
Advertise on podcast: Mentally Flexible
Rating
4.9from
This podcast has
84 episodes
Language
EnglishPublisher
Tom Parkes, LCSWExplicit
No
Date created
2020/11/11
Latest episode
2026/01/29
Average duration
58 min.
Release period
26 days
Description
Join psychotherapist Tom Parkes as he has meaningful conversations to help you build mental flexibility. Each episode will explore topics related to psychology, mental health, and creativity. With an open mind and a sense of curiosity these conversations will help you better understand yourself, others, and the world around you.
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Check latest episodes from Mentally Flexible podcast
Erin Jones, LCMHC | Perinatal OCD and Anxiety
2026/01/29
My guest today is Erin Jones, LCMHC. Erin is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor providing evidence-based treatment for individuals with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and related diagnoses. She works at Bull City Anxiety and OCD Treatment Center, where she sees individual clients, manages an intensive Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) program, and runs groups. She is the treasurer for OCD North Carolina, local affiliate of the International OCD Foundation. Erin is passionate about perinatal care and int his episode we explore all things perinatal OCD, touching a range of contexts it shows up like infertility, pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.
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Learn more about Erin: https://www.bullcityanxiety.com/erin-jones-lcmhc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erintalksocd/
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Thank you all for checking out the episode! Here are some ways to help support Mentally Flexible:
You can help cover some of the costs of running the podcast by donating a cup of coffee! www.buymeacoffee.com/mentallyflexible
Please subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It only takes 30 seconds and plays an important role in being able to get new guests.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentally-flexible/id1539933988
Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mentallyflexible/
Check out my song “Glimpse at Truth” that you hear in the intro/outro of every episode: https://tomparkes.bandcamp.com/track/glimpse-at-truth
Check out my new album, Holding Space! https://open.spotify.com/album/0iOcjZQhmAhYtjjq3CTpwQ?si=nemiLnELTsGGExjfy8B6iw
Dr. Diana Hill | Focusing Your Genius Energy on What Matters Most
2025/12/22
Diana Hill, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist, international trainer, and sought-out speaker on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and compassion. Diana is the host of the podcast Wise Effort and author of The Self-Compassion Daily Journal, The ACT Daily Journal, I Know I Should Exercise But…, and her newest book Wise Effort. Diana works with organizations and individuals to develop psychological flexibility so that they can grow fulfilling and impactful lives.
Some of the topics we explore in this episode include:
Struggles with change and concept of experiential attachmentThe intersection of ACT and Buddhism in Diana’s bookHow our environment impacts our energyThe our genius can be under or over-utilized The importance of feedback and honesty
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Diana’s website: https://drdianahill.com/
Wise Effort: https://a.co/d/81mws9E
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Thank you all for checking out the episode! Here are some ways to help support Mentally Flexible:
You can help cover some of the costs of running the podcast by donating a cup of coffee! www.buymeacoffee.com/mentallyflexible
Please subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It only takes 30 seconds and plays an important role in being able to get new guests.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentally-flexible/id1539933988
Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mentallyflexible/
Check out my song “Glimpse at Truth” that you hear in the intro/outro of every episode: https://tomparkes.bandcamp.com/track/glimpse-at-truth
Check out my new album, Holding Space! https://open.spotify.com/album/0iOcjZQhmAhYtjjq3CTpwQ?si=nemiLnELTsGGExjfy8B6iw
Marisa Mazza, PsyD | Treating OCD and Anxiety with Psychological Flexibility
2025/11/21
Dr. Marisa T. Mazza is a clinical psychologist and founder of choicetherapy psychological services, inc. Dr. Mazza is passionate about providing evidence-based therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Mindful Self-Compassion, to teens and adults struggling with OCD or Anxiety. She enjoys supporting individuals in learning new ways of interacting with thoughts and feelings. Her approach allows individuals to face their fears in a gradual and gentle way so they can get unstuck from thoughts and feelings and live meaningful lives. Dr. Mazza was formerly a board member of OCD SF Bay Area, the International OCD Foundation’s local affiliate, and was the Vice President of the San Francisco Bay Area Association for Contextual Behavioral Science. She is also the author of The ACT Workbook for OCD which we discuss at points throughout this episode.
