Shows
WellnessTalksGoals And Scope Of Counseling | Why Counseling is ImportantWhat are the goals and scope of counseling? Why should you go and why is counseling important? Join Todd Schmenk as he walks through a quick explanation of what the process is all about, what the goals are, why you should go, and what you should expect to get out of choosing to go.
You can watch this here: https://youtu.be/RfRkIAjPEGU
You can find other support materials here: https://www.youtube.com/c/ToddJSchmenkLMHC
You can get downloads and support this support program here: https://www.patreon.com/toddschmenk2022-04-0408 minWellnessTalksCommunication Breakdowns In RelationshipsJoin Todd Schmenk, as he walk you through the three main reasons for communication breakdowns in relationships. If you can identify these and be more aware of them, you can notice them when they show up in your communications and choose whether to react like you normally would in response to them, or do something else. Especially useful if you are tired of getting the results you typically get in challenging situations.
You can watch the full episode of this here: https://youtu.be/JHwrltbHrOU2022-01-2305 min
WellnessTalksHow To Deal With Boredom And Loneliness | A Mindfulness PracticeJoin Todd Schmenk for another Monday Morning Mindfulness practice for how to deal with boredom and loneliness. This version is a simple ten minute exercise that was designed to just simply be listened to. There are three practices within this one presentation. 2021-11-0811 minWellnessTalksCommon Myth About AnxietyI often hear a common myth about anxiety when I meet for the first time with someone in session and they explain to me that their goal is in getting rid of it. Problem with this is simple: We can't. You cannot get rid of anxiety.
You can learn what it is, how it becomes activated, how to manage it, and lessen its effects.
In this episode, I explain why we cannot get away from anxiety, what the function of it is, and ways to manage your psychological flexibility so you can learn how to use anxiet...2021-10-2105 min
WellnessTalks5 Minute Mindful Breathing Exercise | Basic GroundingJoin Todd Schmenk as he walks you through the basic's of grounding with this 5 minute mindful breathing exercise and body scan. Great for beginners or just a review of one of the most basic of a mindfulness practice. You can either watch or listen and follow along with this guided mindfulness exercise.
You can follow along on video here: WellnessTalks on Youtube2021-10-0405 min
WellnessTalksHow to Easily Add Mindfulness to Your Day with a Hot DrinkAs stated in the introduction, mindfulness does not have to be sitting on a pillow and focusing on your breath. It can also be applied to simple everyday activities and that is exactly what I am going to walk you thought this morning. One activity you can add mindfulness to is drinking a hot beverage each morning at breakfast, something you might already do. So join me as I walk you through a short and simple exercise to help you develop a your mindfulness skill (being able to notice when you mind jumps in) doing something a good deal of...2021-09-2704 min
WellnessTalksQuick Overview of Monday Morning MindfulnessAdding mindfulness to your daily routine doesn’t have to be some momentous undertaking. You don’t need to sit on a round pillow in some weird pose, with a silly special chant, choking on incense, and special world music.
In fact, all you pretty much need to be able to do is listen to this podcast released on Mondays and follow along as I lead you through practical, simple, follow along mindfulness exercises. Some with more a focus on the practicing, others with a focus on the "how to" and other important concepts to consider. All you...2021-09-2701 min
WellnessTalksThree Quick Defusion ExercisesWhat do you do when your overcome with an intense thought or emotion?
These 3 exercises from the acceptance and commitment therapy defusion skills can help you lessen the effects and even begin to notice such occurrences in the future making your life more flexible and less stressful. (originally, it was just 3, but when I was finishing up shooting this video, I remembered one more, so you get a bonus defusion exercise to help with the recurring thoughts. )
https://www.patreon.com/toddschmenk
Please consider this to support both this type of work I do...2021-09-2510 min
WellnessTalksWelcome to Be Team Positive: How to Build Support for Someone Coping with Chronic IllnessJoin me, Todd Schmenk, for an introduction to this series, from the history behind the "Team Positive program" to what you can come to expect in listening to this series on WellnessTalks. The primary goal of this podcast is in fostering psychological flexibility for all involved, from the person dealing with the chronic illness or medical situation to anyone who finds them-self in a supportive role.
Topics will include a deeper look at the guides and framework, what you should expect, what to say and what not to say, how to manage your energy, mental and emotional s...2021-09-1808 minWellnessTalksHow To Stop Expecting The WorstJoin Todd Schmenk as he answers a Patreon member's question of how to stop expecting the worst.
The short answer is, you cannot. There will always be an aspect of yourself that's primary objective is watching for things that can go wrong.
