Psychoanalysis & You

APsA American Psychoanalytic Association
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Society & Culture

The official podcast of the American Psychoanalytic Association (APsA) about psychoanalysis and everyday life, culture, and politics.

  1. Sep 28

    Ep. 24 Todd Essig on AI, Attachment, and the Future of Mental Health

    In this conversation with Todd Essig, chair of APsA's Commission on Artificial Intelligence, host Gail Saltz explores the profound reshaping of mental health care through chatbots and AI companions. Essig explains why AI chatbots are being framed as "interactive self-help devices" rather than therapy: while they can provide knowledge and information, therapy requires something machines fundamentally cannot offer—genuine care, interiority, and obligation. He discusses the dual danger zone: the headline-grabbing tragedies of AI-induced self-harm, and the quieter, more pervasive harm happening when relationships with chatbots seem to be working well. According to recent research, one-third of teenagers are forming relationships with AI companions, raising urgent questions about how these interactions are reshaping our capacity for human connection and attachment. Essig articulates the core problem: current chatbots are designed to be endlessly validating and supportive—a feature that "hacks" our evolutionary attachment systems in ways that can make real human relationships feel burdensome by comparison. He also clarifies what can and cannot be replaced. AI can supplement therapy (practicing skills between sessions), but cannot replicate the deep unconscious work of psychoanalysis—where transference, countertransference, and genuine human presence are data. The conversation moves toward solutions: How should clinicians position themselves as AI reshapes the profession? What do psychoanalysts uniquely offer? Essig argues that psychoanalysts and mental health professionals have both a clinical responsibility to treat AI-related harm and a public health obligation to advocate for humane technology. He urges embedding AI literacy into training programs—not out of fear, but from grounded awareness of real psychological costs. And he identifies what psychoanalysts do best: foster community, listen deeply, and affirm the intrinsic value of human interiority—precisely what technology cannot provide.

  2. Jun 29

    Ep 23 - Polarization with Sue Kolod

    In episode 23 of Psychoanalysis & You, host Gail Saltz speaks with Sue Kolod, president of the North American Psychoanalytic Confederation and co-leader of the Depolarization Project, about understanding and addressing polarization in our personal and political lives. Kolod and Salts discuss what happens when disagreement becomes toxic, like when you dash into a store to avoid walking past a person you fundamentally oppose, and asks what psychoanalysis has to offer in response. Drawing on concepts from Vanik Volkan about "chosen trauma" and "large group identity," she examines why deeply held beliefs feel so personal, and why curiosity about ourselves and others becomes nearly impossible under polarization. Through vivid examples—including her own experience with the Boston Conversations Project where pro-life and pro-choice women found unexpected common ground—Kolod illustrates how human connection, empathy, and an understanding of the historical and family experiences shaping our convictions can help us maintain relationships across deep disagreement. This episode offers concrete insights into the defense mechanisms (splitting, projection) that drive polarization and explores how leaders and "surprising validators" can create the safety necessary for dialogue.

  3. Jun 1

    Ep 22 - Feeling Disorders with Gila Ashtor

    What does it mean to lose touch with your own feelings, even while functioning well in everyday life? In this episode of Psychoanalysis & You, Dr. Gail Saltz speaks with psychoanalyst Dr. Gila Ashtor about what she calls “feeling disorders”—experiences like gaslighting, empty consent, and toxic relationships that reflect a deeper difficulty in accessing and trusting one’s own emotional life. Ashtor explains how many patients today appear high-functioning yet feel disconnected, uncertain, or on “autopilot,” and how this can fall outside traditional diagnostic categories. The discussion explores how modern culture, social media, and therapy trends may reinforce emotional disconnection, and why psychoanalysis aims instead to restore curiosity, emotional range, and a stronger sense of internal experience. The episode also examines gaslighting and “empty consent,” and how subtle relational dynamics can lead people to override their own perceptions without recognizing it at the time. Overall, the conversation focuses on how psychoanalytic work helps people reconnect with their feelings and build a more vivid, internally grounded sense of self.

  4. Apr 27

    EP 21 Pathological Narcissism with Diana Diamond

    What’s the difference between healthy confidence and pathological narcissism? Dr. Gail Saltz is joined by psychoanalyst Diana Diamond to break down how narcissism functions on a spectrum. From everyday self-esteem to more severe forms that disrupt relationships and identity. They explore why pathological narcissism alternates between grandiosity and vulnerability, how it shows up in personal and professional life, and why it has historically been difficult to treat. Diamond also discusses a psychoanalytic treatment approach that shows promise, along with the broader cultural forces—from social media to leadership dynamics—that may be amplifying narcissistic traits today. At its core, the conversation returns to this: lasting well-being is grounded less in status or admiration, and more in the capacity for genuine relationships. Diana Diamond is a psychoanalytic clinician, professor, and researcher. Dr. Diamond specializes in psychoanalytic psychotherapy and supervision. In her private practice, she treats patients who are experiencing conflicts around normative life cycle transitions (e.g., puberty, marriage, parenthood) and who have difficulties with intimacy, identity formation, and goal definition. She also works with patients with severe problems in interpersonal functioning and self- and affect-regulation. She also treats couples and families. Her general therapeutic orientation is informed by contemporary psychoanalytic object relations theory, which integrates the contributions of attachment theory and cognitive neuroscience.

