Mind On Mental Health

What does it take to build a great eating disorder treatment program? In this episode, Dr. Susan Murray walks us through her clinical background, the philosophy behind effective curriculum design, and the treatment modalities that drive real outcomes at Penn Medicine Princeton Center for Eating Disorders for both inpatient treatment and intensive outpatient programs. Whether you're a clinician, a patient, or a family member trying to understand the landscape of eating disorder care, this podcast is packed with insight.

As GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy reshape conversations about weight and body image, what does this mean for those with eating disorders? Dr. Becca Boswell, PhD, tackles this timely topic head-on, discussing the treatment implications of GLP-1s for this population. She also explores how eating disorders present differently across genders and why a one-size-fits-all approach to treatment often falls short.

Recovery from an eating disorder is rarely a straight line. In this episode, Dr. Becca Boswell shares what the research says about outcomes for evidence-based eating disorder therapies. She also addresses a topic that doesn't get enough attention — how gastrointestinal discomfort and GI concerns can complicate treatment — and offers practical insight into how patients can stay motivated when the road gets tough.

Food can feel overwhelming, frightening, or even unbearable for those struggling with eating disorders — but why?  Dr. Rebecca Boswell, PhD, returns to explore the common thoughts and core beliefs that drive eating disorder behaviors. She also sheds light on ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder), what makes it unique, and which evidence-based treatments are proving most effective in eating disorder care today.   Watch this podcast on Youtube:   https://youtu.be/4HlLoXoi9Yg?si=pQtuZ_GSGaLHC33r    

Rebecca Boswell, PhD, Administrative Director of Psychiatric Services at Penn Medicine Princeton Health and Director of Princeton Center for Eating Disorders, joins us to break down the eating disorder continuum — from disordered eating patterns to clinical diagnoses. In this episode, Dr. Boswell explains compensatory behaviors, what they look like, and why they matter. She also walks us through the different levels of care available for eating disorder treatment and what you can expect at each stage of the recovery journey.   Watch this Podcast on Youtube: https://youtu.be/INxkDgEJyTQ?si=TDiqx6KVmwsliGfc    

Dr. Kara Buda, Psychologist at Princeton Medical Center’s Cancer Center discusses how cancer can intensify patterns of sadness and depression, and offers strategies to rebuild momentum and emotional strength. She also sheds light on the difference between authentic hope and the pressure to “stay positive” during hardship.   Watch this podcast on YouTube: Psycho-Oncology: Depression and the Tyranny of Positivity

How do we stay steady when life feels uncertain? Dr. Kara Buda, Psychologist from Princeton Medical Center’s Cancer Center explores the role of personal values in building resilience during the cancer journey and offers insight into coping with the unknown.   Watch this podcast on Youtube: https://youtu.be/2wv7UONhefs?si=kbCDjOtNhLKSFjWf    

“There is no right or wrong way to feel when you are diagnosed with cancer. You are not alone. There is support available and you are worthy of having that support.” Discover the powerful impact of psycho-oncology with Dr. Kara Buda, a psychologist at Penn Medicine Princeton Health Cancer Center’s Psychosocial Oncology Clinic. This eye-opening video reveals how emotional and psychological support can transform the cancer journey, offering hope, strength, and healing beyond medicine. Watch to learn more about the important role mental health plays in cancer care.   Watch this podcast on Youtube: https://youtu.be/2oBhNaXbahg?si=uHKFt3jp53jFYk14      

In this episode, Andy Dean, LCSW, is once again interviewed by his friend and colleague Pete Maclearie, LCSW, Site Director at Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health’s Eatontown location. Andy talks about how he helps clients change the way they relate to their anxiety when it shows up — instead of trying to make it disappear. Andy shares some of his favorite analogies for understanding anxiety treatment and explains why waiting for motivation to strike can sometimes make things worse. If you’ve ever wondered how to approach anxiety in a more workable, compassionate way, this episode is for you.   Change How You Relate to Anxiety — Not How You Feel - YouTube

When it comes to treating anxiety disorders, not all therapies are created equal. In this episode, Andy Dean, LCSW, is interviewed by his friend and colleague Pete Maclearie, LCSW, Site Director at Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health’s Eatontown location. talks about why ACT and ERP have earned a permanent spot in his toolkit — and how they’ve changed the way he works with clients. Expect practical insights, a few personal stories, and a clear explanation of what makes these approaches so powerful.   Watch this video on Youtube:   The Two Therapies I Trust Most for Treating Anxiety Disorders