Learning more about this key concept, however, he has found is often all that is needed to begin to find a way out of this tendency of expecting the worst which can give you a better peace of mind in building a more peaceful and meaningful life.
I mentioned the following lin...2021-09-1106 minWellnessTalksHow to Find A Therapist That FitsJoin Todd Schmenk as he addresses choosing a therapist or counsellor and how to find one that fits best for you. A quick look at the differences, how you can be proactive, and other details to keep in find when trying to find one that would work best with your situation.
Don't know if you need on? Watch this to help determine whether you do: https://youtu.be/39elWRSiG38
0:00 Introduction
0:50 Types of Credentials
3:17 Selecting a Therapist/Therapy Type
6:48 Considering Different Approaches
Would you like a more organized way of browsing the topics, worksheets, and support materials...2021-09-0309 minWellnessTalksConfidence Building Exercises Part 1: Commit 100%Join Todd Schmenk as he shares one of his confidence building exercises. Tied to the skills of drilling down into your personal values, this skill, of committing 100% is a powerful combination that you can begin to use right now, even if you are feeling completely overwhelmed.
Want to learn how to build self confidence? This is a good demonstration along with some examples of where to apply it. Would you like a more organized way of browsing the topics, worksheets, and support materials found here? Want more information about this educational project? And/or if you REALLY like wh...2021-08-2008 min
WellnessTalksBlursday - Dealing with Boredom and LonelinessBlursday. It is an experience we will all face at some point in our lives. Probably several times.
Join Todd Schmenk as he takes a closer look at this phenomenon and looks at ways you can build a more meaningful life in dealing with the boredom and loneliness that comes with the living the same type of day, day after day. Blursday.
Sections:
0:00 Introduction to Blursday
1:30 Understanding the Origin of Blursday
2:20 How Blursday Develops
4:14 Defining Blursday
5:27 How to Decrease the Likelihood of Blursday
6:57 Rebalancing the Equation
Would you like a more organized...2021-08-0608 minWellnessTalksTaking Off Your ArmorJoin Todd Schmenk as he walks through a self as context ACT exercise that uses the metaphor of armor to both see the continuity of the self and natural defenses that we construct, that while they help initially, but in the long run, often become a barrier to the kind of life that we want to live.
Would you like a more organized way of browsing the topics, worksheets, and support materials found here? Want more information about this educational project? And/or if you REALLY like what I am doing here, want to be part of a s...2021-07-2304 minWellnessTalksThe #1 Job Of The Mind | Managing The Inner CriticJoin Todd Schmenk, as he revisits and expands upon an older comparison of the thinking mind and observing mind with a focus on the #1 job of the mind (the #1 Job of the thinking mind that is).
This podcast (based off of video) takes a closer look at the process of how we develop rules, how we can sometimes get stuck in a rigid position with a rule, how these types of rules dictate actions, and how we might find a way to free ourselves from this phenomenon.
Chapters:
0:00 What is the job of the thin...2021-07-0207 minWellnessTalksHow Small Changes Can Make A Big Difference | Principle of Small ChangeJoin Todd Schmenk as he takes a closer look at how small changes can make a big difference. It is known as the Principle of Small Changes and is one of the underlying beliefs that informs his therapeutic approach.
You can watch the video here: Principle of Small Change
ALSO: If you REALLY like what I am doing here, want to be part of a smaller community with direct access to me, and which to support the efforts here, take a look here: https://www.patreon.com/toddschmenk to see how to become more involved! 2021-06-2105 minWellnessTalksYou Have Exactly 88 ProblemsJoin Todd Schmenk as he walks through one of the simple ACT acceptance exercises which takes a look at problems, 88 of them, and how this exercise allows for a little room for how things have been, how they will be, and the fact that we most often get through a lot if not all of them, in some way, shape, or form.
Would you like a more organized way of browsing the topics, worksheets, and support materials found here? Want more information about this educational project? Then be sure to visit out: https://www.wellnesstalks.org/
A...2021-05-2306 minWellnessTalksStruggling With Consistency in a Time of UncertaintyJoin Todd Schmenk as he walks through the theme of this past week in struggling with consistency and the overall effect it has on feeling disconnected and like life has no direction.
Covered in this presentation:
Trend of the Week: Feeling Disconnected, No Direction
Skills and Tools:
Awareness: Identify Your Roles
Openness: Assess the Situation
Engaged: Step with Purpose2021-05-1611 min
BeTeamPositive.UsHow Small Changes Can Make A Big DifferenceJoin Todd Schmenk as he takes a closer look at how small changes can make a big difference. It is known as the Principle of Small Changes and is one of the underlying beliefs that informs his therapeutic approach.
Would you like a more organized way of browsing the topics, worksheets, and support materials found here? Want more information about this educational project? Then be sure to visit out: https://www.wellnesstalks.org/
ALSO: If you REALLY like what I am doing here, want to be part of...2021-05-1005 minWellnessTalksHow Small Changes Can Make A Big DifferenceJoin Todd Schmenk as he takes a closer look at how small changes can make a big difference. It is known as the Principle of Small Changes and is one of the underlying beliefs that informs his therapeutic approach.
Would you like a more organized way of browsing the topics, worksheets, and support materials found here? Want more information about this educational project? Then be sure to visit out: https://www.wellnesstalks.org/
ALSO: If you REALLY like what I am doing here, want to be part of a smaller community with direct access to me, and wh...2021-05-1005 minWellnessTalksGoals And Scope Of CounselingWhat are the goals and scope of counseling? Why should you go and why is counseling important? Join Todd Schmenk as he walks through a quick explanation of what the process is all about, what the goals are, why you should go, and what you should expect to get out of choosing to go.
Would you like a more organized way of browsing the topics, worksheets, and support materials found here? Want more information about this educational project? Then be sure to visit out: https://www.wellnesstalks.org/
ALSO: If you REALLY like what I am doing...2021-04-2508 minWellnessTalksWhat Values Are NotJoin Todd Schmenk as he walks you through another life values exercise, with a focus on three examples of what life values are not.
Would you like a more organized way of browsing the topics, worksheets, and support materials found here? Want more information about this educational project? Then be sure to visit out: https://www.wellnesstalks.org/
ALSO: If you REALLY like what I am doing here, want to be part of a smaller community with direct access to me, and which to support the efforts here, take a look here: https://www.patreon.com/to...2021-04-1807 minWellnessTalksWhat Is Time Orientation? Effects of Focus on Anxiety and Depression.Join Todd Schmenk, as he takes a closer look at what is time orientation and how does focusing on the past or the future versus the present moment lead to increases in experience of anxiety and depression.
Would you like a more organized way of browsing the topics, worksheets, and support materials found here? Want more information about this educational project? Then be sure to visit out: https://www.wellnesstalks.org/
ALSO: If you REALLY like what I am doing here, want to be part of a smaller community with direct access to me, and which...2021-03-1906 minBeTeamPositive.UsWhat Is Time Orientation? Effects of Focus on Anxiety and Depression.Join Todd Schmenk, as he takes a closer look at what is time orientation and how does focusing on the past or the future versus the present moment lead to increases in experience of anxiety and depression.
Would you like a more organized way of browsing the topics, worksheets, and support materials found here? Want more information about this educational project? Then be sure to visit out: https://www.wellnesstalks.org/
ALSO: If you REALLY like what I am doing here, want to be part of a smaller community with...2021-03-0706 minWellnessTalksGratitude In A Jar | Tips for Staying Grateful in a PandemicJoin Todd Schmenk and Peter Binnings as they have a discussion around strategies for balance during a pandemic including Peter's favorite, Gratitude In A Jar. The whole conversation takes a closer look at what gratitude is, what it is not, and how to use your values to help guide your way in a direction that is meaningful.
Would you like a more organized way of browsing the topics, worksheets, and support materials found here? Want more information about this educational project? Then be sure to visit out: https://www.wellnesstalks.org/
ALSO: If you REALLY like wh...2021-03-0524 minBeTeamPositive.UsGratitude In A JarJoin Todd Schmenk and Peter Binnings as they have a discussion around strategies for balance during a pandemic including Peter's favorite, Gratitude In A Jar. The whole conversation takes a closer look at what gratitude is, what it is not, and how to use your values to help guide your way in a direction that is meaningful.
Would you like a more organized way of browsing the topics, worksheets, and support materials found here? Want more information about this educational project? Then be sure to visit out: https://www.wellnesstalks.org/
ALSO...2021-02-2823 minBeTeamPositive.UsHow To Uncover Your Core Values | Part 2Join Todd Schmenk as he walks through part two in a series of how to uncover your core values with a simple exercise that will leave you with a list to begin to explore and orient towards.
You can find more topics, worksheets, and support materials here:
https://www.wellnesstalks.org/
FOLLOW: https://twitter.com/tschmenk
LIKE: https://www.facebook.com/beteampositive
VIEW US: https://www.instagram.com/beteamposit...
