Note sull'episodio
In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Laurie Charlés, a renowned expert in systemic family therapy and mental health in conflict zones and violence-affected communities.
With extensive experience working in over a dozen countries, Laurie has dedicated her career to scaling up local family therapy programs for those impacted by war and violence. From supporting survivors of gender and sexual violence to assisting the World Health Organization during the Ebola outbreak, Laurie's work has taken her all over the globe.
In our conversation, we explore the state of global mental health today and delve into the significance of trauma in extreme conditions. Laurie shares invaluable insights she has gained from her extensive work, emphasizing the importance of understanding and prioritizing our own mental well-being. We also discuss the evolving definition of "family" and the elements that contribute to supporting mental health within familial relationships.
Drawing from her personal journey, including her time in the Peace Corps and her decision to pursue an International Relations degree, Laurie reflects on the critical moments that shaped her career and reaffirmed her purpose. Despite the persisting challenges of war and conflict, she discusses her unwavering motivation to continue this crucial work and highlights the evolving approach to mental health, particularly for vulnerable populations.
We then delve into self-care practices and the necessity of maintaining mental resilience when working in challenging environments. Laurie shares her perspective on the ever-changing definitions of "family" across cultures and cultivating supportive family environments for the benefit of our own mental health.
Join us for this thought-provoking and insightful conversation as we explore the vital intersection of mental health and global well-being with Dr. Laurie Charlés.
Timestamps:
(0:00:53) Introducing Dr Laurie Charlés
(0:02:57) Mental health post-COVID
(0:07:56) Defining Family, and its importance in therapy
(0:11:33) What is systemic family therapy
(0:15:33) Was COVID a global trauma?
(0:21:31) Local impact—development work and Peace Corps discussion
(0:28:48) Laurie’s career trajectory
(0:49:14) What keeps Laurie motivated
(0:54:13) What’s next for Laurie?
(1:00:40) Scaling your impact through teaching people to help each other
You can connect with Dr. Charlés here:
https://www.mhinnovation.net/profile/laurie-l-charlés
https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurielcharlesphdlmft
And if you’d like to learn more about Erika:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-behl