Ask me a question or let me know what you think!

Many of us think we have a motivation problem.

We call ourselves lazy.
We say we’re procrastinating.
We wait to “feel ready.”

But motivation isn’t a personality trait — and it isn’t something you have to wait for.

In this episode, psychologist and art therapist Amy Backos breaks down what 70 years of research actually says about motivation — including intrinsic vs. extrinsic drive, expectancy–value theory, attribution styles, and self-efficacy — and why labeling yourself “unmotivated” quietly undermines your ability to act.

You’ll learn:

• What motivation really is (and what it isn’t)
• Why calling yourself lazy backfires neurologically and psychologically
• The simple formula that predicts whether you’ll take action
• How your internal “story” shapes effort and persistence
• ACT-based cognitive defusion tools to stop believing every thought your mind throws at you
• How to act before you feel ready

If you’ve been waiting for motivation to show up before starting your creative work, this conversation will change how you approach action entirely.

Because you don’t need more motivation.

You need a different relationship with your thoughts.

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Explore the Modern Creative Woman Community
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https://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/

Ask me a question or let me know what you think!

If I could gift everyone one psychological skill right now, it would be this: psychological flexibility.

Because when the world feels overwhelming — when the news is heavy, systems feel broken, and old wounds get stirred up — rigidity doesn’t help. Avoidance doesn’t help. Doom-scrolling doesn’t help.

Adopting a stance of Psychological Flexibility does help.

In this episode, I step back from the headlines and talk about something deeper: how humans historically respond when widespread trauma is exposed. We look at the psychology of denial, backlash, and disbelief — and why our nervous systems sometimes push away what feels unbearable.

Then I teach you the skill I rely on most in my clinical work and in my own life: psychological flexibility.

It’s the ability to stay present, make room for difficult emotions, and choose actions that align with your values — instead of reacting from fear or overwhelm.

This isn’t about consuming more information.
It’s about staying steady enough to make a difference.

If you’ve been feeling anxious, discouraged, or emotionally flooded by the state of the world, this episode will help you ground yourself, protect your energy, and move forward with intention.

Because we don’t need more reactivity right now.
We need clarity, compassion, and values-based action.

Welcome to The Modern Creative Woman.

Support the show

Explore the Modern Creative Woman Community
https://moderncreativewoman.com

Free Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletter
https://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/

Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/

Ask me a question or let me know what you think!

In this deeply meaningful conversation, I sit down with Dr. Lavinia Jackson — Chair and Professor of Art Therapy at Marymount University, scholar, educator, and one of the most important voices shaping the future of our field.

Dr. Jackson is the author of Cultural Humility and Art Therapy, a book that has profoundly influenced both my teaching and my clinical work. Her leadership has helped move art therapy beyond “cultural competence” and toward something much more human and honest: cultural humility — a way of being grounded in curiosity, critical self-reflection, and respect for the lived expertise of the people we serve.

Together, we talk about the origins of cultural humility, born out of the social unrest following the Rodney King riots, and how this framework asks us to move beyond checklists and techniques into deeper accountability — personally, relationally, and institutionally.

We explore:

• why humility is the foundation of ethical therapy work
• the difference between competence and curiosity
• how relationship — not information — is what truly heals
• the risks of disconnection in our AI and algorithm-driven world
• and how retreat, travel, art-making, and embodied practices help us step back, reflect, and return to ourselves

This episode is both scholarly and soulful — a conversation about integrity, presence, and what it really means to show up for others with openness.

If you care about creativity, healing, justice, and becoming a more thoughtful human and clinician, this one is for you.

Welcome to The Modern Creative Woman — where we explore the art and science of living creatively.

Support the show

Explore the Modern Creative Woman Community
https://moderncreativewoman.com

Free Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletter
https://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/

Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/