suzanne phillips

Regardless of political perspective, it is difficult for anyone to grasp the reality or the implications of the Immigration Crisis today. Are there any routes to citizenship? Is a working visa a possibility? Can a person still seek asylum in the US? How many children remain separated from parents? What ever happened to the Dreamers? How many of those in the caravans remain in Mexico? Sarah Rogerson, Clinical Professor of Law at Albany Law School, and Director of the Immigration Law Clinic at Albany Law School returns to Psych Up Live to address these questions and many more. She clarifies what has changed in Asylum Seeking and the access to legal representation. She also shares what has been accomplished and what immigrants and immigration attorneys still face.

In this show Gary Wilson, presenter of the popular TEDx talk ‘The Great Porn Experiment,’ and author of Your Brain on Porn, addresses the ever-increasing problem of internet porn addiction in young male teens as well as men of every age. Drawing upon scientific research and the reports of countless men seeking help for porn related sexual dysfunction, Gary Wilson clarifies the impact of chronic overconsumption of internet porn on the brain. His message is powerful in the clarity with which he discusses the nature of the sexual problems resulting from addictive internet porn use; how and why the brain keeps us bingeing; and detailed steps to reverse compulsive use and regain control. Everyone will be informed and I hope many will be helped by hearing this important show.

In this show noted journalist, Rachel Hills, author of The Sex Myth: The Gap Between our Fantasies and Reality, invites us to look more closely at the invisible norms and unspoken assumptions that shape the way we think about sex today. Drawing upon six years' research, including interviews with women and men across three continents, she gives us an unexpected look at reality and a re-consideration of the meaning of sexual freedom. Don’t miss this show.

Childhood and teen obesity has grown to epidemic proportions in the US. In this episode, Dr. Maidenberg draws upon her new book “Free Your Child From Overeating: 53 Mind-Body Strategies For Lifelong Health” to offer strategies that begin with the recognition of thoughts and feelings in overeating and draw upon, CBT, Mindfulness and Acceptance therapy to address overeating. Recognizing the dynamics of teens and kids, She exemplifies how to motivate youngsters and inform them by identifying emotional eating with acronyms like HALT-Happy, Angry, Anxious, Lonely or Tired) or using the Mindful Chip Exercise or Mind over Muffin technique to invite useful ways to create a space for mindful eating. She focuses on the importance of family changes and underscores the danger of stigmatizing the overeating child as the one with the problem. Throughout she offers a wealth of resources and tools that makes this an invaluable discussion for parents.

In this episode, Co-founders, Colum McCann and Lisa Consiglio introduce us to Narrative 4, a global organization headed up by some of the world's most renowned and influential authors, artists and community leaders who believe language and literature are essential tools for creating a better society. They will share the way in which Narrative 4 has built empathy and bridged tens of thousands around the world in classrooms and communities etc., with the key methodology of the story exchange. Particularly important given a landscape of national and international strife, is Colum and Lisa’s description of this year’s mission of “Empathy Into Action,” a campaign that uses the story exchanges to break open historically intractable issues. They will describe their inaugural event “A Narrative for Gun Awareness” between gun advocates and those who have suffered loss and injury due to gun violence. Listen in and consider the possibilities for radical empathy fostered by Narrative 4.

Dr. Kristen Neff and Dr. Christopher Germer, renowned experts in self-compassion and mindfulness, have just released a new book, The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook: A Proven Way to Accept Yourself, Build Inner Strength and Thrive. The book is a culmination of years of collaboration, research and practical application in the training of thousands of people in Mindfulness Self-Compassion. In this episode, co-author Dr. Christopher Germer, discusses the essence and benefits of Mindful Self-Compassion in a way that makes it useable and effective. He exemplifies the difference and the important connection between mindfulness and self-compassion and the way we can apply Mindful Self-Compassion to daily life. He considers why people tend to be resistant to being self-compassionate and how Mindful Self-Compassion enhances motivation and change. He offers a special focus on the power and use of Mindful Self-Compassion for caregivers across professions, who have compassion for others.

In this episode, Dr. Ken Carter returns to Psych Up Live to look closer at risk taking and sensation seeking. Is the person who will take a risk in business similar to the person who loves extreme sports? Are risk taking and sensation or thrill seeking different personality traits? Are they inter-related? Do men and women differ in these traits? Are they genetic traits or family fostered dynamics? Is our neurophysiology different when we put ourselves in danger for the thrill of it as opposed to facing unexpected danger? For these and much more about risk taking and sensation seeking—listen in. For preview of Dr. Carter, check out his Youtube.

