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Articles and Publications
Explore a collection of insightful articles and publications written by Dr. Smith, as well as digital media, delving into a range of topics about mental health and well-being. From understanding thought distortions to exploring the dynamics of shame in behavioral health, Dr. Bob offers valuable perspectives on navigating challenges like irritability as a symptom, expressing grief in high-stress professions, and the benefits of emotional intelligence. Discover these resources to enrich your understanding and support your journey towards mental wellness.


What is Anxiety and What Does it Look Like?
by Robert L Smith, PhD Anxiety can range from a feeling of a small amount of uneasiness to experiencing a full blown panic attack....

Dr. Robert Smith
Apr 6


The Body, Brain and Mindfulness
by Dr. Robert L Smith, PhD Resilience as a resource for PTSD, anxiety and many other organic diseases is supported by strong scientific...

Dr. Robert Smith
Jan 17


Toxicity and the Effects on the Mind and Body
by Dr. Robert L. Smith Sources of toxicity in our society are often a frequent topic of interest and conversation. Toxicity is generally...

Dr. Robert Smith
Nov 1, 2024


When the Smoke Clears: Episode 4
In the fourth and final episode of When the Smoke Clears, we address a vital topic in first responder mental health: identifying the...

Dr. Robert Smith
Aug 25, 2024


When the Smoke Clears: Episode 3
The third episode of When the Smoke Clears continues its important exploration of mental health within the fire service. Building on the...

Dr. Robert Smith
Aug 25, 2024


When the Smoke Clears: Episode 2
When the Smoke Clears, revisits critical issues, this time focusing on whether real progress has been made in fostering open discussion.

Dr. Robert Smith
Aug 25, 2024


When the Smoke Clears: Episode 1
Mental health challenges among firefighters and first responders are a critical issue gaining increasing attention across Indiana.

Dr. Robert Smith
Aug 21, 2024


Stress Reading for Responders
IFD Lieutenant (Ret). Psychotherapist-Private Practice Clinical Director, Indianapolis Fire Dept., Local 416, Hamilton County, Boone...

Dr. Robert Smith
Jul 30, 2024


Irritability as a Symptom
Irritability is defined as being easily annoyed. It can also be called grumpy, tense, uptight, and many other words in popular language....

Dr. Robert Smith
Mar 9, 2024


Expressing Grief: Is There a Right Way or Wrong Way in the Public Safety or Medical Professions?
Many people have an idea about what constitutes “acceptable” and “normal” ways to grieve. In the public safety and medical professions,...

Dr. Robert Smith
Dec 12, 2023


Understanding, Thought Distortions
Thought distortions can play a big part in PTSD, anxiety disorders, and other behavioral health disorders. Specifically, thought...

Dr. Robert Smith
Nov 2, 2023


Shame and Behavioral Health
The discussion of shame is a frequent topic in the consulting rooms of most behavioral health clinicians. It is important to recognize...

Dr. Robert Smith
Apr 20, 2022


Twelve-Step Groups and Learning
Twelve-step groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous have been known to be effective with many alcohol and substance disorders. In this...

Dr. Robert Smith
Sep 2, 2021


Can Learning about Emotional Intelligence Benefit Us?
The concept of emotional intelligence has recently surfaced in popular and social media. What are the uses of emotional intelligence and...

Dr. Robert Smith
Feb 19, 2021


The Science of Building Resilience: How to Build Habits to Lower the Risk for Stress and PTSD
Resilience building is a broad term for behavioral health wellness. It is composed of self-care health measures that can lower the risk...

Dr. Robert Smith
Nov 6, 2020


What is Anxiety?
What Is Anxiety and What Does It Look Like? Anxiety can range from a feeling of a small amount of uneasiness to a full-blown panic...

Dr. Robert Smith
Aug 17, 2020


Looking Back to Stay Focused: 2001 Fire Chief Magazine Column: How Far Have We Come?
The Fire Chief Magazine announced that the December issue will be dedicated to the firefighters of New York City and Washington DC. In light

Dr. Robert Smith
Jan 21, 2020


What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a well-researched treatment for a number of types of issues and disorders. EMDR...

Dr. Robert Smith
Aug 23, 2019


The Continuing Crisis of Firefighter Suicide
The issue of firefighter suicide continues to be a crisis-level problem in many cities. The gravity of the problem has caused many...

Dr. Robert Smith
May 16, 2019


The Firefighter, Resilience and Post Traumatic Stress
The fire service is addressing behavioral health more frequently and firefighters are becoming very interested in the topic. The IAFF and...

Dr. Robert Smith
Apr 5, 2018
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