EXPLORING ‘BAD THERAPY’ Parenting, Therapy & The Modern Epidemic - with Chaya Parkoff, LCSW
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In this episode, Parkoff shares her personal journey, highlighting her roles as a wife, mother, and grandmother, her struggles with an eating disorder, and her spiritual reconnection with Judaism. She discusses her professional evolution from teaching childbirth classes to attaining a Master’s in Social Work, ultimately developing a deep passion for sharing the wisdom of Judaism and helping others. A significant part of the discussion focuses on Abigail Shrier's book 'Bad Therapy', addressing the rise in anxiety and depression among young people despite increased therapy access. Parkoff emphasizes the importance of parental involvement over relying solely on therapy and critiques the current trends in talk therapy, medication, and social-emotional learning in schools. The episode concludes with a hopeful message on the power of resilience, connection, and helping others as cornerstones for mental and emotional well-being.
00:00 Introduction to Parkoff's Life
01:01 Struggles and Spiritual Journey
03:00 Teaching and Sharing Passions
04:44 Parenting and Professional Growth
07:39 Discussing 'Bad Therapy' by Abigail Schreier
10:13 Therapy for Young People
14:19 The Role of Parents in Therapy
19:13 Challenges with Diagnoses and Labels
26:46 Impact of Technology on Mental Health
29:25 Navigating Technology and Self-Esteem in Kids
30:18 The Role of Parents vs. Experts in Child Development
30:36 The Limitations of Traditional Talk Therapy
32:13 Understanding and Addressing Anxiety in Children
34:06 The Debate on Medication for Mental Health
38:03 The Importance of Parental Involvement in Education
40:36 Critique of Gentle Parenting
44:57 The Impact of Bad Therapy on Gender Identity
48:38 Lessons from Israeli Society
51:11 The Therapeutic Power of Helping Others
55:44 Harlow's Monkey Experiments and Emotional Needs
57:34 Conclusion and Call to Action
About Our Guest:
Chaya Parkoff is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Trained Life Coach, Torah Educator, sought after speaker and altruistic kidney donor. Raised in a secular Jewish home, Chaya's journey back to her Torah roots and to the psychological wisdom of Torah began over 30 years ago during the process of her own recovery from an eating disorder through a 12 Step program. Chaya brings a warm-hearted blend of compassion, clinical skills, and life experience to her roles, weaving together her diverse background to offer inspiration and healing to her clients, students and audiences.. Chaya has a thriving private practice providing therapy to clients in New Jersey, Colorado, Texas, and soon to be Pennsylvania, and coaches women and families worldwide. Chaya is trained in a number of therapeutic approaches, primarily using Brainspotting, an extremely effective brain-body based modality, and integrates it with Internal Family Systems (IFS). Her The mix of personal growth and professional skills allows Chaya to seamlessly integrate timeless Torah wisdom into her therapy sessions, coaching sessions, and engaging classes and talks. Chaya’s down-to-earth authentic demeanor, coupled with her wealth of experience, allows her to connect deeply with individuals seeking transformative healing and change. Most of all, Chaya cherishes her 33-year marriage to her husband Seth, alongside the joy of raising five children and relishing in the new role of Bobbi to her 7-month-old grandson.
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