Few people want to be called a Gossip” but most people can’t resist hearing a juicy story about a friend, celebrity or co-worker. Why? What is it about learning private information about others that is so irresistible? Why have people been gossiping across decades and across cultures? Is gossip good, bad or necessary? Should we think of gossip as a character flaw or a social skill? In this episode, social psychologist, Dr. Frank McAndrew will share the Science of Gossip. In fascinating detail, he will draw upon research to consider everything from the evolutionary need for gossip to successful gossiping, gender differences, celebrity obsession, social skills, destructive possibilities and more. You will understand gossip in a way you have never considered.

From the time I heard Dr. Hull discuss his work with children and adolescents diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome (AS) and High Functioning Autism (HFS), I wanted all parents to hear him. In this episode, he brings us his passion and expertise. He clarifies diagnosis by demystifying the strengths and difficulties these children have in social, emotional and behavioral areas. He discusses how to approach fears, understand rituals, reduce feelings of terror and maximize use of special interests. Dr. Hull recognizes the mix of love, challenge and concern that parents carry. Reminding them that they are not alone, he offers strategies to foster connection, growth and improved relationships with their children. To hear Dr. Hull discuss his creative use of play with children and adolescents is to understand how he helps parents and children build bridges of connection and growth to each other.

In this show Jennie Kramer, LCSW-R draws upon her experience in treating all forms of eating disorders and her co-authored book, Overcoming Binge Eating for Dummies to offer expert and useable information on Binge Eating Disorder (BED). With sensitivity and realistic perspective, she answers questions like-What is Binge Eating? Does it differ from compulsive eating or overeating? Who binges and why? She underscores the health risks associated with Binge Eating Disorder and describes first steps to change for those struggling. She accounts for the physical, psychological and social factors involved in change and highlights questions like the difference between emotional and physical hunger. She considers pros and cons of treatment options while at the same time offering 10 things to do now instead of bingeing. If you or someone you love needs clear and expert information on Binge Eating, this is the show to hear.

In this episode Dr. Kristin Neff, widely recognized as one of the world’s leading experts on self-compassion, draws upon her personal introduction to self-compassion, her years of pioneering research, and her book Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself, to offer listeners an understanding of this powerful but often misunderstood and overlooked resource. In an interesting and useable way she defines self-compassion and compares it with self- pity and self-esteem. She demonstrates the power of self-compassion to enhance self-knowledge and motivation and describes and exemplifies its use of self-kindness, human connection and mindfulness to offset self-criticism and the trap of self-loathing. To hear Kristin Neff, is to receive an insider’s understanding of a powerful resource for coping, healing and growing in every day life. Self- Compassion is within our grasp.

In this episode, Abby Rodman psychotherapist and author draws upon her own experience with divorce, her clinical experience and the responses of hundreds of women to a survey on divorce, to share what we rarely hear when we learn someone is getting a divorce or has been divorced. Abby Rodman shares the insider story. She shares the fears, blame, hardship, parental worry and ultimate growth that is possible whether a divorce comes after two years or twenty, and whether it comes by choice, betrayal or mutual despair. As described in her book, Without This Ring, Abby Rodman does not advocate for divorce: but when there is no choice, she advocates for women to know they are not alone, to believe in themselves and to identify the feelings and dynamics that can be addressed with help on many levels. She will not be speaking about finding someone new. She will be speaking about the power of first finding you. Both women and men will benefit from this show.

We live in a time when an understanding of power and the abuse of power has tremendous importance. In this show, Dr. Dacher Keltner, psychologist, Faculty Director of the Berkeley Greater Good Science Center, and acclaimed researcher, awakens us to The Power Paradox. Drawing upon his latest book, The Power Paradox: How We Gain and Lose Influence, Dr. Keltner defines power that gives and power that grabs. Citing fascinating studies, he discusses the ways in which a person, be it a teen, a teacher or a world leader, gets power and then faces the Power Paradox - the choice of keeping it or being corrupted by it. As an honored professor, researcher with over 190 publications, consultant on emotions for Facebook, Google, and the Disney Pixar movie, “ Inside Out,” Dr. Keltner’s discussion of the Power Paradox is one we need to hear.

