Mental Health through Storytelling - with Dr. Allison Battles

https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Podcasts221/v4/be/65/09/be650949-e4b0-05e8-917d-a660b1db89ea/mza_4756435651013997735.jpg/600x600bb.jpg

The Purple Pawedcast

Amethysta Herrick, Ph.D.

83 episodes

1 week ago

Welcome to The Purple Pawedcast, where we unpack the complexities of gender, identity, and what it truly means to be human—without the academic jargon (okay, maybe just a little, but only the fun kind). Curated by Amethysta Herrick. Ph.D., this pod is where science, philosophy, and lived experience collide to challenge assumptions and spark new perspectives. Whether you’re here to explore your own identity, stay informed on the latest research, or just enjoy a deep dive into the human experience, we deliver thoughtful, engaging, and refreshingly honest discussions. No fluff. No gatekeeping. Just real conversations about who we are and how we navigate the world. Dive in, stay curious, and let’s rethink identity together.

All content for The Purple Pawedcast is the property of Amethysta Herrick, Ph.D. and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.

Mental Health through Storytelling - with Dr. Allison Battles

The Purple Pawedcast

1 hour 2 minutes

2 months ago

Mental Health through Storytelling - with Dr. Allison Battles

Today's episode features Dr. Allison Battles, a Queer and Pagan licensed clinical psychologist, trauma specialist, and Certified Therapeutic Game Master. Yes - Game Master! Allison and I consider topics as far afield as how science can sometimes be unwieldy in healing, using Dungeons & Dragons for identity exploration, and that Dark Elf you made in WoW, but should likely be ashamed of.

REFERENCES:
Dr. Allison Battles's company, BattleRobin Counseling: https://battlerobincounseling.com/

(00:00) - Opening credits
(00:37) - Show opening
(01:30) - Introducing Allison Battles
(03:45) - Dodecahedron in a square hole
(09:51) - Be yourself...just not too much
(13:57) - Healing the system itself
(17:00) - We are more than pathologies
(22:24) - The overscientification of mental health
(26:35) - How much evidence is enough to notice?
(31:09) - Pathologization and acceptable healing
(37:30) - Does Western medicine prize healing at all?
(40:03) - Telling new stories about who we are
(45:37) - Exploring gender through tabletop RPGs
(51:52) - Quick nerding out on Buffy and Xena
(54:28) - Making Queer exploration natural
(59:07) - How to find Dr. Allison Battles on the internet
(01:01:27) - Show closing
(01:02:05) - Closing credits

★ Support this podcast ★