“I don’t see a psychologist. I deal with it over coffee or a beer and move on.” This was the headline of a recent interview with a well-known Argentine actor and comedian. Clinical psychologist Marina Mammoliti, creator of the podcast Psychology in the Nude, which is the most listened-to podcast on Spotify in Latin America, understands the origin of this mindset, which appears to be rooted in outdated beliefs about mental health and the need for attention. “There are many small actions we take that can be therapeutic, like crying or talking to a friend, which can improve our mood,” she notes. However, she continues, “there is a significant difference between coffee and therapy, which aims not just for instant relief.”
From her perspective, neither beer, a friend, nor five tips from an influencer can achieve what psychotherapy can offer: a process of self-discovery aimed at enhancing the patient’s mental health, which takes significantly longer than having a cup of coffee.
Whether through listening to Psychology in the Nude or attending the event “Love and Authentic Connections,” which will feature her on September 10 at Sala Teatro Movie Montevideo Shopping in collaboration with El País, Mammoliti hopes the audience will want to delve into the questions that have always intrigued her: why do we do what we do? Why do we think what we think? Why do we feel what we feel?
“I have always been extremely curious. I was one of those kids who dreamed of being an astronaut because I was fascinated by the mysteries of galaxies and planets. However, I soon realized that I didn’t enjoy the physics or mathematics required for that profession. Years later, in a high school psychology class, I came to understand that we ourselves are a universe. I recall that the idea of exploring the mini-universes we embody resonated strongly within me,” she reflects on her journey to discovering her vocation.
Where is the balance? Marina Mammoliti is a graduate in Psychology from the National University of Córdoba, specializing in Jungian analytical psychology—developed by Carl Jung (1875-1961). Jung is renowned for his theory of the “collective unconscious,” which is considered a fundamental component of the psyche alongside the self and personal unconscious. In simpler terms, Jungian analytical psychology emphasizes understanding the unconscious to uncover the origins of recurrent patterns—those that we engage in without knowing why and that may cause us harm—because the individual acts alone are insufficient. Transitioning from the metaphor of the “mini universe” to that of an iceberg helps illustrate that what lies beneath the surface includes a vast array of past experiences, deep-seated beliefs, unresolved traumas, and thought processes that must be examined to avoid repeating mistakes. The challenge, of course, is the willingness to dive deep.
One of Jung’s principles states that life is a balance of opposites. In this regard, the psychologist believes that modern living is entirely imbalanced. Consider this example: your grandparents’ generation repressed discussions about sex, but today, matters that should remain private are often exposed. Or take this example: from feeling unworthy of love, we may shift to an exaggerated sense of self-love, which ultimately may lead to selfishness.
Clinical psychologist Marina Mammoliti
Ricardo Figueredo
The same phenomenon occurs concerning aspects of mental health. “In the past, we rarely discussed emotions; now, we address everything. We have swung from one extreme to another,” she explains. The issue lies in that, when balance is lacking, we can fall into extremes: “I no longer feel a bit sad; I am depressed; I no longer have mild concentration issues; I have ADHD; I am no longer a bit anxious; I have generalized anxiety disorder. We are just beginning to decode our emotions, and in the beginning, it can be challenging to comprehend what levels of emotion are considered healthy and normal versus what may be problematic.”
She adds, “We have shifted to the opposite extreme, thinking that every minor emotional response is abnormal. If you’re meeting someone for the first time and feel nervous, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have a social phobia. That reaction is a natural response to the situation. It’s essential to discern what constitutes a healthy boundary.”
To communicate “the science or art of psychology,” she has chosen to do so in simple language yet with scientific rigor. This began on her Instagram (@psi.mammoliti), with no greater ambition than to reach her patients at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. At that time, she resided in Playa Unión, six kilometers from Rawson, the capital of Chubut province. Soon, she found the Instagram characters “were too limited” and began recording her initial episodes for Psychology in a completely DIY manner to address the concerns of patients and followers on varied topics, including grief, self-love, anxiety, or toxic positivity. This initiative has now surpassed 120 episodes and the podcast ranks in the top 15 worldwide.
“We realize that we are competing—though the plural refers to a one-woman effort now—with social media accounts that provide quick solutions. Many people desire that quick fix. Yet after the sixth time searching for a tip that did not resolve your issue, you will eventually seek out a place that explains the underlying mechanisms thoroughly,” she tells Domingo. That destination is the dissemination of responsible science, and it is, in many cases, also therapy. Other sources might merely convey personal experiences that are presented as absolute truths, potentially imparting misleading or “dangerous” messages.
“There’s an abundance of fitness or wellness influencers sharing their personal narratives. I understand that their intentions are often heartfelt; when you discover something beneficial that makes you feel great, you naturally want to share it. You desire the world to experience similar benefits! However, here lies the complication: just because something worked for you, it doesn’t guarantee it will work for others,” she clarifies. Once more, each person is a complex mini-universe that must determine what balance is healthy for them.
Emotional Operating System.
One of the most oversimplified concepts recently is that of attachment. The psychologist will address this at the event “Love and Authentic Connections.” Contrary to the reductionist views shared on social media regarding this theory, Mammoliti aims to explain why attachment is seen as “the root of our personality.” This refers to the deep emotional bonds established from our earliest moments and is understood by her as “the seed of our current behaviors,” akin to “our operating system.”
She elaborates: “I want the audience to recognize their attachment style to comprehend why we behave the way we do or why it may be easier or harder for us to let go of what harms us.” By identifying “our operating system,” whether it be secure, avoidant, anxious, or disorganized attachment, we will cease to “go through life on autopilot” and instead move towards nurturing healthier, more fulfilling relationships. Mammoliti reminds us that, ultimately, what is at stake is our mental health, which warrants more than just the instant relief of coffee with a friend or a fleeting piece of advice; it deserves a dedicated commitment to our well-being.
