Episode 377: Preparing for Couples Therapy & Managing Depersonalization and Derealization

Episode 377: Preparing for Couples Therapy & Managing Depersonalization and Derealization

Author: Robert Duff, Ph.D. December 8, 2023 Duration: 38:32

Hello friends!

In Episode 377, we tackle two profound listener questions that shed light on unique mental health and relationship challenges.

Our first discussion revolves around a listener gearing up for couples therapy. They share their apprehension about conveying years of experiences within the confines of therapy sessions. We explore strategies for effective communication, the importance of preparation, and utilizing therapy as a starting point rather than a complete solution. The conversation also touches on the usefulness of additional resources like therapy workbooks and individual therapy in enhancing the couples therapy experience.

The second question comes from a 23-year-old male experiencing derealization, depersonalization, and occasional panic attacks. These symptoms make him feel detached from his environment and himself, as if living in an unreal world. We dive into understanding these phenomena, identifying possible triggers, and discussing various coping methods. These include sensory grounding techniques, mindfulness practices, and the potential roles of therapy and medication in managing these dissociative experiences.

Your questions continue to add depth and insight to our discussions on mental health. If you have any questions or topics you'd like to share, please send them to duffthepsych@gmail.com. For full show notes and additional resources, visit http://duffthepsych.com/episode377.

---

The holiday season can be rough. If you need extra support to get through it, consider trying online therapy with BetterHelp. You can get 10% off your first month at http://betterhelp.com/duff

If you are looking for a brain reset and the normal avenues of therapy and medication aren't doing it for you, consider doing at-home ketamine therapy with Mindbloom. Head over to http://mindbloom.com/duff and use to code duff for $100 off!


Robert Duff, Ph.D., is a neuropsychologist who finds most self-help advice too sanitized to be useful. On The Hardcore Self-Help Podcast with Duff the Psych, he cuts through the fluff with a direct, science-backed approach. Each episode is built on the premise that real improvement requires honest, sometimes uncomfortable conversations. Duff brings his background in neuroscience and clinical psychology to interviews with a wide range of fascinating guests, dissecting topics from mental health struggles and relationship dynamics to the latest brain research. Listeners consistently note his skill at asking pointed questions that get to the heart of an issue, then translating complex psychological concepts into language anyone can apply. This isn't about quick fixes or vague positivity; it's a practical, evidence-based look at how our minds work and how we can work with them better. The tone is conversational and grounded, like getting actionable advice from a knowledgeable friend who isn't afraid to tell it like it is. Whether exploring anxiety, habits, or the science of motivation, this podcast delivers substance without the jargon, making professional insights accessible for everyday life. You'll find the discussions are both deeply informative and surprisingly relatable, a combination that has built a dedicated audience for Duff's unique perspective.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Hardcore Self-Help Podcast with Duff the Psych
Podcast Episodes
406: People Are WRONG About OCD w Dr. Patrick McGrath of NOCD [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:13
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Patrick McGrath, Chief Clinical Officer at NOCD and a leading expert in OCD treatment. We dive deep into understanding OCD, debunking common misconceptions, and exploring the most eff…
405: Does Joe Biden Have Dementia? An Expert Perspective. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:40
Does Joe Biden Have Dementia? A Neuropsychologist's Perspective In this episode, I discuss the current political climate in the United States and my concerns as a neuropsychologist regarding the cognitive abilities of Pr…
404: The Truth About Ketamine with Dr. Chantelle Thomas [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:16
Hello, friends! In today's episode, we delve into the transformative potential of ketamine therapy for mental health with Dr. Chantalle Thomas, a leading expert in ketamine-assisted psychotherapy. Dr. Thomas is a trainer…
403: My Thoughts on Meds & Mocking During Arguments [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:38
Hello, friends! In today's episode, we tackle two profound listener questions that may resonate with many of you: How Do You Feel About Antidepressants and Anti-Anxiety Medications? A listener asks about the use of antid…
402: Actress Jenn Harris on Intimacy and Aging into Confidence [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:10
Guest: Jenn Harris, Award-Winning Director, Writer, Actor, and Producer Host: Dr. Robert Duff Episode Description: In this episode, Dr. Robert Duff welcomes the incredibly talented Jenn Harris to the show. Jenn Harris is…
400: Mystery Question & Rapid Fire Q&A [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:32
Hello, everyone! Thank you SO much for joining me for episode 400. I can't believe it's been 400 episodes already. Blows my mind. In this episode, I have a (creepy) mystery question that I share, and I also go through so…
399: Dating with a Stutter & Self-Harm Scars [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:52
Hello, friends! In today's episode, we tackle two profound listener questions that may resonate with many of you: Navigating Dating with a Stutter: A 38-year-old listener shares their struggles with stuttering, particula…
398: Choosing to be Childless, Sex Mismatch, & Inpatient Treatment [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:58
Hello, friends! In today's episode, we tackle three insightful listener questions that many of you might relate to: Choosing Not to Have Biological Children Due to Mental Illness: A listener shares their decision to not…
397: What Kind of Therapy Is Right for Me? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:28
Hello, friends! In today's episode, we dive deep into a listener's question about finding the right therapy for a variety of complex mental health issues. This 29-year-old woman is struggling with childhood trauma, menta…