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Send us a text In this episode of Behind the Stigma, I sit down with Dr. Prince Kouassi, Assistant Professor and Chair of the Psychology Department at the American University of Dubai, to explore the landscape of mental health in the UAE. We discuss whether we are over-diagnosing mental health, the educational psychology market and careers in the UAE, using AI in the classroom and his thoughts on digital mental health apps. Timestamps added! About Dr. Prince Kouassi Dr. Kouassi is an Assistant Professor of Psychology and the Chair of the Department of Psychology at the American University of Dubai. He completed his Ph.D. at City, University of London (UK) in computational psychology, and after completing his PhD accepted a Teaching Fellowship in Psychology at Coventry University (UK). Dr. Kouassi has a wide range of active research interests in psychology which include but not limited to cognitive modeling, quantum probability applications, research participation, psychology education, and the practical application of psychological principles in the workplace. Find him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-prince-kouassi-phd-0616a71aa/ Subscribe to the Behind the Stigma podcast on YouTube, Apple Podcast or Spotify. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthestigmapodcast/ 

Send us a text In this episode, I speak with Professor Edouard Machery to explore experimental philosophy and the question of whether morality is truly universal. We discuss why humans need morals in the first place, why we often fail to live up to our own moral ideals. We also look at cross-cultural differences in moral judgments, the limits of relying on intuition in philosophy, and what new technologies like VR reveal about the gap between moral judgment and moral action. Timestamps added! About Edouard Machery Professor Machery is the Director of the Center for Philosophy of Science and Professor at The University of Pittsburgh. His research  focuses on the philosophical issues raised by the cognitive sciences, currently focusing on the methodology of experimental psychology. His recent research projects and publications also include the nature and origin of racial categorization, the application of evolutionary theories to human cognition, the nature of culture, and the structure of moral concepts. Finally, he is involved in the development of experimental philosophy, and has used experimental and quasi-experimental methods to study intuitions about reference, folk judgments about intentional action, causation, the folk concept of race, and the folk concept of phenomenal consciousness. Website: https://www.edouardmachery.com/ Books Doing without concepts - https://global.oup.com/academic/product/doing-without-concepts-9780195306880?cc=ae&lang=en& Philosophy within its proper bounds - https://www.amazon.com/Philosophy-Within-Its-Proper-Bounds/dp/019880752X Book Chapter: Experimental Philosophy of Science: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/9781118661666.ch33 Bluesky: @edouardmachery.bsky.social Subscribe to the Behind the Stigma podcast on YouTube, Apple Podcast or Spotify. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthestigmapodcast/ 

Send us a text In this episode of Behind the Stigma, Seiara speaks with Dr. Carme Isern-Mas about the rise of “therapy-speak”, the popular use of psychological language in everyday life. Together, they explore how these phrases can help us express emotions and foster self-awareness, but also how they risk becoming disingenuous, individualistic, or even weaponized in relationships and society.  About Carme Isern-Mas Dr. Isern-Mas is an Assistant Professor in Moral Philosophy at the University of the Balearic Islands, with a background in Human Evolution and Cognition for her M.A. and Ph.D. Her research interests lie in the field of moral psychology, with a particular focus on topics such as blame, empathy, moral motivation and self-deception. She is also interested in applied ethics, particularly in mental health ethics. Profile: https://www.uib.eu/personal/ABjIyMjIzNg/ Unmasking Therapy Speak Paper: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11017-025-09730-5 Recent Paper - Blunting concepts: The double-edged effect of popularizing psychotherapy language: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09515089.2025.2573763 Subscribe to the Behind the Stigma podcast on YouTube, Apple Podcast or Spotify. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthestigmapodcast/ 

Send us a text In this week's episode, academic psychologist Dr. Lucy Foulkes, speaks to us about her book 'Coming of Age' and the importance of our adolescent years, the complexity of mental health awareness in today's society. We explore how rising conversations around mental illness, especially among young people, have reshaped identity, education, and the language we use to describe our inner lives. We also discussed why young adults self-diagnose, the role of social media, and the Netflix series 'Adolescence'.  About Dr. Foulkes: Dr. Foulkes is an academic psychologist in the Dept of Experimental Psychology at the University of Oxford where her group researches mental health and social development in adolescence. They are most known for their focus on the unintended consequences of mental health awareness in schools and society more broadly. Her first book, What Mental Illness Really Is (…and what it isn’t), focuses on the rise of mental health problems in society, and the possible contributing role of mental health awareness efforts. Her second book, Coming Of Age: How Adolescence Shapes Us, which we will be discussing today, focuses on the power of adolescent memories and the stories we tell ourselves about our formative years. I will be linking both books to this episode description. Website: https://www.lucyfoulkes.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlucyfoulkes Coming of Age: https://www.amazon.com/What-Mental-Illness-Really-what/dp/1529113377 What Adolescence Is (And What It Isn't): https://www.amazon.com/Coming-Age-author/dp/1847927297 Paper - Self-Diagnosis of Mental Disorders: A Qualitative Study of Attitudes on Reddit: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/10497323241288785 Subscribe to the Behind the Stigma podcast on YouTube, Apple Podcast or Spotify. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthestigmapodcast/ 

