Licensed psychotherapist and author Dr. Foojan Zeine joins Rich to unpack Awareness Integration Theory (AIT)—a practical framework that helps you observe your inner world, reality-check assumptions, integrate past parts, and choose your next best action. She shares concrete ways to reduce anxiety, explains why some anxiety “leaks” biologically, and introduces the Foojan app with an embedded AIT-trained coach, Mira. If you want fast, deep tools to move from surviving to thriving, this one’s worth a close listen.
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Guest Bio:
Dr. Foojan Zeine is a licensed psychotherapist, author of six books, creator of Awareness Integration Theory (AIT), and host of the long-running podcast “Inner Voice: A Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan.” With 30+ years of clinical and organizational work, she teaches and researches AIT across universities and programs, and recently launched the Foojan app, which guides users through AIT journaling and on-demand coaching via an AIT-trained AI assistant named “Mira.”
Main Topics:
· The origin of AIT: two “cameras” of awareness (inside feelings/thoughts/body + outside behaviors/impact).
· Anxiety demystified: protective signal, the “cliffhanger” thought loop, and reality-checking to calm spirals.
· When anxiety “leaks”: biological components (e.g., OCD-type patterns) vs. normal worry, and why numbing is a band-aid.
· Integration work: finding the memory where a belief formed, healing, reconnecting “parts,” and building a strengths toolbox.
· Foojan app: 31 life areas, guided journaling, pre/post checks, and “Mira” for skills and actionable next steps.
· Guardrails for AI in mental health: domain-bounded knowledge and safety “no-go” responses.
· Applications of AIT: psychotherapy, coaching, parenting, education (daycare to university), and leadership/organizational culture.
· Dr. Zeine’s personal journey (immigration at 12½, high anxiety/depression, learning to thrive) and client success stories.
Resources mentioned:
· Foojan app (Apple & Android); site: Foojan.com (app
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