The Mental Health Minute

In being asked to be on KRKO Radio and share my psychological knowledge, I felt excited, like a little kid! I grew up watching the TV show Frasier and always thought it would be fun to be a radio talk show host in Seattle myself. Okay, so this isn’t a radio talk show, but still, a minute seemed like a good start.  

Helping people seems natural to me and the thought of reaching more people at a time has been appealing. I am in my 26^th year of counseling people and admit that reaching a lot of people at one time with my knowledge seems wonderful. However, wanting to do this is one thing, being in front of a microphone is something different.

I had always been the shy kid who hid behind my mommy. Realizing that my voice was going to be broadcasted out to thousands of people caused my nerves to tingle a bit. Years ago, I had to give a speech to the graduating Cadet class of the LAPD, a group I used to run away from when I was selling illegal concert t-shirts. Oh my was I nervous at first, but when I told them I used to run away from them they laughed. My had times changed. In no time I was lecturing my oppressors on the fine art of working with the homeless. Figuring I faced this fear and survived it, why not face my radio fear too?

I thank God for learning the Spiritual Psychology approach. It has helped me get through so much and able to breeze through the radio interview. I had suffered from substance use problems and an anxiety disorder –  forget public speaking I was currently facing, in the past, going to the grocery store was a challenge. I couldn’t go in elevators, and just forget about airplanes, I was either walking up stairs or driving hundreds of miles to get to my destination. This was the before picture – sitting in front of a live microphone was a long way from there.

I am the sort that when I help myself overcome something, I like to share the steps I took with others. To share all of my knowledge has taken a few books I’ve written and months for clients in our Intensive Outpatient Program, and still, more information keeps popping out of me. There is learning in school, but I believe I have learned more about psychology by going into the trenches with people, especially when I was working at a crisis center. At the Mental Health Urgent Care Center, you didn’t know who was coming in the door and what you had to face. For 11 years I saw over 7,000 people and absolutely loved the challenge.

So, there I was with a microphone in front of me about to address the unseen hoards. What a rush. And I wasn’t on any drugs – like I need them anymore. Sober since 1992 and no thoughts of ever using again. Why would I? Especially when I get a natural high from what I do in life.

I remember co-facilitating a seminar called Get High on Life. I thought the title was so cheesy, and it was, but I got to work with a pioneer in the positive psychology industry Albert Saparoff. Albert lived to a ripe old age of 95 and was as corny as they come, “Run to the roundhouse Nelly! They can’t corner you there!”

As I worked on myself, I crossed paths with people like Albert who taught me so many great lessons that I eagerly share with others. In our current world, there is so much separation, negativity, mistrust, and revenge, it is so refreshing to meet positive people that genuinely care. Albert was one of the best. Though he was one of many. I guess once you are on this path, more people, or should I say teachers, just seem to appear.  

Interviewer: “So Dr. Alpert, what can a person do who is having anxiety attacks?”

Me: “Great question Maury, since I personally have dealt with them there are a few things that you can do…”

Wow, was that me? I shocked myself. I felt so confident and in control. Yes, us therapists have issues too, but one thing is different, I’ve learned a lot of tools to help me work through the fear, address the problem at the root, and grow.

Interviewer: “What about children who are stuck at home during the pandemic? What should us parents do?”

Me: “Enjoy them. Do stuff with them. Love them. Make these moments matter.”

Maury and I have grown close after recording these sessions now for three months.  I am really on the radio!  Though it feels like I am simply talking with a friend Maury who is interested in learning more about psychology. 

So maybe I am not Dr. Frasier Crane just yet nor have a call-in radio talk show, but that would be quite an experience. Being able to progress people through the Spiritual Psychology steps that I have practiced all these years in front of a live audience would be amazing and eye-opening to everyone. No, this isn’t your ordinary psychology but one with compassion and addressing the root of the issue through some amazing processes. Yes, the world is ready for this change, given the overall tone on the planet. My own radio show? Who knows if that will come about? I can only take the incremental steps towards it. Only time will tell.

Compassionate Care is Always Available

There are many more tools and strategies you can use in your pursuit of happiness. Here is where we come in. Contact us at Basic Steps Mental Health and let us support and educate you on this journey back to your loving heart center. Imagine living a heart-centered life, regardless of what is happening externally. We’d love to be of help.

For 25 years, Dr. Scott Alpert, the clinical director of Basic Steps Mental Health, has treated over 7,000 people with mental health and addiction problems, using a Psychological approach that mixes and matches ten of the top approaches used in the industry.  We are here virtually and in-person to help you get through this COVID-19 pandemic and many other difficulties you may be experiencing.

May you have good mental health.