Transforming Relationships

Life Amid War — Voices From Ukraine

What is it like to live psychologically under the constant threat of war? In this episode, Ukrainian psychologists Volodymyr Voloshin and Olha Serha share firsthand experiences of living and working in Ukraine during ongoing conflict. We explore trauma, resilience, relationships, uncertainty, and the emotional realities of adapting to life under chronic danger. The conversation examines how war reshapes identity, daily life, and mental health — while also revealing the power of connection, community, and hope in sustaining resilience. A moving discussion about survival, healing, and the human experience during war. Subscribe to the newsletter for episode updates and reflections: https://www.transformingrelationships.substack.com/subscribe [https://www.transformingrelationships.substack.com/subscribe] Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@transforming.relationships

What Creates Change in Psychotherapy? | Dr. Mary Jo Peebles

What creates real change in psychotherapy? In this episode, Dr. Eric Spiegel and Dr. David Alter speak with Dr. Mary Jo Peebles, clinical psychologist and psychoanalyst, about the deeper processes that drive transformation in therapy. Moving beyond technique-driven and manualized approaches, Dr. Peebles explores psychotherapy as a dynamic, relational process—one shaped by uncertainty, mutual influence, and the evolving interaction between therapist and patient. The conversation examines how therapeutic change emerges over time through moments of connection, rupture and repair, and shifts in perception and expectation. It also highlights the importance of "scaffolding" in early treatment, the role of relational safety, and the neurobiological foundations of lasting psychological change. If you'd like episode updates, reflections, and future conversations delivered directly to you, join the email list on Substack: https://transformingrelationships.substack.com/subscribe [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=comments&redir_token=QUFFLUhqblJKNUpuaXc3aW9laXJ0MjJ0V1VPcTAzT1Nod3xBQ3Jtc0ttUC1ZcVBIbWR1a1VodHFHQnJ1NjZLRlNzZVJCQ1djU3o4cXFOYVAySE1FSUZ5RW1kbFdXUUxRR1hqZUNESmVRR2VpOU90Y2prU0lmRVhWamFidEl5OUdWellwWkdZcW9vc09tcVNvLTVvbWtkdVZCVQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Ftransformingrelationships.substack.com%2Fsubscribe] Topics include: * The limits of manualized and protocol-driven therapy * Psychotherapy as a relational, emergent process * The role of uncertainty and ambiguity in clinical work * Rupture, repair, and the development of trust * Scaffolding and early therapeutic structure * Perception, expectation, and psychological change * Neurobiological perspectives on transformation This episode offers a nuanced exploration of psychotherapy for clinicians, students, and anyone interested in how meaningful change unfolds within human relationships. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Mary Jo Peebles 02:54 The Complexity of Psychotherapy 05:54 Trans-Theoretical Approaches in Therapy 08:47 Siloed Practices in Psychology 11:55 The Role of Identity in Therapy 15:07 Understanding Patient Experiences 18:07 Role Play: Navigating Panic Attacks 20:54 Exploring Uniqueness vs. Commonality in Therapy 24:11 Role Play: Attachment and Connection 27:06 The Therapeutic Alliance and Patient Engagement 36:05 The Emergence of Change 39:02 Navigating Emotional Spaces 43:51 Understanding the Therapeutic Process 46:17 The Role of Ambiguity in Therapy 48:09 Scaffolding in Early Sessions 52:51 Duality of Experience in Therapy 55:05 Rupture and Repair in Therapeutic Relationships 01:01:52 The Challenge of Change 01:06:57 Structural Changes for Lasting Impact Follow Dr. David Alter: General Info: www.drdavidalter.com For Couples: www.partnersatcrossroads.com Follow Dr. Eric Spiegel: General Info: www.ericspiegelphd.com Group Practice: www.therapistsinphiladelphia.com

Loneliness and the Crisis in Connection

Are we truly facing a loneliness epidemic—or are we misunderstanding what connection really requires? In this episode, Dr. Eric Spiegel and Dr. David Alter explore the growing concern that modern life is eroding meaningful human connection. They examine how changes in technology, work, and social structure have reshaped relationships—and why many people feel increasingly disconnected despite constant contact. The conversation distinguishes between being alone, feeling lonely, and being fundamentally disconnected, offering a more precise framework for understanding emotional isolation. They also explore why many attempts at connection feel superficial or performative, and what actually creates relationships that are reciprocal, honest, and emotionally sustaining. The episode concludes with practical, grounded ways to rebuild connection—through consistency, vulnerability, and a willingness to engage beyond surface-level interaction. Key Topics * The "loneliness epidemic": reality vs perception * Real vs superficial relationships * Technology and social disconnection * Vulnerability and reciprocity in relationships * Rebuilding meaningful connection * The role of environment, nature, and presence

Conflict, Identity and Multiple Perspectives in Israel–Palestine

Why is it so difficult to hold multiple perspectives in conflict, especially when identity, history, and trauma are involved? In this episode, conflict negotiator Naseem Khuri explores the psychology of conflict through the lens of Israel–Palestine and, later in the episode, polarization in the United States. Drawing on his professional work and personal history, he examines how people interpret the same reality in fundamentally different ways, and why conflict is often something to be managed rather than resolved. The conversation addresses intergenerational trauma, competing narratives of loss and displacement, the danger of certainty, and the role of process in creating conditions for understanding. It also explores the limits of empathy in active conflict and the importance of building structures that allow people to be heard without requiring agreement. This episode offers a psychological perspective on conflict, identity, and polarization—both in international contexts and in everyday human relationships. Hosts: Eric Spiegel and David Alter Guest: Naseem Khuri Follow Dr. David Alter: General Info: www.drdavidalter.com For Couples: www.partnersatcrossroads.com Follow Dr. Eric Spiegel: General Info: www.ericspiegelphd.com Group Practice: www.therapistsinphiladelphia.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/drericspiegel

Dr. David Patterson: Hypnosis, Pain & Neuroplasticity

How can hypnosis transform the way we experience pain? In this episode, psychologists Dr. Eric Spiegel and Dr. David Alter speak with Dr. David Patterson, a leading expert in pain psychology and medical hypnosis, about the science and psychology of pain—and how hypnosis can reshape our relationship with it. The conversation explores the critical differences between acute and chronic pain, the role of neuroplasticity in maintaining pain patterns, and how hypnosis can help patients shift perception, reduce suffering, and reconnect with activity and meaning. Dr. Patterson also shares deeply personal reflections on grief, resilience, and healing, illustrating how relational aspects of therapy and human connection play a powerful role in recovery. This episode offers both clinical insight and human perspective on one of the most challenging experiences people face: living with pain. Hosts: Eric Spiegel and David Alter Guest: David Patterson Keywords Pain management Hypnosis Neuroplasticity Chronic pain Medical hypnosis Psychotherapy Pain treatment Mind-body medicine Emotional resilience Healing Follow Dr. David Alter: General Info: www.drdavidalter.com For Couples: www.partnersatcrossroads.com Follow Dr. Eric Spiegel: General Info: www.ericspiegelphd.com Group Practice: www.therapistsinphiladelphia.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/drericspiegel