Why does it feel like we’re breaking apart as a nation—and what can we do to heal?
In this inspiring episode of the Holistic Healing Podcast, Luam shares the mic with psychotherapist and author Phyllis Leavitt, who explores how the wounds we carry as individuals mirror the dysfunction we see in our society. Drawing from decades of therapeutic experience and her book America in Therapy, Phyllis shares how abuse, neglect, blame, and disconnection shape not only our families but also our schools, workplaces, and governments. She explains how the principles of healing can be scaled from the therapy room to the national stage. This episode is a reminder that collective healing is possible, and it starts with understanding the root of our pain.
Phyllis Leavitt is a veteran psychotherapist, speaker, and author with over 30 years of experience helping people heal from trauma, abuse, and emotional pain. She’s the author of America in Therapy, a groundbreaking book that applies the principles of family healing to society at large. Through her work, Phyllis empowers individuals and communities to understand trauma and restore human connection at every level.
Where to find more of Phyllis Leavitt:
Website: https://phyllisleavitt.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pel2347
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phyllis-leavitt-630179255
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/phyllisleavittbooks
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@phyllisleavittpodcasts1053
Episode highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(03:59) Abuse behind closed doors in America
(05:12) Applying family therapy to national healing
(07:59) The roots of emotional disconnection
(12:26) Therapy without blame or retribution
(14:42) The parallels between abuse and policy
(18:18) The “go first” principle for conflict repair
(24:02) Why the desire to hurt disappears when we reconnect
(26:48) Recognizing symptoms as signals of trauma
(30:17) How modern life and politics deepen disconnection
(36:50) Choosing healthy tech and media investments
(38:17) Outro