45. Real Talk with The Truthful Therapist: Pamela Garfield-Jaeger, LCSW

Pamela Garfield-Jaeger, aka The Truthful Therapist, empowers parents with the knowledge necessary to navigate the world of therapy infected by the deceptively-named so-called “social justice” lens. Working in the field for over twenty years as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, she understands the importance of choosing the right therapist, especially for vulnerable children. 

In this episode, we examine the current state of the institution and the potential consequences for families needing help. How is woke therapy promoting victim mentality? What should parents know before finding a therapist for their child? We also dive into the dangers of gender affirmation and what impact it can have on families. 

The creator of Parent’s Guide to Mental Health, Pamela provides invaluable insight into the state of the profession today. Therapy should be a healing process that is tailored to the needs of the individual, not as a collective intervention. Join us as we discuss how to find what you need in the mental health system. 

Pamela Garfield-Jaeger is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with over 20 years of experience. She has worked in a variety of settings including NY community-based agencies, residential programs for foster youth, schools and mental health clinics in California. She has been a clinical supervisor for up-and-coming therapists for 10 years. In 2017, she had to leave her profession due to a severe disability and when she returned, so much in the mental health profession had changed, particularly when it comes to treatment of gender dysphoric patients. In the teen clinic she was at in San Mateo County, California in 2021, 3 out of 10 kids identified as trans. Since she had been in the field with vulnerable youth for over 20 years, this was a drastic change.  

Pamela has spoken to many therapists who agree that instant affirmation of young people with complex mental health conditions is inappropriate, however, they're being heavily silenced. Because Pam continues to cope with chronic pain and receives disability, she has been emboldened to speak out on these issues and build her own program.

Pamela is taking her 20 years of experience and building a comprehensive online parents' guide to mental health with the tag line "therapy not indoctrination". Since so many families need mental health support, Pamela's vision is to provide information for parents so they are empowered to know what to expect, the questions to ask the therapist, understand what skilled therapy looks like, know how much they should be involved (answer: a lot!) and information on numerous current mental health topics. The program will include pre-recorded lessons, live workshops and she will be providing consultations for parents so they can ask personal questions about concerns about the therapy their child is receiving.

You can find her on Instagram at @the.truthfultherapist, on Twitter @redpilledlcsw, and her website is www.thetruthfultherapist.org. 

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Show notes & transcript provided with the help of SwellAI.

Special thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our theme song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude and permission.

Watch NO WAY BACK: The Reality of Gender-Affirming Care (our medical ethics documentary, formerly known as Affirmation Generation). Stream the film or purchase a DVD. Use code SOMETHERAPIST to take 20% off your order. Follow us on X @2022affirmation or Instagram at @affirmationgeneration.

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