Podcast Summary

Podcast: Turning Points: Navigating Mental Health
Host: Frances Leese (Tufts Health Plan | Boston Globe Media)
Episode: S4E1 – Exploring the Benefits of Peer-Based and Family Therapy
Date: September 18, 2024

Overview:

This episode centers on the transformative impact of family-based and peer-based therapy for mental health. Host Frances Leese explores how healing and personal growth emerge from supportive communities, highlighting approaches that address disordered eating in youth and substance use imbalances. Featured guests Charles Daniels (CEO, Father’s Uplift) and Gina Connor (LICSW, owner of Flourish Therapy Center) share their insights, professional experiences, and personal stories—offering practical examples and hope for those navigating similar challenges.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

[00:10] Importance of Community in Healing (Frances Leese)

• Frances begins the episode reflecting on her upbringing: being raised “by a community of strong women” and the profound impact of a supportive village on her development.
• Quote: “We don’t heal in isolation, but in community.” (Kelly Harrell, cited by Frances, [00:26])
• She introduces the episode’s focus and guests, stressing that prioritizing mental health helps not only oneself but also contributes to the wellbeing of others.

[03:35] Segment 1: Charles Daniels – Family & Peer-Based Therapy for Fathers

Defining the Approaches ([03:35])

• Family-based therapy: Initially centers on the father, but extends to other family members as needed—“Everything starts with the father, but essentially it ends up touching various other members of the family.” (Charles, [05:44])
• Peer-based therapy: Involves group settings where men, often with shared life experiences, offer mutual support, validation, and role modeling.
• Metaphor: Parenting as a course or classroom; some “students skip class” due to challenges, and therapy helps them return and succeed ([03:35]).

Removing Shame From The Process ([05:07])

• Frances praises the classroom metaphor as “shame-free”—a way to focus on missed skills without judgment.

Personal Motivation ([06:52])

• Charles reveals that founding Father’s Uplift began as a personal healing journey after growing up without his own father.
• Shares the pivotal moment of being accepted into social work after failing to get into law school ([06:52]).
• Quote: “No man dreams of being the deadbeat.” ([08:16])

Power of Group & Community ([09:14])

• Many men in Father’s Uplift and those incarcerated grew up without fathers—often men of color—and group therapy offers them belonging and transformation.
• Moving story about his baptism, where the entire church stood up for him as a demonstration of community support ([09:44]):
  • Quote: “The entire church stood for me. So when you talk about the power of a group, the power of community, people that stand for you… they made me the man, the husband, and the father I am today.” (Charles, [11:11])

Family Therapy & Substance Use ([13:13])

• Family involvement is vital for recovery, and success comes from a toolbox of supports: therapy, exercise, spirituality, and communal care, not just traditional clinical methods.
• Quote: “I believe if you’re going to really encourage recovery in a very sustainable and positive way, you have to be eclectic in your approach.” ([14:19])

Father’s Uplift Techniques ([14:53])

• Incorporate spirituality and mindfulness regardless of specific beliefs; “You can believe in a doorknob… let’s talk about that doorknob and how that doorknob benefits you.” ([15:13])
• Mindfulness groups, walks in nature, and practicing connection outside of office walls.

Peer-based vs. Family-based Therapy ([16:39])

• Peer-based approaches are more flexible, less restricted by professional boundaries, and foster authentic connection and mentorship from lived experience.
• Many peer support members are program graduates who then help new participants.

Success Stories ([18:25])

• Example: “George” overcame illness, reconnected with his child, gained shared custody, and became a community leader.
• Quote: “When you can see a man get what he always dreamed of, being a father… despite his struggles, that’s a life changer.” ([19:22])

Challenges in Access ([20:04])

• Main barriers: stigma around seeking therapy (“It’s important for us to acknowledge that the stigma exists…”) and a shortage of diverse (especially BIPOC) providers.
• Encourages both grace and persistence on the part of providers and clients.

