The Poor Prole’s Almanac: Therapy, Activism, and Radical Politics: Rethinking the Role of Psychotherapy in Societal Change | Media file

Dr. Carter J. Carter, a seasoned psychotherapist and academic, joins us to explore the rich and complex tapestry that intertwines psychotherapy, activism, and radical politics. His profound insights challenge conventional views, urging us to reconsider the role of therapy in societal change. By questioning its function as potentially the "opiate of the masses," Dr. Carter delves deep into the heart of leftist ideologies, evaluating the intricate balance therapists must navigate as both healers and, inadvertently, agents of the state. With an emphasis on the distinction between individual and systemic issues, he calls for a therapeutic practice aligned with anarchist beliefs, acknowledging the broader structures that shape personal struggles.

Our conversation broadens to consider the foundations of mental health, questioning the universality of therapy as a solution for psychological woes. Dr. Carter critiques traditional approaches, drawing on the works of Frantz Fanon and others, to emphasize the psychological benefits of collective actions such as union membership. We discuss the limitations of psychoanalysis, the critique of SSRIs, and the advocacy for communal support systems that address the emotional injuries perpetuated by societal structures like patriarchy. The dialogue also highlights the necessity for broader interventions, particularly in addressing historical trauma in Native American communities and blending individual and collective healing processes.

The episode culminates in a reflection on the evolving role of therapists within society, recognizing their potential to act benevolently even under systemic constraints. We explore the challenges faced by marginalized communities striving for change, emphasizing the need for autonomy, agency, and mutual aid. By addressing the shortcomings of mental health care systems and the societal reliance on therapy, we underscore the pressing need for systemic change. Dr. Carter's insights provide a compelling call to action, urging a shift towards collective empowerment and societal transformation, with therapy as a complementary but not sole vehicle for liberation.

To check out Dr. Carter's work, visit: https://www.carterjcarter.com

For sources, transcripts, and to read more about this subject, visit: https://www.agroecologies.org

To support this podcast, join our patreon for early, commercial-free episode access at https://www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac

For PPA Restoration Content, visit: https://www.restorationagroecology.com

For PPA Merch, visit: https://breadandrosespress.com/

For PPA Native Plants, visit: https://www.nativenurseries.org

To hear Tomorrow, Today, our sister podcast, visit: https://www.tomorrowtodaypodcast.org/

Key words: #Psychotherapy, #Activism, #RadicalPolitics, #Therapy, #Liberation, #SystemicIssues, #AnarchistBeliefs, #LeftistIdeologies, #FrantzFanon, #UnionMembership, #Psychoanalysis, #SSRIs, #CommunalSupportSystems, #EmotionalInjuries, #StateAgents, #Autonomy, #Agency, #MutualAid, #HistoricalTrauma, #NativeAmericanCommunities, #CollectiveEmpowerment, #SocietalTransformation, #MentalHealth, #PersonalityDevelopment, #SocioeconomicFactors, #FinancialInstability, #SocialWorkers, #Psychotherapists, #StateSystems, #Autonomy, #Agency, #PoliticalEducation, #ViktorFrankl, #DaveChappelle, #KanyeWest, #Palestine, #Privacy, #Boundaries, #SocioeconomicConditions, #SocietalStructures, #MentalHealthCareSystems, #Fascism, #TransphobicPropaganda, #Pseudoscience, #AntiFascist, #LiberatoryPsychoanalysis, #RevolutionaryEnds, #GrannyTherapy, #YouthCulture, #CommunityBuilding, #InsuranceLiabilities, #DecentralizedResistance, #FinancialRealities, #PsychoAnalyst

The Poor Prole’s Almanac: Therapy, Activism, and Radical Politics: Rethinking the Role of Psychotherapy in Societal Change

The Poor Prole’s Almanac

this episode of #shortWavePodcast is about #SSRIs, a common family of antidepressants that are puzzling on multiple levels. i was taking zoloft (sertraline) for years and if i missed ONE i would get what people sometimes call "brain shivers" or "brain snaps" or zaps.

it's hard to explain but it feels like your brain is being held back from what is around you and when it catches up like a record skip it has a physical sensation like a zap or shiver.

#mentalHealth
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/short-wave/id1482575855?i=1000724100773

Stopping SSRIs Can Be Hard. Researchers Are Unsure Why

Podcast Episode · Short Wave · 09/02/2025 · 13m

Apple Podcasts
lots of folks panicking about #ssris being taken away in amerikkka i'm not worried personally, as evil as for profit health care is there is nooo way big pharma will let that cash cow go, they'll make sure the kennedy curse strikes again lol #uspol
Ever wondered why gun control debates often miss the mark? John Amato exposes Fox's Rachel Campos-Duffy for blaming SSRIs in the Minnesota shooting without proof, pushing ineffective "militarized" school defenses while dodging real gun policy talks. Dive into the critique on media deflection and shallow solutions. Read more: https://crooksandliars.com/2025/08/dummy-campos-duffy-blames-ssris-minnesota #RachelCamposDuffy #SSRIs #MinnesotaShooting #GunControl #FoxNews #JohnAmato #MediaCritique #SchoolSafety
Dummy Campos-Duffy Blames SSRIs For Minnesota Shooting

The Fox and Friends host has no idea if the shooter was medicated, but defending guns is always her purpose.

Crooks and Liars

Trying to cum on SSRIs


#garfield #ssris #lexapro #paxil #prozac
The Funny Farm

In my own personal experience these evangelical Christians running the country are very ignorant when it comes to mental health and sometimes stubbornly ignorant on purpose. They believe in beating…

Brett Harper
Before you continue to YouTube

The RELEASE study has published this *incredible* set of resources for clinicians and patients about how to successfully taper off long-term antidepressant use.

https://releaseuq.notion.site/RELEASE-REdressing-Long-tErm-Antidepressant-uSE-c81416ad6f7d41a1bbd274bb248a22c2 #deprescribing #antidepressants #SSRIs

RELEASE: REdressing Long-tErm Antidepressant uSE | Notion

Made with Notion, the all-in-one connected workspace with publishing capabilities.

releaseuq on Notion
Before you continue to YouTube