Ep.1659: Bipolar Therapist Ep.1660: Unstoppable Wednesday, May 1, 2024 Marcia Naomi Berger

Kathryn interviews Author Marcia Naomi Berger MSW, LCSW.When a sudden onset of manic episodes lands her in a psychiatric ward, what is an established, respected psychotherapist to do? Marcia Naomi Berger, single and twenty-nine, had her first psychiatric hospitalization and then two more in the next year and a half. A series of close friends and mentors stand by her through challenges with abusive colleagues, conflicted relationships with men, estrangement from her mother, and confusion about what truly matters. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder, after trying several medications, the answer comes in the form of lithium. Under her doctor’s guidance, she excels at a new job in San Francisco General Hospital’s psychiatric ward. A new patient there recognizes her from their time as patients in another psych ward. She is a psychotherapist and served as a lecturer on the clinical faculty at the University of California School of Medicine.Kathryn also interviews Author Matthew Kenslow.According to the CDC, about 1 in 36 children are identified as having autism spectrum disorder, and more than 5.4 million adults are living with autism. And yet, public perception, understanding and acceptance have a long way to go, says author, substitute teacher and social media influencer Matthew Kenslow. He never gave his autism diagnosis the power to define him or limit his pursuits, and he hopes to inspire, inform and create change by sharing his compelling true story. He takes readers on a gripping story of how one man faced Autism head-on, persevering through discrimination in his own neighborhood, all the while not being given a full range of opportunities. He chronicles his highs and lows with candor, as he walks readers through what life is really like for people who are neurodivergent. He has been featured in Newsweek Magazine, Spectrum News, ABC7 Los Angeles and many more.