In this episode, Andy Dean, LCSW, opens up about his personal journey through anxiety recovery — the well-intentioned strategies that backfired, and the lessons he learned the hard way. Interviewed by his friend and colleague Pete Maclearie, LCSW, Site Director at Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health’s Eatontown location. Andy shares what actually helped him move forward and what he wishes he’d known back then. If you’ve ever tried to “fix” your anxiety only to make it worse, this candid conversation will help you take a kinder, more effective approach to recovery.   To watch the video of this podcast click here:  Mistakes I Made in My Anxiety Disorder Recovery (and How You Can Avoid Them)

In this episode of the Mind on Mental Health Podcast, Dr. Michael Bizzarro — Clinical Director of Treatment Services at Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Health — dives into the daily trauma and high-stakes stress that First Responders face, and how it can take a serious toll on their mental health. He also shares common missteps clinicians make when working with this unique population, and why he feels a deep sense of purpose and gratitude in serving those who serve others.   Watch this podcast on Youtube:  The Hidden Toll: Trauma and Stress in First Responders    

In this episode of the Mind on Mental Health Podcast, retired New Jersey Corrections Officer and Certified Peer Support Specialist Ken Burkert shares his personal journey through mental health challenges — and how the intense pressures of working in corrections compounded his struggle. Now at Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Health, Ken opens up about what truly helps First Responders facing similar issues, how leadership is responding to the growing mental health crisis, and why he’s so deeply committed to supporting this community.   Link to Video: The Weight of the Badge: A Corrections Officer’s Story  

In this powerful episode of the Mind on Mental Health Podcast, Dr. Michael Bizzarro — Clinical Director of First Responder Services and a former police officer — opens up about his deeply personal battle with addiction. He also sheds light on the unique mental health struggles faced by today’s First Responders, and the barriers that often keep them from seeking help. It’s an honest, unfiltered conversation that’s as raw, heartfelt, and necessary as it gets.   Link to Video Click Link to Watch on Youtube   Princeton House Behavioral Health | Penn Medicine

Evidence-based treatments, such as DBT, CBT, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) really do help moms with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMAD).  But finding a community of new mothers can also really make a difference. Host Andy Dean and Lisa Tremayne discuss PMAD risk factors, ways to find a supportive community in your area, and how therapy can help.   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

Parenthood is tough, and most veteran parents don’t share how hard it is in the first year. Host Andy Dean and Lisa Tremayne, RN, PMH-C, CBC keep it real sharing stories of new parenthood and the inadequacy of the existing screening tools. They also share risk factors for PMAD and some of the biological reasons for PMAD.   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

New mothers are talking, or tweeting, or posting about their experiences.  Many curate beautiful (and probably unrealistic) images of the halcyon days of motherhood.  Others are starting to describe what it’s really like.  This week host Andy Dean speaks with Lisa Tremayne, RN, PMH-C, CBC, Founding Director, Center for Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders about the new way the clinical community describes what many moms are experiencing, and how sharing can help other families.   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

The tables turn today on the Mind on Mental Health podcast as host Andy Dean, LCSW, is interviewed by Ken Pecoraro, LCSW, LCADC from CPC Integrated Health in Monmouth County, NJ.  Andy’s private practice focuses on working with adults with severe anxiety disorders including obsessive compulsive disorder, and in this episode he discusses why approaching fears, instead of avoiding them is so helpful with anxiety.   You can view the Youtube video of this podcast here:   Facing Your Fears: Andy Dean, LCSW on Exposure Therapy   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

In this final episode with Elizabeth Turk-Karan, PhD, she and Andy sit down to discuss how to go about finding effective treatment for anxiety disorders and what strategies tend to be the most helpful.   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

Overcoming anxiety often requires spending time purposefully being uncomfortable. Host Andy Dean and Elizabeth Turk-Karan, PhD explain exposure therapy and how it works for many who experience anxiety disorders.   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

Join us for the first of a short series on anxiety disorder with renowned expert Elizabeth Turk-Karan, PhD of the Center for Treatment and Study of Anxiety at Penn Medicine. Starting with the basics of defining the difference between the anxiety we all experience and debilitating anxiety disorder, host Andy Dean and Dr. Karan share their experiences working with patients whose disorder interferes with everyday life in many ways.   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

Host Andy Dean nerds out with Ken Pecoraro about current therapy modalities for addiction treatment. Both have years of experience in the field, and they will share their thoughts on the best mix of treatment practices. The common thread in all of them: making a connection.   Video:  Practical Strategies for Engaging Clients in Substance Use Treatment   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

With a combined 45 years working in mental health and addictions treatment, host Andy Dean and guest Ken Pecoraro, LCSW, LCADC have helped thousands of family members to engage loved ones with addictions in treatment. While there are no easy answers, Ken and Andy share tips on how to support a loved one in finding or staying in treatment.   Video:  Practical Strategies for Engaging Clients in Substance Use Treatment   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