[21:28] Segment 2: Gina Connor – Group Therapy for Eating Disorders

Motivation & Service Gaps ([22:37])

• Gina saw a lack of eating disorder providers in Boston, prompting her to found Flourish Therapy Center.
• Offers specialized, inclusive care—both in-person and virtual—with trained therapists, a dietitian, and a prescriber.

Types of Eating Disorders Seen ([23:29])

• Most prevalent: anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, “other specified feeding and eating disorder” (OSFED).
• Observes that male clients often face additional stigma and are less represented in her practice.

Structure & Benefits of Group Therapy ([24:35])

• Group therapy formats: higher levels of care and outpatient, with closed and time-limited groups (usually 6–8 weeks).
• Focus on skill-building (CBT, DBT), distress tolerance, and accountability.
• Critical role of connection—group members combat isolation, experience belonging, and witness one another’s struggles without judgment.

Common Challenges in Group Settings ([25:44])

• Comparison (body image) and triggers are frequent challenges.
• Role of the group leader is pivotal in setting safe boundaries and redirecting conversation as needed.

Techniques & Methodologies ([26:30])

• CBT: Restructures negative beliefs, uses homework, helps reality-check thoughts.
• DBT: Focuses on distress tolerance, sitting with discomfort, interpersonal effectiveness, and skill-building.

Fostering Self-Care ([28:24])

• Many clients feel undeserving of self-care; therapy reframes self-care as anything from setting boundaries to taking a shower, not just pampering.
• At session close, clients share self-care goals to build new habits.

Therapist Self-Care ([29:13])

• Gina emphasizes nature, walking with her family, setting boundaries with work (e.g., no late emails), and time outside.

Community Support for Those with Eating Disorders ([30:13])

• Advocates for openness, asking individuals what support they need, and challenging societal norms about bodies and eating.
• Quote: “Just less judgment, more acceptance.” (Frances, [30:44])

Encouragement to Try Group Therapy ([30:49])

• Gina recommends giving group therapy a try even if anxious: “You also deserve to get that support. And we’re not, as humans, we’re not meant to suffer alone.” ([31:06])
• Book recommendation: Group by Christine Tate ([31:27])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Frances [00:26]: “We don’t heal in isolation, but in community.”
• Charles [08:16]: “No man dreams of being the deadbeat.”
• Charles [11:11]: “The entire church stood for me.”
• Charles [14:19]: “You have to be eclectic in your approach.”
• Charles [15:13]: “If you believe in a doorknob… let’s talk about that doorknob and how that doorknob benefits you.”
• Gina [24:35]: “…Connection is so important. Those who are struggling… often face isolation and feeling very alone.”
• Gina [28:24]: “It’s not just going to get your nails done… It’s about slowing down, saying no, or taking a nap.”

Takeaways & Conclusions ([31:54])

• Healing happens in relationship—with family, chosen community, or peers.
• Specialized, individualized care is necessary for best outcomes, especially for eating disorders.
• Both Frances and her guests stress self-care, inclusivity, and destigmatization as core values.
• Peer-based and group therapy offer unique, irreplaceable forms of connection and hope.

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:10] – Frances’s introduction & personal story
• [03:35] – Charles Daniels describes Father’s Uplift’s approach
• [06:52] – Charles’s personal journey & founding story
• [09:14] – Group therapy’s impact for men
• [13:13] – Family therapy & substance use recovery
• [16:39] – Peer-based vs. family-based therapy
• [18:25] – Success stories from Father’s Uplift
• [20:04] – Barriers to accessing therapy
• [22:37] – Gina Connor joins: eating disorder treatment gaps
• [24:35] – Structure & benefits of group therapy for eating disorders
• [26:30] – Group therapy methodologies (CBT, DBT)
• [28:24] – Encouraging and modeling self-care
• [30:13] – How communities can support those with eating disorders
• [31:27] – Book recommendation: Group by Christine Tate

Final Thoughts

This episode provides accessible, inspirational, and concrete guidance for both individuals and families navigating mental health challenges—from the perspectives of trauma, addiction, and eating disorders. The emphasis throughout is on communal support, practical tools, and compassionate understanding, with stories and expertise that connect deeply with listeners seeking healing or looking to help others.