"I think identity is the issue of our time."
More and more people are seeking help through psychological counseling—but not everyone who suffers is ill. Dr. Holger Richter is a psychotherapist, expert witness, and author. He deals with questions such as: What happens when we turn symptoms into diagnoses and mental illness becomes part of our identity? When therapy becomes a new lifestyle and psychological labels replace genuine self-reflection?
"We describe what people do—and then call it a disease."
In his many years of clinical work, Richter has observed a worrying trend: the number of diagnoses is increasing, but not necessarily the suffering. ADHD, impostor syndrome, or burnout—many of these conditions are more complex than a label would suggest. Richter advocates a systemic view of mental stress that takes social and societal dynamics into account – and warns against elevating psychology to a universal solution. He talks to Georgiy Michailov about the prevention paradox, the therapeutic effect of love and the significance of the history of diseases.
*Video only in German
SMP LeaderTalks