Send us a text In this week's episode, I speak with Dr. Mark Ruffalo on Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), long-term psychotherapy, and the nuances of diagnosis in mental health. We discuss object relations in BPD, the concept of splitting, and how these dynamics shape therapeutic work. We also explore the role of psychoanalytic therapy, the fine line between pathology and normal behavior, and how diagnostic pluralism can improve patient care. Dr. Ruffalo also shares insights into the psychodynamic treatment of schizophrenia and the evolving landscape of mental health. Chapter markers added! About Dr. Mark Ruffalo Dr. Ruffalo is a psychotherapist in private practice in Florida, and serves as Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Central Florida and Adjunct Instructor of Psychiatry at Tufts University. He has broad clinical experience in the psychoanalytic treatment of a range of psychiatric conditions with particular interest in the psychotherapy of schizophrenia and borderline personality disorder. His current research interests include the object relations theory of borderline personality disorder; communication dilemmas, paradoxes, and double binds in personality pathology to name a few.  Website: https://www.drruffalo.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-l-ruffalo-71929063/ Twitter: https://x.com/marklruffalo?lang=en Paper - A Clinical Guide to Navigating Diagnostic Pluralism: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39079000/ Subscribe to the Behind the Stigma podcast on YouTube, Apple Podcast or Spotify. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthestigmapodcast/ 

Send us a text In this episode of Behind the Stigma, we delve into the transformative world of lifestyle psychiatry with Dr. Nicholas Fabiano, a third-year psychiatry resident at the University of Ottawa. We explore the role of exercise in managing mild to moderate depression, its potential as a therapeutic modality alongside traditional treatments, and the broader implications for mental health care. We also discuss the challenges of publication bias in mental health research, the integration of AI in systematic reviews, and ethical considerations in advancing critical psychiatry. Dr. Fabiano shares insights from his groundbreaking research on exercise, mental health, and even its darker side as a form of self-harm. About Nicholas Fabiano Nicholas Fabiano is a third year psychiatry resident in the University of Ottawa, in Canada. His research interests encompass diagnostic imaging, meta-research, mental health (particularly the role of exercise and physical activity), suicide prevention, systematic reviews, and the intersection of psychiatry with broader health and social issues. Twitter: https://x.com/NTFabiano LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ntfabiano/?originalSubdomain=ca Website: https://scholar.google.ca/citations?user=Ph8ryrMAAAAJ Papers: - How to prescribe physical activity for depression. - Is exercise a form of self-harm? - Reporting bias in imaging diagnostic test accuracy studies: are studies with positive conclusions or titles submitted and published faster? Subscribe to the Behind the Stigma podcast on YouTube, Apple Podcast or Spotify. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthestigmapodcast/ 

Send us a text In this week's episode of Behind the Stigma, we are joined by Clinical Psychologist Dr. Summer Fakhro with a discussion on Colonization and Mental Health. We define Colonialism and explore the deep and lasting psychological effects of colonization on different communities. We discuss how historical trauma, displacement, and cultural erasure continue to shape the mental well-being of individuals today, particularly with the focus on oppression happening in Palestine. From intergenerational trauma to the modern-day struggle for identity and healing, we delve into the psychological scars left by colonial systems, resilience stories and how to move toward de-colonization in Western therapeutic practices. Chapter Markers Added! About Summer Fakhro Dr. Fakhro is a Clinical Psychologist at The Lighthouse Arabia UAE. She completed her master’s and doctoral training in Clinical Psychology at UCL in the UK. She has 10 years of clinical experience working with people of all ages, and a particular expertise in understanding primary attachment relationships (parent-child) and broader family dynamics. Currently she is focused on better contextualizing her psychological practice to the history & culture of the region, and supporting clients through the current context of regional instability and trauma. Website Instagram Subscribe to the Behind the Stigma podcast on YouTube, Apple Podcast or Spotify. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthestigmapodcast/

