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In both clinical training and modern pop psychology, therapists are often sold the illusion of the "neutral therapy room", that is, a space where systemic structures and power dynamics are magically left out in the waiting room. But what happens to our clients when we avoid naming and dealing with the macro systems that actively shape their mental health?  In this episode of Therapy Talk, Johanne is joined by Moulud Wahedi, a systemic, relational therapist who specializes in cross-cultural and queer relationships. Originally recorded as a live session, Moulud helps dismantle the myth of clinical neutrality and explore what it really takes to decolonise our therapeutic practice. The difference between cultural competence and cultural humility is discussed, as well as why therapeutic buzzwords like "empowerment" and "resilience" can unintentionally uphold oppressive structures, and why leaning into this uncomfortable friction is a profoundly liberating act for therapists. Resources & Links mentioned in this episode: Connect with Moulud Wahedi: Find more about her work here.Book Mention: The Other Significant Others by Rhaina Cohen (discussed by Johanne regarding marriage supremacy and centering friendship).Join our Live Sessions: Want to be part of these conversations in real time? Sign up to our community here.Connect with the Show: Follow It's Complicated, Johanne or Moulud on Instagram.Learn more about Johanne’s work here.If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps us continue to bring these important conversations to the surface.

AI is already shaping how people seek comfort, reassurance, and even intimacy. So what happens when more and more turn to machines for therapy? In this live-recorded conversation, Johanne sits down with psychodynamic psychotherapist Aaron Balick, author of The Psychodynamics of Social Networking and an early voice on the digitally extended self, to talk about what hyper-validation and frictionless companionship do to our capacity for real relating. What is covered: The algorithmic self, relational complexity, sycophancy and the tolerance of otherness, what psychodynamic thinking brings to a debate dominated by measurables, and advice for therapists whose clients are using ChatGPT.Show links:  Aaron Balick's Substack Newsletter Depth Psychology in the Digital AgeThe unedited video recording of the live-streamed conversationDetails for the Rupture & Repair Conference, Berlin, June 6–7, where AI in the Therapy Space, will be one of the presentations

In this episode, Johanne Schwensen sits down with psychologist Julie Haas to break the silence around a topic that affects millions, yet remains deeply misunderstood: the psychological impact of the menstrual cycle. We often normalize suffering as "just part of being a woman," but Julie challenges this narrative. We dive into the science of how hormones shape our mental health and explore practical ways to move from "fixing" ourselves to working with our bodies.

What happens psychologically when moving doesn’t “fix it”? In this episode of Therapy Talk, Johanne Schwensen speaks with clinical psychologist and psychodynamic psychotherapist Julia Wysokowsky about the emotional impact of moving. Together they explore how mobility shapes identity, belonging, and emotional continuity, from the early euphoria of relocation to grief, loss of grounding, and the challenge of staying connected while always on the move. The conversation touches on unconscious motivations for moving, mobility as a defense against intimacy, and how cultivating rituals and relationships can help create an inner sense of home across changing environments. A thoughtful listen for anyone who has lived between places or cultures. Interested in exploring these themes further? Join the Rupture & Repair Conference in Berlin and online, where therapists and practitioners come together to explore how rupture, breakdown, and reconnection show up not only in therapy rooms, but in relationships, communities, and the wider world. Learn more and apply to contribute here.

In this Therapy Talk episode, Johanne sits down with Dr. Andrea Jungaberle — Chief Medical Officer at OVID Clinic and co-founder of the MIND Foundation — for a grounded, behind-the-scenes look at how psychedelic-assisted therapy is actually making its way into clinical practice. They talk about Germany’s first compassionate use program with psilocybin, why the real work happens before and after the dosing session, and what it takes to responsibly scale these treatments in everyday mental healthcare.

Psychotherapist and author Roland Evans joins Johanne Schwensen to talk about his book Surface and Depths: A Story of Adolescence with Reflections on the Inner Journey. Together they explore adolescence, family, and the lifelong process of becoming ourselves — and how therapy can help us revisit and repair the patterns formed early in life.

