What if your personal and political identities could revolutionize your approach to therapy? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Dwight Turner, a renowned psychotherapist and social activist, who intricately weaves his journey from a British Caribbean upbringing, school, and military experiences to his transformative time in Berlin. Dwight shares how his exposure to therapy and political literature ignited a passion for integrating activism with his clinical work, challenging the traditional boundaries of psychotherapy.

In this episode, we discuss the need for diversity and decolonization within the therapy field. We explore Dwight's role at the University of Brighton, emphasizing the integration of feminist and political perspectives into the training of humanistic psychotherapists. We also look at the importance of therapists' ethical self-awareness to prevent bias projection, advocating for training programs that reflect historical and political contexts. This discussion underscores the collective responsibility of the psychotherapeutic profession to evolve, incorporating voices and narratives from minority communities to foster inclusive and impactful practice.

In this episode, Dwight provides invaluable insights into maintaining professional boundaries while challenging oppressive systems, emphasizing the potential for political change within clients through the therapeutic relationship. This episode is a call to action for therapists to stay engaged in political discourse and advocate for sustained social change beyond the election cycles.

This Podcast is sponsored by Onlinevents

How can psychologist tackle social injustice in mental health services and drive systemic change? Sally Zlotowitz—co-founder of Psychologists for Social Change and Chief Executive of Art Against Knives—shares her journey from cognitive neuropsychology to the world of community psychology. Sally’s personal narrative—witnessing, for instance, the impact on her family pet shop of corporate expansion—shows the deep interconnections between psychology, activism, and social justice that have shaped her career, politics, and philosophy.

This episode explores the layers of psychology's Eurocentric and individualistic roots, scrutinizing depoliticization within the psychological field. Sally discusses the importance of embracing social context, collective action, and participatory action research in community psychology. Her stories reveal how these approaches can challenge the traditional medical model, bringing forth methodologies that empower marginalized communities. Discussing into her co-founding role in Psychologists for Social Change, Sally shares how the community confronts austerity, advocates for systemic shifts, and offers solidarity and action against a backdrop of global crises.

The dialogue goes on to examine the evolving roles of therapists in championing economic and racial justice. Highlighting the impact of mutual aid during hard times and the potential for collaboration between health services and community organizations, Sally discusses how local action can lead to changes. As we navigate the challenging landscape of social, economic, and global issues, this episode highlights the power of community engagement and the relentless pursuit of a more equitable world.

This Podcast is sponsored by Onlinevents

What is it like to stand at the crossroads of identity, ancestry, and social change? David Weaver joins us to share his insights on the therapy profession's role in societal transformation. With his unique perspective as a social worker, political advisor, and leadership consultant, David unravels the threads of personal history and professional ambition, weaving a narrative that is both intimate and profound.

In dialogue with John Wilson, David covers the complex terrain of systemic racism within the therapy field, dissecting how economic strains, like the ongoing cost of living crisis, exacerbate this problem. David encourages us to look at actionable solutions, stressing the urgency of embedding diversity and social justice into the fabric of psychological services. The conversation calls on therapists and communities to work together in crafting a future where mental health can flourish within a diverse society. At the heart of David’s experiences and perspective is the possibility of hope. He takes us through the power of voting, community dialogues, and the need for political advocacy to amplify the voice of mental health in policy-making circles.

As we chart the intersection of mental well-being and political action, David's expertise shines a light on the importance of hope and engagement in the democratic process. He takes us through the power of voting, community dialogues, and the need for political advocacy to amplify the voice of mental health in policy-making circles. This isn't just an episode; it's a testament to the collective responsibility we share to foster change and a reflection on the legacy we aspire to leave for the generations that follow. Join us as we navigate these pivotal conversations with David Weaver and envision a world where resilience is not just imagined but actively built, one community at a time.

This Podcast is sponsored by Onlinevents