Some of the topics we explore in this episode include:
-Marisa’s history of anxiety challenges
-How it has helped her grow and be connected to values as a clinician
-The role that shame plays in anxiety and OCD challenges
-Common OCD related challenges faced postpartum
-What lead to Marisa writing The ACT Workbook for OCD
-How to use ACT skills and exposure exercises flexibly in specific contexts
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Marisa’s website: https://www.choicetherapy.net/
The ACT Workbook for OCD: https://a.co/d/4QBveqc
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Thank you all for checking out the episode! Here are some ways to help support Mentally Flexible:
Sign up for PsychFlex through the Mentally Flexible link! PsychFlex.com/MentallyFlexible
You can help cover some of the costs of running the podcast by donating a cup of coffee! www.buymeacoffee.com/mentallyflexible
Please subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It only takes 30 seconds and plays an important role in being able to get new guests.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentally-flexible/id1539933988
Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mentallyflexible/
Check out my song “Glimpse at Truth” that you hear in the intro/outro of every episode: https://tomparkes.bandcamp.com/track/glimpse-at-truth
Check out my new album, Holding Space! https://open.spotify.com/album/0iOcjZQhmAhYtjjq3CTpwQ?si=nemiLnELTsGGExjfy8B6iw
Laura Knouse, PhD | ADHD: Expanding the Clinical Lens
2025/11/06
My guest today is Laura Knouse, PhD. Laura is a clinical psychologist and professor at the University of Richmond. Her research and clinical expertise focus on the nature, assessment, and treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adults.. Her recent research aims to better understand the self-regulation and motivation difficulties of college students with ADHD in order to develop effective interventions. Recent collaborative work with faculty in other disciplines focuses on how leaders can most effectively cope with personal crisis and how growth mindsets are related to mental health and coping. She is a coauthor of the new book, Living Well with Adult ADHD, which we discuss throughout the episode.
Some of the topics we explore in this episode include:
Laura’s background and research interestsThe evolution of ADHD throughout Laura’s careerThe intersecting processes of many mental health diagnosesHow modern environmental factors influence ADHD symptomsWhat the research says about medications for ADHD and the potential risksAnd the importance of individualizing treatment—————————————————————————
Laura’s website: https://www.lauraknouse.com/
Living Well with Adult ADHD: https://a.co/d/gwB0Ks0
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Thank you all for checking out the episode! Here are some ways to help support Mentally Flexible:
Sign up for PsychFlex through the Mentally Flexible link! PsychFlex.com/MentallyFlexible
You can help cover some of the costs of running the podcast by donating a cup of coffee! www.buymeacoffee.com/mentallyflexible
Please subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It only takes 30 seconds and plays an important role in being able to get new guests.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentally-flexible/id1539933988
Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mentallyflexible/
Check out my song “Glimpse at Truth” that you hear in the intro/outro of every episode: https://tomparkes.bandcamp.com/track/glimpse-at-truth
Check out my new album, Holding Space! https://open.spotify.com/album/0iOcjZQhmAhYtjjq3CTpwQ?si=nemiLnELTsGGExjfy8B6iw
A Conversation with Ralph De La Rosa - Shared in Loving Memory
2025/10/10
Today’s episode features Ralph De La Rosa. Ralph was the author of three books, including Outshining Trauma: A New Vision of Radical Compassion (foreword by Richard Schwartz). He was a psychotherapist in private practice and a longtime meditation teacher known for his radically honest and humorous approach. His work was featured in GQ, CNN, NY Post, Tricycle, Mindful Magazine, and beyond.
Perhaps most crucial is that Ralph walked the path of outshining trauma alongside the people he worked with. He was a survivor of PTSD, heroin addiction, Borderline Personality Disorder, ADHD, and liver failure. Walking through these matters with the help of profound therapists and mentors became an empowerment no school could have offered. It was simply part of his path to offer back what he had been shown.
Ralph mentored personally with Richard Schwartz, founder of the Internal Family Systems model of psychotherapy, known for its efficacy in healing trauma. He also completed an invite-only advanced teacher training with Jack Kornfield.
