In a fascinating episode of The Hanley Effect, hosts Dr. John Dyben and Dr. Rachel Docekal are joined by renowned psychiatrist and trauma expert Dr. James Gordon, M.D., founder and CEO of The Center for Mind-Body Medicine. With over 50 years of experience in the mental health field, Dr. Gordon has led healing initiatives in war zones, disaster-stricken areas, and underserved communities, offering trauma relief through an approach that blends self-awareness, self-care, and community support.

The conversation begins with Dr. Gordon's origin story, which includes his early exposure to compassion-driven medicine through his surgeon father and his dissatisfaction with the limitations of traditional psychiatric models. From there, he shares how his work evolved into a whole-person, mind-body approach that treats individuals not as diagnoses, but as human beings living in a complex world.

Dr. Gordon describes the development and reach of the Center for Mind-Body Medicine (CMBM). This groundbreaking organization has trained over 10,000 professionals and community members worldwide to support recovery from trauma. He offers powerful examples of how teachers in Kosovo, veterans in the U.S., school shooting survivors, and Indigenous leaders have all been trained to bring healing tools to their own communities, regardless of whether they had professional credentials.

Key topics covered include:

• Population-wide trauma healing in places like Ukraine, Uvalde, Kosovo, and Sandy Hook
• The lasting mental health impacts of COVID-19
• Using virtual platforms to maintain intimacy in therapeutic settings
• How anyone with the proper training and heart can become a trauma-informed community leader

Dr. Gordon's latest book, Transforming Trauma: The Path to Hope and Healing, offers readers evidence-based tools for healing emotional wounds. It's written to reach those who may never have access to professional care, making it a powerful resource for both personal growth and community resilience.

Whether you're a clinician, a parent, an educator, or simply someone who wants to help, this episode will open your eyes to what's possible when trauma care is rooted in connection, dignity, and empowerment.

Learn more about The Center for Mind-Body Medicine at cmbm.org

To learn more about Hanley's Treatment Programs visit HanleyCenter.org or call 844-502-HOPE (4673)

What if the key to improving youth mental health, strengthening family connections, and even shaping the future of our communities was as simple as listening?

In this episode of The Hanley Effect, hosts Dr. Rachel Docekal and Dr. John Dyben sit down with Dr. Zabina Bhasin, M.D., better known as Dr. Zee, a child and adolescent psychiatrist, global mental health advocate, and founder of Listen to the KidZ (LTTK).

Dr. Zee joins Dr. Rachel Docekal and John Dyben for a heartfelt and insightful conversation about:

• Her powerful personal story of growing up as the only girl in a South Asian immigrant family
• The early experiences with dyslexia, academic struggle, and lack of voice that shaped her path
• How cultural expectations shaped her journey into medicine and youth advocacy
• The founding of Listen to the KidZ and why listening, genuinely listening, is the foundation of all support
• Why adults need to be the ones to set boundaries and listen with intent
• How social media is not the villain, but how we use it matters
• Creating guidelines, structure, and mentorship that empower, not stifle, our youth

Key Takeaways

• Listening with intention signals interest, and interest builds connection.
• Kids don’t need to be coddled; they need to be heard and guided.
• All adults, not just parents, have a role in shaping the mental health and self-worth of young people.
• Social media is a tool; it’s up to adults to model responsible use and create boundaries.
• Empowerment begins with respect, and that starts by validating the voices of youth.

Learn more about Dr. Zee’s work at www.dr-zee.com

Visit hanleyfoundation.org to learn more about our programs.

In this episode of The Hanley Effect, hosts Dr. John Dyben and Dr. Rachel Docekal sit down with medical researcher, author, and podcaster D E Foster, founder of the online support community Uneven Life and host of the Benzo Free and Uneven podcasts.

After taking clonazepam (Klonopin) for 12 years as prescribed, D E Foster found himself facing debilitating symptoms from what is now called Benzodiazepine-Induced Neurological Dysfunction (BIND), a condition he later co-identified in groundbreaking research. He shares his personal journey of loss, recovery, and advocacy, as well as his ongoing work to educate medical professionals and support thousands of individuals affected by benzodiazepine dependence.

Together, John, Rachel, and D E discuss:

• The difference between physical dependence and addiction, and why it matters.
• The signs, symptoms, and realities of BIND and it's neurological effects.
• Why benzodiazepines remain a “hidden epidemic” in addiction and behavioral health.
• How stigma, misunderstanding, and a lack of education impact patient care.
• Strategies for safer tapering, support, and community-based recovery.
• What families, friends, and caregivers can do to believe, support, and empower their loved ones.

This episode is a must-listen for clinicians, family members, and anyone interested in understanding the complex world of benzodiazepines and the hope of healing from long-term use.

Resources & Links

• Learn more about D.E. Foster’s work at UnevenLife.com
• Check out the Benzo Free Podcast and Uneven Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.
• Read D.E.’s book: Benzo Free: The World of Anti-Anxiety Drugs and the Reality of Withdrawal

To learn more about Hanley's programs, visit HanleyCenter.org or call 844-502-4673.