Dr Barbara Kiao

08/04/2025

Understand your brain and therefore behaviour.

12/11/2024

Vulnerability defined: Vulnerability refers to the willingness to expose oneself emotionally, to express genuine feelings, and to risk experiencing uncertainty, criticism, or rejection. This openness goes beyond physical vulnerability, involving emotional and psychological states where a person lets down defenses to connect more deeply with themselves and others. Dr Brené Brown, Professor of Social Work at the University of Houston. One of the leading researchers on vulnerability, defines it as a fundamental form of courage that underpins human connection, creativity, and resilience.

Come join Dr BB to learn more about the importance of vulnerability based on recent research, how to cultivate it, and the consequences of a lack thereof.

Enjoy the learning, share, subscribe and review this Episode.
For further resources please visit:www.drbarbarakiao.com

Vulnerability defined: Vulnerability refers to the willingness to expose oneself emotionally, to express genuine feelings, and to risk experiencing uncertainty, criticism, or rejection. This openness goes beyond physical vulnerability, involving e...

05/11/2024

The skill of focus in psychology refers to the ability to direct and maintain attention on a specific task or object, while ignoring distractions. It is a key component of cognitive processes such as problem-solving, decision-making, learning, and goal achievement. Focus allows for deeper concentration and more effective use of mental energy, leading to higher levels of productivity, creativity, and overall well-being.

Come join Dr BB for further detailed explanation and learn all that you can to further enhance your skill of focus.

Enjoy, share, subscribe and review this Episode.
For further resources please visit: www.drbarbarakiao.com

The skill of focus in psychology refers to the ability to direct and maintain attention on a specific task or object, while ignoring distractions. It is a key component of cognitive processes such as problem-solving, decision-making, learning, and...

22/10/2024

The nature of the questions we ask shapes our understanding of reality and influences our problem-solving strategies. In North American culture, a significant distinction can be made between asking "Why?" and asking "How?" in the context of problem-solving, particularly when it comes to personal and societal challenges.

The Power of "Why?" When we ask "Why?" we seek to understand the underlying causes, motivations, and beliefs that contribute to a situation. In psychological terms, this is akin to probing the root cause of behaviors, emotions, or problems rather than merely addressing the surface symptoms. Asking "Why?" fosters introspection, critical thinking, and deeper insights, which are essential for long-term growth, healing, and meaningful change.

Come join Dr BB to learn more about the Power of "Why?" and how this type of questioning can benefit us in our daily life versus asking "How?"

For more resources please visit: www.drbarbarakiao.com

The nature of the questions we ask shapes our understanding of reality and influences our problem-solving strategies. In North American culture, a significant distinction can be made between asking "Why?" and asking "How?" in the context of proble...

15/10/2024

The schema concept in psychology, particularly in Schema Therapy (developed by Dr Jeffrey Young), refers to deeply ingrained, dysfunctional patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving that originate from unmet emotional needs during childhood. These schemas act as filters through which individuals perceive and respond to life situations, leading to maladaptive coping behaviors in adulthood.

Schemas are often linked to early negative experiences (e.g., neglect, abandonment, abuse, etc.) and can trigger negative emotions, self-defeating behaviors, and interpersonal difficulties. There are 18 identified maladaptive schemas, divided into five main domains, based on the unmet needs.

Come join Dr Barbara to learn to identify and dissolve those maladaptive schemas. It is only when you are equipped to identifying these maladaptive patterns and gradually replacing them with healthier thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, you can lead more fulfilling, balanced lives, free from the constraints of those schemas that are no longer serving you.

Thank you for listening!

The schema concept in psychology, particularly in Schema Therapy (developed by Dr Jeffrey Young), refers to deeply ingrained, dysfunctional patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving that originate from unmet emotional needs during childhood. The...

08/10/2024

What are emotional or psychological triggers?

In psychology, a trigger refers to any stimulus—whether internal (like thoughts or emotions) or external (like situations, people, places, or objects)—that causes an emotional reaction or recalls a past trauma. Triggers often lead to intense, automatic responses (reaction) that can include anxiety, anger, panic, sadness, or other strong emotions. They can occur in various mental health conditions: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, or even in people without a clinical diagnosis.

How triggers are formed? Mental health professionals are not hundred percent certain how triggers form. Some researchers believe triggers are formed through conditioning— a process in which certain experiences, often stressful or traumatic, get linked to specific stimuli. The brain associates these stimuli with emotional responses, and the next time the person encounters the same stimulus, it "triggers" the same emotional response.

Come join Dr Barbara to learn more about your psychological or emotional triggers. Learn to be aware, so to identify them in order to cope and manage them in a healthy manner.

One major benefit of identifying and managing your triggers is to avoid unnecessary conflict when interacting with friends, family members and colleagues.

Thank you for listening!

What are emotional or psychological triggers?In psychology, a trigger refers to any stimulus—whether internal (like thoughts or emotions) or external (like situations, people, places, or objects)—that causes an emotional reaction or recalls a past...

03/09/2024

Coercive control is a pattern of behavior that a perpetrator uses to dominate, manipulate, and micro-manage the life of a victim. Unlike physical abuse, which can be more visible and identifiable, coercive control is often insidious and involves psychological, emotional, and sometimes financial abuse. This form of control systematically strips the victim of their autonomy, self-worth, and freedom, creating an environment of fear and dependence.

Is Coercive Control a Form of Abuse?
Yes, coercive control is indeed a form of abuse. In many jurisdictions, it is legally recognized as such, and laws have been enacted to criminalize it. It is often a component of domestic violence and can be just as damaging as physical abuse, if not more so, due to its pervasive and long-term effects on the victim’s mental and emotional health.

