Dr. Jenna Cheng, Dr. Patrick Kelly

Good Enough Shrink

Health EN ↓ 31 episodes

We are child psychiatrists practicing in the Los Angeles area on a mission to demystify psychiatry and mental health. The title of this podcast is a tribute to the psychoanalyst, Donald Winnicott, and his concept of the "Good Enough Parent.” This is the idea that the imperfect but sufficient provisions of a parent will build a resilient child in an imperfect world. We want to empower children and parents to embrace their strengths and flaws, and know that you are good enough. We want to emphasize the power of holding difficult emotions from the lens of attachment theory. Attachment theory is...

Author

Dr. Jenna Cheng, Dr. Patrick Kelly

Episodes

#6 School Anxiety, Avoidance and Refusal - What's Behind It and What to Do About It 04.10.2024 53:56

School is back in full swing, and so is everyone's anxiety! We discuss the challenges kids, teens and parents face as they reintegrate back to school after the summer break. We delve into the various reasons for school avoidance and refusal, which are critical in understanding what is actually behind it. We conclude with a discussion on what to do about it -- mainly the importance of early pr...

#5 Social Media and its Impact on Youth Mental Health 20.09.2024 44:40

*Trigger warning for content on self-harm, suicide and eating disorders. Please feel free to opt out and prioritize your sense of safety if you need to do so.* This is a tough one. The positive effects of social media on mental health can be lifesaving, yet its negative effects may lead to a life taken far too early. We have a nuanced discussion on social media's pros and cons, and how to hel...

#4 Attachment Theory III: The Neuroscience of Attachment 04.09.2024 48:56

We are back! In this episode, we talk about attachment theory from a neuroscientific and neurobiological perspective. We highlight how talking about our emotions can help us regulate them, and make room for empathy and "mentalizing" other people's experiences. We also discuss how attachment trauma can disrupt brain development, and how mindfulness and staying attuned to your body c...

#3 The Shortage of Stimulant Medications for ADHD - Why It's Still a Problem Today 21.08.2024 49:12

In this episode, we take a quick break from attachment theory and dive into a very real, current problem we face today: the stimulant medication shortage for the treatment of ADHD. We explore the complex regulatory systems surrounding stimulants, including supply chain issues and being lumped into the category of Schedule II medications monitored by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) to fight the O...

#2 Attachment Theory II: The Early Years into Adulthood 06.08.2024 49:20

Welcome back! In this episode, we discuss the significance of the humanistic approach to psychiatry, and the importance of relationships and the environment in child development. We talk about core concepts in attachment theory, such as the Strange Situation by Mary Ainsworth, adult attachment interview by Mary Main, and mentalization by Peter Fonagy. We emphasize that attachment serves as its own...

#1 Attachment Theory I: The First Bond 23.07.2024 47:00

Welcome to our first episode of the podcast! In this episode, we talk about how attachment theory is an important foundation for our work, and the history of developmental psychology and child psychiatry. But of course, not without a little play along the way! Have questions for us, or feedback about our podcast? Send us a message!