The GLOP Podcast
Comedy
Come and eavesdrop on the Gorgeous Ladies of Psychology as they wrestle with the demands of the the personal, the professional and the existential. Follow their story, as they and the clients they work with tackle the weighty mighty issues of our time and sit in that uncomfortably comfortable place … the boxing ring for Psychologists, the couch. In the Ancient Greek tradition of achieving cultural Catharsis through Drama and the now lost Theory of Comedy penned by Aristotle, get yourself a ring side seat and listen in to the salacious secret life of our two intrepid Psychologists as they deep dive in to the underworld of the forbidden, face the destruction of entropy and strive against the odds to mend the broken minds of the mentally ill. And let’s face it – we are all a bit wonky, so welcome aboard. In the buttoned up, trimmed, waxed, high and tight, approaching perfection corner we have the reigning Champion - Clinical Psychology driving for outcomes and “using science to help people” whilst smugly waving a wad of sparkling evidence base. Clinical Psychology and their efficient technique and research muscle has risen to prominence and dominance within the profession of Psychology in recent times but … is this force for order missing something? Was this something valued more in bygone days? Are we moving closer and not further away from transformation? In the less tidy, more accepting of the messy mystery of it all, intuitive, pursuing authenticity, approaching unconditional positive regard corner, we have the under dog - Counselling Psychology prioritising the therapeutic relationship, unfolding processes and in a non causal linear pathway, becoming Self Actualised. The story so far … “parted by fate in their final year at the University of Queensland facing the devastation of a career pathway blighted before it started, unable to continue on in the Department of Psychology due to a non fatal brush with malevolence and a general lack of funding, they left in a cloud of confusion and untapped potential. Gerri headed to that notorious major Australian City with a hookless coat hanger for a bridge, that Opera House and into the sharp teeth and square jaw of Clinical Psychology. Imy headed to Paris and romance speedily followed by heart break and something approximating a breakdown, returned home to land in that other Australian City where they have trams, a day off for the Grand Final and that horse race. And in to the alternative yet compelling grasp of Counselling Psychology. The part of the Clinical Psychologist will be played by “Gerri” (not saying if this is her real name), who is a Clinical Psych I.R.L. Similarly the part of the Counselling Psychologist will be played by “Imy” (doesn’t go by this name in professional circles) who is also a Counselling Psych MAPS FCCOUNP I.R.L. The story begins when they meet after … 25+ years for “Peer Supervision”. The cases, concerns and stories are real but details have been de-identified and obscured in such a way to protect the privacy and confidentiality of those concerned while preserving the essence, integrity and meaning of the story for the protagonists. Our podcast seeks to entertain and inspire curiosity, dialogue, bravery in the face of horror, poise when confronting injustice and mindfulness in the presence of transformation. We want to explore the complex issues that face professional Psychologists by giving focus to the personal. We seek to melt the ice of secret keeping and uncover what lies beneath. We invite you to linger in this spirit, listen in sneakily to that which hitherto has never be spoken aloud and hope you enjoy. Look out for new episodes every fortnight on a Friday. Email gloppodcast@gmail.com
Location:
Australia
Genres:
Comedy
Description:
Come and eavesdrop on the Gorgeous Ladies of Psychology as they wrestle with the demands of the the personal, the professional and the existential. Follow their story, as they and the clients they work with tackle the weighty mighty issues of our time and sit in that uncomfortably comfortable place … the boxing ring for Psychologists, the couch. In the Ancient Greek tradition of achieving cultural Catharsis through Drama and the now lost Theory of Comedy penned by Aristotle, get yourself a ring side seat and listen in to the salacious secret life of our two intrepid Psychologists as they deep dive in to the underworld of the forbidden, face the destruction of entropy and strive against the odds to mend the broken minds of the mentally ill. And let’s face it – we are all a bit wonky, so welcome aboard. In the buttoned up, trimmed, waxed, high and tight, approaching perfection corner we have the reigning Champion - Clinical Psychology driving for outcomes and “using science to help people” whilst smugly waving a wad of sparkling evidence base. Clinical Psychology and their efficient technique and research muscle has risen to prominence and dominance within the profession of Psychology in recent times but … is this force for order missing something? Was this something valued more in bygone days? Are we moving closer and not further away from transformation? In the less tidy, more accepting of the messy mystery of it all, intuitive, pursuing authenticity, approaching unconditional positive regard corner, we have the under dog - Counselling Psychology prioritising the therapeutic relationship, unfolding processes and in a non causal linear