Join hosts Dr. Tracey Guthrie, Dr. Camila Cosmo as they welcome Dr. Paul Baker, Assistant Professor and Clinician Educator at Brown University, for an enlightening discussion that demystifies psychotherapy and separates fact from fiction.

What You'll Learn:

🧠 What Psychotherapy Really Is - Discover how professional therapy differs from conversations with friends and family, and why this distinction matters for your mental health journey.
🤝 The Power of the Therapeutic Relationship - Learn why feeling understood by your therapist often matters more than the specific type of therapy you choose.
🔍 Types of Therapy Explained - Explore behavioral therapies, skill-based approaches, and psychodynamic therapy to understand which might be right for you.
⚖️ Professional Boundaries & Ethics - Understand what appropriate therapeutic boundaries look like and red flags to watch for in your therapeutic relationship.
🎯 Setting Meaningful Goals - Discover how to establish clear, measurable objectives for your therapy and track your progress effectively.
💊 Therapy + Medication - Get insights on when combining psychotherapy with medication might be beneficial and how to make informed decisions about your treatment.
💻 The Rise of Telehealth - Learn about the effectiveness and accessibility of online therapy, especially valuable for those with geographic or scheduling constraints.

Who Should Listen:
• Anyone curious about starting therapy
• Those currently in therapy wanting to maximize their experience
• Mental health advocates and professionals
• Anyone interested in understanding the science behind effective psychotherapy

Key Takeaway: The most important factor in successful therapy isn't the specific method used, but the quality of the relationship you build with your therapist. Dr. Baker emphasizes that therapy should be a collaborative, goal-oriented journey tailored to your unique needs and circumstances.

Resources Mentioned:
• Psychologytoday.com for finding therapists
• Zencare.com for therapist matching
• Community mental health centers for affordable options
• Crisis support: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Whether you're considering therapy for the first time or looking to better understand the process, this episode provides practical, evidence-based insights that will help you navigate your mental health journey with confidence.
Bear in Mind is the Brown Psychiatry Podcast, delivering clear, current content about mental health from leading experts in the field.

Connect with us:

• Instagram: @BearinMindPodcast
• Facebook: Bear in Mind Podcast
• YouTube: Bear in Mind Podcast
• X (Twitter): @BearinMindBrown

#Psychotherapy #MentalHealth #BrownUniversity #Psychiatry #Therapy #MentalHealthAwareness #Psychology #Te

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Bear in Mind Ep. 17
What happens when the body shuts down—but nothing shows up on a scan?
This week, we explore Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder (FND)—a complex and often misunderstood condition that causes real symptoms like seizures, paralysis, or loss of speech, with no detectable neurological cause.
Our guest, Dr. Curt LaFrance, double-boarded in psychiatry and neurology, helps break down what we do (and don’t) know about FND. From diagnosis to treatment and stigma, we cover the science, the struggle, and the hope.
🎙 Hosted by Drs. Tracey Guthrie, Camilla Cosmo, and Nisha Jain.
📍Listen, learn, and remember: Mental health is health.
👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share the episode to help others stay informed.

CHAPTERS:
0:00 Introduction & Content Warning
0:41 What is Functional Neurological Disorder?
1:24 Meet Dr. Curt LaFrance
1:51 Current Definition & Diagnostic Criteria
2:50 Understanding the Brain-Mind Connection
8:00 The Historical Context
15:00 Diagnostic Challenges
25:00 Treatment Approaches
35:00 Patient Experiences & Case Studies
45:00 Breaking Down Stigma & Future Directions
49:00 Closing Thoughts & Resources

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At Episode #16 of BiM we will address the ongoing public mental health crisis, evaluating governmental and societal responsibilities while exploring evidence-based interventions. We are honored to welcome Dr. Elinore McCance-Katz, a renowned psychiatry and addiction specialist, who will share her extensive experience and expertise in addressing systemic barriers and identifying viable pathways forward. Join us for this conversation as we walk through the complexities of our mental healthcare system, discuss strategies to improve access to our most vulnerable populations, and explore ways to drive meaningful, lasting changes.

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