Dr. Michael R. Montgomery (PhD, MA, MSc, MSW, LCSW) is an existential psychoanalyst who represents a radical wing of contemporary depth psychology—one deeply influenced by R.D. Laing's anti-psychiatry tradition, phenomenology, and a fierce commitment to humanising extreme mental states. Based between Boston, Massachusetts and having deep roots in post-conflict Belfast, Montgomery positions himself as both clinician and activist, bridging psychoanalytic practice with community healing, peace work, and cultural critique. His signature concept—"psychophobia" (society's fear of the mind and extreme mental states)—anchors a body of work challenging psychiatric medicalisation, advocating for phenomenological approaches that honour lived experience, and reclaiming psychosis, mania, and other "extreme states" as potentially transformative rather than purely pathological. _____________ In this conversation, Michael Montgomery shares his journey through various philosophical and spiritual traditions, emphasising the importance of bridging Eastern and Western thought in psychotherapy. He discusses the role of silence, community, and personal experience in healing, while also addressing the complexities of faith and human nature. The dialogue explores the concept of psychophobia and the transformative power of music and community in fostering connection and understanding. _____________ 🔗 Links - Michael's podcast: https://psychophobia.com/ - Michael's website: https://drmontgomery.com/ _____________ ⏳Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:34 How Michael knows Jon Mills 03:04 The art of speaking across ideological lines 04:36 Michael's relationship with Buddhism 08:00 Existential psychoanalysis 09:33 The R.D. Laing lineage 12:06 The importance of existential psychotherapy 13:02 Michael's experience growing up in the Troubles in Belfast 13:43 Michael's quest for answers 16:26 Michael's World Record attempt in the silent room 21:23 The endurance of spiritual lineages 22:38 Why no peace on Earth? 26:19 What Buddhism offers 27:26 The revival of relationship with Christianity 31:43 Does God exist? 37:02 What is psychophobia? 46:47 The McDonaldisation of healthcare 52:12 Michael's disillusion with the mental health system 57:21 Plurality: do we have many selves? 01:06:41 Michael's experience with dreams and consciousness 01:08:53 Elevated states and mental health 01:14:35 How dreams can change your perception of reality 01:17:08 Voices, language patterns and the nature of psyche 01:21:06 Michael's guest recommendation: Ken Wilber 01:22:11 Where to get more from Michael