He began practicing meditation in 1996 and trained in a spectrum of yogic and healing traditions, including devotional Hinduism and Tibetan Buddhism. Ralph began teaching Buddhist-inspired meditation in 2008. He identified as a practitioner and teacher of human spirituality, offering a highly specialized hybrid of IFS and Buddhism to guide students on a direct path of conscious evolution and self-discovery.
As a therapist, Ralph was a summa cum laude graduate of Fordham University. He spent his earliest days working in NYC’s clinical foster care system where he trained in multiple modalities of trauma-focused therapy. He maintained a small roster of therapy clients for the love of witnessing transformation up close.
Ralph was also an intersectional activist, musician, wannabe acrobat, and outdoor enthusiast, who made his home in Seattle, WA. His teachings and writings continue to inspire and support people navigating trauma and transformation.
Some of the topics we covered in this episode include:
A beginning guided meditationWhat drew Ralph to IFSOverlaps with ACT and IFSThe value of living with an open heartAnd Ralph guides me through some experiential IFS work
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Outshining Trauma: https://a.co/d/cQ8kREn
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Thank you all for checking out the episode! Here are some ways to help support Mentally Flexible:
Sign up for PsychFlex through the Mentally Flexible link! PsychFlex.com/MentallyFlexible
You can help cover some of the costs of running the podcast by donating a cup of coffee! www.buymeacoffee.com/mentallyflexible
Please subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It only takes 30 seconds and plays an important role in being able to get new guests.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentally-flexible/id1539933988
Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mentallyflexible/
Check out my song “Glimpse at Truth” that you hear in the intro/outro of every episode: https://tomparkes.bandcamp.com/track/glimpse-at-truth
Check out my new album, Holding Space! https://open.spotify.com/album/0iOcjZQhmAhYtjjq3CTpwQ?si=nemiLnELTsGGExjfy8B6iw
Rikke Kjelgaard | Vulnerability, Scars, and Bringing ACT Into Life
2025/09/22
My guest today is Rikke Kjelgaard. Rikke is a licensed psychologist, peer-reviewed ACT trainer, and author. Rikke is on a mission to help therapists thrive and to be brave and authentic helpers. Trained as a clinical psychologist, she has a 15 year background in the science of human behavior and the practice of behavior change. Rikke is a popular speaker internationally, and she is known to bring both passion and vulnerability to her talks. She transforms the lives of her audience by bringing evidence based strategies to her listeners in ways that are accessible and impactful.
Some of the topics we explore in this episode include:
- Rikke’s background being on stage and how that informs her training style
- Her early experiences being trained by the ACT founders
- The difference between wounds and scars regarding self disclosure
- Cultivating willingness to sit in the darkness with others
- Bringing ACT skills beyond the therapy room and into our personal relationships
- And we discuss topics like, self-forgiveness, people pleasing, and being truly helpful
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Rikke’s website: https://www.rikkekjelgaard.com
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Thank you all for checking out the episode! Here are some ways to help support Mentally Flexible:
Sign up for PsychFlex through the Mentally Flexible link! PsychFlex.com/MentallyFlexible
You can help cover some of the costs of running the podcast by donating a cup of coffee! www.buymeacoffee.com/mentallyflexible
Please subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It only takes 30 seconds and plays an important role in being able to get new guests.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentally-flexible/id1539933988
Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mentallyflexible/
Check out my song “Glimpse at Truth” that you hear in the intro/outro of every episode: https://tomparkes.bandcamp.com/track/glimpse-at-truth
Check out my new album, Holding Space! https://open.spotify.com/album/0iOcjZQhmAhYtjjq3CTpwQ?si=nemiLnELTsGGExjfy8B6iw
Jessica Borushok, PhD | The ACT Therapist
2025/09/03
My guest today is Dr. Jessica Borushok, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist in private practice specializing in anxiety disorders and health-related concerns, including insomnia, chronic pain, and coping with chronic medical conditions. In addition to clinical work, Dr. Borushok provides acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) training and consultation to other mental health professionals. Dr. Borushok is the co-author of numerous books, including her most recent, The Complete Guide to Acceptance & Commitment Therapy: An Interactive Skills Manual for Clinicians to Learn and Practice ACT. In an effort to bring evidence-based resources to the public, Jessica also runs a Youtube channel called The ACT Therapist.
