From Therapy to Social Change – Details, episodes & analysis

CW: Suicide, trauma, abandonment, sexual abuse, alcoholism, rape, slavery, self-harm, homophobia.

What happens when privilege, trauma, and leadership intersect within the walls of a boarding school? We invite you to join our compelling conversation with Tom Greaves, Piers Cross, and Jonny Lovett, as they unravel their personal journeys through the labyrinthine world of boarding education. This episode challenges the notion of resilience, questioning whether the experiences of isolation, bullying, and the emotional voids left by early separation can be classified as trauma. We explore the ways these experiences shape leaders, with figures like Boris Johnson and Donald Trump as potential case studies shaped by their past.

The emotional landscape of boarding school life is vast and complex, leaving indelible marks on personal relationships and emotional development. Our guests recount stories of betrayal, isolation, and the struggle to express emotions while reconciling privilege with vulnerability. These narratives illuminate a cycle of trauma that transcends generations, with familial bonds often strained by the experiences of being sent away. As we discuss the broader societal implications, we examine how ingrained behaviors from such privileged backgrounds can hinder authenticity and connection in adulthood.

Throughout our discussion, we address the psychological impacts of boarding school, including the strategic survival personalities cultivated within these institutions. The conversation delves into class disdain and the societal disconnects perpetuated by such education systems. With anecdotes from public figures like Richard Branson and Bear Grylls, we shed light on the long-lasting effects of these formative years. As our guests share their paths to healing, we emphasize the importance of addressing these deeply rooted issues for both personal and societal transformation, highlighting ongoing projects aimed at fostering understanding and change.

One of our panelists touches on themes of homophobia. Whilst this was not explicitly explored or condemned, the TaSC network and all those involved in the podcast do not support homophobic views or beliefs of any kind.

You can find out more about our chair and panelists here:

Connect with Ester on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ester-wheeler-458a55167?originalSubdomain=uk

Jonny's private practice website: https://springtidescotland.com/

The trailer for Piers’ upcoming documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=stMvUcsZzlM

Follow Tom to keep up to date with his upcoming show about male friendships: https://www.instagram.com/tdrgreaves/?hl=en

Resources mentioned in the episode (books unless otherwise stated):

Judith Herman, Trauma and Recovery

Nick Duffell, The Making of Them & Boarding School Survivor Workshops

Suzanne Zeedyk, The Connected Baby - 2011 Documentary

Richard beard, Sad Little Men

If… – 1968 Film

Jennifer Freyd, Betrayal Trauma: Logic of Forgetting Childhood Abuse: The Logic of Forgetting Childhood Abuse

Joy Schaverien, Boarding school: the trauma of the ‘privileged’ child

Richard Branson, Losing My Virginity

Bear Grylls, Mud, Sweat and Tears

John Peel, Margrave of the Marshes

David Niven, The Moon’s A Balloon

Mad, Bad and Dangerous to Know

Ranulph Fiennes, Mad, Bad and Dangerous to Know

Fight Club – 1999 Film

David Cameron, For the Record

This Podcast is sponsored by Onlinevents 

What happens when a conservative evangelical embarks on a transformative journey toward progressive Christianity? Join us in an interesting conversation with Simon J. Cross as he unpacks his remarkable shift in faith and ideology. Simon reflects on his evangelical upbringing and the limitations he encountered within traditional evangelical frameworks. He explores how he balances his deep-rooted Christian identity with progressive values, offering profound insights into the importance of change as a cornerstone of his theology and worldview. Through his work at the intersection of mental health, spirituality, and social science, Simon delves into relational theology and mental well-being.

In our exploration of evolving Christian theological perspectives, Simon challenges traditional notions of a distant, omnipotent deity. Instead, he presents a compelling case for a relational understanding of God, one that is deeply affected by human suffering and social injustice. This chapter ties together themes from post-Holocaust theological developments and liberation theology, and addresses the dual role Christianity plays in Western society - both as a force for liberation and oppression. Simon's experiences in mentoring and his reflections on the diversity within Christianity offer listeners a nuanced perspective on faith's role in contemporary issues.

