What actually happens in the brain during addiction, anxiety, depression, or trauma, and how can we measure it in ways that meaningfully guide treatment? In this episode, hosts Dr. John Dyben and Dr. Rachel Docekal sit down with Hanley Center’s Chief Clinical Officer, Dr. Angelo Asheh, M.D., and neuropsychologist Dr. Yianoula Alexakis, Psy.D., to demystify the brain–behavior connection. Dr. Alexakis explains how neuropsychological testing, quantitative EEG (QEEG or “brain mapping”), and neurofeedback provide objective data to tailor interventions, while Dr. Asheh shares how those findings improve medical decision‑making and outcomes for people with co‑occurring substance use and mental health disorders.

Along the way, Dr. Alexakis shares her first‑generation story (and a few accents!), then brings it back to hope: the brain’s capacity for neuroplasticity means recovery can be measured, trained, and strengthened over time, when clinicians work together around the whole person.

• Neuropsychology 101: How brain–behavior assessment looks beyond symptoms to attention, memory, executive function, mood, and personality, so treatment is individualized, not one‑size‑fits‑all.
• Objective data that matters: Why cognitive testing + clinical observation + medical labs/imaging create a clearer diagnostic picture than any single data point alone.
• QEEG (brain mapping) explained: How quantitative EEG visualizes over‑ or under‑activation in brain networks related to sleep, anxiety, attention, and more, and how it becomes a baseline to track change.
• Neurofeedback & “neuro‑restorative” care: Training the brain toward healthier patterns to support mood regulation, focus, and recovery stability.
• Co‑occurring realities: Why treating substance use and the underlying drivers (trauma, anxiety, depression) is essential, and how integrated teams align around that.
• Whole‑system health: The gut–brain axis, sleep hygiene, stress physiology, psychotherapy, and medication, how they intersect with brain function and recovery.
• Hope through neuroplasticity: The brain can adapt. Measuring progress over time helps patients see change and stay engaged.

• The role of a neuropsychologist on a treatment team, and why data‑informed care improves outcomes.
• Distinguishing ADHD‑like symptoms from anxiety or depression during assessment.
• Practical uses of QEEG in residential treatment and aftercare planning.
• How neuropsych findings support smarter prescribing and case formulation.
• “Two Dr. A’s” on collaboration: medicine, psychology, therapy, sleep, nutrition, and brain training working in concert.
• Closing message: a clear, compassionate case for measured hope.

• Learn about our programs visit: hanleycenter.org
• Speak with our admissions team at: 844‑502‑4673

In this episode of The Hanley Effect, hosts Dr. John Dyben and Dr. Rachel Docekal sit down with clinical psychologist Dr. Carol Chu‑Peralta, PhD., Founder & Clinical Director of the Center for Resiliency, to unpack the science and practice of bouncing back after trauma.

What We Discuss

• Resilience, defined: Not a personality trait, but a capacity to respond effectively to stress, and it can be developed.
• How to build it (especially in kids): Allow “life experiments” (small, everyday challenges) so children practice recovering and problem‑solving.
• Post‑traumatic growth: The shift from feeling stuck in symptoms to reclaiming agency and integrating new resources.
• Intergenerational transmission of trauma: How unaddressed trauma responses can pass behaviorally and biologically across generations, and how to interrupt the cycle.
• Trauma is subjective: Two people can face the same event and have different outcomes; it’s about whether the stressor exceeds one’s current capacity.
• A helpful analogy (STAIR‑NST): Two houses on the same shoreline, one on stilts, one on bricks, weather the same storm differently; foundations = internal resources.

Dr. Carol also shares her own path, from early trauma work to launching a group practice during the pandemic when requests for care surged. Her message to anyone who’s curious but hesitant: you don’t need a label to ask for help, and you don’t have to be in crisis to start.

About Our Guest

Dr. Carol Chu‑Peralta is a Clinical Psychologist and Founder of the Center for Resiliency, specializing in trauma, parenting, anxiety, depression, and neuro/psychological evaluation. Trained at NYU and Bellevue Hospital, she helps individuals and families break generational patterns and build durable emotional resilience.

Resources & Contact

• Center for Resiliency: centerforresiliency.com
• Hanley Foundation: hanleyfoundation.org | 844‑502‑4673

In this episode of The Hanley Effect, hosts Dr. Rachel Docekal and Dr. John Dyben sit down with one of Florida’s most influential behavioral health leaders, Ann M. Berner, CEO and President of Southeast Florida Behavioral Health Network (SEFBHN).

With over three decades of service to the community, Ann shares her remarkable journey. from working with the Department of Children and Families to helping pioneer Florida’s Managing Entity model. Today, she oversees $56 million in funding for substance use and mental health services across five counties: Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee, Palm Beach, and St. Lucie.

• The evolution of Florida’s behavioral health system and the power of local control
• How SEFBHN provides care for 27,000+ individuals annually
• The crucial role of peer support specialists in inspiring hope
• What “validation” means when it comes to funding and accountability
• Ann’s leadership statewide and her deep commitment to community collaboration
• Why systems thinking, evidence-based care, and empathy are key to healing

With humility and passion, Ann reminds us that the most impactful leaders often work behind the scenes and that hope is never out of reach.

To learn more about Southeast Florida Behavioral Health Network visit: https://sefbhn.org/

To learn more about Hanley Foundation visit: https://hanleyfoundation.org/