Good Enough Shrink
We are child psychiatrists practicing in the Los Angeles area on a mission to demystify psychiatry and mental health. The title of this podcast is a tribute to the famous psychoanalyst, Donald Winnicott, and his concept of the "Good Enough Parent.” This is the idea that the imperfect but sufficient provisions of a parent will build a resilient child in an imperfect world. We want to empower children and parents to embrace their strengths and flaws, and know that you are good enough.
We want to emphasize the power of holding difficult emotions from the lens of attachment theory. Attachment theory is based on the idea that humans need a social bond with another to survive. This bond, when it is “good enough”, serves as a secure base from which a child can explore the world. When this attachment is disrupted, it can lead to emotional issues, and sometimes full-blown psychiatric disorders. This is where therapists and psychiatrists come in.
This podcast is for the curious adults, parents, family members, mental health professionals and trainees. So we hope you join us in this adventure to explore science and mental health from a developmental perspective.
Good Enough Shrink
LA Fires - The Aftermath of Traumatic Events and How to Talk to Your Kids About It
In this episode, we explore the impact of the Los Angeles wildfires on families and the individual person, emphasizing trauma-informed care and support for those affected by disasters. We also cover practical tips for disaster psychiatry, psychological first aid, and how to start an honest conversation with your kids about traumatic exposures.
Topics discussed:
- What is a disaster?
- What is trauma?
- Acute stress disorder vs PTSD
- Risk factors for PTSD
- Goal of psychological first aid + trauma therapy
- Warning/concerning signs of trauma
- How to talk to your kids about a traumatic event
Resources:
- National Institute of Mental Health: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/sites/default/files/documents/health/publications/helping-children-and-adolescents-cope-with-disasters-and-other-traumatic-events/helping-children-and-adolescents-cope-with-traumatic-events.pdf
- SAMHSA: https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/trauma-violence/child-trauma
- AACAP: https://www.aacap.org/aacap/Families_and_Youth/Resource_Centers/Disaster_Resource_Center/Home.aspx
- NAMI: https://namialamedacounty.org/resources/about-mental-illness/mental-health-first-aid/
Have questions for us, or feedback about our podcast? Send us a message!
