In this powerful and deeply reflective episode of the IgnitedNeurons Podcast, host Utkarsh Narang sits down with Phyllis Leavitt to explore healing trauma in divided times and the psychology behind political division.
As conversations around power, anger, and identity grow louder, Phyllis invites us into a different lens. What if the real crisis is not political but psychological? What if what we are witnessing is collective trauma playing out in public? Her latest book, America in Therapy, examines how emotional healing in uncertain times could reshape how we relate to one another.
This is a conversation about belonging, survival, power, and healing. It explores how to overcome helplessness, why no one wins a power struggle, and what it would mean for individuals and nations to seek emotional maturity instead of domination.
This is not about choosing sides.
It is about choosing healing.
In this episode, we explore:
- Healing trauma in divided times
- The psychology behind political division
- Why rage is often helplessness in disguise
- How generational trauma gets passed down
- The addiction to power and domination
- What “America in Therapy” really means
- How to overcome helplessness through appropriate action
- Why belonging is wired into us for survival
- The concept of sovereign unity
Key Takeaways:
✅ No one wins a power struggle
✅ If you win the argument, you may lose the relationship
✅ Helplessness often fuels anger and polarization
✅ The antidote to helplessness is appropriate, conscious action
✅ Belonging and love are biological survival needs
✅ Trauma must be healed, not punished
✅ Sovereign unity means individuality and unity can coexist
✅ You matter, even when your influence feels small
About Phyllis Leavitt
Phyllis Leavitt holds a Master’s Degree in Psychology and Counseling from Antioch University. She directed a sexual abuse treatment program in Santa Fe before entering private practice for 34 years, treating children, families, couples, and individuals. Her work has focused extensively on trauma recovery, dysfunctional family systems, and the psychological roots of violence and division.
She is the author of:
- A Light in the Darkness
- Into the Fire
- America in Therapy: A New Approach to Hope and Healing for a Nation in Crisis
Now retired from clinical practice, Phyllis focuses on writing and speaking about psychological and spiritual healing, and how emotional maturity can shape both personal and societal growth.
📌 Connect with Phyllis:
Website: https://www.phyllisleavitt.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phyllis-leavitt-630179255/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phyllis_e_leavitt/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOdxqvDK9N421AZ5TTxqUgQ
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/phyllis.leavitt
🔔 Follow IgnitedNeurons Podcast for more updates:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theignitedneuronspodcast
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/utkarsh-narang
🎧 Available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.
Like, subscribe, and share if this conversation helped you see healing as more important than winning.
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