Some of the topics we explore in this episode include:
What led Jessica into the psychology fieldHow she found her authentic voice and style within ACTCreative and flexible ways of training others in ACTJessica’s new bookAnd trusting ourselves to take risks in session
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Jessica’s website: https://www.theacttherapist.com/
The Complete Guide to ACT: https://a.co/d/aJTFqHXh
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Thank you all for checking out the episode! Here are some ways to help support Mentally Flexible:
Sign up for PsychFlex through the Mentally Flexible link! PsychFlex.com/MentallyFlexible
You can help cover some of the costs of running the podcast by donating a cup of coffee! www.buymeacoffee.com/mentallyflexible
Please subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It only takes 30 seconds and plays an important role in being able to get new guests.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentally-flexible/id1539933988
Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mentallyflexible/
Check out my song “Glimpse at Truth” that you hear in the intro/outro of every episode: https://tomparkes.bandcamp.com/track/glimpse-at-truth
Check out my new album, Holding Space! https://open.spotify.com/album/0iOcjZQhmAhYtjjq3CTpwQ?si=nemiLnELTsGGExjfy8B6iw
Dr. Robyn Walser | Presence and Authenticity in the Therapy Room
2025/07/25
My guest today is Dr. Robyn Walser. Robyn is a clinical psychologist, educator, and author of several influential books on ACT for professionals and general readers. She is Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of California, Berkeley, and Director of Research at Bay Area Trauma Recovery Clinical Services. She is also on the staff of the National Center for PTSD at the VA Palo Alto Health Care System. Internationally known for her compassionate, client-centered approach, Dr. Walser has been working in the field of trauma and conducting the ACT training internationally since the 1990s.
Some of the topics we explore in this episode include:
The here and now unfolding of ACT in the therapy roomHow Robyn pays attention to function throughout a sessionUndermining therapist “rules”The potential downsides of bringing AI into the therapy processWe discuss Robyn’s new book You Are Not Your TraumaCreative ways Robyn helps therapists cultivate their practice—————————————————————————
Robyn’s Website: https://robynwalser.com/
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Thank you all for checking out the episode! Here are some ways to help support Mentally Flexible:
Sign up for PsychFlex through the Mentally Flexible link! PsychFlex.com/MentallyFlexible
You can help cover some of the costs of running the podcast by donating a cup of coffee! www.buymeacoffee.com/mentallyflexible
Please subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It only takes 30 seconds and plays an important role in being able to get new guests.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentally-flexible/id1539933988
Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mentallyflexible/
Check out my song “Glimpse at Truth” that you hear in the intro/outro of every episode: https://tomparkes.bandcamp.com/track/glimpse-at-truth
Check out my new album, Holding Space! https://open.spotify.com/album/0iOcjZQhmAhYtjjq3CTpwQ?si=nemiLnELTsGGExjfy8B6iw
Noelle McWard Aquino, LCSW | Anxiety Unpacked
2025/07/14
My guest today is Noelle McWard Aquino. Noelle is a Chicago-based therapist who specializes in the treatment of anxiety disorders. She is the author of Anxiety Unpacked: Discover Your Type and Recover Your Peace, a bestselling book that helps readers identify and work with the specific patterns driving their anxiety. Her work has been featured in publications including Psychology Today and Psychotherapy Networker. Noelle speaks regularly to both clinical and general audiences, training therapists in her framework for understanding anxiety and helping individuals develop more effective, compassionate responses to it.
