Don't Go There

Newport Beach clinician Ryan Michele Wall, M.S., AMFT, talks with us about mom-guilt. Although, guilt seems to be a unifying factor among most Moms, it may be a feeling you can learn to embrace. Join us in our discussion about mothers who worry they're failing or falling short of expectations.

Join us as we interview psychotherapist, Andrey Antonenko, as he shares his story about coming out as a gay man in a Christian subculture. We discuss how religious abuse and homophobia affects the psyche and can have tragic and traumatic psychological consequences. We hope Andrey’s story challenges homophobic attitudes, illuminates the religious abuse taking place in the Christian sub-culture, and provides hope for other gay individuals.

What does culture expect of husbands? Why do men have difficulty emotionally connecting to their spouses? In this episode, we interview Quentin Hafner, a clinician in Newport Beach, California who specializes in couples psychotherapy. Join us as we explore Quentin's book the “Black Belt Husband” where he introduces an innovative way to help men build emotional intelligence utilizing the martial arts as a metaphor to understand the developmental process of becoming a successful husband.

The way we use food is often an attempt to solve or avoid an internal problem. Eating or not eating is rarely just about physical hunger in our culture. In this podcast, we will discuss how we all have a connection or a relationship with food that is highly symbolic.

In a survey published by the AARP in 2010, slightly more than one out of three adults aged 45 and over reported feeling chronically lonely. In 2017, the Office for National Statistics found that young people aged 16-24 experienced feelings of loneliness more often than any other age group. Major life transitions, personal tragedies, serious illness and job loss usually cause feelings of loneliness and isolation. Moreover, perpetual feelings of loneliness are often the consequence of early emotional neglect. Our desire to belong and to feel known and connected is a natural and normal biological yearning. However, the need is often frustrated and we are left feeling rejected and unloved. Join us as we consider the painful feeling of loneliness and discuss how the experience of isolation may have something to teach us.

In recent news, dozens of famous and powerful men have been accused of sexual assault. The allegations, investigations and formal apologies seem endless. Many men are being held accountable for their sexual misconduct for the first time; politicians are resigning and celebrities are seeking treatment. But, why is sexual assault so common? And is it a treatable issue? Join us as we try to understand why so many men can’t keep it in their pants.

Scholarly research shows that social media is bad for your mental health. Young adults who use Instagram more than two hours a day display symptoms of anxiety, depression, loneliness and poor body image. If you are using multiple platforms of social media you have an increased likelihood of suffering from a major depressive disorder or an anxiety disorder. This episode will explore how social media may be the cause of serious mental distress and why we just can't stop using it.

Forgiveness is a virtue repeatedly praised by philosophers, theologians and psychotherapists. The act of forgiving, however, is often confusing and painful - and at times it can feel disingenuous. Join us as we discuss the complex concept and process of forgiveness and consider whether it's always necessary.

A 2013 Time magazine cover shows a couple lying on the beach and reads, “The Childfree Life: When having it all means not having children.” This is one of many magazines and research articles that suggest people without kids are happier. This podcast episode explores the cultural and psychological value of remaining childfree or choosing to have children.

Depression may often have something significant to tell you if you are willing to listen. Though painful and scary, dark feelings often have profound value. Sometimes depressive feelings are inviting you to mourn repressed grief. Other times, symptoms of depression have a spiritual value - asking you to reflect on the existential issues of life. Hopelessness and sadness can also indicate that there is a part of you that has been neglected; perhaps an unexpressed creative or emotional aspect of yourself needs acknowledgment and care. Join us as we discuss the value of depression in our first episode of Don't Go There.