In this episode, Johanne speaks with Matias Castagnola, a clinical psychologist and psychodrama facilitator, about the transformative power of psychodrama. Matias shares how this therapeutic approach uses role-playing, sociometry, and group dynamics to explore possibilities, expand roles, and create meaningful change in a safe and playful environment. We also discuss the balance of creativity and structure in psychodrama sessions and how this method integrates personal growth with group collaboration.

Website: https://matiascastagnola.com/

In this episode, host Johanne Schwensen sits down with psychological counsellor Aranja Berkmüller to explore the fascinating and often misunderstood role of kink in the therapy space.

This thought-provoking conversation challenges societal norms and encourages deeper reflection. Johanne and Aranja discuss:

• Common misconceptions about kink and its presence in therapeutic settings.
• The healing potential of exploring power dynamics and psychological layers within kink.
• Practical ways therapists can create nonjudgmental and supportive spaces for these discussions.

Read more about Aranja here: https://www.amplified-humanity.com.

To celebrate ADHD Awareness month, we're diving into the ADHD brain and the struggles that come with it. In this episode, Johanne speaks with clinical psychologist Anna Bellack, who not only researched ADHD in women for her thesis but also received her own ADHD diagnosis during her studies. Anna provides insight into the neurological workings of ADHD and sheds light on common challenges faced by people with ADHD, including some that often go overlooked. Whether you’re personally affected by ADHD or just curious, this conversation offers a deep and relatable perspective.

Resources

• A list of therapists specialising in ADHD
• The full Mind Mingles interview with Anne Bellack
• A community space where you can sign up and ask for ADHD advice
• A great podcast about the ADHD brain (and beyond) called ADHD Chatter

In this episode of our mini-series on dreams, clinical psychologist and dream expert Roland Evans explores how we can better understand our dreams by working with them in altered states of consciousness (ASCs). From naturalistic trance and EMDR to active imagination and hypnosis, Roland looks into how these non-ordinary states of awareness help us access deeper layers of dream meaning that are often inaccessible in waking life. Whether you're new to dreamwork or looking to deepen your practice, this episode offers fascinating perspectives on working with dreams using ASCs.

In this insightful episode, Johanne sits down with Aranja Berkmüller, an experienced psychological counsellor and death doula, to delve into the world of end-of-life care. Aranja sheds light on the important role of death doulas—what they really do, and what they don’t. With her unique perspective, she shares powerful lessons from her journey, offering a compassionate exploration of death doula work.

Read more about Aranja's work here and in this blog post.

In this episode, Johanne Schwensen sits down with co-founder of It's Complicated, Jungian psychoanalyst, and author Jakob Lusensky to discuss his new book, C.G. Jung: Face to Face with Christianity - Conversations on Dreaming the Myth Onward. Together, they explore Jung’s complex relationship with Christianity, the process of writing the book, and the deep insights from leading Jungian scholars. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation at the intersection of psychology and spirituality.

In this episode of Therapy Talk, I sit down with seasoned psychotherapist Vasiliki Loumpa, who brings more than a decade of experience in family therapy. We explore the rewarding and challenging aspects of parental counselling, the transformative approach of non-violent resistance and discuss family therapy's powerful impact on supporting children by empowering their parents. Tune in to discover how this type of therapy can foster healthier family dynamics and provide meaningful support to both parents and children.

Resources:
Family Therapy
Breaking free of anxiety
Non-violent resistance

In this episode, psychologist Valentina Calandra, explores the realms of liberatory psychology and feminist therapy, and what it means to be "queering" therapy. Calandra highlights the interconnectedness of personal and political struggles in therapy, and envisions therapy as a form of activism that supports individual and collective liberation.