Burning the Couch

Dr. Panicha McGuire, LMFT, RPT & Micaela Magazzu-Alaman, LMFT
  • 5.0 (15)
  • Mental Health
  • Weekly Series

Dr. Panicha McGuire, LMFT, RPT, and Micaela Magazzu, LMFT, are two licensed psychotherapists who share their insights and experiences on the realities of being in a helping profession. From the challenges of balancing self-care and client care to the rewards of positively impacting someone's life, they offer valuable perspectives on what it takes to thrive in this field. Whether you're a therapist or simply interested in mental health and wellness, this conversation is sure to be insightful and informative. Join us as we explore the ups and downs of the helping profession.

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  1. Episode 1

    Therapy Is Political: Burning the Illusion of Neutrality

    Therapy Is Political: Burning the Illusion of Neutrality Welcome to Burning the Couch: the podcast for helpers, healers, and disruptors ready to challenge traditional mental health systems. In this episode, we lay the foundation for everything this season will explore by confronting one of the biggest myths in the mental health field: that therapy is neutral or apolitical. Spoiler alert. It’s not. It never has been. We take you through: The colonial and white supremacist roots of modern psychology and psychiatry.How Western mental health systems have historically aligned with capitalism, patriarchy, and social control; not healing.The lie of therapeutic neutrality, and why refusing to acknowledge systemic harm is itself a political stance.Real-world examples of how political forces shape everything from access to care to diagnoses to how we respond to trauma.Why it’s time to unlearn the idea that our role as helpers is to “stay out of politics” and start recognizing that real healing requires dismantling the systems that harm.This isn’t about bringing partisan politics into the therapy room. It’s about naming the realities that impact our clients every day: racism, poverty, anti-trans legislation, the carceral system, medical gatekeeping, and so much more. If you’re a therapist, coach, educator, physician, advocate or just someone passionate about mental health justice this episode will resonate deeply. We’re here to burn the couch and co-create something rooted in justice, collective care, and liberation. Want to Learn More? Recommended readings from this episode: Decolonizing Therapy by Dr. Jennifer MullanThe Wretched of the Earth by Frantz FanonMad World: The Politics of Mental Health by Micha Frazer-CarrollLiberation Psychology works by Ignacio Martín-BaróJoin us as we question everything we were taught and reimagine what healing could be. Subscribe, share, and stay tuned. If you have a burning question or comment, find us @burningthecouch on all major social platforms.

    39 min

  2. Bonus

    Navigating the Therapist’s Role in the Face of Palestine-Israel feat. Tamara Sharifov, LCSW

    Join us as we delve into the complex intersection of therapy, activism, and the ongoing siege on Palestine with our guest, Tamara Sharifov, LCSW.  With over a decade of experience spanning from clinical psychology, humanitarian work, academia, conflict resolution, and advocacy. Tamara brings a unique perspective to the table. Through our discussion, we explore the therapist's role in navigating humanitarian crises and global conflict, the integration of personal values, and the downsides of maintaining a neutral stance. Tamara shares insights from her diverse background, touching on trauma-informed care, social justice in therapy, and the disappointing lack of support from professional organizations during moments of injustice. Join the conversation as we discuss the importance of acknowledging human rights, challenging traditional narratives, and the personal and professional implications of taking a stance. Whether you're a therapist, activist, peacebuilder, or interested in further knowledge regarding the current crisis in Palestine, this episode offers valuable insights into the nuanced landscape of therapeutic practice in the face of conflict. Notes:  Tamara holds both a Masters in Clinical Social Work, from the University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration, and a Second Masters degree in Conflict Management and Resolution from the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies, ar the University of San Diego - With her thesis titled "For the Fate of Palestine - A Case Against Realist Theory in Global Diplomacy. Which critiqued the usage of current government-to-Government negotiation techniques within the Israeli-Palestinian context. Resources to get started: News Outlets and Think Tanks Democracy Now  Al Jazeera Foreign Affairs The Middle East Institute United States Institute of Peace Books  100 Year War - Rashid Khalidi  Politics of Disposition - Edward W. Said  On Palestine - Ilan Pappe & Noam Chomsky  Rethinking the Holocaust - Yehuda Bauer  Year Zero of the Arab-Israeli Conflict 1929 - Hillel Cohen Palestine... Its Something Colonial - Hatem Bazian If you have a burning question or comment, find us @burningthecouch on all major social platforms.

    53 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

Dr. Panicha McGuire, LMFT, RPT, and Micaela Magazzu, LMFT, are two licensed psychotherapists who share their insights and experiences on the realities of being in a helping profession. From the challenges of balancing self-care and client care to the rewards of positively impacting someone's life, they offer valuable perspectives on what it takes to thrive in this field. Whether you're a therapist or simply interested in mental health and wellness, this conversation is sure to be insightful and informative. Join us as we explore the ups and downs of the helping profession.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Panicha McGuire, LMFT, RPT & Micaela Magazzu-Alaman, LMFT
  • Episodes
    16
  • Seasons
    2
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Burning the Couch
  • Show Website
    Burning the Couch