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

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

What are the intersections of faith, culture and counselling? Myira Khan and Mick Cooper—with Nicola Blunden as Chair—explore our personal identities as a Muslim woman and Jewish man, and how this intersects with our professional training and identities. Through open dialogue, we discuss how global events shape our clinical practice and the unique perspectives we bring to the therapeutic space and training by our faith and cultural identities. We also talk about the prejudices and microaggressions we have faced in the counselling and professional world beyond.

How does identity impact on professional life? Myira and Mick reveal the weight of representation and the complexities of navigating professional spaces with unique cultural and faith perspectives. We share personal accounts of the delicate balance between being voices for our communities and individual expression. We confront the invisible struggles and stereotypes faced in interfaith spaces, and emphasize the importance of privilege awareness and proactive steps to dismantle harmful biases.

In this thought-provoking episode, we culminate with rich discussions about the personal significance of religious attire, such as Myira's choice to wear the hijab, and the judgments faced by individuals. Our exchange underlines the importance of compassion and open communication in training and counselling services. Join us to understand the emotional and mental challenges practitioners face to celebrate the value of community and support among peers across different faiths and cultures, and the profound impact on existence and belonging.

This Podcast is sponsored by Onlinevents

Dr Ben Mullings, counselling psychologist, has been a fierce advocate for mental health reform in Australia. In this podcast dialogue, Ben describes his journey of establishing the Alliance for Better Access campaign, the battles against Medicare cutbacks, and his pivotal role in establishing the Australian Mental Health Party—the first of its kind worldwide. This conversation is a deep dive into the complexities of shaping policy, the resilience required to challenge political indifference, and the undying spirit of community rallying for the rights to accessible mental health care.

Navigating the political landscape requires more than just knowledge; it demands personal grit and a will to reveal the human stories behind policy statistics. Ben takes us through his personal experiences of adversity that ignited his drive to forge a path for others to follow. We trace the steps from his own struggles with homelessness to his empowerment through education and into the heart of political advocacy. It's a story that unravels the often-unseen intersection of mental health with social policies and the persistent myth that well-being is a mere consequence of employment and education. Through Ben's lens, we uncover the intricate layers of policy reform and the necessity for systems that authentically support each individual's journey.

The trials and triumphs of creating a political party are numerous, yet Ben's account of launching the Australian Mental Health Party is a testament to the tireless pursuit of a fairer world. He candidly explores the hurdles—from protecting members' privacy to sculpting a platform that intertwines health, education, and economic policies with human welfare at their core. This episode is an invitation to reflect on the balance of personal sacrifice and the quest for inclusive policymaking. Ben's story is a poignant reminder of the power of solidarity and the essential role of community engagement in the relentless pursuit of humanistic change.

This Podcast is sponsored by Onlinevents

Emmy van Deurzen is a remarkable woman whose life story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Not only has Emmy led a global renaissance of existential therapy, but she has been figural to the development of psychotherapy in the UK and across Europe. Today, she is at the forefront of the Existential Movement, which strives to bring existential ideas to social and political life.

Emmy's narrative weaves the psychological aftermath of World War II with an unyielding pursuit of understanding and global improvement. Through her lens, we gain invaluable insight into existential philosophy's impact on social activism and how it shapes one's dedication to fostering global change.

Venturing into the therapeutic realms, Emmy describes phenomenology and its profound potential for psychotherapy and for global wellbeing. By embracing the complexity of each individual's perspective, she highlights how subjective realities converge within the therapeutic community, creating a healing narrative tapestry.

In our final segments, we probe the fluid nature of identity and the urgency of ecological consciousness. Emmy shares her vision for a harmonious coexistence with nature's diversity, advocating for a paradigm shift towards sustainability and interconnectedness.

This episode not only invites reflection on our place within the cosmos but also challenges us to innovate collaboratively across cultures, fostering a global community poised to thrive. Join us as we unravel these compelling conversations, setting the stage for a future that embraces creativity, understanding, and a collective responsibility for our planet.

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