Welcome to Episode 174 of the Being Human Podcast: Healing or Harm? Unveiling the Truth About Bad Therapy

In this podcast episode, Dr. Greg delves into the controversial book, “Bad Therapy: Why the Kids Aren't Growing Up” by Abigail Shrier, which critiques modern psychotherapeutic practice, and exposes the dangers and ineffectiveness of current mental health trends. He talks about how mainstream psychology lacks integration of spiritual dimensions, and how this often leads to misguided treatments. He also discussed today's lack of certainty when it comes to mental health diagnoses and how current therapeutic interventions can worsen conditions. 

 

Discussed in the episode:

• Understanding how secular psychology often overlooks the spiritual aspect of human life, leading to incomplete diagnoses and treatments

• A discussion on the concept of iatrogenesis and how misdiagnosis and incorrect interventions in therapy, and the lack of certainty in mental health practices, can lead to more harm than good

• An exploration on the 10 principles of bad therapy discussed by Abigail Shrier in her book, and how these principles highlight the dangers of neglecting the holistic nature of human beings

• A critique on the prevailing authority and weight assigned to therapists' judgments and diagnoses, emphasizing the need for greater humility and awareness in mental health practices

• A reflection on the fundamental human longing for spiritual fulfillment and its relevance to psychological distress

• An emphasis on the unpopular truth that only a holistic approach to therapy, grounded in a Catholic understanding of the human person, can provide deeper insights, more effective treatments strategies, leading individuals towards true healing and flourishing

 

Resources mentioned or relevant: 

Bad Therapy: Why The Kids Aren’t Growing Up by Abigail Shrier

Psychology as Religion: The Cult of Self-Worship by Dr. Paul C. Vitz

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