  5. Mar 30

    Ep 20 Social Media Use in Children and Adolescents with Janet Rotter

    Janet Rotter explains social media use in children and adolescents and how to manage screen time. In this episode, we explore how to connect and engage with children and adolescents in non-digital ways.

  6. 2025-12-24

    AI and Mental Health Care through a Psychoanalytic Lens

    In this episode of Psychoanalysis and You, host Dr. Gail Saltz talks with Dr. Amy Levy, clinical psychologist, psychoanalyst, and co-chair of APsA’s Commission on Artificial Intelligence, about how AI is reshaping mental health, relationships, and self-understanding. Dr. Levy approaches AI as a “new other” in our psychological lives, exploring why it is so compelling and what unconscious needs it may be responding to. Drawing on psychoanalytic theory, she examines the appeal of AI relationships, the risks of emotional dependency and belief amplification, and the limits of AI in providing meaningful mental health care. The conversation also addresses whether AI could replace therapists, how psychoanalysts can engage in public discussions about emerging technology, and what parents should consider as children grow up immersed in AI-driven environments. Together, Drs. Saltz and Levy emphasize curiosity, reflection, and the enduring importance of human connection in an increasingly digital world.

  7. 2025-09-10

    Psychoanalysis for Youth: Theory, Practice & Impact

    In this episode, we delve into the foundational principles, therapeutic techniques, and transformative impact of psychoanalysis on children and families. Whether you are a parent, mental health professional, student, or someone interested in understanding the human mind, this episode offers valuable insights and practical knowledge. Our guest, Dr. Alexander D. Kalogerakis provided a comprehensive overview of psychoanalysis, focusing on its application in child psychoanalytic psychotherapy. Dr. Kalogerakis discussed the history, core concepts, and real-world benefits of psychoanalytic therapy for children with APsA Podcast Host, Dr. Gail Saltz. Learn about the therapeutic process, the importance of early intervention, and how psychoanalysis can foster emotional growth and resilience in young people and children in Episode 18 of ‘Psychoanalysis & You.’

  8. 2025-07-16

    Advances & Careers in Psychoanalytic Research with Barbara Milrod | Psychoanalysis & You - Official APsA Podcast

    Psychoanalysis & You is the official podcast of the American Psychoanalytic Association (APsA) about psychoanalysis and everyday. In this episode of ‘Psychoanalysis and You’, Dr. Gail Saltz interviews Barbara Milrod M.D., a distinguished professor of psychiatry and director of psychotherapy research. They discuss the challenges and advancements in psychoanalytic research, including Dr. Milrod’s impactful work on psychodynamic psychotherapies. The conversation also covers the efficacy of different treatments, the importance of peer review, and the integration of neuroscience in psychoanalytic practices. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how psychoanalytic research is evolving and its relevance in today’s mental health landscape. Our Guest - Barbara Milrod, M.D. Barbara Milrod, M.D. is a leading psychoanalyst and psychiatrist whose pioneering work has advanced the psychoanalytic treatment of anxiety and somatic symptom disorders. She is especially known for developing and researching evidence-based psychoanalytic psychotherapies for panic disorder, agoraphobia, and conversion disorder in both adults and children. Dr. Milrod received her medical degree from Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons, completed psychiatric training at The Payne Whitney Clinic, and undertook advanced psychoanalytic training at the New York Psychoanalytic Institute, where she is now on faculty. She also teaches at the Columbia Center for Psychoanalytic Training and Research.She serves on the board for the APsA Research Training Program and received numerous awards recognizing her contributions to the advancement of psychoanalysis through clinical research and teaching. Chapters 00:47 Meet Dr. Barbara Milrod 02:54 The Importance of Research in Psychoanalysis 05:57 Challenges in Psychoanalytic Research 10:00 Efficacy of Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy 21:15 Combining Medication with Psychotherapy 26:56 Advice for Aspiring Researchers 40:29 Freudian Quickies: Audience Questions Our Podcast In this podcast, we explore the intricacies of psychoanalysis under the guidance of our host, Gail Saltz. Founded in 1911, the American Psychoanalytic Association (APsA) is the oldest national psychoanalytic organization in the nation. APsA is committed to being a professional membership organization for psychoanalysts, psychoanalytic psychotherapists, academics, researchers, students, and other interested people – all whose work is profoundly informed by psychoanalytic theory and values, and to supporting their education and continuing professional development. https://apsa.org/podcast #APsApodcast

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About

The official podcast of the American Psychoanalytic Association (APsA) about psychoanalysis and everyday life, culture, and politics.

Information

  • Creator
    APsA American Psychoanalytic Association
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Psychoanalysis & You

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