Psychoanalysis & You is an APsA podcast about psychoanalysis and everyday life hosted by Dr. Gail Saltz.
‘Psychoanalysis & You’ is the official podcast of the American Psychoanalytic Association (APsA) where each episode features engaging discussions on key psychoanalytic concepts, such as transference, defense mechanisms, and the role of the unconscious in everyday life. We explore the intricacies of psychoanalysis under the guidance of our host, Gail Saltz. Founded in 1911, the American Psychoanalytic Association (APsA) is the oldest national psychoanalytic organization in the nation. APsA is committed to being a professional membership organization for psychoanalysts, psychoanalytic psychotherapists, academics, researchers, students, and other interested people – all whose work is profoundly informed by psychoanalytic theory and values, and to supporting their education and continuing professional development.
In this episode of Psychoanalysis & You, host Dr. Gail Saltz sits down with New York City-based psychoanalyst and Head of School at the Studio School, Janet Rotter, to explore one of the most pressing challenges facing families today — screen time and its impact on child development.
From infants and toddlers to teenagers navigating social media, Janet breaks down how screens affect language acquisition, attention, emotional development, and the ability to form real, lasting relationships. Drawing on decades of clinical and educational experience, she offers practical, non-judgmental guidance for parents who want to raise self-aware, socially capable kids in a digital world.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why relationship — not screen time alone — is the foundation of healthy language development
- How screens impact peer-to-peer social skills and the ability to read body language
- What quality screen time actually looks like at different developmental stages
- Red flags that your child may be struggling with screen dependency
- How to talk to your kids about screens without lecturing or triggering power struggles
- What teachers are observing in classrooms — and what it signals
- Special considerations for middle schoolers and the unique risks of adolescent social media use
Whether you’re a parent, educator, or mental health professional, this conversation offers a thoughtful, psychoanalytically informed perspective on one of the defining issues of our time.
Our Guest
Janet C. Rotter is the Head of School and co-President of the Board of Trustees at the Studio School in New York City. Her affiliation with the Studio School began in 1975 and she has made it her mission since then to promote and extend the unique educational philosophy developed there as The Studio School approach to learning and education.
Our Host
Dr. Gail Saltz is best known for her work as a relationship, family, emotional wellbeing, and mental health contributor in the media where she is a go-to expert for commentary on the mental health aspects of current/breaking issues and news. She is a bestselling author of numerous books. She serves on the public information committee for the American Psychoanalytic Association and for The Group for the Advancement of Psychiatry.
Our Podcast
In this podcast, we explore the intricacies of psychoanalysis under the guidance of our host, Gail Saltz. Founded in 1911, the American Psychoanalytic Association (APsA) is the oldest national psychoanalytic organization in the nation. APsA is committed to being a professional membership organization for psychoanalysts, psychoanalytic psychotherapists, academics, researchers, students, and other interested people – all whose work is profoundly informed by psychoanalytic theory and values, and to supporting their education and continuing professional development.
What to Expect
Each episode features engaging discussions on key psychoanalytic concepts, such as transference, defense mechanisms, and the role of the unconscious in everyday life. Whether you’re a psychology student, a mental health professional, or simply curious about your own psyche, our content is designed to enlighten and inspire. Our episodes are published monthly and we welcome any feedback, suggestions, or guest invitations.
‘Psychoanalysis & You’ the official APsA podcast, can be found on your favorite podcast platform!
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