In episode 131, Molly is joined by Randy Paterson, PhD psychologist and author, who offers gems galore on our mental well-being—from the parent trap to depression changing our motivational structure to helping youths realize how passions are created, not discovered! Born and raised (and still) in Vancouver, Randy self-describes as nerdy and bookish. He recalls "knowing" he wanted to be a psychologist and writer (and forest ranger, by the way). After his B.S. in psychology, he's open about having felt inadequate for graduate school, and then stumbling onto an opportunity with prominent psychologist Ann Triesman that changed his life forever.Â
Randy shares his path to "anxiety disorder guy," including thinking he'd be kicked out of the PhD program at Western University, and unexpectedly landing a job helping those with depression. He talks about those with Anhedonia (losing interest to do things you like to do). He helps people not trust the instincts to do what makes them feel worse! He also offers lessons learned for those keen to be in private practice with a reality check in working for others vs. yourself.
Randy and Molly also talk about his sub-specialty—"failure to launch"—in young adults and the "parent trap" that supports their dependence, not independence. Don't miss this engaging episode, as Randy inspires us to help all be safe, seen and heard, and be our true and best selves.
