046 – Dr. Michael Alcee holds a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Fordham University and has worked and trained in college counseling for over 10 years. In addition to his private practice, Dr. Alcee is currently the Mental Health Educator at Manhattan School of Music. Thomas and Dr. Alcee discuss the art and nuance behind constructing a good metaphor, the connection between creativity and therapy, how creativity and bravery are required to progress interpersonal relationships, how white men of privilege can discuss their issues with perspective, and Dr. Alcee makes a case for empathy as a solution to political polarization.
Timestamps:
2:00 – Dr. Alcee’s background and path to psychology
3:30 – The connection between creativity and therapy
11:00 – Analogy and metaphor are a connection between the right and left brain
17:00 – Where does training as a therapist show up most between therapeutic presence and therapeutic authority?
25:00 – As white men of privilege, how can we discuss our challenges and problems without being tone deaf?
31:30 – What does it mean for someone to own their power?
36:45 – Volodymyr Zelenskyy as an embodiment of traditional and modern masculinity
43:30 – Empathy is not endorsement
44:30 – How to navigate the polarized nature of anti racist theory
44:00 – 3 Things Game
- Dr. Alcee’s question: What are three things your father taught you?
- Thomas’ question: What are three things you have learned from making mistakes?