The disease model of addiction is a framework that views addiction as a chronic, relapsing brain disease. It posits that addiction is caused by changes in brain chemistry and neurobiology that make it difficult for individuals to control their substance use behavior. Harm reduction is a newer treatment modality that focuses on the person with the addiction making incremental changes to reach a goal they set. How do these two models co-exist? Host Andy Dean speaks with Ken Pecoraro, LCSW, LCADC, CCS a longtime therapist and educator with CPC Integrated Health in Monmouth County, NJ.   Video:  Practical Strategies for Engaging Clients in Substance Use Treatment   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

When there just aren’t words to express the feelings. When you don’t even know what’s bothering you. When you are open to a new experience. These are all examples of when art therapy may help. As Andy Dean and art therapist Jenna Pattison discuss, art therapy lets you keep your defenses and still make progress toward healing.   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

What does it take to be an art therapist? What’s the difference between an art teacher helping you learn the craft and an art therapist who is helping you to consider what’s under the surface of your art? Andy Dean and Jenna Pattison dive deep into art therapy this week. Join them.   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

What’s the difference between art and art therapy? That’s the question host Andy Dean explores with art therapist Jenna Pattison. Listen in to learn about Andy’s own experience finding therapeutic release through art.   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

Humans have complicated relationships in life, and when someone dies or leaves our lives, we have complicated reactions. Andy and therapist Diane Wiltshire discuss how we process grief, and how to honor those who grieve uniquely.   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

Little by little we process grief, and at some point, we laugh again, or we enjoy an event, or we even start to feel a little bit free. The result can be guilt, as if by recovering from grief we negate the love we felt for the person who is gone. Host Andy Dean and therapist Diane Wiltshire discuss guilt in the grieving process, as well as the fear that may come with loss.   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

One truism across humanity is that we will all experience grief at some point. It might be the loss of a loved one, the end of a relationship, a radical change in our way of life, or the loss of a beloved pet. Sometimes grief is complicated by trauma, says Diane Wiltshire, LSW, primary therapist in the Women’s Program at Princeton House Behavioral Health. No matter what the cause, acceptance of the grief process, as difficult and different it might be for each of us, can help the healing process. Join host Andy Dean as he explores notion of “acceptance is the opposite of resistance.”   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

Understanding the power of familismo is a key to understanding how to best support Hispanic individuals who seek treatment for mental health issues. The idea that family comes before the individual can make treatment easier (the whole family will support you in recovery) or more difficult (a person may be hesitant to seek treatment because their illness will affect the whole family). Yuliza Avelar, LSW, who works with teens at Princeton House Behavioral Health, explains how cultural issues should be taken into account when working with Hispanic individuals.   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

We kick off the Fall 2024 season of Mind on Mental Health by celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and talking about barriers Hispanic and LatinX families may experience when seeking help with mental health. Host Andy Dean speaks with therapist Yuliza Avelar, LSW, who works with adolescents at Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Health, about stigma, helping to define mental health concepts, and how the immigrant experience affects kids and families.   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

Join three therapists at different stages of their careers as they discuss what it’s like to be a mental health therapist. Host Andy Dean speaks with Ciani Young, LAC and Rachel de Groh, LCSW, LCADC about self-care, managing burnout, and what they all enjoy about being therapists.   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

On this episode, Andy is joined by Ciani Young, LAC and Rachel de Groh, LCSW, LCADC.  The three mental health clinicians discuss challenges they experienced when they started working, lessons they’ve learned that cannot be taught in a classroom, how to measure success in treatment, and how they have all managed imposter syndrome.   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

It can feel selfish to take off to the gym or shut the door and do some yoga when your tween is riding a rollercoaster of emotions. But Dr. Jody Kashen tells host Andy Dean that self-care can not only help you, but can be an important model for kids learning how to regulate themselves and become healthy adults. Tune in to find out how to take care of yourself and have fun with your kids.     For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

Parents instinctually want to protect their kids, especially when their tween is going through rapid changes and may be unsure of the world. Host Andy Dean and Dr. Jody Kashden provide three ways that families can support their tween in this complicated period.    For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

The teen years can be tough, but the most profound changes are happening to tweens—kids in 5th – 8th grade. Host Andy Dean speaks with Dr. Jody Kashden, a psychologist with extensive experience working with kids, about the changes that seem to be happening lightning fast to tweens, and how they and their families must adapt to this confusing time.    For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

