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Good Enough Shrink

Good Enough Shrink

By: Dr. Jenna Cheng Dr. Patrick Kelly
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About this listen

We are child psychiatrists practicing in the Los Angeles area on a mission to demystify psychiatry and mental health. The title of this podcast is a tribute to the psychoanalyst, Donald Winnicott, and his concept of the "Good Enough Parent.” This is the idea that the imperfect but sufficient provisions of a parent will build a resilient child in an imperfect world. We want to empower children and parents to embrace their strengths and flaws, and know that you are good enough.


We want to emphasize the power of holding difficult emotions from the lens of attachment theory. Attachment theory is based on the idea that humans need a social bond with another to survive. This bond, when it is “good enough”, serves as a secure base from which a child can explore the world. When this attachment is disrupted, it can lead to emotional issues, and sometimes full-blown psychiatric disorders. This is where therapists and psychiatrists come in.


This podcast is for the curious adults, parents, family members, mental health professionals and trainees. So we hope you join us in this adventure to explore science and mental health from a developmental perspective.


© 2026 Good Enough Shrink Hygiene & Healthy Living Parenting & Families Physical Illness & Disease Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Relationships
Episodes
  • What is Your Life's Purpose? A Psychiatrist's Answer Inspired by Viktor Frankl

    What is Your Life's Purpose? A Psychiatrist's Answer Inspired by Viktor Frankl
    Jan 5 2026

    As you face the new year (and possibly Sunday blues today), you might be questioning your sense of purpose, direction, and life’s meaning. This is an episode to help you through this time of transition, which often feels crushingly paralyzing. Inspired by none other than the great psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor, Dr. Viktor Frankl, sit back and explore with me the world of existentialism.


    Topics Discussed:

    • Why finding your life’s purpose is important
    • What does having purpose mean?
    • Viktor Frankl’s logotherapy
    • Philosophers: Nietzsche, Dostoevsky, Schopenhauer
    • Jacques Lacan’s meaning of Love
    • Love your failures



    Have questions for us, or feedback about our podcast? Send us a message!
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    23 mins
  • Manic! At the Disco - Demystifying Pediatric Bipolar Disorder

    Manic! At the Disco - Demystifying Pediatric Bipolar Disorder
    Dec 23 2025

    This time of year, severe mental health conditions like bipolar disorder can worsen. In this episode, we discuss the evolution of bipolar disorder and how it came to be understood. We start with adult bipolar disorder and dive into pediatric bipolar disorder, especially its diagnostic challenges. This is a highly debated topic, so sit back, ponder, send us any questions or comments!


    Topics Discussed:

    • Statistics of Pediatric Bipolar Disorder
    • History of Manic Depressive Illness to Bipolar Disorder
      • Dementia praecox & manic depressive insanity
      • DSM-1 through DSM-5
    • Diagnostic Challenge of Pediatric Bipolar Disorder
    • The Question of DMDD vs. Bipolar Disorder
    • Differential Diagnoses of Bipolar Disorder:
      • ADHD, major depression, psychosis/schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder, PTSD, borderline personality disorder, TBI, hyperthyroidism
    • Pharmacological Treatments
    • Psychosocial Treatments


    Resources:

    APA: https://www.apa.org/topics/bipolar-disorder

    AACAP: https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Bipolar-Disorder-In-Children-And-Teens-038.aspx



    Have questions for us, or feedback about our podcast? Send us a message!
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    1 hr and 11 mins
  • Münchausen and Münchausen by Proxy: Harming Self and Others to Play the Sick Role

    Münchausen and Münchausen by Proxy: Harming Self and Others to Play the Sick Role
    Nov 25 2025

    Hello listeners! Münchausen Syndrome or factitious disorder is a fascinating yet devastating topic that we’ve taken a few recordings to discuss, especially in light of the recent Florida appeals court ruling on the famous case of Maya Kowalski. As child psychiatrists, we hope to share with you that we are relentlessly searching for answers in conditions like this, and not giving up on the pursuit despite our own vulnerabilities.

    Topics Discussed:

    1. History of Münchausen Syndrome
    2. Diagnosis of Exclusion
    3. Differential Diagnoses: malingering, somatic symptoms disorder, functional neurological symptom disorder
    4. Clues to Diagnosis
    5. Theories Behind Münchausen Syndrome & Münchausen by Proxy
    6. Statistics on Münchausen Syndrome & Münchausen by Proxy
    7. Case 1: Gypsy-Rose Blanchard
    8. Case 2: Maya Kowalski
    9. How families can cope with someone with possible Münchausen Syndrome
    10. Treatment Approaches: Team Effort
    11. Countertransference
    12. Vulnerability as Physicians

    **Disclaimer: Any discussion or commentary regarding the mentioned public cases is only intended for educational or illustrative purposes. No confidential or privileged information is being disclosed, and any statements made do not constitute a clinical, psychiatric nor medical evaluation or diagnosis.

    Have questions for us, or feedback about our podcast? Send us a message!
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    59 mins
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