Wisdom for Wellbeing: Mind-Body Psychology and Somatic Skills for Healing and Growth

This World Mental Health Day, I wanted to share something a little more personal. In this episode, I talk about my own journey, including the challenges that first drew me to psychology and how somatic approaches became the integration point for so many things I’d been seeking in my own healing. I also reflect on what it means to be with ourselves in moments of struggle, when asking for help feels...

Have you ever noticed that you tend to get sick right after a stressful period, like finishing a big project or navigating emotional upheaval? In this episode of Wisdom for Wellbeing, Dr. Kaitlin explores the science behind self-compassion and how somatic practices (like soothing touch, breathwork, and gentle movement)can reduce stress, boost vagal tone, and support immune function. Drawing on psy...

Have you ever had a “gut feeling” or noticed your heart racing before a big event? Those are examples of interoception, your body’s ability to sense what’s happening inside. In this episode, Dr. Kaitlin Harkess explores interoception, the fascinating inner sense that helps us notice signals like hunger, thirst, heart rate, and emotional states. Understanding and strengthening this skill can help u...

Anxiety can feel like racing thoughts, a pounding heart, or even a sense of shutting down completely. But what if these experiences aren’t personal flaws? What if they’re your nervous system working to protect you? In this episode of Wisdom for Wellbeing, Dr. Kaitlin N. Harkess introduces a compassionate, body-based way of understanding anxiety through the lens of Polyvagal Theory. Together, we’ll...

After a two-year pause, Wisdom for Wellbeing is back! Yey! We’re kicking off with a brand-new series: Somatic Sessions. In this first episode, you'll learn what’s been happening behind the scenes and why we're dedicating an entire season to exploring the mind–body connection. You’ll learn: What somatics really means (and why it’s more than just a wellness buzzword) How interoception acts as your i...

You’re about to listen to the 100th episode of Wisdom for Wellbeing! It feels perfectly suited that we’ll be talking about the research evidence of yoga, what conditions are benefited from yoga, what styles are best, and when folks should actually avoid yoga. We'll be covering: Yoga as a non-pharmacological, multimodal therapeutic and preventative lifestyle Understand different styles of yoga and...

This is the 99th episode of the Wisdom for Wellbeing podcast. In this episode, I am joined by my lovely friend and colleague, Kate Matthew. This was a really fun episode, and we did things a little differently in that Kate decided to switch things up and interview me! We talked about everything from how the podcast began at the beginning of the pandemic, my PhD research, and psychological flexibil...

In this episode, I talk you through finding a balance between spending time with loved ones while taking care of yourself by focusing on your values this holiday season.    Head to www.drkaitlin.com for show notes, free resources and courses that support you a heartfelt life alongside peak performance.    "So much gratitude for Wisdom for Wellbeing." If that sounded like you, I would appreciate it...

In this episode, I interview Dr Louise Hayes, Clinical Psychologist, author, speaker and active humanitarian. Louise discusses how we can navigate the many changes we are experiencing as a society, from the pandemic to climate change to all of the many personal changes we may experience. She provides insight into what it means to be psychologically 'strong' and shares some wisdom from her new book...

  “Ultimately, happiness comes down to choosing between the discomfort of becoming aware of your mental afflictions and the discomfort of being ruled by them.” – Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche   Welcome to the sixteenth episode of Season Five of Wisdom for Wellbeing Podcast.   What is covered in this episode: >>Consideration of what your thoughts are >>The difference between your internal reality and the...

In this episode, Rosemary Wanganeen talks through her path of healing from loss and grief. What is covered in this episode: >>Introduction to Rosemary and her 30 years + of experience doing this GriefologyTM  work >>The path of healing through the 'intuitive research' that required Rosemary to cultivate wisdom, connect to ancestral wisdom and integrate her counselling skills >>Understanding victim...

In this episode, I discuss cultivating skills to navigate panic attacks using a values-based framework.  What was specifically discussed:  What a panic attack is and some IRL examples Discussion around how Panic Disorder develops following a panic attack Consideration of Agoraphobia (the fear of leaving one’s house) and how it develops Tools to help get through a panic attack and Agoraphobia, incl...

