Between Us: A Psychotherapy Podcast

Jessica Benjamin, a renowned psychoanalyst and feminist theorist, discusses her radical upbringing and the formation of recognition theory. She proposes that societal issues arise from entangled conformity and domination. Benjamin critiques traditional gender roles and emphasizes the need for mutual recognition in relationships. Her discussions traverse various themes, from Oedipal dynamics to the politics of acknowledgement, advocating for a transformative feminist framework that moves beyond rigid binaries.

Lara Sheehi, a professor and clinician renowned for her work on psychoanalysis and structural oppression, shares her experiences facing backlash for criticizing Israel. She discusses the complexities of political dissent and how simplified accusations can obscure deeper issues. Lara emphasizes the need to confront material inequalities and the challenges of genuine dialogue in conflict. Highlighting practices like reparations and the importance of acknowledging historical injustices, she calls for a reevaluation of how we engage with power dynamics in our healing practices.

Sue Grand, a renowned psychoanalyst focusing on trauma and transgenerational violence, delves into the nature of hatred and totalitarianism. She discusses the misconceptions around traumatized individuals becoming perpetrators, emphasizing that most do not. The conversation highlights how societal structures fuel fascism and the seductive qualities it possesses. Grand examines the role of empathy and relational bonds as protective factors against abuse, advocating for psychotherapy as an antifascist practice and touching on the complexities of societal divisions and reparations.

In a deep dive, Tony Bass, a renowned psychoanalyst and president of the Stephen Mitchell Relational Studies Center, shares his insights on the art of therapy. He emphasizes the importance of mutual influence in the therapeutic relationship, likening it to an improvisational jazz session where both client and therapist contribute uniquely. The conversation highlights how personal experiences shape clinical practice and the intricate dance of emotions within therapy. Bass explores the courage needed to navigate unconscious dynamics and the paradox of connection in our technology-driven world.

Roy Barsness, a Professor and author known for his work in psychodynamic supervision, shares insights from his new book. He discusses how viewing patients as muses can transform therapeutic supervision. The conversation explores the complexities of relational dynamics and the importance of emotional acknowledgment in therapy. Barsness emphasizes the therapist’s personal journey and the ethical considerations of disclosure, advocating for transparency and collaborative exploration in the therapeutic process.

Jay Bakker, a pastor and son of famous televangelists Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker, shares his journey of navigating fame and personal struggles with addiction. He discusses how growing up in the public eye shaped his beliefs and fueled his desire for inclusivity, especially in supporting the LGBTQ community. Jay explores his experience with psychoanalysis, revealing how it helped him understand his unconscious patterns and set boundaries. He also reflects on his mother's compassionate legacy and critiques the impact of cancel culture on his family's narrative.

Lynne Layton, a Harvard-affiliated psychologist and psychoanalytic theorist, dives deep into the interplay of culture and ideology. She discusses her influential concept of the normative unconscious and how it reveals the societal forces impacting our minds, beyond just family dynamics. Layton addresses the backlash against 'wokeism' in the psychoanalytic community and connects neoliberalism to racism and social character. She also offers insights on having constructive conversations amid political divides, emphasizing shared experiences and understanding.

Karim Dajani, a psychoanalyst with roots in a Palestinian refugee family, dives deep into the intersections of social consciousness and psychoanalysis. He critiques how the field often neglects the social factors shaping our unconscious, reflecting on the exclusion of theorists like Trigant Burrow. Dajani passionately advocates for an understanding of identity rooted in cultural experiences, especially in the context of global conflicts. His fresh perspective urges a reckoning within psychoanalysis, spotlighting the necessity for inclusivity and social awareness.

Eyal Rozmarin, a psychoanalyst known for his exploration of belonging and subjectivity, dives deep into the complexities of identity. He discusses how societal constructs shape personal experiences and the emotional toll of these dynamics. Rozmarin challenges the idea of a fixed Self, suggesting that true liberation comes from recognizing the transient nature of identity. He also touches on the interplay of personal and collective struggles, emphasizing the importance of overcoming societal expectations to achieve a deeper understanding of self and community.

In the premiere of season six, psychoanalyst Eyal Rozmarin joins our host John Totten to discuss the constitutive power of belonging. A native of Israel-Palestine, and an objector to his compulsory military service, Eyal has a unique take on the respective costs of belonging and its counterpart abandonment. From Oedipus to the superego, Freud is subverted here; Rozmarin posits it is not that society protects us from our own nature, but that belonging turns us into killers. Is it possible that our collectives are antithetical to the goals of psychotherapy and what is the implication for the treatment room? This and more is discussed in the first of a two-part conversation. Produced by John Totten and Mason Neely Music by Mason Neely Research Assistant: Rose Bergdoll Website: www.betweenuspodcast.com Contact: betweenuspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/betweenuspod Facebook: www.facebook.com/betweenuspodcast YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC4pPUTf_wRjNxHcCsFJoSSQ