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In the episode, "Through the Lens of Psychophobia with Dr. Michael Montgomery: Exploring the Modern Medicalization of Mental Health (S6 E9)," Dr. Montgomery shares with us in the podcast the phenomenon of psychophobia and how it manifests in today’s medicalization of mental health. Society’s fear of extreme states influences the model the system uses, and outcomes are negative due to the model itself. Dr. Montgomery believes it is time to return to a more humane interaction with those who suffer from extreme states that looks more deeply at the humanity of the patient and respects the interiority of the mind.

Michael R. Montgomery, PhD, MSW, MA, MSc, LCSW, is an existential psychoanalyst with international expertise in complex trauma, extreme states (psychosis and mania), addiction, and conflict resolution. He trained at Regent’s University London, The Tavistock and Portman, and the Anna Freud Centre. In addition to his private practice, he leads Perform23, collaborating with specialists in movement, dance, and music to create alternative access points to healing and community, most notably supporting 5th Element and Plan B in post-conflict Belfast. He is also the founder of Peacefire.us, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering dialogue and understanding between individuals from diverse and often opposing backgrounds. He is a regular contributor to the Society for Existential Analysis (SEA) annual conference, the R.D. Laing Symposium, and ISPS-US. His clinical work is primarily community-based, focused on individuals typically excluded from quality care. With over 26 peer-reviewed articles, reviews, and book chapters, he is currently developing a new book and podcast on psychophobia—the fear of the mind.

To learn more about Dr. Montgomery’s theories, check out his paper: Psychophobia and its Cure: an Existential Phenomenological Perspective. Journal of Existential Analysis, 2025, 36(1): 51-66.

Follow his website at: https://drmontgomery.com/

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In the episode, "Relinquishing the Label, Embracing the Voices, and Healing in an Alternative Paradigm with author Mary Clista Dahl" (S6, E8), Mary shares her story about letting go of the label, embracing an alternative paradigm, and learning to listen to the voices. Mary sees breakdowns not as a symptom of a disordered mind, but as the response to a crazy culture. She puts forth an approach to healing through many modalities, and offers a sacred space in which her Twelve Angels programs and gatherings can flourish.

Mary Clista Dahl has lived experience of “psychosis” and is well known in the national and international mental health communities for promoting hopeful recovery solutions for what is clinically described as serious mental illness, encouraging others to understand their labels as attributes. She enjoys speaking, writing and introducing others to compassionate care options.

Mary is an author who is also passionate about holistic health, interested in integrative healing practices and is a certified aromatherapist and Reiki Master. She earned her Masters Degree in Integrative Health and Healing and recognizes the role that nature plays in our well being.

To learn more about Mary Clista Dahl, connect to her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/capturelifewriting/

or LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mcdahl/

Check out her website: https://www.twelveangels.org

email: MaryClistalaughs@gmail.com

To read her memoir: Reconciliation of the Heart: Memoir of Mary Clista Dahl: A Healing Journey to Joy, Love and Compassion

Don't forget to subscribe to the Not As Crazy As You Think YouTube channel @SicilianoJen
And please visit my website at: www.jengaitasiciliano.com
Connect:
LinkedIn: @jensiciliano
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/jengaita.bsky.social

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