Some of the topics we explore in this episode include:
- How Noelle’s relationship with her son helped inform her new book
- The biological processes involved in anxiety
- The difference between anxiety and intuition
- Recurring root patterns of anxiety
- The role of values when navigating anxiety challenges
- The pitfalls of control and unhelpful beliefs
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Noelle’s Website: https://noellemcwardaquino.com/
Anxiety Unpacked: https://a.co/d/dJ41mEK
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Thank you all for checking out the episode! Here are some ways to help support Mentally Flexible:
Sign up for PsychFlex through the Mentally Flexible link! PsychFlex.com/MentallyFlexible
You can help cover some of the costs of running the podcast by donating a cup of coffee! www.buymeacoffee.com/mentallyflexible
Please subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It only takes 30 seconds and plays an important role in being able to get new guests.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentally-flexible/id1539933988
Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mentallyflexible/
Check out my song “Glimpse at Truth” that you hear in the intro/outro of every episode: https://tomparkes.bandcamp.com/track/glimpse-at-truth
Check out my new album, Holding Space! https://open.spotify.com/album/0iOcjZQhmAhYtjjq3CTpwQ?si=nemiLnELTsGGExjfy8B6iw
Alissa Jerud, PhD | Emotion-Savvy Parenting
2025/06/20
My guest today is Alissa Jerud, PhD. Alissa is a licensed clinical psychologist working in private practice and a clinical assistant professor at the University of Pennsylvania. In her private practice, Dr. Jerud specializes in exposure-based treatment of anxiety-related disorders and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills training. She particularly enjoys helping other parents learn to accept, regulate, and tolerate their emotions, as well as their children's. Alissa is the author of a new book, Emotion-Savvy Parenting: A Shame-Free Guide to Navigating Emotional Storms and Deepening Connection.
Some of the topics we explore in this episode include:
What led Alissa into the field of psychology The inspiration for her new book, Emotion-Savvy ParentingScience-backed strategies for dealing with difficult emotionsA deeper dive on the skills of accepting, regulating, and tolerating How attempts to control our children can backfire The role of personal vulnerabilities in activating emotionsAnd we explore the different ingredients that go into our emotional experience
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Thank you all for checking out the episode! Here are some ways to help support Mentally Flexible:
Sign up for PsychFlex through the Mentally Flexible link! PsychFlex.com/MentallyFlexible
You can help cover some of the costs of running the podcast by donating a cup of coffee! www.buymeacoffee.com/mentallyflexible
Please subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It only takes 30 seconds and plays an important role in being able to get new guests.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentally-flexible/id1539933988
Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mentallyflexible/
Check out my song “Glimpse at Truth” that you hear in the intro/outro of every episode: https://tomparkes.bandcamp.com/track/glimpse-at-truth
Check out my new album, Holding Space! https://open.spotify.com/album/0iOcjZQhmAhYtjjq3CTpwQ?si=nemiLnELTsGGExjfy8B6iw
Holly Yates, LCMHC | Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP)
2025/05/26
My guest today is Holly Yates, LCMHC. Holly has been in private practice in North Carolina since 2004. Her specialty areas are working with adults both individually and in groups as well as couples addressing depression, anxiety, mood disorders and life stressors through clinical intervention and skills training. Holly's practice centers on third wave therapies most specifically Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). She is a founding facilitator of the online ACT Peer Intervision Network sponsored through ACBS and a Certified FAP Trainer through University of Washington. Holly presents FAP and ACT workshops locally and around the world. Holly is Co-founder of North Wake Counseling Partners in Raleigh NC.
Some of the topics we explore in this episode include:
- Holly’s background with ACT and how it led to learning about FAP
- The importance of the therapeutic relationship
- Clinically relevant behaviors for connection building in the therapy room
- The importance of encouraging authentic relationships outside of therapy
- The courage and vulnerability involved in intentional self-disclosure
- How ACT and FAP naturally blend together
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Thank you all for checking out the episode! Here are some ways to help support Mentally Flexible:
Sign up for PsychFlex through the Mentally Flexible link! PsychFlex.com/MentallyFlexible
You can help cover some of the costs of running the podcast by donating a cup of coffee! www.buymeacoffee.com/mentallyflexible
Please subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It only takes 30 seconds and plays an important role in being able to get new guests.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentally-flexible/id1539933988
Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mentallyflexible/
Check out my song “Glimpse at Truth” that you hear in the intro/outro of every episode: https://tomparkes.bandcamp.com/track/glimpse-at-truth
Check out my new album, Holding Space! https://open.spotify.com/album/0iOcjZQhmAhYtjjq3CTpwQ?si=nemiLnELTsGGExjfy8B6iw
Dr. Joe Oliver | ACTivate Your Life
2025/04/18
My guest today is Dr. Joe Oliver. Joe is a consultant clinical psychologist, author, and the founder of Contextual Consulting, a leading international training provider that has trained over 60,000 practitioners in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). He also serves as an associate professor and the programme director for the University College London’s postgraduate programme in CBT for Severe Mental Health Problems. Joe is an active member of the Association of Contextual Behavioral Science (ACBS) and a peer-reviewed ACT trainer
He is also the author of six ACT books, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy & Mindfulness for Psychosis and most recently, ACTivate Your Life. His extensive contributions to the field also include several textbooks, such as Acceptance and Commitment Coaching, ACT: 100 Key Points and Techniques, and The Mindfulness and Acceptance Workbook for Self-Esteem.
