Paul Gilmartin
Paul Gilmartin
Episode 129: David Hirohama on Counseling Predators
Episode 129: David Hirohama on Counseling Predators
Episode 129: David Hirohama on Counseling Predators
Friday 30th August 2013
Psychologist David Hirohama discusses counseling sexual predators and using Buddhism to manage the emotional toll on 'Mental Illness Happy Hour'.
Explicit
122 minutes
Informative
Thought-provoking
Raw
Engaging
Compelling
About this podcast
Author:
Paul Gilmartin
Overview:
Categories:
Body & Mind
Sobriety Toolkit
Healing from Sexual Trauma
Healing Relationships
Financial Health in Recovery
Links:
Visit site
Episodes:
628 (View all)
Do you want to link to this podcast?
Get the buttons here!David Hirohama's Journey: Counseling Sexual Predators with Empathy and Buddhism
I'm trying not to judge those guys that are sick, because I know they've got such an emptiness inside them, and at least the ones that have some ability for empathy, the psychopaths, I don't, I don't really feel much empathy for.
What would it be like to spend your days counseling sexual predators? In this eye-opening episode of 'Mental Illness Happy Hour', psychologist David Hirohama takes listeners inside his world at Coalinga, a high-security mental hospital in California. Hirohama's work involves counseling some of society's most feared individuals—rapists and child molesters. He shares his raw and honest observations about their behavior, motivations, and the traumas that may have shaped them.
But this isn't just about understanding the predators; it's also about the emotional toll on those who work with them. Hirohama doesn't shy away from discussing the challenges he faces in his role. The emotional burden is immense, and he candidly talks about how he turned to Buddhism to find balance and cope with the stress. Through meditation and mindfulness, he found a way to process his emotions and maintain his mental health.
This episode also delves into the importance of empathy in counseling, even when dealing with individuals who have committed heinous acts. Listeners will find Hirohama's insights both disturbing and enlightening. He emphasizes the need to see these individuals as human beings, despite their actions. This perspective is crucial for effective counseling and for understanding the root causes of their behavior.
The conversation also touches on the politics and realities of working in a lockdown facility, where many of the patients may never be released back into society. One of the key themes Hirohama explores is the connection between childhood trauma and antisocial behavior. He believes that meditation can be a powerful tool for processing these deep-seated emotions.
His reflections offer a rare glimpse into the complex and often dark world of counseling sexual predators, shedding light on the profound impact this work can have on mental health professionals. If you're interested in the intersections of psychology, trauma, and empathy, this episode is a must-listen. It provides a deeper understanding of sexual victimization and highlights the power of self-love and mindfulness in overcoming trauma.