A Conversation with the Reluctant Therapist

Is there an easy way to ask for forgiveness, to beg for your pardon or just say I'm sorry? What makes the act of apology so difficult? And how can we be sure that our mea culpa will be received in the spirit that it is offered? We all have things that we would like to apologize for - so what is holding us back? Tune in Tuesday at 2 for a conversation with Elizabeth Barrett, the Reluctant Therapist about the freedom that accompanies a sincere and heartfelt apology, and the possibility for more satisfying relationships moving forward.

48 years ago, on April 22, 1970, millions of people took to the streets to protest the negative impacts of 150 years of industrial development - and the first Earth Day was born. With global ecological awareness growing, the US Congress responded quickly to create the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and pass environmental laws such as the Clean Water Act and the Endangered Species Act. But here we are, facing catastrophic change and instead of strengthening protections, the United States is moving backwards.

Spring is the season full of promise and wonder - new life, new possibilities and a return to the vitality of a world come alive after a long, dreary winter. Sounds a bit like the seasons of marriage - which begin with eternal hope, basking in the warmth of love and connection and then slowly fading into periods of waning light, disappointment and loneliness, followed by the cold, feelings of anger, despair and loss.

There has been a lot of activity, writing, and discussion lately around the topic of Depression and how we think about this most distressing and prevalent of mood disorders. What if everything we believe is wrong and that everything we are doing to make it better is actually making it worse? And what if feeling depressed is actually our new normal - and feelings of joy, hope and happiness have become just fleeting experiences that we enjoy through certain times in our life?

We are in an era when acts of violence have become almost commonplace. We have calls for reform, regulations and more mental health care; we call, we write, we argue, we march. But what no one seems to do is understand or address the factors that lead someone to plan and execute an attack on others. Tune in Tuesday at 2 for a conversation with the Reluctant Therapist, Elizabeth Barrett, about the gaping holes in our social fabric that lead to acts of despicable desperation.

  In 1848, 300 women and men gathered in Seneca Falls, NY for the inaugural Women's Rights Convention, advertised as a convention to discuss social, civil and religious conditions and the rights of women. Tune in Tuesday at 2 pm for a conversation with the reluctant therapist Elizabeth Barrett  from the Women's Rights National Historic Park in western New York, about the role of history in making the women's marches and #metoo movements possible today.

With so many causes needing our attention, how do we narrow our focus in a way that can really make a difference and prevent the inevitable burnout and overwhelming feelings that often accompany activism? Elizabeth Barrett leads a conversation about one of the keys to sustaining our mental health: service to others. How do we each create our own authentic was of taking action?

Women are rising in many ways, socially, politically, emotionally and fiercely; stepping into the spotlight and leading the way toward revolutionary change. Although women have always been an instrumental part of our cultural story, starting movements, developing patents, making discoveries and blazing new trails- but women have been widely ignored in the telling of our shared history- and their abilities have been vastly underestimated. Tune in Tuesday at 2 for a conversation with the Reluctant Therapist, Elizabeth Barrett, celebrating women’s accomplishments and place in the world as we honor international Women’s Day and women’s history month.

For 28 years the Bioneers have fostered a community of revolutionary thinkers and visionaries working together to re-imagine how we can live on Earth in ways that honor the web of life, each other and future generations. The challenge for leaders and activists is how to maintain their energy and focus at a time when change is needed in so many areas. Tune in Tuesday at 2 for a Conversation with the Reluctant Therapist, Elizabeth Barrett and her guest, Nina Simons, co-founder of Bioneers, about the journey to creating a new understanding of leadership and how love, the feminine and embracing our own power may be the path to a new world.

For the better part of the last decade, award-winning photographer, author, and filmmaker Chris Burkard has continued to refine and redefine his own version of success. From his local roots to gaining international recognition, this married father of two has used his curiosity about the world and passion for lifelong learning to create a life that many would envy but few would have the energy and dedication to make it happen.

A Conversation with the Reluctant Therapist... When faced with profound loss it is natural to want to retreat from the inevitable pain and despair that are sure to follow. But when we attempt to bury and avoid our grief, we also push away our capacity to feel love. Accepting loss doesn't mean forgetting and moving on: it is really an opportunity for transformation and growth. Tune in for a conversation with the reluctant therapist, Elizabeth Barrett about how love and grief can co-exist in our lives.

Turn Worry to Trust. In an age when we are more connected than ever, why is it that we still feel so insecure, vulnerable and afraid? It might be that we've give into worry and lost our ability to trust. Tune in Tuesday at 2 for a conversation with the reluctant therapist, Elizabeth Barrett, about serendipity, kismet and an actual godsend. Your calls will be welcomed and encouraged.

How far have we traveled down the road to equality for all? In honor of Black History month and the contributions of African Americans in shaping the United States, listen for a conversation with host Elizabeth Barrett and her guests—a social activist in high school and a retired military veteran with ties to the civil rights movement—about their generational perspectives regarding the state of freedom and justice in America. They consider how we got here and where we’re going.