Some of the topics we explore in this episode include:
- How ACT first came into Joe’s life
- His work on using ACT to support psychosis
- Fusion to aspects of the self and identity
- Relational frame theory and its early influences in childhood development
- And Joe’s new book, ACTivate Your Life
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Contextual Consulting: https://contextualconsulting.co.uk/
ACTivate Your Life: https://contextualconsulting.co.uk/resources/activate-your-life
Joe’s Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXyoggevWPfFjvhbYlM3x8A
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Thank you all for checking out the episode! Here are some ways to help support Mentally Flexible:
Sign up for PsychFlex through the Mentally Flexible link! PsychFlex.com/MentallyFlexible
You can help cover some of the costs of running the podcast by donating a cup of coffee! www.buymeacoffee.com/mentallyflexible
Please subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It only takes 30 seconds and plays an important role in being able to get new guests.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentally-flexible/id1539933988
Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mentallyflexible/
Check out my song “Glimpse at Truth” that you hear in the intro/outro of every episode: https://tomparkes.bandcamp.com/track/glimpse-at-truth
Check out my new album, Holding Space! https://open.spotify.com/album/0iOcjZQhmAhYtjjq3CTpwQ?si=nemiLnELTsGGExjfy8B6iw
Pepper Stetler | One Mother’s Reckoning with the IQ Test
2025/03/30
My guest today is Pepper Stetler. Pepper is the author of A Measure of Intelligence: One Mother’s Reckoning with the IQ Test, which we discuss in this episode. She is also a professor of art history at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. She has written extensively on issues facing people with intellectual disabilities and their caregivers, in publications such as The New York Times, The Atlantic, and Slate. She lives in Oxford, Ohio.
Some of the topics we explore in this episode include:
What inspired Pepper to write this bookWhat Pepper learned through having a daughter with Down’s SyndromeUnhelpful assumptions about learning and intelligenceThe history of IQ testingThe relative recency of the concept “normal”Pepper’s vision for change—————————————————————————
Pepper’s Website: https://www.pepperstetler.com/
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Thank you all for checking out the episode! Here are some ways to help support Mentally Flexible:
Sign up for PsychFlex through the Mentally Flexible link! PsychFlex.com/MentallyFlexible
You can help cover some of the costs of running the podcast by donating a cup of coffee! www.buymeacoffee.com/mentallyflexible
Please subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It only takes 30 seconds and plays an important role in being able to get new guests.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentally-flexible/id1539933988
Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mentallyflexible/
Check out my song “Glimpse at Truth” that you hear in the intro/outro of every episode: https://tomparkes.bandcamp.com/track/glimpse-at-truth
Check out my new album, Holding Space! https://open.spotify.com/album/0iOcjZQhmAhYtjjq3CTpwQ?si=nemiLnELTsGGExjfy8B6iw
Dr. Emily Edlynn | Parenting with Nuance, Flexibility, and Compassion
2025/03/02
My guest today is Dr. Emily Edlynn. Emily is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in pediatric health psychology who works in private practice with children, teens, and adults. Emily spent almost ten years working in children’s hospitals before pivoting to private practice, which allowed her to start a writing career. Emily’s writing has appeared in the Washington Post, Parents, Scary Mommy, Good Housekeeping, Motherly, Psychology Today, and more. Her first book, Autonomy-Supportive Parenting: Reduce Parental Burnout and Raise Competent Confident Children earned an Indies Foreword award for a best book in 2023. She also writes about modern parenting in her Substack newsletter and co-hosts the popular Psychologists Off the Clock podcast.
