In this commanding conversation, Jenny Lindsay, author of Hounded: Women, Harms and the Gender Wars, recalls her experience of being HOUNDED at the hands of an ideologically captured art scene. Jenny recounts the intrusion of the "Culture Wars" into mainstream poetry, art and writing, and the impact of saying "no" while staying true to her core beliefs. Jenny is a sensational talent a wealth of knowledge, and a powerful voice in the world of critical thought and honest discourse.

Now on Amazon: https://a.co/d/9yVxnjR

Take Aways:

Gender ideology has had an impact on the arts and writing.

Taking particular positions and holding particular beliefs can be subject to harsh and unjust treatment in the arts.

This treatment can lead to extreme isolation, and difficulties in managing one's own mental health.

Finding support and community in the midst of a "hounding" is a crucial route to getting through it.

Humor can be a powerful tool in addressing serious topics that often have a social cost.

Original Thumbnail Image by Alex Aitchison


#transition   #mentalhealth   #psychology   #podcastshow   #interviews   #therapy  #poet #poetry #writing #terf #feminism #jkrowling #harrypotter

In this powerful conversation, Ute Heggen, author of In The Curated Woods: True Tales from a Grass Widow,  shares her story as a trans widow — opening up about her marriage, family struggles, and the emotional impact of today's gender debates. She dives into how identity, mental health, and cultural shifts affected her life, her children, and her healing journey. Ute offers a personal look at the complexities behind gender transition, therapy, and family dynamics — with honesty, resilience, and hope for the future.

Now on Amazon: https://a.co/d/3dsTNEa

Take Aways:

Trauma and family dynamics play a crucial role in gender identity experiences.

Therapists can influence gender transition in ways that may not always be beneficial.

Cultural shifts have led to a lack of understanding in gender discussions.

The politicization of gender identity complicates honest discussions.

#transition  #mentalhealth  #psychology  #podcastshow  #interviews  #therapy #widow

In this episode, Michael and Jaco speak with special guest, Ryan Rogers, author of The Woke Mind. They explore the ideological landscape of psychological education and counseling, and the increasing politicization of the field. Ryan describes his personal experiences in graduate school, highlighting the schism between traditional therapeutic practices and the demands of political activism. The speakers reflect on the implications of critical social justice ideologies on counseling practices, the performative nature of modern education, and the challenges faced by students who question the prevailing narratives. This conversation delves into the complexities of activism-based therapy, and the intersection of political identity and mental health. The speakers explore the the implications of anti-racism training, and how therapy can lead to radicalization. They discuss the moral judgments surrounding political views, and personal journeys of political radicalization. The conversation culminates in an examination of how social justice ideologies can negatively impact mental health leading to varying presentation of mental illness.

The Woke Mind is available on Amazon: https://a.co/d/49LoITq

Our Website: https://criticaltherapyantidote.org/

Take Aways:
Counseling practices are increasingly politicized, sidelining traditional methods.

There is a moral competition among students to display virtue.

Critical social justice ideologies can undermine effective therapy.

The emotional experiences of individuals are often viewed through a racial lens.

The distinction between racism and anti-racism is becoming blurred. The difference between biological and social determinism can create conflict in therapy.

Anti-racism can perpetuate victimhood rather than promote healing.
Therapy can unintentionally radicalize clients towards activism.

Multiculturalism often focuses on superficial identity rather than deeper understanding.

Political identity can influence the therapeutic relationship and care provided.

There is a pervasive moral judgment against conservative political views in therapy.


#psychology  #counseling  #politicalactivism #socialjustice #mentalhealth #education #diversityequityinclusion #podcast #activism 

In this final installment of The Bad Therapy Series Christine, Jaco, and Michael conclude their examination of Abigail Shrier's latest book, Bad Therapy: Why the Kids Aren't Growing Up. What does real independence look like for our kids? At what point are we over involved in the natural maturation of children? How might parents establish a balanced approach towards parenting? What is the role of a parent surrounded by "experts?" What is the purpose of childhood? 

In this final episode of the series we discuss the intrusion of a more lenient and accommodating mental health culture both in parenting and in the therapy room. We discuss the paradox of "our best laid plans" in helping children and adolescents as they mature and develop. We delve into the implications for over involvement in children's lives such as limiting their capacity to develop adaptive skills, and to contend with the ever-increasing demands of life. We also explore the role and significance of effectively transmitting family values to children as they grow up. 

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CTA Website: https://criticaltherapyantidote.org/
Twitter: @TherapyAntidote

#mentalhealth #badtherapy #criticaltherapy #education #health #education

In this episode Christine, Jaco, and Michael continue their examination of Abigail Shrier's latest book, Bad Therapy: Why the Kids Aren't Growing Up. Are we forgetting to adequately challenge our kids perceptions? Has a coddling culture run rampant at home and in the therapy office? Has the pendulum of "effective parenting" swung too far? We explore these questions through the lens of celebrated journalist Abigail Shrier.

