Psychoanalysis & You

By APsA American Psychoanalytic AssociationSociety & Culture Social Sciences Mental Health

Psychoanalysis & You episodes

September 28 Ep. 24 Todd Essig on AI, Attachment, and the Future of Mental Health
In this conversation with Todd Essig, chair of APsA's Commission on Artificial Intelligence, host Gail Saltz explores the profound reshaping of mental health care through chatbots and AI companions.
Essig explains why AI chatbots are being framed as "interactive self-help devices" rather than therapy: while they can provide knowledge and information, therapy requires something machines fundamentally cannot offer—genuine care, interiority, and obligation. He discusses the dual danger zone: the headline-grabbing tragedies of AI-induced self-harm, and the quieter, more pervasive harm happening when relationships with chatbots seem to be working well. According to recent research, one-third of teenagers are forming relationships with AI companions, raising urgent questions about how these interactions are reshaping our capacity for human connection and attachment.
Essig articulates the core problem: current chatbots are designed to be endlessly validating and supportive—a feature that "hacks" our evolutionary attachment systems in ways that can make real human relationships feel burdensome by comparison. He also clarifies what can and cannot be replaced. AI can supplement therapy (practicing skills between sessions), but cannot replicate the deep unconscious work of psychoanalysis—where transference, countertransference, and genuine human presence are data.
The conversation moves toward solutions: How should clinicians position themselves as AI reshapes the profession? What do psychoanalysts uniquely offer? Essig argues that psychoanalysts and mental health professionals have both a clinical responsibility to treat AI-related harm and a public health obligation to advocate for humane technology. He urges embedding AI literacy into training programs—not out of fear, but from grounded awareness of real psychological costs. And he identifies what psychoanalysts do best: foster community, listen deeply, and affirm the intrinsic value of human interiority—precisely what technology cannot provide.
47 min
June 29 Ep 23 - Polarization with Sue Kolod
In episode 23 of Psychoanalysis & You, host Gail Saltz speaks with Sue Kolod, president of the North American Psychoanalytic Confederation and co-leader of the Depolarization Project, about understanding and addressing polarization in our personal and political lives.
Kolod and Salts discuss what happens when disagreement becomes toxic, like when you dash into a store to avoid walking past a person you fundamentally oppose, and asks what psychoanalysis has to offer in response. Drawing on concepts from Vanik Volkan about "chosen trauma" and "large group identity," she examines why deeply held beliefs feel so personal, and why curiosity about ourselves and others becomes nearly impossible under polarization.
Through vivid examples—including her own experience with the Boston Conversations Project where pro-life and pro-choice women found unexpected common ground—Kolod illustrates how human connection, empathy, and an understanding of the historical and family experiences shaping our convictions can help us maintain relationships across deep disagreement.
This episode offers concrete insights into the defense mechanisms (splitting, projection) that drive polarization and explores how leaders and "surprising validators" can create the safety necessary for dialogue.
40 min
June 01 Ep 22 - Feeling Disorders with Gila Ashtor
What does it mean to lose touch with your own feelings, even while functioning well in everyday life?
In this episode of Psychoanalysis & You, Dr. Gail Saltz speaks with psychoanalyst Dr. Gila Ashtor about what she calls “feeling disorders”—experiences like gaslighting, empty consent, and toxic relationships that reflect a deeper difficulty in accessing and trusting one’s own emotional life.
Ashtor explains how many patients today appear high-functioning yet feel disconnected, uncertain, or on “autopilot,” and how this can fall outside traditional diagnostic categories. The discussion explores how modern culture, social media, and therapy trends may reinforce emotional disconnection, and why psychoanalysis aims instead to restore curiosity, emotional range, and a stronger sense of internal experience.
The episode also examines gaslighting and “empty consent,” and how subtle relational dynamics can lead people to override their own perceptions without recognizing it at the time.
Overall, the conversation focuses on how psychoanalytic work helps people reconnect with their feelings and build a more vivid, internally grounded sense of self.
50 min
April 27 EP 21 Pathological Narcissism with Diana Diamond
What’s the difference between healthy confidence and pathological narcissism? Dr. Gail Saltz is joined by psychoanalyst Diana Diamond to break down how narcissism functions on a spectrum. From everyday self-esteem to more severe forms that disrupt relationships and identity.
They explore why pathological narcissism alternates between grandiosity and vulnerability, how it shows up in personal and professional life, and why it has historically been difficult to treat. Diamond also discusses a psychoanalytic treatment approach that shows promise, along with the broader cultural forces—from social media to leadership dynamics—that may be amplifying narcissistic traits today.
At its core, the conversation returns to this: lasting well-being is grounded less in status or admiration, and more in the capacity for genuine relationships.
