Identity Crisis: ITAMFT’s Future!
Dunc and Vicki reflect on year one of Is There a Med For That: what's worked well, what's worked not so well, and how a psychiatrist and therapist with little to no social media / podcast experience can forge on and make good things happen for the show in 2023.
Are We Sure ”Parents and Kids Shouldn’t Be Friends”?
Vicki talks about one of her pet peeves, the old admonition that "parents and kids shouldn't be friends." She explores with Duncan how the phrase, while containing an important element of truth, can easily become an excuse for parental misbehavior.
Can’t Y’all Doctors Agree? -- Why Psychiatric Research Is Such A Problem
Why, oh why, aren't there clearer answers in psychiatry? Which medications work? Which diagnosis is right? What's the right treatment for my kid? A huge reason for the lack of clarity is in the limitations of trying to conduct and interpret psychiatric research. And there's a bigger problem: Dunc and Vicki talk about why it's so dangerous for doctors and therapists to pretend those limitations aren't there.
Learning While Under Fire
In the words of a famous boxer: "Everyone has a plan 'till they get punched in the mouth." Acting reasonably during times of calm is easy, but it's a whole other thing to be able to function under stress. Dunc and Vic talk about why it's important to take the opportunity to learn during those times, when the bullets are actually whistling over your head.
”Locus of Control”: Who’s Driving This Bus?
Vicki and Duncan thought it would be good to talk about the psychological concept of "locus of control," and how this pretentious-sounding term can be useful in understanding why some people grow up blaming everyone else.
Guilt Over Genetics and Parenting with Your Parents
Two questions today. The first question is from a kid (a first for the show!) about how she should deal with her own mother's guilt about her daughter's mental health struggles. The second question is from a parent who lives with his own parents who have quite different ideas about child rearing.
Is the narrative you are creating nourishing imbalance in your relationship?
It is important in all successful relationships to practice reflection mindfully.
This is no easy task! Thankfully, it's called a practice for a reason.
If you have any questions, comments, thoughts, or simply want to hear more about this topic and need support:
Please reach out to:
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(347)603-0609
Caller Question: The Empty Threat Trap
Great question from a caller that raises the issues of the temptation to resort to threats (some of them outlandish) to make your child do things, or stop doing things. Vicki and Dunc talk about why this response is so seductive, why it doesn't work, and what to do if you've caught yourself in the empty threat trap.
Caller Question: Drunk Daughter
Super-simple question that proves simple isn't easy when it comes to parenting. Dunc and Vicki take turns roleplaying the parent confronted with a daughter returning from a high school dance after drinking.
Optimal Deprivation: ”No, you can’t get a pony.”
Money, gifts, support, essentials and non-essentials: how much should we be giving our children, and how much should we expect them to do for themselves? Vicki and Dunc's thoughts as to how to navigate the waters between providing too much ("Sure, we'll buy you that BMW!") and too little ("You'd better start a little farm and grow your own food.").
Intro to Personality Disorders: It’s All Your Fault!
The controversial world of personality disorders as it pertains to teenagers. Everyone is born with narcissistic personality disorder, and marches through many others on the way to adulthood. Vicki and Duncan talk what happens when kids get stuck along the way.
Natural Consequences: Letting Your Child Mess Up
Dunc and Vicki talk natural consequences vs. punishment and why the first is a much more effective teacher, despite requiring a good degree of faith on the parent's part.
