Bruce Perry on the Healing Power of Human Connection and Resilience in Trauma

In this episode, we discuss “reflective function,” which is a precursor to the concept of mentalization. Reflective function is best understood not as synonymous with mentalization, but as a scale from -1 to 9, based off certain adult attachment interview questions that measure the person’s ability to describe their own and others’ internal states, motivations, and articulate a nuanced and unique understanding of life from 0 to 12 years old. This scale was developed by attachment researchers at the University of London, including Dr. Howard Steele and Dr. Peter Fonagy.

In today’s episode, we talk with Dr. Bruce Perry who co-authored, The Boy Who Was Raised As A Dog, Born For Love: Why Empathy is Essential and Endangered, and What Happened to You? Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing (2021). We are also joined by Megan White Zappitelli, M.D., a child and adolescent psychiatrist, and Maddison Hussey, M.D., a child and adolescent fellow. 

In this episode, we are joined by a panel of experts to discuss treatment of psychosis. Experiences of psychosis are common. When these experiences lead to interference in achieving life goals and/or distress, individuals can benefit from seeking evidenced-based care. The earlier individuals experiencing psychosis come to treatment, the better the outcomes. We are all allies in connecting these young people to care and services. Recovery is possible—people living with psychosis experiences can lead full, meaningful, and fulfilling lives. 

In this episode, we welcome back fan favorite Dr. Michael Cummings and ask questions sent in by listeners. Topics include Schizophrenia, Social Media Trends, and the SSRI controversy. We are thrilled to dedicate an episode that allows individuals to ask pointed questions and glean from Dr. Cummings' expertise. 

Learning how to approach patients with PTSD and severe trauma is necessary to help long term. Dr. Patricia Resick has plenty of experience in dealing with PTSD and is on the podcast today, sharing her wisdom so that we may better serve patients suffering from trauma. 

Therapies of depth, insight, and relationship have been missing from, if not pushed out of, the public conversation on mental health treatment. After decades of attack from multiple fronts, these therapies are misunderstood, undervalued, and overlooked by the general public. In order to address this challenge and change this trajectory, we must start by listening to the public and understand their needs, values, and preferences about therapy. Dr. Linda Michaels and colleagues conducted an extensive research project, leveraging qualitative and quantitative tools and techniques widely used in the corporate world, focused on “listening” to the public and understanding what people want and need from therapy.  Linda Michaels, PsyD, MBA, is a clinical psychologist in private practice in Chicago. She is also chair and co-founder of the Psychotherapy Action Network (PsiAN), a non-profit that advocates for quality therapy.  Link to blog here.

In this Episode, Dr. David Puder, Dr. Adam Borecky, and Joanie Burns discuss the 5-factor approach to holistic, patient-centered psychiatric care. This approach takes into account that each individual who seeks care is unique in their physiological and psychological make-up and that multiple factors influence both physical and mental health (for better or worse).  The 5-factor approach to treatment is based on the importance of sensorium and its pivotal role in regulating thoughts, feelings, and overall mental health. Sensorium is a lens to understand how we focus on various things. Sensorium is total brain function, which fluctuates throughout the day and depends on a number of factors, including sleep, stress levels, and more.

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Anthony W. Bateman and Dr. Peter Fonagy to discuss their expertise on Mentalization.  Mentalization refers to the capacity to reflect upon and understand one's own state of mind and the states of mind of others.  This involves recognizing and making sense of one's own and others’ emotions, beliefs, needs and desires.  People use this tool consciously and unconsciously to make sense of others and themselves. Often done automatically, a person may form beliefs about the people they interact with, making assumptions about their mental states. These beliefs tend to have a strong influence on the mental state of the person, whether or not they are correct.  

Dr. Jonathan Shedler is well known for his work on the efficacy of psychodynamic therapy. He has highlighted the importance of the initial phase of therapy in establishing a foundation for successful treatment. Dr. Shedler strongly believes the consultation phase is crucial to developing a working alliance between client and therapist and building a treatment frame and structure. Without this foundation, there is no mutual understanding about the goal or the purpose of treatment, and psychotherapy should not move forward. Join us in this episode as Dr. Shelder discusses how to create a firm starting foundation in clinical practice.

In this week’s episode of the podcast, we will continue our discussion regarding adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and their influence on the development of future mental health disorders. The greatest predictive factor of the relationship between ACEs and future mental health disorders has to do with the severity, duration, and number of traumatic events. We’ll explore the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire and the data of how ACEs increase the risk of certain personality disorders and psychiatric conditions. Link to blog:  https://www.psychiatrypodcast.com/psychiatry-psychotherapy-podcast/episode-204-adverse-childhood-experiences-part-2-measurement-impact-on-future-mental-health-dissociation-and-timing-of-trauma