Episode Details

The focal point of this podcast episode revolves around the often insidious nature of covert bullying and the essential role that parents play in creating a safe and supportive environment for their LGBTQ teens. I emphasize the importance of fostering a home atmosphere where children feel comfortable expressing themselves, even amidst the complexities and challenges they may face in their social interactions. Throughout our discussion, we dissect the differences between overt and covert bullying, highlighting the subtle ways in which the latter can manifest, often hidden from adult observation. Furthermore, I share strategies for parents to establish open lines of communication, ensuring that their children feel empowered to share their experiences without fear of judgment. By promoting understanding and compassion, we aim to equip parents with the tools necessary to effectively support their children during these critical formative years.

We often separate our political, socioeconomic, gender, and racial identities from our mental health. Today I am joined by Silvia M. Dutchevici, and she introduces us to the concept of Critical Therapy. Critical Therapy takes a deep analysis of the power and invites the political into the therapy room. Silvia shows us how our mental health is affected by so many of these outside factors that aren’t often considered in the therapeutic process. We don’t live in a bubble and must be open to these tough areas of conversation. Join Silvia and me as we break down the walls and open up safe places to have hard conversations.

Do not miss these highlights:

01:36 – Introduction to Silvia and Critical Therapy

05:01 – Mental Health struggles after covid

07:05 – How mental health issues are impacted by our place in society

08:28 – Just trying to get back to “normal”, and why that isn’t helpful for mental health

12:16 – The impact of the pandemic on working mothers

13:23 – Should we have it all? Work-life balance in the feminist movement  

14:47 – Parenting that shares the power with our children

17:10 – How we can learn from our kids

19:29 – Understanding gender identity as a parent

23:30 – How we defer to the winners

25:43 – Be open to listening and have questions when your children approach you about coming out

27:07-Difference between critical theory and other therapy

29:20- How do we talk about the issues when there isn’t the struggle

30:51- What is toxic masculinity

33:12- Learning to have more nuanced conversations

35:01- Our society will change, starting with us

38:00- Having difficult conversations with your therapist

42:10- Being aware of how we talk to our children and the messages we are sending them

48:24- How to bring in critical therapy to your therapy sessions.

Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!

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