Therapy vs. the World with Joe Nucci

Licensed psychotherapist Joe Nucci sits down with politico Abby Skeans for his latest podcast episode of Psychobabble. They discuss the psychology of forgiveness after the election, extending grace, the rupture and repair process, cancel consciousness, and the value of disagreement, among other topics weighing heavily on our hearts and in our divided nation right now.Please note - this episode was recorded in October 2024, before the election. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gaslighting. Narcissism. ADHD. 6 signs you're neurodivergent. Are you autistic? These are just some of the mental health buzzwords popping up all over your feed these days. Is it real? Or are we seeing the start of a mental health industrial complex?Joe Nucci is a psychotherapist seeing his industry devolve into psychobabble right in front of his eyes. Join Joe as he speaks to experts in his field and outside of it as they decipher what kind of mental health information is helpful for you and what isn't. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joe talks to Michelle May, a psychotherapist, author, and expert in Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP). ISTDP is highly tailored to the client, and, as Michelle tells Joe, is about "getting to things as quickly as your (the client's) body can tolerate." The therapist relates to their client based on the client's emotional capacity, moment by moment. Joe discusses his own theoretical trainings and practices and is so inspired by Michelle's expertise that he is thinking about getting trained in ISTDP himself.Mentions:Michelle's web site: https://michellemmaylpc.com/Follow Michelle on Instagram: @michellemaylpcMichelle's forthcoming book, available now for pre-order, is called What I Couldn't Tell My Therapist: The Truths We Told to Heal Our Lives

Joe interviews Dr. Denise McCain-Tharnstrom, a former litigator with a background in public policy and philanthropy, about how a technological app she helped develop is able to able to pull off an incredible feat. The app connects people who are unhoused or otherwise have insecure resources to the services and support they need. (And no, the fact that it's an app is not a barrier; you'll learn why that's the case in this fascinating episode.)  Joe learns how it's possible to help more people with technology, making social services accessible to everyone who needs them.

Should you tell your boss if you are struggling with a mental health concern? When Joe was in graduate school he wrote his capstone on this very topic, exploring issues such as stigma, disclosure, and accommodations for disability. Employment lawyer Tyler Allen speaks to Joe about the legal aspects of the very tricky central question of this episode. It's one that's relevant to many who want to succeed in their careers while also prioritizing their mental health.

Joe and his guest Jeff Guenther (@therapyjeff) dive deep into dating and relationships. As the author of a forthcoming book titled Big Dating Energy (and a podcast of the same name) Jeff Guenther has, after 20 years of practicing therapy, some great insights into relationships. In this episode, Joe and Jeff don't stick solely to the predictable terms (like "attachment," or "codependence") but explore topics such as dating norms, and how to have a successful break up. Throughout the conversation, Jeff and Joe share about their own experiences on the journey of love: They talk about dating, getting divorced, and finding happiness.

In a profession where most therapists are women, what do two therapists who identify as men talk about when they get together? In this timely and light-hearted conversation, Trey Tucker sits down with Joe Nucci to talk about their personal reasons for becoming therapists, what it's like navigating clinical work in a largely feminine sphere, the importance of choosing to be vulnerable, and how they create safe spaces for clients.

Do you have to be an alcoholic for drinking be affecting your mental health? Can you engage in hedomism without it affecting your mental health? How can one be "sober-curious" amongst social pressures? These are just some of the questions that Joe and Amanda White discuss on this latest episode. Joe also shares about his relationship to substances on his mental health journey.

What does free speech have to do with mental health? Joe interviews Greg Lukianoff, CEO of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) and author of numerous books including The Coddling of the American Mind and The Cancelling of the American Mind. Please note this episode was recorded prior to campus protests in the United States. 

Nancy McWilliams is a legend in the field of mental health. Joe and Nancy discuss a few mental health buzzwords ("abuse," "psychotic," "schizophrenic") that, through overuse and misuse, have lost their meaning. They also discuss whether "mommy issues" or "daddy issues" are real, if/how Nancy and Joe are able to turn off their therapist brains when hanging out with friends, and exciting developments in attachment and mother-infant research.

