The Radical Therapist

In episode #138 of The Radical Therapist Podcast, Chris sits down with long-time narrative therapist Gene Combs for a conversation on the past, present, and future of narrative therapy. Gene shares his journey into narrative therapy, his thoughts on neoliberalism’s impact on mental health, and why honoring people as the first authors of their lives remains a central commitment in his work. We also dive into Gene’s recent writing/thinking on listening, what he calls “experiencing the storyteller’s experience” and explore how therapists can cultivate resonant presence in their conversations.   Chris Hoff PhD, LMFT We want to hear from you! YouTube: http://bit.ly/2i0DmaT Instagram: https://instagram.com/theradicaltherapist/ Email: theradicaltherapist@gmail.com

What if the act of reading could help rewrite the stories we live by? In this episode of The Radical Therapist, Dr. Chris Hoff sits down with bibliotherapist and narrative practitioner Mariana Casale to explore her new article, “Bibliotherapy as Narrative Practice: Reader Empowerment Through Re-Authoring Conversations.” Drawing on the work of Michael White, Alejandra Pizarnik, Foucault, and others, Casale makes a compelling case for reading literature not as passive consumption but as a co-authored, transformative act that can decenter dominant discourses, uncover “sparkling moments,” and help people reclaim agency over their life narratives. MarianaCasale.com   Chris Hoff PhD, LMFT We want to hear from you! YouTube: http://bit.ly/2i0DmaT Instagram: https://instagram.com/theradicaltherapist/ Email: theradicaltherapist@gmail.com

In this episode of The Radical Therapist, Chris sits down with Dr. Makungu Akinyela, scholar, therapist, and community organizer to discuss his new book Culture, Politics, Spirituality and Practice: A Book of Resistance and Critical Theory for Disturbing Times. We explore how therapy can be an act of resistance, how spirituality is political, and how Dr. Akinyela’s groundbreaking practice of Testimony Therapy reclaims healing as a collective, culturally-rooted, and justice-oriented process. From the failures of Western psychology to the power of African-centered healing, this conversation is a call to action for therapists, healers, and anyone committed to liberation work in disturbing times. https://makunguakinyelaauthor.com/ https://www.sankofatestimonies.com/ Chris Hoff PhD, LMFT We want to hear from you! YouTube: http://bit.ly/2i0DmaT Instagram: https://instagram.com/theradicaltherapist/ Email: theradicaltherapist@gmail.com

In episode #135, host Chris Hoff sits down with contemplative scholar Brooke Lavelle and philosopher and activist Katrine Bregengaard to explore the emerging field of pluriversal practice—a response to the limitations of "one-world-worlding" that dominate our movements, institutions, and inner lives. Drawing on their co-authored essay (with Maha El-Sheikh) in The Arrow Journal and their work with the Courage of Care Coalition, Brooke and Katrine share how pluriversal frameworks invite us into deeper relationality, cognitive flexibility, and radical imagination. They unpack how dominant systems often reproduce themselves inside the very movements meant to resist them—and offer practices for undoing that replication through somatics, contemplative inquiry, and collective care. This is a rich conversation on healing, liberation, and building the worlds we dream of—worlds where many worlds fit. Courage of Care Coalition Liminal Lab by California Family Institute Chris' Substack 2nd Annual Contemporary Narrative Therapy Conference   Chris Hoff PhD, LMFT We want to hear from you! YouTube: http://bit.ly/2i0DmaT Instagram: https://instagram.com/theradicaltherapist/ Email: theradicaltherapist@gmail.com

