Wellness in Today's World

“Wellness in Today’s World” with Dr. Debra Kawahara is the space to hear the latest insights in psychology, wellness trends, and everything in between. Hosted by APA President and California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP) Associate Dean Dr. Debra Kawahara, each episode explores important topics with thought leaders and health experts. You’ll also hear compelling personal stories from the wellness community and Alliant International University. Dr. Kawahara and her guests are ready to be a valuable resource for your mental health and well-being! 

Get your popcorn ready! In this episode of Wellness in Today’s World, Dr. Danny Wedding joins Dr. Debra Kawahara to discuss the intersection of psychology and cinema, focusing on his book “Movies and Mental Illness.” He shares insights on how films can educate about mental health, the evolution of his book over five editions, and the importance of accurate portrayals of mental illness in media. The discussion also covers the challenges of balancing cinematic quality with psychological accuracy, examples of good and bad portrayals in film, and the broader implications of mental illness in society. Dr. Wedding emphasizes the value of using films as educational tools in psychology and the ongoing relevance of his work in understanding mental health through cinema.

About Dr. Debra Kawahara

Debra M. Kawahara, PhD, is the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and a Distinguished Professor at the California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP) at Alliant International University. She earned her BA in psychology at the University of California, Los Angeles, and holds a doctorate in clinical psychology from CSPP with a focus on multicultural and community psychology. In 2025, she became the first Asian American woman and the first Japanese American to serve as APA President.

About CSPP

Founded in 1969 as one of the nation’s first free-standing schools of professional psychology, CSPP has educated thousands of students who are now working professionals in clinical psychology, couples and family therapy, social work, and organizational psychology. Our degree programs prepare the next generation of mental health professionals and advocates to help improve access to quality care in every community.

CSPP is also well known for our powerful connections to the field of psychology and highly regarded faculty and alumni, both past and present. CSPP has a legacy of academic excellence and supporting a multicultural, diverse culture.