It might be intimidating to take the first step and call a program and ask about treatment for yourself or a loved one. Today Mind on Mental Health talks to an experienced admissions clinician from Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Health, Eileen Rodrigez. Andy and Eileen take the mystery out of the call so that you can feel more confident when you call for yourself or a loved one. Bonus: tips on how to communicate effectively with someone who is in a mental health crisis.   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

It was July 25, 1991 when Marine veteran Dave Clauser first entered treatment for substance use disorder, convinced he was different from everyone else there. Both the straightforward staff and the members of his recovery groups gradually changed him from an isolated man to a man in recovery, making connections with others. “You don’t make that change in 96 hours,” says Dave. Tune in to hear Dave’s conversation with host Andy Dean, and to learn about the ongoing process for a person in recovery for three decades, and who is now a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist.   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

For this special episode, host Andy Dean interviews Dr. David Clauser, a US Marine Corps veteran. After his time in the military, Dave had a full career in secondary education, and holds a doctorate in education. Today, Dave is a Certified Peer Response Specialist who works with first responders at Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Health’s inpatient hospital. He talks with Andy about something he tells all of his peers who are in the hospital for treatment: the six most important words he’s ever learned: “I don’t know. I need help.” Those are harder than you would think for first responders to say. Join Andy and Dave as they talk about how loved ones can help the first responder they care about get help.   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

Andy Dean speaks with therapist Nina Narang about the difference parents can make in their children’s lives when they are supportive. Being gender divergent or LGBT are not illnesses—rather, therapy helps kids and families deal with low self-esteem, depression, anxiety and other effects of being different from others while coming of age. Parents can help their kids feel safe and validated, and even powerful knowing that it’s US against the problems, rather than the child struggling alone.   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

Even when teens have come out to their peers about their sexuality or gender identity, it may be harder for them to tell their parents. Andy Dean and Nina Narang talk about ways the therapist can help with that interaction, including helping parents understand and hear what their children are telling them, and supporting parents sort through their grief.   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

While the world has unique challenges for LGBT kids, all teens with major depression have much in common, and therapy aims to help strengthen coping skills, to build feelings of safety, and to turn hopelessness and helplessness into action. Nina and Andy also discuss the body issues and eating disorders among LGBT teens as a means to control their own bodies.   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

Despite broader acceptance than ever before, it’s still not easy to navigate both adolescence and becoming part of the LGBT community.  Primary Therapist Nina Narang works with teens and families at Princeton House Behavioral Health, and she speaks with fellow licensed clinical social worker and host Andy Dean.  Andy and Nina discuss the how the American culture affects LGBTQ teens and when they might need help.   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

Can there be sun and rain at the same time? Yes! Being open to “both/and” can make your life more effective and enhance relationships with others. Recognizing that there is more than one way to do or see things can be useful. As time has passed since her treatment for cancer concluded, therapist Danielle Bellina reflects on ways DBT skills helped her to remain engaged with others, even when their attitudes or situations differed from hers.   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

Being in charge of your own emotions sounds easier than it is. Sometimes you have to do the opposite action than your emotions want you to do in order to solve a problem. Therapist Danielle Bellina talks about this and other DBT techniques that she used to cope with her cancer diagnosis and treatment with host Andy Dean. They delve into anxiety, how to tell people about the diagnosis when your instinct is to protect your friends and family.   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

Everyone has a different cancer journey, and you can make better decisions about your health if you use the distress tolerance skills outlined in DBT as STOP (Stop, Take a Breath, Observe, and Proceed Mindfully) and Radical Acceptance. These are not easy and take practice to use. Join Danielle Bellina, a therapist trained in DBT, and host Andy Dean as they discuss how she used these skills in her own experience and worked through her emotions to take action to protect her own health.   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh  

No one knows when they might suddenly face a major health issue. Senior Primary Therapist Danielle Bellina found herself relying on dialectical behavior therapy skills to get her through breast cancer treatment just a few years ago. Danielle and host Andy Dean discuss the reaction to shocking news and how to navigate the health decisions that need to be made during a very stressful time.   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

After losing a brother to substance use disorder and ultimately an overdose, Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor Sarah Devries talks about how complicated the grieving process can be. Grief is messy, and letting grief go can feel like a loss in itself. Over time—and each person grieves at their own pace—you can find enduring connection with the deceased in your new reality. Listen in as Andy Dean interviews Sarah and her colleague, Sarah Carstens.   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

Whether or not a person with a substance use disorder succumbs to their addiction, there is much grief along the way. Loved ones mourn the loss of the future they imagined for that person, and everyone regrets that life is harder than they imagined. Sarah Devries and Sarah Carstens, both Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselors, discuss grief and acceptance with host Andy Dean.   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh