Ep. 62 Coping With Covid, Part 3: I Know You Did Nothing This Summer

In This Episode

Neal is joined by Drs. Steven Ball and Benjamin Lipton, in two parts, for this edition of Coping With Covid.

Ben provides us with some insight into why anxiety actually exists, the difference between sadness and depression, and then he shares some calming techniques.

Steve reminds us to forgive ourselves and to allow ourselves to slow down. He also reinforces the fact that accomplishments are not required right now, and suggests that keeping a schedule may be helpful especially where sleep is concerned.

Chin up, friends. You are not alone.

Topics Discussed

  • Burnout from long term separation
  • People are both suffering and thriving
  • Interrupted sleep schedules
  • Forgiving yourself and others
  • The pressure to accomplish things
  • Taking time to slow down
  • Coping with the loss of normalcy
  • The difference between sadness and depression
  • Understanding the purpose of anxiety 
  • Having the tools to handle emotions
  • Techniques for calming anxiety

All About Steven Ball

Dr. Ball has been working in the field of mental health for over 30 years.

During his career, he has integrated expertise in psychotherapy (MSW, PhD) and expressive art therapies (MA) to create a private practice that is equal parts men and women, straight and gay, and individuals and couples work.

He has taught in graduate programs in mental health, education and social work – the last ten years of which have been at both NYU and Hunter School of Social Work.

Over the decades, he has been a frequent speaker at conferences, and published his experiences and research in HIV prevention, developing groups for special populations, and couples therapy.

Steve is currently writing his second book, based on his research and practice experience with varied types of couples; an exploration of what gay couples can learn from straight couples and what straight couples can learn from gay couples as we evolve a vision of relationships for the 21st century.

Dr. Ball maintains offices in Greenwich Village and the Flatiron District, NYC.

All About Benjamin Lipton

Benjamin Lipton, LCSW is a Senior and founding Faculty member of the AEDP Institute. Ben developed and teaches in all of the AEDP Institute course offerings and has been the leader of training programs all over the US and in Canada, Sweden, Israel, Norway, and Denmark. He also supervises individual and small groups of clinicians learning AEDP around the world. 

A sought after teacher and speaker, Ben is known for his open and engaging teaching style, humor, and particular ability to translate complex theoretical concepts into user-friendly, accessible and engaging learning experiences. He frequently presents at conferences and workshops in the US and abroad. 

Ben has edited a book, written many clinical book chapters and articles in psychology and social service journals as well as mainstream magazines. His most recent publication is a chapter on therapeutic presence in the upcoming handbook of AEDP (American Psychological Association, in press). 

Ben was the Director of Clinical Services at Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC), the world’s first and largest HIV/AIDS service organization and has held adjunct faculty appointments at Columbia Presbyterian Department of Psychiatry and New York University School of Social Work. In addition to his clinical work, Ben consults with social service and mental health organizations on mindful leadership and emotionally intelligent management and staff development.

Resources

Dr. Neal Smoller, Holistic Pharmacist

About Neal Smoller

Dr. Neal Smoller, PharmD, is a licensed pharmacist: and owner of Village Apothecary, an independent pharmacy in the most famous small town in America—Woodstock, NY. He’s also the host of the popular wellness podcast, The Big Mouth Pharmacist.”

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