I Don’t Go to the Psychologist: A Deep Dive into Mental Health Perspectives
“I don’t go to the psychologist. I solve it with a coffee or a beer and I move on.” This recent declaration by a famous Argentine actor sparked much debate surrounding mental health perceptions and the importance of therapy. Clinical psychologist Marina Mammoliti, known for her insightful podcast Psychology in the Nude, shares her deep understanding of why people might lean towards casual solutions like coffee or beer, instead of seeking professional mental health support.
The Misconception of Quick Fixes
Marina Mammoliti emphasizes that while small actions, such as crying or talking to a friend, can provide temporary relief, they fall drastically short of what therapy can achieve. In her view, therapy is not just about seeking instant relief; it’s an extensive process focused on self-discovery and long-lasting mental health improvement. “There is a world of difference between coffee and therapy,” she states, highlighting the importance of understanding the root of our issues, which often requires more than a casual conversation.
The Role of Psychotherapy
Many mistakenly believe that short-lived measures can adequately address profound emotional and psychological issues. However, Mammoliti argues that therapy involves delving deep into our psyche to confront and understand our feelings, behaviors, and patterns. This journey towards self-knowledge extends beyond superficial discussions. Therapeutic processes are designed to facilitate self-reflection, helping individuals break free from negative thought cycles and behaviors.
Understanding Our Inner Universe
Reflecting on her own journey, Mammoliti recalls her childhood curiosity and passion for understanding complex systems—the fascination with galaxies shifted to an interest in the human psyche. “We ourselves are a universe,” she explains, underscoring the intricacies of our emotions and mental states. This metaphorical transition from a “mini universe” to an iceberg symbolizes the depth of our experiences hidden beneath the surface, which include unresolved traumas and deeply ingrained beliefs.
Delving into the unconscious influences of our past, as promoted by Carl Jung’s theories, Mammoliti explains how we often repeat behaviors without understanding their origins. Therapy offers a platform to explore these roots, empowering individuals to change harmful patterns.
Finding Balance in Modern Life
In a world increasingly out of balance, Mammoliti raises concerns about how emotional discussions have evolved over generations. Past generations suppressed emotions, while today’s society often has an oversaturation of emotional expression. From this perspective, she cautions against defining everyday emotions like sadness as signs of severe psychological disorders.
The Extremes of Emotional Understanding
- **Contrasting Generational Perspectives:** Previous generations kept discussions about sex and emotions suppressed, whereas current society appears to discuss everything openly.
- **Overdiagnosis of Conditions:** Feelings that were once viewed as normal may now be labeled as disorders, resulting in confusion about what constitutes healthy emotional responses.
According to Mammoliti, understanding where to draw the line about what is healthy and what is problematic is critical in preventing unnecessary labels and stigmatizations.
Digital Influence on Mental Health
In the age of social media, quick-fix solutions often overshadow therapeutic practices. Mammoliti notes that many people may prefer to seek emotional guidance from social media influencers rather than mental health professionals. However, she believes that these “quick recipes” can lead to further confusion and disappointments.
A Personal Journey to Understanding Attachment
Mammoliti’s insights reflect an evolving understanding of psychological concepts like attachment theory, which she plans to discuss in her upcoming event, “Love and Authentic Connections.” This theory, often oversimplified in popular discourse, presents attachment as integral to understanding personal behaviors and relationship dynamics.
“Attachment is the root of our personality,” she explains, emphasizing that our attachment styles—secure, avoidant, anxious, or disorganized—significantly shape our life experiences and interactions. Recognizing one’s attachment style can pave the way for healthier relationships, combatting the impulse to navigate life on autopilot.
Benefits of Seeking Professional Help
Engaging in psychotherapy offers numerous benefits, which include:
- Self-Awareness: Understanding the “why” behind actions and feelings.
- Skill Development: Learning coping mechanisms for dealing with stress and challenges.
- Constructive Relationships: Building healthier connections with oneself and others.
- Emotional Processing: A safe space to explore and express emotions freely.
Case Study: The Power of Therapy
Many individuals report significant improvements in their mental well-being after committing to a therapeutic journey. For instance, Sarah, a client who used to rely on social media for emotional guidance, experienced a breakthrough during therapy. After learning about her attachment style and engaging in deeper self-exploration, she transformed her approach to relationships and developed a healthier self-image.
Practical Tips for Mental Health Improvement
While seeking professional help is invaluable, there are simple strategies individuals can utilize daily to aid their mental health.
- **Practice Mindfulness:** Engage in meditation or deep-breathing exercises.
- **Keep a Journal:** Documenting thoughts and feelings can provide clarity and insight.
- **Seek Connection:** Regularly communicate with friends or loved ones about experiences and emotions.
- **Set Boundaries:** Understand and respect your emotional limits and needs.
The Commitment to Mental Health
Ultimately, pursuing psychological treatment represents a commitment to nurturing one’s mental health. As Mammoliti emphasizes, we deserve more than quick fixes; a deeper understanding of ourselves—and the support of trained professionals—can lead to lasting changes and improved overall well-being.
Mammoliti’s work and her podcast, Psychology in the Nude, highlight the importance of spreading mental health awareness and providing listeners with a scientifically backed understanding of psychology in approachable language. Investing time into understanding our emotions, and recognizing our individual complexities is not just an act of self-care; it is a journey towards a more balanced and fulfilling life.
By choosing comprehensive mental health practices over fleeting solutions, individuals can find the path toward a genuine and authentic connection with themselves and others.
