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In this compelling episode of Behind the Stigma, we are joined by award-winning clinical psychologist, psychotherapist, and activist Dr. Jay Watts to explore critical perspectives on mental health.

We delve into the impact of neoliberalism on mental health services, the challenges of Personality Disorders with a focus on Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), and the rise of trauma-informed care. Dr. Watts shares her insights on epistemic injustice in mental health care, and the importance of amplifying patient voices.

Drawing on her lived experiences as a psychiatric survivor, Dr. Watts offers a powerful critique of traditional frameworks while envisioning a more compassionate and equitable future for mental health. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of mental health, society, and systemic change. Chapter markers added!

About Dr. Watts
Dr. Watts is an award winning clinical psychologist, psychotherapist, and activist based in the UK. She is known for her work in critical mental health and her critiques of psychiatric diagnoses and treatment practices. She advocates for a more compassionate and socially aware approach to mental health care, often focusing on the social and political factors that contribute to mental distress.

Dr. Watts has written extensively on topics like trauma, the medicalization of distress, and the mental health impacts of inequality. She is also a public speaker and has contributed to various publications and media outlets to raise awareness about mental health from a more humanistic and intersectional perspective.

Website: https://jaywatts.co.uk/
Twitter: https://x.com/Shrink_at_Large
Paper: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31122470/

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In this episode of Behind the Stigma, we discuss what Positive Psychology is with Dr. Louise Lambert, a leading expert in happiness and wellbeing across the GCC.
We discuss the science behind Positive Psychology Interventions (PPIs), the balance between stress and strength-based approaches, and the importance of meaning over happiness in life. Dr. Lambert also shares practical exercises to boost wellbeing and insights of how positive psychology can vary based on culture, discussing her studies in Canada and the Middle East.
Chapter Markers Added!

About Dr. Louise Lambert
Dr. Louise Lambert, a psychologist, researcher and professor. She is a registered psychologist with 20 years’ experience in counseling, mental health, higher education research, and primary healthcare. She specializes in positive psychology and is a leading expert in the development and delivery of happiness and wellbeing programs across the GCC. She is also the founder and Editor-in-Chief of the Middle East Journal of Positive Psychology, a peer-reviewed academic journal dedicated to happiness and wellbeing in the GCC region.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-louise-lambert-89434927/?originalSubdomain=ae
Website: https://www.happinessmatters.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_louise_lambert/

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In this week's episode, my guest & clinical psychologist Ali Ilyas, explores the impact and work of existential psychiatrist, Dr. Irvin Yalom.
We dive into core themes like: mortality, meaning, death anxiety, and the unique dynamics of the therapist-client relationship, such as transference and countertransference. Ali shares how Yalom's teachings have shaped his personal journey and therapeutic practice, while also discussing the importance of reflecting on death, finding balance between life and death anxiety, and how existential therapy can offer deep insights for those struggling with life's big questions.

About Muhammad Ali Ilyas
Ali is a clinical psychologist residing in Dubai, UAE. In his psychotherapy work, Ali guides clients on their journey of self-discovery and helps them navigate existential challenges, using philosophical and psychological perspectives. He has spoken at platforms such as TEDx events, literary festivals, and podcasts to name a few. Ali is also a neuromarketing consultant, and corporate trainer applying interdisciplinary insights from psychology and related fields to help individuals and organizations achieve their goals and find meaning in their lives.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliilyasm/
Website: https://www.connectpsychology.ae/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepersonandthecouch/

Subscribe to the Behind the Stigma podcast on Apple Podcast or Spotify.
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