Psychoeducation

I had the privilege of presenting Rights-Based Existential Psychiatry in Global Mental Health at McGill University’s Workshop of the 2025 Summer Program in Social and Cultural Psychiatry. In this presentation, I also introduced my conceptual ideas related to Rights-Based Existential Psychiatry (REP) and Dynamic Eclectic Existential Psychopharmacotherapy (DEEP); two evolving frameworks grounded in human rights, existential philosophy, and integrative psychiatric practices. 

A couple of years ago, I had the privilege of hosting a conversation with two exceptional Consultation-Liaison (CL) psychiatrists, exploring some of the most pressing challenges and insights for doing a CL Psychiatry fellowship. Although this podcast was originally intended for publication through the Academy of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry (ACLP), it was never formally released. After several follow-ups and consideration, I’ve decided to make the recording available on my personal social media channels, in the hope that it may still be of some use to colleagues, trainees, and those interested in psychiatry. — Disclaimer: This podcast was originally recorded as a professional discussion among colleagues, with the intention that an edited version would be published by ACLP. However, the edited podcast has not yet been officially released. This version is shared independently by Dr Artin Mahdanian for educational and public interest purposes. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the ACLP or any other institutions or the guests. If and when the official version is released, a link will be added in the comments.

1- Mental wellbeing is not necessarily adjusting to societal norms if you can bear the hardships of the journey towards individuation. Happiness does not necessarily come from approval, validation, success, or fitting in.

2- Be aware of your Persona (what you show), your Shadow (what you hide), and your Archetypes. Do not eliminate them, but confront them and integrate them into your life.

3- Explore your unconscious world through your dreams, introspections, symbols, creative expression, and questioning your thoughts and reactions.

4- Confront the illusion of a fixed, limited, and ego-driven self. You are not a single isolated being moving through life. You are a vast interconnected field of consciousness, carrying within you the wisdom of generations, the depth of the unconscious, and a potential for transformation that is beyond imagination.

5- Embrace the unknown, release attachment to labels, listen to the unconscious, and remember that the choice is always yours.