Therapy is more available, and more culturally influential, than ever. Yet anxiety, depression, loneliness, political fixation, and fractured relationships remain widespread.
In this episode, Dr. Ben Carson speaks with psychotherapist and Therapy Nation author Jonathan Alpert about the difference between feeling better in the moment and actually getting better.
They also examine what is commonly called “Trump Derangement Syndrome,” or TDS. While Alpert emphasizes that TDS is not an official diagnosis found in the DSM, he discusses the political hyper-fixation, anxiety, restlessness, and damaged relationships that can develop when any political figure becomes the focus of an unhealthy obsession.
Alpert argues for therapy that is goal-oriented, accountable, and designed to build resilience. The conversation explores diagnostic language in everyday life, endless therapy, political polarization, victimhood, faith, personal responsibility, and how Americans can rediscover common ground.
This discussion reflects the participants’ views and is not medical advice.