Healing Our Collective Mental Health

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In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Phyllis Leavitt to discuss her story and the crucial need for collective mental health. Phyllis shares the importance of understanding the psychological underpinnings of societal issues, breaking cycles of abuse, and the importance of fostering individual and national healing. 

Phyllis Leavitt graduated from Antioch University with a Master’s in Psychology and Counseling in 1989. Phyllis co-directed a family-based sexual abuse treatment program called Parents United in Santa Fe, New Mexico, until 1991 and then went into private practice full-time for the next 30-plus years. 

She has worked extensively with abuse and dysfunctional family dynamics, their aftermath, and some of the most important elements for healing. 

Our focus today is on her latest book, American Therapy: A New Approach to Hope and Healing for a Nation in Crisis, which delves into what perpetuates abuse at every level, the probable outcomes for individuals and the nation if cycles of violence and abuse continue unchecked, and, crucially, how to elevate the principles of individual and family healing to national awareness and implement them for the greater American family. 

She has also published two other books, A Light in the Darkness and Into the Fire, which chronicle her personal healing journey. 

In today’s episode, we cover: 

• How our family conditioning impact our thoughts, behaviors, and feelings
• The global and historical context of collective trauma
• How post-traumatic stress manifests in different people 
• What we personally find acceptable vs. what we allow on a larger scale
• The power of bringing the lens of psychology to our human experiences 
• How the collective is living in constant fight or flight mode
• The potential impact of collective healing 
• The stigma around therapy and mental illnesses
• Why we have to start taking responsibility for ourselves 

We hope you enjoyed this conversation with Phyllis! If you would like to learn more from her, make sure to visit her website and follow her on LinkedIn. 

Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! 

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Quotes: 

“We need each other. If your heart is hurting, can you let yourself need someone who might help you heal your heart?” -Phyllis 

“Every single thing we do that's loving and kind and generous and cooperative, and any effort we make to resolve conflict peacefully and without violence  is a contribution to the entire population of this world.” -Phyllis 

“There are no co