Description

In this episode, I am joined by Esther Murray to reflect on the emotion of recent events and lockdowns and how we should approach the spectrum of emotions experienced. We examine anger and its psychological and physiological tendencies, also, vulnerability and its power in social circumstances, and levels of vulnerability that are appropriate. We then take a look at grief; its traits, patterns, and how to frame and perceive it. We examine the concept of rest; the need for it, accessing the state, rest heuristics, and habits. We then look at convalescence & compassion; both how to access this and the need for intrinsic compassion and external compassion. 

Dr Esther Murray is a chartered and registered Health Psychologist with an interest in social inequalities in health, wellbeing in medical students and doctors, and doctor-patient communication. Her early research was in chronic pain and its effect on doctor-patient communication and she has a background in psychological intervention in cardiac care and training NHS staff in communication skills.  She ran an MSc in Health Psychology for a number of years and now teaches Health Psychology to MBBS students at Barts and she is course leader for the iBSc in Medical Education.

The books that Esther recommends in this episode can be found here:

1. Untamed by Glennon Doyle - The story of how one woman learned that a responsible mother is not one who slowly dies for her children, but one who shows them how to fully live.  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Untamed-Glennon-Doyle/dp/1984801252
2. Dopamine nation by Anna Lembke. - Dr. Anna Lembke, psychiatrist, and author, explores the exciting new scientific discoveries that explain why the relentless pursuit of pleasure leads to pain...and what to do about it. The bookshows that the secret to finding balance is combining the science of desire with the wisdom of recovery. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55723020-dopamine-nation
3. How’s work by Ester Perrell - Esther Perel introduces us to the idea of the “relational dowry.” Each of us has a relationship resume that is cultivated at home - in our families, our communities, and our romantic lives - that influences the way we interact with our colleagues at work. Here we meet a few of the people Esther will invite into her office over the course of the series: coworkers, cofounders, bosses and employees, and family members who work together. https://howswork.estherperel.com/

Please enjoy this episode with an insightful clinician and valued friend.