The Flex Factor: The Psychology Podcast of Ottawa River Integrative Mental Health

In this episode of 'The Flex Factor,'  Dr. Mallory Frayn, who specializes in the treatment of impulse-related concerns, discusses the application of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for treating eating disorders, an increasingly prevalent mental health issue complicated by diet culture. She explores how ACT's components—values, acceptance, distress tolerance, and mindfulness—can enhance traditional behavioral treatments like CBT by addressing the underlying emotional challenges associated with disordered eating. Dr. Frayn provides practical interventions, shares research insights, and answers questions about integrating ACT into therapy, particularly for individuals who have not responded to other treatments. The episode emphasizes the importance of a holistic, flexible approach to mental health and introduces valuable strategies for clinicians working with eating disorders.
 
00:00 Introduction to The Flex Factor Podcast
01:19 Meet Dr. Mallory Frayn
02:31 Understanding Eating Disorders
04:23 Behavioral Treatments for Eating Disorders
11:24 ACT and Its Application in Eating Disorders
16:53 Values in Eating Disorder Treatment
24:32 Acceptance and Distress Tolerance
29:05 Prioritizing Relationships Over Food Anxiety
29:54 Understanding Urge Surfing in Behavioral Therapy
30:56 Mindfulness and Acceptance in Eating Practices
32:58 Exploring Mindful Eating Techniques
34:30 Addressing Hunger and Satiety Cues
37:58 Food Exposures and Behavioral Experiments
39:51 Integrating Values, Acceptance, and Mindfulness
40:36 Q&A: Practical Applications and Research Insights
48:49 Confronting Diet Culture and Weight Bias
55:38 Closing Remarks and Future Directions

Understanding and Addressing Substance Use and Addiction within Canada's Criminal Justice System
 
This episode of The Flex Factor features John Weekes PhD, an expert in forensic and behavioral sciences, affiliated with Carleton University and University of Saskatchewan. He discusses his extensive work in substance use and addiction within Canada's criminal justice system. John elaborates on the roles of the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) and outlines the significant challenges faced by individuals involved in the correctional system, especially concerning substance use. The presentation highlights the alarming costs and devastating impacts of substance use in Canada, and the importance of evidence-based treatment programs. John also emphasizes the need to shift the perspective on substance use from a justice issue to a health and social issue, and advocates for collaborative, person-centered approaches for effective treatment.
 
00:00 Introduction to The Flex Factor Podcast
00:37 Guest Speaker Introduction: John
02:20 Overview of Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction
04:24 Substance Use in Canada: A Snapshot
08:18 Challenges in Substance Use Treatment
14:21 Substance Use and Criminal Justice
18:09 Patterns of Substance Use Among Incarcerated Individuals
32:42 Effective Treatment Strategies for Substance Use
36:01 Client Treatment Matching Model
49:42 Global Challenges in Drug Use
50:00 Novel Psychoactive Substances
50:27 Harm Reduction in Prisons
50:49 Personal Reflections and Surprising Changes
52:07 Audience Interaction and Final Thoughts
54:09 The Role of Emotions in Addiction
59:29 Education and Rehabilitation
01:10:41 Moderation vs. Abstinence
01:19:46 Nature vs. Nurture in Addiction
01:33:21 Closing Remarks and Future Directions

Dr Emily Moore on Unraveling Chronic Pain Through Pain Reprocessing Therapy
In this episode of The Flex Factor, Dr. Emily Moore from Stanford University discusses the transformative potential of Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) for managing chronic pain. Highlighting the role of brain perception in pain generation, she explains how learned neural pathways can perpetuate pain even in the absence of tissue damage. Dr. Moore details the compelling research behind PRT and its promising results, including the key concepts of predictive coding, neuroplasticity, and the psychological components of pain. Through real-life anecdotes and scientific explanations, she underscores the importance of teaching the brain to perceive pain as safe to break the pain-fear cycle. The conversation also explores parallels between chronic pain and anxiety management, emphasizing the holistic approach needed for effective treatment. Tune in for an insightful discussion on the future of chronic pain treatment and mental health integration.
 
00:00 Introduction to The Flex Factor Podcast
00:47 Introducing Dr. Emily Moore
02:05 Understanding Pain Reprocessing Therapy
04:13 The Power of the Brain in Pain Perception
07:26 Predictive Coding and Pain
10:24 Pain Reprocessing Therapy Explained
27:12 Somatic Tracking and Mindfulness
33:03 Observing Pain Like a School of Fish
33:22 Humor and Lightness in PRT
33:47 Somatic Tracking and Avoidance Behaviors
36:22 Managing High and Low Pain Intensity
37:40 Limitations of Somatic Tracking
38:50 Applying PRT to Anxiety
44:25 Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy
47:16 Concluding Thoughts and Resources
48:25 Q&A Session
59:47 Closing Remarks and Future Directions

In this episode of The Flex Factor, host Riley Demarais, a registered psychotherapist at Ottawa River Integrative Mental Health, Inc., presents the American Psychological Association Clinical Guidelines for psychological care of transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) youth.
Demarais discusses the mental health challenges faced by the LGBTQ2S+ community, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The episode covers the APA's guidelines broken down into clusters, focusing on foundational knowledge, stigma reduction, lifespan development, and effective psychological practices for TGNC individuals.
Resources and support services available in Ottawa, Canada for TGNC youth are also highlighted.

00:00 Introduction to The Flex Factor
00:46 Meet Riley Demarais
02:17 Understanding TGNC Youth Mental Health
05:06 APA Guidelines for TGNC Care
06:33 Foundational Knowledge and Awareness
12:18 Stigma, Discrimination, and Barriers to Care
17:29 Lifespan and Development of TGNC People
22:47 Assessment, Therapy, and Interventions
33:32 Research, Education, and Training
37:51 Resources and Conclusion

In this episode of The Flex Factor, Dr. Jennifer Fernie, a clinical psychologist specializing in childhood trauma and personality difficulties, provides an in-depth look at Mentalization Based Therapy (MBT). She discusses the principles and development of MBT, its application in treating borderline personality disorder, and its adaptation for other mental health issues. Dr. Fernie also outlines the process of becoming an accredited MBT therapist and emphasizes the importance of mentalizing in understanding and managing emotional and relational challenges. This episode aims to spark a deeper understanding of psychological flexibility among listeners.
 
00:00 Introduction to The Flex Factor Podcast
00:46 Introducing Dr. Jennifer Fernie
01:25 Dr. Fernie's Background and Expertise
02:59 Overview of Mentalization Based Therapy (MBT)
06:16 The Importance of Mentalization
08:28 Development of Mentalizing and Its Challenges
14:18 Mentalization in Borderline Personality Disorder
16:01 MBT Intervention and Therapist Stance
21:44 Recognizing Non-Mentalizing Modes
25:07 Good Mentalizing Practices
26:51 Q&A and Practical Examples
29:36 Video Demonstration by Bateman
31:09 Checking In: How Have You Been?
31:42 Court Case Anxiety: A Weekend of Nerves
32:02 The Day of the Court: Managing Emotions
33:54 Reflecting on the Court Experience
40:03 Mentalizing-Based Therapy (MBT): Research and Findings
44:17 MBT in Practice: Group Adaptations and Training
52:43 Becoming an MBT Therapist: Training Pathways
55:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts