Ep182: Transformative Moments: Single Session Therapy and Mental Health Innovations with Dr. Jessica L. Schleider

OVERVIEW

“They're supporting teens' autonomy. They're allowing teens to explore their own decisions and, you know, honor their own self-perceived needs rather than relying on others, to seek out treatment for them.”

In this episode, Dr. Yishan is joined by Dr. Jessica L. Schleider, an assistant professor of psychology at Stony Brook University, where she directs the Lab for Scalable Mental Health.  Schleider completed her PhD in clinical psychology at Harvard University, her doctoral internship in clinical and community psychology at Yale School of Medicine, and her BA in psychology at Swarthmore College. Her research on brief, scalable interventions for youth depression and anxiety has been recognized via numerous awards, including a National Institutes of Health Director’s Early Independence Award; the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT) President’s New Researcher Award; and Forbes’s “30 Under 30 in Healthcare.”

Together, they explore the groundbreaking concept of single-session therapy and its potential to transform mental health care, especially for youth. Dr. Schleider discusses her upcoming book, "Little Treatments Big Effects," emphasizing the power of even brief interventions in improving mental health. The conversation highlights the challenges in accessing traditional psychotherapy and the need for scalable, accessible solutions.

Join us as we uncover the potential of single-session therapy in reshaping mental health care and empowering individuals to seek support.

Key points covered in this episode include the following:

  • Single Sessions Yield Lasting Change: Dr. Schleider's research supports the pivotal idea that even a single therapy session can lead to enduring positive effects, challenging conventional notions of treatment duration and efficacy.

  • Shifting Trajectories Through Small Moments: Every moment holds the potential for meaningful change, and Dr. Schleider's work emphasizes the impact of small, detectable steps towards progress and empowerment—a concept that resonates deeply with the goals of mental health support.

  • Digital Innovations for Enhanced Access: Dr. Schleider's team is leveraging digital self-guided programs to expand mental health care access, particularly for teens. These initiatives offer autonomy and flexibility, empowering individuals to take charge of their mental well-being and seek support on their terms.

We invite you to listen to this insightful episode and engage with the valuable information shared by Dr. Schleider. The podcast can be accessed on our website or your preferred podcast platform.

"Any step, no matter how small, can make a difference, and that's really the power of single session therapy, instilling hope in psychotherapy for any problem.” - Dr. Jessica L. Schleider

WHAT WILL WE LEARN

00:00 Discussion on access to short-term psychotherapy.

06:08 Single session interventions fill gaps in mental health.

08:08 Brief therapy emphasizes change in single sessions.

10:40 Small steps lead to meaningful change and hope.

14:38 Research on single session therapies due to frustration.

17:46 Community center struggles to provide mental health care.

21:02 Interventions support teens autonomy and peer learning.

26:20 Need to collaborate with organizations for reach.

28:57 Promoting single session interventions in mental health.

33:20 Therapist discusses training and patient re-engagement.

37:37 Reflecting on moments, opportunities for change or growth.

39:25 Individual sleep habits vary; aim for improvement with caution.

Are you so sleepy that you cannot focus? Are you tired of getting through the day drinking coffee? Are you worried how your poor sleep may impact your health? Checkout Dr. Yishan Xu’s Insomnia Treatment Course! 

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Yishan Xu, PhD, DBSMsleep, sleep disorder, sleep better, sleep apneaComment