Cold exposure and breathwork. High-intensity interval training. Mindfulness. A slower, gentler practice. Which approach is most effective in helping a client build greater resilience to stress? Researchers put all four head-to-head in a randomized trial to see which one actually reduced symptoms. We put this together so you could share with any client who’s convinced […]
[Infographic] Primer on How Inflammation Works
Swelling. Redness. A wave of white blood cells rushing to the scene. Most people recognize what inflammation looks like. Fewer could explain why the same response meant to protect the body could become a risk to the mind as well. Here’s a primer on how inflammation works, and why it matters beyond infection and injury. […]
When the Brain’s “Construction Crew” Wreaks Havoc
How does the brain respond to chronic inflammation? When immune cells show up in the brain, are they the problem, or are they trying to fix one? In this video, Jonathan Kipnis, PhD, a neuroscientist and immunologist, shares a simple analogy to explain neuroinflammation and what it’s actually trying to do. Take a look: it’s […]
[Infographic] The Brain-Gut Microbiotic Axis
For years, we’d drawn a quiet line between what belongs to mental health and what belongs to physical health. But science keeps uncovering just how connected they really are. Take for example the interconnections between the brain and the gut. Top researchers are now looking more deeply into the body’s interconnected signaling pathways and how […]
CBT, Mindfulness, and the Microbiome
We often think of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as a tool for changing thoughts. But according to Kirsten Tillisch, MD, it also appears to be changing something you might not expect: The gut microbiome. In this video, Kirsten explains what happened when CBT was applied to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) . . . . . […]
Could a Ketogenic Diet Improve Psychiatric Symptoms? A Randomized Controlled Trial
Researchers at the intersection of metabolic and mental health are studying the benefits of different dietary interventions. One of the diets that’s being studied very closely is the ketogenic diet. Samantha V. Abram, PhD, and a team of researchers at the University of California San Francisco’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences developed a randomized, […]
How Closely Are Mental and Physical Health Related?
For much of the history of modern medicine, the brain and body were studied and treated separately. But in recent years, researchers have begun to look more closely at the link between physical health and mental health. In this video, Chris Palmer, MD, explains just how important this link is, and what can happen when […]
PSRT: Hope for Chronic Pain Sufferers?
Could interventions that focus on emotions provide relief for clients who suffer from chronic back pain? That’s the idea behind Psychophysiologic System Relief Therapy (PSRT). And research is beginning to emerge that supports this approach as an effective, evidence-based treatment for chronic pain. But what exactly is it? PSRT, a term coined by Michael Donnino, […]
Coherence Therapy – What Is It?
There’s one approach to treating trauma that I’ve been hearing experts refer to more and more lately (in conversation, and also in a couple of recent workshops we’ve hosted). It’s Coherence Therapy. But what exactly is that? Well in short, it’s a framework designed to help clients overwrite conditioned emotional responses associated with traumatic memories. […]
Reporting In – Giving Back in 2025
Traditions. They play such an important role in our holiday celebrations (although, to be honest, there may be some traditions each of us would happily retire). But ever since I began NICABM, there’s one holiday tradition that always brings me a deep sense of joy. During this season, I take time to reflect on our charitable […]