Send us a text In this compelling episode of Behind the Stigma, we are joined by award-winning clinical psychologist, psychotherapist, and activist Dr. Jay Watts to explore critical perspectives on mental health.  We delve into the impact of neoliberalism on mental health services, the challenges of Personality Disorders with a focus on Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), and the rise of trauma-informed care. Dr. Watts shares her insights on epistemic injustice in mental health care, and the importance of amplifying patient voices. Drawing on her lived experiences as a psychiatric survivor, Dr. Watts offers a powerful critique of traditional frameworks while envisioning a more compassionate and equitable future for mental health. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of mental health, society, and systemic change. Chapter markers added! About Dr. Watts Dr. Watts is an award winning clinical psychologist, psychotherapist, and activist based in the UK. She is known for her work in critical mental health and her critiques of psychiatric diagnoses and treatment practices. She advocates for a more compassionate and socially aware approach to mental health care, often focusing on the social and political factors that contribute to mental distress. Dr. Watts has written extensively on topics like trauma, the medicalization of distress, and the mental health impacts of inequality. She is also a public speaker and has contributed to various publications and media outlets to raise awareness about mental health from a more humanistic and intersectional perspective. Website: https://jaywatts.co.uk/ Twitter: https://x.com/Shrink_at_Large Paper:  The epistemic injustice of borderline personality disorder    Subscribe to the Behind the Stigma podcast on YouTube, Apple Podcast or Spotify. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthestigmapodcast/

Send us a text In this episode of Behind the Stigma, we discuss what Positive Psychology is with Dr. Louise Lambert, a leading expert in happiness and wellbeing across the GCC. We discuss the science behind Positive Psychology Interventions (PPIs), the balance between stress and strength-based approaches, and the importance of meaning over happiness in life. Dr. Lambert also shares practical exercises to boost wellbeing and insights of how positive psychology can vary based on culture, discussing her studies in Canada and the Middle East. Chapter Markers Added! About Dr. Louise Lambert Dr. Louise Lambert, a psychologist, researcher and professor. She  is a registered psychologist with 20 years’ experience in counseling, mental health, higher education research, and primary healthcare. She specializes in positive psychology and is a leading expert in the development and delivery of happiness and wellbeing programs across the GCC. She is also the founder and Editor-in-Chief of the Middle East Journal of Positive Psychology, a peer-reviewed academic journal dedicated to happiness and wellbeing in the GCC region. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-louise-lambert-89434927/?originalSubdomain=ae Website: https://www.happinessmatters.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_louise_lambert/   Subscribe to the Behind the Stigma podcast on Apple Podcast or Spotify. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthestigmapodcast/ 

Send us a text In this week's episode, my guest & clinical psychologist Ali Ilyas, explores the impact and work of existential psychiatrist, Dr. Irvin Yalom. We dive into core themes like: mortality, meaning, death anxiety, and the unique dynamics of the therapist-client relationship, such as transference and countertransference. Ali shares how Yalom's teachings have shaped his personal journey and therapeutic practice, while also discussing the importance of reflecting on death, finding balance between life and death anxiety, and how existential therapy can offer deep insights for those struggling with life's big questions.  About Muhammad Ali Ilyas Ali is a clinical psychologist residing in Dubai, UAE. In his psychotherapy work, Ali guides clients on their journey of self-discovery and helps them navigate existential challenges, using philosophical and psychological perspectives. He has  spoken at platforms such as TEDx events, literary festivals, and podcasts to name a few. Ali is also a neuromarketing consultant, and corporate trainer applying interdisciplinary insights from psychology and related fields to help individuals and organizations achieve their goals and find meaning in their lives. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliilyasm/ Website: https://www.connectpsychology.ae/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepersonandthecouch/   Subscribe to the Behind the Stigma podcast on Apple Podcast or Spotify. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthestigmapodcast/

Send us a text In this episode of Behind the Stigma, host Seiara Imanova speaks with Hari Sewell, founder and Director of HS Consultancy, about the intersection of social justice, ethnicity, and mental health. Hari, a leading voice on institutional racism and unconscious biases in mental health, shares his insights on the systemic factors contributing to racial disparities, the impact of social perspectives on patient outcomes, and the importance of addressing these issues in practice. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on how we can foster more equitable mental health care. Chapter markers added! About Hari Sewell Hári is the founder and Director of HS Consultancy and a former executive director of health and social care in the National Health Service in the UK. He has worked for the Department of Health in regulation and policy, and is a writer and speaker in his specialist area of social justice, equalities and ethnicity, race and culture in mental health. Hári is a Specialist Guest Lecturer at the University of Bradford and Visiting Lecturer at Christ Church Canterbury University. Hári worked with another local campaigner to secure services for survivors of sexual violence and currently runs a campaign “Men Supporting Women’s Rights” including “Men Against Rape”. He is increasingly studying forms of masculinity and the possibilities in practice and employee relations to recognise the intersections between masculinity and other aspects of identity. I’m delighted to speak with him. Website: https://www.hsconsultancy.org.uk/about/ Twitter: https://x.com/consultancy_hs?lang=en Working with Ethnicity, Race & Culture in Mental Health: https://www.amazon.com/Working-Ethnicity-Culture-Mental-Health/dp/1843106213 Subscribe to the Behind the Stigma podcast on Apple Podcast or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthestigmapodcast/