In episode #134, host Chris Hoff sits down with therapist Brian Dean Williams to explore the complexities of masculinity, mental health, and contemporary dilemmas facing men. Drawing from multiple perspectives on patriarchy, Chris and Brian discuss: 🔹 The emotional and relational costs of traditional masculinity 🔹 Why men struggle with vulnerability, connection, and purpose 🔹 How therapists can help men navigate accountability and healing 🔹 The crisis of loneliness and the need for deeper male friendships 🔹 How expanding our ideas of masculinity can lead to more generative lives Whether you're working with men in therapy or reflecting on masculinity in your own life, this conversation is a must-listen.   Brian's Website: https://briandeanwilliams.com/   Chris Hoff PhD, LMFT We want to hear from you! YouTube: http://bit.ly/2i0DmaT Instagram: https://instagram.com/theradicaltherapist/ Email: theradicaltherapist@gmail.com

In this engaging discussion, guests Sanni Paljakka, a psychologist and director of training at the Calgary Narrative Collective, and Tom Stone Carlson, a marriage and family therapist and professor, delve into the nuances of narrative therapy. They explore the power of counterstories and the impact of master narratives on personal identities. With insights from their book, they highlight the importance of storytelling in therapy and how it can foster justice and freedom. The conversation also touches on the intersections of love, creativity, and societal pressures in shaping our narratives.

In episode #132, host Chris Hoff sits down with Loretta Pederson, author of Honouring resistance and building solidarity: Feminism and Narrative Practice. Together, they explore how feminist principles intersect with narrative therapy to honor clients' resistance to oppression and build solidarity in the therapeutic process. Loretta shares insights from her book, discussing the importance of addressing power dynamics, and fostering collaborative, justice-oriented practices in therapy. This thought-provoking conversation dives deep into the ways feminism and narrative therapy can inspire practitioners to create more equitable and transformative spaces for those who seek our help.   Loretta's Book   Chris Hoff PhD, LMFT We want to hear from you! Youtube: http://bit.ly/2i0DmaT Instagram: https://instagram.com/theradicaltherapist/ Email: theradicaltherapist@gmail.com

In episode #131, host Chris Hoff sits down with Jon Tatelman, founder of the Scribble Community, a vibrant hub offering low-fee therapy, creative programming, and live music. Together, they explore the intersections of mental health, creativity, and community, uncovering how Scribble is reimagining access to care and connection. Adding to the dynamic energy of the evening, musician Nathan Lucas (aka Jerry Paper) joins as a guest in a live reflecting team process. Doug Poole, Tanya Barr, Lucy Cotter, Claire Gordan-Harper, and Scott Ferrara serve as the reflecting team, offering reflections and impressions on the themes emerging from the conversation. This unique blend of live dialogue and collaborative reflection is not to be missed! Tune in to experience how narrative therapy principles and creative practices come alive in the community space Scribble.   Scribble Community   Chris Hoff PhD, LMFT We want to hear from you! Youtube: http://bit.ly/2i0DmaT Instagram: https://instagram.com/theradicaltherapist/ Email: theradicaltherapist@gmail.com

Dr. Catherine Liu, a cultural critic and professor at UC Irvine, dives deep into the intricacies of trauma culture. She critiques how trauma is often commodified, losing its historical and political nuance. The conversation challenges the DSM's simplistic approach to trauma, advocating for authentic healing practices over surface-level solutions. Liu emphasizes collective action and community-building as antidotes, while exploring the erosion of public investment in education and the need for a shift from individual narratives to shared values in fostering genuine understanding and social change.

In episode #129 Chris sits down with Dr. Eija-Liisa Rautiainen, PhD, an experienced trainer and practitioner of Open Dialogue. They explore the transformative potential of this approach in mental health care, its emphasis on dialogue, collaboration, and relational understanding, and how it offers a radical alternative to conventional psychiatric practices. Whether you're a therapist, social worker, or someone curious about innovative approaches to healing, this episode is a must-listen! Tune in for a deep dive into the world of Open Dialogue.   Eija-Liisa's Email:  elrautiainen@eijaliisa.fi Website: https://eijaliisa.fi/in-english/   Chris Hoff PhD, LMFT We want to hear from you! Youtube: http://bit.ly/2i0DmaT Instagram: https://instagram.com/theradicaltherapist/ Email: theradicaltherapist@gmail.com