Comfortably uncomfortable: An introduction to psychotherapy

Comfortably uncomfortable: An introduction to psychotherapy

Author: Charts & Leisure February 25, 2026 Duration: 44:24

Why are there so many types of psychotherapists and mental health professionals, and what do they all DO? On this episode, we take a deep dive into the messy, overlapping histories of psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers. Mary and producer Hans ask Kurt many questions about all of this, looking to get to the bottom of what all of this is about. Kurt shares guideposts for finding the right fit in a psychotherapist, explores the 'pace of safety' in sharing one's story, and explains how therapy helps us metabolize the hard things in life. Whether you’re just curious or currently seeking, this episode replaces professional jargon with a light of clarity.

References:
Benjamin Rush, Medical Inquiries and Observations, On Diseases of the Mind (1812)
William James, Principles of Psychology (1890) 
Sigmund Freud, The Interpretation of Dreams (1900)
Important moments in history of Psychiatry
Friendly Visiting Among the Poor: A Handbook for Charity Workers (1899)


There’s a thread that connects our inner lives to the culture we live in, and Unravelling pulls on it to see what emerges. This isn’t a lecture series, but a conversation guided by therapist Kurt White and journalist Mary Wilson, who bring their distinct perspectives to every discussion. They explore how mental health is woven into everything from our daily fitness routines and societal pressures to the art we consume and the relationships we keep. In each episode, you’ll hear from experts who study the mind alongside individuals sharing their personal, lived experiences, creating a dialogue that feels both intellectually rigorous and deeply human. The aim is to move beyond simple definitions, examining how anxiety, resilience, joy, and struggle shape our collective reality. Produced by Charts & Leisure, this podcast provides a space for nuance, challenging the idea that our psychological worlds exist in a vacuum. It’s for anyone who has ever felt the tension between their private thoughts and the public world, offering not easy answers but a more textured understanding. By listening, you become part of a broader exploration into how compassion, for ourselves and our society, can actually be built from a place of genuine curiosity.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Unravelling
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Hosted by Kurt White and Mary Wilson, Unravelling is a podcast that looks at the world through the lens of mental health.