Send us a text  Ever wondered why we sometimes stand in our own way?  In this week's episode,  Dr. Alex Curmi breaks down the psychology behind self-sabotage and offers practical tips to overcome these patterns. We explore key concepts like evolutionary instincts, personality traits, repetition compulsion, avoidance compulsion, and fear of change. We also dive into why we sabotage others and how envy and jealousy play a role. Tune in for an insightful conversation that can help you understand and break free from self-sabotaging behaviors. About Dr. Alex Curmi: Dr Curmi is a Consultant Psychiatrist with over 10 years’ of medical experience. He specializes in General Adult Psychiatry with a subspecialty in Addictions and has trained as a Psychotherapist for three years as well. Dr Curmi obtained his Medical Degree at the University of Malta and completed his psychiatric training at the South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust. Website: https://maudsleylearning.com/dr-alexander-curmi/ The Many Paths to Self Sabatoge  (Thinking Mind Podcast): https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-many-paths-to-self-sabotage/id1466932169?i=1000657345609 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thinkingmindpodcast Subscribe to the Behind the Stigma podcast on Apple Podcast or Spotify. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthestigmapodcast/

Send us a text In this week's episode, I have an in-depth conversation with a former psychiatric nurse, Neseret Bemient, on returning to wholeness and alternative ways of healing. Neseret shares her journey as a psychiatric nurse and what her role entailed, her diagnosis of medication-induced bipolar disorder, and how her childhood experiences as a refugee were an integral part of her journey. She also talks about the benefits of holistic medicine, including the ketogenic diet, and shares her insights on spirituality in healing and the issues she witnessed  in psychiatric care.  Chapter Markers Added! About Neseret: Neseret has 17 years of experience as a Psych Registered Nurse. She currently offers holistic coaching programs that provide the skills and support needed to overcome mental ill health and addiction concerns. She speaks openly online about navigating the current mental health system without losing your sanity and how to nurture your brain with metabolic therapies, including the ketogenic diet, for optimal brain functioning. As a holistic Mental Health Advocate, she uses her years of service and experience as a Mental Health and Addiction Nurse/RN in the conventional mental health system to support individuals. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/neseretbemient?app=desktop Twitter: https://x.com/JourneyofHope4U Subscribe to the Behind the Stigma podcast on Apple Podcast or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthestigmapodcast/

Send us a text In this week’s episode, we're diving into the fascinating world of nutrition, social prescribing & community care in psychiatry with Dr. Ally Jaffee,  a Multi-Award Winning NHS Junior Doctor. Dr. Jaffee shares her journey into psychiatry, the realities of being a junior doctor, and the inspiring story behind Nutritank. We go into the emerging field of nutritional psychiatry, discussing the profound connection between diet and mental health. Dr. Jaffee sheds light on key research findings and share her insights on using diet as a potential first-line therapy. We also delve into the challenges faced by NHS doctors and the importance of self-care for healthcare professionals. Dr. Jaffee emphasizes the significance of social prescribing and creative outlets in mental health care, offering practical tips and lifestyle changes to enhance mental well-being. About Dr. Ally Jaffee Dr. Jaffee is a Multi-Award Winning NHS Junior Doctor who is passionate about mental health and proactive preventative healthcare. She co-founded Nutritank, an organization dedicated to providing accessible education on nutrition and lifestyle medicine for health professionals. Dr. Jaffee is a familiar face on BBC news and an active advocate for mental health wellness on social media. Website: https://www.drallyjaffee.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drally-jaffee/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drallyjaffee/?hl=en

Send us a text In this week’s episode, we dive into the intriguing world of psychedelics and intimacy with Tommaso Barba, a PhD student at Imperial College London. Tommaso brings to light his recent research on how psychedelics may revolutionize clinical outcomes outcomes for sexual function in depressed patients—offering an alternative to traditional SSRIs (antidepressants). We explore the long term effects of these substances on sexual functioning, examining how psychedelics reshape our understanding of intimacy. We also explore the cultural and therapeutic implications of their use; delving into broader impacts on relationships and conflict resolution.  Finally, we discuss whether psychedelics should become mainstream and what the future holds for them in mental health care. This episode is intended for educational and scientific purposes only. About Tomasso: Tommaso is a PhD candidate at the Centre for Psychedelic Research in Imperial College London. He is researching the potential of psychedelics for well-being and human flourishing, focusing on the long-term effects of psychedelics on sexual and relationship satisfaction in healthy and depressed people. He has a background in neuroscience and psychoanalysis and completed a Master of Research in Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience from Maastricht University. Research Paper: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-49817-4 Twitter: https://twitter.com/tommaso_barba About Behind the Stigma: https://behindthestigma.buzzsprout.com/