#personalvalues #toddschmenk #wellnesstalks2021-02-2107 minWellnessTalksUncovering Your Core Values | Why Core Values Are ImportantIn order to thrive and not just survive, we need to have a base understanding of our core values, or prime values (in that they cannot be boiled down any further. We need to understand core values in order to feel more confident, to have a direction. In this video series, Uncovering your core values, I will take you on a journey to look at what personal values are, why we need them, how to discover your core values, and what to do with these personal values in order to live a meaningful life and ensure continued personal growth.2021-02-1914 minBeTeamPositive.UsUncovering Your Core ValuesIn order to thrive and not just survive, we need to have a base understanding of our core values, or prime values (in that they cannot be boiled down any further. We need to understand core values in order to feel more confident, to have a direction. In this video series, Uncovering your core values, I will take you on a journey to look at what personal values are, why we need them, how to discover your core values, and what to do with these personal values in order to live a meaningful life and ensure continued...2021-02-1414 minBeTeamPositive.UsMindfulness Exercise For PainOften, one of the core challenges of dealing with a chronic illness is having to deal with a wide variety of possible pain, both physical and mental. Join Todd Schmenk as he walks through ways in which you can utilize use a mindfulness exercise in addressing such pain. This is a guided practice which starts of with a simple grounding exercise then moves on to use a time tested technique that has worked for several situations including chronic pain, pain from cancer, and even with some dealing with an emotional pain.
My apologies for the...2021-02-0714 minWellnessTalksHow To Regain Confidence After FailureGiven that we are all destined to fail, in this video "How To Regain Confidence After Failure", join Todd Schmenk as he walks through this common question, looking at it from multiple angles along with offering some exercises you can use to move your way through the experience.
Covered in this presentation:
rend of the Week: Confidence Shaken
Skills and Tools:
Awareness: Your Left Foot (Grounding)
Openness: Checking the Facts
Engaged: Good Memories
2021-02-0611 minBeTeamPositive.UsDoing a Basic Mindfulness Grounding ExerciseJoin me as I walk through on of the most basic mindfulness skills you should consider strengthening in order to help you get through whatever challenges you might be dealing with. Whether that means dealing with ongoing pain, recurring thoughts, or looking for a way to recharge, this podcast is for you. There is nothing special you have to do or know. Just listen and follow along as I jump right in and guide you through. Listen as often as you like.
Would you like a more organized way of browsing...2021-01-2405 minWellnessTalksChallenging Automatic Negative Thoughts | Dealing with SadnessJoin Todd Schmenk as he introduces a way of challenging automatic negative thoughts, with a specific focus to ways of dealing with sadness.
This, like all the tools and trends topics, walks through the current situation and will offer three possible activities to try:
Trend of the Week: Dealing with Sadness and Depression
Skills and Tools:
Awareness:
Photo Book
Openness:
Hold It Lightly
Engaged:
Tapping Wisdom
You can find more topics, worksheets, and support materials here: https://www.wellnesstalks.org/
FOLLOW: https://twitter.com/tschmenk
LIKE: https://www.facebook.com/bet...2021-01-2410 min
ADHD EssentialsManaging the Psychological Pain of the COVID Pandemic, with Todd Schmenk, LMHC.Today, we’re talking to Todd Schmenk.
Todd is a licensed mental health counselor, and the author of Team Positive.
In today’s episode, Todd talks to us about managing the psychological pain of the COVID pandemic. Todd discusses the importance of accepting and riding out emotions, ways to understand our observing minds, how to develop psychological flexibility, the critical role that context plays in our experiences, and why getting clear on our values can help us during this challenging time.
Where's Brendan?
Tuesday, February 2nd - The Time to Thrive Summit...2021-01-2348 minBeTeamPositive.UsA Quick Look At Medication And Mental Health CounselingA common question which often comes up is whether someone needs psychotherapy or medication. It is framed as psychotherapy vs medication. There is more to it than that. So join me, Todd Schmenk, as I take a closer look at medication and mental health counseling, answering a common question, "Do I need medication, psychotherapy, or both?"
Easy to understand analogy looking at three ways of addressing this common concern.
Learn more about me here: https://www.toddschmenk.com/
FOLLOW: https://twitter.com/tschmenk
2021-01-1008 minWellnessTalksThe Upside Of Stress | Why Difficulties Are GoodJoin Todd and Jim as they take a closer look at the upside of stress and why difficult situations are ultimately good for you, in fact, it is the only way we learn and grow. Just another way of leaning into anxiety provoking situations.
0:00 Introduction 0:43 Anti-Fragile 3:30 Physiology 7:35 The Impact 8:03 Thinking Fast and Slow 11:00 Mechanics of Mindfulness 12:19 Life Example 14:33 Pull, Not Push 16:43 Benefits of Mindfulness 18:21 An Aspect of Therapy
Come connect with me on both Facebook & Instagram:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ToddSchmenkMEd
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beteamposit...
