A Conversation with the Reluctant Therapist

In order to bring greater awareness to the issue of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the United States Senate designated June 27th as National PTSD Awareness Day. PTSD is a mental health problem that can occur after someone has been exposed to a single traumatic event or multiple traumatic events, such as sexual or physical assault, natural or man-made disaster, and war-related combat stress. Symptoms of PTSD include persistent intrusive thoughts and distressing dreams about the traumatic event, triggered emotional responses to reminders of the trauma, efforts to avoid thinking or talking about the trauma, and persistent hypervigilance for cues that  indicate additional danger or trauma re-occurring. Join us for a conversation about PTSD in it's many forms and how our understanding of trauma and treatment continue to change and improve.

It's the season for travel, adventure, gathering, and the all important family vacation. How will you shake off the cobwebs and re-connect with the people, places and things that really matter? Tune in for a conversation about how the simplest of pleasures can bring us the greatest joy, and help keep our lives in perspective.

The current cultural climate has not been friendly to men, to the masculine and to the role of fathers in general. Tune for a conversation about what it looks like to be a Dad in this new century - and how we continue to grapple with stale models of masculinity and the importance of fathers that continue to limit men in many aspects of their lives.

It's easy to get bogged down by the challenges we can face in every aspect of our lives. And when there is no obvious relief in sight, the time comes when we need to create our own space to let off steam and make room for pleasure. Tune in for some words of musical wisdom and a reminder that making time for dance and community can heal the soul.

It is critical that we come together and unite around something bigger than just our own individual lives. A year of domestic service, working to address a community need may be the best way to improve the mental health and well-being of our collective whole. Tune in for a conversation about this simple idea that could change our cultural identity and unite our fractured country.

Protecting your mental health is more important now than ever - we are all called on to mobilize our energy toward action or we run the risk of a cultural major depressive outbreak. Tune in for a conversation about the state of our collective well-being.

With the complexity involved in managing home, family, finances and self, it's no wonder that many young adults are struggling to keep up with the often daunting tasks of daily living. These deficits in education can cause anxiety, depression, overwhelm, stress and maybe, a move back in with mom and dad to regroup and learn the fundamentals of life. Maybe it's time to reconsider teaching Home Economics in junior high and high school as a necessity for a comprehensive public education. Tune in for a conversation about the skills needed to develop into a fully functioning adult and how are these lessons currently being taught?

Our mental health is heavily influenced by our sense of self worth, purpose and ability to be a valued part of our community. For those who are disabled, maintaining good mental health also includes the challenge of finding your place in a community that can be largely dismissive, and or afraid, of those who are seen as different. Tune in for a conversation about inclusion, acceptance and finding our place in the world.

Earth day. The one day each year when we honor our home and habitat. Should it be a time of celebration or mourning? As humans we have a poor track record of caring for our environment- just as we struggle to care for each other and ourselves. Tune in for a conversation about where we go from here.

Siblings - they are our closest blood relations, we share secrets, stories and at least one parent in common. And yet these same people can feel like complete strangers and even at times, mortal enemies. Why are these sibling relationships often so troubled and complex? Tune in for a conversation about the unique bonds we form with our brothers and sisters - for better or worse - and how they shape who we are as adults.

As the days grow longer, our appetite for love and romance can get stronger. We can be overwhelmed by feelings of restlessness, giddiness and a desire to partner-up. But for others Spring can be marked by a sense of isolation, loneliness and increases in depression. So how can we harness the change in seasons to our psychological advantage? Tune in Tuesday at 2 for a conversation about embracing this opportunity for renewed vitality and how to utilize modern technology to create your own story of the birds and the bees.

At 56, Jung described this age as the beginning of the afternoon of our lives. A period of time marked by great happiness and satisfaction or disappointment and regret. How will you spend your afternoon? And if you have moved on to your sunset years - what would you like to share about the seasons of your life?

Never underestimate the power of women in community. It is when we are united that the quality of life for all - not just women - begins to change. It's important to take the time to recognize and celebrate women, history, amazing accomplishments and the opportunities that lie ahead. Tune in for a conversation with, and about, the not-so-silent majority. Your calls with questions and comments are welcomed and encouraged.

Is education aiding, or getting in the way of addressing and solving looming community, cultural and global problems? What skills, talents and wisdom will be needed as we move deeper into the 21st century? Tune in for a conversation with the reluctant therapist, Elizabeth Barrett about the need for radical disruptions in education that are more focused on the common good more than individual achievement.

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.

On this Valentine's Day, join Elizabeth Barrett in a  conversation about acts of love for your partner and staying optimistic about our relationships.

Look at your life right now. Did you make an effort to get to the place you now find yourself in? Or did you sit back and let your life take a more natural course influenced by other factors? Join Elizabeth Barrett and Olivia Lopes in a conversation about life direction.

After the recent Women's Marches throughout the world, what does being a feminist look like in modern times? Does the current generation understand the history of women's movements and how does it affect them today? Join Elizabeth Barrett on a conversation about whether or not feminism is needed today.

On this week's conversation, Elizabeth Barrett discusses bringing Washington D.C.'s Women's March to the Central Coast, and what marching means to her listeners.

Parenting is a job that is difficult to navigate. It's a challenge to know if you are actually being the best parent you can be. On this conversation, Elizabeth Barrett discusses navigating parenting with each individual child, and finding out what's right for you in the age where there's an overload of information on parenting.

Therapy can be a bit overwhelming for some people. There's so many kinds out there. And everyone wants to find the best kind of therapy and best therapist for their needs. In this week's conversation, Elizabeth Barrett discusses the world of psychotherapy and answers your questions about what kind of therapy is best for you. 

Many people are setting new year's resolutions as we get into 2017. On this week's conversation, we talk about transitions as we get into the new year. How are you transitioning into the new things in your life?

If the millions of marchers who took to the streets on January 21, 2017 are any indication of the breadth of a growing resistance - then this is going to be a wild ride. The key to success will hinge on we, the people, and our ability to dig in for the long haul, remain united and maintain this initial energy and enthusiasm. So where do we go from here? Listen to this conversation with Central Coast listeners about those steps you plan to take, how to stay engaged and what can be expected moving forward.

Though we've been told that many people pack on an average of 10 pounds during the holidays, for most people, it's less than one – but in our body-focused culture, how does this fear of gaining weight affect what is supposed to be a joyful time of gathering and feasts.

On this week's conversation, Reluctant Therapist Elizabeth Barrett explores the topic of gift giving. She loves to give gifts but isn't keen on receiving. What do you think?

Mental health is a state of wellbeing in which we realize our own potential, cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively, and make a contribution to our community.  What’s the state of your mental health?

When the world, or circumstances, feel relentless, even the best of relationships can be challenged, or toppled. How do we maintain unity and gratitude when it feels as if the forces of life are working against us? 

As we approach the season of obligatory family meals and inevitable tension-filled discussions around the table, is it possible to navigate this social terrain without losing your mind and maybe even experience joy?

It's time for a miracle. What if you were to awake from a long night's sleep to discover that a miracle had occurred. How would you know the miracle had happened? What would be different in your life? Sometimes it takes a big dose of magical thinking to help move your world in a different direction. Tune in Tuesday at 2 for a conversation about the importance of creating a wild new vision to breakthrough stagnation and lift spirits.

Many people use hope in their lives for many different reasons. But is it really good for us? Join Elizabeth Barrett, the Reluctant Therapist, in a conversation about hope and its role in our society.