In this episode of the series we discuss the intrusion of a more lenient and accommodating mental health culture both in parenting and in the therapy room. We discuss the tendency to reduce complex issues experienced by children to single factor explanations to the detriment of a holistic view. We explore where we may be falling short in understanding children and their needs, in a therapised culture. 

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CTA Website: https://criticaltherapyantidote.org/
Twitter: @TherapyAntidote

#mentalhealth    #badtherapy    #health    #wellness    #wokeism    #therapy  #education

In this episode Christine, Jaco, and Michael continue their examination of Abigail Shrier's latest book, Bad Therapy: Why the Kids Aren't Growing Up. Why are we collecting mental health information from children in school? Can simply asking about features of a child’s life increase distress? Are we highlighting sensitivity over flexible social skills? Are children adequately learning accountability for their actions? We explore these questions through the lens of celebrated journalist Abigail Shrier.

In this episode of the series we discuss the possibility of mental health “intelligence apparatuses” in our schools presented as anonymous mental health surveys. We examine the motivations behind asking children highly personal information in school settings, and their potential implications for agenda setting, individual harm, and school programming. We explore the weaponization of empathy and performative outrage among children within our therapised culture.

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CTA Website: https://criticaltherapyantidote.org/
Twitter: @TherapyAntidote
#mentalhealth   #badtherapy   #health   #wellness   #wokeism   #therapy #education

On this episode Christine, Jaco, and Michael continue their examination of Abigail Shrier's latest book, Bad Therapy: Why the Kids Aren't Growing Up. Here we delve into Chapters 5 & 6.

Are we letting therapy culture run our schools? Are schools letting misbehavior go on in the name of emotional wellbeing? Does therapy culture in schools function as "big brother?" Have schools watered down the significance of painful events? Are schools dredging up emotional hurt while failing to teach skills that foster resilience?

In this episode of the series we examine cultural trends of over encroaching supervision in school settings, and practices that highlight emotional pain over resilience amongst children. Through adopting norms such as restorative justice circles, many schools appear to have incorporated secretive group therapy meetings into their daily curriculum, while simultaneously viewing kids as hurt and in need of constant repair. We navigate the possibilities among rigid and widely adopted trauma narratives that may have been commodified and adopted without thorough investigation. We continue our examination of increased emphasis on mental health interventions in our schools and cultural intrusions that may affect our kids. #mentalhealth  #badtherapy  #health  #wellness  #wokeism  #therapy

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CTA Website: https://criticaltherapyantidote.org/
Twitter: @TherapyAntidote

On this episode Christine, Jaco, and Michael continue their examination of Abigail Shrier's latest book, Bad Therapy: Why the Kids Aren't Growing Up.

Can an increased focus on our emotions be a bad thing? Can affirming the personal narratives of children actually be detrimental to their well-being? Many mental health professionals have expressed concerns that they can be. Although there appears to be an increased acceptance related to mental health, generally, children appear to be experiencing more dysfunction than ever. Why is that so? We explore this phenomenon and the question through the lens of celebrated journalist, Abigail Shrier.

In this episode of the series we discuss how new cultural norms and practices involving a concentration on one's feelings can, paradoxically, increase negative emotions among children. Through the inclusion of Socio-Emotional Learning (SEL) schools have begun integrating therapy-like practices into the daily lives of children and adolescents. These practices hold the potential for prolonged or increased psychological suffering including negative introspection, helplessness, rumination, and an over-identification with one's mental health diagnoses. We continue our examination of the proliferation of "distress obsession" within our increasingly therapised culture. 

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CTA Website: https://criticaltherapyantidote.org/
Twitter: @TherapyAntidote

In this new season Christine, Jaco, and Michael introduce a new series of discussions based on Abigail Shrier's new book, Bad Therapy: Why the Kids Aren't Growing Up. Many mental health professionals, parents, and concerned citizens have noticed the therapy culture our children are living in. Despite increased access to therapeutic services, and therapeutic language, we have seen a proliferation as opposed to reduction in mental distress among children and adolescents. Why is that so? We explore this phenomenon and the question through the lens of celebrated journalist Abigail Shrier.

In this first episode of the series we discuss how psychotherapy, like all other interventions, has the potential for iatrogenesis, or unintended harm. We also explore the proliferation of "distress obsession" within our therapized culture. 

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CTA Website: https://criticaltherapyantidote.org/
Twitter: @TherapyAntidote

Suzannah Alexander is a volunteer at the Foundation Against Intolerance and Racism (FAIR). In this episode Suzannah recounts her experiences as a student at the University of Tennessee's Clinical Mental Health Counsellor programme. She relates how she was treated for her Buddhist worldview and for being white. We discuss the psychological effects such deliberate misrecognition (gaslighting) had on her, and what the literature teaches us on this. We go into detail discussion the phenomenon of projection, projective identification and the envious processes underneath such dynamics. We conclude our discussion by appreciating the need for parallel structures and institutions that are committed to the healing ethos of psychology and psychotherapy.

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Suzannah's YouTube channel:  @DiogenesInExile  

CTA Website: https://criticaltherapyantidote.org/
Twitter: @TherapyAntidote
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