Deconstructing Therapy
A podcast redefining the way we approach healing, relationships, and mental health. We challenge the status quo and traditional therapy frameworks that often fall short in today’s rapidly evolving society. Through conversations with therapists, activists, and thought leaders, we explore bold, community-centered approaches to mental health that honor the complexities of our world. Together, we’ll uncover how connection, shared stories, and innovative practices can adapt therapy to the needs of our time. Let’s reimagine what healing looks like in the here and now.
Episodes
Episode 3 | Season 2
Wins We’re Not Taught: People Power, Public Power, and Practical Hope
Guest: Jasmine Brown (@jasminebrownformayor)
In this grounded and inspiring conversation, Alefyah sits down with organizer and activist Jasmine Brown to trace her journey from early disillusionment to practical hope. Jasmine shares how watching her parents work without “getting ahead,” mov...
Episode 2 | Season 2
Rooted in Presence: Authenticity and the Self of the Therapist Guest: Dr. James “Doc Hawk” Hawkins
Episode 1 | Season 2
Guest: Dr. Pauline Yeghnazar Peck, Ph.D.
In this rich and moving conversation, Alefyah and Dr. Pauline Yeghnazar Peck explore the ways cultural identity, grief, and healing weave through our personal and professional lives. Together, they look at how therapy can either reinforce harmful narratives—or open the door to reclaiming one’s cultural roots as a sour...
Summary
In this conversation, Alefyah Taqui shares her personal journey, exploring her childhood, cultural influences, health challenges, and the transformative experiences that shaped her as a therapist. The discussion delves into her struggles with a severe eye infection, the trauma of navigating the medical system, and the empowering moment of giving birth on her own terms. Through he...
Re-Release: Rupture & Repair with Natasha Sandy
In this heartfelt and layered re-release, Alefyah Taqui sits down with Natasha Sandy to explore the complex emotional terrain of the therapeutic relationship. Together, they examine what it means to be authentic, vulnerable, and human—both as therapists and as people doing their own inner work.
This conversation weaves through themes o...
Summary
In this conversation, Dr. Paul T. Guillory discusses the intersection of culturally informed care and emotionally focused therapy (EFT). He shares his journey from sports psychology to therapy, emphas...
In this conversation, Alefyah Taqui and Tralana Eugene explore the integration of spirituality, particularly astrology, into therapeutic practices. Tralana shares her journey from a Southern Baptist upbringing to embracing her intuitive abilities and the role of astrology in her personal and professional life. They discuss the challenges of navigating traditional mental health frameworks...
This week, I’m inviting you to revisit Episode 3 of Deconstructing Therapy: Becoming Rooted in Embodied Wisdom with Virginia Walls, LMHC.
I recently returned to this conversation and found myself hearing it differently. Virginia speaks to something so many of us in the therapy world—and beyond—struggle with: the disconnect between what we know intellectually and what we feel and experien...
EP. 11: Gifts of Struggle: Depression, Substance Abuse, and Becoming Whole with Nalini Calamur, LMFT
Summary
In this conversation, Nalini Calamur shares her journey as a therapist, exploring the complexities of multicultural experiences, family dynamics, and personal struggles. She discusses the importance o...
Summary
This conversation explores the concept of mutual aid as a transformative approach to healing and community support. Holly Rose Baker shares her journey from traditional therapy to finding healing thro...
Summary
In this conversation, Alefyah Taqui and Joey Tapia reconnect after years apart, exploring Joey's journey into therapy, his experiences with the deaf community, and the challenges he faced in his prof...
Summary
In this conversation, Hale Morissette shares their journey as a social worker, community organizer, and activist. They discuss the importance of organizing work as a matter of life and death, the motivations behind their activism, and the role of transformative justice in mental health. Hale emphasizes the significance of building relationships in organizing, leading with love, a...
Summary
In this conversation, Alefyah Taqui and Bethanie Mangigian explore the complexities of therapy, authenticity, and the profound impact of grief on personal and professional growth. They discuss the imp...
Summary
In this conversation, Alefyah Taqui and Jean discuss the complexities of Asian identity, cultural nuances, and the importance of affinity groups in pro...
Summary
In this conversation, Alefyah Taqui and Alix Smith explore the intersection of education, therapy, and systemic change. They discuss the challenges faced by educators and therapists in addressing trauma and systemic issues, the importance of vulnerability and self-awareness in therapeutic relationships, and the need for equitable practices in mental health care. Alix shares her p...
Summary
In this conversation, Alefyah Taqui and Natasha Sandy explore the complexities of the therapeutic relationship, emphasizing authenticity, vulnerability, and the importance of navigating ruptures and r...
Summary
In this conversation, Virginia Walls emphasizes the importance of connection to the earth, community, and the inner healer in the process of healing and personal growth. She discusses how plant allies and supportive relationships contribute to our well-being and how we often reach our limitations, necessitating the support of others.
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Summary
The conversation delves into the complexities of racism and the feelings of hopelessness that can arise from recognizing its deep-rooted nature. Christina James reflects on her personal journey of understanding and the significance of feeling hopeless as a white person in the context of racial issues.
Find Christina:
Website
Christina’s Featured Organizations:
Summary
The conversation explores the importance of empathetic attunement and curiosity in communication. It emphasizes that making mistakes is a natural part of interactions and highlights the need for active ...
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