Early Episodes
In our first episodes, we uncover our own journeys to becoming personality experts and explore myths and trends in clinical practice; we define personality; and we discuss how we spot personality disorders by understanding the drama triangle. We examine the various DSM, Millon, and psychodynamic personalities and have fun likening them to ice cream flavors! Going a bit darker, we also look at personalities that kill and ones that didn’t make it into the DSM.
Ep 18: The 6 Mental Health Trends: A Review of 2024
In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) explore the cultural and clinical trends of 2024, focusing on global unrest, political polarization, re-examining power dynamics, and the ongoing mental health crisis. We discuss the impact of trauma awareness and the complexities of the victim mentality, as well as state-specific mental health trends revealed through recent research. In this episode, we further explore the state of mental health in America, discussing various mental health trends across states, the impact of misinformation on mental health, and the public’s outrage towards healthcare practices, as evidenced in the assassination of United Healthcare’s CEO. We delve into the role of venture capital in telehealth and the ethical implications of profit-driven healthcare. The conversation emphasizes the need for advocacy and ethical change in the mental health landscape, urging listeners to engage in positive dialogue and action.
Doc Bok
Doc Fish
2024 Trends (6 Cultural Shifts Impacting Mental Health)
We made it through 2024! …Just barely, it seems. There’s so much that happened this year, and a lot of it isn’t great. I think it points to quite a few trends that are relevant across the board. I start with global fed-up-ness before exploring: polarization, re-examining power dynamics and trauma, being in a mental health crisis, and concerns about both our healthcare system and venture capital companies.
Doc Fish
Ep 12: Myths About Being a Mental Health Professional
In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, hosts we discuss common myths surrounding therapy and therapists. We debunk misconceptions about therapists being perfect, the necessity of shared experiences for effective therapy, and the idea that therapists are always analyzing everyone. The conversation emphasizes the importance of empathy, the reality of therapists’ personal struggles, and the motivations behind choosing a career in therapy. We also address the financial aspects of being a therapist and encourage listeners to seek help without being deterred by myths.
Doc Bok
Doc Fish
6 Myths About Mental Health Professionals
Historically, mental health and mental illness has held significant stigma, though we do seem to be moving in the right direction in destigmatizing it. However, there are still many misconceptions about therapy and therapists. Let’s talk about 6 myths that frequently come up in my experience as a psychologist.
Doc Fish
Ep 11: The Drama Triangle in Every Personality Disorder
In this episode, we dive into the concept of the drama triangle, a psychological model that explains interpersonal conflict through three roles: the victim, the persecutor, and the rescuer. We explore the historical context of the drama triangle, its origins in transactional analysis, and how these roles manifest in relationships, particularly in the context of personality disorders. Our conversation emphasizes the importance of recognizing these dynamics to disrupt unhealthy patterns and foster healthier interactions.
Doc Bok
Doc Fish
Where There's Smoke, There's Fire! Understanding the Drama Triangle
Certain personality structures/disorders are prone to drama…but what is drama? And why is it called a Drama Triangle?
Doc Fish
Ep 10: How We Diagnose Personality Disorders as Professionals
In this episode, we discuss how we diagnose personality disorders as licensed professionals in clinical practice. Personality data is often observed as early as the initial contact for treatment. Once treatment begins, we engage in a “meta process” of observing what’s going on inside ourselves as professionals, as well as the dynamic in the room. Because of the nuances and complexities of diagnosing personality disorders, psychological testing is an important tool to peel back the layers of the psyche. We end by discussing what psychological testing involves and point listeners to resources if they are interested in an evaluation.
Doc Bok
Doc Fish
How We Diagnose Personality Disorders as Professionals
Personality disorders are among the most difficult disorders to diagnose, especially because they are very complex and can be quite tricky. Personality is like a gobstopper - there can be multiple shells and layers and colors before seeing the core. So how is a personality disorder actually diagnosed??
Doc Fish
Ep 09: Cultural Trends and Mental Health
In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we discuss four trends we have observed in the post-pandemic world: collective trauma, mental health diagnoses as identity labels, over-identification with neurodivergence, and self-diagnosing. We explore the impact of the pandemic on mental health, including increased anxiety and hostility. We also discuss how mental health diagnoses have become identity labels, providing a sense of validation and belonging. We delve into the over-identification with neurodivergence, particularly autism, and the challenges of diagnosing this condition. Lastly, we address the issue of self-diagnosing and the proliferation of misleading information on social media platforms.
Doc Bok
Doc Fish
What’s Trending in Our Culture (and how it affects mental health)
Cultural trends are often reflected in clinical work. People mold the culture, and culture molds the people. It’s a reciprocal dynamic, and in it, mental health is frequently found in the spotlight. Let’s talk about four trends that have popped up since the pandemic ended.
Doc Fish