Come join Dr BB to learn more about the symptoms and signs of Coercive Control. Recognizing the signs of coercive control, seeking help, and finding a path to healing are crucial steps for anyone trapped in this type of abusive relationship. Support from friends, family, professionals, and legal systems can make a significant difference in helping victims reclaim their lives and freedom.

Listen, share, subscribe and review this Episode.
For further resources please visit:www.drbarbarakiao.com

Coercive control is a pattern of behavior that a perpetrator uses to dominate, manipulate, and micro-manage the life of a victim. Unlike physical abuse, which can be more visible and identifiable, coercive control is often insidious and involves p...

27/08/2024

Abuse is a complex and multifaceted concept in psychology, referring to any action that intentionally harms or injures another person, either physically, emotionally, or psychologically. Abuse can manifest in various forms, and it often involves a power imbalance where the abuser exerts control or dominance over the victim. The psychological impact of abuse can be profound, leading to long-term emotional, mental, and sometimes physical consequences.

In this Episode, Dr BB explains the common types of Abuse: Physical Abuse, Emotional/Psychological Abuse, Sexual Abuse, Financial/Economic Abuse, Neglect, Verbal Abuse, Cultural & Identity Abuse.

Come join Dr BB and have a listen and learn more about this complex and multifaceted concept - Abuse.

For further resources please visit: drbarbarakiao.com

Abuse is a complex and multifaceted concept in psychology, referring to any action that intentionally harms or injures another person, either physically, emotionally, or psychologically. Abuse can manifest in various forms, and it often involves a...

13/08/2024

In this Episode, Dr BB continues to share the remaining common signs of authentic spiritual awakening, along with specific examples of how they might manifest in daily life.

She then moves on to energy vampirism: A metaphorical concept where certain individuals, often referred to as "energy vampires," are thought to deplete the emotional or psychological energy of those around them. This concept describes how some people can negatively impact others' mental well-being.

Come join Dr BB to learn more about the different types of "energy vampires", and how you can protect yourself by managing and/or avoid them.

Accept this invitation to have a listen, share, subscribe and review this Episode.
For further resources please visit: drbarbarakiao.com

In this Episode, Dr BB continues to share the remaining common signs of authentic spiritual awakening, along with specific examples of how they might manifest in daily life.She then moves on to energy vampirism: A metaphorical concept where certai...

30/07/2024

In this Episode, Dr Barbara further expand on Carl Gustav Jung, the Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst's take on spirituality. Dr Jung's approach to spirituality was deeply integrated into his theories of the psyche, and it played a significant role in his understanding of human consciousness and personal development.

Come join Dr BB to learn the three stages of Jung's Individuation process: For Jung, individuation was a key spiritual process. It involves becoming aware of and integrating the various aspects of the self, including the shadow (the unconscious, repressed aspects of the personality), the anima/animus (the inner feminine/masculine), and ultimately realizing the Self (authentic/true Self.) This journey is akin to a spiritual quest for wholeness.

Have a listen, share, subscribe and review this Episode.
For further resources please visit: www.drbarbarakiao.com

In this Episode, Dr Barbara further expand on Carl Gustav Jung, the Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst's take on spirituality.  Dr Jung's approach to spirituality was deeply integrated into his theories of the psyche, and it played a signif...

23/07/2024

Carl Gustav Jung, the Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst who founded analytical psychology, had a profound and nuanced perspective on spirituality. Jung's approach to spirituality was deeply integrated into his theories of the psyche, and it played a significant role in his understanding of human consciousness and personal development. One of the key points about Jung's take on spirituality is Individuation: For Jung, individuation was a key spiritual process. It involves becoming aware of and integrating the various aspects of the self, including the shadow (the unconscious, repressed aspects of the personality), the anima/animus (the inner feminine/masculine), and ultimately realizing the Self. This journey is akin to a spiritual quest for wholeness.

In this Episode, Dr Barbara also employs Scott Jeffrey's 2024 revised paper: The Individuation Process: A Beginner's Guide to Jungian Psychology.

Come join Dr BB to learn more about Dr Carl Gustav Jung's teachings on spirituality. Listen, share, subscribe and review this Episode.

For further resources please visit: www.drbarbarakiao.com

Carl Gustav Jung, the Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst who founded analytical psychology, had a profound and nuanced perspective on spirituality. Jung's approach to spirituality was deeply integrated into his theories of the psyche, and it pla...

02/07/2024

Spirituality is a broad concept with room for many perspectives. Generally, it involves a sense of connection to something greater than oneself, which can involve a search for meaning in life. It is often linked to religion, but it can also extend beyond religious experiences.

Dr Barbara explains some of the key aspects of spirituality: Connection through mindfulness and meditation practices. Nature Connection by spending time in nature can foster a sense of awe and connection to the world. A person might go for regular walks in the park, hike in the mountains, or garden, finding spiritual fulfillment in the beauty and tranquility of the natural world.

According to Dr BB, Acts of Kindness and Service is a must. Helping others can bring a sense of purpose and connection. Volunteering at a local shelter, mentoring someone in need, or simply practicing daily acts of kindness can be deeply fulfilling.

Come join Dr BB to get a general sense of what spirituality can mean to an individual. Have a listen, share, subscribe and review this Episode.

For further resources please visit: www.drbarbarakiao.com

Spirituality is a broad concept with room for many perspectives. Generally, it involves a sense of connection to something greater than oneself, which can involve a search for meaning in life. It is often linked to religion, but it can also extend...