This week on RfRx, just in time for Valentines Day, Dr. Jennifer Manlowe discusses her new book, Cracking Up. This book draws from Dr. Manlowe’s research as a scholar of gender, psychology and religion, her professional experience as a secular therapist, and her personal experience being trained to be “a good girl” as a Roman Catholic in the late 20th century. The book looks at the micro and macroculture sexist messages sent to girls through religion, popular culture, and “family values” reflected in government and “protected” [mandated?] legal discourse. Being Catholic, meant living in a world focused on “legitimate” coupling as the only good–such messages are absurd, even funny at points, if you can crack up at them but, if you take them seriously, you may go mad.

Since the mid 1990s, Dr. Jennifer Manlowe has worked as a professor, author, chaplain, and life-clarity coach. She is a licensed family therapist, holds a Masters of divinity, PhD in psychology and religion with specialization in gender identity. Now, as a relational systems therapist, her sole focus is supporting people eager to be connected to others and themselves with greater courage and authenticity. A common denominator for clients she sees is they are navigating an important life transition.

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