You can...2021-01-0821 minBeTeamPositive.UsTeam Positive KaffeeklatschJoin Todd Schmenk at his online Team Positive Kaffeeklatsch presentation at the Association of Rhode Island Authors Expo in December of 2020. This event is usually a large public affair, but due to the circumstances of the year, this format was done as an alternative. Watch the presentation he gave here. (please note, this is about my book, but the information within is useful whether or not you choose to purchase the resource. Thought I would just give you a heads up.)
FOLLOW: https://twitter.com/tschmenk
LIKE: ...2021-01-0323 minBeTeamPositive.UsMindful Movement Full Body Scan | Simple Mindfulness Exercises for BeginnersJoin Todd Schmenk as he guides you through a mindful movement full body scan with prompts followed up at the end with tips for how to use this powerful tool to help develop psychological flexibility for intentional living as well as decreasing experiences of anxiety and depression.
You can find more topics, worksheets, and support materials here:
https://www.wellnesstalks.org/
FOLLOW: https://twitter.com/tschmenk
LIKE: https://www.facebook.com/beteampositive
VIEW US: https://www.instagram.com/beteamposit...
2020-12-2718 minWellnessTalksConfident Kids | The Mindful ParentJoin Todd Schmenk (LMHC) and guest, Darlene Darezzo (LMHC) as they talk about what it takes to raise confident kids with several strategies and concepts in addressing behavioral, mental, and emotional health with a special look at what it takes to be the mindful parent.2020-12-2522 minBeTeamPositive.UsMindfulness Exercise for Emotional or Physical PainPulling from another ongoing series, Monday Morning Mindfulness, this episode is a skill development and practice designed to use a visualization grounded in a simple mindfulness practice allowing the listener to create a little room or space in connection with an unwanted personal experience. There is no need to have any knowledge of how to do a mindfulness practice, just follow along and listen. 2020-12-2010 minBeTeamPositive.UsChronic Illness Support Group | Dealing with Distress Part 3One of the considerations of how to build a chronic illness support group is in learning how the mind works in order to come up with ways of dealing with distress. This video looks at the thinking mind and observing mind for strategies to be able to distance yourself as well as highlighting the importance of managing your energy. It is designed for both the patient and for anyone in a supportive role.
It is broken into three parts due to its length, one coming out each week, and each one provides an effective...2020-12-1311 minWellnessTalksName It To Tame It | Identifying Automatic ThoughtsJoin Todd as he takes another look at a thought or thoughts that just won't go away and offers a process you can use to identify that thought and name it to tame it.
Starts off with a grounding presence mindfulness practice, introduces a thought spotting technique, then plays around with a new way to relate to these types of thoughts.
Trend of the Week:
"I Can't Seem to Get Away From This Thought"
Skills and Tools:
Awareness: Inhale on Three
Openness: Is This Thought Helpful?
Engaged: Name it to Tame It2020-12-1109 minBeTeamPositive.UsChronic Illness Support Group | Dealing with Distress Part 2One of the considerations of how to build a chronic illness support group is in learning how the mind works in order to come up with ways of dealing with distress. This video looks at the thinking mind and observing mind for strategies to be able to distance yourself as well as highlighting the importance of managing your energy. It is designed for both the patient and for anyone in a supportive role. It is broken into three parts due to its length, one coming out each week, and each one provides an effective coping skill...2020-12-0609 minBeTeamPositive.UsDealing with Distress: Part 1One of the considerations of how to build a chronic illness support group is in learning how the mind works in order to come up with ways of dealing with distress. This video looks at the thinking mind and observing mind for strategies to be able to distance yourself as well as highlighting the importance of managing your energy. It is designed for both the patient and for anyone in a supportive role. It is broken into three parts due to its length, one coming out each week, and each one provides an effective coping skill...2020-11-2914 minWellnessTalksHow To Endure Emotional PainThe key to enduring emotional pain is living a purposeful life. Join Todd Schmenk as he walks through 3 simple exercises to help you look at the underlying causes of emotional pain and the associated thoughts that often occur with this type of pain with the last exercise helping you what your pain is trying to tell you. Your pain has wisdom, it tells you what is most important. If you can learn to gain some distance, you can choose to accept or reject the advice and become more psychologically flexible.
