Transforming Relationships

Psychologist Wendy Lemke joins us for a conversation about ego state therapy, trauma, hypnosis, and the different parts of ourselves that shape how we think, feel, and relate to others. Through discussion and live role-play demonstrations, Wendy shows how therapists help people work with inner conflict, reconnect with disowned parts of themselves, and develop greater internal balance. Topics inclu...

What is it like to live psychologically under the constant threat of war? In this episode, Ukrainian psychologists Volodymyr Voloshin and Olha Serha share firsthand experiences of living and working in Ukraine during ongoing conflict. We explore trauma, resilience, relationships, uncertainty, and the emotional realities of adapting to life under chronic danger. The conversation examines how war re...

What creates real change in psychotherapy? In this episode, Dr. Eric Spiegel and Dr. David Alter speak with Dr. Mary Jo Peebles, clinical psychologist and psychoanalyst, about the deeper processes that drive transformation in therapy. Moving beyond technique-driven and manualized approaches, Dr. Peebles explores psychotherapy as a dynamic, relational process—one shaped by uncertainty, mutual influ...

Are we truly facing a loneliness epidemic—or are we misunderstanding what connection really requires? In this episode, Dr. Eric Spiegel and Dr. David Alter explore the growing concern that modern life is eroding meaningful human connection. They examine how changes in technology, work, and social structure have reshaped relationships—and why many people feel increasingly disconnected despite const...

Why is it so difficult to hold multiple perspectives in conflict, especially when identity, history, and trauma are involved? In this episode, conflict negotiator Naseem Khuri explores the psychology of conflict through the lens of Israel–Palestine and, later in the episode, polarization in the United States. Drawing on his professional work and personal history, he examines how people interpret t...

How can hypnosis transform the way we experience pain? In this episode, psychologists Dr. Eric Spiegel and Dr. David Alter speak with Dr. David Patterson , a leading expert in pain psychology and medical hypnosis, about the science and psychology of pain—and how hypnosis can reshape our relationship with it. The conversation explores the critical differences between acute and chronic pain , the ro...

In this episode of Transforming Relationships , Dr. Eric Spiegel and Dr. David Alter sit down with Dr. Susanna Carolusson , a psychologist whose career has spanned five decades of work in trauma treatment, hypnosis, and ego state therapy. Drawing on both clinical wisdom and lived experience, Dr. Carolusson reflects on how her own childhood adversity—including growing up with a deeply troubled pare...

In this episode of Transforming Relationships , Dr. Eric Spiegel and Dr. David Alter sit down with trauma psychiatrist and author Dr. Richard Chefetz for a profound exploration of trauma, dissociation, and what it means to feel real. Together, they examine how disconnection forms amidst trauma—and how empathy, presence, and safe relational spaces help restore connection. The discussion delves into...

In this episode, Eric Spiegel and David Alter sit down with Rabbi Rachel Ain (New York City) and Rabbi Aaron Weininger (Minneapolis) to explore the transformative power of community. Together, they examine the concept of Kahal —the sacred gathering of diverse individuals—and what it means to truly show up for one another in moments of joy, grief, and crisis. Rabbi Weininger shares lessons from rec...

Dr. Michael Osterholm joins Transforming Relationships to explore how we can face infectious threats—together. In this powerful & emotionally resonant conversation, hosts Dr. Eric Spiegel and Dr. David Alter speak with one of the world's leading epidemiologists about the relational side of public health: how trust is built, how misinformation spreads, and how communities come together in the face...

This is the second part of our interview with Renée DiResta, author of 'Invisible Rulers', which explores the rampant and disruptive influence of misinformation and disinformation generators, and the reciprocal relationship with people who consume this social media content. In this episode, we discuss how influencers play a significant role in shaping public opinion; how generative AI complicates...

Dr. Eric Spiegel interviews co-host Dr. David Alter about the complex emotional landscape of living in Minneapolis during a period of aggressive ICE presence and enforcement actions that have led to the killing of two civilians. They explore the impact of this social upheaval, including community safety concerns, personal stories of fear and resilience, and the psychological implications of curren...

In the latest episode of Transforming Relationships , Dr. Eric Spiegel and Dr. David Alter speak with Renée DiResta, an author and Associate Research Professor at the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University, who specializes in social media and online misinformation.  In Part 1 of their interview, Eric, David, and Renée discuss her experiences and insights on misinformation, public...

In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Carolyn Daitch discusses the pervasive issue of anxiety in today's society, exploring it's roots, the impact of social media, and the importance of attunement, validation and connection in relationships.  She emphasizes the dual nature of anxiety, highlighting both its survival benefits and the challenges it poses.  Techniques for managing anxiety, including...

In this episode, we discuss why we are vulnerable to trance states when we are anxious, worried, afraid, and uncertain. We discuss our deep hunger for safety and security and how that hunger makes us vulnerable to overt or indirect manipulation.  This episode also prepares us for our upcoming interview of Dr. Carolyn Daitch, a best-selling author and renowned expert on the effective management of...

The words 'trance' and 'hypnosis' are often used indistinguishably.  But what do they each mean - and how do they apply to your life?  In the second episode of 'TRANCEforming Relationships', David and Eric describe in vivid detail the many contexts that evoke trance states - and the neurological foundations of the brain states associated with trance. They also explain how the process of therapeuti...

Relationships have the power to transform people's lives - individually and collectively, positively and negatively.  And this power can often be felt resonantly in the first few seconds of an interaction, through key factors like the tone of someone's voice and their non-verbal cues. Join co-hosts Dr. Eric Spiegel and David Alter - two seasoned health psychologists, relational therapists, and hyp...