pathway, becoming Self Actualised. The story so far … “parted by fate in their final year at the University of Queensland facing the devastation of a career pathway blighted before it started, unable to continue on in the Department of Psychology due to a non fatal brush with malevolence and a general lack of funding, they left in a cloud of confusion and untapped potential. Gerri headed to that notorious major Australian City with a hookless coat hanger for a bridge, that Opera House and into the sharp teeth and square jaw of Clinical Psychology. Imy headed to Paris and romance speedily followed by heart break and something approximating a breakdown, returned home to land in that other Australian City where they have trams, a day off for the Grand Final and that horse race. And in to the alternative yet compelling grasp of Counselling Psychology. The part of the Clinical Psychologist will be played by “Gerri” (not saying if this is her real name), who is a Clinical Psych I.R.L. Similarly the part of the Counselling Psychologist will be played by “Imy” (doesn’t go by this name in professional circles) who is also a Counselling Psych MAPS FCCOUNP I.R.L. The story begins when they meet after … 25+ years for “Peer Supervision”. The cases, concerns and stories are real but details have been de-identified and obscured in such a way to protect the privacy and confidentiality of those concerned while preserving the essence, integrity and meaning of the story for the protagonists. Our podcast seeks to entertain and inspire curiosity, dialogue, bravery in the face of horror, poise when confronting injustice and mindfulness in the presence of transformation. We want to explore the complex issues that face professional Psychologists by giving focus to the personal. We seek to melt the ice of secret keeping and uncover what lies beneath. We invite you to linger in this spirit, listen in sneakily to that which hitherto has never be spoken aloud and hope you enjoy. Look out for new episodes every fortnight on a Friday. Email gloppodcast@gmail.com
Twitter:
@TheGLOPPodcast
Language:
English
Website:
https://glop.podbean.com/
Email:
gloppodcast@gmail.com
Episodes
Ep 14. It’s Christmas: ‘Don’t throw me in the Briar Patch!’
12/9/2021
Imy & Gerri review the year that was with mixed results. Imy is unhappy. Gerri is encouraged. Christmas is a time of exhaustion and aspirational Self Reflection. How did we go? Did we cover everything that was and was not - discussed? Was something important missed? The clashing between Counselling and Clinical Psychology reaches an inevitable climax as Imy identifies the contradictions of primary and secondary processes. There are further shocks as Imy reveals her carnivorous compulsion to continue on – is flagging. The necessity of numinosity for a ravenous Psychologist needed to fuel the onward journey is, sadly, declining. Imy wants to give focus to the relationship, to what happens in the between space, to explore intimacy for predators in a last ditch attempt to resurrect the creation myth of GLOP. Gerri counters with a powerful observation, she perceives Imy’s disclosures are not sufficiently personal. Themes of Self Awareness and the benefits of ‘Inner Work’ for the development of the Psychologist, the Profession and the Community are touched upon. Imy makes an offer to finish 2021 and closes out the year on the edge of a perceptual cliff. What will happen? Thanks for joining GLOP this Year, we hope you enjoyed being along for the ride. Please accept our Best Wishes for you and your family over Christmas. YouTube says what we mean in a way - we cannot, just CLICK THE LINK. #TheGLOPPodcast #womensupportingwomen #peaceout
Duration:00:48:16
Ep 13. The Finger of Blame turns upon itself
11/25/2021
Gerri wants to continue on with GLOP’s investigation of difficult themes and bravely introduces the topic of ‘treatment failures’. This intrepid investigation is introduced with all the crowd pleasing nuance of humility disguised as confidence winked at with a confusing double signal pointing to the protective, reassuring, cloaking presence of a “webinar”. Trouble in the therapeutic relationship complicated by external stresses is examined within an inch of its life. Gerri has fronted up to a job interview under lockdown conditions. Results sadly, fell short of what was desired. Leading with complete authenticity can itself create a group process at an inconvenient moment. Imy introduces the inherent strictures of business and the unavoidable impact this has on practice. Gerri was surprised by the interviewer’s bravery scoping out the minefield of “how to handle ruptures in the therapeutic alliance” and experienced frontal cortex load ‘overload’. Declining levels of estrogen, the hormone disrupting effects of soy products and the concomitant impact on bladder resilience was revisited. Themes of Psychologists’ Safety in practice were once again reviewed. Imy experienced pressure within a working environment to provide after hours services, completely alone on site. Imy widens the discussion to include female health care providers responding to male clients presenting and wanting to ‘impress’ by displaying their reproductive organs. The presence of an archetypal predator is detected but not located thereby increasing the sense of threat. What is the take home? When voyaging in to the darkness, never question the aggregate knowledge of the Ancestors. Instinct.