Trend of the Week: Dealing with emotional pain...2020-11-2712 minBeTeamPositive.UsSimple Mindfulness Exercises For BeginnersA simple mindfulness exercises for beginners or for anyone wanting to try to strengthen their practice with a simple 3-5 minute long exercise followed by a quick discussion of what to expect, what might be experienced, and how to add this skill to your day. Essential tool in the Team Positive Toolbox.2020-11-2205 minBeTeamPositive.UsDealing With What Ifs | Unhooking from WorriesJoin Todd Schmenk as he walks you through how to manage dealing with what ifs, that if focused on for too long increase levels of stress and anxiety and what to do instead.
Skills and Tools: Awareness: Taking a Purposeful Breath Openness: Unhooking from thoughts Engaged: Finding a Guide2020-11-1511 minWellnessTalksManaging The Inner Critic | Name It to Tame ItHow do you work at managing the inner critic? See the inner critic as coach. That is inner critic AND inner coach integration. While I am sure you are aware of these inner voices, have you ever considered that these voices are one in the same? Join Todd Schmenk as he walks through this weeks themes of coming to term with these aspects of the self, how they are beneficial, and how either of these two voices can become overwhelming and rigid when over emphasized.
Trend of the Week: Dealing with the Inner Critic
Skills...2020-11-1309 min
BeTeamPositive.UsHow to Reduce Stress, The 5,4,3,2,1 MethodAn easy to use approach to decreasing emotional distress, anytime anywhere.
This mindfulness technique helps you to become more present to the current moment. This is helpful in that when we are worried or anxious, it is because our minds are focused on the future. While this is a necessary component of life, if we focus too much attention there, we become hypersensitive. This technique addressed this phenomenon.
An easy to use approach to decreasing emotional distress, anytime anywhere. The 5,4,3,2,1 method is a mindfulness stress management technique that...2020-11-0805 minBeTeamPositive.UsBuilding a Support TeamJoin Todd Schmenk as he walks through to build support for caregivers of cancer patients (or any other chronic illness). A look at some common questions and concerns are covered along with some suggestions for how best to either build your own team or build a team for someone you love.
FOLLOW: https://twitter.com/tschmenk
LIKE: https://www.facebook.com/beteampositive
VIEW US: https://www.instagram.com/beteampositive/2020-11-0108 minWellnessTalksHealing Trauma And Spiritual Growth | The Monster's JourneyJoin Todd Schmenk as he interviews Dr. Mark Forman in taking a closer look at healing trauma and spiritual growth in Mark's new book, "The Monster's Journey: From Trauma to Connection".
Overview of interview and time stamps:
1:02 Introduction to the book and author 3:07 The Hero's story
4:30 The Monster's story 6:37 Author's personal experience
10:00 Trauma assessment
15:17 Who will benefit from the book
17:40 Overview of symptoms of trauma 24:18 A closer look at the cover art
27:16 Main goal of the book
28:36 Comparison of the Hero's and Monster's Journey
31:46 Geeking out with Star Wars and Lord of the Rings
You can listen to this on www.w...2020-10-3033 minBeTeamPositive.UsBe Team Positive: Dealing with the Initial ImpactWhat do you do the moment you discover you have a serious medical challenge in front of you? Whether it is your own personal challenge or that of a loved one or good friend? Join Todd Schmenk as he walks through a few examples of how this occurred for others, what you might expect, and stick around until the end of the podcast for ten suggestions for what to do in that initial moment. 2020-10-2511 minBeTeamPositive.UsWelcome to Be Team Positive: How to Build Support for Someone Coping with Chronic IllnessJoin me, Todd Schmenk, for an introduction to this series, from the history behind the "Team Positive program" to what you can come to expect in listening to these podcasts. The primary goal of this podcast is in fostering psychological flexibility for all involved, from the person dealing with the chronic illness or medical situation to anyone who finds them-self in a supportive role.
Topics will include a deeper look at the guides and framework, what you should expect, what to say and what not to say, how to manage your energy...2020-10-1908 min
WellnessTalksUnhooking from Worries, Dealing with the "What Ifs?"Join Todd Schmenk as he walks you through how to manage dealing with what ifs, that if focused on for too long increase levels of stress and anxiety and what to do instead.
Trend of the Week: Dealing with What Ifs
Skills and Tools:
Awareness: Taking a Purposeful Breath
Openness: Unhooking from thoughts
Engaged: Finding a Guide
2020-10-1612 min
WellnessTalksThought Management Techniques | Holding It LightlyMore thought management techniques in this weeks end of the week reflection, join Todd Schmenk, as he walks through dealing with disturbing dreams and the thoughts often associated with them.
