#146 - Guy Winch, Ph.D.: Emotional first aid and how to treat psychological injuries

Guy Winch is a psychologist, author, and co-host of the Dear Therapist podcast. In this episode, Guy speaks to the commonality of the human condition with relatable stories from his decades of therapy sessions as well as his own experience with incessant rumination in the early days of his private practice. He shares insights on what he sees as an epidemic of rumination that leads to career burnout, the consequences of social comparison heightened by social media, and the psychological impact of not recognizing success. He emphasizes the need for a “psychological medicine cabinet” and provides concrete and practical tools for treating emotional injuries. He concludes with a discussion about the widespread impact of the coronavirus pandemic on emotional health and how we can use experienced psychologists in a time when it’s especially needed.

We discuss:
00:00:00 - Intro
00:03:00 - The unique format and impetus for Guy’s podcast with Lori Gottlieb
00:07:45 - How Guy pieced together the many different schools of thought in psychology to develop his own unique approach
00:19:30 - The most important component of successful therapy, and why it sometimes makes sense to “break the rules”
00:28:15 - Insights extracted from Guy’s own battle with extreme stress and anxiety around finishing his education and starting his private practice
00:34:15 - The epidemic of rumination, burnout, and the inability to psychologically leave work
00:41:15 - Antidotes to incessant rumination, and tips for transitioning from work to home to avoid burnout
00:52:30 - The psychology of complaining: The hidden cost of complaining incorrectly and benefits of learning how and when to complain
01:02:15 - The consequences of social comparison, and the impact of “failure” on emotional health
01:07:30 - How Guy helps people who struggle to acknowledge any level of success
01:19:00 - Emotional first aid: The importance of a psychological medicine cabinet for treating emotional injuries
01:27:45 - The role of therapists in normalizing the discussion of emotional injuries and illuminating the commonality of feelings
01:35:15 - The widespread impact of the coronavirus pandemic on emotional health
01:42:00 - How to properly use affirmations—a tool for treating psychological injuries
01:47:30 - The importance of nuanced language and the stories we tell ourselves
01:53:15 - Peter’s favorite episode of the Dear Therapist Podcast

About:
The Peter Attia Drive is a weekly, ultra-deep-dive podcast focusing on maximizing health, longevity, critical thinking…and a few other things. With over 30 million episodes downloaded, it features topics including fasting, ketosis, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, mental health, and much more.

Peter is a physician focusing on the applied science of longevity. His practice deals extensively with nutritional interventions, exercise physiology, sleep physiology, emotional and mental health, and pharmacology to increase lifespan (delay the onset of chronic disease), while simultaneously improving healthspan (quality of life).

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[TheJberrie]

I could listen to Guy talk for hours. Dude has such a hypnotic speaking voice...not to mention the fact that he has such interesting insights into the human condition.

[stoianmihail]

Why Peter does not have yet 1 million subscribers is beyond me.

[davidcooper]

Peter Attia, I admire you for showing a simpathy and care to your patient as a human being to attend the funeral. I am sure it meant a lot to the family showing your human support to the grieving families.

[Nando_lifts]

Good stuff in will try to get this message to myself. And then to others

[dabd]

Got recommended this from Doctor John Deloney from the Dave Ramsey personalities. And wow this was so amazing to listen to. Thank you so much for this

[RARAHUNNID]

“Your mind, when it’s poisoned is staggeringly unoriginal.” - Dr.Esther Perel
“Always remember you’re one in a million, but never forget you’re one in a million others.”
- Uncle Junior

[gondwana]

Dear Peter and Guy, I thoroughly enjoyed this interview as I have all your interviews. I also listened to your suggested "Molly's Dad's Suicide" on Guy and Lori's podcast. It was quite upsetting to hear of Molly's suffering. I had a few observations: I don't think the two therapists understand the depth of the Chinese cultural implications. Although we're in the 21st century, it is unsurprising to hear of this kind of B.C. Chinese cum Confucian parental abuse of their children. After all, traditionally children are their parents' property and they should uphold filial piety regardless of the abuse, personal sacrifice or any hardship. The Confucian straitjacket is a hard one to break free from. You'll often hear a parent say, "I gave you life" or "do you want me to die from your disobedience?" In fact, the implied child causality of parental death is often used as a guilt-inducing, behavioral modification device. I've heard this before, although not every Chinese parent is this far on the spectrum of abuse.

I found Molly interesting in her tortured relationship with her parents. Although I certainly don't know her, she's a lot stronger than she lets on. Observe how she had the strength to ask her Mom to move out -- all the while suggesting that she didn't. I'm sure it wasn't easy but you could sense her rage and sadness from the abuse. In some ways, I believe Molly was herself afraid to change -- herself and her relationships. Abuse is well-known. Escaping from it, is not.

[jeffrey]

I trained in and practiced eft 20 years ago ❤️

[chela]

hi
Where can I find the podcast you mentioned at the end? thanks 🙏

[anonymousanonymous]

Americans are kind of notorious for not complaining. Other countries complain more and often get better products because of it. Especially if they catch problems early in the process where it's cheaper to deal with them because they can design problems out of the system. Appears to be cultural. Not surprising.

[shannanschisler]

I think I will be continuing my CBD treatment. I was just given CBD products from Weedborn and I feel so much better these days : D