All Episodes

December 23, 2024 17 mins

Send us a text

In this enlightening episode of Advancing With Amy / Mental Health Warrior & Neurospicy Mama, we are joined by Shannon Sauer-Zavala, Ph.D., a licensed clinical psychologist and renowned expert on personality change. Shannon shares her groundbreaking work as a researcher at the University of Kentucky, where she tests innovative interventions aimed at alleviating common mental health conditions through the lens of personality change.

Throughout the conversation, Shannon addresses the inefficacies of popular commercial personality tests, such as the Myers-Briggs, and introduces us to scientifically-validated tools that offer a more accurate picture of personality traits. She delves into her work on developing new, more efficient treatments for conditions like anxiety, depression, and borderline personality disorder, making mental health care more accessible and effective.

Shannon also opens up about her own transformative journey—how she went from an underperforming high school student to a successful academic. She highlights how intentional personality change through consistent action and reinforcement can alter one's future for the better. Her TEDx Talk on this very subject serves as an inspirational anchor, encouraging listeners not to let personality tests dictate their potential.

This episode is filled with practical insights and hopeful messages, aiming to empower you to take control of your mental health and personal growth. Whether you're a mental health professional, someone experiencing anxiety or depression, or simply curious about the science of personality, you’ll find valuable takeaways here.

Tune in for an inspiring discussion that challenges preconceived notions about personality and mental health, and learn how you, too, can embrace positive change in your life.

Find Shannon Sauer-Zavala online:

Don’t miss out—subscribe to Advancing With Amy / Mental Health Warrior & Neurospicy Mama so you don't miss a thing!

Support the show

Get a free WHO AM I Journal to learn more about yourself: https://advancingwithamy.com

Sign up for Amy's newsletter at https://www.advancingwithamy.com/about

Support the show here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2434582/supporters/new

WE NEED YOU!

Want to be a guest on Mental Health Warrior & Neurospicy Mama? Send Amy Taylor a message on PodMatch, here:

https://www.joinpodmatch.com/advancingwithamy


Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

Crime Junkie

Crime Junkie

Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.

24/7 News: The Latest

24/7 News: The Latest

The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.

Stuff You Should Know

Stuff You Should Know

If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.