Good Enough Shrink cover art

Good Enough Shrink

Good Enough Shrink

By: Dr. Jenna Cheng Dr. Patrick Kelly
Listen for free

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
  • #28 How to Talk to Your Kids About the News

    #28 How to Talk to Your Kids About the News
    Mar 1 2026

    As we continue to see violence, political conflict, and distressing news in the world, we bring to you this episode to help guide parents on how to talk to their kids about difficult news. The physical and mental effects of high stress-states, trauma, and disasters are devastating, and we want to let you know we are right here figuring this out with you.

    • Core concepts to share with your kids
    • Case 1: Your 7 year-old is scared of school shootings
    • Case 2: Your 14 year-old is afraid for attacks on the LGBTQ+ community
    • Case 3: Your 20 year-old is wanting to participate in ICE protests


    Resources:

    https://www.aacap.org/aacap/Families_and_Youth/Resource_Centers/Disaster_Resource_Center/Home.aspx

    https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/disasters-and-children/?srsltid=AfmBOoo0r1lGRsII7rhW3dc2X6_bLPxh8jxYpIs5H3TDfS77dcQK0lQQ

    Have questions for us, or feedback about our podcast? Send us a message!
    Show More Show Less
    41 mins
  • 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!
    Show More Show Less
    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!
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 11 mins
No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.