New Books in Psychology

Mariana Craciun, a sociologist and author, explores how American psychiatrists learn psychotherapy amidst the challenges of bridging medical expertise with understanding the mind. She discusses the skepticism novice psychiatrists face, contrasting pharmacological approaches with psychotherapeutic techniques. Craciun highlights the evolution of training practices, the power dynamics in medical settings, and the vital role of skepticism in fostering inquiry and competence. Listeners gain insights into the shifting landscape of psychiatry and the complexities of integrating diverse therapeutic methods.

Alison Fragale, a behavioral scientist and psychologist, offers crucial insights for women navigating the workplace. She discusses the importance of balancing warmth and assertiveness to become a 'likeable badass.' Key topics include strategies for self-promotion, overcoming biases, and building networks. Fragale elaborates on the unique challenges faced by Black women in asserting their accomplishments. She emphasizes the power of reciprocity and mentorship in achieving professional success, blending rigorous research with relatable stories.

Jess Whatcott, an author examining disability, queer history, and eugenics, discusses the historical and contemporary implications of carceral eugenics. They explore California's chilling past of state-sponsored sterilization in women's prisons and offer insights into the 'defective class' and its societal impact. Whatcott reveals marginalized voices of resistance against institutional eugenics, critiques labor exploitation in these settings, and emphasizes the urgent need for reform in care systems. This conversation sheds light on the continuing relevance of these issues.

Why is that when a loved one dies, grief seems inescapable--and then diminishes? The brilliant Edinburgh philosopher Berislav Marusic's "Do Reasons Expire? An Essay on Grief" begins with his grief for the unexpected and early loss of his mother: "I stopped grieving or at least the grief diminished, yet the reason didn't really change. It's not like that my mother stopped mattering to me or that I stopped loving her, but still this change in grief somehow seemed reasonable." What are philosophers and the rest of us to make of this durable insight?John is lucky to be joined in this discussion of Beri's thoughts on grief by by his new Brandeis philosophy colleague, Katie Elliott. She is not afraid to complicate things further, proposing to Beri that we distinguish between the immediate affective intensity of the initial loss and persistent negative emotions towards the fact of the loss, even when that initial affective heat of loss has faded. Beri reponds that emotions are "thinking with feeling" and we maybe want to be skeptical about splitting the two.Beri sees two aspects of grief: "On the one hand, the vision of loss that is constituted by grief and on the other hand, a vision of grief from a empirical or as some philosophers, like to say, a creature construction perspective." It is wrong to make a pragmatist case for the sheerly functional advantages of getting over grief, and also a mistake to see (like Sigmund Freud) grief as a kind of work, a task, to detach oneself from the mourned object.John asks what it means that he personalizes his sensation of grief, focussing not on the lost beloved, but on the way the beloved, or the lost beloved, remains present to him, a loss felt inside himself. Beri invokes Iris Murdoch's warning against the "fat relentless ego" (The Sovereignty of Good, 1970, p 50) intruding itself--when what really should be at stake is the lost object of one's grief. Beri closes by suggesting that grief doesn't happen to us in the way digestion happens (purely involuntary). Sure, grief is not strictly controllable, and yet because it is reasons responsive rather than simply somatic, it is me. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/psychology

Dr. Dionne Powell, a contributor to 'Black Psychoanalysts Speak' and an expert on race and psychoanalysis, joins the discussion on how psychological defense mechanisms underpin systemic racism in America. The conversation dives deep into the collective silence within the therapeutic community surrounding racial trauma, emphasizing the need for open dialogue. Strategies like denial and neglect are explored as major contributors to ongoing injustices, while engaging discussions on historical impacts and the importance of community in healing highlight the urgency for societal change.

In this engaging discussion, guests Julie Radico, Nicole Halverson, and Charity O'Reilly—practicing therapists and co-authors of a mental health toolkit—share their insights on coping with life’s challenges. They explore innovative breathing techniques like 'cookie breathing' and VU breathing for stress relief. The trio emphasizes self-compassion and effective communication strategies as vital tools for navigating mental health struggles. Their practical guidance aims to empower listeners in overcoming common obstacles and nurturing a supportive environment.

Regina G. Kunzel, an insightful author, investigates the intersection of psychiatry and queer life through historical case files. She delves into the mid-20th-century pathologization of homosexuality, revealing the deep-seated psychiatric authority that affected queer identity. The discussion also touches on the power dynamics in patient-psychiatrist relationships and the lasting impact of these narratives on LGBTQ politics. Kunzel emphasizes the need to understand psychiatric histories in relation to contemporary queer struggles and resistance.

Barnaby Barratt, an author specializing in the radical aspects of psychoanalysis, challenges conventional psychotherapy norms. He critiques the ideological constraints of traditional training, advocating for a deeper, deconstructive approach in psychoanalysis. Barratt emphasizes the significance of free association, exploring how it reveals hidden aspects of experience. He also discusses the sociopolitical implications of psychoanalysis and its revolutionary potential in fostering authenticity and addressing societal issues, particularly through a sexual and sensual lens.

Nick Chater, a behavioural scientist and Professor at Warwick Business School, reveals that our minds operate on a surface level, challenging the belief in deep unconscious motivations. He discusses how memory shapes our decisions in real-time and highlights the fascinating McGurk effect, which shows how our senses can mislead us. Chater also critiques the complexity of human thought and the limitations of multitasking, urging us to see our identity as fluid rather than fixed, illustrating how our preferences evolve with each experience.

Julie Kliegman, an insightful author, is joined by mental health advocates including Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps and NBA star Kevin Love. They dive into how elite athletes are breaking the silence on mental health struggles. Kliegman discusses the shifting culture in sports, emphasizing the importance of openness and support. Key topics include the mental toll of injury, resilience against challenges like the 'twisties' faced by Simone Biles, and how drug use perceptions are evolving in the athletic world. The conversation reveals the power of athletes sharing their stories.