Finding Our Minds artwork

Finding Our Minds

38 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 year ago - ★★★★★ - 23 ratings

In Finding Our Minds, Dr. Margaret Arnd-Caddigan (she/her) LCSW, Associate Professor of Social Work at East Carolina University, discusses her mind-centered depth approach to therapy with her co-host Leah Faye (she/they). Season 1 defines the use of the word "mind" in the therapeutic field. Season 2 uses that lens to examine what goes on in a relationship between a narcissist and their victim. In season 3 the co-hosts unpack how we define the self, and tie this together with how this impacts the therapeutic alliance between a therapist and their clients.

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Episodes

Season 3 Wrap Up

March 20, 2023 17:00 - 27 minutes - 19 MB

It's (finally) the final episode of the season! Dr. Mac and Leah wrap up this season's discussion on "the sense of self." Why is the medical model not the best way to look at mental un-wellness and the healing journey? How can we help our clients without infantalizing them? How dose a mind-centered depth-approach therapy allow for an individual's healing journey to inform the therapeutic process, better than evidence-based practice? This and more on today's episode. 

Self Work

February 22, 2023 20:00 - 40 minutes - 27.5 MB

Today's final episode of this season's lecture series, Dr. Arnd-Caddigan discusses what it takes for inner change to occur in an individual, and how other people are involved in the process. Works discussed in today's episode include: Benjamin, J. (2004). Beyond doer and done-to: An intersubjective view of thirdness.  Psychoanalytic Quarterly, 73, 5-46 Benjamin, B. (1988).  Bonds of love: Psychoanalysis, feminism, and the problem of domination. Pantheon. Chessick, R. G. (1990).  Self-anal...

Character

February 07, 2023 19:00 - 32 minutes - 22.1 MB

Our final installment of discussing identity, personality, and character, Dr. Arnd-Caddigan discusses what makes up one's character. She goes on to review personal ethics in the context of forming identity and character, and how this relates to treating mental suffering in the therapeutic context. Works cited in today's episode: Carol Gilligan (1982) In a Different Voice Johathan Haidt, Fredrik Björklund, and Scott Murphy (2000). Moral Dumbfounding:  When Intuition Finds No Reason. https:/...

More on Personality

January 25, 2023 16:00 - 34 minutes - 23.7 MB

Today's episode is a review of personality through the lens of developing a healthy self. How does this relate to identity, character, and development? Dr. Arnd-Caddigan and Leah Faye discuss.  

Identity

December 27, 2022 18:00 - 37 minutes - 26 MB

In this episode Dr. Arnd-Caddigan and co-host Leah Faye discuss the various ways in which those suffering from mental illness choose to identify. Today's lecture unpacks how mental suffering can arise when a society chooses to project an identity onto an individual whose sense of self is at conflict with the societal projection. 

Meditation: The Self

December 13, 2022 15:00 - 18 minutes - 13.1 MB

This meditation is meant to be paired with episode 5, and focuses on our sense of self. 

Multiple Selves

November 30, 2022 21:00 - 33 minutes - 22.8 MB

In this episode Dr. Arnd-Caddigan breaks down the concept of multiple selves, and the experience of multiple selves in a dissociative context. How does one unify the self? What is the difference between multiple selves and multiple experiences? Works cited in today's episode: Steven Kuchuck:  The Relational Revolution in Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy. Richard Schwartz:  ifs-institute.com/resources/articles/internal-family-systems-model-outline Richard Schwartz:  Internal Family System...

Jungian Self

November 16, 2022 03:00 - 36 minutes - 25 MB

In this episode Dr. Arnd-Caddigan discusses the Jungian definition of individuality, and the means by which Carl Jung studied the sense of self. The co-hosts discuss the impact Jungian and post-Jungian psychology has on the sense of binaries, and the concept of individuation.  Works cited in today's episode: Murray Stein: Handbook of Jungian Psychology Christine Becker: Letting your Life Speak:  The Gentle Art of Individuation. The Jungian Path. C.G. Jung:  Psychological Types

THE HEALTHY SELF

November 01, 2022 19:00 - 40 minutes - 28 MB

Today's episode explores how we define a healthy sense of self.  Books referenced in today's episode: Galen Strawson: Selves; The Subject of Experience Jiri Benovsky: Mind and Matter: Panpsychism, Dual-Aspect Monism, and the Combination Problem Daniel Stern: The Interpersonal World of the Infant: A View from Psychoanalysis and Developmental Psychology Peter Fonagy: Affect Regulation, Mentalization and the Development of the Self.

Self and Mind

October 18, 2022 16:00 - 30 minutes - 21.1 MB

Dr. Arnd-Caddigan discusses the concept of self and how it is defined from a psychotherapist's perspective. Who or what experiences the concept of self? Works discussed in today's episode include:  Jiri Benovsky:  Mind and matter:  Panpsychism, dual-aspect monism, and the combination problem. Philip Bromberg:  Standing in spaces:  The multiplicity of the self and the psychoanalytic relationship.  In Contemporary Psychoanalysis, volume 32. Lionel Corbett and Leanne Whitney:  Jung and non-du...

