Tracey Wheaton: Malignant Capitalism & Pathological Co-Dependence

The Abiders Urban Achiever Podcast

**New Episodes Released Every Wednesday**

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My guest today is Tracey Malesa-Wheaton; LCSW. It's been a few months since we originally recorded, but the conversation is as pertinent today as it was when we sat down together. Tracey and I discuss pathological co-dependency; how and when it manifests, character traits, and what more, the tendency of co-dependent people to align with narcissists. During the conversation, Tracey and I further spend time breaking apart what these relationships look like and how she herself has worked to overcome her own "people-pleasing" tendencies. We delve into how these character traits she embodies inform her work as a mental health professional.

Tracey is an extremely charismatic individual with an infectious personality that draws you in as you listen to her speak. It was auspicious to be witness to her authenticity and she makes no bones about where she stands: in living, politics, and ethos. It was very animating to talk with a person who makes a deliberate effort to live in a way that doesn't present various "masks" to suit the societal, political, or archetypical demand for the moment. If you are in need of a therapist, please consider looking her up at https://www.ajourneyinward.com/ for more information or to get connected with a mental health professional in your area.

From Tracy's bio:

After having graduated at the top of her class from the Masters of Social Work Program at Indiana University in May of 2013, Tracey obtained her LSW and joined a highly lauded trauma practice whereby she continued honing her clinical skills. In December 2015 Tracey obtained her LCSW and in 2016 started her own private practice in South Bend, Indiana.

Tracey is passionate about matters of social justice and equality and prior to becoming a therapist she focused more than two decades of her professional life in macropractice helping to neutralize the barriers faced by individuals living in poverty and homelessness, persons struggling with mental health and addictions issues, and children and adults with special needs. In the last two years Tracey's practice has expanded to include focused work with individuals and families exploring transgender issues. Presently, Tracey’s practice focuses on individual and group therapy with adults and she maintains a strong committment toward working with marginalized populations.

Tracey utilizes an eclectic approach to therapy which draws upon the strengths of many different therapeutic traditions, but one which also borrows heavily from Eastern Philosophy and other spiritual traditions.

Therapeutic Traditions That Inform Tracey's Practice:

• Mindfulness
• Emotion Regulation Therapy
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
• Narrative Therapy
• Group Process Therapy
• Trauma Informed Therapy
• Transpersonal Therapy
• Existential Therapy
• Cinematherapy
• EMDR

Helpful Links:

• George Carlin Socioeconomic Hierarchy (https://youtu.be/XdH38k0iUgI)
• The Corporation Documentary (https://youtu.be/WPCRi9jDsy0)
• How Corporations Became so Powerful in 6 Minutes (https://youtu.be/gY6IPtCJCM0)

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Intro Music:

• Lonely Few (Beth Bombara)
  

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