Therapy Talk is back! Johanne speaks with psychologist and researcher Lea Schäfer about how AI is showing up in therapy – for clients, therapists, and the future of mental health care. They explore the promises, pitfalls, and ethical questions of bringing technology into the therapeutic space. Full conversation here. *The BDI (Beck Depression Inventory) was first published in 1961 by Dr. Aaron T. Beck. LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/lea-schäfer-1b3894103?originalSubdomain=de ResearchGate https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Lea-Schaefer-10 Literature Schäfer, L. M., Krause, T., & Köhler, S. (2025). Exploring user characteristics, motives, and expectations and the therapeutic alliance in the mental health conversational AI Clare®: a baseline study. Frontiers in Digital Health, 7, 1576135. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/digital-health/articles/10.3389/fdgth.2025.1576135/full Schäfer, Lea Maria. "Künstliche Intelligenz als Dritte Instanz in der Psychotherapie: Wie eine sinnvolle Integration von Künstlicher Intelligenz in den psychotherapeutischen Binnenraum aussehen könnte". Was machen Digitalisierung und Künstliche Intelligenz mit der Psychotherapie?: Einwürfe und Provokationen, edited by Bert te Wildt, Gerhard Lauer and Robin Schmidt, Berlin, Boston: De Gruyter Oldenbourg, 2024, pp. 111-128. https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111509341-007

In this episode, therapist Dariia Milinchuk shares her expertise on working with survivors of narcissistic abuse. We explore how narcissistic traits differ from narcissistic personality disorder, why even trained professionals can miss the signs of manipulation, and the subtle but powerful ways narcissistic behaviour shows up in relationships. Dariia also discusses the long-term impact of narcissistic abuse and why regaining trust in oneself can be a complex but transformative journey. Full conversation here.

In Breaking Negative Cycles in Relationships, Sára Ritter explains: Her journey into couples therapy and her passion for Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) How conflicts in relationships are often rooted in unmet attachment needsThe pursuer-withdrawer cycle and why we fall into predictable relationship patternsHow couples can reconnect and shift their dynamicJoin us as we unpack these themes and learn how deeper emotional understanding can transform relationships.Watch the full interview here.

In this episode, Johanne speaks with Matias Castagnola, a clinical psychologist and psychodrama facilitator, about the transformative power of psychodrama. Matias shares how this therapeutic approach uses role-playing, sociometry, and group dynamics to explore possibilities, expand roles, and create meaningful change in a safe and playful environment. We also discuss the balance of creativity and structure in psychodrama sessions and how this method integrates personal growth with group collaboration. Website: https://matiascastagnola.com/

In this episode, host Johanne Schwensen sits down with psychological counsellor Aranja Berkmüller to explore the fascinating and often misunderstood role of kink in the therapy space. This thought-provoking conversation challenges societal norms and encourages deeper reflection. Johanne and Aranja discuss: Common misconceptions about kink and its presence in therapeutic settings.The healing potential of exploring power dynamics and psychological layers within kink.Practical ways therapists can create nonjudgmental and supportive spaces for these discussions.Read more about Aranja here: https://www.amplified-humanity.com.

To celebrate ADHD Awareness month, we're diving into the ADHD brain and the struggles that come with it. In this episode, Johanne speaks with clinical psychologist Anna Bellack, who not only researched ADHD in women for her thesis but also received her own ADHD diagnosis during her studies. Anna provides insight into the neurological workings of ADHD and sheds light on common challenges faced by people with ADHD, including some that often go overlooked. Whether you’re personally affected by ADHD or just curious, this conversation offers a deep and relatable perspective. Resources A list of therapists specialising in ADHDThe full Mind Mingles interview with Anne BellackA community space where you can sign up and ask for ADHD adviceA great podcast about the ADHD brain (and beyond) called ADHD Chatter

In this episode of our mini-series on dreams, clinical psychologist and dream expert Roland Evans explores how we can better understand our dreams by working with them in altered states of consciousness (ASCs). From naturalistic trance and EMDR to active imagination and hypnosis, Roland looks into how these non-ordinary states of awareness help us access deeper layers of dream meaning that are often inaccessible in waking life. Whether you're new to dreamwork or looking to deepen your practice, this episode offers fascinating perspectives on working with dreams using ASCs.

In this insightful episode, Johanne sits down with Aranja Berkmüller, an experienced psychological counsellor and death doula, to delve into the world of end-of-life care. Aranja sheds light on the important role of death doulas—what they really do, and what they don’t. With her unique perspective, she shares powerful lessons from her journey, offering a compassionate exploration of death doula work. Read more about Aranja's work here and in this blog post.

In this episode, Johanne Schwensen sits down with co-founder of It's Complicated, Jungian psychoanalyst, and author Jakob Lusensky to discuss his new book, C.G. Jung: Face to Face with Christianity - Conversations on Dreaming the Myth Onward. Together, they explore Jung’s complex relationship with Christianity, the process of writing the book, and the deep insights from leading Jungian scholars. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation at the intersection of psychology and spirituality.