Spider's podcast demystifies mental health talk

As the pandemic's acute phase draws to a close in the U.S., all eyes are turning to the enduring effects of living in heightened states of stress, anxiety, depression, and isolation.

Janelle Peifer, a licensed clinical psychologist and assistant professor of psychology at UR, has a few ideas on how to move forward.

She recommends taking time to reflect on the last two years, and reconnecting with practices that improved mental health and wellness that may have been cast aside during the pandemic. And find a therapist who can serve as your guide.

Peifer is particularly interested in the intersection of trauma and identity — a topic she explored as host of the podcast In Session. The series delves into issues raised in the HBO drama In Treatment.

The podcast also aims to demystify the process of therapy, making it more approachable to listeners who might otherwise hesitate.

"The In Treatment podcast enabled me to reach a wider audience than I could have ever imagined and speak to topics that I care about as a teacher, researcher, clinician, and citizen," she said. "It gave me a platform to normalize conversations about depression, identity, trauma, resilience, coping, and all things mental health — particularly for Black and other people of color.

"In our modern world, scientists and academics have a moral imperative to make their work accessible and meaningful to our communities."