Practical easy to follow pen and paper exercise that you can use right now also covered as a bonus. Learn how to use this and you now have a skill you can use anytime. Topics in this presentation are:
Trend: Disturbing Dreams
Openness: Holding Thoughts Lightly
Awareness: Identifying the Thought
Engaged: Utilizing a Values Anchor
You can watch this in a video format here: T...2020-10-0210 min
WellnessTalksSensory Check & Body ScanHere is a beginning or even end of day reflection where Todd Schmenk walks you through a series of three simple exercises designed to help you deal with that thought that often times will simply just not go away.
These skills can be utilized at any time during your day and will often help you pull back far enough away from the thought to truly engage in a way that matters.
Exercises in this podcast:
Doing a Sensory Check
Quick Body Scan
Values Guided Next Steps
Want the video? Watch it here: End Of Day...2020-09-1810 min
WellnessTalksTools and Trends: Half-Smile, Mindful EatingThis end of week reflection builds upon past videos with similar titles but with more emphasis on application to all situations, not just personal growth during covid-19. This series will continue to focus on current weekly trends while introducing and/or reviewing new concepts, skills, and themes designed to supporting your mental health with greater psychological flexibility. This series will always focus on a current trend and an openness, awareness, and engagement skill or concept. Topics in this presentation are: Openness: Half-Smile Awareness: Mindful Eating Engaged: Personal Values Assessment - a further exploration.2020-09-0411 min
WellnessTalksPsychological Flexibility | Anxiety Q&A: Part 1Recording of a recent Anxiety Q&A session with Todd as he explored ways for those asking questions to get a better handle on their anxiety and increase their psychological flexibility in dealing with these questions and more. Broken into three parts due to the length of the Q&A Session. This is part 1. 2020-07-3115 min
WellnessTalksWho Can You Compare Yourself Against?Principle to live by: Compare Yourself To Who You Were Yesterday Not To Who Someone Else Is Today since the only person you can compare yourself to is you. Quick overview of why we compare, who we compare ourselves against, and who we should be comparing ourselves to.2020-07-1303 min
WellnessTalksWhat is Cognitive Fusion?A quick overview of cognitive fusion and diffusion and how knowing this is useful in developing psychological flexibility.2020-06-1905 min
WellnessTalksFailure Is A Part Of Success | Failure is EssentialConsider that Failure Is A Part Of Success. The fear of failure often associated with higher levels of anxiety. This short talk walks through some of the reasons why failure is essential and how we could not succeed without failing.2020-06-0506 min
WellnessTalksThe #1 Job of the MindJoin Todd as he walks through what the thinking mind is, what its job is, and how this sometimes gets in the way and causes us to become stuck, especially when dealing with a problem that is, for the moment at least, unsolvable and\or out of our control. 2020-05-0818 min
WellnessTalksSupport Tools for Covid-19In this episode, Todd Schmenk walks listeners through a series of the most common answers he has been focusing on with those in his practice as well as friends and family in being able to refocus and reset ones mindset in dealing with the stay at home orders in response to Covid-19. 2020-04-2408 min
WellnessTalks5 to 1 Ration, A Couples Communication ConceptWhat is the ratio of positive to negative interactions needed to maintain a good relationship? How does one go about figuring out what the ratio is in your relationship? Join Todd as he walks through what it is, where it came from, why it's important, and most importantly, how to use the idea to improve and maintain your own relationship. 2020-04-1011 min
WellnessTalksDoes Social Anxiety Reduce Openness To Experience?In this video, I answer the question "does social anxiety reduce openness to experience" which I received in an email request to answer. It addresses how our behaviors can affect our openness and how, if we are willing to experience some modest discomfort, it is possible to increase our confidence to be more open.2020-03-2705 min
WellnessTalksDealing with Distress (part 3 of 3)One of the considerations of how to build a chronic illness support group is in learning how the mind works in order to come up with ways of dealing with distress. This podcast looks at the thinking mind and observing mind for strategies to be able to distance yourself as well as highlighting the importance of managing your energy. It is designed for both the patient and for anyone in a supportive role. It is broken into three parts due to its length, one coming out each week, and each one provides an effective coping skill you can try imm...2020-03-1311 min
WellnessTalksDealing with Distress (Part 2 of 3)In this episode in dealing with distress, Todd focuses on two more techniques in being able to better manage stressful situations, thoughts and emotions. The first technique looks at a way to look for and find exceptions to your usual rules or ways of responding. This provides you with two practices within a practice, identification, and defusion from a thought and the ability to test the situation for the thought's truthfulness and its usefulness. In doing so, this frees you up to act on something that truly matters to you. It allows you to find the exceptions to situations whic...2020-02-2810 min
WellnessTalksDealing with Distress (Part 1 of 3)One of the considerations of how to build a chronic illness support group is in learning how the mind works in order to come up with ways of dealing with distress. This podcast walks through the topic of the thinking mind and observing mind for strategies to be able to distance yourself as well as highlighting the importance of managing your energy. It is designed for both the patient and for anyone in a supportive role. It is broken into three parts due to its length, one coming out every other week, and each one provides an effective coping ski...2020-02-1414 min
WellnessTalksThe Dirty DozenListen in as Todd walks through the "Dirty Dozen", the 12 most common cognitive biases that we all experience along with tips on how to detect them and why it is important to do so.2020-01-3115 min
WellnessTalksHow Much Time Do You Waste On Social MediaAn exploration of why it is so enticing, what occurs when we spend too much time on social media including higher anxiety levels, and some strategies for what to do about it. 2020-01-2408 min
WellnessTalksOne Dumb MomentEver witnessed something dumb? Something that annoyed you? This little exercise helps you to step back, take a breath, observe what's going on and move in a direction of compassion. 2020-01-1705 min
WellnessTalksRight Brain to Right Brain CommunicationEver have a moment where you meant well, but it appeared that you somehow missed the mark in communicating with a loved one, child or friend? Take a look at a way to engage more fully by understanding this technique.