#womenpodcasters #psychology #lifestory
Duration:00:56:04
Ep 12. Shadow? What Shadow? It’s always noon where I am.
11/11/2021
GLOP find themselves staring in to a familiar abyss, the doledrums of long haul practice and its concomitant demands. Gerri wants to mess about with the existential angst Psychologists encounter at different stages of their working life, particularly the later stage. She has not broken with tradition and has constructed a model to try and clear up the gloom. Results are mixed and inconclusive. Gerri spends the first quarter introducing the GLOP Model of Career Progression which promises seat adhesion. Imy describes the much dreaded and at the same time paradoxically anticipated receipt of a client complaint to the Board. The elusive issue of safety for the Psychologist in the therapy room re-emerges as a topic of mystery and interest. Imy and Gerri face off the four horseman of the Experienced Psychologists’ Apocalypse; being seduced by a client, the joy of going to Court, brushes with death and the unanticipated malevolence or avoidance or cowardice exhibited by colleagues where the result squarely lands you in it. It is hard to find humour in the horrific but GLOP find a way, either accidentally or on purpose as they comb through what could-a, would-a, should-a or should not have happened. How do you handle yourself in the presence of the Board? Can predators finally learn the skills of intimacy? And is there a role for Authentic Communication in these most stressful of moments? Follow along #TheGLOPPodcast on Facebook Twitter YouTube and join the conversation. #womenpodcasters #psychologystuff #lifestory
Duration:01:00:06
Ep 11. The ‘Half Arsed’ Check In - RUOK?
10/28/2021
Gerri wants to discuss using that loaded question “RUOK?” She is not happy with the insincere form or the “half arsed check in”. Continuing on with GLOP’s ‘Working Girl’ analogy, Gerri compares the variation of RUOK? Check Ins across ‘Multiple Madams’ and agencies where she “turns tricks”. Shadows of declining coping in response to the Lockdowns and Pandemic lurk everywhere. This rising panic and disturbance to an already ruffled equilibrium throws insincere “Check Ins” in to sharp relief. Imy, on the other hand, has attended an Online Symposium with the tag line ‘Unpacking Trauma’ and throws a light on the diverse, evidence based approaches to treating trauma in its many forms. This topic throws Gerri in to something approximating distress and immediately prompts a review of the ‘literature’. Remaining congruent with Australian’s tendancies to look to an overseas landscape for guidance and reassurance, Gerri has been reading sources that were once the ‘Newspaper’ for the low down on just what is going on and reports the findings regarding which society groups are most affected by Lockdowns, not to mention the increased burden of TeleHealth on the practitioner. Wistful longings for the bladder strength and control of a younger women is briefly mentioned and then released. GLOP conclude this episode with a surprising examination of why Clinical Psychologists end up with a particular kind of person. This compelling topic is opened but not concluded. Until next time … Join Us on Facebook Twitter YouTube and follow along. #womenpodcasters #psychology #RUOK
Duration:00:53:04
Ep 10. It is never about the ‘Washing Up’
10/14/2021
Gerri has been to an ‘Eating Disorders Conference’ and is left wondering if the Conference tag line was sincere. Accreditation confirming the skill set requirement to work with ‘eating disorders’ is discussed and examined in terms of its symbolic meaning as a possible antidote to a wobbly personal identity. The current demand in Australia for mental health support is examined together with a discussion about Provisional Psychologists being able to offer medicare rebated services. Gerri is nervous. Imy is keen. Gerri is concerned about the level of care offered and will it be enough? Gerri introduces a lesser known Clinical Assessment Tool to assist resolve the dilemma, “Dilbert’s Heirarchy of