Therapy for Guys

In this episode of the Psyche Podcast, I sit down with Paul J. Leslie to explore the power of co-creating therapeutic themes—especially with male clients. Drawing from Paul's book Transforming Themes, we dive into how therapy with men often involves shifting both perception and performance in order to unlock change. We talk about the limitations of traditional cognitive approaches and highlight how action, ritual, and creative reframing can bring about meaningful transformation. We also discuss the importance of therapist creativity, the value of feedback-informed treatment, and why staying curious and well-rounded helps deepen our therapeutic connections. This conversation is packed with practical insights and inspiration for anyone working with men in therapy.

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Allen Novian for a powerful conversation on men's mental health. We explore the evolving landscape of masculinity and the deep courage it takes for men to open up and seek therapy. Allen and I talk about the stigma that still surrounds male vulnerability, and how embracing curiosity—rather than shame—can be a transformative part of the healing process. We also dig into the roles that grief, father-son dynamics, and cultural expectations play in shaping how men show up in the world. This episode is a reminder that strength isn't about pushing through at all costs—it's about learning to care, pay attention, and grow through life's challenges.

In this raw and wide-ranging episode of the Psyche Podcast, I sit down with theologian, author, and former emergent church leader Tony Jones to explore his latest book The God of Wild Places. We reflect on faith, failure, and the search for meaning after both public and personal upheaval. Tony opens up about his years in seminary, his complicated relationship with Christian fame, and the vulnerable process of writing through divorce, fatherhood, and spiritual transformation. We talk about everything from Nancey Murphy's non-reductive physicalism to predator-prey symbolism, spiritual disillusionment, and what it means to find a more humble, lowercase “g” god in life's wild places. This conversation is honest, philosophical, and deeply human—perfect for anyone wrestling with belief, identity, and living authentically.Check out his book!

In this episode, I explore how Lev Vygotsky's ideas of scaffolding and the Zone of Proximal Development offer a powerful framework for working with neurodivergent clients. Using the image of a garden trellis, I reflect on how therapy provides the structure and support needed for authentic, self-directed growth—guiding without constraining, and always honoring the client's natural direction.

Great conversation with Todd McGowan discussing his essay "Existentialism After Finitude: The Transcendence of the Unconscious" from the book Death and Love: Psychoanalytic and Philosophical Perspectives (co-edited with Julie Reshe).

A great conversation with Bob Langan about his new book Jung and Spinoza Passage Through The Blessed Self.

In this episode, I talk with therapist and podcaster Joel Blackstock about the life and legacy of Carl Jung. Our conversation explores Jung's vast intellectual curiosity—his willingness to engage with mythology, dreams, alchemy, and even the paranormal in his search for psychological truth. We reflect on how Jung's openness to mystery continues to inspire those on the path of self-discovery.

A fun conversation with Barry on his recent talk at Wake, the psychoanalysis of religion in Ana-Maria Rizutto, and other reflections on the sacred in the modern world.

I speak with Elliott about all things Jung and his article "Sacred Skies: UFOs and the Religious Function of the Psyche"

In The Ego and the Id, Sigmund Freud uses the analogy of a horse and rider to illustrate the relationship between the ego and the id, emphasizing that we may have less control over the unconscious than we'd like to believe. Yet, a decade later in New Introductory Lectures on Psychoanalysis, Freud introduces the psychoanalytic motto: “Where id was, there ego shall be,” hinting at the possibility of greater agency than he originally proposed. This tension—between the limits of our control and the hope for transformation—has always intrigued me. In this episode, I explore that dynamic by sharing a few key quotes from Freud, and one from Mari Ruti that I believe sheds meaningful light on this enduring paradox.

I speak to William B. Parsons about his book Freud and Religion: Advancing the Dialogue.

I speak with Richard Boothby about Freud's unsettling discovery of the death drive in "Beyond The Pleasure Principle."

I speak with Lacanian psychoanalyst Jason Childs about Sigmund Freud's “Some remarks on a Case of Obsessional Neurosis," aka the "Rat Man".

I speak to my friend Barry Taylor about Aaron Schuster's book The Trouble with Pleasure: Deleuze and Psychoanalysis .

In this episode, I sit down with my friend Phuc Luu to discuss his idea for a book titled In Their Image, which explores how conservative evangelicals and reactionary atheists are often two sides of the same coin. We also dive into recent books that argue against empathy, unpacking their critiques and implications.

Luke and I discuss Soren Kierkegaard's Fear and Trembling.

Fun conversation with Barry Taylor about Sigmund Freud's Civilization and Its Discontents.

A few reflections on Albert Camus' Myth of Sisyphus. A few connections to Todd McGowan's reading of Hegel, Freud's tragic view of happiness and the book of Ecclesiastes.

I speak to Todd McGowan about Sigmund Freud's book Civilization and Its Discontents.

I speak to my friend Luke Grote about his article,Eliminative Belonging: The Group, Identity, and the Fundamental Mechanisms of Exclusion.

A great conversation withDr. Gail M. Newman on her new book,The Creative Self: Beyond Individualism. We both wished Mari Ruti were still alive to join us.

A brief reflection on Freud's correspondence with Romain Rolland and their disagreement about the nature of the oceanic feeling.