YOU AND YOUR BODY

October 04, 2022 16:00 - 32 minutes - 22.7 MB

In this first episode of Season 3 our co-hosts Dr. Mac and Leah Faye attempt to define the "self" while asking the question: What is it we are actually experiencing when we talk about our 'self' as a sensation? Leslie Kean:  Surviving Death: A journalist investigates evidence for an afterlife Harvey J. Irwin & Carolyn J. Watt: An Introduction to Parapsychology 5th Ed.  Julie Beischel.  Among Mediums:  A Scientist’s Quest for Answers Daniel Stern:  The Interpersonal World of the Infant: A vi...

How to Find a Therapist

February 15, 2022 18:00 - 35 minutes - 24.5 MB

Looking for a therapist and have no idea where to start? Uninsured? Worried about what type of therapy is right for you? Not sure what questions to ask a potential new therapist? Dr. Arnd-Caddigan discusses with Leah how to go about the task of finding the right fit. 

Healing from Abusive Tactics

February 01, 2022 11:00 - 33 minutes - 23.1 MB

Narcissistic abusers have many tactics to control and manipulate people in their lives. The good news is there are ways to heal after experiencing this kind of trauma. In this episode, Dr. Arnd-Caddigan discusses a few of the tactics a narcissistic abuser may use to manipulate a person, and the steps one can take to heal from such an experience. 

Meditation: Protection from NarcissisticAbuse

January 18, 2022 12:00 - 15 minutes - 10.7 MB

 In our next episode Dr. Arnd-Caddigan discusses tactics narcissistic abusers use in depth, and looks at ways one can heal from the experience. This meditation is meant to accompany Season 2, Episode 9, as a way to help ease mental suffering that results from gaslighting and other abusive tactics. We hope you find peace and solace in today's meditation. 

Organizational Abuse

January 04, 2022 15:00 - 43 minutes - 29.9 MB

What if your abuser is your workplace, or your school? In this episode Dr. Arnd-Caddigan discusses how narcissistic abuse can extend to the structure of an institution, and posits how we can hold institutions accountable for abusive practices. 

Abuse or Psychosis?

December 21, 2021 23:00 - 40 minutes - 27.9 MB

In previous episodes we discuss how narcissistic abuse can involve thought-insertion, the non-somatic communication of degrading thoughts directed at a victim. In this episode, Dr. Arnd-Caddigan discusses how in therapy we can support clients experiencing this, and the dangers of incorrectly labeling a victim of narcissistic abuse as psychotic.

Meditation: Chakras

December 07, 2021 16:00 - 17 minutes - 12.1 MB

Dr. Arnd-Caddigan leads us in a meditation to center our chakras. 

Telepathy and Psychoanalysis

November 23, 2021 14:00 - 35 minutes - 24.7 MB

In this week's episode Dr. Arnd-Caddigan discusses the history of telepathy and telepathic studies in the discipline of psychoanalysis. 

Psi

November 09, 2021 17:00 - 43 minutes - 30.1 MB

We've been discussing all season the implications of mind-to-mind communication in the context of abuse. When someone experiences a narcissist's abusive tactics (such as gaslighting) it can often seem as though the abuser has an otherworldly control over our minds. In this episode we discuss the concept of psi, the mind-to-mind link between two people, and how that is twisted by the abuser to harm others. If you've ever experienced an encounter you would consider telepathic -either by an abu...

Meditation: Progressive Relaxation

October 27, 2021 00:00 - 16 minutes - 11.7 MB

A guided meditation in the practice of progressive relaxation, lead by Dr. Margaret Arnd-Caddigan.

Abusers

October 12, 2021 14:00 - 38 minutes - 26.2 MB

Today Dr. Arnd-Caddigan discusses abusers, specifically, types of narcissistic abusers. From oblivious (or, covert) narcissists to malignant narcissists, this episode unpacks the ways in which abuse can manifest from different type of narcissistic abusers; and why you don't have to have a personality disorder to commit narcissistic acts of abuse. 

Narcissism As A Disorder of the Self

September 28, 2021 22:00 - 37 minutes - 26.1 MB

Last week we looked at what constitutes a healthy personality, and how a healthy personality is developed in early childhood. This week Dr. Arnd-Caddigan breaks down what a personality disorder is and how that relates to narcissistic abuse. 

What is Personality?

September 14, 2021 13:00 - 38 minutes - 26.6 MB

When talking about Personality Disorders it first helps to define personality. What is a flexible personality, a rigid personality, and how can one's personality become disordered? Dr. Arnd-Caddigan and her producer Leah discuss what a healthy personality is, can be, and how a healthy personality can respond to external narcissism. 