Workers’ Needs”. And draws some kind of line or link or association with the legacy of adverse childhood experiences. This focus cues Gerri to remember the losses of Australian Animals in the Bushfires. Defining the “losses” proved difficult, possibly due to dissociation. Imy recalls an experience in childhood with a Platypus and Gerri recalls her experience with a Kangaroo. The deeper psychological meaning of Australian Animals is considered and discussed. Kangaroos are always going forward. They also like being put in a sack if distressed, an attachment memory of being bundled in to a pouch. Skills in building and rebuilding relationships across the lifespan are discussed. The carnage of Couple Work reveals Gerri’s ultimate tag line “Love is never enough”. Imy is not so sure, “Love is a lot” and some of it involves ‘listening’ deeply. Things have a greater symbolism but what they represent is not clear. Conflict with a partner is not always what it seems. It is never about “the washing up”, so what is it about? Really? #Platypus #Kangaroo #Psychology
Duration:00:55:08
Ep 9. “Is daydreaming or having an imaginary persona healthy?”
9/30/2021
Gerri’s alter ego Aidan is discussed through the lens of clinical appraisal. No stone is left unturned. Imy wends her way around to piping up about the benefits of person centered care as opposed to a problem centered approach. Gerri is left unconvinced and presents a welterweight of evidence on MD, which we understand does not mean Major Depression in this instance. Instead it refers to the practice of ‘maladaptive daydreaming’. The presence of a powerful critic is felt but not placed in the empty chair. The tendency of Clinical Psychologist to generate jargon in pursuit of that elusive perfect intervention which promises the return of “rightness” to the world is discussed. The case of trauma and Complex Post Traumatic Stress is examined in relationship to the phenomenon of maladaptive daydreaming. The use of Dr Google to direct both diagnosis and treatment for many an avid amateur psychologist is discussed together with undesirable and unwanted side effects. For example, young people developing critical cases of anxiety after watching YouTube videos and self diagnosing themselves with a range of rare presentations. Dr Google is very able and willing to confirm and disconfirm diagnosis depending on what is paradoxically both feared and desired. Daydreaming is also discussed in terms of its potential adaptive response. Join Us on Facebook Twitter YouTube and follow along. #womenpodcasters #psychologystuff #lifestory
Duration:00:56:36
Ep 8. “When is a cliché the right thing to say?”
9/16/2021
‘Cliches’ in practice are bothering Gerri and the issue of the sometimes needed and even authentic use of cliché is considered and embedded within the context of safety at work. The much needed but not always considered safety for the practitioner hovers around the edge of the discussion like Banquo’s ghost. Not being exactly on the same page, Imy interprets the business of cliches in a different direction resembling a position of something approximating self reflection. The conversation winds around to resentment, in particular how to deal with resentment in a colleague in a work place. Imy raises the confusing double speak often present within the work place where mysterious magical forces steer away rather than towards achieving the goals of utopian mission statements. Gerri describes the 1984 practice of colleagues reporting on one another in an attempt to purge themselves of the grip of internal corruption. The viral nature of resentment is observed and discussed within the confines of the work place. Humour is proposed as a way forward and Imy describes an attempt at work place community building on April Fool’s Day where practical jokes were not only permitted but resulted in coming very close to insight and even growth. Did it work? Who can say. You be the judge, jury and … #womenpodcasters #psychologystuff #lifestory
Duration:01:08:29
Ep 7. “Are Books better ‘low rent’ friends?”