Great conversation with Todd McGowan about his latest book Pure Excess: Capitalism and the Commodity.

A meditation on the film Perfect Days in conversation with ideas from Mari Ruti, Todd McGowan, and the experiences of my autistic clients.

A conversation with Helen Rollins about her book Psychocinema.

A brief reflection on the philosophy behind Ensō paintings and some thoughts on The Creative Self: Beyond Individualism.

Adam (Acid Horizon) and I speak about his book The New Flesh: Life and Death in the Data Economy.

Matt, Luke, and I explore what we talk about when we talk about God.

Todd McGowan is back on the podcast to discuss themes from his book Embracing Alienation: Why We Shouldn't Try To Find Ourselves. You'll love his discussion of the 2024 film The Substance. I'm also grateful that he shared vulnerable, personal anecdotes he's never shared online before.

A conversation with Dr. Luke Grote exploring his article entitled, "The Emergence of God."

A special live recording at the book launch for Green Flags. John and I discuss various important themes from my new book. Please be sure to check out The Center For The Healing Arts and Sciences.

Aaron is the brewmaster at Saint Arnold Brewing Company. We discuss Moore and Gillette's book on mature masculinity. Be sure to check out the men's group at the Center For The Healing Arts & Sciences. RSVP for my upcoming book launch!

Phuc Luu and I discuss important themes from my new book, Green Flags: How To Be The Person You Need in Your Life.  Be sure to pre-order the book and RSVP for the upcoming book launch.

David Roberts is the pastor of formation at Watershed in Charlotte, NC. David and I discuss important themes from my new book, Green Flags: How To Be The Person You Need in Your Life.  Be sure to pre-order the book and RSVP for the upcoming book launch.

David Alexander is a psychotherapist and co-host of the Between Two Ravens podcast. David and I discuss important themes from my new book, Green Flags: How To Be The Person You Need in Your Life. Be sure to pre-order the book and RSVP for the upcoming book launch.

In this brief episode, I read the first part of the introduction to Green Flags, and highlight two important reasons I wrote the book. Make sure to pre-order the book and mark your calendar for the upcoming book launch at The Center For The Healing Arts & Sciences on November 17th at 11:00am.

Great conversation about contemporary masculinity with Jungian Analyst Rodney Waters. Check out The Center For The Healing Arts & Sciences for more information about their men's groups. Be sure to subscribe on my website if you want more info about preordering, the book launch party and more! https://www.quiqueautrey.com/book

In this episode, I speak with Patrick McGrath-Muñiz. This is the eleventh installment of my series with Patrick exploring the first twenty-two cards of the Major Arcana of the Tarot.  Patrick is a professional artist from Puerto Rico. His work has been featured in art galleries and museums across the country. In this episode, we explore the symbolism and significance of the Wheel of Fortune card. Be sure to buy his Tarot Neocolonial de las Américas deck! Be sure to subscribe on my website if you want more info about preordering, the book launch party and more! https://www.quiqueautrey.com/book

A true story of a middle age man whose marriage ended when his wife shared that she wanted to date women. Reflections on what I learned about the loss of growth. *The story is true with details that have been altered in oder to protect the confidentiality of the client. Be sure to subscribe on my website if you want more info about preordering, the book launch party and more! https://www.quiqueautrey.com/book

A reflection on James Hillman's notion that growth is a type of loss. Be sure to subscribe on my website if you want more info about preordering, the book launch party and more! https://www.quiqueautrey.com/book

Be sure to subscribe on my website if you want more info about preordering, the book launch party and more! https://www.quiqueautrey.com/book

A short episode introducing the core concept of my upcoming book and featuring Dr. James Hollis's generous endorsement.

A brief reflection on how we've been coping with 7 days without power at our house. Thoughts on managing anxiety, expressing gratitude, and a "possibility" approach to life.

A reading of my latest blog exploring Cal Newport's book Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout. I also reflect on how Byung-Chul Han is an exemplar of slow productivity.

A meditation on Wilhelm Reich's first encounter with Freud and how it confirms Maya Angelou's wonderful quote: "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

In this episode, I speak with Dr. Stephen Bacon about his research findings that therapeutic techniques have no inherent power and that the field of psychotherapy lacks the privileged knowledge it believes it possesses. We also explore the distinction between fundamental and constructed reality and delve into what it means for psychotherapy to be a ritual, highlighting the importance of charisma in the therapist's work. Be sure to check out his consultation groups for therapists looking to learn how to apply the constructionist approach.

A meaningful conversation with Kent Dobson delving into the rich and complex subject of religion. Kent addresses several questions that arose for me after listening to his latest podcast episodes.

I speak to Paul about his bookPotential Not Pathology: Helping Your Clients Transform Using Ericksonian Psychotherapy.

“Don't take my devils away, because my angels may flee too.”― Rainer Maria Rilke In this episode, I delve into the context of this quote and discuss why I ultimately disagree with it. I also explain why I keep a "Devil" tarot card in my office and highlight the significance of integrating the shadow in psychological development.

An engaging conversation with my friend, Phuc Luu, covering topics ranging from transcendence and theosis to rethinking the Christian tradition in a universalist and inclusive manner.

Here are a few more religious ramblings- this time more critical. I draw from Nick Cave, Bring Me The Horizon, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, John Dourley and James Hollis.