Episode 16: Talking PTSD and Chronic pain with Dr. Leigh Ann Dooley, Board Certified Psychiatrist

Episode 16:

On PTSD, Chronic pain approach and CBT compassion with Dr. Leigh Ann Dooley

I am so excited about presenting this episode to all of you. Dr. Dooley is a board certified practicing Psychiatrist and currently works at Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center in Augusta, GA.

We chatted about so many things including what made her go into Psychiatry, who was her secret weapon in residency training and how she manages to stay above the stress. I loved her straight talk about her approach to PTSD and chronic pain. You will be able to hear and feel she truly cares about her patients. What I loved perhaps most about her is her passion for improvement and leaving things better than she found them. She is currently in the MPH program at Georgia State university, projected to graduate with the MPH degree in May. Because she wants to make things better for people and communities. I know I can find inspiration in that. And last but not the least, she is an ambassador to end the stigma around mental health in brown and black communities. It spoke to my heart when she genuinely sincerely talked about her experience and why she wants to make things better. I am so honored to introduce this human to you.

For the sake of disclosure, we do mention two non-FDA approved meds/approaches to pain and its associated symptoms: Provigil and cannabis.

On approaching PTSD in general 9:52

Importance of self-compassion 11:39

Delving deeper into trauma focused interventions at 14:10 including prolonged exposure 14:34

How symptoms can initially get worse before they get better 16:30

Her experience with CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) 24:57 and why ACT is important (acceptance and commitment therapy)

Her most rewarding experience 29:31

Her most frustrating experience 32:25 (hint: seeing other humans suffer)

Her comments about MPH and pursuing her passions in non-clinical career 33:50

Why she says “nothing is off the table” in chronic pain management at 40:00

Facebook: Leigh Ann Dooley, MD

IG: @realdealdocDooley