The Infinite Self

Are humans really designed for a single partner for life? Step beyond the romantic ideal and explore what cutting-edge research from anthropology, biology, and psychology reveals about our deepest mating drives. Evidence suggests that lifelong sexual monogamy is exceedingly rare in the animal kingdom and historically uncommon across many human societies. Yet, in Western culture, it's the stand...

Unlock the profound secrets of the developing mind in this compelling episode as we delve into the emotional world of the infant . Drawing on decades of rigorous psychoanalytic observation and clinical experience, we explore the foundational experiences that shape our earliest emotional landscape and lay the groundwork for later psychological development. At the core of our discussion is Melanie K...

Step into the tumultuous world of the British Psycho-Analytical Society during the Second World War, a period marked by intense intellectual debate and simmering personal conflict. This episode delves deep into the infamous Freud-Klein controversies, examining how fundamental disagreements over psychoanalytic theory and technique became intertwined with struggles for power, influence, and control...

Join us for an insightful journey into the depths of the mind and the intricate world of psychoanalytic therapy. In this episode, drawing on the extensive clinical experience of a distinguished psychoanalyst, we explore the fascinating landscape of psychic experience and the challenging problems of technique faced by practitioners. Discover how the understanding of a patient's inner world can...

Step into the complex and deeply human world of psychoanalysis, exploring how practitioners grapple with the lasting impact of early trauma – not just as abstract concepts, but as lived experiences that emerge powerfully within the therapeutic relationship. This episode delves into a significant tradition of psychoanalytic thought, tracing back to Ferenczi and influencing the British Independent G...

. This episode dives into the power of nonverbal communication using insights from the sources. We explore how different channels subtly convey vital information: The Voice: Pitch, loudness, duration, and quality reveal emotion , signal intent (including deception), and communicate aspects of personality and physical characteristics like age or size. Advanced acoustic analysis techniques allow for...

Embark on a profound journey into the core of psychoanalytic understanding, guided by a perspective honed over decades of clinical practice and a lifelong quest to decipher the mind's deepest puzzles. This episode explores the nuanced art of uncovering meaning in the therapeutic process, emphasizing not just what patients learn, but how they learn to truly know their own minds. Discover the cr...

Step into the captivating world of nonverbal communication , an interdisciplinary field that spans psychology, communication, anthropology, and even zoology. Long before spoken language emerged, our ancestors were navigating the world and communicating through gestures, expressions, and other bodily cues. This episode delves into the rich history of nonverbal research, tracing its origins from anc...

Step into the fascinating world of behavioral science, where we explore the fundamental principles that govern action, decision-making, and even what we remember. This episode delves into the core concepts of behavior analysis, drawing on extensive experimental research across species to reveal insights into both animal and human behavior. We begin by examining how organisms learn through reinforc...

Are you a practitioner, researcher, or student in psychology, education, medicine, or rehabilitation looking for rigorous, ethical, and effective ways to understand and change individual behaviour? Tired of relying solely on group averages that may not reflect the unique needs of your clients or participants? This episode is for you. We dive deep into the powerful methodology of single-case experi...

Explore the complex world of sexual deviance, paraphilias, and paraphilic disorders in this insightful episode. Drawing upon expert perspectives from the sources, we delve into the challenges of defining and classifying these conditions, moving beyond outdated categorical views to embrace a more dimensional understanding of sexual interests. Discover the diverse landscape of paraphilic interests,...

Trauma is a pervasive human experience, reaching far beyond the traditional understanding of diagnoses like PTSD. Its profound influence creates complex, often hidden, challenges that ripple across the mind, body, and a person's connection with the world. This episode draws on expert knowledge to unpack these far-reaching effects and explore effective pathways to healing. We look closely at ho...

Navigating challenging child behaviour is a common hurdle for parents and professionals alike. But how do you know when it's more than just a phase? This episode dives deep into Disruptive Behaviour Disorders (DBDs) , focusing on Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) and Conduct Disorder (CD) in children and adolescents. We'll help you understand the crucial difference between normative diff...

Arguments aren't just for debates or classrooms; they're the hidden engine driving everything from compelling marketing campaigns to political discourse, scientific discoveries, and even our most important personal decisions. As a marketing professional with two decades in the trenches, I know the power of clear communication and sound reasoning – and the danger of weak arguments. In this...

Unlock your peak performance by understanding the hidden engine behind self-control. In this episode, we dive into the science that shows willpower isn't limitless – it's like a tank of mental energy that gets used up throughout your day. This concept, known as ego depletion, explains why resisting that tempting snack, focusing on a tough task, managing your emotions, or making complex dec...

Borderline Personality Disorder, or BPD, is a complex and often misunderstood mental health challenge affecting millions. Far from being rare, it's one of the most common personality disorders seen in clinical settings, yet remains relatively unknown to the general public. This episode delves into the world of BPD, offering insight into what it is, how it impacts lives, and most importantly, t...

Welcome to an essential episode delving into the complex world of Impulse Control Disorders (ICDs). Ever wonder why some behaviours feel impossible to resist, even when we know they cause harm? We're talking about more than just everyday habits – we're exploring conditions like pathological gambling, hair pulling (trichotillomania), skin picking, compulsive buying, and even intermittent explosive...

Are you curious about why some behaviours become uncontrollable? Why do people struggle with urges to gamble, shop, use the internet, or pick their skin despite negative consequences? Tune in to explore the complex world of impulsivity and Impulse Control Disorders (ICDs) . Drawing on extensive research, this episode delves into ICDs like Pathological Gambling , Problematic Internet Use , Compulsi...

Welcome to a deep dive into the fascinating and complex world of modern psychiatry. This episode explores how we approach mental health from multiple angles, integrating cutting-edge research with practical care. We delve into the importance of thorough assessment , including challenging areas like violence risk assessment in forensic settings and identifying potentially feigned symptoms , such as...

Welcome to THE INFINITE SELF, where we explore the intricate world of mental health. In this episode, we're taking a deep dive into some of the most challenging conditions: bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) . These aren't simple illnesses, and understanding them requires looking at multiple factors. We unpack the crucial role of genetics...

Welcome to THE INFINITE SELF, the podcast that explores the cutting edge of psychiatric and neurological health. In this compelling episode, we dive deep into the intricate world of brain disorders, offering a comprehensive look at conditions ranging from Substance Use Disorders and Addiction to complex Dementias and developmental challenges like ADHD . Drawing on authoritative knowledge, we unrav...

Welcome to a deep dive into the complex landscape of mental healthcare. In this episode, we journey through the evolution of psychiatry, starting with the invaluable patient perspective . Understand the challenges faced by individuals, the crucial role of a compassionate doctor-patient relationship , and how effective communication can make a profound difference in treatment journeys. We look at h...

Are you or a loved one struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, mood swings, or other persistent mental health challenges? Have you tried traditional approaches based solely on symptom checklists and medication, only to find limited relief or unwanted side effects? It's time to explore a revolutionary new paradigm that looks beyond symptoms to the source: the brain . For decades, psychiatric...

Step into the vibrant, often overlooked, world of 19th-century color theory! While Sir Isaac Newton's physics dominated the scientific view of color, a fascinating counter-movement was brewing in Germany. This episode explores the groundbreaking, yet initially forgotten, ideas of philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer and artist Philipp Otto Runge, alongside their complex relationship with Johann Wol...

Are you experiencing persistent anxiety, depression, unexplained physical symptoms, or challenges in relationships and career that feel disproportionate to your personal history? You might be carrying an unseen burden: inherited family trauma . This episode dives deep into the fascinating world of how the emotional and biological residue of traumatic events can pass down through generations. Drawi...