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

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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

Southbank Centre to Celebrate British Youth Culture with Major 2026 Programme

The Southbank Centre in London is preparing for a major celebration of British youth culture in 2026, featuring some of the UK's biggest names in art and culture. The programme will include contributions from Oscar-winning director Danny Boyle, renowned sculptor Anish Kapoor, iconic singer Shirley B... [More info]

This week’s newsletter dives into the narrative surrounding Gen Z.

Despite media worries about their mental health and democratic engagement, a more nuanced view reveals a generation filled with resilience and positivity.

#GenZ #Resilience #YouthCulture

Growing Up by the Sea in Cork

It was a lovely evening in Ballycotton last Thursday, and a group of teenagers were making the most of it, jumping off the pier into the water and enjoying life.

Apertureƒ/8CameraILCE-7RM5Focal length240mmISO100Shutter speed1/800s

#Ballycotton #BlackAndWhite #blackAndWhitePhotography #BlarneyPhotographyClub #coastalLife #comingOfAge #Cork #CountyCork #EastCork #fishingPier #fishingVillage #harbour #Ireland #maritimeHeritage #Photo #Photography #pierLife #seagulls #silhouette #silhouettes #teenagers #youthCulture

How Social Media Shapes Youth Mental Health: A Sociological Analysis

Explore how social media shapes youth mental health from a sociological perspective, delving into peer influence, identity dynamics, community support and more.

SciTech Society – Build a Scientific and Technical Society Explore how social media shapes youth mental health from a sociological perspective, delving into peer influence, identity dynamics, community support and more.
The Shocking No Jumper Video That Sparked Outrage

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SZA Goes Viral After Swapping Teen’s Drugs For A Photo

SZA took to Instagram to share how she convinced a literal child to ditch his nitrous oxide canister in exchange for a pic with her.

Shine My Crown

Underpass Artists

Two young men decorate the underpass on the Line in Blackrock this evening with spray paint. There are fabulous murals on both walls of the underpass!

Fun fact: spray paint, the tool of choice here, was invented in 1949 by Edward Seymour, on the suggestion of his wife, Bonnie.

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#Blackrock #Cork #graffiti #Ireland #mural #neonLights #Photo #Photography #sprayPaint #streetArt #StreetPhotography #TheLine #underpass #urbanArt #youthCulture

Will try and get down to Brighton over the summer to see this. #mod #ModRevival #YouthCulture

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRBjCC7mm7Y

John Robb on BBC Breakfast talking about mod culture exhibition

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Growing Up by the Sea in Cork

It was a lovely evening in Ballycotton last Thursday, and a group of teenagers were making the most of it, jumping off the pier into the water and enjoying life.

Apertureƒ/8CameraILCE-7RM5Focal length240mmISO100Shutter speed1/800s

#Ballycotton #BlackAndWhite #blackAndWhitePhotography #BlarneyPhotographyClub #coastalLife #comingOfAge #Cork #CountyCork #EastCork #fishingPier #fishingVillage #harbour #Ireland #maritimeHeritage #Photo #Photography #pierLife #seagulls #silhouette #silhouettes #teenagers #youthCulture

@donncha beautiful! No jumpings captured?