Are there any off-limits subjects between you and your therapist?
Oct 9, 2023
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Dr. Andrew Hartz, clinical psychologist and professor of clinic, discusses the politicization of therapy and the lack of support for certain populations. They explore the diverse demographics of therapists and the need for a therapist open to addressing complex issues. The chapter also examines gender roles in therapy and the drawbacks of using online therapy platforms.
Therapists are becoming increasingly politically biased, leading clients to fear discussing certain topics for fear of judgment.
Therapists need to broaden their understanding and support for marginalized populations that are often overlooked in therapy.
Finding a therapist who is open and competent, regardless of agreement on views, is crucial for effective therapy.
Deep dives
Therapy in the Era of Identity Politics
The podcast episode discusses the current dynamics in therapy wherein clients are hesitant to discuss certain topics like politics and identity for fear of being judged by their therapists. There is a growing concern that therapists are becoming increasingly politically biased and inclined to frame all issues as stemming from discrimination instead of individual responsibility. The host interviews Dr. Andrew Hartz, a clinical psychologist and founder of the Open Therapy Institute, who sheds light on these changes in the therapy landscape. Dr. Hartz discusses the implications of unchecked empathy in therapy, the challenges of conducting sessions on platforms like Zoom, and the need for therapists to broaden their understanding and support for marginalized populations that are often overlooked in therapy.
Training and Changes in Therapeutic Practices
Dr. Hartz shares his observations on the changing therapeutic practices in recent years. He noticed a shift in the field of psychology around 2014-2015, when politics became a prominent focus and identity politics gained momentum. Trainings started to center on political issues, especially identity politics, with therapists feeling pressured to conform to a particular ideology. There was a clear reluctance to engage in dialogue or question prevailing notions, creating a stifling and unhealthy group dynamic. Dr. Hartz highlights the lack of training and literature on overlooked populations, making it challenging for therapists to effectively support individuals with mainstream or heterodox beliefs.
The Open Therapy Institute's Approach
Recognizing the need for inclusive and supportive therapy, Dr. Hartz founded the Open Therapy Institute. The institute aims to address the dearth of resources, literature, and specialized therapists for overlooked populations. Their focus is on offering both psychotherapy and workshops. They connect individuals seeking therapy with therapists who have been vetted and interviewed, ensuring a skilled and understanding approach. Additionally, the institute plans to provide workshops for therapists, educating them on these overlooked populations and offering recommendations for better treatment practices. The goal is to create a diverse professional community that can cater to a wider range of individuals in therapy.
Importance of finding an open and competent therapist
Finding a therapist who is open and competent is crucial for effective therapy. It is not about finding someone who simply agrees with all of your views, but someone who can understand the issues you are dealing with and provide helpful insights. This includes topics such as masculinity, gender, race, and religion. A therapist should be able to genuinely empathize, engage, and respond in a therapeutic manner without pathologizing these issues. The goal is to find someone who can address the specific concerns that matter to you, rather than avoid discussing them altogether.
Challenges in accessing therapy in rural areas and the rise of online platforms
Accessing therapy in rural areas can be difficult due to limited availability and lower quality training of therapists. Telehealth and online therapy platforms like BetterHelp have become more common, offering remote services. However, there are concerns about the effectiveness of online therapy compared to in-person sessions. The economics of platforms like BetterHelp may lead to less experienced therapists offering their services. Additionally, the importance of non-verbal cues and the emotional connection in therapy sessions may be compromised in online formats. Overall, there remains a need for improved access to quality therapy for individuals residing in rural areas.
Today’s guest, Dr. Andrew Hartz, is a psychologist who has noticed how politicized the world of therapy has become. Over the last few years, he has noticed a climate of patients not being able to talk about what’s on their mind without getting a lecture from their therapist about racial injustice, as well as an environment that teaches clinicians to look at patients through a politicized lens.
Guest Bio
Dr. Andrew Hartz’s is a clinical psychologist who holds the position of a professor of clinical psychology at Long Island University in Brooklyn. Hartz received training at Columbia Medical Center, Mount Sinai Hospital, and the William Alanson White Institute, and has completed coursework at Columbia University, Columbia Medical Center, Haverford College, and Long Island University. He uses evidence-based tools from CBT, DBT, and psychodynamic psychotherapies to address the unique needs of each patient.
He is also the founder of The Open Therapy Institute which offers mental health resources for overlooked patient populations in a heated political atmosphere.