We move on to discussing interfaith and intra-faith dialogue, the preservation of community spaces and rituals, and the concept of Christian Anarchism, exploring how tradition may be rethought to maintain relevance in modern society and consider the mental health benefits of communal activities. We also dive into the concept of challenging imaginary borders, especially in the context of national boundaries and migration. Finally, Simon discusses his work as Chair of the Progressive Christianity Network, and talks about the diversity of its current membership and how people can get involved.

'In the episode, Robbie regrets not always using the most inclusive language - for example 'brother or sister' rather than 'sibling', and apologises to all affected by this.'

The 'Mill Hill' mentioned is the unitarian Mill Hill Chapel, in Leeds: 

https://www.millhillchapel.org/ 

https://www.unitarian.org.uk/congregation/leeds-2/

This Podcast is sponsored by Onlinevents 

Eyal Rozmarin is a relational psychoanalyst, widely published author, and an emigrant from Israel to the US.  In this dialogue with Mick Cooper, author of Psychology at the Heart of Social Change, Eyal describes the complex tapestry of identity formation and social dynamics, sharing his his own path of transformation. Eyal examines the intricate ways in which societal narratives, external perceptions, and the longing to belong sculpt our inner selves. The episode explores how our identities are interlaced with culture, politics, and the collective yearnings for community.

Eyal invites us into the depths of psychoanalytic theory through, for instance, the ideas of Jean Laplanche, and illuminates the influence of language and culture in shaping who we are. The dialogue explores the evolving landscape of relational psychoanalysis, enriched by feminist and queer perspectives, questioning conventional beliefs about gender and sexuality. Eyal examines the role of belonging and its often paradoxical relationship with violence. In a world rife with conflict, this dialogue underscores the possibility of using psychoanalytic thinking to forge connections across divides.

This Podcast is sponsored by Onlinevents 

Walk the journey of an inspiring human rights advocate who hails from Latin America. Claudia is a rare combination of both counsellor and councillor: a fierce believer in the power of socialism and person-centred therapy. From her childhood marked by poverty, racism, and intergenerational trauma to her work as a counsellor, Claudia’s experiences are insightful and compelling, and her belief in mental health as a fundamental human right.

Mick Cooper and John Wilson's conversation with Claudia navigates through her life in the UK, her work with Hackney Council, and her role in the Words Matter campaign. Claudia’s work centres around bringing issues of social injustice, poverty, and race into her practice in the most compassionate way. We delve deep into the intersection of politics and therapy and how the role of therapists can extend into the political sphere. As we explore the effects of social inequalities on mental health, we also underscore the importance of holding the government accountable for the mental health of its citizens.

Towards the end of our discussion, Claudia shares her unique vision of making supervision available for all professions. This episode is a profound exploration of the powerful connection between social injustice and mental health. Claudia's journey from a migrant to a counsellor to a councillor, her understanding of the intersectionality in therapy and politics, and her dream to make a difference in the world is a testament to courage and resilience.

This Podcast is sponsored by Onlinevents 

Imagine growing up in a community where the group is considered more important than the individual. This was the reality for our guest, John Wilson, a therapist whose unique upbringing in a cult drastically shaped his perspective on life and then therapy. His compelling journey from a highly controlled group to the therapeutic world offers fascinating insights into the impact of cult mentality on individual self-worth and community dynamics.

We explore the importance of creating safe spaces for human interaction, an idea that John holds dear. He shares how his personal history helps him understand group dynamics and build environments where individuals can express themselves freely and safely. His protective masculine energy, a response to his upbringing, now aids others in connecting with their inner child and feeling heard and respected. It's an intriguing exploration of how personal experiences can guide us towards fostering trust, respect, and a robust sense of community.

