#46 - Psychotherapist: Rethinking Autism, Education, and Mindfulness | Michael Ostrolenk

Jeffrey van Leeuwen Podcast

At nine, Michael Ostrolenk refused a psychiatrist’s quick-fix, walked out, and followed a different map: guided imagery, biofeedback, meditation, and martial arts. That choice shaped everything. Years later, a brutal one-two of loss during an MBA program forced a pivot into transpersonal and somatic psychology, coaching, and a decade building programs with SEALFIT. In this conversation, Michael traces the line from a mislabeled “learning disabled” kid to a clinician and coach who helps people regulate their nervous systems, deepen relationships, and live with agency.

We talk about:

• Why the industrial school model rewards compliance, and how unschooling or democratic free schools can cultivate curiosity.
• When to consider sleep, nutrition, movement, family dynamics, and environment before reaching for Ritalin or Concerta, plus the limited, tactical role stimulants might play for adults.
• AM and PM rituals that work: sleep hygiene, 5-7 breathing to calm, box breathing to focus, light movement, gratitude.
• How somatic work unfreezes anger or sadness, and how to measure change using first, second, and third person feedback.
• What mindfulness actually is: the trained witness that turns reactivity into choice.

Thank you for listening.

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OUTLINE:

00:00 Introduction

01:43 Who Is Michael Ostrolenk?

04:45 Questioning Education and Early Struggles

08:47 Alternative Healing and Martial Arts at Age Nine

11:12 Rethinking Education for Children

17:07 Holistic Approaches for Parents

20:51 Parenting, Pressure, and the 80/20 Rule

23:34 Perspectives on Ritalin and Concerta

29:26 Creativity, School, and Medication

33:36 Origins of the Industrial Education System

42:02 Turning Point: From MBA to Psychology

47:06 Exploring Transpersonal Psychology

52:46 Psychedelics, Therapy, and Consciousness

54:07 Understanding Mind–Body Connection

01:00:06 Working With Couples and Emotions

01:11:59 Practical Habits for Sleep, Diet, and Movement

01:17:45 Breathing and Guided Meditation for Sleep

01:23:56 Morning Rituals and Preparation Practices

01:28:50 Tracking Progress and Measuring Change

01:33:59 Mindfulness vs. Consciousness

01:39:01 What Lack of Mindfulness Looks Like

01:45:40 Does Mindfulness Make Life More Frustrating?

01:48:09 Agreements, Relationships, and Appreciation

01:58:40 Final Thoughts

MICHAEL OSTROLENK LINKS:

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Michael's X

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This episode has been co-produced by Kate van Leeuwen.