Some of the topics we explore in this episode include:
- Emily’s reflections on first becoming a parent
- How misguided parenting advice inspired Emily’s writing
- The importance of the repair process in relationships
- The trap of overcorrecting from our childhood experiences
- The value of being authentic as a parent
- Autonomy-supportive parenting vs controlling parenting
- And tapping into a child’s intrinsic motivation
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Dr. Edlynn’s website: https://www.emilyedlynnphd.com/
Autonomy Supportive Parenting: https://a.co/d/ja3ahmq
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Thank you all for checking out the episode! Here are some ways to help support Mentally Flexible:
Sign up for PsychFlex through the Mentally Flexible link! PsychFlex.com/MentallyFlexible
You can help cover some of the costs of running the podcast by donating a cup of coffee! www.buymeacoffee.com/mentallyflexible
Please subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It only takes 30 seconds and plays an important role in being able to get new guests.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentally-flexible/id1539933988
Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mentallyflexible/
Check out my song “Glimpse at Truth” that you hear in the intro/outro of every episode: https://tomparkes.bandcamp.com/track/glimpse-at-truth
Check out my new album, Holding Space! https://open.spotify.com/album/0iOcjZQhmAhYtjjq3CTpwQ?si=nemiLnELTsGGExjfy8B6iw
Trevor Jones | Bringing the Heart of ACT into Performance
2025/02/09
My guest today is Trevor Jones. Trevor is a Mental Performance Coach with the Aware Performance Group and has spent the last nine years studying and training in ACT and its underlying theories. A former professional golfer, he won a national championship and competed on the European Tour.
Now, he works with high-performance clients across various domains, including golf, water polo, baseball, and stock market investing. He is currently co-authoring a book with sports psychiatrist Jorge Aguilar, MD, on one of sports’ biggest performance barriers—the yips—set for publication later this year.
Trevor lives in the UK with his two sons and two dogs, where they enjoy climbing a mountain or three.
Some of the topics we explore in this episode include:
Trevor’s background with performance and ACT“Socially Transmitted Dogmas” in sportsThe “6 Breaths” experiential exerciseThe YipsSelf as context And The connection between pain and values
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Aware Performance Group: https://www.awareperformancegroup.com/
Trevor’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trevorjones_aware/
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Podcast reviews
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Alissa Jerud, PhD 2025/07/13
A fantastic resource!
As a clinical psychologist and a recent guest on Mentally Flexible, I can’t recommend this podcast enough! Tom is an incredibly wise, thoughtful, non-...
NotEzraKlein 2025/05/17
Great guests, great host
I have listened to five episodes and loved them all. As a grad student in clinical psychology, I have learned so much about ACT that I intend to apply...
Guitar_man7000 2025/02/25
A Must-Listen for Anyone Who Cares About Human Growth!
I have been listening for a few years now, and through this podcast I have really developed a love and appreciation for ACT. Tom is a wonderful interv...
Neal P. LCSW 2025/01/06
Great Podcast!
This podcast has been phenomenal in leading me to great resources in ACT with amazing guests and conversations. Imagine sitting down with the people w...
Misterr F 2024/11/15
Really love this podcast
This is, by far, my favorite podcast through the ACT lens. The guests are well picked and interesting, concepts are broken down and discussed in a dig...
Sarah A. G. 2024/10/01
Insightful, moving conversations!!
Thank you for making this podcast! I am a new clinician who is very interested in ACT and these episodes have been so helpful for me diving deeper int...
Tstacy123 2024/08/28
Great podcast
I really enjoy this podcast. As a mental health professional the topics discussed are informative, thought provoking, and extremely helpful!
CaydenS1 2024/07/17
Excellent mental health podcast
This podcast is informative, insightful and focuses on evidence-based therapies, which I really appreciate. The guests are high caliber and excellent...
georgiapea 2024/04/16
Great pod!
Fantastic podcast hosted by an ACT clinician. Come for the ACT, stay for the excellent interviews and guests. You’ll get to hear giants in the field (...
Giadlr 2024/03/04
Courageous Hayes!!
This podcast was incredibly honest and validating for many of us, clinicians that see in a person more than a diagnosis. The courage of Steven Hayes t...
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