Clinical psychologist and researcher Darby Saxbe, of the University of Southern California recently penned a fascinating New York Times op-ed Op Ed called "This is Not How to Help a Depressed Teenager." Like Joe, she has concerns about the pathologizing of normal problems of living that so many people in our culture do these days--particulary teenagers, who are highly tuned into the people around them. ("Everyone's got a mental health problem, so I must have one, too," is a common calculus many teens and adults make.) Understanding the biological underpinnings of social relationships is one of Professor Saxbe's prime focus areas. She and Joe dive into all of it, making for an episode that is rich with illuminating dialogue about mental health and mental health culture--regardless of whether or not you know a teenager.

Can psychoanalysis and psychological development actually be chronicled in a Disney Movie about an adventuring princess? Hear Joe's take. If you have not seen the movie, you'll want to see it after listening to this episode. And if you've seen it before, you're probably going to want to see it again. 

How can we psychologically and philosophically understand the political climate regarding the Israel-Hamas War? Joe shares about his experience studying and working in politics, and combines his knowledge of personality psychology to set the groundwork for an ongoing exploration of mental health and political identity in a rapidly changing world.

Dr. Salya Namazi is an expert on assessing and diagnosing "nuerodivergency." She speaks with Joe about ADHD, autism, and about what she thinks of today's discussions concerning nuerodivergency in society at large. Joe shares his experiences of learning how to navigate in his own ADHD.

Dr. Nicholas Haslam and Joe discuss the process by which harm-related topics can sometimes start to be defined more expansively, and the implications that expansion has on how we talk and think about mental health.

Psychotherapist Matthias Barker (@matthiasjbarker) and Joe respectfully debate a hot topic: Is the word "trauma" over- and misused in conversation? Or is our widespread adoption of the term actually getting us to address mental health sooner and more effectively?

Jake Ernst is an expert on the impact that technology has on our nervous systems. As a psychotherapist who works with children and families, he and Joe discuss the various societal effects of social media.

What's the impact of having a mental health field made up of mostly women? In this important interview, Joe asks tough questions about sexism, mental health, and culture with the one of world's foremost experts on men's health issues, Dr. Warren Farrell. Joe also shares about his complex relationship with masculinity while growing up and during his time in college.

Paul Fischer (@paulaaronfischer) is a model who has made viral videos critiquing the impossible standards of today's beauty industry. Joe interviews Paul about some of his own insecurities. They also discuss their journeys becoming influencers.

Joe and psychiatrist Dr. Carlene MacMillan (@carlenemacmillanmd) talk about their own struggles with mental health and the stigma around personality disorders. Joe learns that narcissism might even have a cure!

JOB is one of today's hottest new plays, currently on its second run off-broadway. It takes place during a therapy session. Joe interviews playwright Max Friedlich, who wrote JOB, and dives into what the play gets right about the therapy process. Plus, Joe learns how to better empathize with the trolls in his comment sections.

Jimmy DeCicco's (@jimmydecicco5) Super Coffee (@drinksupercoffee) has seen a meteoric rise...and DeCicco credits therapy for playing a pivotal role. Joe also learns about an important distinction between therapy and coaching..

Karith is a comedian, speaker and founder of Inversity,-- a cutting-edge appraoch to issues of diversity in the work place. She speaks candidly with Joe about her experience with race. racism. mental health and more. Joe reflects on the importance of the internal locus-of-control and hope.

Makeup artist to the stars Colby Smith (@colbymakeup) discusses the culture implications that social media has had on the beauty industry. Joe reflects on the differences between self-esteem and self-respect as well as his own insecurities.

Gen Z mental health and wellness influencer Zach Gottlieb (@talkwithzach) chats with Joe Nucci about his generation's struggles with belonging, self-esteem and acceptance. Joe learns that Get Z and millennial mental health concerns aren't as different as he previously thought.

Joe Nucci (@joenuccitherapy) is a psychotherapist seeing his industry devolve into psychobabble right in front of our eyes. Join Joe as he speaks to experts in his field and outside of it, as we decipher what kind of mental health information is helpful for you and what isn't. You'll leave each episode armed with tools you need to better handle the more emotionally difficult parts of your life.