In the first episode of Unravelling’s three-part Pride Month series, Mary and Kurt examine the realities of so-called conversion "therapy," which many survivors, advocates, and researchers more accurately describe as conversion practices. These are not legitimate therapeutic interventions, but harmful efforts designed to change, suppress, or deny a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
Mary speaks with Dr. Lucas Wilson, an interdisciplinary scholar of history, religion, gender, and sexuality at the University of Toronto Mississauga and editor of Shame-Sex Attraction: Survivor Stories of Conversion Therapy. Drawing on both his academic research and personal experience, Dr. Wilson explores the many forms conversion practices can take, from church-led programs and family interventions to efforts carried out by licensed professionals. He shares his own story of seeking conversion therapy while attending Liberty University, driven by evangelical teachings that framed queerness as something that needed to be corrected.
He describes the lasting psychological and spiritual consequences of these experiences, including the shift from feeling guilt about specific actions to developing deep shame and self-hatred. He emphasizes that conversion practices remain an ongoing reality today, including at institutions he once attended, and connects contemporary anti-LGBTQ+ movements to longer histories of scapegoating and authoritarian ideology.
Dr. Wilson calls on communities, allies, educators, and faith leaders to remain vocal in opposing these practices and supporting those who have been affected by them.

Links:

Resources: Born Perfect, The Trevor Project

Buy the book: Shame-Sex Attraction: Survivors’ Stories of Conversion Therapy

More about Dr. Lucas Wilson

Herein we present the exciting conclusion of our three episode series all about the world of Table Top Role Playing Group Therapy (Collaborative Role-playing Integrative Therapy) using the world of Dungeons & Dragons.

Will our adventures solve the mystery any escape to tell the tale? Will they experience group cohesion and personal growth?!? You'll only find out if you listen to the very exciting conclusion of... unravelling: Adventure!

Background: in this two part real play arc, guided by therapists and dungeon masters Vinny Dehili and E Merten, and joined by producers Andrew and Hans, they create their own D&D characters, each tied to a personal interpersonal growth goal.

A special THANK you to Vinnie and E for guiding us on this adventure, and also to producers Hans and Andrew for the masterful editing, composition of original music and sound effects, and participation in the episodes! This was all a Peak Experience for all of us at Unravelling.

Links

Change the Narrative Therapy - Vinny Dehili
Advance Psychotherapy Practice - E. Merten
Subscribe to Vinny and E's Substack

If you want to contact us for any reason, pitch an idea, give us feedback, you can email us or send us a voice memo (we might play on air if it's a q&a - unless you ask us not to) at unravel@brattlebororetreat.org, or leave us a voice message at 802-258-POD3!

If you've enjoyed this podcast, we appreciate you spreading the word and also giving us a five star review on whatever platform you use to listen!

In this very special episode of Unravellling, hosts Kurt and Mary step into the world of Table Top Role Playing Group Therapy (Collaborative Role-playing Integrative Therapy) using the world of Dungeons & Dragons, they explored in the previous episode. Guided by therapists and dungeon masters Vinny and E, and joined by producers Andrew and Hans, they create their own D&D characters, each tied to a personal interpersonal growth goal. I reflect on the tension between choosing traits that feel familiar versus ones that stretch them, and how imagination, storytelling, and role play can open up new possibilities for understanding and changing real‑life patterns. This is the first of a two-part adventure inviting listeners to witness, and maybe try for themselves, how tabletop role playing games can become a powerful tool for mental health and self-discovery.

Also, congratulations to Unravelling as this is episode 50!!!

Links

Create your own D&D character
Change the Narrative Therapy - Vinny Dehili
Advance Psychotherapy Practice - E. Merten
Subscribe to Vinny and E's Substack

Can a game of Dungeons & Dragons become a powerful tool for therapy?

In this episode of Unravelling, Mary and Kurt explore how tabletop role-playing games are being used in group psychotherapy to help people experiment with new ways of relating, build emotional awareness, and imagine different futures for themselves.

They’re joined by Dr. Vinny Dehili, a licensed psychologist and group therapy specialist, and E. Merten, a clinical social worker and educator. Together, they introduce Collaborative Role-Playing Integrative Therapy (CRIT), an approach that blends the structure of D&D with the goals of process-oriented group therapy.

Through character creation, shared storytelling, and even in-game “failure,” this conversation reveals how fantasy worlds can open up very real possibilities for growth, flexibility, and self-compassion.

This is Part 1 of a three-part series. In upcoming episodes, Kurt and Mary, joined by Unravelling producers Andrew and Hans, will step into the game themselves, guided by Vinny and E.

Correction: While previously accurate, Vinny is no longer serving in the co-chair roles mentioned in the episode (DEI Taskforce and Racial & Ethnic Diversity SIG)

Links:
Change the Narrative Therapy - Vinny Dehili
Advance Psychotherapy Practice - E. Merten
Vinny and E's Substack

Bipolar disorder is a term many people have heard, but it is often misunderstood. This episode of Unravelling takes a closer look at what bipolar disorder really is and how it shows up in people’s lives.
Kurt speaks with Matt Dove, PMHNP-BC, FNP-C, a dual-certified nurse practitioner in family medicine and psychiatric mental health at the Brattleboro Retreat. Their conversation explores the full picture of bipolar disorder, including depression, mania, and hypomania, and how the illness can affect sleep, energy, thinking, relationships, and daily life. They also discuss why the condition is frequently misdiagnosed, how symptoms can overlap with other mental health concerns, and why it can take years for some people to receive the right diagnosis.
Matt shares insights from his clinical work and talks about treatment options such as mood stabilizing medications, the importance of sleep, and the role of therapy and supportive relationships in recovery. He emphasizes that bipolar disorder is treatable. Many people living with it build stable and meaningful lives, and recovery and repair are possible even after difficult episodes

In this episode of Unravelling, Mary interviews Angela Harrelson, maternal aunt of George Floyd (Perry), a registered nurse, author, and racial justice advocate. Angela remembers Perry as a deeply family-oriented, faithful, and big-hearted dreamer, beyond the global symbol he has become. She describes the shock of his murder during the early pandemic, the disorienting experience of grieving both privately and publicly, and how her grief slowly transformed into purpose through activism and speaking out. Angela reflects on George Floyd Square as a sacred space of collective grief and healing, where people from around the world bring flowers, art, prayers, and stories, and where she has witnessed powerful moments of personal transformation. Throughout, she emphasizes grounding the fight for racial justice in humanity and love.

Links
Interactive Map of George Floyd Square
Rise and Remember
Angela Harrelson's book - Lift Your Voice: How My Nephew George Floyd's Murder Changed the World

This episode of Unravelling explores how grief unfolds not only within us but also in community. Kurt interviews Nikki, creator of the Instagram project Dad’s Vinyl Stash, which she began after the death of her father, Bobby, a passionate and deeply private drummer with a vast record collection. By sharing his albums one by one, Nikki continues her relationship with him through the music he loved. She reflects on growing up with a father whose drumming and records formed the soundtrack of her life, and how songs from artists like Pat Benatar, Def Leppard, Robbie Robertson, Cigarettes After Sex, and Beach House now bring him instantly to mind. She also shares the lesson her father taught her about sitting back and simply listening, a practice that now shapes how she approaches grief.

Nikki explains why she chose to share such a personal process publicly and how the community around Dad’s Vinyl Stash has become a place where others reflect on their own losses. Together, they explore how music, memory, and storytelling can help people stay connected to those they love while creating space for healing.

Follow Dad's Vinyl Stash on Instagram

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)