Dr. Smith teaches and does research in Health Psychology and Positive Psychology. Health Psychology examines the relationships between the mind and the body and how behavior and stress are related to health. Positive Psychology examines how psychology and science can enable people to become their best selves and live lives of meaning and fulfillment. He has published over 50 articles in peer-reviewed psychology and science journals and has trained at the National Institutes of Health in functioning neuroimaging.
“Hallie gave me an excellent introduction to Integrative Restoration (iRest®) and the CDs she created enable you to continue to learn and grow in the practice. iRest was developed by Dr. Richard Miller who is a psychologist. It is based on the ancient practice of Yoga Nidra but has been adapted for the 21st century and has been studied by modern science. The form of iRest that Hallie taught me combines some of the best ways of following the breath, scanning the body, creative visualization, and focusing on what is most meaningful and important to you. She has broad training in a variety of meditative and yoga techniques and used them in a unique way to get me ready for the practice. Simply put, the iRest practice that she taught me is the most effective way that I have seen to put yourself into a deep state of relaxation that provides rest and rejuvenation and at the same time puts you in an alert and focused state. I have used it during the day to prepare me for challenging and important tasks and in the evening for relaxing and improving my sleep even after some very stressful days. Additionally, I have personally done several research projects with college students focusing on stress. The research reveals that students generally have high levels of stress from trying to balance school with other responsibilities such as working and raising a family. It is my professional opinion that iRest would help them experience considerably less stress and anxiety throughout their days, enable them to sleep better (even with their demanding and often changing schedules), and could make a positive difference in students’ college careers by improving attention and memory. In fact, I plan to educate my students about iRest in the Health Psychology and Positive Psychology classes I teach. I highly recommend learning iRest from Hallie Love. It is a practice that can pay dividends throughout the rest of your life.”