Why We Need a New Approach to Healing Societal Abuse with Phyllis Leavitt

Words of Love with Dr Dwayne

When you see or hear of a child being abused, your instinctive reaction is one of condemnation, right? We see abusive dynamics play out and hurt untold numbers of people on a national scale. Yet unlike with an abused child, too many in this country not only tolerate it but condone it.

Highlighting this issue is long overdue and my guest Phillis Leavitt is bravely taking it on. She’s an author and psychotherapist with over 34 years of experience working extensively with abuse and dysfunctional family dynamics. Her latest book, America in Therapy, explores the roots of divisiveness and violence in the country to bring healing and safety restoration avenues into the national conversation.

In this episode of the Words of Love podcast, you’ll discover how we as a country mimic the same dynamics of abusive relationships. Phyllis will also illustrate, through a thought experiment, some examples of how we could bring love into our politics so we can start healing on a societal level.

3:30 - Phyllis’ latest book and the dysfunctional family dynamics that are reflected in the nation as a whole

10:40 - What’s currently missing in our ability to make changes needed to end abusive practices nationally

14:53 - Why this issue is about the psychology of the nation and a look at the country’s symptomatology

22:52 - Phyllis’ prescription recommendations for incorporating love into our politics

31:54 - A few more powerful policy recommendations to help get us on the path to healing

Connect with Phyllis Leavitt

Phyllis Leavitt has a Masters’ Degree in Psychology and Counseling from Antioch University. She co-directed the Parents United sexual abuse treatment program in Santa Fe, New Mexico for two years and then went into private practice full time. Phyllis has treated children, families, couples, and individual adults for 34 years, and has worked extensively with abuse and dysfunctional family dynamics, their aftermath, and some of the most important elements for healing.

She has two previous books, A Light in the Darkness and Into the Fire. Her latest book, America in Therapy: A New Approach to Hope and Healing for a Nation in Crisis, published by Morgan James Publishing, explores the roots of divisiveness and violence in America from a psychological point of view, with the goal of bringing the best of what heals relationships and restores us to safety, into national conversation. Phyllis lives with her husband in Taos, NM and is now focusing on writing and speaking.

Phyllis Leavitt | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter/X | Substack

America in Therapy: A New Approach to Hope and Healing for a Nation in Crisis by Phyllis Leavitt, M.A.
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