Spirit Lake Wellness.

The conversation between Dr. John Ewing and Dr. Tom Hayes focuses on getting the most out of psychotherapy. They emphasize the importance of self-awareness, exploring one's desires and feelings, and being willing to make changes. They also discuss the role of ambivalence and the need for clients to take an active role in their therapy. They highlight the importance of understanding how emotions ar...

The conversation between Dr. John Ewing and Dr. Tom Hayes focuses on getting the most out of psychotherapy. They explore how attachment styles and the activation of the care system and panic grief system play a role in relationship dynamics. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help clients change their self-talk and behaviors, but it requires personalized approaches and addressing underlying emotiona...

Dr John Ewing and Dr. Tom Hayes discuss having reasonable expectations and being active in the therapy process can help clients get the most out of psychotherapy. Ventilation and releasing pent-up tension can be therapeutic, but it's important to transition from venting to taking action. A safe and supportive therapeutic relationship is crucial for effective therapy. Self-authoring and organizing...

In this episode of the Spirit Lake Wellness podcast, Dr. John Ewing and Cathy Couture discuss the concept of finding meaning in life. They explore the themes of embracing the unknown, play, and the metaphysical concept of meaning. They also discuss the process of changing the meaning of negative experiences and finding gratitude in difficult situations. The conversation highlights the importance o...

Our panelists look at the role of relationships and acts of service in finding meaning. The importance of suspended judgment, letting go of social expectations and challenging social constructs are explored. Dreaming of a better place, finding joy in the little things, and having gratitude are considered as our panelists embrace the unknown and the fragility of life. 

The conversation explores the concept of meaning and how it relates to perception, interpretation, and feelings. It discusses how the meaning of traumatic events can be changed through shifting perspectives and understanding. The conversation also touches on the impact of trauma on children and young people, and the importance of reinterpreting past experiences to heal. It delves into the role of...

This conversation explores the themes of responsibility, individualism vs. collectivism, acceptance, and change. The speakers discuss the power and responsibility that come with working together and the cultural differences in how individualism is perceived. They also delve into the role of emotions and the importance of constructive complaining. The conversation highlights the need for balance be...

In Part two of our series on Challenges of Healthcare Navigation, our panelists explore the difference between helping and providing support across mental health, disability, and medical programs. 

Our panelists explore a wide range of factors influencing access to care and navigation of healthcare systems in this series. Topics include cultural, bureaucratic, and economic factors as well as physician burnout. 

Dr. John Ewing and Cathy Couture conclude their discussion of the underlying physiological and neurological systems impacted by substance use, withdrawal, and why recovery takes time. 

Dr. John Ewing and Cathy Couture continue their discussion of the underlying physiological and neurological systems impacted by substance use, withdrawal, and why recovery takes time. 

Dr. John Ewing and Cathy Couture discuss the underlying physiological and neurological systems impacted by substance use, withdrawal, and why recovery takes time. 

In part 4 of 4 in our series on Existential Humanistic Psychology, our panelists discuss how existential humanists approach therapy, explore the search for awe, and animal sentience. 

In Part 3 of our 4 part series on Existential Humanistic Psychology, our panelists explore the awe experienced in facing the existential void as a heroic journey. We face the dragon. Do we fight it or befriend it? Or does the dragon eat us?

Part two of our four part series on Existential Humanistic Psychology. Our panelists explore how this approach to psychology addresses death anxiety, the importance of social connection, and social equity. What brings us satisfaction and joy? Is it self-actualization or uplifting our community or a bit of both?   

Our panelists explore Existential Humanistic Psychology and how it informs therapeutic approaches. In part one, they define existential theories and how it is especially relevant as society emerges from the pandemic.     

Part three of a three part series comparing addiction medicine in the United States and the United Kingdom with special guest Dr. Brian Kidd. Today our panelists discuss the factors that contribute to successful addiction treatment and define what successful treatment outcomes look like. 

Part two of a three part series comparing addiction medicine in the United States and the United Kingdom with special guest Dr. Brian Kidd. Today our panelists discuss the history of addiction treatment in their respective countries and the role of psychotherapy in treating addictions. 

Part one of a three part series comparing addiction medicine in the United States and the United Kingdom with special guest Dr. Brian Kidd. In this episode, our panelists discuss differing approaches to treating substance use disorder, treatment philosophies of abstinence and harm-reduction, and why they each were initially reluctant to enter the field of addiction medicine as well as why they fin...

Dr. John Ewing and Cathy Couture discuss how attachment strategies learned in childhood impact our adult relationships.

Dr John Ewing and Cathy Couture discuss telemedicine, content vs process in therapy, social anxiety as we emerge from Covid pandemic, and resilience. 

Dr John Ewing and Cathy Couture discuss interpersonal attachment styles how they impact adult relationships. Secure, anxious, and avoidant styles of attachment and their interactions are described as well as how people will use different styles in various relationships. 

Our panelists share breathwork and meditation techniques to help ease pain, lessen anxiety, and open oneself up for connectedness with others. They also share how love, compassion, and kindness have eased their grief. 

Cathy shares more of her journey with a stage 4 cancer diagnosis and how her relationships with friends and family have given her comfort. Our panelists discuss the importance of social connections and love for mental health, wellness, and finding meaning in life and death.