9/2/2021
Gerri begins with an impressive middle-of-the-road laundry list of “professional reading”. Or atleast, that is what we are calling it as far as Gerri’s tax accountant is concerned. A visual inspection of the data is suggestive of an immediate fool proof cure for insomnia. However a closer ‘under the hood’ examination revealed, as per usual, deeper more mysterious forces at work. On this occasion, Tiger is cast aside as a transitional object and books are employed instead, substituted as … well Imy and Gerri try to work out exactly what it is they do represent. Themes of certainty, authority, acceptance, perfectionist thinking, procrastination and its reliable shadows of unrelenting standards and self sacrifice are all welcomed, then interrogated and maybe transformed? Any effects observed maybe due to placebo. Or if not transformed, are awaiting the informed consent required for transformation to occur. Neither could locate the current proforma and paperwork in use. This difficulty is followed by the derivative discussion about Schema Therapy and its underpinings versus … well Imy digs up a fossil and wants to revisit a relic from the Ancient World, the School of Object Relations. In particular, how important is the role of ‘the Other’, the one looking at you, in the development of psychological wellbeing. And if no one is looking at you, do you exist? Imy has had an interesting dream about Gerri, the night before and spends much of the session trying on and off to determine why Gerri looked different, as in more glamourous in the dream. Lipsticks, makeup and books on high rotation are reviewed in terms of efficacy with inconclusive findings. That’s it. Onward. #psychologystuff #lifestory #nevergiveup
Duration:01:05:53
Ep 6. “Is my Professional Willy as big as yours?
8/19/2021
Gerri revisits the delight and self assurance she derives from wearing articles of Uniqlo. Imy insists on a deeper examination of the phenomenon and the issue of group membership as an aspect of identity. Specifically as it relates to the challenges of dealing with colleagues and juggling the role of “Psychologist” with the many other roles vying air time and the opportunity to speak. Imy brushed the dust off the School of Ego Psychology and proposed unstable object relations as the likely causal culprit. Gerri counters this proposal by referencing Schema Therapy. Finding themselves at a therapeutic stand off Gerri seizes the opportunity to review micro-aggression within professional circles and their gatherings. Discrepancies between the chronological and developmental age of the colleagues gathered was noted but not concluded. Gerri describes an experience of being at one gathering and stumbling in to a conversation about herself that inconveniently was not intended to include her. Awkward moments and using mindfulness to tolerate discomfort is discussed in some detail. Themes of belonging and not belonging are reviewed. Imy reviews a recent dinner with colleagues where individuals compared their relative success in relation to each other as defined by an unknown heuristic. Findings were more confusing than conclusive however – significant showing off was observed. Findings did indicate potential therapeutic application for sleep disturbance, however, as is often the case in the noble discipline of Psychology – further investigation is indicated. #gloptrotter #women #womenpodcasters
Duration:01:02:20
Ep 5. “Blood Feuds: Is Justice ever done?”
8/5/2021
Imy discloses a legacy issue from her distant past that is as yet unresolved. GLOP consider the variety of legitimate and otherwise responses to the dilemma of ‘injustice’ when it arrives in the therapy room. The need for therapeutic support being a close colleague of injustice in all its forms. The phenomenon of the abuse of power by those we are bound to through a relationship of dependence, inferiority, necessity or circumstances are examined. Comfort and familiarity with conflict in close relationships or with agencies of authority are cautiously tippy toed around. The risks of being exploited when young by those senior members of society, due to - the circumstances of being young, i.e. you are essentially compelled to trust and look to Elders for guidance, are examined. Gerri brings the focus on the pitfalls of pursuing justice too far, the dangers of obsession. Imy counters with a condition, it all depends whether the violation of justice experienced also threatens an individual’s survival. Shadows of Jordan Peterson and the Dominance/Competence Hierarchy lurk everywhere. Gerri suggests food and sharing food in the spirit of hospitality might provide answers in some unexpected places – the area of relationships and social reciprocity. Eating disorders are reviewed and Imy describes the role of ‘self hatred’ corner in Group Therapy. #gloptrotter #women #womenpodcasters
Duration:00:51:34
Ep 4. “Travelling South – does going forward mean sometimes looking back?”