In this episode, Dr. Richard Gartner, nationally recognized expert in male sexual abuse draws upon his many books including his two new edited books, Understanding the Sexual Betrayal of Boys and Men:The Trauma of Sexual Abuse AND Healing Sexually Betrayed Men and Boys: Treatment for Sexual Abuse, Assault, and Trauma (in press) to invite understanding and healing of sexually betrayed man and boys. He defines sexual betrayal and abuse and identifies the myths of male sexual abuse. He makes sense of the silence and reasons some boys and men can’t remember and discusses the impact when the abuser is a parent, clergy or revered person. He discusses what brings men to treatment and lists celebrities, athletes, and politicians who have disclosed their sexual abuse and moved forward with life. He invites boys and men to realize that they are not alone- It was never their fault and treatment resources like MaleSurvivor.org are available. His shared experience is a gift to listeners.

In this Episode Dr. Connie Siskowski, founder of the American Association for Caregiving Youth awakens us to the reality that 1.4 million children in this country sacrifice their education, health, well-being and childhood to provide care for family members who are ill, injured, aging or have disabilities. Isolated, often facing tasks and medical responsibilities that would challenge adults, these children are often invisible to schools and communities. Dr. Siskowski, who was recognized as one of the CNN’s Top Ten Heroes in 2012 offers a powerful answer. In the back and forth with host, Suzanne Phillips, she shares her personal history and the motivation for developing The American Association for Caregiving Youth, which includes “The Caregiving Youth Project.” She is joined by the professional interdisciplinary team of this project, Dr. Anne Faraone, Kim Fort LMSW and Cara Zimmerman MSW who share their roles in making the lives of child caregivers possible, healthy and hopeful.

In this podcast, Filmmaker Susan Sipprelle of “Set for Life” and “ Over 50 and Out of Work” discusses her important documentary, “ Soldier On: Life After Deployment.” This feature length documentary chronicles with honesty and humor the challenges that three post-9/11 female veterans face readjusting to civilian life after their deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Susan Sipprelle is joined on the show by one of the female veterans featured in the film, Natasha Young. In the back and forth with host, Dr. Suzanne Phillips, Sue Sipprelle will discuss the reason that she chose to make this documentary and the impact of sharing the personal journeys of these veteran women. Veteran Natasha Young offers the personal view of her painful and challenging journey to assimilate back into today’s society and her new mission of working with veterans at home.

In this show, M Gary Neuman will discuss ways of making a marriage all that it can be – even after an affair. In the discussion with Host Dr. Suzanne Phillips, he will offer his perspective of how and why a marriage can be saved. Drawing upon case examples he will share with listeners examples of the Neuman Method, a 10 Session online marriage program that has helped thousands of couples with methods and techniques suited to address the repair, recovery and enhancement of marriages.

In this episode, Cheryl Bradshaw, counselor and psychotherapist specializing in teens and young adults discusses her new book, How to Like Yourself: A Teen’s Guide to Quieting Your Inner Critic & Building Lasting Self-Esteem. Cheryl Bradshaw’s approach is one that young adults will find engaging, thought provoking and very helpful. Recognizing that few of us in this highly competitive culture are taught to like ourselves, she identifies the traps, feelings and distortions that keep us from building self-esteem. With a sense of humor and personal connection, she offers interesting strategies to overcome these traps. She addresses our assumption that everyone else seems to have it all; the inner critic that keeps us from believing in ourselves; the power of making mistakes; the reality of attraction and the difference between friends and likes. Listen in as Cheryl Bradshaw offers young adults and those who love them an impressive and accessible way to build self-esteem.

Many of us are aware of the emphasis the corporate world places on having a “ winning” brand. The performers we watch, the cars we drive, the hospitals we choose all have a brand we have come to associate with them. In this episode, Dr. Joel Evans, author and Distinguished Professor of Marketing will clarify the importance of self-branding in our own personal and professional success. Exemplifying with himself and others, he will demonstrate how self-assessment, consideration of how others see us, and changes in our life roles inform our self-brands. In the back and forth with Host Suzanne Phillips, he will discuss how to translate self-branding into effective resume writing, Interpersonal benefits and re-definitions of self after college, marriage, retirement etc. You will think about yourself in a different way after this show.

This show will turn up your understanding of Holidays and Depression. Dr. Deborah Serani, Psychologist and award winning author of Living with Depression and Depression and Your Child, will discuss what fuels Depression during the Holidays, the distinction between Holiday Depression and Clinical Depression, the unexpected finding that clinical depression may actually drop at the holiday time and much more. Dr. Steven Hanley will consider if there is a gender difference in Holiday Depression and whether men and women respond differently to holiday expectations and events. Christopher Scott Downing, author of Van Gogh in Peppers: A Self-portrait of Male Depression will add his personal perspective on the Holidays. Does he feel differently at the Holidays as compared to the days when he was fighting and denying depression? Does he worry about relapse? All of these guests will then share tips for coping and dealing with the Holidays.