As we wrap up our conversation, John outlines his vision for transforming violence and building an empathetic world. He illuminates how he aids individuals in understanding violent and destructive desires and guides them towards non-violent, constructive behaviors. John embodies an optimistic belief in an empathetic world, believing that technology can bring us closer together. His experiences and work serve as an inspiring testament to the power of personal journeys in shaping our perspectives and approaches to building a better world. Prepare for a riveting conversation that showcases the power of therapy in effecting social change.

This Podcast is sponsored by Onlinevents 

Can understanding primal fears reshape our polarised society? Join us for an interesting conversation with Kirk Schneider, an esteemed psychologist in existential-humanistic existential-integrative psychotherapy. Kirk shares his groundbreaking concept of the "polarized mind," a state driven by primal fear and anxiety, and reflects on how his upbringing, political interests and the US' response to the Iraq War shaped his thoughts on societal issues. Drawing insights from Otto Rank and Ernest Becker, he emphasises the importance of addressing our inner lives and existential struggles to foster a more harmonious society.

In navigating some of the complexities of modern life, Kirk and Robbie delve into the tension between contemporary diversity and the nostalgic longing for simpler times. We discuss the allure and pitfalls of quick fixes versus the desire for a more contemplative existence. By exploring Emmanuel Levinas' ideas on recognizing shared vulnerabilities, we discuss the necessity of creatively engaging with diverse perspectives to bridge our societal divides. We also explore shedding light on the underlying fears that drive polarisation and the importance of addressing them to foster coexistence.

Finally, we explore the political landscape through the lens of liberalism and conservatism, examining some of their tendencies and the dynamics of polarisation. By sharing practical insights from bridge-building dialogues, like those from the Experiential Democracy Dialogue and Braver Angels, we discuss tools that might be helpful in fostering understanding across ideological divides. We finish by discussing the role of fear in shaping reactive behaviours and the transformative potential of connectedness and embodied presence. Our hope is that this conversation might support appreciation for the power of meaningful, emotionally restorative interactions.

This Podcast is sponsored by Onlinevents 

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 

Navigating the complicated maze of community mental health is no small feat. Will Higham joins us with insights reflecting his experience from years of working in community mental health across the UK. In conversation with Cassandra Geisel (MBACP), TaSC member with experience in working in community based suicide prevention, we gain an understanding of co-production in mental health services and the necessity for responsive, justice-oriented healthcare systems. As we traverse the shifting political terrain of the UK, Will's personal experiences become a lens through which we examine the broader implications of mental health policies and the urgent need for government-led health initiatives. The conversation looks at the current state of mental health in the UK and how it is at a point of humanitarian crisis. Something different needs to happen. Can we rely on the upcoming elections to spark that change?

Forming alliances within the healthcare sector, especially in mental health, is akin to a delicate dance—one that requires balance, precision, and an acute understanding of community needs. Our discussion turns to the challenges of integrating smaller community groups with larger NHS structures, the significance of equitable funding, and the balance between clinical and social health models. We discuss the importance of clinicians venturing beyond the confines of therapy rooms to engage in deep partnership work, and the transformative power of such alliances in strengthening mental health support services for everyone involved.

The conversation goes on to reflect on the critical role of local initiatives in propelling national health missions forward, particularly in the realm of mental health. The conversation examines the nuance between therapy sessions and a client's socio-environmental conditions. We explore how policy decisions impact communities grappling with health inequalities and the importance of recognising the gaps in care that are often filled by grassroots organisations. How do we, as therapists, learn from the knowledge and assets that exist in community spaces? What does collaboration across the mental health sector look like? The conversation ends in a call to action for cross-sector collaboration, recognizing the collective effort required to address the mental health crisis and inspire a more resilient, healthy society.

Website: Together, we can transform community mental health (rethink.org)

This Podcast is sponsored by Onlinevents