Is Medicine Built on Adult Development?

Is Medicine Built on Adult Development?
with Dr. Sasha Heinz

🔥 Episode Summary

What if the root of suffering in healthcare isn’t just the system—but our own resistance to growth? In this insightful conversation, Dr. Sasha Heinz, developmental psychologist and pioneer in positive psychology, unpacks why transformation in medicine starts with how we develop as humans. You’ll learn how shifting from “fixing dysfunction” to “facilitating growth” could redefine healing—for patients and providers.

🎙️ Guest Information

Dr. Sasha Heinz

Sasha Heinz, Ph.D., MAPP, is a developmental psychologist, coach, and expert in positive psychology, adult development, and transformational change. With a rare ability to blend scientific insight and practical wisdom, Dr. Heinz helps individuals move beyond self-sabotage and into self-authorship.

She is the host of The Change Lab Podcast, where she explores why personal growth isn’t a luxury—but a critical part of healthy human development. In her private practice, she works with a select group of individuals and groups committed to meaningful change.

Dr. Heinz holds degrees from some of the world’s top institutions: a B.A. from Harvard University, a Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology from Columbia University, and a Master’s in Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania—where she’s also served on faculty.

Her work has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Psychology Today, Forbes, Goop, InStyle Magazine, and more.

Website: drsashaheinz.com

🧠 Episode Highlights & Key Takeaways

🔹 Main Talking Points:

• Why medicine still operates in a legacy culture of pathology and dysfunction
• How positive psychology rebalances the focus on “what’s right with us”
• The difference between technical fixes and adaptive healing
• How adult development stages directly affect patient decision-making and provider communication
• Why providers often feel stuck in imposter syndrome or emotional distance—and how to shift
• The transformative power of authenticity, presence, and curiosity in clinical care
• What it means to lead patients from their “socialized” selves into self-authorship

💬 Memorable Quotes:

“Being human is not a diagnosis—it’s a developmental journey.” — [00:55:21]
“The system is designed to heal—but the being in the room is missing.” — [01:12:48]
“We’re asking patients to grow while doctors aren’t given room to grow themselves.” — [01:18:10]

✅ Key Takeaways:

• Mind-body unity: The mind is the body—healing isn’t neck-up vs. neck-down
• Systemic inertia: Without intentional change, systems regress by default
• Human growth is messy: Authentic healing includes discomfort, uncertainty, and loss
• Patient development matters: 60% of adults are developmentally “stuck,” impacting treatment outcomes
• Language shapes experience: How we label illness can prolong or liberate healing
• Curiosity > Authority: Expertise must leave space for inquiry to avoid clinical detachment

🔗 Additional Resources

• Sasha’s Website: drsashaheinz.com
• Book Recommendation: The Mindful Body by Ellen Langer
• Book in Progress: Dr. Heinz’s forthcoming title on adult development (stay tuned!)

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