# EP 29 - "Emotional Self-Defense & Creative Power" | Zak Mucha, LCSW | Author of Emotional Abuse: A Manual for Self-Defense (2025)

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/let-s-talk-passion-purpose-with-nicole-thomas-7066006/ep-29-emotional-self-defense-creative-power-zak-mucha-lcsw-author-of-emotional-abuse-a-manual-for-self-defense-2025
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/let-s-talk-passion-purpose-with-nicole-thomas-7066006/ep-29-emotional-self-defense-creative-power-zak-mucha-lcsw-author-of-emotional-abuse-a-manual-for-self-defense-2025.md
Podcast: [Let's Talk: Passion & Purpose with Nicole Thomas](https://stenobird.com/podcast/let-s-talk-passion-purpose-with-nicole-thomas-7066006)
Published: 2025-08-07T00:43:44+00:00
Episode link: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-29-emotional-self-defense-creative-power-zak-mucha-lcsw-author-of-emotional-abuse-a-manual-for-self-defense-2025--67279543
Audio file: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/67279543/ep_29_nicole_thomas.mp3
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Duration seconds: 2384

## Resource

Let’s Talk Passion and Purpose with Nicole Thomas Episode 29: Emotional Self-Defense & Creative Power Guest: Zak Mucha, LCSW – Psychoanalyst, Poet, President of the Chicago Center for Psychoanalysis, Author of Emotional Abuse: A Manual for Self-Defense (2025) Episode Overview In this thought-provoking episode of Let’s Talk Passion and Purpose, host Nicole Thomas sits down with Zak Mucha, LCSW, a psychoanalyst, poet, and president of the Chicago Center for Psychoanalysis. Drawing on decades of work with individuals facing severe psychosis, substance abuse, homelessness, and trauma, Mucha explores the intersection of creativity, healing, and resilience. Together, Nicole and Zak unpack the power of storytelling, writing, and poetry as forms of self-discovery and emotional self-defense. From his early days as a writer and journalist to leading an Assertive Community Treatment program, Zak shares hard-earned insights about mental health, creativity, and how we can protect ourselves from the invisible wounds of emotional Abuse. Listeners will also gain a preview of his new book, Emotional Abuse: A Manual for Self-Defense (2025), a practical and accessible guide designed to help people recognize, confront, and heal from emotional Abuse. Key Highlights The Journey of a Writer & Healer: How Zak’s passion for writing evolved into a career in psychoanalysis and social work. Street-Level Mental Health: Lessons learned from working in high-trauma environments with clients experiencing psychosis, addiction, and homelessness. The Power of Creativity: Why writing, poetry, and art are essential tools for emotional growth and healing. Emotional Abuse Uncovered: Understanding why emotional Abuse can be as damaging as physical Abuse—and how to defend against it. Breaking the “Supp…

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