Introduction to Narcissistic Abuse

September 01, 2021 17:00 - 38 minutes - 26.5 MB

What is narcissistic abuse? What is gaslightling? What is an energy vampire? Most, if not all, of us have had to bear the brunt of abusive behavior at least once in our lives. What drives a person to behave this way, and how can we protect ourselves from falling victim to abuse? Dr. Margaret Anrd-Caddigan and her producer Leah Faye discuss narcissistic abuse and outline how Season 2 of Finding Our Minds will tackle this difficult subject matter. 

Season 2 - Trailer

August 18, 2021 21:00 - 58 seconds - 745 KB

Trailer for Season 2 of Finding Our Minds, a podcast about Having Mind, Knowing Mind, and Changing Mind. Hosted by Margaret Arnd-Caddigan, PhD, Associate Professor of Social Work at East Carolina University. Produced by Leah Faye.

Out of the Broom Closet

June 08, 2021 13:00 - 36 minutes - 25.4 MB

In this special season-finale, Dr. Arnd-Caddigan and her daughter Leah Faye discuss their experience with Wicca, magic, spirituality, and what that all has to do with therapy. Thank you so much to our listeners for giving us such positive feedback, our idea for this episode was inspired by you. If you liked this season please rate us, review us, subscribe to us, share us with your friends, we have a lot of exciting plans for future episodes and seasons.  Please email us! Findingourminds@gma...

Mind and Body

May 26, 2021 20:00 - 30 minutes - 20.8 MB

In our last lecture of the season, Dr. Arnd-Caddigan discusses the relationship to the mind and body, and how one cannot exist without the other. This is our second to last episode of the season, and next episode will be an informal discussion on spirituality within mental health practices. Stay tuned! 

Research and Change

May 11, 2021 12:00 - 32 minutes - 22.7 MB

This week's episode is less dense, Dr. Arnd-Caddigan talks research. We explore what the research shows about mind-centered therapy, and what it is that makes a therapy experience work for a client. The secret? You'll have to listen...

The Ways We Relate to Experience

April 27, 2021 13:00 - 33 minutes - 22.9 MB

Why do we need to unburden ourselves of our experiences? Why do we feel better after talking to someone? What's going on in our minds when a therapist is guiding mental healing? Margaret and Leah discuss the ways we relate to experience, how sharing qualia is a necessary part of cementing our understanding of ourselves.

Consciousness and the Unconscious

April 13, 2021 13:00 - 43 minutes - 30 MB

This week we take a semi-deep dive into the Jungian and Post-Jungian understanding of the conscious mind and the unconscious mind. What did Jung mean by the collective unconscious, and what are our interpretations of it today? Is the collective unconscious metaphysical, material, or is there perhaps better language to describe it? Margaret and Leah also discuss the notion of the afterlife. 

More on Intuition

March 30, 2021 12:00 - 34 minutes - 23.6 MB

This week Margaret goes into how to develop your intuition and how to tell the difference between intuition and projection. Have you ever felt belittled for relying on your intuition? Have you ever been vindicated for listening to your own intuition? Write to us! [email protected]

Intuition

March 16, 2021 11:00 - 31 minutes - 21.8 MB

What is intuition and how can we learn to apply it in our work, relationships, and practices? How do we know when we're having an intuitive moment, or when we're projecting our desires onto a situation. This week Margaret and Leah discuss how we use our intuition and why it shouldn't be stigmatized in the therapeutic alliance. 

Experiencing Yourself as a Connected Individual

March 02, 2021 13:00 - 35 minutes - 24.7 MB

This week Margaret and Leah discuss intuition, and answer: what is intuition? And, when do we gain it in early childhood development? They also discuss their spiritual beliefs and what it's like being a witch in North Carolina. 

Experiencing Yourself as a Connected Individual

March 02, 2021 13:00 - 35 minutes - 24.7 MB

This week Margaret and Leah discuss intuition, and answer: what is intuition? And, when do we gain it in early childhood development? They also discuss their spiritual beliefs and what it's like being a witch in North Carolina. 

How Mental Pain Arises

February 16, 2021 12:00 - 32 minutes - 22.5 MB

In this episode we talk about the concept of mental suffering. How it arises, and how understanding our own minds can help us understand the minds of others. 

Mind is Qualia

February 02, 2021 12:00 - 36 minutes - 25 MB

Host Dr. Margaret Arnd-Caddigan and producer Leah Faye answer the question "What is mind?" We explore the idea of the single, Universal mind, and discuss the stigma of being called "woo-woo." 

Mind is Qualia

February 02, 2021 12:00 - 36 minutes - 25 MB

Host Dr. Margaret Arnd-Caddigan and producer Leah Faye answer the question "What is mind?" We explore the idea of the single, Universal mind, and discuss the stigma of being called "woo-woo." 

Mind and Matter

January 19, 2021 12:00 - 28 minutes - 19.8 MB

In the first episode we meet our host, Dr. Margaret Arnd-Caddigan and begin to explore the definition of mind. The current dominant worldview posits that your mind, or every experience you’ve ever had, comes from your brain.  This view has been challenged by a growing number of philosophers of mind. The positions of panpsychism and cosmopsychism are explored.