Diana Diamond is a psychoanalytic clinician, professor, and researcher. Dr. Diamond specializes in psychoanalytic psychotherapy and supervision. In her private practice, she treats patients who are experiencing conflicts around normative life cycle transitions (e.g., puberty, marriage, parenthood) and who have difficulties with intimacy, identity formation, and goal definition. She also works with patients with severe problems in interpersonal functioning and self- and affect-regulation. She also treats couples and families. Her general therapeutic orientation is informed by contemporary psychoanalytic object relations theory, which integrates the contributions of attachment theory and cognitive neuroscience.
50 min
March 30 Ep 20 Social Media Use in Children and Adolescents with Janet Rotter
Janet Rotter explains social media use in children and adolescents and how to manage screen time. In this episode, we explore how to connect and engage with children and adolescents in non-digital ways.
44 min
December 24, 2025 AI and Mental Health Care through a Psychoanalytic Lens
In this episode of Psychoanalysis and You, host Dr. Gail Saltz talks with Dr. Amy Levy, clinical psychologist, psychoanalyst, and co-chair of APsA’s Commission on Artificial Intelligence, about how AI is reshaping mental health, relationships, and self-understanding.
Dr. Levy approaches AI as a “new other” in our psychological lives, exploring why it is so compelling and what unconscious needs it may be responding to. Drawing on psychoanalytic theory, she examines the appeal of AI relationships, the risks of emotional dependency and belief amplification, and the limits of AI in providing meaningful mental health care.
The conversation also addresses whether AI could replace therapists, how psychoanalysts can engage in public discussions about emerging technology, and what parents should consider as children grow up immersed in AI-driven environments. Together, Drs. Saltz and Levy emphasize curiosity, reflection, and the enduring importance of human connection in an increasingly digital world.
46 min
September 10, 2025 Psychoanalysis for Youth: Theory, Practice & Impact
In this episode, we delve into the foundational principles, therapeutic techniques, and transformative impact of psychoanalysis on children and families. Whether you are a parent, mental health professional, student, or someone interested in understanding the human mind, this episode offers valuable insights and practical knowledge. Our guest, Dr. Alexander D. Kalogerakis provided a comprehensive overview of psychoanalysis, focusing on its application in child psychoanalytic psychotherapy. Dr. Kalogerakis discussed the history, core concepts, and real-world benefits of psychoanalytic therapy for children with APsA Podcast Host, Dr. Gail Saltz. Learn about the therapeutic process, the importance of early intervention, and how psychoanalysis can foster emotional growth and resilience in young people and children in Episode 18 of ‘Psychoanalysis & You.’
48 min
July 16, 2025 Advances & Careers in Psychoanalytic Research with Barbara Milrod | Psychoanalysis & You - Official APsA Podcast
Psychoanalysis & You is the official podcast of the American Psychoanalytic Association (APsA) about psychoanalysis and everyday.
In this episode of ‘Psychoanalysis and You’, Dr. Gail Saltz interviews Barbara Milrod M.D., a distinguished professor of psychiatry and director of psychotherapy research. They discuss the challenges and advancements in psychoanalytic research, including Dr. Milrod’s impactful work on psychodynamic psychotherapies. The conversation also covers the efficacy of different treatments, the importance of peer review, and the integration of neuroscience in psychoanalytic practices. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how psychoanalytic research is evolving and its relevance in today’s mental health landscape.
Our Guest - Barbara Milrod, M.D.
Barbara Milrod, M.D. is a leading psychoanalyst and psychiatrist whose pioneering work has advanced the psychoanalytic treatment of anxiety and somatic symptom disorders. She is especially known for developing and researching evidence-based psychoanalytic psychotherapies for panic disorder, agoraphobia, and conversion disorder in both adults and children. Dr. Milrod received her medical degree from Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons, completed psychiatric training at The Payne Whitney Clinic, and undertook advanced psychoanalytic training at the New York Psychoanalytic Institute, where she is now on faculty. She also teaches at the Columbia Center for Psychoanalytic Training and Research.She serves on the board for the APsA Research Training Program and received numerous awards recognizing her contributions to the advancement of psychoanalysis through clinical research and teaching.
Chapters
00:47 Meet Dr. Barbara Milrod
02:54 The Importance of Research in Psychoanalysis
05:57 Challenges in Psychoanalytic Research
10:00 Efficacy of Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy
21:15 Combining Medication with Psychotherapy
26:56 Advice for Aspiring Researchers
40:29 Freudian Quickies: Audience Questions
Our Podcast
In this podcast, we explore the intricacies of psychoanalysis under the guidance of our host, Gail Saltz. Founded in 1911, the American Psychoanalytic Association (APsA) is the oldest national psychoanalytic organization in the nation. APsA is committed to being a professional membership organization for psychoanalysts, psychoanalytic psychotherapists, academics, researchers, students, and other interested people – all whose work is profoundly informed by psychoanalytic theory and values, and to supporting their education and continuing professional development.
https://apsa.org/podcast
#APsApodcast

44 min
June 19, 2025Advising Organizations and Leaders with Alexander Stein | Psychoanalysis & You APsA Podcast
Episode 16 Advising Organizations and Leaders with Alexander Stein | Psychoanalysis & You| APsA Official Podcast
Psychoanalysis & You is the official podcast of the American Psychoanalytic Association (APsA) about psychoanalysis and everyday life hosted by Dr. Gail Saltz.
