Mind On Mental Health

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...

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 r...

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 ea...

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 t...

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...

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...

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...

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. E...

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 w...

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...

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 faci...

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 con...

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 inform...

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:...

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 d...

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...

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...

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 – Pri...

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 Subs...

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 goa...

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 Hea...

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 (princ...