Janina Fisher - Spilling Tea Over TikTok Diagnoses, Evidence-Based Therapies, and the Ever-Evolving Nature of Trauma Therapy
“People suffer not because of their biology, not because of their fantasies; but because real things happen to them.” - Janina Fisher
It’s not every day that we get to work with a pioneer in the trauma field, so gimme a moment to be jealous of Sarah’s interview with Janina Fisher, Ph.D. the legendary psychotherapist, consultant, trainer, and author. She’s an international expert on trauma, best known for her work on integrating mindfulness-based and somatic interventions into trauma treatment.
Janina is here to share some wisdom during this conversation regarding the ever-evolving study of trauma, TikTok diagnoses, and therapists doing their own therapy (which is SO important). She also drops the mic on capitalism’s outsized devotion to evidence-based therapies. Because of her long career, she’s seen it all.
“In the 90s, something like incest was considered distressing but weren’t considered trauma. Then followed an interval where sexual abuse was considered traumatic, but physical abuse wasn't,” Janina says. Only 30-ish years ago! I mean… come on! “The idea that emotional abuse could also be traumatic” she adds, “is an even newer concept.”
Antiquated thinking aside, therapists have got to acknowledge the external forces exerting intense amounts of pressure on our field right now: post-pandemic fatigue, social justice concerns, economic failings, climate change, AI, and self-diagnosis via social media (i.e., ADHD TikTok). No wonder therapists are constantly trying to figure out “what’s next” before they get the chance to metabolize “what now?” The antidote is two-fold. “We need more therapists. We need them to make enough money to take care of themselves and nurture themselves,” acknowledges Janina. “We also need [therapists] to be better at what they do.”
To quote RuPaul, therapists, you betta work! Get a therapist for the personal stuff, even if you don’t think you need it. See your supervisor for the professional stuff, even if you have the education, experience, and grit to forego the guidance.
Why? I refer you back to the previous paragraph and the rapid nature of change in the 21st century where we all need a more holistic way of being and doing.
Mentioned in this Episode
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GUEST CONTACT AND BIO
Janina Fisher, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist and international expert on the treatment of trauma. She's the author of Healing the Fragmented Selves of Trauma Survivors, overcoming Self Alienation, transforming the Living Legacy of Trauma, a workbook for survivors and therapists, and the Living Legacy instructional flip chart. She's best known for her work on integrating mindfulness based and somatic inter interventions into trauma treatment.
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