Jennifer Storm is the ultimate survivor, turned thriver, overcoming addiction, trauma and adversity to become an author and appointed Pennsylvania Victim Advocate fighting for other's rights. She offers insights and firsthand experiences about the complexities of biological and emotional responses to trauma and sexual assault. Tune in for a conversation with host Elizabeth Barrett and her guest about key components that can help a person turn their lives around in even the darkest of circumstances.

What is your family story? Every family has one, whether it's about a long-held family business, a home passed down through generations, or annual holiday gatherings that bring everyone together. Having a family legacy—a shared sense of purpose and belonging—is a cornerstone to our mental health and well-being. This is a conversation with host Elizabeth Barrett about creating your own family mission statement and why knowing your history matters, warts and all.

Television has struggled with a long complex and often misunderstood relationship with viewers. But although some studies may indicate some negatives associated with passive viewing, since the 1960s television has also been the driver of many social changes and introduced the American public to new issues, ideas, challenges, and triumphs. Some say television is in a platinum age of excellence. How do we harness this old school form of communication in a way that actually improves our social connections and well-being?

The are the four essential tools for mental health and well-being. The question is, how to we put them all together in challenging times? And how do you know if we're on the right path? Listen as Elizabeth Barrett discusses the paths to healing that are within our reach if we are willing to own our power and take responsibility for our lives.

There is much joy in giving. There are also many mental health benefits in being of service to others. But too many selfless acts without rejuvenation can lead to fatigue, disappointment, and depression. How can we find the zest for celebrating when our reserves have been depleted? Host Elizabeth Barrett talks with Michelle Gordon about the role of self care in making possible a happier holiday for all.

25 years ago, Daniel Quinn published the novel, Ishmael. This revolutionary book was awarded the 1991 Turner Tomorrow Fellowship, which was established to encourage authors to seek "creative and positive solutions to global problems." Quinn's  message has transformed the lives of millions of readers who feel inspired to share the story with family, friends, neighbors and acquaintances. Listen for a conversation with Daniel Quinn about Ishmael, writing and where we go from here. An encore presentation.

It is no longer possible to ignore the breadth and depth of sexual misconduct in our society. Tune in for a conversation with the reluctant therapist Elizabeth Barrett about the many faces and contributors to our current sexual revolution. It's still about power, gender imbalance, and social conditioning.

Theater allows us to step into a different world, to experience life through a unique lens, and sometimes to gain a new perspective on our own personal struggles. And when it comes to addressing and understanding the complexities of family relationships, having the chance to see the world through another's lens could be the key to bringing peace to a troubled world. Reluctant Therapist, Elizabeth Barrett, and her guests Kitty Balay and Karin Hendrx from PCPA talk about the healing power of live theater and the stories that can change our lives.

What if there isn't a lot to be thankful for? Should you give up your seat at the table or hide out,
so as not to bring others down? Tune in for a conversation about some of the challenges associated with this traditional family holiday and how to find hints of gratitude even when you're just not "feeling it."

Getting it down on paper is one of the best ways to tend to our mental health. Whether it's journaling, sketching, list-making, brainstorming or letter writing, research supports the healing powers of self expression. Tune in for a conversation with the Reluctant Therapist, Elizabeth Barrett, and her guest, Lucia Capacchione, about the many benefits of guided mindful journaling.

When the effects of combat and trauma  come home with them, many veterans find themselves struggling with the physical, mental and emotional fall out. Suicide claims 20 veterans each day and 20 percent of returning soldiers are suffering from PTSD. Operation Surf was created  by Van Curaza to restore hope and focus for veterans and their families. Tune in for a conversation with Van about surfing, his life and his work with Op Surf.

It has become easier to talk about dying with dignity and different ways to approach death. But we still cringe when it comes to addressing what happens once it's time to dispose of your body? Tune in for a conversation with the reluctant therapist - in honor of All Hallows' Eve, when the veil between the living and the dead is most thin- in a discussion about different funeral traditions and options.

In this complex world of rapidly changing social norms, heightened expectations and intense pressure toward perfection - the job of raising daughters to be healthy, strong and confident women is more challenging than ever. And for father's, often unsure of their role in parenting - the responsibility of guiding and nurturing their daughters can be even more daunting. Listen for a conversation with  Elizabeth Barrett about fathers, daughters and the unique influence they have on each other's lives. Guests Dr. Eric Simon and his daughter Malia will talk about their experiences and the inspiration that led to Malia to write a book at 17. Your calls will be welcomed and encouraged.

In almost every aspect of life, the current status of women in society is under assault - economically, politically, socially and personally.  With injustice and inequality so pervasive and systemically ingrained in our culture, even the most passionate of activists can feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to put their energies to make progress.  How do we connect the dots, find a common denominator, and begin to bring about true equality in an unequal world?  Tune in for a conversation about the fight for true equality. 

World Mental Health Day is observed on October 10th every year, with the overall objective of raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilizing efforts in support of mental health.

The Day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide.

Tune in for a conversation with the reluctant therapist, Elizabeth Barrett, about making mental health a cultural priority. Your calls will be welcomed and encouraged.

Making sense of parenting in the 21st century can be full of twists and turns, conflicting opinions and research. Unfortunately, you'll never know how you're doing as a parent until it may be too late to change course. Tune in for a conversation about making the most of your parenting years and ensuring that you've provided the best foundation for your child.