Summary of "Therapy is Making Things Worse"

Podcast: Dr. Laura Call of the Day
Host: Dr. Laura Schlessinger
Release Date: May 2, 2025

Introduction

In the episode titled "Therapy is Making Things Worse," Dr. Laura Schlessinger engages in a profound conversation with a caller named Daniel from Toronto, Ontario. The discussion centers around the appropriateness of diagnosing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in the context of personal grief and the effectiveness of current therapeutic practices.

Caller’s Dilemma: PTSD Diagnosis After Tragedy

Daniel initiates the conversation by expressing gratitude for Dr. Laura’s program and seeks her opinion on his ongoing PTSD treatment sessions. He reveals that his brother passed away two years prior by suicide, prompting him to seek therapy.

Notable Quote:
Daniel [01:26]: "I've been starting these PTSD treatment sessions... My brother passed away two years ago. He took his life."

Dr. Laura’s Questioning of the Diagnosis

Dr. Laura challenges the necessity of a PTSD diagnosis in Daniel’s situation, emphasizing that experiencing sadness and anger after a loved one’s death is a normal human response, not necessarily a clinical disorder.

Notable Quote:
Dr. Laura [02:20]: "Why does it need a diagnosis? I don't understand. Help me?"

The Overuse of PTSD in Modern Therapy

Daniel expresses skepticism about the frequent use of PTSD as a diagnosis, feeling that it is prescribed too readily without substantial justification.

Notable Quote:
Daniel [02:41]: "I just feel like that's something that's given out so freely now."

Dr. Laura agrees, critiquing the current state of therapy where revisiting trauma repeatedly can lead to fixation rather than healing.

Notable Quote:
Dr. Laura [03:30]: "Hashing and going over it makes things sit in cement. It's ridiculous. Form of therapy. Ridiculous."

Normalizing Grief and Moving Forward

Dr. Laura stresses that grief should be processed naturally without the need for constant therapeutic intervention. She advises Daniel to acknowledge his feelings and continue living his life, contributing positively to those around him.

Notable Quote:
Dr. Laura [04:17]: "You're supposed to feel sad. It's a normal human neurobiological mechanism. Normal."

She further emphasizes personal responsibility, suggesting that Daniel owes it to his family and himself to move forward rather than dwell excessively on his loss.

Notable Quote:
Dr. Laura [07:15]: "You owe the blessing of life to continue living it in a healthy, productive way."

Critique of Modern Therapeutic Practices

Dr. Laura criticizes the therapeutic industry's tendency to label normal emotional responses as clinical issues for revenue purposes. She mentions how terms like "narcissistic" and "PTSD" are overused, diluting their significance.

Notable Quote:
Dr. Laura [10:11]: "Nobody's narcissistic anymore. Now everybody's PTSD."

Emphasis on Heritage and Personal Strength

Drawing on historical references, Dr. Laura encourages Daniel to draw strength from his heritage and the resilience exhibited by his grandparents during the Holocaust. She underscores the importance of compassion and valuing life, rather than allowing grief to impede personal growth.

Notable Quote:
Dr. Laura [11:26]: "You owe them to do better than you're doing now. You owe them. They valued life, they valued compassion..."

Conclusion: Embracing Life’s Purpose

In closing, Dr. Laura reinforces the message that Daniel has much to offer and that engaging positively with life will naturally alleviate excessive sadness. She advises against prolonged therapy sessions that may hinder rather than help personal healing.

Notable Quote:
Dr. Laura [12:18]: "You have a lot to give, and there are many people who need you. That's how your life has purpose, meaning and value."

Daniel expresses his agreement and appreciation for Dr. Laura’s guidance, culminating the heartfelt conversation.

Notable Quote:
Daniel [12:43]: "Yeah. Well, thank you for that. Appreciate that."

Key Takeaways

• Normalizing Grief: Experiencing sadness and anger after a traumatic event, such as the loss of a loved one, is a natural human response and does not always necessitate a clinical diagnosis like PTSD.
• Critique of Over-Diagnosis: The overuse of labels like PTSD in therapy can lead to unnecessary fixation on past traumas, potentially hindering personal growth and healing.
• Personal Responsibility: Emphasizing the importance of moving forward and contributing positively to one’s community and loved ones as a means of overcoming grief.
• Heritage and Resilience: Drawing strength from personal and familial history can provide the necessary resilience to cope with loss and adversity.

Final Thoughts

Dr. Laura Schlessinger provides a perspective that challenges the current trends in therapeutic practices, advocating for natural emotional processing and personal accountability. Her conversation with Daniel underscores the importance of distinguishing between normal grief and clinical disorders, encouraging individuals to find strength in their lives and relationships.