In this episode, our host interviews Alexander Stein, a psychoanalyst and founder of Dolus Advisors. Stein talks about his unique career journey from a performing pianist to a clinical psychoanalyst and then to a strategic consultant. The discussion focuses on how psychoanalytic principles can be applied to leadership, organizational governance, and human risks in cybersecurity. Stein also discusses his ongoing work with the American Psychoanalytic Association's Committee for Public Information and the CAI Report on artificial intelligence's impact on psychoanalysis and leadership. The episode delves into the application of psychoanalytic principles within a business context and touches on the potential and limitations of AI in mental health.
Our Guest – Alexander Stein, Ph.D.
Dr. Stein is a psychoanalyst and the founder of Dolus Advisors, a strategic consultancy specializing in leadership, organizational governance and culture, fraud, corruption and abuses of power, human risks in cybersecurity, and technologies that assume decision-making functions in human affairs. He is a widely published and cited thought leader whose work is regularly featured in the business press and multidisciplinary journals, podcasts, webinars, and at international conferences and symposia. He is a regular contributor to the Forbes Leadership Strategy Channel covering the psychology of decision-making and unintended consequences in organizations and society.
CHAPTERS
00:47 Meet Alexander Stein
02:33 Alexander's Journey to Psychoanalysis
06:19 Pivot to Organizational Consulting
08:15 Psychoanalysis in Business
11:30 Challenges and Successes in Consulting
26:37 Psychoanalytic Activism and AI
40:37 Freudian Quickies
Our Host
Dr. Gail Saltz is best known for her work as a relationship, family, emotional wellbeing, and mental health contributor in the media where she is a go-to expert for commentary on the mental health aspects of current/breaking issues and news. She is a bestselling author of numerous books. She serves on the public information committee for the American Psychoanalytic Association and for The Group for the Advancement of Psychiatry.
Connect with Dr. Stein
LinkedIn
Dolus Advisors
#APsApodcast
apsa.org/podcast
46 min
May 21, 2025Maternal Ambivalence with Tracy Sidesinger | Psychoanalysis & You - official APsA podcast
Episode 15 Maternal Ambivalence with Tracy Sidesinger | Psychoanalys & You| APsA Official Podcast
Psychoanalysis & You is the official podcast of the American Psychoanalytic Association (APsA) about psychoanalysis and everyday life hosted by Dr. Gail Saltz.
In this episode, Dr. Tracy Sidesinger, a psychoanalytic psychologist based in New York, joins 'Psychoanalysis & You' to discuss the complexities of maternal subjectivity and ambivalence. Dr. Sidesinger integrates Jungian and relational approaches in her work to address the lost feminine, maternal subjectivity, traumatic memory, and community psychoanalysis. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing that mothers are subjects with their own identities and transformations, even while caring for a child. The episode also delves into the concept of maternal ambivalence, explaining that having both positive and negative feelings towards a child is normal and essential for reflective and mindful caregiving. The discussion covers the impact of unconscious experiences on parenting, the role of societal expectations, and the benefits of expressive writing retreats. Dr. Sidesinger highlights the importance of maternal choice and the developmental phase of 'matrescence,' advocating for recognizing and supporting the intersubjective experiences of mothers.
Our Guest – Tracy Sidesinger, Psy.D.
Tracy Sidesinger, PsyD is a psychoanalytic psychologist bilocated between Brooklyn and Upstate New York. She integrates Jungian and Relational approaches to address transgenerational aspects of the lost feminine with individuals and couples in private practice. In 2024 she edited a special issue of the Taylor and Francis journal Psychoanalytic Perspectives dedicated to the topic of maternal subjectivity and its diverse applications. She regularly hosts expressive writing retreats for women that bridge psychoanalytic exploration with writerly craft to facilitate personal transformation outside the consulting room. In the past, she has served as representative to the Mental Health Liaison Group for the Psychotherapy Action Network (PsiAN), and as a board member for both the Museum of Motherhood in St. Petersburg, FL and the Jungian Association of Central Ohio (JACO) in Columbus, OH.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction of Dr. Tracy Sidesinger
00:50 Understanding Maternal Subjectivity
04:26 Exploring Maternal Ambivalence
17:05 The Concept of Choice in Motherhood
30:27 Balancing Connection and Separation
35:51 The Importance of Community and Support
42:26 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Our Host
Dr. Gail Saltz is best known for her work as a relationship, family, emotional wellbeing, and mental health contributor in the media where she is a go-to expert for commentary on the mental health aspects of current/breaking issues and news. She is a bestselling author of numerous books. She serves on the public information committee for the American Psychoanalytic Association and for The Group for the Advancement of Psychiatry. Dr. Saltz is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the NY Presbyterian Hospital Weill-Cornell School of medicine, a psychoanalyst with the New York Psychoanalytic Institute.
43 min