Interpersonal Effectiveness, Emotion Regulation, and the Game of Real Life with Clinical Psychologist, Author, and Creative Jesse Finkelstein
Jesse Finkelstein, PsyM, is on a mission to make effective mental health treatments accessible to everyone, especially in these turbulent post-pandemic times when nearly 20% of adults in the US are experiencing a mental health illness.
Jesse is a doctoral student in clinical psychology at Rutgers University and a DBT therapist. He is also the creator of The Game of Real Life, a one-of-a-kind card game rooted in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
The Game of Real Life is a fun and accessible way to learn how to cope effectively and achieve your goals within the framework of a card game. Based on the principles of DBT, the game offers skills to increase the quality of relationships, develop mindfulness, reduce stress, and prevent burnout.
Jesse grew up on the Upper West side of Manhattan, where he was exposed to many cultural institutions and experiences. He spent 15 years as a graphic designer, illustrator, and creative director. Although he loved working in design, he longed for a practice that engaged more directly with mental health and well-being, which led him on a path to becoming a clinical psychologist.
As a researcher and clinician, he focuses on the use of technology and new media to deliver effective psychotherapeutic interventions. Jesse is conducting his Doctoral Internship training at the prestigious Albert Einstein College of Medicine/ Montefiore Medical Center (MMTCP); simultaneous to his doctoral training, Jesse is receiving his mindfulness teacher training certification from the Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program led by Dr. Tara Brach and Jack Kornfield.
Alongside his clinical practice and research, Jesse maintains a daily routine of meditation, exercise, and design development for his many therapeutic projects.
In the episode we discuss:
Making a career pivot to engage more directly with mental health and well-being
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, what it is, and Jesse’s dedication to this work
Mindfulness meditation and well-being daily practices
How to make our thoughts more effective
Identifying helpful vs. unhelpful thoughts
Being more intentional about our internal dialogue
The validity of our feelings, how to acknowledge and accept feelings.
My experience in Landmark Forum
Pain, grief, and loss and how the things that cause us pain also reveal what’s important to us
Creating a self-compassion toolbox
Learn more about Jesse and follow along on IG: @talkisgood
Want to chat about this episode? Text me 📲 at +1 (323) 405-9256
Upcoming events to know about:
Manifestation Blueprint - a 4-module self-guided virtual course designed to teach mystically minded people how to create a personalized plan that makes life more abundant and utterly magical is open now.
✨ BALI RETREAT✨
March 27 - April 3, 2023 (open to all) - hold your space by visiting Oui, We Studio (@ouiwestudio).
The studio is designed to empower you and support your personal well-being. The courses and retreats offered inside the studio are focused on Manifestation, guidance to pursue your highest calling, as well as personal and professional development.
This show is produced, mixed, recorded + additional music by T'Ben Alleman
Closing music: Pet Fangs