You can watch the video here: Right Brain to Right Brain Communication on WellnessTalks.Org2020-01-1006 min
WellnessTalksRecurring Thoughts | What They Are and What to Do About ThemWhat are recurring thoughts? (sometimes called reoccurring thoughts or repetitive thoughts) and is there any way to manage them? Listen as Todd walks through what they are, where they come from, and follow up with a few experiments and skills for how to handle them. 2020-01-0310 min
WellnessTalksWhat Is Integral Theory | An IntroductionWhat is Integral Theory and how is it useful? This podcast is a brief introduction and overview of the theory and its usefulness in everyday life. Based on the popular video of the same name.2019-12-2707 min
WellnessTalksYour Personal 24 Hour Radio StationThe mind is always on, always telling you something. This short presentation explains the key to noticing this fact and why you should.
Podcast created from a presentation. When I talk about "Here" imagine me pointing to my head.
You can also watch the video here: Your Personal 24 Hour Radio Station2019-12-2004 min
WellnessTalksUtilizing the WitnessExcerpt from an ACT Mindfulness class I led early in 2019 where the topic of the mindfulness technique, the witness, was being introduced to help those in attendance understand better the concept of the witness and the importance of doing the exercise in addressing challenges with pain, anxiety, depression, and unwanted thoughts. 2019-12-2010 min
WellnessTalksMindful CoffeeThis is a simple introduction and exercise giving you an idea for how to add simple mindfulness practices to everyday activities. It does not have to be difficult to add such a life skill to your day and the benefits outweigh the investment. Listen to the whole podcast to get an overview of the skill, why it is useful, and how to add this to other components of your day OR just listen to the actual exercise all by itself by selecting that portion of the podcast. This last suggestion is good should you want to return to the sim...2019-12-1409 min
WellnessTalksIntroduction to the Body Scan ExerciseA simple exercise to increase your mindfulness skills, this quick body scan exercise helps you in noticing the present. It is a body scan meditation 5 minutes in length and a meditation for beginners. I will eventually make a shorter version which will just be a guided mindfulness exercise, this podcast walks you through it while explaining how to do it on your own as well as a few other tidbits to help you grasp and use the skill. This technique is useful in managing symptoms of anxiety, depression and even helps with managing pain.
This was originally a v...2019-12-0612 min
WellnessTalksWho Can You Compare Yourself To?We often, due to how we are wired, will make the mistake of comparing ourselves against others, but who can we truly and fairly compare ourselves against? Listen to this brief podcast to find out. 2019-12-0604 minWellnessTalksIntroduction to "From the Couch"Overview of why this podast was created and what you can expect to hear in future podcast episodes. 2019-12-0407 min
Daily AuthorsTeam Positive with Todd SchmenkOn today's incredible episode, I'm speaking with the talented Todd Schmenk, author of …
Team Positive: How to Build Support for Someone Coping with a Chronic Illness
Todd is a licensed mental health counselor with over twenty years of experience in the mental and behavioral health field helping patients work through chronic health, anxiety, and adjustment issues. His private practice, AQAL Therapies, is located in Providence, Rhode Island.
Todd is adept in using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and advanced Integral Psychotherapy (IP) methodologies to facilitate client awareness and emotional fl...2019-11-2231 min