In this episode, Dr Val Rytova discusses Yoga form a Neuroscience perspective.  What was specifically discussed:  A basic overview of neuroanatomy and the role of structure, function and brain circuits  Consideration of what neuroplasticity means and how internal and external (environmental) elements impact it An understanding of how can yoga support neuroplasticity Consideration of yoga’s role in...

In this episode, Dr Lisa Myers describes her experience of story-sharing while experiencing grief from the loss of a loved one.    What was specifically discussed:  Introduction to Lisa (psychiatrist and author of the book When the Light Goes Out) How Lisa navigated personal grief and trauma as a psychiatrist, who has been trained to support people in navigating mental health challenges- Considera...

It’s Mental Health Week, let’s dive into the most cost-effective mental health practice, breathwork.   Here’s what was covered in this week’s episode:  You can control your breath, as it rests on the border of the conscious and unconscious. Stress turns on your fight or flight response, which is an unconscious evolutionary response. You can perceive neutral stimuli as threats (like a text message)...

In this episode, I discuss cultivating confidence in novel or nerve-racking situations.   What I covered: -       The evolutionary element of why you want security and social approval -       Confidence comes after action -       You need to be willing to fail to find success -       Self-esteem is a modern fallacy -       Self-compassion is what supports mental health -       Doing hard things te...

Paul Gilbert, FBPsS, PhD, OBE is Professor of Clinical Psychology at the University of Derby and honorary visiting Prof at the University of Queensland. Until his retirement from the NHS in 2016 he was Consultant Clinical Psychologist for over 40 years. He has researched evolutionary approaches to psychopathology with a special focus on mood, shame and self-criticism in various mental health diffi...

Paul Gilbert, FBPsS, PhD, OBE is Professor of Clinical Psychology at the University of Derby and honorary visiting Prof at the University of Queensland. Until his retirement from the NHS in 2016 he was Consultant Clinical Psychologist for over 40 years. He has researched evolutionary approaches to psychopathology with a special focus on mood, shame and self-criticism in various mental health diffi...

Did you know that your body and voice influence your mental state, and very much influence how people perceive you? This means it is important to learn how they all work together - your mind-body-voice connection. In this episode, I interview Dr Louise Mahler on how you can cultivate what she calls Vocal Intelligence wisdom.   We specifically discuss: -   How anxiety influences and is influenced b...

In this episode, Lauren Thiel talks about financial well being through a social justice and neurodiverse-inclusive lens. Lauren Thiel is founder of boutique accounting firm, The Real Thiel. A Chartered Accountant and Tax Agent, with a passion for the arts, Lauren is on a mission to educate, empower and motivate creative small business owners. What’s covered in this episode: - Lauren’s journey from...

This episode is a mini-coaching session to start you on your gratitude journey. The practice of gratitude has a host of psychological and physical health benefits, yet isn’t too demanding of time and energy. Have a listen and get started developing a practice of gratitude that works for you.   What’s covered in this episode:   Gratitude Journaling Consideration of gratitude and journaling practice...

Welcome to a mini coaching session on how you can cultivate ritual in your life. Essentially, intention matters. We’ll also chat about setting up an altar, and how that can be impactful for you in your routine of ritual.   What’s covered in this episode: - Habit takes less energy than doing something and a sense of it being done in ritual brings sacredness can bring present moment awareness and al...

Curious about how habits are created? Are you looking to develop more self-compassion in your habit-cultivation journey? How to build habits in a neurodiversity-friendly way?  My guest Dr Hayden Finch, is a licensed clinical psychologist, behaviour change expert, and dessert enthusiast. Hayden beautifully shares their wisdom around habit building, self-compassion, and neurodiversity with us in thi...

What does Pride mean to you? Gender and sexuality? Do you understand them as fluid? Are you actively working towards cultivating communities of liberation? My guest Chris Sheridan (Grant), The Queer Therapist, is a non-binary trans Psychotherapist; Sex and Relationship Therapist; and Diversity Equality, and Inclusion Consultant. They beautifully share their wisdom around gender, sexuality and rela...

In this episode, I give an overview of the topics that were covered in this season that can help support you live a vital life in alignment with you and your goals. This season, there are topics that can help support you navigate your personal experiences with neurobiological traits and states, parenting, awareness, and lifestyles.    Head to  www.drkaitlin.com  for show notes, free resources and...