Good Enough Shrink

By: Dr. Jenna Cheng Dr. Patrick Kelly
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  • Summary

  • 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 famous 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 based on the idea that humans need a social bond with another to survive. This bond, when it is “good enough”, serves as a secure base from which a child can explore the world. When this attachment is disrupted, it can lead to emotional issues, and sometimes full-blown psychiatric disorders. This is where therapists and psychiatrists come in.


    This podcast is for the curious adults, parents, family members, mental health professionals and trainees. So we hope you join us in this adventure to explore science and mental health from a developmental perspective.


    © 2025 Good Enough Shrink
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Hygiene & Healthy Living Parenting & Families Physical Illness & Disease Psychology Relationships
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Episodes
  • Adult Loneliness: How Our Bodies Respond to Attachment Disruption

    Adult Loneliness: How Our Bodies Respond to Attachment Disruption
    Feb 12 2025

    This is a long-awaited episode! We talk about the difference between feeling lonely and being alone, and the biological mechanisms that drive humans to connect with each other. After we intellectualize it all (as doctors do), we get to the root of the problem in loneliness -- the importance of fostering a sense of safety. Join us in this exploration on how loneliness is deeply rooted in your attachment experience!

    Topics Discussed:

    • What is loneliness?
    • Biological mechanisms involved in connection: mirror neurons, oxytocin, stress response system
    • Physical impact of loneliness on the body
    • How insecure attachment styles lead to loneliness
    • What to do when you're feeling lonely
    • Explanation of therapy approaches

    Have questions for us, or feedback about our podcast? Send us a message!
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    52 mins
  • The Optimism and Cautionary Tale of AI and Mental Health

    The Optimism and Cautionary Tale of AI and Mental Health
    Jan 21 2025

    This week, we explore the curious and unnerving world of artificial intelligence (AI) and mental health. We discuss its potential benefits in healthcare for both psychiatrists and patients, as well as risks such as harmful content, liability issues, privacy issues, and blurring the line between what is real and fake. We are excited and wary of this new technology that is inevitably going to be in every aspect of our lives. Join us in the discussion!

    Have questions for us, or feedback about our podcast? Send us a message!
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    36 mins
  • Finding Motivation for Change

    Finding Motivation for Change
    Jan 1 2025

    Welcome to the new year! This episode is about how to approach making a change in your life. Your ambivalence, values, fears, and goals are all crucial parts of what makes you you. It's also important to just take a pause sometimes in this ever-changing world today. So I hope this quick episode will give you that pause and reflection to propel you toward what matters the most in your life!


    Have questions for us, or feedback about our podcast? Send us a message!
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    14 mins

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