7/22/2021
Gerri is troubled by running in to people from her past compromising the comfortable anonymity she enjoys in her Secret City. Imy reveals multiple awkward moments at BBQs in her Secret City and how she invoked vegetarianism and being “weird” as a sort of one size fits all talisman warding off the horror of social situations rendering them harmless. Gerri and Imy deep dive in to the undercurrents of interpersonal violence hidden within Australian Culture using their own stories, memories and experiences as necessary boogie boards to surf these choppy waves. In particular the case and use of sarcasm is explored in everyday life and in therapy, with consideration being given to a number of responses including chocolate, avoidance, props, being busy and a surprising paradoxical intervention, the use vulnerability was examined. Imy resurrects memories of childhood friends engaging in a constant stream of dissing or putting each other down and evaluates the efficacy and effects of this within Australian “Culture”. The issue of justice and righted past wrongs popped up but was not quite pinned down. #gloptrotter #womenpodcasters
Duration:01:03:28
Ep. 3: What is the Deeper Meaning of “Nude Work”?
7/8/2021
Gerri is feeling a bit flat and discusses how her beloved cat Tiger copes with this by eating ‘sometimes’ food. Tiger is temporarily borrowed as a transitional object. Imy has had a big week and reflects on her coping strategies additional to reaching for ‘sometimes’ food. Naughty food available in both Secret Cities is discussed. Gerri reflects on the need for an Escape Plan, in lieu of Self Care since Self Care for Psychologists is likely to be a thwarted enterprise. Gerri concludes her Escape Plan, that is - to live on a balconied apartment in Berlin, is hedonistic and selfish. The sudden emergence of a powerful critic instigated a search for better Escape Plans. Alternate Escape Plans such as having a Coffee Shop in Byron Bay and the emotional impact of the traffic encountered when arriving in Byron Bay are reviewed. Gerri imagines the joy of unbridled carbs and flirts with an imagined free frolic in parklands of Berlin. Imy suggests expanding the vision with some “nude work” which Gerri soundly, emphatically and unreservedly rejects. Post WW2 Berlin is discussed and the role of history informing our understanding of the present is examined. The impact or the collective benefit of discussion or committing to dialogue in the present about difficult events in the past was further considered. #gloptrotter
Duration:01:08:24
Ep. 2: “The Blight of the Baby Boomer: does lockdown provide the answer?”
6/24/2021
Gerri is troubled by her ‘Clinical Psychologist’ identity receding when her Baby Boomer parents come to visit and she is compelled to take a Stay-Cation in her Secret City. The intergeneration conflict between perceptual biases of Baby Boomers and Gen X is explored and examined using primarily self report, generalisations and extrapolated viewpoint measures. Particular focus is given to the role of alcohol consumption, specifically the declining use of Cask Wine, and increased prevalence of body hair removal from the early nineties onward. Complexities of having an identity as a Psychologist are reviewed in terms of negotiating relationships with individuals outside a clinical role, juggling expectations of neighbours and friends, perceptions others have of Psychologists and the work they do inside and outside professional circles. The tendency of GPs to base their appraisal of psychological interventions on a personal reaction to the Psychologist concerned was found to be dominant. It was concluded that this phenomenon was in part due to wide spread confusion within the community about exactly what Psychologists are up to when they do “the work”.
Duration:01:03:47
Ep. 1: "To practice or not to practice: what has Jordan Peterson got to do with it?”
6/20/2021
Gerri & Imy begin by trying to uncover what motivates them to practice psychology and be a Psychologist. They both miss Oprah and ponder what it means do be “doing well” in the field. Themes of “being appreciated or not”, Jordan Peterson and the dominance/competence hierarchy, Psychology as largely a female dominated field, gossip in professional circles, women being ‘allowed’ to be angry now and that this is preferred to being compliant and docile but that this is also confusing for the men folk who are preoccupied with ducking the finger of blame - are all discussed. Jordan Peterson’s analysis and interpretation of the data and the ‘holes’ in the data is examined in some detail. Imy has a crack at dismantling Jordan’s position with one idea. This episode does reference sexual assault and sexual violence as a cultural phenomenon and so carries a trigger warning.
Duration:00:52:16