Episode 30: Calling Out Irrational Beliefs, with Dr. Denise Fournier

I enjoyed an upbeat conversation with Dr. Denise Fournier on Calling Out Irrational Beliefs. Dr. Fournier described how people develop maladaptive belief systems about themselves, others, and the world around them. These beliefs can cause people to suffer and impede them from taking risks and making changes in life. While many beliefs serve functional purposes earlier in life, they become "outdated" over time, with changes in a person's life circumstances and developmental stages.  Dr. Fournier discussed how we can notice the Self-Talk associated with maladaptive beliefs, and how to examine evidence and challenge these beliefs in our day to day lives.

Dr. Fournier, LMHC, is a psychotherapist, coach, facilitator, and adjunct professor at Nova Southeastern University. Over the last 15 years, she's worked in numerous mental health settings, guiding several hundred people on their own unique growth journeys. Currently, Dr. Fournier owns and operates a private therapy practice, Evergreen Therapy, in Miami, FL. In addition to her work with clients, she also writes for Psychology Today and produces e-courses in the areas of mindfulness and mental health. Her work, as well as her writing, center on the Eastern traditions of Zen Buddhism and Taoism, which encourage a balanced, open, and accepting approach to life.  She writes a popular Blog series in Psychology Today.