Fw6c6 Learn more about Eileen Beltzner: https://www.eileenbeltzner.com/about-the-author Learn more about Eileen's others books: https://www.eileenbeltzner.com/how-to-tame-the-tumbles Recommended-Dr.Otto Weininger's book: https://www.amazon.ca/Time-In-Parenting/dp/0973090502 Materials to Reference: Check out Eileen Beltzner's website: https://www.eileenbeltzner.com/ Learn more about Mindful Self Compassion: https://selfcompassionsolutions.com/ Check out Eileen's podcast: https://mindfulselfcompassiontraining.podbean.com/
- Nov 5, 202555 min
Schizoid Personality Disorder and a life of challenge
Blair Sorrel shares her journey of living with Schizoid Personality Disorder and learning to accept and love herself. She undercovers further elements of her life growing up in a family of origin where she experienced ridicule leading to low self-worth, social anxiety and a debilitating fear of authority figures. She explores a home life with "poor parenting" which undermined her academic and career disappointments. She reflects on the importance of nurturing caregivers to allow the flourishing of Intelligence and genetics toward success. In her book, "A Schizoid at Smith: How Over Parenting Leads to Underachieving" Blair Sorrel takes us through the combined impact of poor parenting along with a diagnosis of Schizoid Personality Disorder. Listen to our conversation with author Blair Sorrel as we navigate her struggles to succeed within a context of Schizoid Personality Disorder and a home life that left her feelings unsupported and not accepted. Blair Sorrel is an author, creator, and animal enthusiast. She served as the "Dollarwise Dilettante" columnist for Free Time, the matchmaker for Together Dating Service, and the apheresis recruiter for New York Blood Services. She established StreetZaps to safeguard dogs and humans from stray voltage, becoming the initial community representative invited by Con Edison to their annual Jodie S. Lane Stray Voltage Detection, Mitigation, and Prevention National Conference. Blair Sorrel's memoir raises awareness of the mysterious ailment that is Schizoid Personality Disorder. The majority of the book takes place in the 1960s taking a comedic and hopeful perspective. Listen to our conversation with Blair Sorrel to learn how she shaped her own life and defined success on her own terms. If you are interested in learning about Blair Sorrel's unique life, this podcast is for you. Links & Resources: Purchase the book: https://rockingtributes.com/smith/#purchase or https://amzn.to/3Z3qnJt Learn more about Blair Sorrel: https://rockingtributes.com/#blair Read reviews of the book: https://rockingtributes.com/smith/#reviews Materials to Reference: Check out Blair Sorrel's website: https://rockingtributes.com/
About Bear Psychology Podcast
Dr. Anna Baranowsky is a Canadian Clinical Psychologist, CEO of the Traumatology Institute, Founder and President of the Board at Trauma Practice. She is the author of two books on trauma, numerous courses to help train professionals in trauma mental health and the developer of the Trauma Recovery Program for Self-Guided trauma care. She works with trauma survivors and those with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) on post-traumatic growth and recovery.Through her work she believes that when we share, dialogue and feel supported, it provides a powerful foundation for forward movement in our understanding and the care needed. In her own words "I have found that the most profound changes occur when a person truly feels heard and understood - I like to think of it as deeply BEARING WITNESS to life evolving. We can feel incredibly stuck when we live with our fears, stressors and troubles in isolation."Dr.Baranowsky is the host of the Bear Psychology Show, focusing on bearing witness
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