Psychology Life Lessons is a podcast where we listen in on conversations with psychology experts and try to extract life lessons, and maybe a little wisdom.
In this special 10th episode, Dr. Dan Lannin has a conversation with his former internship cohort. In the last year of training to be a psychologist, each doctoral candidate has to complete a year-long internship where they practice psychotherapy under guided supervision (kind of like residency for doctors). Dan did his internship at Iowa State University Student Counseling Services–along with Drs. Kristen Sievert, Ian Nelson-Johnson, and Joey Ramaeker. Each of today’s guests is successful in different roles within the field of psychology: Kristen directs Iowa State University’s Student Counseling Services, Ian runs his own private practice, and Joey is the Director of Sport Psychology at Notre Dame.
The conversation starts with a discussion of the benefit of taking risks and betting on yourself, moves to a discussion of strengths and wounds. The guests talk about how we form our identities and note that a part of being authentic is sometimes being clear about “who you are not.” The podcast concludes with some wonderful rapid fire life lessons that include a challenge to think of authenticity as a verb (rather than an adjective), and the beauty that can open up in a person’s life when they choose courage over comfort. Toward the end of the episode Ian mentioned a values activity from Brené Brown that you might find helpful. Here it is: https://brenebrown.com/resources/living-into-our-values/
Importantly, in this episode we learn that Ian would like to sit down to a drink with a certain former president (but only if that person were willing to drink “truth serum”), that Kristen has a “weird interest” (her words) in houses, and that Joey might one day be a DJ that wears a helmet.
Dr. Kristen Sievert
Dr. Kristen Sievert is the Director of Student Counseling Services at Iowa State University (ISU). She completed her doctoral training in Counseling Psychology at Oklahoma State University and is a licensed Psychologist in the state of Iowa. Dr. Sievert oversees mental health services for students at ISU, which includes clinical services, outreach, consultation, crisis intervention, and collaboration with campus partners.
Dr. Ian Nelson-Johnson
Ian Nelson-Johnson is a licensed psychologist in Iowa. He and his partner Christina Nelson-Johnson currently own and operate a small private practice called the Ames Mind Body Center. Prior to that, Ian served as a psychologist and group therapy coordinator for Iowa State University’s Student Counseling Service.
Ian’s simple, intentional goal as a developing human being and professional is to bring life into the world. As a psychologist, he strives to empower people and their healing by co-creating a space that fosters authenticity, vulnerability, and resiliency. He believes it takes tremendous courage to turn the spotlight inwards and work on ourselves, and considers it a privilege to walk alongside people as they navigate this gritty, wild, and immensely challenging task of being human. It is why he has such deep respect for the people who choose to walk through his office door.
Dr. Joey Ramaeker
Dr. Joey Ramaeker is a counseling and sport psychologist currently serving as the Sport Psychology Program Director at the University of Notre Dame. In this role, Joey leads a team of two additional psychologists responsible for providing comprehensive psychological services to student-athletes and consultation to the wider athletic department.
You can follow Dr. Joey Ramaeker on Twitter at @jramaekerphd
Disclaimer: the content on this site is for informational or educational purposes only, and does not substitute professional medical advice or consultations with healthcare professionals. Additionally, the opinions and viewpoints expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect the entities that employ the host or guests.
Yes, there were T-shirts.
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